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Basic Buddhism Course 

 
Chapter 11
 
Miscellaneous 
 
 
Buddha’s Ministry (First 20 Years)
 
by
 Ms Tan Lai Kheng
 
 
 Introduction
 
 Buddha’s ministry lasted for 45 years
 
 During the time, he walked widely throughout the Northern Districts of India. 
 But during the Vassana, he generally stayed in one place and preached Dhamma to the people.
 
 Vassana  :  Rainy season starting from Jul to Oct / Nov (3 months).
 
 
Year
Place of Vassana /Events
1
 Deer Park at Isipatana, Baranasi (Benares)
No special place for him to reside
  • Dhammacakka
  • Birth place for the Sangha Society
  • Convert Yassa and his 54 friends
  • 60 disciples send to propagate the Dhamma
2
3
4
 Bamboo Grove, Veluvana Monastery (Rajagaha)
Rajagaha during that time was a centre for philosophy
  • Came here because of King Bimbisara’s request before enlightenment
  • Admission of 30 young men into the Order
  • Admitted Kassapa Brothers, Sariputta and Moggallana into the Order
  • Sudatta / Anathapindika – chief lay supporter of Buddha who built the Jetavana Monastery at Savathi for the Buddha
5
 Pinnacled Hall, Vesali
  • King Suddhodana fell ill
  • How He overcome the rude Sakyas
  • Dispute over River Rohini
  • The Order of Nuns
6
 Mankula Hall
  • Performed the Twin Miracle under a mango tree
7
 Tavatisma Heaven
  • Preach Abhidhamma or the Higher Doctrine to the deities headed by his mother
  • Preach the same to Sariputta who then repeated it to 500 monks
8
 Bhesakala forest
9
 Ghosita Monastery, Kosambi
  • Conflict within the Sangha led by Ven. Devadatta
10
 Parileyakka forest
  • Served by an elephant and a monkey which latter passed away and reborn in the Tavatisma Heaven
11
 Village of Ekanala
  • Converted Brahmin farmer Kasibharadvaja (Kasibharadvaja sutta)
12
 Veranja
  • Introduction of Vinaya rules
13
 Caliya Rock
  • Listed down important things for meditation practice :
    • A good friend
    • Virtuous behaviour guided by the essential precept or training
    • Good counsel / teacher
    • Acquiring the wisdom on the rising and falling of things
 
14
 Jetavana monastery, Savathi
  • Higher Ordination of Rahula
15
 Kapilavastu
  • Death of King Suppabuddha, the father of Yasodhara
16
 City of Alavi
  • Taming of Alavaka, the demon that devoured human flesh (Alavaka Sutta)
17
 Veluvana Monastery, Rajagaha
  • Auction of Sirima, a beautiful courtesan

    •  “Behold thus painted image, 
     a body full of wounds, put together, diseased, 
     the object of thought of many, 
     in which there is neither permanence nor stability” (Dhammapada 147)
 
18
19
 Caliya rock
  • Expounding Dhamma to a weaver’s daughter (Year 18)

    •  “Blinded in this world; 
     Few here clearly see. 
     Like a bird that escape from the net 
     only a few go to a good state of existence,” (Dhammapada 174)
20
 Veluvana Monastery, Rajagaha
  • Framing of the Buddha by heretic monks
  • Conversion of Angulimala
  • Admitting Kisagotami into the Nun Order
  • King Bimbisara’s adoption of Nun Kassapa’s son
 

Conclusion

Driven by compassion, the Buddha expounded his teaching 
without keeping back what was required for man’s deliverance from Samsara.

Perfect enlightenment 
is not the prerogative of a single chosen being by a mighty God. 
It is an achievement open to anyone 
who earnestly strives for purity and wisdom.

        “By oneself is evil done;
        By oneself is one defiled;
        By oneself is evil left undone;
        By oneself is one purified;
        Purity and impurity depend on oneself
        No one can purify another”
Do not believe any being can give you instantaneous Nibbana. 
The Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha is your constant guide in your strive to Nibbana.
 
 
 

 
 
 

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