The Graciousness of the Buddha to Sentient Beings

Abstract

Graciousness is one of three noble graces of Buddha. He has compassion for all animals, not just humans. The teachings of some cults may have mercy upon mankind and wish humans to be free from suffering, or to go to heaven. It does not teach the value of sentient animal life. As a result they may teach doctrines that involve the sacrifice of animals. This academic article aims to analyze the great mercy of Buddha for sentient beasts which is depicted in the Tripitaka, other documents and related research. The study found that when the Buddha attained enlightenment (paṭhamabodhikāla). The beast he was involved was Phayāmucalindanāga. It was because he had the opportunity to make the beast good. Later, when the law (Vinaya) was constituted, it included several Sikkhāpadas(disciplinary rules) which he prescribes because of his kindness towards animals, such as, prohibiting monks digging or ordering others to dig in order to protect the creatures living in the soil, not to remove any water containing animals, water the grass or ground, not to kill and not to drink water where animals (larvae) are present. In addition, His commandments did not allow the eating of certain meats, eating 10 species was unreasonable. Although he allowed the eating of some meat, but under three conditions, namely, not seen, not heard, nor that the specific killing was committed in order to make an offering to monks. In the Kosambῑkhandaka vinayapiṭaka, there are stories of his compassion for elephants and monkeys. In the Sutra and the abhidhamma of the chapter of caturappamaññāpātha, He exhorted bhikkus to please be compassionate to all beings around them, to adopt spiritual contemplation to all the creatures. In his love of life, he suggests that all the animals are dismayed by criminal enterprises, and fear of death. The wise should not kill as an example to their own and not let others kill. Thus, Buddhism has been promoting kindness and prevents the extinction of any kinds of animal. Beasts have thus received this grace from the past to the present, because of Buddhānubhāva (the majestic power of the Buddha).