Stories of the Buddha: Volume 1

　　Wisdom That Transforms Lives

　　Twenty-five centuries ago, a man who had once lived in royal luxury walked barefoot across the dusty plains of India, sharing insights that would forever change human history. The Buddha—“the Awakened One”—dedicated forty-nine years of his life to illuminating the path beyond suffering for all who would listen.

　　This first volume presents 36 stories from the Buddha’s life and the lives of his disciples, each revealing the Buddha’s remarkable ability to meet people where they were and guide them toward realization. Readers will discover the Buddha’s insights on the importance of kindness, right speech, right actions, and community living that remain profoundly relevant to our lives today.

　　Each story concludes with “Words of Wisdom” that connect ancient guidance to contemporary challenges. Throughout the collection, we see how the Buddha’s gentle yet powerful approach led others to profound insights, inspiring many to become his disciples and continue their spiritual journey.

　　Whether you are new to Buddhist teachings or seeking deeper understanding, these timeless stories offer inspiration and guidance for living with greater awareness, compassion, and purpose in today’s complex world.

About Venerable Master Hsing Yun................................viii
Preface: The Great Buddha ...............................................x
Editor’s Notes ...............................................................xviii

1. The Offering of the Four Heavenly Kings ......................2
2. Offerings of the Four Animals .......................................8
3. The Transformation.....................................................14
4. Four Kinds of Horses and People ................................20
5. Origin of the Ullambana Festival.................................26
6. Parrots Welcoming the Buddha ...................................34
7. The Unacceptable Gift.................................................40
8. Stingy...........................................................................46
9. The Exemplary King ....................................................54
10. Nothing Comes Easy..................................................62
11. Hurtful Speech...........................................................68
12. The Fragrant and the Foul .........................................76
13. The Impermanence of Human Life ...........................82
14. The Parrot King .........................................................88
15. Feeding the Eagle.......................................................94
16. Not Yours .................................................................100
17. A Couple’s Aspiration...............................................106
18. Filthy Without, Purity Within..................................112
19. Birthday Gifts for the Buddha.................................118
20. Not Expounding the Teachings for Offerings ..........124
21. The Buddha Saves His Country...............................132
22. Buddha Calling on the Sick .....................................138
23. The Auspicious Kusha Grass....................................144
24. Scaring the Buddha .................................................150
25. Remaining Unmoved...............................................156
26. Rules and Order.......................................................162
27. The Buddha Carried His Father’s Coffin .................168
28. The Rarest Encounter..............................................174
29. Taming the Elephant ...............................................180
30. Past Affinity.............................................................186
31. Lost Camels .............................................................192
32. Paving Jetavana with Gold.......................................198
33. Actions Speak Louder Than Words..........................206
34. Two Arrows ..............................................................212
35. Fight Over Rotten Meat...........................................220
36. Caring for a Junior...................................................228

 

作者簡介



Venerable Master Hsing Yun

　　Venerable Master Hsing Yun (1927–2023) was born in Jiangsu Province, China. He studied at various renowned Buddhist institutions such as Qixia Vinaya College and Jiaoshan Buddhist College.

　　Soon after his arrival in Taiwan in 1949, he became the chief editor of Human Life, a Buddhist magazine. In 1952, his efforts in establishing Buddhist Chanting Association strengthened the foundation for his subsequent endeavors in the promotion of the Dharma. Venerable Master founded Fo Guang Shan Monastery in 1967, with the primary goal of promoting Humanistic Buddhism through Buddhist education, culture, charity, and propagation of the Dharma. Since then, over two hundred branch temples have been established in major cities around the world. He has also set up art galleries, libraries, publishing houses, bookstores, mobile clinics, Buddhist colleges, and universities including: University of the West, Fo Guang University, Nanhua University, Nan Tien Institute, and Guang Ming College. In 1977, the Fo Guang Tripitaka Editorial Board was formed to compile the Fo Guang Buddhist Canon and the Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism. Many other works on Buddhism have also been published.

　　Venerable Master Hsing Yun has dedicated his life to propagating Humanistic Buddhism. As a global citizen, he fostered “joy and harmony,” “oneness and coexistence,” “respect and tolerance,” and “equality and peace” throughout the world. When he founded the Buddha’s Light International Association in 1991 and was elected president of its world headquarters, he was closer to realizing the ideal of having “the Buddha’s light shining throughout the three thousand realms, and the Dharma water flowing across the five continents.”

Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism

　　Founded in 2013 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism pursues the objectives of propagating the Buddha’s teachings and the Venerable Master’s thoughts on Humanistic Buddhism. The Institute endeavors to recruit experts and nurture scholars of Buddhism, gather ancient and contemporary editions of the Buddhist Canons, as well as compile the complete works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Through the Center of International Affairs, the Institute translates the works of the Venerable Master and holds the annual Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism, in addition to other international academic forums, welcoming outstanding scholars and youths from around the world to study Buddhism.