The Priceless Gift of Patience

Buddhism attained great heights even during the time of Gautama Buddha, as he seems to have inspired some, of his earnest followers to risk everything to spread the message of deliverance from sorrow. It is not surprising then that the new religion traveled across many countries. Buddha's disciples moved into strange lands and alien cultures with a single-minded purpose and determination, wholly alone, and without the support of either funds or an organization.

Have a look at the dialogue between Gautama Buddha and Purna, one of his ardent disciples, cited by Vladimir Lindenberg, in his hook Mankind and Meditation, wherein Purna does not flinch from any sacrifice. No doubt Buddha, out of his love and concern for his trusted disciple expresses apprehension for his safety, but Puma, well trained and disciplined has an answer for all of his Master's doubts, characteristic of those who are willing to risk their life for the sake of truth.

Purna, a pupil of Buddha, asked to be allowed to go to an inhospitable region in order to spread the teachings there. The following conversation occurred between the Master and his disciple:
Buddha: The people of Srona Pranta are wild, violent and cruel. They have a character which leads them to insult and slander one another and to anger each other. If they insult and anger thee with evil, coarse and lying words, what would you think?
Purna: If this were so, I should think that the people of Srona Pranta are in truth kind and friendly people, since they do not beat or stone me.
Buddha: Supposing they beat or stone thee, what would you think?
Purna: In this case, I should think they are kind and friendly people since they did not attack me with a cudgel or weapon.
Buddha: Supposing they did attack thee with a cudgel or weapon, what would you think?
Purna: In this case I should think that they were kind and friendly people, since they do not take my life.
Buddha: Supposing they did kill thee, Purna, what wouldst thou think?
Purna: In this case I should still think that they were kind and friendly people, since they would free me without any trouble from this rotten carcass of a body. I know there are monks who are ashamed of the body, who are troubled and disgusted by it and kill themselves with a weapon, by taking poison, by hanging themselves, or by casting themselves from a high rock into an abyss.
Buddha: Purna, thou art gifted with the greatest gentleness and patience. Thou can go and dwell in the land ot Srona Prantas. Go thither and teach them to be free as thou thyself art free.

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