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| Shakyamuni and Queen Vaidehi (source of the photo) |
The Contemplation Sutra[1] was taught in the context of a tragedy in the royal family of Magadha[2]. Master Shan-tao[3] who also wrote a commentary on this sutra, gave a detailed account of what happened. As I don’t have access to a good/useful English translation of his commentary, I quote Rev Hisao Inagaki’s summary of Shan-tao’s explanation:
“Shakyamuni had a
cousin, Devadatta, who was greedy for fame and wealth. Seeing the Buddha
receive many offerings from King Bimbisara, he wanted to take over the
leadership of the sangha. He first learned supernatural power from Ananda,
which he displayed to Prince Ajatasatru;
thus he won the respect of the prince and also received sumptuous offerings
from him. Devadatta then approached Shakyamuni and suggested that the Buddha
retire but was rebuked for his stupidity. Angered by this, he next incited
Ajatasatru to usurp the throne.
Seeing that Ajatasatru hesitated, Devadatta pointed at the prince’s broken little finger and told him the following story.
