Angulimala - 32

Buddha envisions danger
 

G.K. Ananda Kumarasiri

RELIGION: In order to prevent Angulimala from committing matricide, the Buddha decided to intervene and save him from falling into a deep spiritual abyss.

This was all the more pressing, since according to His Teachings, matricide is one of the five most heinous offences that produces irreversibly, an immediate rebirth in apaya.

The Enlightened One knew that Angulimala was born a virtuous, noble child and had the potential, due to his past wholesome kamma to attain Nibbana in this life.

He saw that Angulimala had sufficient innate virtue as well as the potential to enter the Bhikkhu Sangha and attain Arahanthood or Sainthood.

The Buddha was certain that this was attainable provided he was given the right instruction and training in living skilfully and by purifying his mind to realize his emancipation.

Through His divine eye, the Buddha knew that Angulimala was a virtuous person who had been misguided by his acariya to become a ruthless murderer. Due to his blind faith in his acariya and his selfish desire to attain the pinnacle of learning, he had gone about fulfilling his Guru Dakshina with an unwavering commitment.

He was confident that Angulimala could be brought to a noble, righteous person again through metta and karuna.

To be continued