The Buddha, known for his compassion, wisdom, and peaceful teachings, was not without enemies. Although he dedicated his life to alleviating suffering and spreading the path of enlightenment, his growing influence threatened powerful figures in society. Some saw him as a challenge to their authority, while others were driven by jealousy or religious rivalry.

Despite his non-violent philosophy, there were several recorded attempts on his life. These incidents, mainly documented in Buddhist texts like the Vinaya Pitaka and Jataka tales, reveal not only the dangers the Buddha faced but also his unshakable calm and supreme wisdom in dealing with them.

This blog explores:

• Why people wanted to kill the Buddha

• The most famous assassination attempts

• How the Buddha responded to threats

• The deeper lessons from these events

Why Did People Want to Kill the Buddha?

Although the Buddha had no enemies himself, certain groups or individuals saw him as a threat:

1. Jealous Rivals

• The Buddha’s cousin, Devadatta, envied his spiritual success and plotted against him.

• Some ascetics and Brahmins felt jealous of his growing following, fearing the loss of their influence.

2. Political Threats

• Kings and rulers sometimes saw the Buddha’s teachings as a challenge to the social order.

• His rejection of the caste system and his influence over powerful leaders alarmed conservative factions.

3. Religious Opposition

• Some priests and spiritual leaders opposed the Buddha’s teachings, fearing his philosophy would weaken their own traditions.

Despite these threats, the Buddha remained calm and fearless, showing that enlightenment is beyond fear of death.

The Most Famous Assassination Attempts on the Buddha

1. Devadatta’s Betrayal: The Jealous Cousin

Devadatta, the Buddha’s own cousin and disciple, was one of his greatest adversaries. Initially a devoted monk, he became jealous of the Buddha’s wisdom, respect, and growing influence.

Devadatta’s Plot to Take Over the Sangha

• Devadatta convinced several monks that the Buddha was too old to lead and that he should take over.

• When the Buddha refused, Devadatta’s jealousy turned into hatred, and he plotted to kill him.

The Three Assassination Attempts by Devadatta

1️⃣ Hired Assassins – Devadatta sent men to kill the Buddha, but upon meeting him, they were so inspired by his presence that they abandoned the plot and became his followers.

2️⃣ Rock-Slide Attempt – While the Buddha was meditating on Vulture Peak (Gijjhakuta), Devadatta pushed a large boulder down the hill to crush him. The rock shattered, and only a small fragment injured the Buddha’s foot. Despite the injury, the Buddha remained unshaken.

3️⃣ Releasing a Mad Elephant – Devadatta had a drunken elephant named Nalagiri set loose on the Buddha’s path. As the raging elephant charged, the Buddha stood calmly and radiated loving-kindness (metta). The elephant, overcome by his aura of peace, stopped, bowed before him, and became calm.

After these failures, Devadatta’s influence faded, and he eventually died a tragic death, realizing the futility of his hatred.

2. Poisoning Attempt by a Brahmin

A jealous Brahmin priest, unhappy with the Buddha’s teachings, tried to poison his food. However, before eating, the Buddha blessed the food, neutralizing the poison through his spiritual power. He remained unharmed, demonstrating that true purity cannot be tainted.

3. Cursed Mango Grove & The Murderous Queen

King Bimbisara of Magadha was a great supporter of the Buddha, but his own wife, Queen Kosala Devi, hated the Buddha.

• She ordered that a cursed mango grove be planted along the Buddha’s path, hoping the spirits in the trees would harm him.

• However, as soon as the Buddha entered the grove, his presence transformed the negative energy into peace, neutralizing any harm.

Her hatred was ultimately futile, and the Buddha continued teaching in peace.

4. The Buddha Predicted His Own Death

Though no assassination attempt succeeded, the Buddha himself foresaw the event that would lead to his Mahāparinirvāṇa (final passing away).

• At the age of 80, the Buddha knowingly accepted a meal that was slightly spoiled.

• He understood that his time in the physical world was nearing its end, and he would soon enter Nirvana beyond birth and death.

• Even in his final moments, he remained serene and gave his last teachings.

How the Buddha Responded to Assassination Attempts

Unlike ordinary humans, the Buddha never reacted with anger, fear, or hatred. Instead, he responded with:

✔️ Compassion – He forgave Devadatta, the assassins, and all those who plotted against him.
✔️ Wisdom – He remained aware that hatred is fueled by ignorance and suffering.
✔️ Loving-Kindness (Metta) – He tamed even wild animals through pure goodwill and radiance.
✔️ Equanimity – He never let threats disturb his inner peace.

His teachings emphasize that violence cannot be overcome with more violence. Instead, true strength lies in wisdom, patience, and compassion.

Lessons from the Buddha’s Survival

1️⃣ Jealousy and Hatred Lead to Self-Destruction – Devadatta’s story shows that envy blinds us and leads to suffering.

2️⃣ Compassion is the Greatest Shield – Even a raging elephant was calmed by the Buddha’s loving-kindness.

3️⃣ Inner Peace Cannot Be Disturbed by External Dangers – The Buddha remained unshaken by threats, showing that true peace comes from within.

4️⃣ Forgiveness is a Sign of Strength – Instead of punishing his enemies, the Buddha forgave them and wished them well.

5️⃣ No One Can Escape Death, But One Can Transcend It – Though the Buddha passed away, his teachings continue to illuminate the world.

Conclusion: The Indestructible Spirit of the Buddha

Despite facing assassination attempts, conspiracies, and violent threats, the Buddha remained a beacon of peace and wisdom. His ability to overcome hatred with compassion is an inspiration for all of us.

Even today, his teachings remind us that:

✔️ True strength lies in wisdom and patience, not violence.
✔️ Forgiveness and compassion can tame even the most dangerous enemies.
✔️ The path of enlightenment is not free from obstacles, but perseverance leads to awakening.

May we all strive to embody the fearlessness, kindness, and wisdom of the Buddha in our own lives.

🙏 May all beings be free from hatred and filled with compassion!