Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Text: Gihan Mallawaarachchi (Pursuing an MA in Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University, Yilan, Taiwan)

The story of Aṅgulimāla is one of the most powerful examples of the transformative power of compassion and wisdom in the Buddhist tradition. It teaches us the value of both a mother’s compassion (Karuṇā) and the Buddha’s great compassion (Mahā-karuṇā), showing us how kindness and guidance can change even the most troubled person.

Aṅgulimāla was not always a feared murderer. He was once called Ahiṃsaka, meaning “harmless one,” and was a kind and intelligent student. However, deception and jealousy led him astray. His teacher, influenced by false rumors, gave him a cruel task—to collect a thousand human fingers as a form of honor. Misguided but determined, Aṅgulimāla turned to violence, believing it was the only way to achieve his goal. As he neared his target, his final victim was to be his own mother. His loving mother, filled with compassion (karuṇā), was willing to risk her life to protect her son from being captured and killed by the king’s army. This highlights the pure and selfless love of a mother, who stands by her child no matter their mistakes. However, the Buddha, with his boundless great compassion (mahā-karuṇā), saw beyond this moment. He knew that if Aṅgulimāla killed his own mother, his karmic burden would become unbearable. With deep wisdom and skillful means, the Buddha intervened—not with force, but with words that shook Aṅgulimāla’s soul.

After that, as Aṅgulimāla ran after the Buddha, he was surprised that he couldn’t catch up, even though the Buddha was walking calmly. This was more than just a physical chase—it symbolized how Aṅgulimāla, trapped in ignorance and violence, could not reach the Buddha, who had already “stopped” spiritually by abandoning all harmful actions. Realizing his mistake, Aṅgulimāla dropped his weapons, surrendered, and became a monk and he attained enlightenment proving that even those with the darkest past can find peace through Dhamma.

So, this mural-story teaches us an important lesson: a mother’s love is one of the most powerful forces in the world, nurturing, protecting, and forgiving unconditionally. However, the Buddha’s compassion is even greater—it extends not just to loved ones, but to all beings, including those who have lost their way. As a society, we must cherish and respect the love of mothers while also striving to develop a greater compassion that does not judge but helps everyone find a better path.