Moggallana, one of the brilliant disciples of the Buddha, was very devoted to his mother. His mother had died early; and Moggallana had been apprehensive of where she had gone after her death. After his attainment [of enlightenment], he searched for her whereabouts with his extrasensory power of clairvoyance, and found her in the World of Hungry Devils (Preta) painfully emaciated as the result of her being miserly in her previous life. Astounded and saddened by the discovery, Moggallana attempted to relieve her pains by taking her some food in a bowl. But no sooner had the mother touched the bowl, the food fumed into amass of flames. Unbearable of the sight of his mother's pitiful plight, Moggallana went to the Buddha for instructions on how to save her.
The Buddha said: "The evil deeds that your mother committed are so grave that it is beyond your power to extricate her from her state. Fortunately, however, tomorrow is the last day of Vassal If you should give offerings to one thousand monks, they would gladly accept your offerings. The effect of your pious offerings to the monks who have done pure deeds will be great, indeed. By the merit of your virtuous deed, your mother will be relieved from the pains of Preta."
Moggallana followed the Buddha's instruction; and the mother was immediately freed from the sufferings of Preta.
Published by Bureau of Buddhist Education,1967
Second Printing June, 1993
Third Printing September, 1995
Buddhist Churches of America 1710 Octavia Street San Francisco, California 94109
Last updated: 6/9/97
Comments concerning this page: [email protected]