Tag Archives: Teaching Moral Law Against Wishes
23. Teaching Moral Law Against Wishes
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta reigned in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born and grew up in a brahmin house, and became the chief pupil of a world-famed teacher at Takkasila. At that time this teacher preached the moral law to any one that he might see, fishermen etc., even if they did not want it, repeatedly bidding them receive the law. But though they received it, they kept it not. The teacher spoke of it to his disciples. His disciples said, “Holy Sir! you preach to them against their wishes, and therefore they break the law. Hence preach only to those who wish to hear you, and not to those who do not wish.” The teacher was filled with regret, but even so he still laid down the law to all whom he happened to see.
