The Disciples’ Reluctance to Visit Vimalakirti

The Disciples’ Reluctance to Visit Vimalakirti

The Licchavi Vimalakirti lay sick on his bed, pondering deeply. “Though I suffer here, the Tathágata, the saintly Buddha, shows no concern for me,” he thought. “No one comes to inquire about my illness.”

Aware of Vimalakirti’s thoughts, the Buddha turned to venerable Shariputra. “Shariputra, go inquire after Licchavi Vimalakirti’s health,” he instructed.

Shariputra hesitated. “Lord, I recall a time when Vimalakirti challenged my understanding of contemplation,” he explained, recounting their encounter under a tree.

The Buddha then asked venerable Maha-Maudgalyayana to visit Vimalakirti. Maudgalyayana, too, hesitated, recalling Vimalakirti’s teachings in the city square.

Turning to venerable Maha-Kasyapa, the Buddha urged him to go. But Maha-Kasyapa hesitated as well, remembering Vimalakirti’s guidance on seeking alms.

One by one, the Buddha directed his disciples to visit Vimalakirti, but they all hesitated, recounting their encounters where Vimalakirti had challenged their understanding and broadened their perspectives.

Finally, the Buddha instructed venerable Subhuti to visit Vimalakirti. Subhuti, too, hesitated, recalling Vimalakirti’s teachings on the nature of reality.

The Buddha continued, instructing each disciple in turn to visit Vimalakirti, but they all hesitated, recounting their encounters where Vimalakirti had challenged their understanding and broadened their perspectives.

The Buddha then turned to venerable Rahula, urging him to visit Vimalakirti. But even Rahula hesitated, remembering how Vimalakirti had guided some young Licchavi gentlemen.

One after another, the disciples expressed their reluctance to visit Vimalakirti, recalling the profound teachings they had received from him.

And so, despite the Buddha’s instructions, none of his disciples felt worthy to inquire about Vimalakirti’s illness, for they all remembered the wisdom he had imparted and the challenges he had posed to their understanding.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/03/21/the-disciples-reluctance-to-visit-vimalakirti/