As we approach Rohatsu, I wish to write about Ananda. This second patriarch in the Buddhist lineage of Shakyamuni-Gautama.
“It was said and I have heard,” is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of Ananda. It was said that he could remember and repeat what he heard the Buddha say. He was an amplifier. He extended the thoughts of the World Honored One. With no written words for two hundred years, one had to hear to see the meaning of the Tathagata's truth.
Ananda, depending on the Pali Canons, was older or younger than The Buddha, and/or was his attendant for 25 years or more and probably not his first attendant as The Buddha was said to have had several assistants before him.
Ananda was family as he was the son of one of the brothers of Suddhodana, Siddhartha’s father. Which means he knew Mahaprajapati Gautami, who when his birth mother, Maya, died shortly after childbirth, she raised him as she had promised her sister.
Ananda was said to have spoken to Lord Buddha on behalf of Mahaprajapati to ordain women into the Sangha
Ananda was said to have designed the patch work pattern depicting farming plots (fields) patches sewn together in making the distinctive robes worn by those ordained by The Buddha.
Ananda was said to be liked by all members of the Sangha although he and Mahakasispa seemed to have had differences. And, on the other hand he and Shariputra often had commonality of thought.
Ananda was said to have saved the life of Shakymuni Buddha when his brother Devadotta, tried to poison him.
Ananda often spoke for the Buddha and would visit people on his behalf, thereby being known as the most trusted Disciple of The Buddha. A unique role seemingly accepted by members of the Sangha.
Ananda asked, “what is the Importance of sangha,” to which Buddha replied… “everything.”
Ananda attended the death of Mahaprajapati and the Buddha.
Ananda is the embodiment of a Bodhisatva as he did not attain enlightenment until after the death of The Buddha. When he asked the Buddha what the Sangha should do after his death he said his body died but not his teachings as long as teachings (Dharma) became a light unto thierselves.
Ananda continued to teach after Buddha’s nirvana and passed the robe and bowl of The Buddha which he had received Mahakasispa, to his student: Sanakavasa.
Ananda, for me, represents equanimity in antidote form, to the three poisons of greed, hate, and delusion. A steady force in direction, mindfulness and insight. How could this not be so? Ananda was a bodhisattva in Sangha continuity. Each area in which he assisted the Buddha, became a hallmark for today’s Zen in everyday life as he moved about the inside and outside communities acting as conduits between them and Buddha. This relationship of mutual support expanded sharing of the Dharma and provided a framework to hold the Sangha together after Buddha.
May we all bow in gratitude,
Sangaku
Join us at 7:00 PM/ET Tuesday night December 3, 2024, at the First Congregational Church of Falmouth or on Zoom at:
https://zoom.us/j/7096899032?status=success#success Password FSZS
Friday night December 6, we celebrate Rohatsu, or Shiddhartha's awakening as Buddha, from 6:30 PM until 7:00 AM Saturday the 7th. Please join us for an overnight Zoom sit on the same Zoom address as above. Saturday morning we will read The First Turning of Dharma Wheel.
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