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. go everywhere together Studying in the same office and share both fun and suffering like close friends what one person thinks Another person can often understand without lengthy explanations. At that time no one called him that. "Phra Dhamma Minister" and another said "one with excellent powers" for the people around him They were just Upatissa and Golitha—two young men who had almost everything. and continue to live a pleasant life If one time of entertainment doesn't change the meaning of what was once fun,

According to the stories traced in the Atthakatha One day, Upatissa and Kolitha took their attendants to see the entertainment at the top of the mountain as usual. people laughing The actors took turns coming out. The music is continuously loud. Everything seemed like a day of ordinary pleasure. But this time Upatissa sat still. He looked at the actors, looked at the audience, and thought, Soon all the people here will grow old and die. The commotion in front of him therefore did not answer the deeper question: Is there anything that escapes this change?

Golitha herself was unusually quiet. When the entertainment ends The two then asked each other directly what had happened. The answers are almost the same—the fun is still there. But the heart sees through and sees its end. The couple did not blame the performers or the audience. and did not flee life because of a short-lived emotion What happened was a tragedy that forced one to ask serious questions: If life consisted only of seeking pleasure and then letting everything die out. What are we spending all our time on?

That night, the two friends decided that They will seek Amatatham—the truth that is not swallowed up by birth and death.

Upatissa and Kolitha were ordained as paripājakas and entered the monastery of Sanchaiwelatthaputra Famous teacher in Rajagaha. The two quickly learned the teachings that the sect held. Until being accepted to help teach other students 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 sought out teachers and thinkers in various places, asking many people the same question. But there is still no explanation that leads one to be confident that This is the true way to end suffering. The search may cause the two people to slowly separate as each rushes to survive. But Upatissa and Kolitha agreed that

If anyone finds Amatadhamma first That person must come back and tell the other person.

The two of them separated to search without abandoning each other. This promise does not help in knowing when the answer will be found. But make sure Once found, no one will be left behind.

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.

When you get a chance Upatissa arranged seats and offered water. Then he asked respectfully. Phra Assachi humbly replied that he had just been ordained. Still not able to explain the Dhamma extensively Upatissa did not ask for a long sermon. He only asked for a brief outline because he believed he could consider it further. Phra Assaji then briefly stated the principles of cause and effect: All dhamma arise from causes. The Tathagata explained the reasons for those dhammas. and showed the extinction of that cause

There are only a few sentences. But it matched what Upatissa had been searching for all along. Suffering does not arise without a source. And it doesn't have to last forever. When you see the reason There is a way to study the cessation of causes. The eye of Dhamma arose for Upatissa. There he knew that the Buddha was residing at Veluvan. But not going immediately Because there was someone waiting to hear the news as promised.

When Upatissa returned to the sect. Golitha saw her friend's expression from afar and knew that Today is not like every other day. He hurriedly asked if his friend had found Amatatham. Upatissa responded. and told him the meaning of what he had heard from Phra Assachi. Golitha did not ask for evidence of how famous the speaker was. He did not ask what position this teaching would bring him. He listens to the story of cause and cessation of cause. then consider accordingly Immediately the sight of Dhamma arose for him as well.

The important picture of this episode is therefore not just one person finding the Dhamma, but someone who finds it and then returns Upatissa kept his promise even before reaching the Buddha. As for Kolita, she opened her heart and listened to her friend without thinking that she had to be the one to meet her first. “Where does the Buddha live?” was Kolita's next question. The answer is Phra Weluwan. The two were ready to depart, but before they went, they also thought of their old master and fellow sect. No one wanted the path they just found to become the private property of just two people.

Upatissa and Kolitha went to Sanchai and told the news frankly. The Lord Buddha has arisen. The Dhamma has been well presented. and they were going to see him. The two invited the teacher to travel together. Sanchai refused to go. He is the head of the office. There are already many disciples and fortune to pay homage to. Going to the Buddha means willing to change from teacher to learner. The two young men tried to invite him again. But the answer is still denial.

This is not an easy parting. Because Sanchai had given them knowledge and shelter. So Upatissa did not secretly run away or disrespect the old master. He returned to share the news and open the way for the teachers to choose for themselves. When Sanchai confirmed to stay The two respected that decision and set off. 250 disciples of Paribājaka chose to follow Upatissa and Golitha. A story that begins with a question in the minds of two friends. Now it became a procession of seekers heading towards Veluvan.

Some people find a new path and immediately let go of the past. But Upatissa does another thing—remembers both friend and teacher. Share your findings and leaving when you have done your best to continue the original relationship

While the procession was approaching Phra Weluwan The Buddha saw Upatissa and Kolita from afar. Then he said to the monks, Those two friends will be His best pair of disciples. The two came to see Requesting ordination The Buddha called one to become a monk and practice celibacy in order to make an end to suffering. The ordination of Upatissa, Kolitha, and her companions took place at Phra Veluvan.

Since then, people have known Upatissa by the name Phra Sariputra and knew Kolita by name Maha Moggallana But reaching the Buddha does not mean that the training is over. On the contrary, both of them have just entered the stage where they must begin to know the truth for themselves. The two friends' paths temporarily diverged. Maha Moggallana went to practice near the village of Kallavalamuttakam. As for Sariputta, he is near the Buddha. Both received the same Dhamma. But what you have to face in your heart is not the same.

One person was struggling with sleepiness until his head hung up. Another person is gradually coming to understand the Dhamma in detail. The answers we're looking for together Therefore, it must be informed through individual practice.

