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(Narrated by Grandpa. Edited by Arlene Hunter)During the time of Buddha King Prasenajit was the ruler of Kosala with its capital Shravasti (an ancient city that was located on the northeast part of modern Uttar Pradesh, India). He was a disciple of Buddha and respected the principle of non-violence. One day, his royal priest Garg, came to him in distress. Garg asked, "The astrologer has predicted that my newly born son is destined by the stars to become a robber and will be a menace to the society. What should I do?" The king suggested to Garg to educate his son well hoping that he may turn out to be a good citizen despite the astrologer’s forecast. Garg thoughtfully returned home. The boy was named Ahimsaka, which means a person who believes in nonviolence. Ahimsaka proved to be intelligent and interested in learning the scriptures. When he was still in his teens, he expressed his desire to go to Takshashila, a renowned educational center. Garg agreed and Ahimsaka joined one of the most renowned teachers at Takshashila. He soon became the most favorite disciple of his teacher (guru). The teacher was so impressed by Ahimsaka’s performance that he bragged about Ahimsaka to other students and encouraged all of them to be more like him. This made them jealous and they plotted to turn the teacher against Ahimsaka. Their plan worked and the teacher fell into their trap. He immediately expelled Ahimsaka from the school. Bewildered Ahimsaka returned home with a heavy heart.
Finally Ahimsaka decided to leave Shravasti and move to Kaushambi, a nearby town. Deep
in thought, as he was walking down the highway, that passes through a hilly forest, he was
attacked by a highway robber. The robber demanded his valuables. Ahimsaka was so
distraught that he responded by striking the robber hard with his fist. The robber fell to
the ground and was easily overpowered by Ahimsaka. The robber begged for mercy. Ahimsaka
at that point realized his strength and decided to make his living as a highway robber. Soon he started to attack travelers and traders, looting and killing them. Denied of the love of his family and deprived of a way to make an honest living, his extreme anger and hatred against the society turned him into an animal. He not only robbed and killed his victims, but he dismembered them and collected their little fingers to make a garland. So people called him Angulimal or the wearer of a garland made of little fingers. People approached king Prasenajit for help. When Prasenajit sent a small army, Angulimal killed most of them by hurling down huge boulders. The king was amazed by his strength. Prasenajit finally advised his citizens to avoid the highway altogether, until Angulimal could be killed.
Angulimal shouted, "Stop moving." The monk replied, "I am not moving, I am at rest. It is you who is in constant motion because of your discontent." Angulimal threatened to kill Buddha and take his little finger for his garland. But Buddha was not the least disturbed. He stretched out his arms and told Angulimal to go ahead and take his fingers if that would make him happy. Angulimal was baffled. He realized his mistake and fell at the feet of Buddha, seeking his mercy. Buddha took Angulimal to his monastery and by and by converted him to an ascetic. Angulimal absorbed Buddha’s teaching daily and started to serve in the monastery, taking care of the sick. Gradually, he was transformed from a sinner to a saint. When king Prasenajit came to visit Buddha on his way to capture Angulimal, Buddha told him of the change that had come over Angulimal in Buddha's care. The king was pleasantly surprised and peacefully returned to his palace. A few days later, when Angulimal was collecting his alms, he met a boy. When Angulimal
blessed the boy and mentioned about his parents, the boy angrily replied, "I do not
have my father, he was killed by the wicked Angulimal." Angulimal could not say a word. He felt depressed and hopeless. When Buddha asked Angulimal why he was so sad and depressed, Angulmal said, "I am a sinner. My hands are stained with blood. I have no hope." Then he related the incident to Buddha. Buddha consoled, "Repentance is the only fire to burn the sins already committed. You are on the right path." Angulimal came to his senses. One day Angulimal was recognized by the people while he was on the street collecting his alms as an ascetic. They got panicked and assumed it to be Angulimal's latest trick. They ganged up and began to beat Angulimal severely. But Angulimal did not fight back and people left him for dead. Angulimal later dragged himself to the monastery where Buddha received him. He died on Buddha’s lap saying, "Father, I am at last at peace with the world." Buddha, later commented that "Angulimal was a great soul. He had conquered vice, cruelty and anger. He had attained Nirvana (the Eternal Peace)." |
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When Garg, Ahimsaka’s father, learned that his
son had been turned out of the school, he was furious. He accused Ahimsaka of disgracing
his family and threw him out of the house. Poor Ahimsaka could not understand why his
teacher turned against him and his family was unwilling to hear his side of the story.
When he looked for another place of stay, no one was willing to help him. He was badly
hurt and felt rejected by the world. 
One day, Angulimal found the highway deserted. He was waiting for
his prey when he saw a monk passing by. Angulimal followed the monk for a long time but
mysteriously the monk was always one step ahead of him. The monk was none other than Lord
Buddha himself.