Master Tells Stories
The Extreme State of Riches and Poverty
When Buddha was in the Kosala Kingdom, he was often visited by King Pasenadi, the ruler of the Kingdom. One day, King Pasenadi came to Buddha to seek dharma. Upon arriving at the ashram, King Pasenadi panted heavily as he walked...
Letting Go of Fame and Fortune for Spiritual Cultivation
There was a cultivator whose father was a wealthy old man. The cultivator was raised in a family with material abundance and loving parents. Due to impermanence, his parents eventually passed away because of old age...
A Treasure Hunt by a Young Master
Once upon a time, there were two landlords who lived in a hill town. One of the landlords married a very young wife, and they were blessed with a son.
Gaining Little and Losing Big due to Greed
There was a village at the seaside. The villagers were farmers who sometimes fish from the sea. One day...
The story of a Golden Goose and a Greedy Widow
There was a poor family which the master of the household had passed away, leaving behind his wife and three daughters...
The Person in White who Cared for the Bird
There is a very old folklore in India about a man in white who rescued a little bird. Somewhere in a countryside, a group of workmen were resting under the shade after work, suddenly...
Wild Chestnut Tree
There is a fairy-tale in Japan about harmony in the animal kingdom. Somewhere in a forest high up in the mountain, there is a wild chestnut tree. One day, there was a sudden strong wind that blew the ripened chestnuts all over the ground...
The Poor Labourer’s Offering
The practice of giving is not only a privilege of the rich. As long as one has set one’s heart on doing so, one can similarly engage in the practice. The Buddha had said that the most meritorious act of giving is one that stems from a sincere and joyful..
A Thousand Pounds of Salt
A seed may appear insignificant, but once planted in soil, it has the potential to sprout and grow, and eventually become an adult plant that bears fruits. A tiny thought that arises in our mind is just like a seed ─ (it will bring about consequences...
The Most Auspicious Treasure
There was once a Brahmin that was very learned in many subjects and well-versed in the art of foretelling the future from the stars. One day, his 500 disciples gathered to have a discussion on the various auspicious treasures found in different countries
Seeking the Answers to Ignorance
In learning Buddhism, we must clearly understand how we came to this world and where we will go after death. The Buddha highlighted that we must first learn to calm and settle our minds. If we can do this, we will be able to clearly perceive everything...
The Story of Two Tigers and a Yakan
There is a story from the Buddhist sutras about two ferocious tigers, who were very close to each other and would hunt together every day. They were always followed by a treacherous yakan (a legendary wild fox), which fed on the remains of their prey.
