One night, when the Buddha was staying at Jetavana Monastery in Shravasti, the Heavenly King, Indra, and the King of Asuras, Virochano came to pay their respects. Both radiating celestial light, they prostrated to the Buddha and sat to one side, their auras lighting the room bright as day.
The King of Asuras spoke first, “If one always cultivates diligently, one’s wishes will certainly be fulfilled. Having attained realization, one will gain true happiness.” Shortly after, the Heavenly King said, “If one always cultivates diligently, one’s wishes will indeed be fulfilled. If having reached success, one still practices tolerance, that is most extraordinary.”
The Heavenly King asked the Buddha, “Which one of our statements is the most beneficial?” The Buddha explained, “Any speech that correctly distinguishes right from wrong is beneficial. If sentient beings make true effort in pursuing what is beneficial to them, they will surely be rewarded. Most extraordinary, however, is continuing to practice tolerance, even after attaining these rewards. Therefore, we must all practice tolerance.”
The kings were filled with great joy after hearing the Buddha’s teaching. They prostrated to the Buddha and returned to their palaces.
REFLECTION
All worldly phenomena are impermanent, arising and ceasing with causes and conditions. If we become attached to our achievements and glory, we can easily be led astray by success and suffer from notions of gain and loss. No matter what circumstances we encounter, whether favorable or unfavorable, our minds must remain undisturbed by external conditions. By practicing tolerance and abiding in right thought, we will attain true peace in body and mind.