King Bimbisar preferred visiting Buddha’s vihar whenever he could since he found it to be a betterplace than his palace to discuss matters of higher plane. The serenity of the vihar was unbeatable.Besides, Bimbisar realised how wealth and opulence—that enamours everyone—becomes a hindrance in the quest for spiritual answers.
The occasional meetings invariably filled the king with ecstasy, as it did that day when the king came calling. Looking at Buddha’s disciples, the king often wondered as to how calm and content they could be without any worldly wealth in their possession. ‘It’s because they don’t cling on to any worldly possession is what makes them blissful, O King,’ Bimbisar remembered Buddha once telling him.
As he always did, the king sat with other disciples to listen to the sermon. After Buddha had spoken and it was time to leave, the king was still left with unanswered questions. That was usual! But this question that he was keen to pose was something that reared its head every time he visited the monastery. He had heard Buddha claiming that many of his disciples have reached the state he was in. However, to the king’s eyes, Buddha stood head and shoulders above them. Besides, he didn’t find anyone as articulate as Buddha. Making sure he doesn’t upset anyone with his query, the king posed the question when they were alone, ‘You’ve claimed that others too have reached the state you have. Yet, I don’t see anyone like you. Not as articulate, either.’
Buddha smiled on hearing the statement. ‘Looks can be deceptive. Don’t merely rely on what meets the eye, O King. I might be eloquent. However, the higher state I mention has nothing to do with it. It’s a flowering that happens deep within, with little or no bearing on your extrinsic nature. Flamboyance, articulation, looks are external features. These traits have little connection with your internal achievements. Some of the greatest Buddhas remained silent. Likewise, many articulate self-styled masters are charlatans. Just because some of them aren’t as eloquent as I seem to be doesn’t take away what they have achieved. Let me assure you that we stand on the same plane.’
As external features aren’t indicators of internal attainment, know that being eloquent, expressive and articulate aren’t necessarily signs of wisdom.
Rajessh M. Iyer is a storyteller who explores human relationships through meaningful anecdotes, parables, and stories; he shares his work on www.rajesshmiyer.com.
As external features aren’t indicators of internal attainment, know that being eloquent, expressive and articulate aren’t necessarily signs of wisdom.