Two Young Men at the Festival and Their Turning Point to Seek the Path

The drums of the festival echoed from the gates of Rajagriha, as the red evening sun cast its glow over the humble stalls. The scent of baked cakes and jasmine mixed with the sweat of the bustling crowd. Laughter and music filled the air everywhere. Amidst this vibrant stream of people, two handsome young men dressed in Brahmin robes walked slowly, followed by servants holding parasols. Their faces were not joyful; instead, they carried a deep melancholy, like dreamers lost in a waking vision.

Sariputta and Maudgalyayana were born into wealthy families, well-versed in both literature and martial arts, lacking nothing in material comfort. Yet for years, they had discussed spiritual truths, seeing that worldly life was merely a cycle of repetition. They sought out the teacher Sanjaya for practice, but still found no exit, their minds remaining trapped in confusion.

Before the stage where dancers performed, the crowd cheered loudly as women in revealing clothes passed by. Maudgalyayana sighed, his hand gripping the handle of his fan tightly. He said, "Look, how transient this world is. They laugh and rejoice here, but after the festival, they return to plowing fields, gathering coins, and dealing with hatred. There is no eternal joy."

Sariputta nodded, his gaze distant. "Indeed. You and I have studied under Sanjaya yet remain stuck. We heard there was a wise sage, perhaps we should go there? But even that may not be enough. No, we must seek the true path. This youth cannot be wasted."

They continued walking past gambling stalls and magic shows, the laughter ringing coldly in their ears. An old man selling withered fruit sat in a corner, his eyes tired, reminding them of life’s inevitable decline after pleasure. Maudgalyayana turned to him. "Do you see? Temporary joy leads to real suffering. We are rich, but our hearts are not at peace. We must find a true master to attain liberation."

Night fell, lanterns glowing brightly, as the two returned to their mansion. The pivotal moment came when their self-reflection amidst the festivities awakened them. The next morning, they went together to Sanjaya’s hermitage, kneeling before him. "Please accept us as disciples," they said, "but our hearts are decided: if we meet a true teacher, we will renounce the world."

After practicing with Sanjaya without breakthrough, Sariputta one day encountered the Venerable Assaji walking for alms, his entire body radiating dignity. Sariputta bowed and asked, "Venerable sir, who is your teacher, and what teachings do you follow?"

Assaji replied with a verse: "All phenomena arise from conditions, and cease through the cessation of those same conditions. Our teacher, the Great Ascetic, has taught thus." Upon hearing this, Sariputta immediately attained the first stage of enlightenment, stream-entry. He rushed back to tell Maudgalyayana, and upon hearing it, Maudgalyayana also attained stream-entry.

The two bid farewell to their families. Sariputta’s mother opposed their departure because they were Brahmins, but their resolve to renounce was too strong. They approached the Buddha, shaved their heads, and donned yellow robes. The Buddha smiled and told the Sangha, "Here is a pair of friends whose merit and destiny are complete."

From then on, the two became pillars of the Sangha. The laughter of the old festival transformed into the chanting of sutras. Their minds stood apart from the river of birth and death, viewing the world with lightness and ease.

The Meaning of the Story

Worldly joy is temporary, hiding suffering beneath its surface. Those with wisdom see this clearly, cut off attachment, and seek the path. When good conditions arise, they attain enlightenment, transcending the cycle of birth and death.

Compiled from the dharma talk by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang