Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna

Not far from Rajgir. There were two brahmin villages located close to each other: Upatisakam and Kolitakam. The large families of both villages had been friends for many generations. When the sons of both births were born on the same day A new generation of friendship naturally began. The child from Upatisakham was named Upatissa and was the son of Sari. Later, people came to know him as "Sariputra", the son of Sari. As for the child from Kolitakam named Kolita, he was the son of Mrs. Mokkalli. Later, he received the name "Moggallana" after his mother's name.

Both grew up with wealth, education, and many subordinates. Studying in the same office Travel together and have shared joy and sorrow together since their youth For the people around They were Upatissa and Golitha—two friends from a large family who were almost never separated.

The commentary says that One day, Upatissa and Kolitha took their followers to see a theater performance as usual. But this time the two weren't having fun like before. They looked at the performers and the audience and saw that Soon everyone will die. The commentary records the conversation as follows: Kolitha saw that her friend was not as cheerful as the day before and asked,

“Friend Upatissa You are not as joyful as the previous days. You are distraught. What are you thinking?”

Upatissa replied: Watching this entertainment has no substance. What should be done is to seek the Dhamma that leads to liberation. Then he asked why Kolita was distraught. Golitha replied that he was thinking the same thing. The two friends decided to go in search of the Amatta Dhamma. They did not know where they would find it. All I know is that traditional pleasure cannot answer this question.

Upatissa and Kolitha were ordained as paripājakas and entered the monastery of Sanchaiwelatthaputra Famous teacher in Rajagaha. The commentary says that The two finished studying all of the sect's teachings in two or three days. When asked if there was any more knowledge than this Sanchai replied that there was only this. They know it all.

But when asked about the ultimate way out of suffering The answer still doesn't end the doubt. Having more knowledge made both of them see more clearly that What he was looking for was still outside this sect. So they went out looking for teachers and thinkers in various places. The two traveled around the Indian subcontinent asking questions. Other people can't answer their questions. While both of them were able to answer the problems of those people. After traveling all over and still not finding the answer. So he returned to his original office.

Before separating and searching The commentary says that The two agreed that If anyone finds Amatadhamma first That person must come back and tell the other person. Then he went out to search for answers in his own way.

One morning, Upatissa was walking in Rajgir. His eyes fell on a monk who was offering alms. You are wearing your robes. Walk calmly. and had a calm face that made the man who had been searching for the teacher for a long time stop and look. That monk is Phra Assachi One of the Panchavaggi Buddhas. Upatissa immediately wanted to ask who the teacher was and what he taught. But I saw that he was offering alms. So don't disturb. He just followed at a distance until Phra Assachi received the food and found a seat.

The commentary adds details: When he saw that Phra Assaji wanted to sit. Upatissapu lays down the base of Paripakacha's offerings. and when the elder monk finished He offered water in his own container. Before starting to ask questions He did not just wait for the monks to stop walking. But he did good deeds to people whose names he didn't even know. When you get a chance Upatissa then respectfully asked, Who is he ordained? Who is a teacher and whose Dhamma do you like? Phra Assaji responded according to the words recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka.

“You have a great monk who is a Shakti. His Majesty was ordained from the Shakti family. We ordain in dedication to the Blessed One. The Blessed One is our teacher. and we like the Dhamma of that Blessed One.”

When Upatissa further asked, How did the Buddha speak and teach? Phra Assachi said humbly: He was a new person, not long ago ordained, but still unable to teach the Dhamma in an unusual way. But the main idea will be briefly stated. Upatissa then replied:

“Come on, old people, whether young or old, say this.
Speak only to me.
I only want the main idea.
Why would you make too many consonants?”

Phra Assaji then said Ye Dhammā Hetappabhava, a verse that became a turning point in Upatissa's life.

Ye dhammā hetuppabhāva
Tesaṃ hetuṃ tathāgato ah
Tesañca yo nirodho
Evaṃvādi Mahasamano
“What dhamma arises from a cause?
The Tathagata explained the reasons for those dhamma.
and the extinction of those dhamma
The high priest had the habit of speaking like this.”

While listening to that mantra Upatissa gained Dhamma sight and attained Sotapattifruit. Being a Sotapanna, he clearly saw that “anything has a natural occurrence. All things naturally cease.” He knew that the Buddha was residing at Veluvan. But not going immediately Because there was someone waiting to hear the news as promised.

According to Atthakatha before separating Upatissa fell at the feet of Phra Assaji. Do Prathaksin three times. Then asked the Elder to go ahead. As for himself, he will go back and release the promise he made to his friends. Then he took Kolita along to the Buddha's office.

