Udāna 42

Heartfelt Sayings 5.2

Short-lived

1 So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then in the late afternoon, Venerable Ānanda came out of retreat and went to the Buddha. He bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him: “It’s incredible, sir, it’s amazing! How short-lived was the Blessed One’s mother! For seven days after the Blessed One was born, his mother passed away and was reborn in the host of joyful gods.”

2 “That’s so true, Ānanda! For the mothers of beings intent of awakening are short-lived. Seven days after the beings intent on awakening are born, their mothers pass away and are reborn in the host of joyful gods.”

3 Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:

4 “Whether born or to be born,

all depart, leaving the body behind.

The skillful, understanding that all is lost,

would keenly practice the spiritual life.”