[Intro]
Deep within the forest, seekers walked that day,
Building a sacred shelter where the Buddha's wisdom lay.
One more pillar they were seeking, one more piece to make it whole,
Then a generous heart awakened, offering from the soul.
[Verse 1]
They gathered with devotion, with a purpose pure and bright,
To build a hall of refuge in the morning's gentle light.
One pillar stood between them and the work they wished to do,
Then a stranger came to help them, with a heart both kind and true.
He did not ask for riches, he did not seek acclaim,
He offered what was needed without asking for a name.
A single piece of timber, a simple gift to share,
Became a sign of goodness and a lesson of sincere care.
[Chorus]
One pillar of faith, one act of love,
A humble gift beneath the skies above.
It isn't how much we possess or display,
But the kindness in our hearts that we give away.
One pillar of faith, one heart sincere,
A little act of goodness can bring hope near.
When we give with joy and expect no reward,
We build a better world through the Dhamma's accord.
[Verse 2]
You don't have to be wealthy to lend a helping hand,
You don't need a throne to make a difference in the land.
A word to ease another's pain, a light to guide the way,
Can turn a dark and lonely night into a brighter day.
The fruits of deeds are spoken of in stories old and wise,
Yet goodness finds its meaning in the heart where kindness lies.
So let us act with wisdom, compassion as our guide,
And build a world of peace with generosity inside.
[Chorus]
One pillar of faith, one act of love,
A humble gift beneath the skies above.
It isn't how much we possess or display,
But the kindness in our hearts that we give away.
One pillar of faith, one heart sincere,
A little act of goodness can bring hope near.
When we give with joy and expect no reward,
We build a better world through the Dhamma's accord.
[Bridge]
No gift is small when given from the heart,
No act of kindness is too small to start.
A single pillar helped a hall arise,
A single good deed lets compassion rise.
[Outro]
One pillar standing, one lesson remains,
Give with a glad heart through sunshine and rain.
The path of compassion begins where we are,
One act of goodness can shine like a star.
The Story of Ekathambhika Thera — “The Offering of a Single Pillar, Inspired by Great Faith”
Tipiṭaka, Volume 32 • Sutta Piṭaka, Volume 24 • Khuddaka Nikāya • Apadāna • Sīhāsani Vagga
1. Background and the Dhamma Teachings
The Ekathambhika Therāpadāna presents a story illustrating the value of giving with faith and a sincere heart. Although the offering consisted of only one pillar, it supported a collective effort to build a hall for the Buddha. The story highlights generosity, selflessness, joyful giving, and participation in sustaining the Buddhist community.
The account appears in the Apadāna, Khuddaka Nikāya, Sutta Piṭaka, Tipiṭaka Volume 32. It is known as the second Ekathambhika Therāpadāna (section 12), concerning the fruits of offering a single pillar.
How the Offering Began
In the distant past, during the dispensation of the Buddha named Siddhattha, a gathering of devoted lay followers assembled to discuss building a hall for the Buddha. They had found the materials they needed but were still missing one pillar. They therefore went into a great forest to search for it.
The man whose past deed is recounted in this text encountered the lay followers in the forest. He approached them, paid his respects, and asked what they were seeking. When he learned that they needed one more pillar to complete the hall, he volunteered to provide it so that they would not have to continue searching.
The lay followers welcomed his offer with joy and confidence. After they departed, he fulfilled his promise and offered the pillar with a joyful and devoted mind.
His act was not merely the transfer of a material object. It was a willing contribution to a shared undertaking, made out of faith rather than compulsion.
The Fruits of Generosity
According to the account in the Apadāna, the elder described the fruits of his past offering. He recounted experiencing results in both celestial and human realms, including becoming a king named Yasodhara for 55 aeons and a king named Udena for 21 aeons.
The account further states that he did not experience an unfortunate rebirth as a result of that meritorious deed. Ultimately, he realized the four analytical knowledges (paṭisambhidā), the eight liberations (vimokkha), and the six higher knowledges (abhiññā), declaring that his spiritual task under the Buddha's dispensation had been completed.
These accounts reflect the Buddhist understanding of karma and the fruits of meritorious actions. Their practical lesson is the importance of sincere intention, generosity, and contributing to the welfare of others.
2. Five Dhamma Lessons from the Story
1. Faith expressed through action
The man did not remain content with merely admiring the Buddha. He transformed his faith into a practical contribution. The lesson is that meaningful faith can be expressed through beneficial actions.
2. Generosity and selflessness
One pillar may appear insignificant compared with an entire building, yet it was essential to completing the project. Giving should therefore not be measured solely by monetary value or quantity, but also by intention and the benefit it provides.
3. Service to the community
The offering helped relieve the burden of the lay followers and supported a collective religious undertaking. In modern life, the same principle can be practiced through community service, sharing knowledge, volunteering, and supporting public-benefit projects.
4. Joy in doing good
The offering was made with a joyful and devoted mind. This illustrates the value of giving willingly, without depending on praise or expecting an immediate reward.
5. Karma and responsibility
The story presents the Buddhist teaching that actions have consequences. It encourages people to choose actions that benefit themselves and others. However, the teaching should not be used to conclude that every person's suffering or success is caused solely by deeds in a past life.
Conclusion
The Ekathambhika Therāpadāna teaches that the value of generosity is not determined by the size of the gift alone. Intention and the good that the gift makes possible also matter.
Just as one pillar helped a building project move forward, small acts of kindness can contribute to significant changes in society. We do not need great wealth to do good. Sharing our knowledge, helping those in need, and carrying out our responsibilities honestly can all help create a more compassionate and peaceful world.
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