When Upatissa returned to the sect. Kolitha saw her friend coming from afar and noticed that Today's expression is different from every other day. According to the text in the Vinaya, Kolitha asked:

“Older person, your intellect is bright. Your Chaweewan is pure and bright. Have you attained immortality?”

Upatissa replied:

“That's right, old man, we have attained immortality.”

Then Upatissa recited the mantra Ye Dhammā Hetappabhava to his friend while listening to the same mantra. Kolita gained Dhamma sight and attained Sotapattifruit. He was a single monk as well and said:

“If this Dhamma were only this
You have now learned to stab all the way without sorrow.
which is a path that we have not yet seen
Tens of thousands of eons have passed.”

Upatissa kept his vow before reaching the Buddha. Golitha asked where the Buddha was. When you know that you are at Phra Weluwan The two are ready to leave. But before going back to the old master

Upatissa and Kolitha were not in a hurry to go to Phra Weluwan. Both saw that Sanchai was an old teacher. So he went back to tell the news and invited them to find the path to immortality together. The Vinaya briefly records that The two invited three times. But Sanchai refused every time. and tried to keep the three people working together to manage the group The Commentary on the Dhammapada expands on that conversation in more detail. Seeing the two disciples return, Sanchai asked:

“Both fathers, have you found anyone who can show immortality?”

They replied that they had already found the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. So he invited the teacher to the Buddha's office. But Sanchai replied:

“Both of you, go. I cannot.”

When both asked the reason Sanchai said He has been a teacher for many people for a long time. You will not be able to return to being another person's disciple. Upatissa and Kolitha still invite and said that when the Buddha appeared People naturally flocked to worship him. Sanchai then asked:

“Both fathers, in this world, are there many fools or very wise people?”
“There are many fools, Master, and there are few wise ones.”

Sanchai answered for the last time,

“Fathers, if that is the case, the wise will go to Gotama's monastery, and the ignorant will come to mine. Let's go, I won't go.”

When the two of them left Sanchai's group broke up. The commentary tells that the monastery, which was once full of disciples, became vacant. Sañchai saw this and vomited warm blood. 250 Paripājaga returned to be with Sañchai, while the other 250 followed Upatissa and Kolita towards Phra Veluvan.

While the procession was approaching Phra Weluwan The Buddha saw Upatissa and Kolita from afar. Then he spoke to the monks exactly as recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka:

“Monks Those two friends That is, Golitha and Upatissa are coming there. They will be our disciples. They will be our best prosperous couple.”

The two came to see Requesting ordination The Buddha gave upasampada to the monks with the words:

“You all should become monks. The Dhamma that we have spoken is good. You all should practice chastity in order to make an end of suffering.”

The words were the ordination of Upatissa Kolita and her companions at Veluvan. The commentary says that When the Lord Buddha expanded the Dhamma to suit his followers, all 250 of them attained Arahatship there. The two friends who had brought them back still had work to do—Golita needed another seven days. and upatissa fifteen days after ordination. Thus attained Arahatship.

Since then, people have known Upatissa by the name Phra Sariputra and knew Kolita by name Phra Maha Moggallana from Phra Weluvan The two friends' paths temporarily separated. Maha Moggallana went to practice near the village of Kallavalamuttakam. As for Sariputta, he is near the Buddha.

Maha Moggallana was ordained for seven days and then determined to make diligent efforts. But my body was tired, and when I sat down, my eyelids felt heavy. His head started to bob. The more I try to force myself Drowsiness takes over. The Buddha knew So he appeared in front of me and directly asked, “Are you sleepy, Moggallana? Are you sleepy, Moggallana?” When Maha Moggallana said, “That's the case, Lord Buddha,” he did not just order to try harder. But he taught strategies to relieve sleepiness in sequence in the Chaplaiman Sutta:

“When you have a contract, how? That sleepiness would take over her. You mustn't believe in that promise. Don't make that promise too much.”
“If when you were like that Still can't let go of that worry. You should meditate and consider the Dharma according to what you have heard. I have studied.”
“If when you were like that Still can't let go of that worry. You should recite the Dhamma according to what you have heard. I have learned strange things.”
“If when you were like that Still can't let go of that worry. You should caress both your ear canals and use your hands to squeeze and massage your body.”
“If when you were like that Still can't let go of that worry. You should stand up, rub your eyes with water, and look in all directions. Look up at the zodiac stars.”
“If when you were like that Still can't let go of that worry. You should focus on the future of the future. Make a promise that it will be daytime. What is daytime? The night is like that. how at night It's like that during the day, with an open mind, nothing wrapped around it. Make your mind transparent.”
“If when you were like that Still can't let go of that worry. You should pray. Set a walking distance back and forth. Compose the inner organs Have a mind and not think outside.”
“If when you were like that She still couldn't let go of her sleepiness. Then one should perform the reclining position on the right side. Overlapping feet be conscious Make a promise in your heart When he woke up, he hurriedly got up with the intention of 'We will not create happiness in sleeping. It does not create happiness in reclining. It does not contribute to the happiness of sleep.' Moggallāna, you should realize this."

