Impermanence: Bodhisatta’s Lesson on Life and Death

In the majestic heights of the Himalayas, the Bodhisatta once lived as an ascetic with his wife, leading a life of virtue and simplicity. Despite his disinterest in marriage, his parents insisted he wed. To delay their wishes, he had a golden statue crafted, declaring he would only marry a woman as beautiful as this exquisite figure. His parents, eager to fulfill his demand, dispatched the statue across India, seeking a match.Eventually, they encountered a young woman whose beauty rivaled that of the statue—pure and enchanting like a celestial nymph. However, much like the Bodhisatta, she had no desire for marriage. Yet her parents, upon seeing the statue, were persuaded to trade their daughter for it. Thus, she was sent away to live with the Bodhisatta.Though they resided together as husband and wife, they chose to live a life of celibacy and virtue, embodying the ideals of asceticism. After the passing of the Bodhisatta’s parents, he and his wife renounced their wealth and worldly possessions, choosing instead to embrace a life of simplicity and detachment.On one occasion, while in the city to procure salt and seasoning, they took refuge in a royal park. After consuming some poor-quality rice, the Bodhisatta’s wife fell gravely ill from dysentery. Before embarking on his morning alms round, he gently laid her down on a bench at the city gate. Tragically, while he was away gathering food, she passed away.Upon his return, the Bodhisatta found a crowd gathered around her lifeless body, weeping and lamenting their loss. To their astonishment, he sat down calmly on her bench and began to eat his meal without displaying any sorrow. The onlookers were shocked by his apparent indifference to death.Seeing their confusion, the Bodhisatta took this moment to impart a profound lesson on impermanence. He explained that death is an inevitable part of life and that sorrow serves no purpose in the face of such reality. His words resonated deeply with those present, prompting them to give Kakati proper funeral rites before he returned alone to the Himalayas.

The Lesson in Impermanence

In later times during the Buddha’s life, this tale found relevance when a landowner’s wife passed away. Overcome by grief, he neglected his health and responsibilities, wandering aimlessly near her grave. Sensing that he was ready for spiritual awakening, the Buddha visited him after completing his alms round. He taught the grieving man about impermanence and urged him not to mourn what is lost.To illustrate his point further, the Buddha recounted his own experience of losing his wife in a past life—how he remained composed in the face of death and recognized its inevitability. This story helped the landowner achieve clarity and understanding about life’s transient nature.The Bodhisatta’s wife in this tale represents an earlier incarnation of Yasodhara—the Buddha’s own beloved wife—highlighting the interconnectedness of their stories across lifetimes.

Moral: This tale teaches us that impermanence is an inherent aspect of existence, and clinging to grief over loss is futile. Understanding this truth can liberate us from suffering and allow us to embrace life fully. In moments of sorrow, we must remember that all things are transient; acceptance leads to peace and wisdom in navigating life’s inevitable changes.