The Doctrine of the Buddha

After alms-round alone in Kapilavatthu, the Buddha partook of his meal at the foot of an Bodhi tree in a certain forest. Having finished, He resolved to stay right there for the day's purification and to enter the phala samapatti (fruition attainment) in that very spot. At that time, the brahmin Dandapāṇi, carrying a large golden staff, approached the Buddha. He did not pay homage to the Buddha but merely greeted Him casually and asked, "Venerable Gotama, please state your belief and doctrine." When asked, the Buddha understood: This man is related by clan to Devadatta, and he is not one destined for liberation. He dislikes the Sangha's expulsion of Devadatta and the declaration that Devadatta, having caused schism in the Sangha, is destined for the lower realms. Being a worldly man, he also disapproves of the ordination of young Rāhula. Despite these dislikes, he has asked upon meeting: 'What is Venerable Gotama's belief? What kind of doctrine does Venerable Gotama teach?' Therefore, the Buddha said, "My doctrine is the doctrine that quarrels with none." Indeed, the Buddha's doctrine is the doctrine that quarrels with none. However, those displeased by this doctrine come to wage war against the Buddha. Heretics (titthiyas), persons like Devadatta and Ajātasattu, and beings like Māra the Evil One come to attack. The Buddha's doctrine is indeed true. Those displeased by this doctrine come to fight. The Buddha said, "When past Buddhas declared 'This is the Noble Truth of Suffering' (Dukkha Sacca), I too declare 'This is the Noble Truth of Suffering'. I declare nothing extra. Within the Truth of Suffering, I declare: the knowledge of truth (Sacca ñāṇa), the knowledge of function (Kicca ñāṇa – understanding arising and passing away), and the knowledge of accomplishment (Kata ñāṇa – understanding when arising and passing away has ceased). I, the Buddha, declare likewise." Persons who do not understand this teaching become hostile. The Buddha, however, does not quarrel. Thus, His doctrine is the doctrine that quarrels with none; it is the doctrine accepted by all the wise. Ignorant people do argue, objecting: 'How can he teach things we've never heard before?' Nevertheless, the Buddha endures it and does not quarrel. Their arguments and disputes do not mean the Buddha quarrels; it happens because they dislike it. The Buddha's doctrine is indeed the doctrine that quarrels with none. Furthermore, He said, "Know also that I am a person free from doubt and perplexity (vicikicchā), who has cut off craving (taṇhā) regarding all things." The work of being free from doubt and cutting off craving is the Buddha's work. The doctrine that quarrels with none is the Buddha's doctrine. Being free from doubt and cutting off craving is the Buddha's working process. After hearing this explanation, Dandapāṇi departed. When the Buddha returned to the monastery, He addressed the monks: "Today I met Dandapāṇi and explained my doctrine and my working process." "My doctrine is the doctrine that quarrels with none. My working process is the process of destroying defilements (kilesa) without doubt." As the Buddha gave only a brief explanation, some monks did not understand. Not daring to ask the Buddha, they approached the Venerable Mahākaccāna. The Venerable Mahākaccāna said, "It is as if you come to a tree without heartwood seeking heartwood, having gone past the tree with heartwood." He meant that compared to the Buddha, he himself had no substance (heartwood) at all. The monks replied, "Venerable Sir, the Buddha praises you, and your reputation for being able to expound the brief in detail is well-known. That is why we have come, Venerable Sir." Then (Venerable Mahākaccāna) said, "Well then, if you Venerable Ones truly wish to listen, I will explain the working truth of the Noble Truths (Sacca)." And he proceeded to expound the working truth of the Noble Truths. (To be continued...) See also: http://myakyunthar.blogspot.com/?m=1