“Why does that monk have such long eyebrows?” Some might ask this upon seeing an image of \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd\u5c0a\u8005.
\u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd\u5c0a\u8005 also called Pindola Bharadvaja was one of the sixteen great disciples of Buddha. He is known in Chinese Buddhism as the “Sitting Deer Arhat”. He was known as the “first in roaring like a lion” and “first in the field of merit”.
\u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd was born into a Brahmin family in India. His family name was Bharadvaja. He became a monk and achieved enlightenment.
Legend says \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd displayed his powers. He retrieved a wooden begging bowl from atop a high pole. Buddha scolded him for showing off to laypeople. This led to a rule against monks displaying supernatural powers.
Another story tells that Buddha ordered \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd to stay in the world. He was told not to attain Nirvana. Instead, he should protect the Dharma. He was to receive offerings. This made him known as “the foremost field of merit.”
\u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd was to remain in the world to help sentient beings. Buddha said he should accept offerings. Anyone inviting a thousand monks would have a saint among them. That saint would be \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd himself. People could invite him home for food and alms. This would cultivate merit. He would be a rare field of merit in the Dharma-ending age.
It is said that \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd loved showing off his powers. Buddha rebuked him for this. He was forbidden from living in Jambudvipa, our Earth. Instead, he was sent to live and teach in Guzhou. Later, he was allowed to return. However, he could not enter Nirvana. He had to stay in India. He was to teach the Dharma on Mount Moya. He was to help people.
Buddha told \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd to accept offerings during his time in the world. People could invite a thousand monks. A holy man would attend and \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd would be among them. People could invite him to their homes for food and offerings. This would cultivate blessings. He became known as “the foremost field of merit”.
Temples often leave the first seat in the dining hall empty. This seat is for \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd. They place a bowl and chopsticks there. Food is offered in the morning and at noon. If there are dumplings or other items, they offer a portion. This is because \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd is to stay in the human world. He is to accept offerings.
\u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd promised to appear. He would come to any place where people invited him to receive offerings. So, \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd is known as the foremost field of merit.
Even today, the story of \u8cd3\u982d\u76e7\u9817\u7f85\u5815\u95cd continues to inspire. It reminds us of the importance of humility. It shows that offerings to enlightened beings create great merit.