‘Angulimala’ written by Michael Ondaatje for B.A./B.Com./B.Sc 1st Semester

Topic- ‘Angulimala’ written by Michael Ondaatje



Special Summary for all answers
Para-1:
Once upon a time, there was a vicious robber, a murderer and one dangerous thief which name was Angulimala in Sravastthi city. He terrorized the people, killed men and looted all the things. He also made some garlands by their fingers and wore round his neck. So, he was called Angulimala because Anguli means finger and Mala means garland.
Para-2:
At that during time, Lord Buddha was preaching in the city (Sravastthi city). One day, he went towards the forest where Angulimala lived. All the people warned him against in enter the forest and told him about the merciless man Angulimala and his bad works. They informed Buddha that Angulimala killed the men who passed through the forest.  But, Buddha was ready to go there.
Para-3:
He went to the forest only on his robe and his bowl (vikha patra). Some hermits (who lived in forest) also tried to stop him but they could not. Then, he entered the forest.
Para-4:
At that time, Angulimala stood in the shadow of the trees. He was surprised to see Buddha who was going alone without any arms. Angulimala started towards Buddha with his sword, a bow and arrows. Unfortunately/but, he could not reach Buddha. He felt that that was a magic power. Ironically, he could catch running deer and horses but at that moment he could not reach an ordinary man.
At last, Angulimala shouted Buddha to stand still. Buddha replied that he was standing still. At the reply, Angulimala confused to understand. Then, Buddha informed him that he did not use any force against the living things or did not run towards any living beings. So, at this point, Buddha was stable. But, instead, Angulimala was unstable because he used to run against the living beings. Also, Buddha mentioned that Angulimala would die soon than the other creatures in the world.
Para-5
At that moment, Angulimala had changed his mind. He wanted to give up all the evil works. So, he buried/interred (puti thua) his sword and his weapons in a deep pit. He went to Buddha, bowed low and touched Buddha’s feet. He requested Buddha to mark the right way and changed him to a disciple. From then, Angulimala was also a monk like Buddha. Both they went to begging and preaching.
Para-6:
First Begging of Angulimala:- Angulimala dressed a robe (garua bastra) and took a bowl (bhikha patra). For the first time, he went to the city for begging. Then only he understood the sufferings around him. He saw the poor people who were living without a proper house and in pain. He also had seen fear in the young children.  He understood all the problems of a living being like him.
Para-7
2nd time Begging: When he went to the city for begging the next time, people recognised him. They threw stones, pieces of pottery etc. at him. He was totally bleeding. The people beat him, tore his robe into some pieces and smashed/destroyed his bowl. Also, they broke his fingers. At that situation, he was faint and senseless. People kept some dead bodies of birds and animals over his body and left from there.
Para-8:
Some hours later, he got sense and went to the forest. He saw Buddha at the forest who crept (hinnota prakash kara) towards him. He was still bleeding. Buddha smiled and asked what were happening to him. Buddha asked to feel the hell presently.
            After that, Buddha lifted up him. They went out from there and got a river where Buddha bathed him. Buddha offered him his own robe and begging bowl and left the place.
            From that time, Angulimala had understood the right way and the joy of freedom.


Notice: Dear students, this is a summary for you to understand the story better and writing any question’s answer in the help of this note. Best of Luck, by P.B.