Reading Notes: The Life of Buddha: Reading E

The two friends Sariputra and Maudgalyayana who are intimately close seek out the Buddha. Upon appearing in front of the Buddha, he names the two his foremost of his disciples.

In the city of Rajagriha, there began to be a crowd of people who were growing displeased with how many people the Buddha was converting. The Buddha had a response to this for what his disciples were to do if they were spoken illy to. He was right and the disciples were honored.

King Suddhodana longed to see his son before he met his death. He sent messenger after messenger to relay a message for the Buddha to return back to his home to visit him. However, one after the other instantly became tranced and became a monk at his feet. Udayin accomplished the mission and the Buddha went.

The Buddha told Prince Ajatasatru about the story of the Cunning Crane and the Crab, except this time it was a Crawfish that ends the life of the crane. Buddha gives King Vimbasara pieces of hair and finger nails for his temple.

The Buddha is still traveling to his father, but Udayin is flying back and forth in order to feed the Buddha along his journey. Once he reached the kingdom, he's honored and welcomed, and then tells the story of Visvantra, essentially a story of generosity and selflessness. When he was done, none of them offered the Buddha their meal.

A crane but no crab or fish. ): Shutterstock

Bibliography: 

The Life of Buddha by A. Ferdinand Herold, tr. by Paul C Blum