This animation recounts the first story in the Dhammapada Commentary, which tells the story of Ven. Cakkhupāla and his attainment of Arahatta—but only after becoming blind during his struggles.
Originally known as Mahā Pāla, one day he heard the Buddha teach the Anupubbikathā, or Graduated Teaching, and decided to give away his wealth to his younger brother, Culla Pāla, and ordain.
After five years in training he went with 60 friends to a remote village and there practiced diligently in only three postures, refusing to lie down. Because of this severe practice he eventually went blind—but at the same moment as he attained Arahatta.
The monks asked why someone destined to such a high calling had gone blind first, and the Buddha explained his past history, before reciting the first verse in the Dhammapada:
Mind precedes thoughts, mind is their chief,
their quality is made by mind,
if with base mind one speaks or acts
through that, suffering follows one
like a wheel follows ox’s foot.
The story by the animation group around Wat San Francisco is told in four sections which are in a playlist.
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to see an album of screenshots click here