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 them and taught them strategies to relieve sleepiness in order. Not just ordering “Try harder,” but he gave you step-by-step testing. Start by ignoring thoughts that make you sleepy. Review the sermons you have listened to, recite the sermons, pull your ears, rub your body, get up and wash your face, look at the light, walk and meditate, specifying the way back and forth. And if you do everything and it still doesn't really go away, then sleep mindfully. Ready to intend to get up without enjoying sleep.

This teaching accepts both the encouragement and limitations of the body. Therefore, doing perseverance is not just a matter of scolding yourself. But it is about observing the cause, adjusting the method, and not letting the mind flow according to lethargy. 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

The man who was once sleepy did not win because he was never weak. He won because he was willing to learn how to lead his mind through the obstacles in front of him.

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. He attained Arahatship there, while Dighahankha gained the eyes to see the Dhamma. Sariputta took longer than his companion. It's not because he's less intelligent. The scriptures explain that His wisdom is broad and detailed. Therefore, like one who inspects every piece of royal food before setting out on a journey—one must thoroughly consider the Dhamma in order.

Two friends reach the same goal at different paces. No one is rushing another person to be like them. And no one is too late for this path.

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.

The words right and left may remind us of a competition to see who is taller than who. But in religion Their positions work like two arms that take on the load on opposite sides. Phra Sariputta helped explain the profound Dhamma in order. Phra Maha Moggallana helps train, care for, and encourage monks to move forward. What was once an individual talent has become a service to the group. Wisdom is not meant to win arguments. And the power is not for showing off your superiority. The virtues of both of them are meaningful because they are used to help others escape suffering.

The Buddha told all monks to associate with and enjoy Sariputta with Maha Moggallana. Because both of them were wise men who supported their fellow virgins. Then he compared the duties of both of them visually. Sariputra is like a biological mother. Can you explain the practice? Helps the listener to see the Noble Truth and be established in Sotapattiphala. As for Maha Moggallana, he is like a person who takes care of a child who has already been born, who continues to train, support, and lead the student to higher morality.

This comparison shows that The work of teaching the Dhamma does not end when the listener first understands it. One person helped open the door. Another person helped him move on to his new home. Both duties require knowledge, patience, and seeing what each student is lacking. Therefore, the two apostles did not stand side by side only when meeting the Buddha. But they support each other in the process of training people. One person's work does not diminish the importance of another. If you complete what another person started,

From friends who help each other find immortality Both of them became friends of many monks. By still doing the same things that we used to do to each other—finding good things and not keeping them to ourselves.

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. No one tries to erase the answers of others. 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.

That night brought out the most beautiful sight of the group of disciples—people of different abilities, listening to each other, asking questions, and making the whole forest more beautiful by not competing for the spotlight.

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

Those words made the accused monk feel guilty. Prostrate and ask for forgiveness from Phra Sariputra. The Buddha asked him to accept forgiveness so that the mistake would not become a cause for further concern. The intellectual excellence of this event therefore does not appear as a difficult explanation, but appears in the alleged moment. You first look at whether your mind has anger or not. Allow the truth to emerge and end the story with forgiveness

A high position may make people rush to protect their image. But Phra Sariputta used that position to show that How humble can a person who is great in Dharma be?

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.

If you look at just the outside picture The event was spectacular with the entire castle shaking. But the goal isn't to make anyone give up. Maha Moggallana used the power of the Buddha to shake heedlessness. Then he sent the people back to the Dhamma. Other stories about him follow the same pattern. Sometimes he went to see the well-being of gods and creatures in the vicinity. Then bring news to warn people of the results of their karma. Sometimes when there is an opportunity to show off your abilities Instead, he opened the way for other disciples to be praised.

His power therefore did not make him stand taller than others. If it becomes a working tool The more power It's even more important to know when to use it, who to use it for, and where to stop.

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.

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. The last duty of the Phra Dhamma Senapatī is not to express his knowledge to the general assembly. But it is about sitting next to your mother in your hometown. Help the benefactor find inner refuge. before he passed away peacefully that same night.

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. But when old karma in the past comes to bear fruit He did not use his power to escape again. The thieves attacked him until his body was seriously injured. This story is traced in the Commentary to explain 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.

Friends who had searched for immortality together did not leave this world together. But the final distance was short. When the right and left arms of the disciples died The Buddha and the monks continued their mission with the Dharma and Discipline that they helped to establish.

If you look only at the end We may remember Sāriputta with the word “paññā” and remember Maha Moggallana with the word “power,” but going back to the beginning You will see another virtue that comes before all positions—being a good friend Upatissa met Phra Assaji and did not hurry to go to Phra Veluvan alone. He returned to Golitha. Kolita listened and was not jealous that her friend met her first. The two still go back and invite their old teachers. and opened the way for those joining the sect to choose to follow along

Once ordained, their differences did not separate their friendship. Phra Sariputta used his wisdom to help people see the way. Maha Moggallana used his strength of concentration and ability to help people continue walking. In the forest of Kosingasala They ask each other, listen to each other, and accept the others' virtues without necessarily winning. The lives of these apostles clearly answer the question at the outset. When you find something precious What should we do?

The answer isn't just "tell a friend," it's about spending your entire life making that path real for others. One person opened the door. One person keeps me going. and both point beyond themselves to the Buddha and the Dhamma. Good friendship may start from being beside each other on days when we still don't know the answer. But true friendship becomes evident the day one encounters the light. Then turned around and called another person.

“Friends, this way”