XX. 11. THE BEREAVED MOTHER AND THE PINCH OF MUSTARD-SEED 1
If a man be passionately devoted to sons or flocks and herds. This religious instruction was given by the Teacher while he was in residence at Jetavana with reference to Kisā Gotamī. [432]
The Story of Kisā Gotamī is contained in the Sahassa Vagga, and is related in detail in the Commentary on Stanza
114. Though one should live a hundred years, the Region of the Deathless never seeing,
Yet were it better far to live a single day, the Region of the Deathless seeing.’ 2
1 Text: N iii. 432-433. - See Story viii. 13.
For at that time the Teacher said, “Kisā Gotamī, didst thou get the pinch of white mustard-seed?” “Nay, Reverend Sir, that did I not. In the entire village the dead are more in number than the living.” Then said the Teacher, “Vainly didst thou imagine that thou alone hadst lost a child. But this is an eternal law for all beings. For the Prince of Death, like to a raging torrent, drags along and flings into the sea of ruin all living beings; still are their longings unfulfilled.” So saying, he preached the Law by pronouncing the following Stanza,
287. If a man be passionately devoted to sons or flocks and herds, if his mind be completely absorbed therein,
The Prince of Death will take and bear him away, even as a raging torrent sweeps away a sleeping village. [433]
At the conclusion of the lesson Kisā Gotamī was established in the Fruit of Conversion; the assembled company also profited by the lesson.