Light in the Dark Night

This is the story of Subha, the daughter of Anathapindika, whose steadfast faith in the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) transformed her husband's family, who followed the naked ascetics of another faith.

That day, the sky over Savatthi was stiflingly hot. The harsh rays of the sun scorched the earth, making the air inside the wealthy household feel more suffocating and tense than ever. In her private room, Subha, the only daughter of the great benefactor Anathapindika, sat quietly, her eyes turned toward the window, where rows of trees withered from lack of water. Although she had been married into her husband's family for some time, her heart still turned toward her childhood home and the faith her parents had passed down to her.

Subha was a gentle woman who had attained the fruit of stream-entry, Sotapanna, while still young. Because of a betrothal made long ago, she had been married to a wealthy nobleman living far away, one hundred and twenty miles from her parents' home. Her husband's family worshipped in the tradition of Nigantha Nataputta, the naked ascetics, an ancient sect in India where monks regarded nudity as the highest symbol of liberation and freedom. Subha's life passed in patience as she faithfully fulfilled her duties as a devoted wife and daughter-in-law, but within her heart she always kept the flame of faith in the Buddha burning bright.

One afternoon, the household suddenly became unusually stirred. The nobleman, Subha's father-in-law, announced that he would invite the naked ascetics to the house for making offerings. This was a grand occasion, expressing the family's devotion to the religion they followed. When Subha heard the news, she felt restless. She had never directly encountered these ascetics, and a vague fear began to creep into her mind.

When the ascetics entered, Subha stood hidden behind a door, peering out curiously. The sight before her horrified her so much that she nearly cried out. These so-called holy men wore not a single piece of cloth on their bodies. They walked about, conversed, and received offerings in a state of complete nakedness. For a woman raised in a culture that valued modesty, dignity, and the graceful bearing of those on the spiritual path, this image was deeply offensive and frightening. Subha's heart tightened, and her hands trembled as she clutched the hem of her garment. Unable to bear the scene, she quickly turned and fled deep into the house, finding a hidden corner to conceal herself, trying to calm her racing breath.

After the offering ceremony ended, the nobleman finally noticed his daughter-in-law's absence. He sent servants to search everywhere, but Subha was nowhere to be found. When she finally emerged, her face pale with fear and embarrassment, the nobleman flew into a rage. He shouted furiously:

"You are the daughter-in-law of this house! Why did you behave so disrespectfully? When your parents-in-law invite honored guests into our home, not only do you fail to come out and greet and serve them, you run away like a thief. Do you despise my teachers? Do you despise this entire family?"

His scolding echoed through the room, causing the servants nearby to lower their heads, not daring to make a sound. Subha stood there, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she did not weep aloud. Instead of arguing or silently enduring, she took a deep breath, regained her composure, knelt down, and respectfully placed her palms together, saying:

"Father, please hear me out. I do not despise anyone, nor do I wish to displease you. But I have my own path, my own faith. In my path, the ascetics always dress properly and with dignity. Their walking, standing, and speech are all restrained and graceful, without a single idle word or vulgar gesture. What I just witnessed... it is completely contrary to the ideal of purity that I have always revered."

The nobleman frowned, his voice still harsh:

"So what is your path? Who is your teacher, that you dare criticize our true ascetics?"

Subha raised her head, her eyes shining with unwavering faith:

"My teacher is the Buddha Shakyamuni. He is the Enlightened One, the World-Honored One. If you do not believe me, I invite him to come here so you may witness him with your own eyes."

The nobleman sneered, thinking his daughter-in-law was joking or had been bewitched by flowery words. He challenged her:

"Very well! If your teacher truly possesses such great powers, then go ahead and invite him. I want to know whether he can hear a request from such a distant place."

Subha did not hesitate. She stepped out into the courtyard, under the lingering rays of the setting sun. She stood upright, hands clasped before her chest, her face turned toward the city of Savatthi, where the Buddha was residing, one hundred and twenty miles away. With absolute faith, she first called out silently in her heart, then spoke her request aloud:

"Venerable World-Honored One! Tomorrow, I humbly request that you, together with the Sangha, grace my home to receive a meal offering. Please, out of compassion, bear witness to my request."

She stood there for a long time, the gentle wind blowing through her hair, but her heart remained calm and at ease. She trusted that through the Buddha's powers, her request would be answered. Then she returned to the house and immediately began preparing the simplest and purest vegetarian meal to welcome the Buddha.

The next morning, at Jetavana monastery, the Buddha donned his robes and took up his alms bowl, preparing to go on his alms round as usual. His disciples followed behind, assuming he would walk into the city. But suddenly, the Buddha stopped. He gazed toward the distant horizon, where a powerful spiritual wave was radiating outward. Then, to everyone's astonishment, the Buddha gently rose into the air, swiftly gliding across the sky, and descended right before the gate of the nobleman's house.

He entered with serene grace. Subha and her husband's family stood frozen, unable to believe their eyes. The nobleman, once so proud, now had to bow his head before the tranquil dignity and gentle radiance emanating from the Buddha. The meal took place in silence and solemnity. After the Buddha had finished eating, Subha requested the Dharma. The Buddha taught on the Four Noble Truths and the path to the cessation of suffering (dukkha). His words were like a cool, refreshing stream, washing away the dust that had settled in the hearts of the nobleman's family.

At the end of the teaching, the entire family of the nobleman, from the father-in-law to all the other members, took refuge in the Three Jewels. They abandoned their wrong views and embraced the true Dharma. The Buddha smiled and departed the house, respectfully seen off by those who had just become lay disciples.

Later, when his disciples asked the Buddha how he had known of Subha's request despite the great distance, the Buddha did not boast of his powers. He humbly explained with a verse from the Dhammapada:

"The good, though far away, shine bright like a snowy mountain. But the wicked, though near, are like an arrow shot in the dark night, seen by no one."

The Meaning of the Story

This story emphasizes the power of genuine faith and virtuous conduct. A person with a wholesome heart, even from afar, radiates light and can easily be perceived and understood by others, including the enlightened ones, just like a snowy mountain peak glistening in the darkness. Conversely, a person with an unwholesome heart or wrong views, even when close by, is difficult to truly recognize, like an arrow shot in the dark night that no one can see. The lesson also reminds us of balance: not every form of extreme asceticism, such as nudity, leads to liberation; what matters is a pure heart, graceful conduct, and wisdom.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang.