Not Greeting the King Before the Buddha

The morning sunlight gently filtered through the shade of the trees where the Blessed One resided, the clear songs of birds mingling with the scent of fresh grass underfoot. The layman Satapani, who had attained the second fruit of Sakadagami, sat cross-legged before the Buddha, his back straight, hands resting lightly on his knees, his mind as still as a calm lake. He lived a righteous householder’s life, eating only one meal a day, simple and serene, always mindful of both demerit and merit. That day, he had come to visit the Buddha and was attending to their conversation when King Pasenadi unexpectedly entered.

King Pasenadi was accustomed to a custom: whenever his subjects met the king, they had to kneel, bow their heads, and chant “Long live the Majesty,” and only after the king granted permission could they rise and offer thanks. However, as the king stepped through the doorway, Satapani only gave a slight nod of his head; he did not kneel, nor did he chant. The king’s brow furrowed slightly, his hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, and a surge of irritation arose within him at the violation of protocol.

“Whether monk or layman, why does this person not pay respects when I arrive?” the king thought inwardly, but did not speak aloud.

The Blessed One, perceiving the king’s irritation and understanding why Satapani did not offer greetings, spoke as soon as the king sat down:

“Great King, this is a layman of holy virtue, living with restraint and moderation, benefiting others, peaceful, and possessed of profound wisdom.”

Hearing the Buddha’s praise, the king’s shoulders gradually relaxed, his irritation melted away, and he began to inquire about the Dharma before departing.

Another time, by chance, Satapani encountered the king on the road. On this occasion, he removed his shoes, took off his hat, knelt down, and bowed deeply, observing the full, solemn etiquette. The king’s eyes widened, and he reached out to help him up.

“Why did you not bow when you met me in the Blessed One’s presence, only offering a slight nod, yet today you greet me with full ceremony?” he asked.

Satapani raised his head, his voice calm and composed:

“Great King, when we meet before the Buddha, to me, the Buddha is the supreme and most exalted. Although He is not a king, He is the revered one who transcends the three realms, without compare. Therefore, before such a revered being, I could not share my reverence with another. I humbly ask for the king’s understanding and not to take offense. But today, with only the king present, as a subject, I must greet you with all due respect.”

The king clapped his hands and laughed:

“Excellent! I too shall follow your example: before the Buddha, I shall not share my reverence with anyone else.”

The pivotal point was the king’s pleased response, and then he asked him about the Dharma. Satapani clearly explained the workings of karma and the cycle of rebirth, how actions in this life lead to conditions in the next, all so reasonably that the king was greatly satisfied. The king suddenly thought: if an ordinary subject possesses such wisdom, the women in the palace need to learn from him. He expressed his wish to invite Satapani to the palace to teach.

Satapani skillfully declined, pressing his palms together:

“Great King, the city of Shravasti possesses the supreme blessing: the Buddha and the noble Sangha reside here. My wisdom compared to the Buddha’s is like a grain of sand in the desert, a drop of water in the ocean. It would be more fitting to invite the Blessed One and the Arahants to the palace.”

The king reflected and saw the reason in this. He personally went to invite the Buddha and the Sangha. This became the cause and condition for Venerable Ananda to enter the palace to teach, which then led to the appearance of two types of learners, and subsequently to the verse about the scentless flower.

Afterwards, Satapani continued to maintain his tranquil way of life, offering reverence where it was truly due, without entanglement in worldly obligations. As for the king, thanks to this layman, he came to understand what true reverence meant, and no longer felt irritation over shallow displays of etiquette.

Meaning of the Story

This story teaches about genuine reverence: a supremely exalted being like the Buddha deserves absolute veneration, not to be shared with temporary worldly power. The wise person knows where to direct their respect, properly observing etiquette with the king when appropriate, while never losing their heart of reverence for an enlightened being. Humility and wisdom help resolve misunderstandings and lead to great benefits.

Compiled from a Dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang