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Crossing the Rohini (Therāgāthā 527-9)

Article
Andrew Olendzki
Spring 2004

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These verses are said to have been uttered by Udāyin (nick-named Kāla Udayin or “Dark Udāyin“). He was the son of king Suddhodhana’ chief minister, and is said to have been the childood companion of prince Siddhartha. Soon after Gotama’s awakening, the king sent several messengers to ask his son to return home. Each one, upon hearing the Buddha’s teaching, apparently joined his movement and gave up the king’s mission. Finally Sud­dhodhana sends Kaludayin, who agrees on condition that he can become a follower of the Buddha upon getting him to return home for a visit.

The Rohini river runs through the heart of the Buddha’s homeland, marking the border between the lands of the Sākyas and the Koḷiyas (his father’s and mother’s families, respectively). Since the verses are uttered in Rajagaha, well to the southeast, a returning journey would face the traveller westward. One commentary says that Kaludayin went on for sixty stanzas of this beautiful nature poetry before asking the Buddha to return, but we only have the first few of these. The language is rich and evocative of spring sights and smells. It is composed in a meter of eleven syllables per line.

The Buddha does indeed go home soon after his awakening, where he picks up a number of family members to join his order. These include his half brother (Nanda), several cousins (Ānanda, Anuruddha, and Devadatta), and his son (Rāhula). Eventually his wife (Yosodharā), step-mother (Mahāpajāpatī) and many other Sākyas will also become nuns and monks.

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Insight Journal

Spring 2004

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In this volume:

The Non-Pursuit of Happiness

By Andrew Olendzki

Article

Sharing What You Love

By Trudy Goodman

Interview

Fear, Pain …and Trust

By Joseph Goldstein

Article

The Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness

By Andrew Olendzki

Sutta Study

All About Change

By Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Article

Teaching Meditation to Children and Beginners

By Sumi Loundon

Article

Crossing the Rohini (Therāgāthā 527-9)

By Andrew Olendzki

Article

 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • New and Notable
    • COVID-19 Safety Protocols
    • Mission and Values
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Board of Directors
    • IMS
    • Staff
    • Job Openings
    • Getting to BCBS
    • Mailing List
    • Contact Us
  • Onsite Programs
    • Current Course Calendar
    • Everything You Need to Know About Residential Programs
    • Typical Residential Schedule
    • Continuing Education Credits
    • Financial Assistance
    • Teacher Dāna
  • Online Programs
    • Upcoming Programs
    • Wisdom Collaborations
    • Previously Offered Programs
    • Cancellation Policy
  • Path Programs
  • Teaching Faculty
  • Resources
    • Insight Journal
    • Bhikkhu Anālayo’s Offerings
    • The Daily Sit
    • Freely Offered Dharma
      • Events
      • Courses
    • BCBS Publishing
    • BCBS Bookstore
    • Access to Insight
    • Dharma Seed
    • Ways to Engage in Social Justice
  • Generosity
    • Donate
    • Recurring Donations
    • Planned Giving
    • Stocks, DAFs, and IRA Gifts
    • Teacher Dāna
    • Volunteer