A~lavaka Suthraya

Lord Buddha, who had seen through the Wisdom Eye that the Alavaka Yaksha, (mentioned in this suthraya), had enough merits to attain the fruits of the path, entered the residence where no one could enter without his permission, when that Yaksha was not there. A~lavaka, who came there, saw the Buddha, got very angry and told the Buddha to leave immediately. The Buddha left the place in silence and calmly.   When the A~lavaka saw the Buddha leaving with patience and calmness, he was impressed and realised that this might be someone with some speciality.   Because of the impression A~lavaka has got, he ordered the Buddha once more to come inside for further assurance of the Buddha’s nobleness. Then again, the Buddha very calmly entered the house. Sighting this, A~lavaka was very impressed but still had some doubt. So, to further test the theory, he ordered the Buddha to go out and come back, again and again. But after the third time, The Buddha Refused A~lavaka‘s order to leave. Then, Alavaka had recognised the Buddha as a great and inspirational person. Therefore, he said to Buddha, “Ok then, you must answer these questions of mine; if you cannot answer, I will hold you and hit you on the ground.”,   The Buddha said, “No one in this world can do such a thing to me. But I will answer your Questions”.   From now onwards, the dialogue that took place was between the Buddha and A~lavaka.   After reading it, you would be able to understand that who was A~lavaka and how much wisdom he possessed.

A~lavaka-
What is the Noble wealth a person can get?
What should one do to achieve Contentment?
What is the feeling that brings appeasement?
In what way of living is the greatest?

The Buddha-
The greatest wealth one can get is the Perfect Confidence through understanding.
To obtain the Contentment, one should practise and act according to the Dhamma.
Understanding the Four Noble Truths is the feeling that brings appeasement.
Living consciously and wisely is the greatest.

A~lavaka-
How can overcome the tides such as lust, defilements, etc.?
How can transcend the great ocean called ‘Sansara’ (birth and death Cycle)?
How can one get rid of Ja~thi (Birth), Jara~(Decaying), Bya~dhi(Calamities)?
How can one purify the mind completely by eliminating ‘Craving- Obstinacy- Arrogance’?

Following the Dhamma accordingly with the Perfect Confidence built up through understanding the Buddha’s doctrine is the way to overcome the huge tides called lust and defilements.

Conquering those tides of ‘Greed-Hatred- Delusion’ without hesitation and ignorance is the way to transcend the great ocean called ‘Sansara.’

One can be freed from all forms of Suffering by establishing an intense determination and effort,

Through the Perfect Knowledge of comprehending the true nature of one’s own body and mind that is grasped as ‘I-Mine- Myself’ that cultivates by contemplating wisely, and consciously, One can purify the mind completely by eliminating ‘Craving- Obstinacy- Arrogance.’

How can one obtain that perfect Knowledge?
How can one obtain that wealth of Perfect Confidence?
How does that fame and prestige arrive?
How can we maintain friendships?
How can one avoid grieving about own self or others?

The Buddha-
The Perfect Knowledge that banishes the defilement of ‘Greed- Hatred- Delusion’ can be obtained by listening to the Dhamma willingly and consciously and contemplating wisely by applying it to own self.

Although it seems like a religion and similar to other teachings, it is certainly not equal. It is unique among all of the teachings.
By recognising this Dhamma, which leads to ‘Nirwana’, learning and comprehending it diligently, one can obtain the wealth of Perfect Confidence.
Glory and prestige are bestowed on one who understands the Four Noble Truths.
Friendships are maintained through renunciation.

The layperson who has immaculately cultivated the Perfect Confidence, the reasons to grieve will certainly not occur to them because of comprehending the Four Noble Truths, Disciplining the Body- word – Mind, striving to free from ‘Craving- Obstancy- Arrogance’, diligently and getting rid of the grasping of ‘I- Mine- Myself’’.
Therefore, he is freed from grieving about own self or others.

So now, if you want, ask other priests and ascetics, too,
Is there anything else that cultivates patience other than understanding the Four Noble Truths, disciplining the mind-body-word, and renouncing the grasping of ‘I-Mine-Myself’’.

A~lavaka-
Why should I ask other Brahmins now?
Today I have specifically learned the facts that lead to destruction in the Hereafter.
The understanding I got today because of the arrival of the Buddha in my place is certainly a massive benefit for me.
I will wander from village to village, behaving well and worshipping the Lord Buddha.

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