Transcribed talks by Ratnaghosa
Talk two of six on patience or kshanti

The title of this talk comes from an image that stuck in my mind after reading a book several years ago. I don’t recall the title of the book now. It was written by a Dutch man and was about his experiences of living in a Zen monastery in Japan. One of the things he mentioned was the tradition of making newcomers wait outside for a few days as a sort of test of their aspiration and commitment to join the monastery.

They would have to hold themselves in a particular position, probably more like squatting than kneeling, and just wait. Sometimes the Abbot would send someone out to chase them away.

This was a compassionate act to give them respite from their uncomfortable position, although the novices wouldn’t necessarily know that. So if they really wanted to join the monastery badly enough, they would just wait – kneeling in the snow – as I’ve put it (perhaps fancifully). They would be patient.

Can you imagine the dark, angry, resentful thoughts that might assail you if you were put in that position? Even if you knew it was a ritual of waiting – you would still find it hard to put up with. So the ability to exercise patient endurance was seen as a necessary prerequisite for monastic life. It’s as if the Zen monks are saying “If you don’t have patience, if you can’t endure, well, don’t bother, because you won’t get very far”. Continue reading →

Transcribed talks by Ratnaghosa
Talk one of six on patience or kshanti

In the novel “Kim” by Rudyard Kipling, one of the main characters is a Tibetan Lama. Kim becomes his disciple or chela and the Lama, who is an artist, paints a picture of the Wheel of Life so that he can use it to teach the Dharma to Kim.

“When the shadows shortened and the lama leaned more heavily upon Kim, there was always the Wheel of Life to draw forth, to hold flat under wiped stones, and with a long straw to expound cycle by cycle. Here sat the Gods on high – and they were dreams of dreams. Here was our Heaven and the world of the demi-Gods – horsemen fighting among the hills. Here were the agonies done upon the beasts, souls ascending or descending the ladder and therefore not to be interfered with. Here were the Hells, hot and cold, and the abodes of tormented ghosts. Let the chela study the troubles that come forth from overeating – bloated stomach and burning bowels. Obediently then, with bowed head and brown finger alert to follow the pointer, did the chela study.”(1) Continue reading →

1. The Great Merciful Lord, for the good of all living beings, practiced all Perfections
   and attained supreme Enlightenment. By these true words may joyous victory be mine.

2. He who enhanced the happiness of the Sakyas who was victorious at the foot of the Bodhi-Tree.
   Likewise may there be victory to me, and may I ever be blessed.

3. I revere, the Buddha-jewel highest balm and best, ever beneficial to gods and men.
   By that Buddha’s glory safely, may all obstacles and sufferings ceased.

4. I revere the Dhamma-jewel, highest balm and best, that cools down the heat.
   By the power of the Dhamma safely, may all obstacles and fears cease.

5. I revere the Sangha-jewel, highest balm and best, worthy of offerings worthy of hospitality.
   By the power of that Sangha safely may all my obstacles pass away! Continue reading →

This is a story of two parrots, who loved to travel far and wide in search of food and visit new places. These two beautiful birds were brothers named Radha and Potthapada. Once, they entered the palace gardens and were caught in a trap laid for birds. Both Radha and Potthapada were brought before the king, who just could not keep his eyes off the stunning birds. The king ordered his men that the birds be kept in a special cage made of gold. They were fed the choicest foods everyday.

Radha and Potthapada were the toast of the king’s palace. Royal guests would stand by the golden cage and admire the birds. Life was very comfortable for them until the day a huge ape was brought to the palace. The ugly ape was named Kalabahu. Soon, all attention that was reserved for the parrots was now Kalabahu’s. People had not seen such a huge ape before. Kalabahu became the center of attraction of all the royal guests and palace officials. They would pour in to have a good look at the ape and his antics that made everyone roar with laughter. As a result, both the parrots started feeling neglected. Nobody cared whether they were fed on time or not.

Potthapada, the younger of the two parrots, was deeply hurt. He confided in his elder brother, “Let us leave here and go elsewhere. Nobody cares for us anymore.” Radha, wiser of the two, replied, “Potthapada, my brother, do not feel so sad. Attention, praise and blame, and honor and dishonor are temporary facets of life. Soon, people will get tired of the ape’s antics and know your true worth.”

And, sure enough, people started disliking the ape, as he began misbehaving and fooling around a bit too much. The king also found his acts offensive, and ordered Kalabahu to be sent back to the forest. People started paying all their attention to the well-behaved and beautiful parrots once again. And, did you know who the intelligent Radha was? He was Buddha in one of his earlier births.

Moral: True worth and ability are always given their due ultimately.

Source: http://www.jatakkatha.com