The Vajra Parrot Squawks!

This is a poor paraphrase of a famous Old Kadampa story, related to me when I first came to India by a holy being, whom I hope will forgive my artistic license and inaccuracies ;-)

In olden times an eminent master had 4 heart-disciples on whom he poured the entirety of the teachings, initiations and pith instructions he possessed. When he had nothing left to give, he dismissed them and they travelled to the four corners of Asia to put into practice what had been given to them.

After some years the Master summoned a secretary to enquire about the life and progress of these four disciples.

The secretary, in glowing terms, narrated that the first disciple was attracting huge crowds of followers and was tireless in giving the nectar of Buddhadharma to whomsoever needed it. His eloquence was legendary; many flocked from miles around to hear his words, which flowed like honey from his tongue.

"Very good." the Master smiled. "And the others?"

"Your second disciple has built monasteries and Dharma centres all over the land, as far as the eye can see!" the secretary gushed. "He has been assiduous in gaining many important sponsors, both royal and merchants. With the fortune he has accumulated through their generosity he has commissioned the very finest craftsmen to carve and gild the most beautiful statues of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas seen in living memory."

"Impressive." the Master replied. "Carry on ..."

"Your third venerable disciple has printed the collection of all the sutras and tantras countless times over, as well as the commentaries and other texts, and has disseminated the Holy Dharma far and wide, benefitting countless beings, both high and low!"

"Wonderful. And what about my last disciple?" The master enquired.

The secretary fell silent for a moment and looked anxious.

"I'm not sure how to tell you," he began nervously. "Your fourth disciple, for all these years, has taught nothing, built nothing and disseminated nothing."

The Master's eyebrows raised quizzically, prompting the secretary to continue. "My emissaries report that all he does is sit in the dust in the dry valley outside a city in floods of tears, day and night, watching the people going about their business, and sharing what scraps of food he has with the beggars."

At this the Master beamed with joy, arose from his throne, and descended to the floor, asking the secretary to indicate the direction of this city. Then, facing that way, he prostrated many times and, on finishing, exclaimed, "Of all my disciples this is my true heart-son! He has fully mastered and integrated every teaching he has been given!"

Today we have many teachers, many Dharma centres and many books yet how many people actualise the teachings?

We can buy high initiations, tickets to see snazzy pop star lamas, gold-plated Buddhas from Patan or the silkiest zen from www.Dharma.inc but what's the point if we don't have compassion for the others going about their business?