The Five Companions Depart

The ancient forest near the city of Gaya was thick with the scent of decaying leaves, and the cries of birds echoed in the cold air. Beneath a withered tree, the five companions of Kondanna sat in meditation, their half-closed eyes fixed on Prince Siddhartha. He stood balanced on one leg, arms outstretched against the biting wind. Six years had passed since he had left the palace, and they had faithfully followed him, practicing austerities so extreme no one had ever endured them.

Since childhood, the prince had possessed extraordinary wisdom, mastering ten subjects for every one he was taught. When the five men left the palace to join him, they believed he would become a saint. Over six years, he had achieved feats like supporting his body on his hands with legs raised for seven days, and remaining motionless on a branch for a week—acts requiring immense meditative concentration, not mere self-torture. His body had become emaciated, his skin clinging to bone, yet his eyes still burned with unwavering determination.

Then one day, he realized that extreme asceticism did not lead to enlightenment. Silently, he resolved to resume eating. Around that time, a householder named Sujata in a nearby village felt a sudden, sharp pain in her stomach and an inner urging to make an offering. She cooked a fragrant bowl of milk rice and brought it to the forest. The companions watched as he accepted the bowl, their brows furrowing and hands gripping their robes tightly.

"Why are you drinking milk? We believed you would be the one to attain the Path!" one exclaimed.

He did not reply but drank slowly, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Asceticism does not bring liberation. I am changing my course," he said softly.

The next day, Sujata brought another bowl. The five men whispered among themselves, their faces flushed with anger. One spoke in a bitter voice:

"The ascetic Gotama is growing healthy and plump. What kind of practice is this? He has given up!"

He remained sitting in silence, offering no explanation. By the fifth day, when his strength had returned, the five companions rose without a word of farewell, turned their backs, and walked away. The dust swirled behind their steps, leaving him alone. This was a turning point: he went down to the Nairañjanā River to bathe, then sat in meditation for forty-nine days.

Later, after he attained Buddhahood, the five realized their error and returned to become his first disciples. But on that morning, they left with hearts full of resentment, unaware they had just missed a profound opportunity.

**Reflection on the Story** Those who walk the spiritual path need wisdom to discern true practice. Torturing the body is not the Noble Eightfold Path. Disciples may easily criticize their teacher when they do not understand his deeper intention. One must cultivate a compassionate and open view before passing judgment.

*Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang*