It is little known that during Gautama Buddha’s life on earth, he was not completely free of dissenters and discord. Despite his serene and patient practice, Gautama was not without threat. Just as every great spiritual or powerful leader in earth’s history, he faced jealous followers wanting to take his place in the world. It is said that Gautama’s cousin, a monk by the name of Devadatta, was the worst of them all, attempting to take Gautama’s life on multiple occasions. Legend has it, out of jealousy, Devadatta tried to undermine the Buddha and declared that he be given the chance to lead the sangha. When this proved unsuccessful he tried to kill the great teacher to claim his following for himself.
His first attempt involved hiring a group of archers to shoot at Buddha during his meditations, but as they approached the Buddha, they became overcome and began laying down their bows. Instead of shooting, the archers now devoted themselves to him instead. As one might imagine, this only served to anger Devadatta more. In his next attempt Devadatta himself rolled a great boulder down a hill directly in Gautama’s path. Luckily, the boulder split in two along the way with one half only grazing the divine Buddha’s foot. Again diminished, Devadatta let loose a violent elephant to trample Buddha and everyone around him. As all his murderous plots proved unsuccessful, Devadatta began to form breakaway following, attempting to recruit the Buddha’s followers for himself. Although he managed to claim a handful, they all eventually made their way back to the Awakened one.
It is hard to believe that the great Awakened One could be met with disdain by any. But just as every great spiritual leader, there were those who threatened to undermine his teachings.