Velama Sutta (AN 9:20) 

After sharing the Velama Sutta, a question arose. If we read the sutta with a differentiating mind, won’t we be inclined to simply practice mindfulness of impermanence? Won’t that discourage people from charity? Since The Buddha said it is far more beneficial to be aware of impermanence. If that is the case, then isn’t this teaching flawed?

Quote from sutta: It would be more fruitful to develop the perception of impermanence—even for as long as a finger-snap—than to

In reality, if we are truly able to achieve the perception of impermanence, then our grasping for mundane objects will automatically diminish. With less attachment to our property and money, it actually becomes easier for us to do charity. And along with this same line of understanding, if we truly have loving kindness in our minds, then charity also becomes automatic.

When we reflect thus, it is apparent how one Dharma practice links to one another. They do not contradict. Therefore, the sutta does not self-contradict, nor does it prevent a person from practicing virtues.

Dakkhina Vibhanga Sutta

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Sakyans, near Kapilavatthu in the Banyan Tree Monastery. 

Then Mahāpajāpati Gotamī approached the Buddha bringing a new pair of garments. She bowed, sat down to one side, and said to the Buddha, “Sir, I have spun and woven this new pair of garments specially for the Buddha. May the Buddha please accept this from me out of compassion.”

This sutta teaches Dana. So let’s explore this teaching together. The main character was Mahapajapati and she was the stepmother of Buddha, as well as his maternal aunt. From the introduction, we know that Buddha was in his hometown when he gave this sermon.

The initial part of a sutta is often disregarded by many, yet it holds considerable intrigue. Here, we observe Mahapajapati’s visit to her stepson as a Queen, where she humbly bowed and took a seat beside him. This gesture symbolizes reverence and humility. It’s noteworthy that the secular connection between Buddha and Mahapajapati has evolved, transforming into a teacher-student dynamic. Consequently, the customary social greetings align with this shifted relationship.

Many of us will not be capable of that flexibility. We often cling tightly to our roles, relationships, and authority, leading to tension as we overlook the evolving dynamics between people. For instance, a parent might be alarmed by the realization that their grown-up child no longer adheres to the behaviors of their earlier years. Similarly, a father may feel offended when his teenage son or daughter communicates with him in a manner resembling that of a friend. Not to mention, your subordinate becoming your boss?

This heartwarming story continues. Although Mahapajapati treated Buddha as an enlightened master outwardly, she must have loved him as her son as well. If we look at it from this perspective, then her act of religious reverence could also be an expression of her love. A mother’s support of her son’s career and what better way than to acknowledge that he, Prince Siddhartha, is now an enlightened being?

okay, maybe I watched too much movies. But don’t you think this add colours and life to the sutta?

Here, we witness Mahapajapati visiting Buddha with gifts of monastic robes that she personally made. The effort taken to make the robe from scratch was considerable because there wasn’t any machinery. Therefore, imagine the time and effort invested by this fine lady.

May all be well and hat is ippy.