San Lo Mvu 110The Conversion of Bimbisāra

The Sutta on the Conversion of King Bimbisāra

Background

King Bimbisāra was an eminent ruler of Magadha during the time of Buddha Śākyamuni. In the early days of going for alms after attaining Buddhahood, the Buddha came to Rājagaha, the capital of Magadha. The appearance of Buddha Śākyamuni, serene, collected, and full of compassion, greatly drew the attention of King Bimbisāra.

The Samantapāsādikā (a commentary on the Vinaya Piṭaka) records that King Bimbisāra was born on the very day the Buddha attained awakening, although the two events occurred in different places. The meeting between the king and the Buddha was not accidental, but the result of dependent conditions from previous lives. King Bimbisāra, though a powerful monarch, still carried in his heart questions about the origin of suffering and the path to liberation.

Main Content

When Buddha Śākyamuni came to Rājagaha, King Bimbisāra arranged formal audiences. Through direct conversation with the Buddha, King Bimbisāra heard the Dharma concerning the Four Noble Truths (Catvāri Āryasatyāni): the four noble truths of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to that cessation.

These teachings were both profound and clear, suited to the wisdom of the king, who was a sharp-minded person with experience in governing a country. The Buddha also taught about the nature of greed, hatred, and delusion (lobha, dosa, moha), the three roots of all unwholesome actions. King Bimbisāra realized that, despite having power and royal wealth, he was still not free from the deep anxieties within his mind.

After hearing the Dharma, King Bimbisāra rose with deep faith (saddhā) and decided to take refuge in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The king became one of the first upāsakas, lay followers who practiced according to Buddhism. From that time, King Bimbisāra was not only a powerful monarch, but also a sincere devotee of the Buddha’s teaching.