The ‘most wanted man’ becomes an Arahat Bhikkhu

By Premasara Epasinghe

King Pasenadi Kosala had a learned Brahamin named Bhaggava Gagga as one of his ministers. He was an expert in astrology, who cast horoscopes and advised the king on good and bad times. Whenever the king wished to launch an important project or discuss a personal matter, he consulted astrologer minister to fix an auspicious time.

The King's astrologer was thrilled, when his wife was blessed with a sweet baby boy. He was on cloud nine. Thereupon, he cast his son's horoscope. However, his joy turned to sorrow. The planets of the horoscope indicated that the baby would be a notorious criminal. Due to superstitious fear, Brahamin Gagga thought that by naming his son, Ahimsaka, which means harmless or innocent would ward off the malefic influence of the stars.

Ahimsaka grew up into a fine youth and excelled as an all-round student. He was sent to Taxila, the famous seat of learning to pursue his higher studies under the tutelage of renowned Guru Disapamok Acharya. Ahimsaka was intelligent and an all-rounder who incurred the jealousy of his fellow students. They carried various false stories to the Guru Disapamok and warned him to be careful about Ahimsaka. At the beginning Disapamok did not believe the stories, but eventually as the students consistently prejudiced his mind, he began to keep vigil over him.

When he passed out from Taxila, he advised the brilliant all-round student Ahimsaka to pay him a professional fee. He told Ahimsaka to settle with it one thousand fingers from human hands. This horrified Ahimsaka. He was unhappy. But, as an obedient student he had to fulfil his teacher's request. On his way home to the city of Kosala, he entered the famous Jalina forest with a sword, started waylaying the people he met and collected 999 fingers and used them as a necklace.

Bandit

King Pasenadi Kosala and his people were fear-stricken about the bandit now known as Angulimala which means ‘Finger Necklace'. He became the most wanted man and rewards were offered to anyone who captured him. No one took the challenge.

The helpless parents were very worried over the plight of their only son. Angulimala's mother, Mantani who went to the forest, cried out that her son must pay heed to Brahamin family traditions by renouncing killings to obtain one more finger. The son would not have spared even his mother.

The Buddha who foresaw his impending doom, knew, he was destined to be an Arahat.

Angulimala who saw the resplendent Buddha entering the forest, thought that His thumb would be a fitting finale to the series of “Bloody Thumbs”. Angulimala ran as fast as he could behind the Buddha. The Buddha was serene, moving at a measured pace. Angulimala could not get close to the Buddha.

In desperation hitting his sword, Angulimala shouted at the Buddha Tittha Samana, meaning stop ascetic. The Buddha said, “I have stopped. You too must stop”. The word inspired him. Angulimala wished to know the meaning of the word, stop. Having explained its meaning, the Buddha said that one must put an end to this Samsaric journey, and attain the bliss of deathlessness. Angulimala flung the “finger garland” and the sword aside, and prostrating before the Buddha's feet pleaded that he be ordained. At the end of the discourse, Angulimala having being ordained, was taken to the Jetavana Monastery.

Notorious killer

A few days later, when the Buddha and Angulimala were in the Jetavana Temple, King Pasenadi Kosala and a retinue of soldiers visited them. The King told the Buddha that there was a notorious killer by the name, Angulimala in his kingdom and that he would set out to capture him.

When the Buddha having explained the entire episode introduced Angulimala to him, the king who could not believe it inquired about his clan and parents. Angulimala said “Oh, King, my beloved father is your minister Bhaggava Gagga and my mother is Mantani”.

The King in paying a tribute to the Buddha said, “Ven. Sir, it was wonderful and almost incredible that without a stick or sword you could pacify those who I cannot. Angulimala led a life of simplicity and solitude under the Buddha's guidance and eventually became Arahat Angulimala Thera.

The Buddha related the story of Angulimala – the fearless, who got rid of his defilements and uttered the following stanza:

“Usabin: A bull – a leader; Pavaram; noble; Viram: Full of effort; Mahesim: A great sage; Vijitavinam: who has fully conquered; Anejam – Devoid of craving; Nahatakam: Who has washed away evil; Buddham: Knowing the essentials; Tam: Him; Aham: I, Brahamanam; Brumi: Declare a Brahamana

- Dhammapada – Chapter 26
(Brahmana Vagga – Stanza – 422)

As an Arahat Bhikkhu Angulimala did not harm even an ant. One day Angulimala Thera on his Pindapatha heard the labour pains of a woman. He told the Buddha about his concern at such suffering and begged Him to allay the anguish. The result was the preaching of Angulimala Piritha. Buddhists believed that the chanting of the following stanzas in Angulimala Piritha could help in an easy delivery.

Angulimala Pirith

“Paritamyam Bhanantassa – Nisinattanadhovanam
Udakamp, Vinaseki – Sabbemeva Pavissayam
Sothina Gabbhauttanam – Yam cha Sadhetitam Bane
Therassaangulimalassa – Lokanathena Bhasitam
Kappatahimahatejam – Parittam Tam Bhanamahe
Yatuham Bhagini Ariyaya jatiya jato Nabhijanam

Sacchincha Parinam Jivata Choropeta, Tena Sachchena Sotthi Te Hotu Sothi Gabhassati

“Yatoham Bhagin, Ariyaaya jatiya jato” stanza means – Sister, from the time of my being born in the noble birth, status Arahat, I do not know of myself having purposely deprived any living creature of life. By this truth may you be safe, may there by safety for the child in your womb.

May all your longings, aspirations be fulfilled soon!
May all come into fruition, like the waxing and waving moon!