Download Eating Stale Food

Buddhist Stories and
the Dhammapada
The Mustard Seeds
Eating Stale Food
Crying for the Moon
Dhammapada Verses 1 and 2
Rahula’s Mirror
The Mustard Seeds
Once upon a time, there lived in
Savatthi, a girl called Kisa Gotami
who belonged to the lowest caste.
Despite her poverty, she had
kindness and wisdom. A rich
merchant, seeing her inner qualities,
eventually married her.
The Mustard Seeds
Once upon a time, there lived in
Savatthi, a girl called Kisa Gotami
who belonged to the lowest caste.
Despite her poverty, she had
kindness and wisdom. A rich
merchant, seeing her inner qualities,
eventually married her.
The Mustard Seeds
Once upon a time, there lived in
Savatthi, a girl called Kisa Gotami
who belonged to the lowest caste.
Despite her poverty, she had
kindness and wisdom. A rich
merchant, seeing her inner qualities,
eventually married her.
The Mustard Seeds
However, the family of her husband
despised her because of she came
from a low caste.
After a few years, she gave birth to a
baby boy. Her husband’s family
began to accept her because she
provided him with a son, and her
happiness knew no bounds.
The Mustard Seeds
However, the family of her husband
despised her because of she came
from a low caste.
After a few years, she gave birth to a
baby boy. Her husband’s family
began to accept her because she
provided him with a son, and her
happiness knew no bounds.
The Mustard Seeds
Sadly, the little baby boy suddenly
died one night.
Mad with grief, she went to all her
neighbours carrying the dead child
and asking for medicine to bring him
back to life.
They all told her that the baby was
dead but she refused to accept it.
The Mustard Seeds
Sadly, the little baby boy suddenly
died one night.
Mad with grief, she went to all her
neighbours carrying the dead child
and asking for medicine to bring him
back to life.
They all told her that the baby was
dead but she refused to accept it.
The Mustard Seeds
Sadly, the little baby boy suddenly
died one night.
Mad with grief, she went to all her
neighbours carrying the dead child
and asking for medicine to bring him
back to life.
They all told her that the baby was
dead but she refused to accept it.
The Mustard Seeds
Eventually a kind man told her to seek
the help of the Buddha. She rushed to
see him begging him to bring her son
back to life.
The Buddha told her to bring him some
mustard seeds. But they must come
from a house where no one had lost a
child, husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Eventually a kind man told her to seek
the help of the Buddha. She rushed to
see him begging him to bring her son
back to life.
The Buddha told her to bring him some
mustard seeds. But they must come
from a house where no one had lost a
child, husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Kisa Gotami, full of hope, then went
back to the city to look for the mustard
seeds. Every house pitied her and
offered her some seeds to help.
But there wasn’t a house where no one
could say that they had not lost a child,
husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Kisa Gotami, full of hope, then went
back to the city to look for the mustard
seeds. Every house pitied her and
offered her some seeds to help.
But there wasn’t a house where no one
could say that they had not lost a child,
husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Unable to find the mustard seeds, she
left the city in despair and wandered
around the countryside.
As night began to fall, she saw the
lights in the city grow bright, flicker
then become dark again.
The Mustard Seeds
Unable to find the mustard seeds, she
left the city in despair and wandered
around the countryside.
As night began to fall, she saw the
lights in the city grow bright, flicker
then become dark again.
The Mustard Seeds
She then began to see that it is the
nature of life that we are born, live our
lives, then eventually must die.
And as she suffered the loss of a loved
one, so too had everyone else in the
city. She realized that death is
common to all and is something that
everyone must face one day.
The Mustard Seeds
She then began to see that it is the
nature of life that we are born, live our
lives, then eventually must die.
And as she suffered the loss of a loved
one, so too had everyone else in the
city. She realized that death is
common to all and is something that
everyone must face one day.
The Mustard Seeds
Seeing the truth, she buried her son
then returned to the Buddha. She took
Refuge, become one of his disciples
and eventually attained enlightenment.
