Absence and Presence of Buddha

Vakkali, a Buddhist monk, who lived during the time of Buddha Gotama, followed the Buddha wherever the latter resided, and why was that? Devotionally motivated with the marvel of physical beauty of the Buddha, he thought he always saw the Buddha, as he followed him. Asked by the Buddha why he was doing this, he explained. The Buddha advised him not follow the Buddha, as he wouldn't still see what the Buddha was. Sometime later, he was advised for a second time. Despite the fact that so far twice being advised, Vakkali would continue his practice of 'seeing the Buddha' thereby himself becoming the talk of the town. On a third occasion, tough in words yet with the same great compassion ins heart (Pali: maha karuna) for the benefit of Vakkali, the Buddha asked him to leave immediately and practice the Dharma. Sad and disappointed yet absolutely obedient given the no-choice situation, Vakkali walked away never to return, till he had meditated as per the Buddha's advice. Months passed with no presence of Vakkali in the Buddha's audience. On seeing him, who appeared all of a sudden but apparently wasn't interested in his old practice, other ordinary  monks would kind of tease Vakkali and ask whether he was fed up with seeing the Buddha. As I followed him, I didn't see him, and even though now I don't, I really do see him, said Vakkali. Informed of Vakkali's new behavior, Buddha said to the monks: 'Vakkali no longer needs to follow the Buddha, as he sees him from wherever he is, which he never achieved when he was following the Buddha.' 

In the physical presence of the Buddha, Vakkali still didn't see him. In the absence of the physical Buddha, Vakkali did see him. 

To see the Dharma is to see the Buddha, to see the dependent arising that is the conventionally existent and really non-existent nature of everything, is to see the Dharma. Daily incidences like breaking your cup, loosing your temper, missing the sight of loved ones,cramping your legs, getting stuck on the highway, etc. are avenues to the realm of Buddha. It doesn't matter whether the incidence is negative or positive, it's a matter of transformation.

By Upananda Thero Dedunupitiye