In this Sangha Night series we will be looking at some of the key points in the Buddha’s life story, taken from the early Pali Canon discourses.

PART THREE: THE BUDDHA AND THE SERPENT KING

This evening we find the Buddha under a tree, shortly after he has attained Enlightenment. Protected by a great Serpent of the deep, he utters these inspired words.

Solitude is bliss for the contented one

who has learned the truth and who sees.

Non-harming towards the world is bliss,

restraint towards all living beings

Dispassion is bliss in everyday life,

the overcoming of sensual desires. 

The removal of the conceit of self – 

this indeed is the ultimate bliss

Why is Enlightenment described in this way? And what has it to do with us?