Death is something we must eventually
face. It is the impermanent nature of
our lives.
The Mustard Seeds
Seeing the truth, she buried her son
then returned to the Buddha. She took
Refuge, become one of his disciples
and eventually attained enlightenment.
Death is something we must eventually
face. It is the impermanent nature of
our lives.
The Mustard Seeds
The Buddha advised us to contemplate
on death. This will serve to remind us
that we will eventually one day die.
Facing this truth will enable us to see
things more clearly, live our lives more
responsibly and help us to become
more calm and peaceful.
The Mustard Seeds
The Buddha advised us to contemplate
on death. This will serve to remind us
that we will eventually one day die.
Facing this truth will enable us to see
things more clearly, live our lives more
responsibly and help us to become
more calm and peaceful.
Eating Stale Food
Once upon a time, in a city called
Bhaddiya, a daughter was born to
Dhananjaya, the city’s treasurer.
She was called Visakha and grew up
to be bright and beautiful, and had a
kind and generous nature.
Eating Stale Food
Once upon a time, in a city called
Bhaddiya, a daughter was born to
Dhananjaya, the city’s treasurer.
She was called Visakha and grew up
to be bright and beautiful, and had a
kind and generous nature.
Eating Stale Food
Once upon a time, in a city called
Bhaddiya, a daughter was born to
Dhananjaya, the city’s treasurer.
She was called Visakha and grew up
to be bright and beautiful, and had a
kind and generous nature.
Eating Stale Food
When she became a teenager, some
Brahmins saw Visakha and thought
she would be an ideal wife for their
master Punnavaddhana, the son of a
millionaire named Migara.
Accordingly, they made arrangements
for Visakha to be married to
Punnavaddhana.
Eating Stale Food
When she became a teenager, some
Brahmins saw Visakha and thought
she would be an ideal wife for their
master Punnavaddhana, the son of a
millionaire named Migara.
Accordingly, they made arrangements
for Visakha to be married to
Punnavaddhana.
Eating Stale Food
From the day Visakha arrived in
Savatthi, the city of her husband, she
was kind and generous to everyone
in the city and everyone loved her.
However, Visakha's father-in-law,
Migara, was unhappy with her
because she was a devout follower of
the Buddha while he was not.
Eating Stale Food
From the day Visakha arrived in
Savatthi, the city of her husband, she
was kind and generous to everyone
in the city and everyone loved her.
However, Visakha's father-in-law,
Migara, was unhappy with her
because she was a devout follower of
the Buddha while he was not.
Eating Stale Food
He was a follower of naked ascetics,
and while very wealthy, he was not a
generous man.
Migara looked for a chance to break
off the marriage between his son and
Visakha, but her conduct was
faultless.
Eating Stale Food
He was a follower of naked ascetics,
and while very wealthy, he was not a
generous man.
Migara looked for a chance to break
off the marriage between his son and
Visakha, but her conduct was
faultless.
Eating Stale Food
One day, he was eating some
sweet rice porridge from a golden
bowl when a monk entered the
house for alms.
Although Migara saw the monk, he
continued to eat as if he had not.
He ignored the monk and
continued with his meal.
Eating Stale Food
One day, he was eating some
sweet rice porridge from a golden
bowl when a monk entered the
house for alms.
Although Migara saw the monk, he
continued to eat as if he had not.
He ignored the monk and
continued with his meal.
Eating Stale Food
Visakha politely told the monk,
"Pass on, Venerable Sir, my fatherin-law is eating stale food."
Now Migara saw his chance to
break off the marriage as he
thought she had brought disgrace
to his family with her remark.
Eating Stale Food
Visakha politely told the monk,
"Pass on, Venerable Sir, my fatherin-law is eating stale food."
Now Migara saw his chance to
break off the marriage as he
thought she had brought disgrace
to his family with her remark.
Eating Stale Food
Furious, he ordered her to be
expelled from the house.
