Section on Parables – Theme Six: The Path of Practice

Parable 1: Guided by a Wise Teacher, One Awakens by Following the Right Path

Why is it that after hearing the Buddha expound the Dharma, some attained realization while others remained bound by afflictions and the endless cycle of birth and death? The Gaṇaka Moggallāna Sutta (No. 144, Madhyama Āgama) records a conversation in which a Brahmin named Gaṇaka Moggallāna—skilled in mathematics—sought to resolve his doubts about the path of practice. The Buddha responded with a parable about asking for directions, illustrating how one may truly reach awakening.

A Step-by-Step Teaching of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom

The sutta recounts that while the Buddha was traveling and arrived at Śrāvastī, the mathematician Gaṇaka Moggallāna approached the Eastern Park in the palace of Migāra’s Mother, where the Buddha was residing. He said to the Buddha, “Just as the stairway of the palace of Migāra’s Mother must be built step by step—from the first floor up to the fourth— so that people may ascend from the ground to the top, all forms of training must likewise proceed in order. Whether one trains elephants and horses or teaches noblemen and warriors the skills of combat and archery, progress must be gradual. Even when a Brahmin studies the sacred Vedas, learning too must follow a proper sequence.”

Gaṇaka Moggallāna continued, “When I study or teach mathematics, I also begin from the simplest methods, proceeding step by step—teaching multiplication as one times one, two times two, three times three, up to ten times ten, and eventually one hundred times one hundred. I wish to ask, Gautama: in your teaching and discipline, must one also progress gradually in cultivation?”

The Buddha replied, “Indeed. My teachings and discipline must be practiced step by step.”

When a young bhikṣu joins the Saṅgha to learn the Path, he is first taught to purify his body, speech, and mind by upholding the precepts. Once he can do so, he is further instructed in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Next, he learns to guard the sense faculties and cultivate restraint of the six senses. Thereafter, he maintains the Four Deportments—walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. Then, he practices mindfulness in all activities-- whether awake or asleep, speaking or silent--thereby ensuring that every thought is clear and aware.

When a bhikṣu is able to dwell alone, he is instructed to seek solitude in quiet places—beneath a tree, in a mountain cave, in a deserted clearing, or beside a forest or cemetery—to sit in meditation. There, he maintains right mindfulness, cuts off the Five Hindrances of desire, ill will (anger or hatred), drowsiness, restlessness, and doubt, and thus becomes free from craving and unwholesome states, ultimately attaining the Fourth Dhyāna. 

“This,” said the Buddha, “is how the Tathāgata trains and instructs young bhikṣus. As for elder monks and Venerable Ones who have long engaged in pure practices, the Tathāgata further guides them to eradicate all afflictions and realize liberation.”

Gaṇaka Moggallāna then asked, “Since your disciples all receive the same instruction, will they all attain ultimate wisdom and realize liberation in nirvana?”

The Buddha replied, “Not necessarily. Some will attain realization, while others will not.”

Gaṇaka Moggallāna further asked, “What causes and conditions lead to such a difference?”

The Buddha asked in return, “Gaṇaka Moggallāna, are you familiar with the road to Rājagṛha?”

“Yes, very well,” Gaṇaka Moggallāna answered.

The Buddha gave this parable:

“Suppose a traveler wishes to see the king of Rājagṛha and asks you for directions. You tell him to go eastward and pass through a village, whereupon he will see a city. Beyond that city lies Rājagṛha, distinguished by its beautiful gardens, broad level roads, tall buildings, bathing pools, flowering trees, flowing rivers, and clear springs.

Now, after hearing your instructions, the traveler begins on the right road but soon abandons it, wandering down a side path until he ends up back to where he started. Though he has heard of Rājagṛha’s splendor, he never beholds it himself.

Another traveler, however, follows your guidance faithfully, step by step, and finally arrives at Rājagṛha, seeing all its beauty with his own eyes.”

Following the Right Path to Realization

The Buddha then asked, “Both travelers were told the same route. Why did the first not arrive, while the second did?”

Gaṇaka Moggallāna answered, “The difference lies in whether they followed the instruction or chose their own way.”

The Buddha said, “In the same way, the path to liberation and nirvāṇa is the same for all. I am the teacher who points out the way. I instruct the bhikṣus in how to practice and realize ultimate liberation. Yet some abandon the right path and go astray. It is each person’s own choice whether to follow or not.”

Hearing this, the wise Gaṇaka Moggallāna praised the Buddha and offered another analogy:

“Suppose there is a fertile plot of land filled with sal trees. A skilled and diligent caretaker tends it well—nourishing the roots, applying fertilizer and water, leveling the high ground, filling the low spots, removing weeds, straightening tilted trunks, pruning crooked branches, and guiding the young saplings upright. Through such careful tending, the forest flourishes naturally.”

Through the inquiry of the mathematician Gaṇaka Moggallāna, the Buddha explained the progressive stages by which he guides young bhikṣus in their practice. He then used the parable of asking for directions to Rājagṛha to illustrate why, even under the same teaching, some disciples awaken while others do not. The Buddha is but a guide who points out the path to liberation. Whether one truly follows that path depends on each practitioner. Only those who walk it with steadfast resolve and sincere effort will ultimately attain liberation. (邱惠敏Qiu Hui Min)