Why Did Sakka Become the Lord of the Gods? A Lesson from a Spot in a Crowded Market

Through the story of King Sakka, Venerable Thich Chan Quang teaches about the practice of non-diligence, rejoicing when others benefit, and letting go of the ego. This is the path to achieving wholesome results.

Imagine you are sitting and listening to a teaching. If someone pulls your chair away so they can sit there, how would you feel? Would you be proud, angry, or feel cheated? Perhaps everyone has experienced that discomfort when their spot is "stolen," even if it is just a small standing place in a busy market. But there was one person who felt joy when someone else took the spot he had just cleaned. That was Prince Maga, the previous life of King Sakka. This seemingly trivial incident opens up a long story about the virtue of non-diligence and the path to becoming the Lord of the Gods.

A Short Verse, A Long Story

Verse twelve of the Dhammapada says: "Sakka attained the position of Lord of the Gods through non-diligence. Non-diligence is praised; negligence is often blamed." At first glance, anyone understands this: diligent people are praised, while lazy ones are criticized. However, Venerable Thich Chan Quang emphasizes: "The Dhammapada verses are short and very easy to understand. But do we truly understand them completely? We understand nothing at all. The Dhammapada is extremely complex and difficult." Because we think we already understand, we often skim over the text and miss its profound meaning.

Cleaning a Spot in a Crowded Market

In ancient times, in a rural market, crowds were dense and chaotic. Prince Maga saw muddy ground, so he bent down and used his feet to clear a clean spot to stand on. Yet, as soon as he finished, someone pushed him aside and took the spot. He silently moved and cleared another place. He continued doing this until he had prepared dozens of spots for many people. When others took his places, he did not get angry; instead, he felt happy. Venerable Chan Quang explains: "He shared in the happiness of those other people. When a person does not stand in their own position but stands in the position of others, that person is altruistic."

From Small Acts to Great Vows

Not stopping there, he went home, gathered tools, and called servants to clear a large area to build a new market. Everyone flocked there, while he continued to work. Then he thought: "Living in this world, using our energy to help others with simple tasks so they have convenience makes life truly meaningful." Thus, he led thirty-two other young men to cut thorns, clear paths, and build rest houses for travelers. This was when he practiced seven vows: caring for parents, respecting elders, speaking kindly, not speaking ill behind backs, being generous in giving, speaking truthfully, and never losing one's temper.

As a result, blessings from merit accumulated over many lifetimes. When his life ended, he and his thirty-two friends were reborn in the heavenly realm as devas, and he became King Sakka.

The Ego – A Monster That Rages When Touched

Returning to the story of clearing the ground, Venerable Chan Quang asks: why can't we remain calm when someone takes our spot? It is because we stand in our own position and feel disadvantaged. He gives examples: when a neighbor's dog digs up our vegetable garden, or when someone slaps us falsely, we immediately flare up. Why? Because "My body, my possessions, my honor, and my money are all part of my ego. When my ego is touched, it reacts instantly. My ego is a monster. Touch it, and it rages."

People can become angry over a dog digging in the garden, losing a standing spot, or their child not being chosen. All of this stems from the ego being triggered.

Standing in Others' Shoes – The Key to Escaping Afflictions

When pushed out of a spot, if we look from the other person's perspective, we see that they gained something and are happy. We rejoice in their happiness. This is true altruism. The teacher instructs: "We feel pride and anger over perceived losses because we stand in our own position, focused on ourselves. But if we stand in the position of others and see their gain, we become joyful."

Thanks to compassion and dwelling in wholesome karma, Prince Maga and his thirty-two companions escaped an unjust death caused by trampling elephants. The heavenly realm was glorious, but that merit came from humble actions performed with a selfless mind.

Learning from King Sakka

The lesson lies not in becoming a king of gods, but in recognizing that every small action contains a state of mind. When we clear a clean spot, help someone find convenience, or accept a loss so others may rejoice, we are practicing non-diligence. We can begin right now: take a deep breath when insulted, try shifting your perspective to view things from the other side, and feel their joy. As the teacher said: "We must learn to choose the good aspects of life. Good wishes and good thoughts are the steps that lift us upward."

Practice this daily, and you will find your mind light and free, like a prince clearing earth in the middle of a bustling market.