Anyone Can Be Our Teacher

 

Note: Shariputra was one of the Buddha’s two main disciples (sometimes known as “heart disciples”).

 

The Venerable Shariputra’s humility was as great as his patience. He was willing to receive correction from anyone, not only with submission, but with gratitude. It is told in the commentary to the Susima Sutra that once, through a momentary [oversight], a corner of the elder’s under-robe was hanging down, and a seven-year-old novice, seeing this, pointed it out to him. Shariputra stepped aside at once and arranged the garment in the proper way, and then he stood before the novice with folded hands, saying: “Now it is correct, teacher!”

 

There is a reference to this incident in the Milindapanha, where these verses were ascribed to Shariputra:

 

If one who has gone forth this day at the age of seven

Should teach me, I accept it with lowered head;

At sight of him I show my zeal and respect;

May I always set him in the teacher’s place.

 

Nyanaponika Thera and Hellmuth Hecker

from Great Disciples of the Buddha