19.4 The Story about the Elder Lakuṇḍaka Bhaddiya
Lakuṇḍakabhaddiyattheravatthu

Dhp 260-261

Burlingame: Can a Young Monk be an “Elder”?

The young-looking dwarf Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya one day went to attend to the duties for the Buddha; as he was leaving some thirty bhikkhus arrived and the Buddha asked them if they saw an elder on the way, they replied they only saw a young novice; then the Buddha gave this teaching.

Keywords: Old Age, Understanding

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“One is not an elder,” {3.387} this Dhamma teaching was given by the Teacher while he was in residence at Jetavana with reference to Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya.

For on a certain day this elder went to wait upon the Teacher. As he departed, thirty forest bhikkhus saw him. The bhikkhus went to the Teacher, saluted him, and sat down respectfully on one side. The Teacher, perceiving that they were ripe for Arahatship, asked them [30.143] this question: “Did you see a certain elder leave this place?” – “No, venerable Sir, we did not.” – “You did not?” – “We saw a certain novice, venerable Sir.” – “Bhikkhus, he was no novice; he was an elder.” – “He was exceedingly small, venerable Sir.” – “Bhikkhus, I do not call a man an elder merely because he is old, because he sits in the seat of an elder; but he who comprehends the Truths and is ever non-violent with others, he is an elder indeed.” So saying, he pronounced the following verses:

260. Na tena thero hoti yenassa palitaṁ siro,
paripakko vayo tassa moghajiṇṇo ti vuccati.

One is not an elder because
one’s head has grey hair, for the one
who is only matured, aged,
is said to be grown old in vain.

261. Yamhi saccañ-ca Dhammo ca ahiṁsā saṁyamo damo,
sa ve vantamalo dhīro thero iti pavuccati.

In whom is truth, Dhamma, restraint,
non-violence, and good training,
the wise one who throws out the stain
is truly one called an elder.

At the end of the teaching those bhikkhus were established in Arahatship.

 

last updated: August 2024