Among the Buddha’s ten great disciples, Purna was foremost in propagating Dharma. Regardless of the countless dangers and hardships he faced, he vowed to travel far and wide to spread the Buddha’s teachings. Despite his already extensive travels, one place Purna had yet to go was Sronaparantaka. It was an extremely remote area far up in the north, wild and uncivilized that no monastic or religious preacher had ever visited. Despite this, Purna had made plans to go there to spread the Dharma, regardless of the difficult conditions he might face there.

Before leaving for Sronaparantaka, Purna visited the Buddha. After paying his respects, he said, “Buddha, I have traveled far and wide to spread your teachings. However, I have yet to visit Sronaparantaka and the people there haven’t had a chance to hear your teachings. Will you give me your blessing and permit me to travel there?” 

The Buddha immediately praised Purna for his courage but warned, “Purna, that region is wild and its people are ferocious, savage, and ill-mannered. It will be very difficult to spread the teachings there. Your safety and well-being cannot be guaranteed. Perhaps you should not go.” 

Purna replied confidently, “Buddha, I can find no words to express my gratitude for the kindness and compassion you have shown toward us. Therefore, I am willing to give all that I am to the Dharma and all sentient beings to repay my gratitude to you. If the people there are indeed violent, uneducated, and lacking in morality, there is even more reason for me to go to Sronaparantaka. Hopefully, this shall be an opportunity for them to be nourished and cleansed by the refreshing rain of your teachings.”

“Yes, but though you are right about your reasons for going there, the people of Sronaparantaka may not accept what you wish to teach them. They may even speak ill of you, curse you, or worse, beat you. How will you respond to these hardships?” asked the Buddha with concern.

Purna answered, “It’s okay if they insult me. I shall thank them because at least they didn’t resort to beating me up!”

The Buddha continued, “What if they beat you with sticks and throw stones at you?”

“That doesn’t matter either. As long as they don’t beat me to death, I am still alive to spread your teachings,” replied Purna.

Although most pleased with Purna’s determination, the Buddha paused for a moment and asked again, “What if they show no mercy and beat you to death?”

Purna replied bravely with great courage, “Buddha, even if they beat me to death, I shall have no regrets. As your disciple, I’m happy and grateful for the opportunity to give up my life for the Truth. I will thank and pray for the people of Sronaparantaka for helping me fulfill my wish to spread your teachings and to repay your kindness with my body and my life.”

The Buddha was touched and replied, “Very well, Purna! You should be commended for your willingness to sacrifice your own life for the sake of the Truth and for your resolve to spread my teachings with such perseverance and patience. I give you my blessing and wish you all the best for your journey to Sronaparantaka.”

Rejoicing in the Buddha’s words, Purna joined his palms and replied, “Thank you, Buddha. It is now time for me to depart for Sronaparantaka. I look forward to spreading your teachings far and wide.” 

With those final words, Purna bowed to the Buddha and departed.

This story teaches us the true meaning of patience. Purna demonstrated courage, resilience, and the willingness to shoulder responsibilities even if his life should be in mortal danger. Moreover, his efforts to propagate the Dharma were for the benefit of others and not himself. As stated in the Sutra of the Teachings Bequeathed by the Buddha, “The virtue derived from patience is far beyond the virtues of upholding the precepts and practicing asceticism. One who is steeped in patience is considered a great person with unparalleled fortitude.”

True patience is neither passively compromising nor holding in one’s anger. It is kind and compassionate tolerance for others. Being patient does not mean simply accepting or inviting poor treatment by others. Patience represents wisdom, strength, and the readiness to shoulder responsibilities. People who truly understand the meaning of patience and practice will always put the benefit of others before their own and will not regret making any sacrifice to stay true to themselves. Those who practice patience and compassion truly understand that all are one and equal, and that we are all interconnected. Purna was a wise human being who truly understood the meaning of patience and diligently practiced it while on his journeys far and wide spreading the Dharma.

Just as Venerable Master Hsing Yun says,

“A patient person has strength.

A patient person has courage.

A patient person has wisdom.

A patient person has benevolence.”

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