The Merchant, the Ascetic, and the Gift of Forgiveness

In a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was born as an ascetic who lived in the peaceful heights of the Himalayas. One day, he traveled down to a city to obtain salt and vinegar for his simple meals. The next morning, as he went about his alms round, people suggested he visit a merchant known for his great devotion and generosity.

When the Bodhisatta arrived at the merchant’s home, he found the merchant was not there. The merchant had gone to visit the king, and none of the servants were aware of the ascetic’s arrival. After waiting for some time, the Bodhisatta decided to leave. But as he walked away, he happened to meet the merchant on his way back home.

The merchant, seeing the Bodhisatta, invited him to come with him. He offered the Bodhisatta a variety of food and gave him a soothing foot rub. Afterward, the merchant, feeling deeply apologetic for not being there earlier to welcome the ascetic, begged his forgiveness. He explained that it was the first time in his life that anyone had come to his home and left empty-handed.

The Bodhisatta, with a calm and forgiving heart, acknowledged the merchant’s kindness and said, “While it is unusual not to be there in the morning to receive guests, I feel no anger towards you. You have shown great hospitality, and that is what matters.”

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

Many years later, during the Buddha’s time, a disciple from the countryside visited the Buddha’s monastery. Eager to collect alms, he asked the other disciples who were the best people to seek food from. They pointed him to Anathapindika, a wealthy and generous supporter of the Buddha, and to Visakha, the Buddha’s foremost female lay supporter.

The disciple, determined to receive the best offerings, set out early the next morning for both Anathapindika and Visakha’s homes. However, he arrived so early that nobody was there to attend to him. He wandered around the city for a while, and when he returned, it was too late. By then, the rice at both households had already been distributed.

Frustrated and disappointed, the disciple returned to the monastery. Unable to contain his frustration, he openly insulted both Anathapindika and Visakha for not having provided him with alms. The Buddha, hearing of this, called the disciple to a meeting and explained that there was no reason to be upset. The Buddha then told him the story of how, in a past life, he had experienced a similar situation without allowing anger to arise.

The merchant from the past life, the Buddha revealed, was none other than Ananda, one of his closest and most revered disciples. In that past life, just as the Bodhisatta had shown patience and forgiveness toward the merchant, so too did Ananda learn the value of forbearance and understanding.

Moral: Generosity is not measured by the timing of gifts, but by the heart with which they are given. When things don’t go as expected, forgiveness and patience lead to peace.