After the Buddha entered parinirvana{1}, King Asoka united the regions of India and became the most powerful emperor who protected Buddhism. Once King Asoka wanted to make offerings to the Sangha, amongst those who came and accepted the offering was a novice{2}(rmanera), King Asoka felt awkward about bowing to him. After this novice revealed his supernatural power, King Asoka began to show respect to all monastics as equals with a humble mind regardless of old or young, wise or unwise.

During Buddha’s time, he often advised his disciples earnestly and kindly not to belittle their juniors. Buddha even taught King Prasenajit of the four things which shall not be disparaged. The Buddha said there are four things in this world which may appear insignificant but shall not be disparaged. They are:

1.Single sparks must not to be taken lightly{3}.

A single spark can start a prairie fire. Even a small spark can cause uncontrollable disaster; therefore, a single spark must not to be taken lightly.

2.Baby snakes must not be disparaged{4}.

Baby snakes may grow into giant serpents that overturn rivers and cause raging waves; hence a baby snake must not be disparaged.

3.Little princes must not be disparaged{5}.

When a prince grows up, he will become a king and rule a nation. The prosperities and safety, as well as the calamities or downfall of a nation are all determined by his commands; therefore little princes must not be disparaged.

4.Little novices must not be disparaged{6}.

Although young in age, if a little novice sincerely studies and practices, one day he will eventually become a model to humans and celestial beings. This is the world’s most powerful force which must not be neglected.



【Key Words】

{1} parinirvana 入滅
{2} novice 小沙彌
{3} single spark not to be taken lightly 小小火苗不可輕視
{4}baby snake cannot be disparaged  幼小之龍不可輕視
{5} little prince cannot be disparaged  年少王子不可輕視
{6} little novice cannot be disparaged  年幼沙彌不可輕視