He also taught about not bringing your trunk into the family. Do not speak words that cause conflict. and train the mind to not be clingy Maha Moggallana followed suit. until attaining Arahatship on the seventh day after ordination along with Abhiññā, which is the base of magical ability

As for Sariputta, he continued to slowly consider the Dhamma. The fifteenth day after ordination The Lord Buddha was residing at Sukornkhata Cave on Khao Khitchakut. Dighaṇakaparipājaka, the grandson of Phra Sariputra, came to talk and offered his opinion. He doesn't accept everything. The Buddha wisely pointed out that even the phrase "not accepting all things" is an opinion that he still holds. Then he explained about the body. impermanence and the three sensations—happiness, suffering, and neither happiness nor suffering—that arise and then disappear.

At that time Phra Sariputta stood behind him, fanning the offering. He was not directly questioned. but impart wisdom according to the sermon at every step When you see that even compassion should not be held on to. Your mind is thus freed from the taint. Achieve Arahat Fruit He became an Arahant there. As for Dighaṇa, he gained Dhamma eyes. Attain Sotapattiphala He is a single monk

The commentary explains that It took Sariputta until the fifteenth day because his wisdom was broad and detailed. The Dhamma must be considered in order and thoroughly. The two friends reached the same goal with different time frames and different factors.

When Sariputra and Maha Moggallana attained Arahatship The Buddha appointed both of them as apostles. Phra Sariputta is on the right. was praised for his intellectual excellence Phra Maha Moggallana is on the left. It has been praised for being excellent and powerful. Some monks wondered: Why are newly ordained monks given important positions? The Buddha describes longing for and the accumulation of both virtues over a long period of time. The appointment was therefore not based on personal friendship with the King. Or because both of them have many followers? But it is consistent with the qualifications and responsibilities that have been practiced.

Phra Sariputta is responsible for elucidating the profound Dhamma in order. Phra Maha Moggallana helped train, care for, and encourage the monks to move forward. The abilities of both became the strength of the Sangha. It is not a competing device.

The Buddha spoke clearly about the duties of both of them.

“Monks You all should associate with Sariputta and Moggallana. Sariputra and Moggallana were wise monks. He is a helper to fellow virgins.”

He then spoke about the work of both of them with a clear image.

“Sariputta is like the one who gave birth. Moggallana is like one who nurtures a new born baby. Sārīputta advises in Sotapattiphala. Moggallana advises for the highest benefit.”

Venerable Sārīputta explains the practice so that the listeners can see the Noble Truth and be established in Sotapattiphala. As for Maha Moggallana, he continued his training towards higher morality. The work of one person is therefore continuous with the work of another.

One night, the Kosingasala forest was lit by moonlight. Sala trees blossomed and the fragrance spread everywhere. Sariputta, Maha Moggallana, Maha Kassapa, Anuruddha, Revata and Ananda were present together. Phra Sariputta then asked the question: How can monks make this forest even more beautiful? Each person answers according to the virtues in which he or she is an expert. Phra Ananda spoke about those who learned a lot about the Dhamma and taught it well. Phra Revata speaks of those who are happy in the stillness. Anuruddha talks about people with clairvoyance. Phra Maha Kassapa spoke about the pilgrimage and praised the virtues of the pilgrimage.

When Sariputta asked Maha Moggallana, he replied that the forest would be beautiful with two monks discussing Abhidhamma. Ask and solve problems for each other without interruption. And the words of both of them followed the Dhamma. Phra Maha Moggallana asked again. Phra Sariputta replied: The forest will be beautiful with a monk who can control his mind as he pleases. When bringing the matter to the attention The Buddha said that every answer is a proverb based on the virtues of each person. before concluding that The forest will be beautiful with a monk who is determined that As long as the mind is not freed from the afflictions As long as he will not stop persevering.

