02/01/2026
As the venerable monks walk for peace, they have faced misunderstanding and insults, yet their response remains simple and steady: “May you be well.”
This brings to mind an old story from the time of the Buddha, about Venerable Punna, one of the Buddha’s disciples, known as the foremost in teaching the Dhamma.
The story highlights a profound lesson on patience, non-attachment, and emotional resiliency. Before allowing him to teach in a rough and hostile land, the Buddha asked how he would respond to abuse, violence, and even death. Punna’s answers reveal what peace truly means — not the absence of harm, but the absence of hatred.
I’m sharing this story as a reflection on the inner training that makes peace possible, even in difficult conditions.
The Story of Buddha and Venerable Punna
One day, Venerable Punna went to see the Buddha and said:
“Bhante, I wish to go to the land of Sunāparanta to teach the Dhamma.”
The Buddha replied:
“Punna, the people of Sunāparanta are rough, fierce, and uncivilized.
What will you do if they abuse and insult you?”
Punna answered calmly:
“Bhante, if they abuse and insult me, I will think:
‘How good these people are — they do not strike me.’”
The Buddha then asked:
“But Punna, what if they strike you with their hands, clods, or sticks?”
Punna replied:
“Bhante, if they strike me,
I will think:
‘How good these people are — they do not wound me with a knife.’”
The Buddha continued:
“But what if they wound you with a knife?”
Punna said:
“Bhante, then I will think:
‘How good these people are — they do not take my life.’”
The Buddha pressed further:
“But Punna, what if they take your life?”
Punna answered:
“Bhante, then I will think:
‘There are disciples of the Blessed One who are weary of body and life; without violence, I have attained final Nibbāna.’”
Hearing this, the Buddha said:
“Good, Punna, good. Possessing such patience and gentleness,
you are fit to go to Sunāparanta.
Go, Punna. Established in Dhamma, you will live in peace.”
And the Buddha gave him permission.
Punna went to Sunāparanta, taught the Dhamma, and according to tradition, his teaching helped many people change their lives and find a deeper sense of peace and freedom.
