On June 8th, during a profound live session of Ekotara Agama 20.4, Dr. Rajesh Savera and Dr. Datuk Lim Siow Jin explored a rare and timeless teaching of the Buddha — a lesson that challenges us to reflect on how we respond to life: like a lion, or like a sheep.
Preserved for centuries and originally translated from Sanskrit to Chinese by monk Gotama Sangha Deva of Kashmir during the Eastern Chin Dynasty, this powerful discourse was delivered at the sacred Anathapindika’s Ashrama in Jetavana, near Shravasti.
What It Means to Be Like a Lion
Surrounded by his bhikshu disciples, the Buddha gently called out:
“Listen carefully and reflect deeply…”
Then he asked:
“How is someone like a lion?”
The lion, in Buddha’s analogy, symbolizes a person who accepts life without clinging. When such a person is given food or medicine during illness, they receive it without attachment or expectation. If they receive nothing, their mind remains calm, undisturbed, and free from complaint.
Like a lion devours its prey — without labeling it as good or bad — this person moves through life with emotional balance, strength, and dignity. They are self-reliant, rooted in awareness, and resilient in all situations.
What It Means to Be Like a Sheep
Though the Buddha focused mainly on the lion, the contrast is implied.
The sheep represents someone who depends on external validation, who suffers when things don’t go their way. They are easily disturbed, controlled by praise or criticism, and always seeking approval.
Such a person lives a reactive life — driven by emotions, needs, and expectations — making them vulnerable and unsure in the face of challenge.
Why This Teaching Still Resonates Today
In today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world, this teaching speaks volumes. From workplace stress to personal struggles, modern life constantly tests how we respond to both success and setback.
The lion vs sheep analogy reminds us of two clear choices:
To live like a lion is to:
- Accept what comes without clinging or entitlement
- Remain calm when things don’t go your way
- Walk your path with mindfulness, balance, and courage
To live like a sheep is to:
- Be dependent on others’ approval
- React emotionally to external circumstances
- Remain trapped in cycles of desire, fear, and dissatisfaction
Final Thoughts: A Call to Graceful Living
This isn’t a teaching about dominance or ego. It’s a reminder to move through life with clarity, calm, and dignity — no matter what comes our way.
When we live like lions, we are unshaken by praise or blame, unmoved by gain or loss, and rooted in our own quiet confidence.
As this ancient lesson from Ekotara Āgama 20.4 reminds us — the real strength lies in how we choose to respond, not what we receive.
Watch the Full Session Here:
https://www.facebook.com/drsavera/videos/1773787840225982
