Date: 07/19/2025 07/20/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Dharma Talk
The Bhikṣu Whose Body Shone Golden
Long ago in the kingdom of Kapilavastu, there lived a wealthy elder whose fortune was immeasurable. He married a woman of noble descent, and together they had a son. The child was not only of noble appearance but radiated golden light that illuminated the entire city.
Overjoyed, the couple invited an astrologer to examine their child. Because the child emitted golden light from birth, the astrologer named him Kañcana (meaning “Gold-Colored”).
As he grew, Kañcana was gentle, kind, and devoted to filial piety. One day, he heard that the Buddha was teaching under the Nigrodha tree, so he went with his relatives to the monastery.
Seeing the Buddha’s 32 marks and 80 fine features, his whole body glowing like a thousand suns, Kañcana joyfully bowed at the Buddha’s feet and sat to listen to the Dharma. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, and Kañcana immediately awakened insight and attained Stream-entry (Sotāpanna).
Returning home, he told his parents:
“The Buddha’s radiance shines like a thousand suns illuminating heaven and earth; his disciples are orderly and serene. I wish to renounce the world and follow the Buddha. I hope you will consent.”
The couple loved their son dearly but supported his wish. Kañcana went to the monastery and humbly requested ordination. The Buddha compassionately said:
“Welcome, bhikṣu,” and immediately his hair fell away and the monastic robes appeared on his body.
After ordaining, Bhikṣu Kañcana practiced diligently and soon attained Arhatship, honored by gods and humans alike.
One day, the bhikṣus bowed to the Buddha and asked:
“World-Honored One, what past merit has Bhikṣu Kañcana cultivated to receive such splendid blessings—born into a noble family, radiating golden light, and attaining liberation under your guidance?”
The Buddha replied:
“Ninety-one kalpas ago, the Buddha Vipassī taught the Dharma in the kingdom of Bārāṇasī. When he entered Nirvāṇa, a king named Bandhumatī gathered the Buddha’s relics and built a stupa one yojana tall to enshrine them.
“As time passed, the stupa fell into disrepair. One day, a man walked by, noticed the damaged stupa, and repaired it with clay and adorned it with gold leaf. After making a vow, he left.
“Because of this virtuous deed, for ninety-one kalpas he was never reborn in the three lower realms. He always radiated golden light and enjoyed celestial and worldly pleasures.
“Moreover, in this life, he was born into a noble family, followed the Buddha, and attained liberation.”
The Buddha concluded:
“That man who repaired the stupa and applied gold leaf is now Bhikṣu Kañcana.”
The assembly rejoiced upon hearing the Buddha recount Kañcana’s past-life causes and fruits. They gladly followed his teaching.
