The Obstinate Monks and the Buddha’s Command to Expel Them

In the early morning at the monastery, golden sunlight filtered through the leaves, and the rhythmic sound of bells and wooden fish echoed amidst the drifting incense. Yet, this serene atmosphere was disturbed by noisy laughter in the courtyard. Several young monks were carrying hoes to dig soil for ornamental plants, ignoring their scheduled chanting time. Their robes hung loosely, and their faces beamed with joy, resembling visitors rather than practitioners.

The cause was that this group had recently taken ordination. Initially, their minds were pure, but over time, deep-seated habits arose. They lived defiantly, following their own whims, forming exclusive bonds with laypeople, accepting private offerings, and disturbing the community. For a long period, no one offered strict guidance, so they became increasingly arrogant, disregarding monastic discipline.

Elder Sariputta and Maudgalyayana stood watching, their hearts heavy. Sariputta sighed, his hand trembling slightly. He said, "We have been too gentle, allowing these youths to do as they please. The Sangha is beginning to divide." Maudgalyayana nodded, his brow furrowed. He replied, "We must exert authority to admonish them, not just practice quietly on our own. If we continue like this, the temple will become a marketplace."

The two elders entered the Buddha’s chamber. The Buddha sat in stillness, his radiance casting shadows on the stone walls. He spoke with a voice that was low yet stern. He commanded, "You must expel these individuals from the monastery. You must be strict in doing so. Furthermore, you must frequently remind, advise, and point out faults to everyone. Do not only focus on quiet meditation or being overly gentle."

Sariputta pressed his palms together and asked, "World-Honored One, they are our disciples. I cannot bear to cast them out." The Buddha responded, "If you do not expel them, they will deteriorate further. Those who diligently admonish, encourage virtue, and prevent evil are respected by the wise but disliked by the wicked. Are you afraid of their hatred?"

Hearing these words, the two elders returned and gathered the assembly. Under the intense gaze of the community, Maudgalyayana raised his voice. He declared, "From now on, anyone who plants trees while neglecting sutra recitation, or forms exclusive ties with laypeople, will be expelled. Correct your behavior!" An obstinate monk argued back, "We plant trees to beautify the temple. What is wrong with that?"

Sariputta stepped forward, his eyes severe. He stated, "Seeking beauty for yourselves while violating communal rules is a fault. Choose: correct yourselves or leave."

The turning point came when the group was led to the gate. No one saw them off; there was only the sound of the wind. They stood bewildered, witnessing for the first time that the true dignity of the elders differed greatly from their usual gentle demeanor. Suddenly, one man knelt down. He pleaded, "I repent. Please let me stay and start anew." Maudgalyayana replied, "You may stay, but you must heed the admonitions."

Afterward, the two elders established a rule to recite the precepts and encourage virtue every morning. The Sangha gradually settled, and factions disappeared. The formerly obstinate monks improved, becoming better, and some eventually dared to advise others.

In the long run, the monastery regained its purity. Everyone understood that those who dare to admonish are the ones who begin to possess true dignity. Fearing dislike and thus remaining silent is a sin that allows others to fall into misfortune. From then on, the tradition of mutual reminder was preserved, enabling generations of the Buddha’s descendants to transform themselves.

The Meaning of the Story

Those who frequently admonish, encourage virtue, and prevent evil are respected by the wise but disliked by the wicked. One must have the strength to offer counsel and not remain indifferent out of fear of being hated. True dignity comprises reverence for the Buddha, compassion for people, and the courage to point out errors. Without the step of worldly admonition, sentient beings easily deteriorate. Only with strict guidance can badness be transformed into goodness, leading to genuine spiritual cultivation.

Compiled from the dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang