The Golden Plate and the River Without Wet Feet

The story of King Kṣepāna, who abandoned his throne in a single moment after reading praise of the Buddha on a golden plate, crossing a river through absolute faith.

The setting sun dyed the ancient walls of the southern Indian kingdom red. Inside the magnificent palace, the heavy footsteps of King Kṣepāna echoed on the cold stone floor. He sat alone in his private study, holding a strange object recently brought by an envoy from the kingdom of Magadha. It was not a weapon, nor ordinary treasure, but a plate made of pure gold, shining brightly and solemnly.

King Kṣepāna was known as a wise ruler, governing his land with benevolence and wisdom. But today, as his eyes scanned the finely engraved lines on the golden plate, time seemed to stand still. On that plate, King Bimbisara of Magadha had sent the most reverent words about an Awakened One appearing in the North: the Buddha Śākyamuni. The brief phrases held extraordinary power, describing a path of liberation and perfect enlightenment that no one in this world had ever achieved.

His heart pounded, not out of fear, but because of a strange sensation rising within his chest. A flash of light ignited in his mind, tearing apart the fog of fame and power. He realized that everything he possessed—his throne, his palace, his armies—became meaningless compared to the truth now revealed before him. Without a second of hesitation or consultation with his courtiers, he stood up and placed the golden plate on the table.

"You," he turned to his loyal guards standing nearby, his voice deep and decisive, "I entrust the kingship to you. Please govern this country."

The room fell into a deathly silence. The high officials stared at each other in disbelief. An elderly general trembled as he stepped forward and prostrated himself: "Your Majesty, where are you going? The nation needs you!"

King Kṣepāna smiled, a rare expression of profound peace. "I am going to seek the Way. I am going to meet the World-Honored One." With that, he walked swiftly out of the palace, carrying no luggage, changing into no new clothes, and without even saying goodbye to his family. He leaped onto his horse, spurred it forward toward the North, where a great river lay across his path.

Wind whipped against his face, and dust clouded the road, yet his mind focused on only one point. When the river appeared before him, its waters rushed violently, waves crashing white against the banks. Behind him, some of his most loyal attendants, those who had revered the king for years, hastily mounted their horses and chased after him. They asked no questions, prepared no provisions, simply following the figure of the king they trusted absolutely.

Stopping his horse at the riverbank, King Kṣepāna looked at the surging water. Suddenly, a powerful thought arose in his mind, a test for the faith that had just begun to sprout. He thought silently: "If the World-Honored One is real, if the teachings on that golden plate are the truth, then let my horse run across this river without its feet touching the water."

Having spoken these thoughts, he urged his horse straight into the river. Miraculously, beneath the hooves, the surface of the water seemed to harden or gently support them. The horse galloped across the wide river, its legs not wetted by a single drop. The attendants behind witnessed this scene in awe, and their faith grew even stronger. Together, they crossed the river and moved forward.

On the other bank, the Buddha already knew what would happen. He vanished from his dwelling place and manifested himself standing at the entrance of the road leading into the city. From afar, King Kṣepāna saw the majestic silhouette of a śramaṇa, radiating a gentle yet compelling aura. He jumped off his horse, ran on foot closer, and prostrated himself at the Buddha’s feet, joining his hands together in the shape of a lotus flower.

"World-Honored One," he choked with emotion, "I heard the praise of You on the golden plate, and I believed. Please accept me as Your disciple."

The Buddha placed His hand on the king’s head, offering brief but profound teachings. In that very moment, King Kṣepāna’s mind illuminated. He attained the fruit of Arhatship, becoming one of the Buddha’s most famous great disciples, a teacher whose dharma talks stirred the hearts of many.

### The Meaning of the Story

The story of King Kṣepāna clearly illustrates the concept of "the attraction of a true master" and "the seed of goodness." Only a small condition (the golden plate) combined with a heart ready for letting go of ego and power can draw a person into the Dharma like a waterfall, impossible to resist. The lesson emphasizes that to be reborn meeting a true master and the Dharma, we must sow causes right now in this life by making vows to propagate the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), keeping the flame of spiritual aspiration passing from mind to mind, rather than relying solely on the form of temples or scriptures.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thích Chân Quang