The precious gift of speech

by Premasara Epasinghe

The people in general face eight kinds of vicissitudes. They are Labha (Gain), Alabha (Loss), Ayaso (Neglect), Yaso (Attention), Ninda (Humiliation) Pasamsa (Praise), Sukha (Pleasure) and Dukkha (Pain). They are known as Eight Vicissitudes of Life (Attha Loka Dharma). Ordinary people are shaken by the vicissitudes.

The intelligent people are aware of the changing world. So, they remain unmoved.

The Buddha, as a great communicator, explains in poetic language, sometimes using beautiful similes the value of patience. In the following stanza, the Buddha compares mental stability to the solidness of a rock that remains unshaken by the wind.

The awareness of wise people and their unshaken mind, in the face of vicissitudes are summed up as follows.

Knowing this, the mind of the saga, closely observes the changing experience, his mind not lured by pleasing experience.

The wise people consider the vicissitudes. They study them carefully. They know, they are subject to fluctuation. They think about impermanence. It brings them calm.

Bhaddiya

The Buddha recited the following verse, in relation to physically short statured Bhikkhu Ven. Lakuntaka Bhaddiya.

Selo Yatha Ekaghano,
Vatena Na Samirati,
Evain Nindapasamsasu,
Na Saminjanti Panditha,

(Pandita Vagga – Verse Stanza 80)

Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishna, translated this verse in Dhammapada – (Pandita Vagga – the wise – verse – stanza 80) thus:

As a solid rock that cannot be shaken by the wind; the wise are not moved by blame or praise.

The story woven around the stanza, relates to Lakuntaka Bhaddiya (Lakuntaka means dwarf) an Arahat physically of short stature, who was foremost among the Sangha, for his voice.

There was an interesting poem, about Ven. Lakuntaka Bghaddhiya.
His voice vibrating with sweet melodious music.
The voice brought devotees to Dhamma fold,
Though, Lakuntaka Bhaddhiya, was puny to behold,

Curing minds by physic.

Golden voice

Arahat Bhaddhiya, was born as a dwarf Lakuntaka, as a result of a past karma. The Bhaddiya Sutta shows that the Buddha praised the humped back and small made Lakuntaka Bhaddhiya, as a highly talented and gifted person.

His melodious voice, came next to that of the Buddha. The Buddha compared Lakuntaka Bhaddhiya's voice to the singing of bird Kuravika (Indian Nightingale).

The gift of voice is the most precious.Another great quality of Arahat Lakuntaka Bhaddhiya was his patience. He was good natured, kind-hearted and compassionate when the resident Bhikkhus pulled his ear, nose or patted his head making funny remarks such as “How are you old uncle, are you happy or bored as a Bhikkhu”. He remained unperturbed.

The great short-statured Arahat Lakuntaka Bhaddhiya, smiled and never spoke a harsh word against the Bhikkhus who made these odd remarks and never lost his temper. He possessed a load of patience.

The story of Lakuntaka Bhaddhiya is an exemplary person for all of us who tend to lose our temper. If we maintain our cool, it will bring us happiness.