Buddhist Studies: Disciples of the Buddha: Upali

Buddha had His Hair Cut by Upali

When Upali was twenty years old, Buddha returned to His hometown, Kapilavatthu. That was three years after the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Upali was recommended to do the haircut for Buddha. He was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor but hesitated to accept the honor as he knew the Buddha was the Great Enlightened One and He possessed thirty-two Marks of the Saint. So he asked for his mother's advice.

His mother comforted him and said that the Buddha was benevolent and He would not despise outcaste. But Upali was still afraid of going despite his mother's assurance. His mother could not do anything but accompanied him to do the haircut for the Buddha.

The next day, Upali, in the company of his mother, did the haircut for Buddha. After a while, his mother knelt before Buddha and asked, "Lord Buddha, what do you think of his skill?"

"He bows too low, "replied the Buddha.

Upali straightened his back when he heard this. It was said that he attained the first stage of meditation.

After a while, his mother knelt down and asked,"Lord Buddha, what do you think now?"

"His body seems to be too straight," replied the Buddha.

When Upali heard this, he concentrated his attention and it was said that he attained the second stage of meditation then.

After a while, his mother asked the Buddha again, "Lord Buddha, what do you think of his skill now?"
"He breathes in too fast," replied Buddha.

When Upali heard this, he concentrated his mind on breathe-in and breathe-out. It was said that he attained the third stage of meditation then.

His mother asked Buddha again, "What do you think now?"

"He breathes out too fast." replied the Buddha.

Now, Upali was mindful of breathing in and out and he did not know what he was holding a razor. It was said that he attained the fourth stage of meditation.

On the instance, the Buddha asked the Brethren to prop up Upali so that he would not fall down.

We could learn from here that Upali was very attentive in his work. He was strict with himself and could listen to people's criticisms with an open mind. Hence he was pre-eminent among those who knew the disciplinary rules by heart.

Upali was an outcaste, but he enjoyed high prestige in the community of monks. He success was a stimulus to people in distress. His success symbolized the glory of equality that shines forever.