Life
and death is like torrential rain
The annual rainy season had arrived, and the unceasing rain brought news of
hazards everywhere. The Buddha and his disciples were concentrating on their
practice in the Vihara. Watching the heavy rain outside, they had great concern
for all those affected.
Upali said:" In this rainy
season, a lot of people are going to be harmed in the disastrous
conditions!"
Purna went to the doorway to
look at the downpour, and said:" Since time beginningless, sentient beings
had suffered transmigration within the Six Paths. The commotion of it all is
like this heavily pouring rain that is impossible to resist."
Sariputra expressed his opinion
as well:" Where the rain pours, road surfaces will crack, and people will
be rendered immobile in the floods. The conditions are going to be
appalling!"
On hearing the various comments
of his followers, the Buddha took the opportunity to deliver a message:"
Sentient beings have always suffered in the cycle of life and death without
realising the cause of it. This is like the damage of floods as a result of the
rain. They have not learned from their past experience despite the many floods
they have encountered, and they have therefore not made relevant preparations
in advance to prevent such calamities. This is similar to sentient beings who
are forever caught in the cycle of the Six Paths. Bikshus! Sever from evil as
soon as possible, and do not hesitate any more on practising the good."
The Buddha then said a gatha: "The bow maker alters the angles; the
sailor services his boat; The clever carpenter polishes his wood; the wise
discipline their actions."
Having heard these words of the
Buddha, his followers concentrated on right mindfulness in the hope of relying
on wisdom to cross the river of life and death.