My Introduction to The Story of Angulimala
It is kind of funny how the universe works. Sometimes it seems lessons are presented to you multiple times until you explore them deeper and maybe learn the lessons. I think in 2017, I read my first Thich Nhat Hanh book titled FEAR. I was doing some research for an event I was helping to develop and at the time “fear” seemed like it might be a good topic to explore. We went with something else, but I probably read the book 2-3 times in the last 8 years. In those readings though I had never explored the story of Angulimala.
To be honest, it was only briefly mentioned in the Introduction of the book and when it comes to difficult names I sometimes struggle to connect deeply with a story.
Anyhow, in May 2025 (a few months ago), my Dharmacharya (Dharma Teacher), Terry Cortes-Vega, shared a Dharma teaching on the story of Angulimala (pronounced Ahn-goo-lee-MAH-lah). It was a pretty great Dharma lesson but I had not connected the dots that I was exposed to this story before. I certainly was not exposed to this depth of the story.
Now 2 months after being at this retreat, I am facilitating a group reading the book FEAR together. This week we will be discussing the Introduction and first chapter and NOW, today, I am making the connection. This made me think maybe I should use this as a sign to share the story of Anulimãla with you.
Here’s another story in Buddhism that resonates and even amazes me a bit. It is a story of fear, violence, forgiveness, pushing through hard times, and ultimately, profound transformation. It’s the story of Angulimala, a man whose name means Garland of Fingers, who went from being one of the most feared killers in ancient India to a revered disciple of the Buddha.
This story reminds us that no matter how far we may stray from kindness or wisdom, the possibility of awakening is never closed to us.
Let’s enter his story…
The Story of Angulimala
Long ago in ancient India, in the kingdom of Kosala, a boy was born into a Brahmin family and given the name Ahimsaka (pronounced Uh-HIM-suh-kuh), meaning “Harmless One.”
He was bright, kind, and a gifted student. His parents, proud of his talents, sent him to Taxila, the great city of learning, to study under a respected teacher.
Ahimsaka quickly excelled. But others grew jealous and whispered lies into the teacher’s ears. They claimed Ahimsaka was arrogant, even suggesting he harbored feelings for the teacher’s wife.
Believing these rumors, the teacher devised a cruel task. He told Ahimsaka:
“If you wish to complete your studies, bring me a thousand right-hand fingers as my payment.”
Horrified, Ahimsaka refused at first. But fear and confusion overcame him. To avoid the teacher’s wrath, he fled into the forest. There, he began attacking travelers on the road, cutting off one of their fingers and stringing them around his neck like a gruesome garland.
So he became known as Angulimāla (pronounced Ahn-goo-lee-MAH-lah) — menaing “Garland of Fingers.”
A Meeting in the Forest
Terror gripped the land. Even the King prepared to send soldiers to stop the killings. But Angulimala vowed he needed just one more victim to complete his thousand. And on that very day, he saw his own mother walking toward the forest, searching desperately for him.
Meanwhile, the Buddha, residing nearby, saw through his meditative vision that Angulimala was about to commit the worst of crimes… killing his own mother. Moved by deep compassion, he set out to intercept him.
Walking calmly through the forest, the Buddha appeared on Angulimala’s path. When Angulimala spotted him, he charged forward, sword in hand.
Yet no matter how fast he ran, he could not catch up. The Buddha continued walking at an ordinary pace, yet always remained ahead.
Breathless and frustrated, Angulimala shouted:
“Stop, recluse! Stop!”
The Buddha turned to him and replied:
“I have stopped, Angulimala.
It is you who have not stopped.”
The Turning
Angulimala was stunned.
“What do you mean, recluse? You’re walking, yet you say you’ve stopped. I stand still, yet you say I have not stopped. Explain this to me!”
And the Buddha said:
“I have stopped harming all living beings.
I have cast aside violence and cruelty.
But you, Angulimala—you have not stopped.”
At that moment, something broke open in Angulimala’s heart. He dropped his sword. His eyes filled with tears. He fell to his knees and said:
“Blessed One, let me become your disciple. Let me go forth into homelessness.”
The Buddha spoke gently:
“Come, bhikkhu.”
With those simple words, Angulimala was ordained as a monk.
A Life Transformed
Even as a monk, Angulimala’s past followed him. When he entered villages for alms, people hurled stones and insults, fearing the man he had been.
He returned to the Buddha, bruised and bleeding. The Buddha comforted him:
“Bear it patiently, Angulimala.
You are experiencing here and now
the results of deeds
that would have brought you
suffering for many lives.”
Over time, through deep practice, Angulimala’s mind grew calm and clear. He transformed from a killer into an arahant, a fully enlightened being.
One day, he encountered a woman in the throes of childbirth. Seeing her suffering, he rushed to the Buddha for guidance. The Buddha taught him a verse of truth:
“Since I was born into the noble life,
I have not harmed any living being.
By this truth, may you and your child be well.”
Angulimala recited this blessing. Instantly, the woman’s pain eased, and she delivered her child safely. This became known as the Angulimala Paritta, still chanted today for protection and blessings during childbirth.
The Lessons of the Angulimala Story and Buddhist Stories of Transformation
Here is a video I found of Thich Nhat Hanh telling part of the story of Angulimala. Have a watch…
Angulimala’s story is one of the most radical examples in Buddhist tradition of the possibility of transformation. Here are a few of the teachings we might reflect on:
1. No One Is Beyond Redemption
Even someone who committed grave harm can awaken to compassion and wisdom. Our true nature remains untouched, waiting for us to turn toward it.
2. Stopping Means Ending Harm
The Buddha’s words, “I have stopped,” remind us that to truly stop is not merely to pause our outer actions but to end the inner habits of violence, fear, and craving. No easy task but the story shows we are all capable of this.
3. We All Have the Capacity to Lay Down Our Swords
Whether our “swords” are harsh words, judgments, or harmful habits, we can choose, moment by moment, to stop creating suffering for ourselves and others.
4. Past Actions Have Consequences… But We Are Not Doomed
Angulimala endured the results of his past deeds, but he was not condemned forever. Karma is real, but change is always possible through skillful action and practice.
5. Compassion Can Heal
Angulimala transformed harm into healing. His blessing for the woman in labor symbolizes how even someone who once caused great pain can become a source of comfort and relief.
A Reflection for Us
Angulimala’s story invites us to ask:
Where in my own life do I still “run” as Angulimala did, driven by fear or habit?
What would it mean for me to stop?
How can I transform even small moments of harm into acts of compassion?
May we all discover the courage to stop, to lay down our swords, and to walk in peace.
“He who once lived heedlessly,
But later lives restrained—
Such a one lights up the world,
Like the moon freed from clouds.”
(Dhammapada, v. 172)