The Simple Parrot

In a small town near the capital city of Savatthi, each morning as the temple bell rang, the monks would take up their bowls and go out on their alms rounds. Among them was a monk named Nigamavasi, who came from a wealthy family. He did not travel far; only a few steps from his dwelling, his well-to-do relatives would fill his bowl with offerings. He would return, eat a simple meal, and then sit in meditation.

Seeing this, many other monks harbored unkind thoughts: "This one has left the household life, yet he still clings to his relatives and lingers here just to eat well. He refuses to go into the city on alms rounds with the Sangha like everyone else." They gossiped among themselves, then went together to report the matter to the Buddha.

The Buddha, with boundless wisdom, knew the truth clearly. Yet he still called Nigamavasi over and asked in front of everyone: "The Tathagata has heard that since your ordination you still cling to your relatives, refusing to travel far and lingering in your own town just to eat well. Is this true?"

Nigamavasi bowed his head and replied: "Venerable World-Honored One, I live simply and frugally, seeking nothing. I remain here because I see no need to go far. When I step out a few paces, people make offerings and fill my bowl. According to the monastic rules, once the bowl is full, one must not go begging for more. Should I, with a full bowl, insist on walking into the city of Savatthi to ask again? I do not need much; my life is very simple."

The Buddha smiled and praised him: "Nigamavasi is truly my disciple, just like me." Then he told the story of a past life: "Long ago, I was a parrot living in a tree, simple and content, wanting nothing. Sakka, lord of the devas, wished to test me, so he hurled a thunderbolt that broke the lush branch where I lived. The parrot stepped over to a bare branch and still stood at ease, needing to go nowhere, never restless. One who lives without many desires, simple and content, easily attains the noble fruit."

The Buddha then recited this verse: "Whoever cherishes diligence and fears heedlessness has drawn near to the shore of joyful liberation." The slander from the other monks fell away for a time. Yet in our own age, many people still accuse others based on their own assumptions, even contradicting the words of their own teachers. We see someone step into the kitchen outside of mealtime and assume they are hunting for food. We see someone dressed beautifully coming to hear a dharma talk and assume they are showing off. But their hearts may be entirely different. Do not rush to accuse anyone, for lives of unrest often arise from accusations traded back and forth.

The Meaning of the Story

Do not hurry to accuse others based on your own assumptions. Living simply, with contentment and without many desires, is a noble virtue that allows the mind to settle in peace and makes spiritual practice come to fruition with ease.

Compiled from a dharma talk by the Venerable Abbot Thich Chan Quang.