Once, on a long journey to spread his teachings throughout the kingdom of Kosala, the Buddha encountered a Brahmin farmer named Bh?radv?ja working hard in a field.

Bh?radv?ja saw the Buddha approaching from afar. Taking instant notice of the Buddha’s majestic demeanor, he stopped working, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and waited for the Buddha to come closer. As the Buddha reached him, Bh?radv?ja said, “Buddha, as you can see, I am hard at work tilling my field and sowing seeds for the harvest. I give it my all to provide for myself and my family. I do this so that I don’t need to beg others for food. Buddha, you should do the same. You should cultivate your own field to provide for yourself and your community. You should teach your disciples to do so as well.”

The Buddha instantly perceived Bh?radv?ja’s concealed hostility. He looked at him kindly for a few moments, then said firmly, “I, too, also cultivate my own field. I also teach my disciples to do likewise.”

Bh?radv?ja raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked, “Is that so? I’m curious. How is it then that I have never seen you in a field, using a plow, or sowing seeds? May I ask how the Buddha cultivates his own field? Please enlighten me so that I may broaden my knowledge.”

“Since you kindly asked, I shall enlighten you if you are ready to listen carefully,” the Buddha replied.

Bh?radv?ja nodded his head and waited.

The Buddha continued, speaking slowly, “I cultivate my own field in this way. My wholesome teachings are the earth. My wisdom is the yoke and plow. My practice of the precepts is the oxen. My conscience is the harness. My faith is the seeds. My ascetic practice is the timely rain. My mindfulness is the skillful farmer who knows every inch of his field, guards his body and speech, and stores an adequate amount of food in his barn. To safeguard an abundant harvest, I make sure to remove the weeds of afflictions. I cultivate diligently so that my field is never left untended. So I am unworried and never regress, I work in my field skillfully and diligently. Anyone who cultivates their field in this way can harvest the fruits of liberation and surpass the three realms, destroying all worries. This is how I cultivate my field.”

After listening to the Buddha, Bh?radv?ja’s arrogance instantly vanished and he began developing a sense of respect and faith. His mind now joyful, he praised the Buddha, “You are truly a most skillful farmer, a supreme cultivator. Thank you for enlightening me and broadening my knowledge.”

Seeing it was almost time for lunch, Bh?radv?ja reached into his nearby satchel and removed a bowl of delicious food he kept within. Holding the bowl in both hands, he presented it to the Buddha and said, “Please accept this bowl of food as my humble offering to you.”

The Buddha shook his head in refusal and said, “I cannot accept offerings as a reward for sharing my teachings. I teach solely for the benefit of all sentient beings, never to receive offerings. Since I have already taught you what you wish to know and you were willing to listen, I must humbly decline your gracious offering.”

Bh?radv?ja, feeling ashamed at his prior behavior, prostrated to the Buddha and said, “Please forgive my rudeness and hostility towards you.”

The Buddha said not a word but simply smiled and nodded. He then joined his palms and departed to resume his journey.

Ever since that unforgettable encounter, Bh?radv?ja not only sought to learn more of the Buddha’s teachings but also always gave generously whenever the Buddha and his disciples came to beg for alms.

This story highlights the idea that cultivation is not just about physical work such as farming, but also about cultivating one’s spiritual self. This includes practicing virtues such as upholding the precepts, having faith, keeping a dutiful conscience, remaining diligent, and being mindful of one’s actions, words, and thoughts.

In Bh?radv?ja’s eyes, at first glance, the Buddha had done nothing to be worthy of receiving any offerings. He was unaware of the fact that the Buddha himself was already a field of merit, that the Buddha was cultivating himself in each moment. The Buddha reminded Bh?radv?ja that true cultivation is not just limited to cultivating one’s body, be it physical labor or exercise, but goes beyond, and encompasses the cultivation of one’s inner self as well. The Buddha also demonstrated skillful means in teaching Bh?radv?ja in a way that he could clearly and instantly understand, as well as accept the truth of his teaching. This is why the Buddha was considered one of the most skillful educators, and a teacher to humans and deities alike. He was able to perceive the causes and conditions and create a bridge between the people and his teachings.

All things in life always work best when in balance. Ensuring a good harvest from cropland requires an equilibrium of different causes and conditions. The land must be fertile. The farmer must skillfully cultivate his farmland. Sun and rain are needed for the seeds to grow into crops. The crops must be harvested at the right time. All things must be balanced. This includes us human beings as well. What real use is a cultivated body if one’s mind is neglected? What use is a cultivated mind if we neglect our body and let it wither? Whether it be our mind, or body, leaving just one of these untended will unsettle us, causing us pain and trouble. We are often only ever concerned with what we can see, touch, hear, and feel. But our mind, though not visible or tangible, is nonetheless still real, and in need of equal care and attention.

Just as Venerable Master Hsing Yun says,

“Without cultivation, you cannot liberate yourself.

        Without teaching the Dharma, you cannot liberate all beings.”

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