Hi again! From now on, I will also be posting summaries of the points discussed during the talks at the Buddhist Society of Victoria, as Brother Heng Hao, one of our youths who is studying in Melbourne very generously shares with us every week.
Yesterday’s talk was on Devadatta. He was the cousin of the Buddha and usually created problems. In one case he convinced a group of monks to leave the Buddha but in the end they returned to Buddha.
The Buddha said that those disciples who follow his disciples were all wise and had qualities, with one exception. Devadatta had a lot of ego and anger.
The Buddha still gave Devadatta chances to improve, no matter how many times he caused trouble, even when he could just cut him out. He would not pigeon hole him but try to find ways to help him with patience and compassion. He had the power to kick him out at any moment. But the Buddha was able to have restraint, like a larger being able to withstand the pokes of a smaller being. Likewise, we must try to find the redeeming qualities in people and know that one day we must accept that they may change for the better. If we think well of people, we reflect the good that we see in ourselves.
What the Buddha saw in the 4 signs, it was not what he saw in other people, but the reality in himself which shocked him. The ascetic that he saw changed his view and gave him an option to get out of old age, sickness and death. Devadatta’s qualities were that he was bright and had a strong mind, but praise and ego let to his downfall. The same thing can happen to anyone.
Well, I’m done with the talk, and it reminded me of a story that really inspired me. I was reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and the author, Sean Covey, told a story of how he turned a nasty person around. Covey had to work with a guy called Randy in his new job. Randy really disliked Covey; said rude and insulting things, constantly talked behind his back and got others to side against him. It really angered Covey but he was somehow able to ignore Randy’s attacks and instead made it a personal challenge to treat him well in return. In a year, Covey had earned Randy’s respect for not playing his game, and they became friends.
This story really emulates the quote below. Shall end my post here and leave this as food for thought.
- Pei Si
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