Once, Venerable Sariputta was traveling along with his retinue of monks. The man of his Sangha accidentally struck a monk who was already upset. The monk went and told the Buddha: Sariputra hurt himself and did not apologize. Because he considered himself an apostle. When called back Phra Sariputta did not use his position to pressure the accusers. And we don't start by asking who dares to say that. He turned to consider his own mind. Then he spoke of his intention to make his mind like a land that accepts both clean and dirty things without disgust. Like water that can be used to purify things, like fire that can burn both good and bad things. and like the wind that blows through everything without attachment

When the accusing monk repented and asked for forgiveness The Buddha had Sariputta accept his apology so that his mistake would not cause further distress. The matter ended without the use of the power of the position to retaliate against the accuser.

One day, several new monks were sitting on the upper floor of Mikārmathu Prasat, chatting nonsense. Even though the Lord Buddha was sitting below His Majesty intended for those monks to be mindful and ready to receive the Dhamma. So he asked Phra Maha Moggallana to look at it. Maha Moggallana shows supernatural powers Make the great castle shake with your big toe. The monks were shocked. The distraction stopped. and hurried down to meet the Buddha. When their hearts were ready, he taught them.

When the distraction stops They came down to see the Buddha and received a sermon. The power of Maha Moggallana this time was therefore used to warn the heedless monks to return and receive the teachings.

When the end of time comes Sariputra considered that his mother gave birth to many children who later attained Arahatship. But she herself still did not believe in the Triple Gem. He saw that mothers had the character to gain access to the Dhamma through the teachings of their children. So he intended to return home to Nalaka. Before traveling, he went to meet the Lord Buddha. Bid farewell to nirvana and preached the Dharma to the group of monks for the last time. Then he set out with his younger brother, Phra Chuntha, and his retinue of monks. Return to the original house and stay in the room where you were born.

Commentary on the Junta Sutta says: before leaving the accommodation Phra Sariputta kept the property Sweep the lunch break Then he stopped and stood at the door. Looking back knowing this is the last time Then he took 500 monks to meet the Lord Buddha and said,

“Your Majesty, May the Lord Buddha grant me permission. This is the time of my nirvana. The age of my body has passed away.”

When the Buddha asked where he would pass away He said: In the room where he was born at Nalaka's house, he then taught the Dhamma to the group of monks according to His Majesty's instructions. Mother still doesn't understand. Why are children who leave their wealth to become ordained so highly respected? That night, when he saw the radiant angel visiting the elder monk's condition, She asked who those people were. When he learned that even Thao Maharaj and Thao Sakka had come to pay their respects. So she continued to think, If the disciple had power like this How great will your son's teacher be?

Sariputta sympathized with his mother and was gentle and ready. Thus expressing the Buddha's Dhamma and leading the mind accordingly. Ms. Sari gained the eyes to see Dhamma. Achieved Sotapatti Fruit that night. After his mother attained Sotapattiphala Sariputta passed away peacefully in the room where he was born.

Shortly after Phra Sariputra passed away. Phra Maha Moggallana resided in the Kalasila region. The Dīrādīs who lost their fortunes because people converted to Buddhism Hire a thief to harm you. Many times the Elder knew this in advance and avoided it with his power. Commentary on Sorphaṅga Jataka says: Thieves arrived six days in a row. and the elder monks avoided it with power every time But on the seventh day Old karma gets a chance You know why you can no longer avoid it. The thieves attacked him until his body was seriously injured. This story indicates that Even a very powerful person cannot erase the results of karma at will. The ability to change distance or make buildings shake. But it does not make the law of reason disappear.

When the thief leaves Maha Moggallana supported his body with the power of concentration. Visiting the Lord Buddha for the last time Bid farewell to nirvana The Buddha told him to teach the Dhamma to the people. Because there would never be another opportunity to see a disciple like this, he taught the Dhamma, paid homage, and then returned to Nirvana at Kalasila. In order of the stories that follow That occasion occurred only fifteen days after Sariputra. The friends who had been searching for immortality together passed away only half a month apart.

Before becoming an expert in wisdom and an expert in skill Upatissa and Golitha are friends who have vowed not to keep Amatadhamma to themselves. Upatissa then returned to Kolita as soon as he heard the mantra from Phra Assaji. Both of them also went back to invite Sanchai and their fellow monks. After being ordained, Phra Sariputta helped the listeners to settle in Sotapattiphala. Maha Moggallana continued his training towards higher morality. In the forest of Kosingasala, they asked, listened, and accepted the answers of the other disciples. before taking every word to the Lord Buddha for judgment

Their friendship therefore does not stop at traveling side by side. But it grows into helping others walk on the same path. When one encounters the Dhamma, one returns to his friends. Then the two spent the rest of their lives leading others to the Master.