This is as I heard from the Blessed One. Those days, the Blessed One was living in the province of Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Park, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. One day, Venerable Ānanda, coming out from his seclusion in the late afternoon, went to the Blessed One and, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, he said to the Blessed One, “Bhante, it’s amazing. It’s astounding how short-lived the Blessed One’s mother was. Seven days after the Blessed One’s birth, she died and reappeared in Tusita heaven.”
“That’s the way it is, Ānanda. That’s the way it is. The mothers of all bodhisattas are short-lived. Seven days after the bodhisattas’ birth, the bodhisattas’ mothers pass away and reappear in Tusita heaven.”
Then, on realizing the impermanence of life, the Blessed One spoke the following inspired verse:
“Those who lived in the past
and those who will live in the future,
all will go, leaving their bodies behind.
The wise person
understanding the impermanent nature of every life
should follow the Noble Path diligently.”
