Once, the Blessed One was staying among the Sakyans in Kapilavatthu, at the Banyan Park. During this time, the people of Kapilavatthu had just completed building a new reception hall, which had not yet been used by any contemplative, brahmin, or even by anyone in human form. Eager to invite a blessing, the Kapilavatthu Sakyans approached the Blessed One. They respectfully bowed and, after seating themselves nearby, said, “Lord, our new reception hall is ready. No one has used it yet, and we would be honored if you would be the first to do so. Afterward, we too will use it, and this will be for our long-term welfare and happiness.”
The Blessed One quietly agreed with a nod. Sensing his acceptance, the Sakyans rose, bowed, and left to prepare the hall. They spread rugs across the floor, arranged seats, placed a water vessel, and lit an oil lamp, ensuring everything was ready for his arrival. Then, they returned to the Blessed One, bowed, and stood respectfully to one side. They announced, “Lord, the hall has been fully prepared. Please do as you see fit.”
With that, the Blessed One adjusted his robe, took his bowl and outer robe, and, along with the community of monks, went to the hall. After washing his feet at the entrance, he entered and took his seat facing east, with his back to the central post. The monks, too, washed their feet and entered, sitting with their backs to the western wall, facing east, with the Blessed One at the center. The Sakyans sat along the eastern wall, facing west, so that everyone was gathered respectfully around the Blessed One.
Throughout the night, the Blessed One spoke to the Sakyans, sharing the Dhamma with words of guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. At one point, he turned to Ven. Ānanda and said, “Ānanda, my back aches. Please continue sharing with the Sakyans about the path for those in training.”
Ven. Ānanda replied, “Certainly, Lord.” The Blessed One then lay down on his side, mindful and alert, in a resting position.
Turning to the Sakyans, Ven. Ānanda explained: “A noble disciple who is training in the path practices with diligence. Such a person is virtuous, guarding the senses, moderate in eating, dedicated to wakefulness, endowed with seven noble qualities, and capable of attaining the four jhānas—states of deep concentration that bring peace and joy in the present.
“First, a noble disciple is steadfast in virtue, following the precepts with discipline, training with awareness of even the slightest faults. Second, such a disciple guards the doors of the senses, neither grasping at sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, nor ideas that would lead to unwholesome states. In seeing or hearing, they remain restrained and calm.
“Third, a disciple of noble qualities knows moderation in eating, taking food only for sustaining the body, not for indulgence or appearance. Fourth, they practice wakefulness by keeping the mind clear and alert, balancing rest and mindfulness day and night.
“Fifth, this noble disciple has conviction in the path, trusting the Blessed One’s enlightenment. Sixth, they feel a natural sense of shame and remorse when facing the thought of misconduct in body, speech, or mind. Seventh, they are learned, having heard and retained the teachings, discussing and reflecting on them deeply.
“These qualities are the foundation of a well-trained mind. When cultivated, they allow one to experience the four jhānas, states of increasing calm and happiness.”
Ven. Ānanda continued to explain how, through this training, a noble disciple gains clarity of mind and can even recollect past lives, understand the effects of karma on the journeys of beings, and reach the peace of full liberation.
When the Blessed One arose, he commended Ānanda’s words to the Sakyans. “Good, good, Ānanda,” he said. “What you have shared with the Sakyans about those in training is indeed well-spoken.”
The Sakyans were overjoyed, grateful for the Blessed One’s visit and Ven. Ānanda’s guidance, taking the teachings to heart for their long-term welfare and happiness.
Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/11/07/the-visit-to-the-new-hall/
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