The Light in Rajagaha

The afternoon sun faded gently over the terracotta roofs of Rajagaha, casting long shadows across the stone-paved streets. The air was fresh, yet heavy with a deep sense of unease. In the quiet garden of the region’s wealthiest family, two young men sat facing each other. One was Upatissa, later known as Shariputra, and the other was Kolita, who would become Maudgalyayana. They were no longer carefree youths obsessed with warhorses or lavish banquets. Their eyes held a profound depth, reflecting a strange emptiness amidst their countless comforts.

Upatissa sighed, his hand trembling slightly as he touched his cold cup of tea. He looked at his soulmate, his voice dropping low. "Kolita, we have exhausted every worldly pleasure. Fame, wealth, love... all are like bubbles on water. I feel this life is merely a tedious cycle: born, struggling, suffering, and then dying. Is there any path to escape this endless wheel?"

Kolita nodded, his brows furrowed in deep thought. They had grown up together, inseparable as shadow and form; their parents even prepared private rooms for them whenever they visited. But now, the strongest bond between them was a burning desire to seek absolute truth. They decided to leave their families, ordain as monks, and venture into the deep forests to find teachers and learn the Dharma.

However, the journey was not easy. At that time, the Buddha was not yet famous in Rajagaha. Instead, a teacher named Sanjaya commanded thousands of disciples. Driven by the common assumption that "many followers must mean truth," the two friends joined Sanjaya’s group. They practiced severe asceticism and meditative concentration diligently. Yet, after a long period, Upatissa recognized the limitations of this teacher. Whenever asked about the core issues of the universe and liberation, Sanjaya often evaded the questions or gave vague, unsatisfactory answers.

Despite this, out of respect and gratitude for their teacher, they tried to stay. But eventually, when their sharp wisdom surpassed Sanjaya’s ability to teach, they asked permission to travel widely to find a true enlightened master. They made a promise to each other: "If either of us finds the immortal path, let us return and share the news."

Years passed as they traveled east, west, south, and north, meeting countless renowned ascetics. But whenever they asked questions, those masters were stumped, while the two friends could answer everything. Returning home, they built small huts in their garden, continuing their practice in solitude and waiting. Then, one beautiful day, fate shifted.

Upatissa entered the gates of Rajagaha for alms round. Suddenly, he stopped in astonishment. Before him stood an elderly monk wearing old robes, holding his bowl and walking slowly. This monk did not radiate dazzling lights like the fake supernatural displays often seen, but instead exuded a calmness and purity that was utterly unique. His steps were light, as if gliding through space, and his face was serene and free, unmoved by the noisy crowds around him.

Upatissa’s intuition immediately whispered: "This is a truly realized master!" He hurriedly bowed in reverence and followed quietly behind. That monk was Assaji, one of the five companions of Kondanna, who had already attained the fruit of Arhatship. Throughout the alms round, Assaji spoke not a word, maintaining perfect mindfulness. When he sat to rest under an ancient tree, Upatissa quickly spread his clean cloth on the ground, inviting the teacher to sit, and attended to him with great respect.

After the meal, Upatissa knelt down, his voice urgent. "Venerable Sir, I have never seen anyone with such extraordinary bearing. Please tell me, who is your teacher? What Dharma do you practice that allows you to radiate such purity and wisdom? Even just a few words would be enough to illuminate my path."

Assaji smiled kindly and replied with humility. "Friend, I am just an ordinary monk; there is nothing special about me."

But Upatissa did not accept this modesty as a barrier. He pleaded earnestly. "I believe that behind this humility lies a treasure of invaluable wisdom. Please do not hide it; grant me a direction."

Moved by Upatissa’s sincerity and sharp intellect, Assaji recited a short verse about the law of dependent origination and impermanence (anicca). As soon as he finished, like a lightning bolt tearing through a thick night, Upatissa awakened. He realized that the universal truth lay entirely within those simple words. Liberation was not found in supernatural powers or complex rituals, but in understanding the nature of impermanence (anicca) in all things.

Upatissa rushed back to find Kolita, recounting the entire event and reciting the verse. In an instant, Kolita also attained a similar state of enlightenment. These two soulmates, after years of wandering in darkness, finally found the light of truth. Together, they went to the Bamboo Grove Monastery, taking refuge under the guidance of the Buddha, becoming the foremost disciples of wisdom and supernatural power in the Sangha.

**The Meaning of the Story**

This story emphasizes that right and wrong are not always obvious. Many mistakenly believe that a large number of followers or a loud reputation equates to truth, leading them to cling to teachers who are not truly enlightened. Conversely, right view is the ability to see through the essence of things, clearly distinguishing between the real and the fake, between formal practice and the core content of liberation. When one knows what is right and what is wrong, and abides in right view, the path to enlightenment is no longer distant.

Compiled from the dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang