Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

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The Moon Released (Theragāthā 871-873)

Poem
Andrew Olendzki
Fall 2001

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Of all the monks and nuns who awakened under the guidance of the Buddha, none was more notorious than the author of these verses, the robber and murderer Aṅgulimāla. Originally named Ahimsaka (the harmless one), he was the son of the brahmin chaplain to the Kosala king and became a brilliant student in the medical school at Takkasilā. On account of a number of intrigues perpetrated by his jealous classmates, he set upon a course of ambushing victims on the road and cutting off their thumbs in order to asssemble a “garland of thumbs” which is the translation of his monastic name Aṅgulimāla.

The Buddha fearlessly confronted the robber and helped him to see the error of his ways. Then, in the face of tremendous opposition from the population, he allowed Aṅgulimāla to join the Sangha, and in due time he became an awakened Arahant. The karma of his previous deeds still followed him, however, and he was later stoned in the street by an angry mob. Coming into the teachers presence “with blood running from his cut head, with his bowl broken, and with his outer robe torn,” the Buddha simply said, “Bear it, brahmin, bear it! You are experiencing here and now the result of [your] deeds…”

It is within this context that the above verses were composed. The author is clearly referring to his own emergence from negligence and unwholesome deeds into a wiser and more wholesome understanding. I cannot help but feel this story is timely, whether referring to individuals who have committed terrible deeds yet being capable of radical transformation, or to a nation looking more closely at its impact in the world. The goodness that fills our world may well be poised to emerge, like the bright moon, from behind the clouds which far too often obscure it.

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Insight Journal

Fall 2001

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In this issue:

It Can Be Very Simple

By Ajahn Sundarā

Interview

How to Understand

By Joseph Goldstein

Article

Stillness and Insight

By Christina Feldman

Article

Healing or Harming

By Andrew Olendzki

Article

A Simple Matter of Choice?

By Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia

Article

Leaving No Trace

By Nancy Waring

Article

The Moon Released (Theragāthā 871-873)

By Andrew Olendzki

Poem

Tapas

By Paul Fleischman

Poem

 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • New and Notable
    • Mission and Values
    • Solidarity Statement
    • Board of Directors
    • IMS
    • Staff
    • Job Openings
    • Getting to BCBS
    • Mailing List
    • Contact Us
  • Upcoming Courses
    • Current Course Calendar
    • Everything You Need to Know
    • Typical Residential Schedule
    • Self-Study
    • Continuing Education Credits
    • Financial Assistance
    • Teacher Dāna
  • Online Programs
    • Upcoming Programs
    • Wisdom Collaborations
    • Previously Offered Programs
    • Cancellation Policy
  • Teaching Faculty
  • Resources
    • Bhikkhu Anālayo’s Offerings
    • The Daily Sit
    • Insight Journal
    • BCBS Bookstore
    • BCBS Publishing
    • Access to Insight
    • Ways to Engage in Social Justice
  • Recordings
    • Events
    • Courses
  • Generosity
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Teacher Dāna
    • Planned Giving
    • Stock Transfers