Upali

Introduction

Upali was one of the closest disciples of Buddha. He belonged to the lower caste and was a barber who worked for the Princes including Buddha in the Shakyan kingdom at Kapilavastu. Buddha reiterated that irrespective of class, creed, gender or caste, anyone who followed the Precepts faithfully and practiced the teachings could attain God Realisation and this fact was proved by the attainment of Sainthood by Upali.

Early Life

When Buddha left home in search of truth and later attained enlightenment, his cousins Anuruddha, Ananda and a few others too left home to join the Sangha and realise the goal of their life. They removed their robes and ornaments and handed it to Upali. But Upali was afraid of being blamed for the disappearance of the Princes and requested them to take him also. He felt that when such noble and rich princes were ready to renounce the world, a low caste and poor person like him too should do the same. It is said that when he was in despair about his acceptance by the Buddha, Sariputta Buddha’s close disciple met him and encouraged and guided Upali to move forward and meet the Buddha and achieve his goal.

Enlightenment

Anuruddha and the others felt that it would be a good lesson on curbing the ego if Upali succeeded first so that they could bow down to him. So saying this they requested the Buddha to teach him first. Upali was worried but Buddha reassured him that anyone who practised the teachings sincerely would achieve success and this encouraged him. He set out in right earnest and observed all the precepts strictly and it is said that he was one of the monks to whom everyone turned to as he knew the Precepts by heart. His purity and perseverance shone among the others and soon he attained Sainthood.

The First Council

After the passing away of the Buddha the First Council was set up to preserve the spiritual heritage of the Buddha and Upali was selected to summarise the Rules of the Order which became the basis for the Sutta Pitaka  and Vinaya Pitaka of the Pali Tipitaka.

Conclusion

Inspite of being an outcaste, Upali was highly respected by the monks and his success was a symbol of the glory of equality in the Buddhist Community. The story of Upali the humble barber who became one of the closest disciples of the Buddha is a great inspiration for all his followers even today and reiterates the rule of Spirituality being for all irrespective of one’s worldly background with success being assured as long as one has determination, sincerity and the Master’s grace to support them.