A fragrance that can be smelled against the wind, Samyukta Agama (SA 1073)

      After deep contemplation, Ananda asked the Buddha, “Worldly scents are smelled only with the wind. Is there any fragrance that can be smelled against the wind ?” Samyukta Agama (SA 1073), Tripiṭaka

The Buddha taught, only the virtuous fragrance of precepts transcends upwards to heavenly realms. These are the finest fragrances produced from the purity of enduringly upholding the precepts, and having faith in practicing Buddhist teachings. Thereby, the Buddha spoke the following verses:

“The fragrance of the tree roots, stalks, and flowers cannot be smelled against the wind.

Only those good and virtuous persons who uphold the Buddhist precepts will have the pure scent bestowed upon them.

The fragrance will permeate into every direction and be renowned pervasively and universally.

The fragrance of precepts is paramount among all the scents.

The aroma of sandalwood and all other sorts reached only its minimal.

Only the virtuous fragrance of precepts transcends upwards to heavenly realms.

These are the finest fragrances from the purity of upholding the precepts, the achievements from absolute perseverance with wholesome actions.” (Saṃyukta Agama1073), Tripitaka

     Of all offerings to the Buddha as a Buddhist, the foremost one is to practice the followings:

1. Precept observance [by upholding the precepts] and hence, 2. bring forth meditative concentration due to refraining one’s own mind from afflictions, thereby 3. bring forth the prajna wisdom.

    The gist underlying the verses of Samyukta Agama taught by the Buddha is that the virtuous fragrance produced from upholding precepts is fundamental to a Buddhist practitioner. For example, eschewing intoxicants (such as alcohol, cigarettes, mind-altering drugs, etc.) is not just beneficial for this lifetime, but it also influences all future lifetimes; the practitioner will have clear senses and a better chance to attain the Buddha’s perfect wisdom. Since one is protected not only in one’s current life but also in endless future lifetimes, the amount of merits accumulated is immeasurable. Having understood this, one can see how fortunate one is to have the opportunity to hear and abide by the Buddhist precepts and how meaningful it is during these difficult and degenerate times.

    For example, in Buddhist teachings, precept observation is the basic practice, and only through abiding by these precepts can meditative concentration, and prajna wisdom sequentially emerges. In short, The Agama verses above indicate the courses for the Path of Liberation and the Path to Buddhahood, and the Five Precepts actually do not deter practitioners, instead, it can boost practitioners to gradually fulfill Bodhisattva Precepts, meditative concentration, and to attain the prajna wisdom.

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