(Originally Cont’d from 999 reasons why a Buddhist can sit on jury 1-31-10)
The attack ended, according to Tshering, as Angulimala fell to the ground and the Buddha consoled him offering loving kindness and compassion. This experience completely transformed the criminal. He asked to be ordained a monk, and he practiced meditation and self-purification while living in a Sangha community.
What does all of this have to do with jury trial duty?
Well, the story doesn’t end here. Throughout his life, families of those Angulimala had assaulted tracked him down and beat him with stones. “He used to go to the monastery with wounds and bloodshed to be reminded by the Buddha that it is his former karmic deeds that he is undergoing this hardships in this life itself,” said Tshering (underline added for emphasis).
After his death, someone asked Buddha about the ex-criminal. He answered, “[M]y son Angulimala has attained Nirvana,” Tshering said. Followers of the Buddha could hardly believe it and asked how could such a person attain Nirvana. And Buddha replied:
“. . . Angulimala had done much evil because he did not have good friends. But later, he had good friends and with their help . . . he became steadfast . . . in practicing the dharma and meditation. Thus, his evil deeds have been overwhelmed by good karma and his mind has been completely rid of all defilements.”
— Tshering
“Whose evil deed is obscured by good, he illumines this world like the moon freed from a cloud,”
— the Buddha
It sounds like “skillful means” are needed when serving on a jury trial!
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Tshering’s recounting is based on Discourse 86 from the Majjhima Nikaya. However, it does seem like his version adds a few points not in the original. The Buddha does not judge the prior actions of, nor offer any forgiveness to Angulimala. He’s the Buddha. He does not judge. Angulimala does indeed repent of his evil ways, but not because of any promises made by the Buddha. He was merely awestruck by the Buddha’s presense.
“He who seeking his own happiness punishes or kills beings who also long for happiness, will not find happiness after death.” – Dhammapada verse 131
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Jesse,
michael j
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[…] ‘Just reasoning’ required for jury duty […]
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