The Five Opponent Powers

The Five Opponent Powers

In the Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra, the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna tells the following story: While the Buddha was teaching at Jetavana Grove, a drunk brahman approached him and asked to be ordained. To the sangha’s surprise, the Buddha agreed and, turning to Ananda, asked him to shave the brahman’s head and clothe him in monk’s robes. The next morning, when the brahman’s intoxication had worn off, he was astonished to find himself transforme…