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Talk on Events Around the Buddha’s Return to Rajgir with 1000 Monks and Creation of the First Monastery
On the mountain Gayasisa, known as the Elephant Head Mountain, the Buddha delivered the Fire Sermon to one thousand monks who were former disciples of the three Kassapa brothers. This location later became the site where Devadatta attempted to split the community by leading five hundred monks away to establish an independent Sangha, though Sariputra and Moggallana eventually brought them back. Fulfilling a promise made to King Bimbisara prior to his enlightenment, the Buddha traveled to Rajgir. The King, impressed by the congregation, offered a meal at his palace and subsequently presented the Venuvana, the Bamboo Grove, to the community. This became the first Buddhist monastery, where the tradition of the rain retreat was established to prevent monks from stepping on tiny animals during the wet season.
Sariputra and Moggallana, originally disciples of the skeptic Sanjaya Belatthiputta, sought a true teacher. Upon seeing the monk Assaji walking with peace and joy, Sariputra asked for the essence of the Dharma. Assaji recited a gatha stating that things come to be because of conditions and cease to be because of conditions. This insight brought the vision of the Dharma to Sariputra and Moggallana, leading them to join the Buddha. Later, Sariputra’s uncle, Dighanakha, visited the Bamboo Grove claiming to hold no views. The Buddha taught him that views should not be held as absolute truth, using the analogies of a finger pointing to the moon and a raft used to cross to the other shore. Hearing this discourse on non-attachment to concepts and the nature of dependent origination, Sariputra attained full enlightenment.
The physician Jivaka and the singer Ambapali also visited the Bamboo Grove, with Jivaka providing guidance on hygiene such as using water filters. In response to questions, the nature of beauty is described as dependent on the five skandhas: form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. True beauty is defined as the freedom acquired after enlightenment. The discussion touches upon the earth-touching mudra, Bhumisparsha, used when the Buddha called the earth to witness his practice against Mara. The Jataka stories are affirmed as scientifically valid regarding the continuity of life forms, and the example of Anathapindika, a merchant known for helping the destitute, serves as an inspiration for charity and looking deeply at the suffering of children.
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Talk on Noble 8-fold Path beneath the Bodhi Tree at Bodghaya, India