November 2, 2025
King Confesses to Buddha he Murdered his own Father | Asking Forgiveness from Triple Gem | Ajahn Dhammasiha
Dhammagiri Buddhist PodcastsAbout this episode
Ajahn Dhammasiha is asked if there are procedures for laity after breaking precepts in the same way as for monks. Ajahn explains that the Buddha laid down eleborate procedures only in the Vinaya for the monks & nuns, but not for laity. However, we can always ask for forgiveness from the Triple Gem. In fact, the full version of the evening chanting includes asking forgiveness from Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha. Ajahn continues by sharing the story of King Ajatasattu confessing the murder of his own father, stream enterer King Bimbisāra, to the Buddha. He does that in full public with 1,250 arahant monks present, and also his own 500 wifes and whole court. You can read about that amazing story, a true Shakespearian drama, in the introductory section of the 'Sāmañña-phala-sutta' ( Discourse on the Fruits of the Holy Life ), Dīgha Nikāya/Long Discourses #2. The most important thing after a transgression is to fully recognize it as such, make amends as far as possible, and then to abstain from doing it again in the future. Then one lets go of the past, forgiving oneself, and rather than dwelling in guilt, one tries to make as much good karma as possible, to weaken and overcome the bad karma one has created. Website Our Spotify Playlists Newsletter Dhammagiri Youtube Channel Pics #confession #forgiveness #dhammatalk #dhamma #buddhiststory