Pv 23The Thread Offering

– STORY OF A PETA-GHOST

– THE UBBARĪ CHAPTER

2.11

BJT 344"Formerly, I offered a thread to a renunciant, a bhikkhu who had come to make a request. The fruit of that achievement is an abundant result that has been accomplished, and many koṭis of cloth and garments have arisen for me."

BJT 345"The divine palace is strewn with flowers, is delightful, adorned with many paintings, and frequented by men and women. I here enjoy and wrap myself in garments; there is much wealth, and the time for its exhaustion has not yet come."

BJT 346"Furthermore, as the fruit of that very deed accomplished here, happiness and comfort are attained. I, having gone once more to the human realm, will perform meritorious deeds. Young master, please take me back."

BJT 347"You have been here seven hundred years. There, you would be old and aged, and all your relatives have passed away. What will you do after going from here to that place?"

BJT 348"I have come to this place only seven years ago, and I have already attained the happiness of the heavenly realm. I, having gone once more to the human realm, will perform meritorious deeds. Young master, please take me back."

BJT 349Having taken her firmly by the arm, he led her back—now an extremely frail old woman—instructing her: "Please tell others who have come to this place: 'May you perform meritorious deeds; happiness will be accomplished.'"

BJT 350"I have seen peta-ghosts tormented by suffering on account of having done no good, and human beings likewise. And having created karma leading to the experience of happiness, the devas and human beings are a lineage firmly established in happiness.'"

The Story of the Thread Peta-Ghost is the eleventh.

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