Date: 03/29/2025 03/30/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Dharma Talk
Venerable Bhaggadā Cleanses the Stupa and Attains Heavenly Blessings
During the final age of the Dharma following the parinirvāṇa of Dīpaṅkara Buddha, there was a poor man who, having no particular skills, could only make a living by selling firewood.
One day, while the poor man was collecting firewood in a marshy area, he saw a majestic stupa standing in the distance. Overcome with joy, he hurried toward the stupa with the intention of paying homage.
However, upon reaching the stupa, he saw that the surroundings were overgrown with thorny bushes, and wild animals, wolves, foxes, and birds roamed freely around the site. The entire stupa was desolate and abandoned, making the scene appear incredibly gloomy.
Seeing that the śarīra (relics) of Dīpaṅkara Buddha had no one to offer respects and that the stupa was left unattended, the poor man felt deep sorrow in his heart.
Without hesitation, he rolled up his sleeves and began clearing the weeds, thoroughly cleaning the area around the stupa until it looked radiant and renewed.
Gazing upon the now pure and dignified stupa, he felt immense joy, circumambulated the stupa eight times, then prostrated in deep reverence before departing.
Due to this meritorious act, after his death, the poor man was reborn in the Abhāsvara Heaven, residing in a radiant palace adorned with the seven precious treasures.
When his heavenly lifespan ended, he repeatedly alternated between heaven and the human realm for one hundred lifetimes, and for ninety eons, he never fell into the lower realms.
At times, he was reborn as a Cakravartin (Wheel-Turning King) who ruled over the entire world. Other times, he was born into noble families, such as royal dynasties or the households of wealthy elders, possessing immeasurable riches.
Not only was his appearance majestic and dignified, bringing joy to all who saw him, but wherever he walked, the roads would cleanse themselves, and heavenly jewel flowers would rain down.
During the time of Śākyamuni Buddha, this former poor man encountered the Buddha, and thus, he renounced all worldly wealth and status, ordaining as a monk and diligently cultivating the path.
In the end, he attained Arahantship.
This poor man of the past was none other than Venerable Bhaggadā.
