Once the Buddha was teaching in Shravasti, home to a wealthy merchant who owned many pieces of fine jewelry and precious gems. The merchant decided to offer his jewels to King Prasenajit. Delighted, the king sent for his wives, declaring that he would award the exquisite ornaments to the most beautiful one among them.
Each hoping to win the king’s favor, the wives dressed in their most elegant finery. Among them, only Queen Mallika was absent. The king noticed and asked his attendant where she was. The attendant replied, “The queen is observing the eight prohibitive and fasting precepts1, which require her to relinquish wearing any make-up and jewelry. Thus, the queen does not attend.”
King Prasenajit was disappointed and sent his attendant to ask her to come out. Queen Mallika appeared wearing simple clothes, devoid of any adornments and cosmetics. Nevertheless, her entire body radiated a pure light and looked even more dignified than usual.
Surprised, the king asked, “Why do you look so different from everyone here?” She answered, “For many kalpas, I have cultivated little merit. Instead, the unwholesome karma I’ve accumulated result in my many attachments. This life is brief and impermanent. If we don’t cultivate diligently, it will be easily to fall into the three wretched realms. Hence, I receive and uphold the eight precepts every month, abandoning my desires to follow the Buddhadharma. Practicing like this, I hope I can receive the benefits of the Buddha’s teaching.”
Hearing this, the king was delighted and decided to give Queen Mallika the precious jewels. However, she responded, “Thank you, my king. But today I am upholding the eight precepts and it would be inappropriate to wear these jewels. If you would, please give them to someone else.” The king said, “You are the most beautiful and dignified woman here. Also, by upholding the Buddha’s precepts, your mind is pure and calm, earning the respect and admiration of others. If you do not accept these gifts, what could I possibly do with them?” She answered, “Please come with me, your highness, and we will offer them to the Buddha.”
Thus, the king and queen traveled with their retinue to see the Buddha. After making prostrations, the king, holding the jewels in hand, told the Buddha, “Queen Mallika is upholding the eight precepts and does not desire the precious jewels I have offered her. We have therefore come before you to offer these treasures and hope you will receive them out of great compassion.” The king also asked, “Are there any merits to upholding the eight precepts and practicing the Dharma?” Accepting the offering, the Buddha uttered a verse for those present:
“Scent of sandalwood and lotus flowers,
Though said to be pure,
Cannot compare to the fragrance of precepts.
How can odor as feeble have any substance?
The fragrance of upholding the precepts is foremost,
Even in heaven it is so.
Perfecting the precepts, one’s actions are always right.
Liberation is at hand, away from maras’ path.”
The Buddha told King Prasenajit, “The merits from upholding the precepts are immeasurable and lasting. One obtains a good reputation and the respect of their peers. If one gives all the treasures of the world as offerings, this merit would still be less than a single day of upholding the precepts. Upholding the eight precepts frees one from afflictions and leads one to nirvana. Worldly merits are incomparable to the merit of the precepts.” After the Buddha finished speaking, all those present joyously resolved to practice the teaching and embrace the Dharma.
REFLECTION
Art that is elegant but shallow lacks the power to inspire people. In the same way, attractive people who lack an elevated mind cannot truly earn the respect and admiration of others. Therefore, the wise do not try to appeal to others, but rather strive to improve their inner cultivation.
By upholding the eight precepts, our material desires and attachments will lessen over time. As a result, the three karmas of body, speech, and mind will gradually be purified and our merits will increase. In addition, as the mind becomes more refined, our inherent wisdom is naturally revealed. Therefore, upholding the precepts is a Dharma gate that helps us cultivate both merits and wisdom.