Once, the Blessed One, the Buddha, was residing near Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Grove at the monastery donated by Anāthapiṇḍika, the great supporter of the Sangha. Jeta’s Grove was a place of great beauty and peace. The tall trees, their branches heavy with leaves, offered shade and shelter to monks seeking quiet and solitude. The air was cool, and the sounds of nature—the songs of birds, the hum of insects, and the gentle rustling of leaves—blended into a natural symphony of calm.
On this particular morning, as the sun began its slow ascent and golden light touched the forest floor, the monks returned from their almsround in Sāvatthī. With their bowls filled with the generosity of laypeople, they made their way quietly back to the monastery, their bare feet treading softly on the earth. After sharing their meal and completing their morning duties, the monks gathered under a large, ancient tree.
The Blessed One sat upon a simple seat prepared for him, his serene presence filling the space with stillness. Seeing his disciples seated before him—rows of saffron-robed monks, silent and attentive—the Buddha called out:
“Monks!”
“Yes, Lord,” they responded in unison, bowing their heads respectfully.
The Buddha, his voice calm yet clear, began his teaching:
“Monks, dwell with pure virtue. Follow the Pāṭimokkha, the rules of discipline that preserve the holy life. Be careful and restrained in your conduct. Train yourselves diligently, and see danger even in the smallest faults. A monk who lives in this way will find great benefit, both in this life and beyond.”
The monks listened intently, their minds focused and still. Seeing their readiness to learn, the Buddha continued, explaining how pure conduct brings many blessings and fulfillments in a monk’s life.
The Ten Blessings of Pure Conduct
- Being Loved and Respected
“If a monk wishes to be loved and respected by his fellow monks, let him be pure in his conduct. Such a monk inspires trust and admiration. He lives in harmony, free of quarrels and blame, like a calm lake that reflects the sky without distortion. He should meditate regularly, seeking peace in solitude. In quiet places, away from distractions, his mind becomes steady and clear. A monk who trains this way is loved not because he asks for it, but because his actions naturally inspire respect.”
The Buddha smiled slightly as he spoke, his gaze sweeping over the monks. “Reflect on this, monks: true respect cannot be forced; it arises naturally when virtue is perfected.”
- Receiving Life’s Necessities
“If a monk wishes to receive food, robes, shelter, and medicine without difficulty, let him live a virtuous life. Laypeople see such a monk and feel confidence in supporting him. When they give, they know their offerings will be well used, bringing blessings to themselves and others.”
The Buddha continued, “Monks, remember: what we receive is given through the hard work and sacrifice of others. A virtuous monk accepts these gifts with gratitude and uses them wisely.”
- Bringing Benefit to Others
“If a monk wishes the offerings he receives to bring great benefit to those who give, let him live purely and practice well. Gifts given to a pure monk bear great merit, like seeds sown in fertile soil. The giver reaps blessings long after the gift is given.” - Helping Departed Relatives
“If a monk wishes to bring blessings to his departed relatives, let him live a life of virtue and purity. Even those who have passed away are touched by the good deeds of their loved ones who remain. Like a lamp lighting a dark room, the pure life of a monk can bring peace to unseen realms.”
The monks reflected quietly on this, thinking of their own loved ones who had passed on.
- Finding Contentment
“If a monk wishes to be content with what he receives—whether it be little or much—let him train his mind to be free from greed. Contentment is the greatest wealth. A monk who is satisfied with little will never feel poor, while one who chases after more will never be at peace.” - Building Inner Strength
“If a monk wishes to endure hardships—cold and heat, hunger and thirst, harsh words, or bodily pain—let him strengthen his mind. Like a great tree that stands firm in the wind, a monk trained in patience and virtue will not be shaken.”
The Buddha gestured to the great tree under which they sat. “See how this tree stands tall, unmoving, though the winds blow around it. In the same way, train yourselves to remain steady amidst the storms of life.”
- Overcoming Anger
“If a monk wishes to overcome anger and irritation, let him train his mind in patience and kindness. Anger is like a fire that burns within, harming only the one who holds it. By practicing peace and forgiveness, a monk frees himself from this suffering.” - Conquering Fear
“If a monk wishes to overcome fear and dread, let him seek solitude and observe his fear. He will see it as a passing thought, without substance. Fear arises from delusion. By understanding this, a monk can let it go and dwell in peace.” - Mastering Meditation
“If a monk wishes to attain deep, peaceful meditation, let him live with pure conduct and train his mind in quiet places. With effort and dedication, he will find joy and calm, like a traveler who rests beneath a cool shade on a hot day.” - Attaining Liberation
“If a monk wishes to achieve the highest freedom—the end of all suffering—let him practice virtue, meditation, and wisdom with diligence. By following this path, he will realize the truth and be free.”
The Path to Peace
The Buddha looked kindly at his monks, his words resonating like a bell in their hearts.
“Monks, train yourselves well. Live with pure conduct and see danger even in the smallest faults. A life of virtue brings harmony, contentment, and strength. It leads to the highest freedom, Nibbāna, where suffering ceases completely.”
The monks sat in deep reflection, their minds uplifted and inspired. Some resolved to practice with greater diligence, while others silently rejoiced at the clarity and compassion of their Teacher’s words.
As the morning sun climbed higher into the sky, the grove seemed even more peaceful, the teachings of the Blessed One lingering like a soft echo among the trees.
From that day on, the monks at Jeta’s Grove renewed their efforts to live in purity, knowing that virtue was the path to peace, respect, and ultimate liberation.
Wisdom Tea 