|
Angulimala - 70
The Buddha comforts Angulimala Thera in his last moments
G. K. Ananda Kumarasiri
BUDDHISM: Resting against the Buddha’s body, Arahant
Angulimala gasped feebly, “Enlightened Master, my Saddha will never
diminish. Despite the pains and injuries suffered by my physical body,
my mind remains equanimous.â€
His last words left his lips, just as his breath left him, “Buddham
Saranam Gachchami; Dhammam Saranam Gachchamiâ€. (I take refuge in the
Buddha, I take refuge in the Dhamma). With these dying words, Arahant
Angulimala passed into Nibbana.
On one occasion, in the course of His sermon, a group of bhikkus
inquired of the Buddha the place of rebirth of Arahant Angulimala. The
Enlightened One informed them that he had passed into Nibbana.
The bhikkhus expressed surprise that one who had been so evil as
Angulimala who had killed so many innocent people should pass into
Nibbana. He then explained to the bhikkhus that because Angulimala
lacked a good counsellor he was misdirected.
As a result of his blind obedience to his acariya, he heedlessly
committed evil deeds. But ever since ‘going forth’, he transformed
himself completely and perfected through meditation practice, a life of
resolute mindfulness.
Thus, through his dramatic transformation, Angulimala Thera was able
to counter the weight of his past akusala kamma by accumulating greater
kusala kamma.
To be continued |
