Dhammapada Verse 164
Kalatthera Vatthu
Yo sasanam arahatam
ariyanam dhammajivinam
patikkosati dummedho
ditthim nissaya papikam
phalani katthakasseva
attaghataya phallati.
Verse 164: The foolish man who, on account of his wrong views, scorns the
teaching of homage-worthy Noble Ones (Ariyas) who live according to the Dhamma
is like the bamboo which bears fruit for its own destruction.
The Story of Thera Kala
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (164) of
this book, with reference to Thera Kala.
Once in Savatthi, an elderly woman was looking after a Thera named Kala, like
her own son. One day hearing from her neighbours about the virtues of the
Buddha, she wished very much to go to the Jetavana monastery and listen to the
discourses given by the Buddha. So she told Thera Kala about her wishes; but the
thera advised her against it. Three times she spoke to him about her wishes but
he always dissuaded her. But one day, in spite of his dissuasion, the lady
decided to go. After asking her daughter to look to the needs of Thera Kala she
left the house. When Thera Kala came on his usual round of alms-food, he learned
that the lady of the house had left for the Jetavana monastery. Then he
reflected, "It is quite possible that the lady of this house is losing her
faith in me." So, he made haste and quickly followed her to the monastery.
There, he found her listening to the discourse being given by the Buddha. He
approached the Buddha respectfully, and said, "Venerable Sir! This woman is
very dull; she will not be able to understand the sublime Dhamma; please teach
her only about charity (dana) and morality (sila)."
The Buddha knew very well that Thera Kala was talking out of spite and with
an ulterior motive. So he said to Thera Kala, "Bhikkhu! Because you are
foolish and because of your wrong view, you scorn my Teaching. You yourself are
your own ruin; in fact, you are only trying to destroy yourself."
Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:
| Verse 164: The foolish man who, on account of his
wrong views, scorns the teaching of homage-worthy Noble Ones (Ariyas)
who live according to the Dhamma is like the bamboo which bears fruit
for its own destruction.
|
At the end of the discourse the elderly lady attained Sotapatti Fruition.