Holy man Quote by Chanrithy Him
““There is a story about the life of Buddha in which a mother carries her dead son to him draped in her arms. The woman has heard that he is a holy man who can restore life. Weeping, she appeals for mercy. Gently, Buddha tells her that he can help save her son’s life, but that first she has to bring him a mustard seed secured from a family that has never experienced death. Desperately she searches home after home. Many want to help, but everyone has already experienced a loss--a sister, a husband, a child. Finally the woman returns to Buddha. “What have you found?” he asks. “Where is your mustard seed and where is your son? You are not carrying him.” “I buried him,” she replies””
About This Quote
Source Buddhist Jataka Tale, oral tradition
A mother seeks a miracle to revive her dead son, but the teacher asks her to find a seed from a family untouched by death, highlighting universal suffering and the impossibility of escaping loss.
In simple terms: A mother asks for a miracle, but all families have known death.
Key Takeaway
Accept that loss is universal and seek compassion.
Themes
suffering
compassion
impermanence
spirituality
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
parable
teaching
When to use this quote
- grieving parents
- counseling sessions
- spiritual retreats
- community support
Key Concepts
Buddhist teachings
interconnectedness
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing universal loss change your response to grief?
- What compassionate actions can you take when faced with suffering?
A Different Perspective
The story may oversimplify grief and ignore practical coping strategies.
