This is a beautiful story about Buddha’s life while residing at the Jetavana Monastery in India, the Buddha spoke this verse.
Once, a merchant from Vàràõasi(ancient Indian city) came to a festival in Sàvatthi(ancient Indian city) with many carts fully loaded with textiles and other merchandise. When he reached a river bank near Sàvatthi the river was in spate; so he could not cross the river. He was held up for seven days as it was raining hard and the water did not subside. By that time, he was already late for the festival, and there was no need for him to cross the river.
Since he had come from a long distance he did not want to return home with his full load of merchandise; So he decided to spend the rainy season, the cold season and the hot season in that place and said so to his assistants. The Buddha while going on an alms-round knew the decision of the merchant and he smiled.
ânanda asked the Buddha why he smiled?
Buddha replied, “ânanda, do you see that merchant? He is thinking that he would stay here and sell his goods the whole year. He is not aware that he would die here in seven days’ time. What should be done should be done today. Who would know that one would die tomorrow?
We have no date fixed with the king of death. For one who is mindful by day or by night, who is not disturbed by moral defilements and is energetic, to live for just one night is a well-spent life.
Then the Buddha sent ânanda to Mahàdhana, the merchant. ânanda explained to Mahàdhana that time was running out for him, and that he should practice mindfulness instead of being negligent. On learning about his impending death, Mahàdhana was alarmed and frightened. So, for seven days, he invited the Buddha and other monks for alms-food.
On the seventh day, the Buddha expounded a discourse in appreciation (anumodanà). At the end of the discourse, Mahàdhana the merchant attained sotàpatti fruition. He followed the Buddha for some distance and returned. On his return, he had a severe headache and passed away soon after. Mahàdhana was reborn in the Tusita deva world.
