Date: 31-08-2025
Location: Online Session
On August 31st, a live online session was conducted with Dr. Rajesh Savera and Datuk Dr. Lim Siow Jin, exploring a significant episode from the Ekottara Āgama (23.7). The text recounts an important event in the life of the Buddha, when he was residing at the Bamboo Grove (Kalandaka Nivāpa) in Rājagṛha, accompanied by a great assembly of 500 monks.
Devadatta’s Rise in Influence
During this time, King Ajātaśatru of Magadha developed deep admiration for Devadatta, the Buddha’s cousin and disciple. Devadatta had gained a reputation among the people for being highly virtuous and disciplined, and his fame spread across the region. So great was the reverence he commanded that Ajātaśatru began offering 500 pots of food to Devadatta every day, a gesture that reflected not only personal devotion but also royal endorsement.
The session highlighted how public perception of spiritual figures can sometimes be based more on appearances and external behavior rather than on deeper truth. While Devadatta outwardly displayed qualities of austerity and discipline, his inner motives were not aligned with the Buddha’s path of compassion and wisdom.
The Subtle Danger of False Virtue
Dr. Savera and Dr. Lim pointed out that this episode serves as a cautionary tale. Devadatta’s rise illustrates how charisma, discipline, and external reputation can sometimes mask ambition and pride. Despite receiving the king’s honor and people’s praise, his later actions—driven by jealousy and desire for power—revealed the dangers of misplaced faith and attachment to appearances.
Lessons for Practitioners
The discussion emphasized several timeless lessons:
- Discernment in Faith – True spiritual worth is revealed not by outward recognition but by inner transformation and compassion.
- Impermanence of Reputation – Popularity and external praise are unstable and can quickly shift when truth is revealed.
- Guarding Against Ego – Even committed practitioners must remain vigilant against pride and the subtle desire for recognition.
Conclusion
The Ekottara Āgama 23.7 reminds us of the importance of wisdom and discernment in spiritual life. While generosity and devotion, such as those shown by King Ajātaśatru, are noble, they must be guided by clear understanding. The story of Devadatta cautions practitioners to look beyond appearances, to value genuine humility and wisdom, and to recognize that the true path lies not in honor or fame but in the quiet, steady work of letting go of ego and cultivating compassion.
To watch full video click the link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQcqU6P_V9s&t=238s
