Pv 20The Ghost Cūḷaseṭṭhi

– GHOST STORIES

– THE UBBARĪ CHAPTER

2.8

BJT 247"Sir, you are one who has gone forth, naked, and emaciated. Where do you go at night? For what reason? Please tell us that, we too are capable; we can provide you with wealth along with all requisites."

BJT 248"The city of Bārāṇasī is renowned far and wide. There I was a wealthy householder, miserly, not given to generosity, with a mind attached to material things. Due to my evil nature, I have gone to the realm of Yama.

BJT 249On account of those deeds, I here am tormented by the stinging pain of hunger. For that reason, I go to my relatives seeking food. But they have no nature of generosity, and do not believe that there is the fruit of giving in the next life.

BJT 250But my daughter repeatedly says: 'I will offer gifts to our forebears.' They are presenting prepared offerings to the brahmins; I have gone to Andhakavinda to partake of them."

BJT 251The king said to that ghost: "After you have partaken of that offering, you should return quickly; I too will perform an act of giving. If there is a reason, please tell it to me. I am listening to words about a reason that is worthy of trust."

BJT 252Saying "Very well," that ghost went there. The brahmins had partaken of the meal, yet they were not worthy of the offering. That ghost returned once more to Rājagaha and appeared before the leader of the people.

BJT 253Seeing that the ghost had come again, the king said: "What shall I offer? If there is a reason, please tell it to me, so that you may be satisfied for a long time."

BJT 254"O King, after presenting food, along with drink and robes, to the Buddha and the assembly, please designate that offering for my benefit; in that way I may be satisfied for a long time."

BJT 255Therefore, thereupon the king went forth. Having with his own hands presented an incomparable gift to the Assembly, the king related the matter to the Blessed One and designated the offering to that ghost.

BJT 256Having received the offering, that ghost appeared before the leader of the people, shining brilliantly, saying: "I have become a Yakkha, having attained the highest supernormal powers; human beings are not equal to or comparable with my supernormal powers.

BJT 257May the king behold this immeasurable power of mine, arising because you designated after presenting an incomparable gift to the Assembly; I am continually gratified at all times through the many gifts of yours. O lord of humankind, being now happy, I take my leave."

The Ghost Story of Cūḷaseṭṭhi is the eighth.

THE END OF THE FIRST RECITATION SECTION.