Death Is Universal

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Gautama Buddha solved the problem of two persons who, through attachment, were both deeply grieved by death.

Kisagotami

One person was Kisagotami. Her only child died after being attacked by a serpent. She went to Buddha carrying the dead child in her arms. Buddha asked her to bring a few mustard seeds from a family where no one had died. But she could not find such a family. Every house-hold was either in mourning or had mourned over a death at one time or other. Then she realized the bitter truth: death is universal. Death strike all and spares none. Sorrow is the heritage of everyone.

The other person whom the Buddha advised was . Her case was sadder within a short period she lost her two children, husband, brother, parents and all her possessions. Losing her senses, she ran naked and wild in the streets until she met the Buddha.

The Buddha brought her back to sanity by explaining that death is to be expected as a natural phenomenon in all living beings. Buddha said, "You have suffered from similar situations, not once, , but many times during your previous existence.

For long time you have suffered due to the deaths of father and mother, children and relatives. While you were thus suffering, you indeed shed more tears than there is water in the oceans." At the end of the talk, realized the uncertainty of life. Both and Kisagotami comprehended suffering and each learned through tragic experience.