Angulimala - 37

Angulimala sprints after the Buddha

BUDDHISM: Angulimala then decided to give chase after the Buddha. But still, he could not catch up with Him.

Next, he sprinted as fast as he could after the Buddha. Even so, he was still unable to narrow the gap between him and the Englightened One, who just continued to walk in his normal dignified gait.

Angulimala increased his speed until he ran completely out of breath. He panted heavily. He was totally exhausted, and was compelled to stop his chase. His legs were tired and his feet were sore. His whole body was burning hot and poured profusely with perspiration all over.

To his astonishment, the Buddha had walked at a leisurely pace, only a few steps ahead of him, and yet, he could not get any closer to Him. As he stood motionless to catch his breath, he thought to himself.

It is simply amazing. In the past, I could out run an elephant and seize it. I could chase a swift horse and capture it. I could overtake a chariot and arrest it.

I could catch up with a swift deer and kill it. But now, though I ran with all my might, I could not catch up with this ascetic who remains unperturbed and walks only at his normal pace with such grace and dignity.

To be continued

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