THE INVITATION TO TEACH THE DHAMMA

The Buddha, having attained enlightenment under the banyan tree, was contemplating whether or not to share his newfound understanding with the world. He has understood the Dhamma, but believes it is too complicated for ordinary people to understand and too complex to explain. He knows that no one will understand what he is trying to teach them. The Dhamma is not logical, it is very subtle, difficult to comprehend, and profound. The Buddha did not want to teach it. 

But then the Brahma Sahampati read the Buddha’s mind. He was worried that the world would not be saved if people could not hear the Dhamma, so he invited the Buddha to present and explain the Dhamma. 

He said, “Oh lord, expound the Dhamma! Some will understand! Arise and wander the world, save the beings of the world with your teachings!” 

The Buddha realised that he had let his thoughts turn negative, away from the teaching of the Dhamma. 

The Brahma Sahampati repeated his plea a second time, and a third time. 

The Buddha looked around. He looked at the whole world, in the way only he could. He saw people who were blinded by ignorance, people with different levels of intelligence, people who were virtuous and those who were not, and people who were open to teachings and those who were not. 

He looked at the lotus pond. He saw that some lotuses are born in the water, grow, and remain deep in the water. However, some lotuses remain on the surface of the water, and others grow completely out of the pond, untouched by water. 

Then, the Buddha decided to open the doors to the Dhamma, for all who have ears to hear it.