Visakha, calmly explained that he
was eating the benefits of his past
good deeds and was not doing
anything to ensure his continued
prosperity.
Eating Stale Food
Furious, he ordered her to be
expelled from the house.
Visakha, calmly explained that he
was eating the benefits of his past
good deeds and was not doing
anything to ensure his continued
prosperity.
Eating Stale Food
She said, “by ignoring the monk
and continuing to eat, wasn’t
Migara’s actions the same as
eating stale food?”
Migara had to admit that she was
right and asked her to stay back.
Eating Stale Food
She said, “by ignoring the monk
and continuing to eat, wasn’t
Migara’s actions the same as
eating stale food?”
Migara had to admit that she was
right and asked her to stay back.
Eating Stale Food
She agreed on condition that Migara
invite the Buddha and his monks for a
meal, and change his ways.
With her patience and wisdom,
Visakha eventually converted her
father-in-law to be a follower of the
Buddha.
Eating Stale Food
She agreed on condition that Migara
invite the Buddha and his monks for a
meal, and change his ways.
With her patience and wisdom,
Visakha eventually converted her
father-in-law to be a follower of the
Buddha.
Eating Stale Food
Every single one of us here has
accumulated a lot of good kamma in the
past. If not, we will not be sitting here so
comfortably in this room.
Therefore, let us not just eat ‘stale food’.
We should carry on accumulating good
kamma for the future.
Eating Stale Food
Every single one of us here has
accumulated a lot of good kamma in the
past. If not, we will not be sitting here so
comfortably in this room.
Therefore, let us not just eat ‘stale food’.
We should carry on accumulating good
kamma for the future.
Eating Stale Food
Every single one of us here has
accumulated a lot of good kamma in the
past. If not, we will not be sitting here so
comfortably in this room.
Therefore, let us not just eat ‘stale food’.
We should carry on accumulating good
kamma for the future.
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good
kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and
bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good
kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and
bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good
kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and
bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good
kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and
bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good
kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and
bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Crying for the Moon
Once upon a time, in a city called
Savatthi, there lived a very rich but very
stingy Brahmin.
He had a young son whom he loved
dearly. But such was the extent of his
stinginess that he even made with his
own hands, the gold ornaments he
gave his son, to save some money.
Crying for the Moon
Once upon a time, in a city called
Savatthi, there lived a very rich but very
stingy Brahmin.
He had a young son whom he loved
dearly. But such was the extent of his
stinginess that he even made with his
own hands, the gold ornaments he
gave his son, to save some money.
Crying for the Moon
Once upon a time, in a city called
Savatthi, there lived a very rich but very
stingy Brahmin.
He had a young son whom he loved
dearly. But such was the extent of his
stinginess that he even made with his
own hands, the gold ornaments he
gave his son, to save some money.
Crying for the Moon
One day, his son fell ill from jaundice
and the mother pleaded with her
husband to get a doctor.
However, the father not wanting to pay
for a doctor, went about asking for
prescriptions so that he can heal the
boy himself.
Crying for the Moon
One day, his son fell ill from jaundice
and the mother pleaded with her
husband to get a doctor.
However, the father not wanting to pay
for a doctor, went about asking for
prescriptions so that he can heal the
boy himself.
Crying for the Moon
The boy became steadily worse until it
was too late. With His Divine Eye, the
Buddha saw the dying boy and went to
his house for alms.
The boy caught sight of the Buddha and
his heart was filled with happiness as
he died. As a result of his pure mind,
he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
Crying for the Moon
The boy became steadily worse until it
was too late. With His Divine Eye, the
Buddha saw the dying boy and went to
his house for alms.
The boy caught sight of the Buddha and
his heart was filled with happiness as
he died. As a result of his pure mind,
he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
Crying for the Moon
After cremating the body, the father
filled with remorse, went to the burningground every night to cry for his son.
From the heavenly realm, the boy saw
his father crying at the burning-ground,
came down to earth, and reappeared
next to him in the form of a youth.
