Kisa gotami lost her son and she became extremely perturbed. She carried her son’s body hoping that someone would be able to treat him and her son would come alive. Finally she met a person who sent her to Sakyamuni Buddha, telling her that only Buddha can help her. She went to Buddha with great hope and asked her to give her son some medicine so that he could come back to life.

          Buddha asked her to bring a handful of mustered seeds from a house where no one has lost a son, a husband, a parent or a friend. Kisa became hopeful and went from house to house. People were willing to give her a handful of mustard seeds but when she asked them if anyone had died in their family? She was told a husband, a son or some other beloved had died in that family. Even after much effort she could not find even one house where no one had died.

          Kisa Gotami saw the truth, and finally realized that death is a known outcome of life. Anyone who is alive today will die sooner or later. She recognized her attachment and cause of grief. She understood this life has no permanent existence. She also understood her grief and did last rituals for her son’s dead body and took refuge in Buddha.