Buddha And Upali

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 12:08

Upali the chief follower of the Jain master, Mahavira, made public appearances for debates on behalf of the Jains attributing to his intelligence.

It so happened that Upali once confronted Buddha in a debate. Being impressed by Buddha's words he requested Buddha to accept him as His disciple.

He said : "Venerable Sir, please accept me as your follower"

The enlightened one answered "Upali you are swayed by emotions. Go home and give a thought to it carefully before you request me again".

Buddha's reply only strengthened his impression on the master and said "If it was any other Guru he would go about with pride saying that Mahavira's chief disciple has become my follower. But you Sir, you asked me to go home and reconsider. My impression on you has in fact doubled and I seek to become your follower. I will maintain my stand until you accept me!"

Buddha ultimately consented to accept Upali but under one condition. He said : "Upali as a Jain you had always distributed alms to the Jain monks. Even when you become my follower, you will still continue to give alms to the Jain monks. This is my condition"

Upali accepted the condition of Buddha. He later became one of the chief and noted disciples of Buddha. It is also to be noted that Upali was the one who compiled the Vinaya, the rules for monks.