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One of the most well-known lessons that Rāhula received from His father was the importance of always telling the truth, which is shared in a discourse known as the Ambalatthika-Rahulovada Sutta. Rāhula, prone to youthful mischief, once intentionally provided a layperson, who had come to see the Buddha, with incorrect directions. Lord Buddha wanted to help His son understand how actions have consequences. Seeing the Buddha return from giving lectures on the Dhamma one day, Rāhula went to fetch water to wash Lord Buddha’s feet. The Buddha took this opportunity to share the Dhamma with His son. Lord Buddha utilized the analogy of emptying the vessel of water to demonstrate how being untruthful can cause the liar to grow increasing empty inside spiritually, which creates a void and leads to numerous other evils. Beloved Buddha further emphasized the importance of honesty. He explained to Rāhula the merits associated with self-reflection and the guiding principle of morality. Lord Buddha strongly encouraged Rāhula to reflect before, during, and after His actions. The World-Honored One taught that this constant self-reflection is like using a mirror for the mind, ensuring that one’s intentions and actions align with compassion and wisdom. Another lesson that the Buddha conveyed to Rāhula involved anattā, or “no-self.” Anattā is one of three characteristics of all existence and beings, along with dukkha (suffering or dissatisfaction) and anicca (impermanence). The doctrine of “no-self” refers to no permanent, unchanging essence, or soul, within a person and that the ever-changing physical body and mental state make up one’s identity. As such, humans should not become attached to the notion of this physical “self.” A common metaphor used by the Buddha to elucidate this point is the metaphor of a chariot. Our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) once mentioned how Lord Buddha was a strict Master. One story comes from the Pāḷi Commentaries, specifically from the Dhammapada Commentary. According to tradition, when Rāhula was just eight years old, He already demonstrated deep humility and reverence toward His elders in the Sangha. One night, due to the arrival of several senior monks, Rāhula willingly gave up His room and chose to sleep near the Buddha’s hut. Māra, the embodiment of delusion and temptation, seeking to disturb the peace and test the young monk, took the fearsome form of a towering elephant-king. Drawing near, he encircled Rāhula’s head with his enormous trunk and let out a thunderous trumpet. Unshaken, the young Rāhula remained calm and fearless. The Buddha, perceiving Māra’s intentions, said: “Hey Māra, even a hundred thousand māras, let alone you, are incapable of frightening my son Rāhula. In fact, my son has no fear at all. He is free from craving, very energetic and highly intelligent.”
