Pv 22Uttara’s Mother

– STORIES OF HUNGRY GHOSTS

– THE UBBARĪ CHAPTER

2.10

BJT 334When the bhikkhu had gone to his midday resting place and had sat down on the bank of the river Gaṅgā, an ugly female hungry ghost, with a horrifying appearance, drew near to him.

BJT 335Her hair was very long, hanging down to the ground. Covered by her hair, she spoke these words to the ascetic:

BJT 336"Fifty-five years since I passed away, I have known neither eating nor even drinking water. Sir, please give me water to drink; I am thirsty, I am in need of water to drink."

BJT 337"This river Gaṅgā has cool water flowing from the Himālaya mountains. Take water from there and drink it — why do you beg water from me?"

BJT 338"Sir, if I myself take water to drink from the river Gaṅgā, it turns to blood for me; that is why I beg for water to drink."

BJT 339"Then what evil deed was done — by body, by speech, or by mind? Through the ripening of what karma does the river Gaṅgā become blood for you?"

BJT 340"My son, named Uttara, was faithful and had been a lay follower. And not in accordance with my wishes, he offered to the ascetics:

BJT 341Robes and food, requisites, and lodging. Vexed by my stinginess, I rebuked him, saying:

BJT 342'Whatever you have offered to the ascetics not in accordance with your mother's wishes — robes and food, requisites, and lodging —

BJT 343— O Uttara, may that turn to blood for you in your next life.' Through the ripening of that karma, the river Gaṅgā turns to blood for me."

The Story of the Hungry Ghost — the Mother of Uttara is the tenth.