The Art of Crossing Over: Escaping the Whirlpool of Suffering
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa.
Blessings to all wise individuals seeking stability in life.
Today, I invite you all to rest your eyes from busy screens, rest your ears from the clamor of the outside world, and bring your minds into a state of inner peace for a moment. I will take you back in time to the banks of the Ganges River during the time of the Buddha to learn a “Life Lesson” from the Greatest Master through a seemingly simple story that conceals profound philosophy: the story of the “Cowherd” in the Cula-gopala Sutta.
Dear friends, our lives in the modern world are not much different from a herd of cattle standing on a riverbank. Before us lies a vast and treacherous river—not of ordinary water, but a “River of Change.” It is a current of defilements, cravings, economic pressures, social expectations, and various sufferings rushing toward us.
We all share the same goal: we want to “Cross Over.” To cross from this shore—filled with chaos, anxiety, and uncertainty—to the other shore… the shore of happiness, success, stability, and cool tranquility.
But the problem is… how do we cross without drowning halfway? And who will be the leader to guide us across?
In this Sutta, the Buddha used the metaphor of two types of “Cowherds” for us to consider when choosing our life’s path.
1. The Tragedy of the Careless Cowherd
The first image the Buddha presents is of a cowherd from Magadha. This cowherd had good intentions; he wanted to lead his herd across the Ganges to the Videha country, which was more abundant. However… he possessed little wisdom and lacked prudence.
He decided to herd the cattle into the water during the “end of the rainy season.” Imagine, dear friends, the Ganges at the end of the rainy season: overflowing, swift, and full of whirlpools. Furthermore, he had not even surveyed where the smooth fords were, where the banks were steep, or where crocodiles or whirlpools lay hidden.
With carelessness, he drove the entire herd into the water all at once, without order or foresight. The result was disaster… the cattle, both small and large, panicked, swam aimlessly, lost their strength, and were either swept away by the current or sank to the bottom. They all perished in the middle of the Ganges.
Dear friends… what does this teach us? This foolish cowherd represents “Spiritual Leaders” or worldly “Idols” who do not truly know. In this era, we have many gurus, coaches, and influencers who offer formulas for happiness, telling us to chase wealth, fame, or follow the currents of desire. Yet, they may not truly understand the “World” as it is, do not know “Mara” (obstacles), and do not truly understand “Death.”
If we entrust our lives to leaders who lead us into fire or jump into the swift currents of greed, anger, and delusion without wisdom to guide us, eventually, our lives will be like that herd of cattle—drowning in Samsara, endlessly cycling through suffering.
2. The Strategy of the Wise Cowherd
Now, let us look at the second image… The Buddha spoke of a wise cowherd. When this man arrived at the riverbank, he did not rush. He “waited for the right moment.” He considered the season… “Ah, the water is too swift now; I should wait or find a shallower spot.” He surveyed the area… walking along the riverbank to find the safest “Ford”—where the banks were not steep, the ground not slippery, and free of predators.
Most amazingly, he had a “Sequencing Strategy” for crossing. He did not drive the cattle in randomly but divided them into 5 groups based on their potential:
- Group 1: The “Vanguard Unit”: He released the “Bull Leaders” and the strongest bulls first. Why them? Because these bulls possessed immense strength to cut through the swift current, leading the way and breaking the water’s force for the others. Once they reached the other bank, they would bellow, calling the others to follow.
- Group 2: The “Strong Unit”: Next were the sturdy steers and heifers who were well-trained. They swam closely behind the bulls.
- Group 3: The “Teen Unit”: Then came the young calves, full of energy. Though not as strong as the bulls, they could fend for themselves.
- Group 4: The “Weak Unit”: After that, the smaller calves and the emaciated cows were released. Because the ones ahead had broken the current, the water was calmer, making it easier for the weaker ones to swim.
- Group 5: The “Baby Unit”: Finally, the “newborn calves born that very day.” You might wonder, how can a newborn calf cross a swift river? The secret lies in “Instinct” and “Trust.” These calves would swim relentlessly following the “sound of their mother’s call.” Where the mother went, the calf followed. Though weak in strength, the heart bound to the mother would guide it across most safely.
The result for this cowherd was that every single cow crossed to the other shore safely; not one drowned.
3. From the Riverbank to the Shore of Nirvana
Dear friends… who is this wise cowherd? The Buddha proclaimed, “I, the Tathagata, am that wise cowherd.” He is the Knower of this world and the next, having thoroughly explored the path to the cessation of suffering. He laid down the “Order of Crossing” for us Buddhists as stages of mental development:
- The Bull Leaders represent the Arahants: Those who have completely cut off defilements and the stream of Mara. They are the strongest guides; they have reached the shore and are calling out to us.
- The Well-Trained Cows represent the Anagamis (Non-Returners): Those who have abandoned the five lower fetters, cutting off sensual desire and ill-will. They will not return to sink in the world of sensuality.
- The Young Cows represent the Sakadagamis (Once-Returners): Those who have attenuated greed, hatred, and delusion, returning to this world only once more.
- The Small/Weak Cows represent the Sotapannas (Stream-Enterers): These are like those who have “closed the door to the lower realms.” Though not yet as strong swimmers as the bulls, they will never sink to the bottom (hell) again. They are destined for the stream of Nirvana.
And finally… I want you to listen closely here.
- The Newborn Calves represent All of Us: Those who have just turned their faces toward the Dhamma, calling ourselves “Dhammanusari” (Following the Dhamma) or “Saddhanusari” (Following Faith).
We might feel that we have little merit, little fortune, thick defilements, or dull wisdom, like newborn calves with weak legs. How can we fight against the raging current of defilements?
But the Cula-gopala Sutta confirms one truth: “Even the little calf can survive.” There is only one requirement… “Swim towards the Mother’s Voice.” The Mother’s Voice here is the Correct Dhamma Teachings, the Noble Eightfold Path.
Conclusion: Dare to Step into the Water
Dear laypeople, wise friends…
Today, I did not come just to tell you a bedtime story. I came to “Wake You Up.” How long have you been hesitating on the bank of Samsara? Are you standing there watching others cross, or are you running after a blind cowherd who leads you in circles in a basin of suffering?
Do not feel slighted that we are just little calves. Do not think that Nirvana is far-fetched or only for monks. The Buddha confirmed that even beginners, even those with only “Faith” and “Perseverance” to follow in the footsteps of the Parents (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha), can cross over!
Ask your own heart… Have you started “Swimming” today? Spiritual swimming does not require expensive equipment or auspicious times. It is starting to have “Mindfulness” in every moment. Starting to keep “Precepts” as armor. Starting to cultivate “Concentration” to empower the mind. Starting to use “Wisdom” to contemplate the reality of life.
Do not underestimate the current! In today’s world, the currents of Greed, Anger, and Delusion are swifter by the minute. They are ready to swallow the weak and careless down into the abyss of depression, stress, and misery.
Leave your doubts on the bank. Listen intently to the voice of the “Wise Cowherd,” the Buddha. That voice echoes in the Tripitaka; it echoes in the hearts of the wise. Hold fast to that sound and swim!
Swim with Faith. Swim with Perseverance. Even if tired, do not stop. Even if discouraged, do not retreat. Because every time we resist defilements, we are swimming closer to the shore of safety.
May you all be obedient calves. May you find happiness in swimming against the current of defilements. And may you all reach the shore of Nirvana, the land of peace, safe from all bonds.
Blessings.
