The tale of Phra Sivali Maha Thera stands out amongst Buddhists in Thailand. Phra Sivali’s narrative is particularly remarkable. Legend has it that he spent an astonishing seven years and seven days within his mother’s womb, a consequence of past karma ripening into unusual circumstances.

Phra Sivali was bestowed the title of being the foremost in receiving alms and blessings. No matter where Phra Sivali was, alms and donations would be forthcoming and attracted to that location. Therefore, fellow monks loved to associate with Phra Sivali because livelihood became easier in his presence. When they go on alms round with Phra Sivali, everybody will enjoy a bountiful donation from people.

In addition to that, Phra Sivali also enjoy the patronage of divine beings and other spiritual entities. In short, Phra Sivali simply enjoyed the patronage of everybody.

Phra Sivali was of royal lineage. His mother, Queen Suppavasa, consort of King Koliya, was a distinguished female disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni. She made a name for herself as the foremost female disciple in offering the most refined gifts to the monastic community.

Shakyamuni Buddha extolled Phra Sivali as the pinnacle of prosperity, a testament to his past resolutions. It’s said that his determination was forged eons ago, in the time of Padumuttara Buddha, when he witnessed Sudasana being honored as the foremost in receiving alms and blessings.

Inspired, Phra Sivali vowed to follow suit, dedicating seven days to lavish offerings upon the Buddha and his disciples. Through the potency of this grand gesture, he resolved to attain preeminence in prosperity in the future.

Padumuttara Buddha prophesied that Phra Sivali would achieve this feat after traversing a staggering 100,000 world cycles, taking birth as Sivali under the dispensation of Buddha Gotama. In subsequent lives, he continued his virtuous deeds, enjoying numerous existences in heavenly and human realms after death.

In one of his past life, Phra Sivali was reborn 91 world cycles ago during the time of Buddha Vipassi. He was born into wealth near the city of Bandhumati and was known for his diligence. One day, the villagers decided to offer lavish dana to the Buddha and his monks for six consecutive days. On the sixth day, the villagers prepared a grand offering but realized that they lacked fresh honey among their offerings.

A wealthy young man (Phra Sivali’s former lifetime) passing by with special honey became the key figure in this tale. The villagers offered him a significant sum for the honey, explaining it was for Buddha Vipassi’s retinue of 6.8 million monks. Seeing an opportunity for great merit, the young man volunteered to offer his honey to the Buddha instead.

He meticulously prepared a unique mixture of spices and honeycomb, offering it to Buddha Vipassi with a heartfelt plea. The Buddha accepted his sincere offerings, declaring it sufficient for all the monks and miraculously everyone was satisfied. After the meal, Phra Sivali, in that life, stood and made a determination to become foremost in gains in a future rebirth due to this act of generosity. The Buddha affirmed his wish, blessing the villagers before departing.

After his passing, that wealthy young man (Phra Sivali) was reborn as a deva for numerous lifetimes before being born as Phra Sivali during the time of our Buddha Shakyamuni. Upon ordaining as a monk, he attained enlightenment swiftly. Even before his head was completely shaved, he achieved various stages of enlightenment, culminating in Arahantship.

Due to his abundant past merits, Phra Sivali was revered as foremost in attracting gains and was supported by devas wherever he went. This virtue originated from his past life, when he had been practicing charities and had made a significant offering of fresh honey, laying the foundation for his current parami.

According to this story and based on the account of Phra Sivali’s life, Buddhists in Thailand believed that having an image of Phra Sivali would attract gains to oneself.

However, Buddhism is not about idolatry. So what should we do if we really hope that such miracles will happen in our life when we keep an image of Phra Sivali?

Foremost, we need to cultivate generosity and be kind to others. When we practice good and give generously, Deva will be attracted to us. This is because they wish to rejoice in our merits.

To honor Phra Sivali, recall the virtuous deeds that led him to become preeminent in receiving blessings, and contemplate the positive outcomes of those actions. By reflecting in this manner, one can experience a sense of fulfillment, joy, and contentment too. Subsequently, strive to cultivate goodness in our own lives and practice charity, thereby opening ourselves to receiving blessings and prosperity.

There was an Australian monk who decided to travel from Melbourne to Sydney by foot, inspired by Shakyamuni Buddha’s way of life. He recollected the merits of Phra Sivali and had no problem receiving alms and donations throughout his journey. And even, sometimes when he wished for coffee, some stranger would come up to him and bring him coffee. This is truly miraculous. Devas can know one’s wishes and help in this way, with the power of Phra Sivali.

The benefits of venerating Sivalis relics and image, include driving away ill fate, bringing good luck, protection from danger, harm, and suffering, as well as being guided to beneficial opportunities. 

Phra Sivali is often depicted as a young monk holding an umbrella, and walking stick, with an alms bowl slung around his shoulder. The umbrella signifies protection, a walking stick represents support for rough patches in life and an alms bowl/alms bag signifies receiving much-needed resources to help us through.

May all be well and happy.