Date: 10/25/2025 10/26/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Dharma Talk
The Story of King Bimbisāra Inviting the Buddha
In the past, when Śākyamuni Buddha was teaching the Dharma at the Bamboo Grove Monastery in Rājagṛha, one day King Bimbisāra, out of deep admiration for the Buddha’s virtue, led his ministers to the monastery to pay homage to him. After bowing at the Buddha’s feet, King Bimbisāra knelt before him and earnestly requested to make offerings.
“May the World-Honored One be compassionate! Please lead your disciples to the royal palace and accept my offerings for life.” King Bimbisāra looked up at the Buddha, awaiting his reply. However, the Buddha, wishing to give others the chance to create merit, did not agree.
“If not for life, then please allow me to offer support for twelve years.” Still, the Buddha did not consent.
“If not twelve years, then please allow me to provide offerings for twelve months.” Again, the Buddha remained silent.
“World-Honored One, if not twelve months, then at least allow me to serve you for three months.” King Bimbisāra earnestly pleaded, never giving up the rare opportunity to make offerings to the Buddha. At this point, the Buddha finally accepted the king’s request.
King Bimbisāra was overjoyed. He immediately ordered his people to clear the roads, sweep away stones and debris, making the path smooth and clean. He erected magnificent banners, hung jeweled bells, sprinkled scented water, scattered fine flowers, and prepared beds, mats, and food—completing the four requisites of offerings. When everything was ready, the ministers carried banners and parasols, focusing their minds respectfully to welcome the Buddha and the monks.
As the Buddha stepped into Rājagṛha and set foot upon the threshold, the earth shook auspiciously. Limitless treasures naturally appeared, the blind regained sight, the deaf heard sound, the mute spoke, the crippled were healed, the poor gained wealth, and from the sky came wondrous music. Elephants, horses, and birds voiced harmonious cries, while from the heavens fragrant rain and celestial flowers fell in profusion. Such marvelous signs amazed all who witnessed them.
Arriving at the palace, the king respectfully offered a hundred delicacies to the Buddha and the monks. After three months of offerings, the Buddha expounded profound Dharma for the king. Filled with joy at hearing the unsurpassed teaching, King Bimbisāra further offered precious robes to the Buddha and the Sangha. At this time, the monks asked the Buddha: “World-Honored One, by what causes and conditions do you now receive such extraordinary offerings?”
The Buddha compassionately explained: “In countless ages past, in the city of Vārāṇasī, a Buddha named Chamma appeared in the world. He led his disciples to many lands to teach the Dharma. When they arrived in the kingdom of Jewel-Victory, King Jāci heard of the Buddha’s coming. Rejoicing, he led his ministers to welcome him. With utmost sincerity, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, knelt before him, and requested to make offerings. Chamma Buddha compassionately accepted, and preached the Dharma. Hearing this, the king’s heart was filled with joy, and there, before the Buddha, he gave rise to the supreme aspiration for enlightenment. The Buddha then gave him a prediction: ‘In a future life, you will become a Buddha named Śākyamuni, bringing limitless benefit and peace to all beings.’”
The Buddha told the assembly: “At that time, King Jāci was myself, and those ministers are now the present monks. Because of the sincere offering to the Buddha, for countless lifetimes we did not fall into the three evil realms of hell, hungry ghosts, or animals. Instead, we enjoyed happiness among gods and humans, until today when Buddhahood is attained and both humans and devas come forth to make offerings.”
When the monks, King Bimbisāra, and his ministers heard the Buddha’s words, their hearts were filled with joy. Not only did they understand the supreme merit of making offerings, but they also followed the Buddha’s teaching, generated the aspiration for enlightenment, and widely cultivated wholesome Dharma.
