The Nāgasutta: A Royal Elephant
Qualities of a Royal Elephant and a Mendicant
Listening, Destroying, Enduring, and Going Fast
The Four Factors of a Royal Bull Elephant and a Mendicant
The Supreme Field of Merit for the World.
The Nāgasutta compares the qualities of a royal bull elephant to those of a mendicant, highlighting the importance of listening, destroying, enduring, and going fast.
The Nāgasutta: A Royal Elephant
This sutta compares the qualities of a royal bull elephant to those of a mendicant, highlighting the importance of:
1. *Listening*: Paying heed and attention to the teaching and training.
2. *Destroying*: Eliminating bad qualities and thoughts.
3. *Enduring*: Withstanding physical and mental hardship.
4. *Going Fast*: Swiftly progressing towards spiritual growth and enlightenment.
A mendicant with these four qualities is considered the supreme field of merit for the world, worthy of respect, offerings, and veneration.
A royal bull elephant:
- Listens to the trainer's tasks
- Destroys enemies in battle
- Endures physical pain and hardship
- Goes fast in any direction
A mendicant:
- Listens to the teaching and training
- Destroys bad qualities and thoughts
- Endures physical and mental hardship
- Goes fast towards the stilling of all activities.
Both the royal bull elephant and the mendicant possess four qualities that make them worthy of respect and admiration. The mendicant's qualities lead to the supreme field of merit for the world.
Quote:
"A mendicant with these four qualities ... is the supreme field of merit for the world."
Book to Read:
"The Art of Living" by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya:
- Enhances listening and focus
- Destroys stress and negativity
- Increases endurance and resilience
- Accelerates spiritual growth.
"Develop the qualities of a royal elephant and a mendicant to achieve greatness."
Glossary:
- Mendicant: A Buddhist monk or nun
- Realized One: A Buddha or enlightened being
- Still