Crying for the Moon
After cremating the body, the father
filled with remorse, went to the burningground every night to cry for his son.
From the heavenly realm, the boy saw
his father crying at the burning-ground,
came down to earth, and reappeared
next to him in the form of a youth.
Crying for the Moon
The youth then started lamenting
and crying loudly, and the father
asked him why.
The son (in the form of a youth) said
that he was crying because he
wanted to have the sun and the
moon.
Crying for the Moon
The youth then started lamenting
and crying loudly, and the father
asked him why.
The son (in the form of a youth) said
that he was crying because he
wanted to have the sun and the
moon.
Crying for the Moon
The father said, “why are you crying
for the sun and the moon which you
cannot get? You are being foolish!”
The youth replied, “at least the sun
and the moon are there in existence.
You are even more foolish because
you are crying for your dead son who
is no more!”
Crying for the Moon
The father said, “why are you crying
for the sun and the moon which you
cannot get? You are being foolish!”
The youth replied, “at least the sun
and the moon are there in existence.
You are even more foolish because
you are crying for your dead son who
is no more!”
Crying for the Moon
The father realized the truth of the
youth’s words and asked who he is.
The youth then revealed himself as
his son.
He then told his father of his
heavenly rebirth due to his happy
thoughts at seeing the Buddha as he
passed away.
Crying for the Moon
The father realized the truth of the
youth’s words and asked who he is.
The youth then revealed himself as
his son.
He then told his father of his
heavenly rebirth due to his happy
thoughts at seeing the Buddha as he
passed away.
Crying for the Moon
The next day, the father offered alms
to the Buddha soon began to realize
the Dhamma.
Therefore, avoid crying for the moon
or for things which are impossible or
not even in existence.
Crying for the Moon
The next day, the father offered alms
to the Buddha soon began to realize
the Dhamma.
Therefore, avoid crying for the moon
or for things which are impossible or
not even in existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dwelling in the past, either by
regretting past mistakes or basking in
past glories.
Learn from them, then move on. The
past is no more in existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dwelling in the past, either by
regretting past mistakes or basking in
past glories.
Learn from them, then move on. The
past is no more in existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dreaming of the future, either
by worrying about unforeseen
circumstances or by building castles
in the air.
Plan as best you can, then return to
the present. The future is yet to
come into existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dreaming of the future, either
by worrying about unforeseen
circumstances or by building castles
in the air.
Plan as best you can, then return to
the present. The future is yet to
come into existence.
Crying for the Moon
What matters most is the present.
By living in the present, we can see
things more clearly and live our lives
to the fullest.
Crying for the Moon
What matters most is the present.
By living in the present, we can see
things more clearly and live our lives
to the fullest.
The Dhammapada
This is a collection of 423 verses
attributed to the Buddha, and consists of
teachings for the benefit of both the
Sangha and laity.
It is divided into 26 chapters and
arranged according to topics, and the
first two verses are among the most
well-known teachings in Buddhism.
The Dhammapada
This is a collection of 423 verses
attributed to the Buddha, and consists of
teachings for the benefit of both the
Sangha and laity.
It is divided into 26 chapters and
arranged according to topics, and the
first two verses are among the most
well-known teachings in Buddhism.
The Dhammapada
This is a collection of 423 verses
attributed to the Buddha, and consists of
teachings for the benefit of both the
Sangha and laity.
It is divided into 26 chapters and
arranged according to topics, and the
first two verses are among the most
well-known teachings in Buddhism.
Dhammapada Verse 1
Mind is the forerunner of all evil states.
Mind is chief and evil states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind;
Suffering follows as the wheel follows the
hoof of the ox.
Dhammapada Verse 1
Mind is the forerunner of all evil states.
Mind is chief and evil states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind;
Suffering follows as the wheel follows the
hoof of the ox.
Dhammapada Verse 1
Mind is the forerunner of all evil states.
