Date: 02/01/2025 02/02/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Dharma Talk
Lady Mallika Observes Precepts and Refuses the Fragrant Ornaments
After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the Buddha traveled to Rajagaha to propagate the Dharma. Later, he went to Shravasti to teach and guide sentient beings, earning the deep respect of King Prasenajit and his ministers.
At that time, there was a great merchant named Pali, who led five hundred traders to sea in search of treasures. As their ship sailed across the vast ocean, the sea deity suddenly appeared before them. Holding water in his hands, the sea deity asked Pali, “Between the ocean water and the water in my hands, which is greater?”
Pali replied, “Of course, the water in your hands is greater. Although the ocean is vast and immeasurable, it cannot save a thirsty person. In contrast, the small amount of water in your hands can quench someone’s thirst and save their life. By planting blessings in this way, one accumulates merits that extend across countless lifetimes.”
Hearing Pali’s response, the sea deity found it very reasonable and praised him repeatedly. In admiration, the deity removed eight types of fragrant ornaments and jewelry from his body and gifted them to Pali. He also prepared gold, silver, lapis lazuli, and other precious treasures for them to take back. With the sea deity’s divine assistance, Pali and his men safely reached land and happily embarked on their journey home.
Upon returning to Shravasti, Pali thought that such rare and precious fragrant ornaments were not suitable for an ordinary person like himself. Therefore, he went to the royal palace to present these treasures to King Prasenajit. The king was overjoyed upon receiving such exquisite jewels and immediately summoned his consorts, declaring that he would reward the most beautiful among them with these ornaments.
Upon hearing the announcement, every consort in the palace exerted their utmost effort to adorn themselves, hoping to be the fortunate one chosen by the king. The consorts appeared before the king one by one, but Lady Mallika was absent. The king asked, “Why hasn’t Lady Mallika come?”
A servant replied, “Today is the fifteenth day, and Lady Mallika is observing the Eight Precepts. Because she is dressed simply and has not adorned herself, she did not come.”
The king was displeased and sent a messenger to relay his command: “Just because you are observing precepts today, does that mean you can disobey the king’s order and refuse to appear?”
After the royal decree was delivered three times, Lady Mallika finally came before everyone. She was simply dressed, without any ornaments, and her face was free of cosmetics. Yet, her entire being radiated a brilliant light, making her look more dignified than ever.
The king was astonished and respectfully asked, “What kind of cultivation allows you to appear so different from the others?”
Lady Mallika replied, “I reflect on my past lifetimes and realize that I have cultivated little merit and virtue. As a result, I was born as a woman in this life, burdened with deep emotions and heavy karma, and my defilements are as vast as a mountain. Moreover, human life is short. If I do not diligently practice, even a slight lapse could lead me to fall into the three lower realms. Thus, I sincerely observe the precepts every month, renouncing worldly attachments and following the Buddha’s teachings. I aspire to receive the benefits of the Dharma in all my future lives and to increase my merit and virtue.”
The king was delighted upon hearing this and decided to award the fragrant ornaments to Lady Mallika. However, she told the king, “Today I am observing precepts, so it is inappropriate for me to wear these fragrant ornaments. Please offer them to someone else.”
The king replied, “I intended to give these precious jewels to the most beautiful consort, and you are the most dignified among them. Moreover, your devotion to the Buddha’s precepts and your pure spiritual resolve are admirable. If you refuse out of humility, what should I do?”
Lady Mallika responded, “Your Majesty need not worry. If possible, I hope that you will accompany me to the Buddha’s monastery and offer these fragrant ornaments to the Buddha. In doing so, we will receive boundless blessings in this and future lives.”
The king immediately arranged a carriage and accompanied Lady Mallika to pay homage to the Buddha.
Upon arriving at the monastery, King Prasenajit sincerely prostrated before the Buddha and then stood humbly beside the seat prepared for him. Holding the treasures, the king addressed the Buddha:
“These fragrant ornaments were gifts from the sea deity to the merchant Pali, who then offered them to me. All the consorts in my palace desired them, yet Lady Mallika, in observing the precepts, remained free from greed and declined the gifts. Following her suggestion, we have come today to offer these treasures to the Blessed One. We humbly request that the Blessed One accept them with compassion.”
The king then asked, “Venerable Buddha, by sincerely supporting my consort’s observance of the precepts and devoutly following the path of the Dharma, will I gain merit and virtue?”
Moved by the king’s sincerity, the Buddha accepted the fragrant ornaments and spoke the following verse to the assembly:
“Many make floral adornments, crafting intricate ornaments,
But the fragrance of virtue is even greater;
The scent of precious flowers does not travel against the wind,
Yet the fragrance of virtue reaches far and wide.
Sandalwood, blue lotus, and other fragrant flowers,
Though truly fragrant, cannot compare to the scent of morality.
The scent of flowers is faint and fleeting,
But the fragrance of morality surpasses all, even in the heavens.
One who perfects morality and lives with diligence,
Cultivates concentration and wisdom, and forever escapes the realm of demons.”
The Buddha then said to King Prasenajit, “The merit of observing the precepts is vast and long-lasting. It brings one a good reputation and the love and respect of others. Even if one were to make offerings of treasures equivalent to the wealth of the sixteen great kingdoms, the resulting merit would not compare to the merit of Lady Mallika’s observance of the precepts for just one day and one night. Compared to her merit, Mount Sumeru is as insignificant as a tiny bean. Thus, observing precepts is a path of cultivating both merit and wisdom, leading to liberation from afflictions and the attainment of Nirvana. No worldly fortune can compare to it.”
Upon hearing the Buddha’s teachings, the king, Lady Mallika, and the ministers were filled with great joy. They resolved to follow the Buddha’s teachings and uphold the righteous Dharma.