Mind is chief and evil states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind;
Suffering follows as the wheel follows the
hoof of the ox.
Dhammapada Verse 2
Mind is the forerunner of all good states.
Mind is chief and good states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind;
Happiness follows as one’s own shadow
that never leaves.
Dhammapada Verse 2
Mind is the forerunner of all good states.
Mind is chief and good states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind;
Happiness follows as one’s own shadow
that never leaves.
Dhammapada Verse 2
Mind is the forerunner of all good states.
Mind is chief and good states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind;
Happiness follows as one’s own shadow
that never leaves.
Rahula’s Mirror
After his enlightenment, the Buddha
revisited his home town of Kapilavatthu
and reunited with his wife, Yasodhara
and son, Rahula.
Rahula joined the Sangha at the tender
age of seven, received many valuable
teachings from his father and eventually
became an Arahant.
Rahula’s Mirror
After his enlightenment, the Buddha
revisited his home town of Kapilavatthu
and reunited with his wife, Yasodhara
and son, Rahula.
Rahula joined the Sangha at the tender
age of seven, received many valuable
teachings from his father and eventually
became an Arahant.
Rahula’s Mirror
In one of his teachings, the Buddha asked
Rahula if he knew what a mirror is for.
Rahula, then still only seven years old,
answered that a mirror is for reflection.
The Buddha replied that in the same way,
actions of body, speech and mind should
be done with repeated reflection.
Rahula’s Mirror
In one of his teachings, the Buddha asked
Rahula if he knew what a mirror is for.
Rahula, then still only seven years old,
answered that a mirror is for reflection.
The Buddha replied that in the same way,
actions of body, speech and mind should
be done with repeated reflection.
Rahula’s Mirror
In one of his teachings, the Buddha asked
Rahula if he knew what a mirror is for.
Rahula, then still only seven years old,
answered that a mirror is for reflection.
The Buddha replied that in the same way,
actions of body, speech and mind should
be done with repeated reflection.
Rahula’s Mirror
Before one does any action of body,
speech or mind, one should reflect
whether that action will harm our self,
others, or both.
If so, then it is an unwholesome action
because it will result in suffering, and
that action of body, speech or mind
should thus be avoided.
Rahula’s Mirror
Before one does any action of body,
speech or mind, one should reflect
whether that action will harm our self,
others, or both.
If so, then it is an unwholesome action
because it will result in suffering, and
that action of body, speech or mind
should thus be avoided.
Rahula’s Mirror
If not, then we may proceed with that
action of body, speech or mind.
Therefore, we should train ourselves by
constantly reflecting on our actions of
body, speech and mind, and thereby
eventually purify ourselves.
Rahula’s Mirror
If not, then we may proceed with that
action of body, speech or mind.
Therefore, we should train ourselves by
constantly reflecting on our actions of
body, speech and mind, and thereby
eventually purify ourselves.
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will
10. Wrong view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will
10. Wrong view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will
10. Wrong view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will
10. Wrong view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness
10. Right view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness
10. Right view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness
10. Right view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness
10. Right view
Bodily actions
Verbal actions
Mental actions
It is clear that everything
stems from the mind.
So how do we train
our minds?
It is clear that everything
stems from the mind.
So how do we train
our minds?
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right Understanding
Right Thought
Morality –
The Foundation
of Everything
Mental
Development –
To Train our
Minds
Wisdom
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right Understanding
Right Thought
Morality –
The Foundation
of Everything
Mental
Development –
To Train our
Minds
Wisdom
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right Understanding
Right Thought
Morality –
The Foundation
of Everything
Mental
Development –
To Train our
Minds
Wisdom
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right Understanding
Right Thought
Morality –
The Foundation
of Everything
Mental
Development –
To Train our
Minds
Wisdom
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right Understanding
Right Thought
Morality –
The Foundation
of Everything
Mental
Development –
To Train our
Minds
Wisdom
Prepared by T Y Lee
www.justbegood.net