The Buddha and Kisa Gotami 
 

          Once there was a woman named Kisagotami.  Kisa Gotami lived in Savatthi. She was known as Kisa Gotami because of her slim body. She married a rich young man and a son was born to them.

          The villagers all saw that the son was already dead and there was nothing that could be done. They advised her to accept his death and make arrangements for the funeral.

          In great grief, she fell upon her knees and clutched her son’s body close to her body. She kept uttering for her son to wake up.

          A village elder took pity on her and suggested to her to consult the Buddha.

          “Kisa Gotami. We cannot help you. But you should go to the Buddha. Maybe he can bring your son back to life!”    Kisa Gotami was extremely excited upon hearing the elder’s words. She immediately went to the Buddha’s residence and pleaded for him to bring her son back to life.

         
          The Buddha told her, "Fetch me a handful of mustard seeds and I will bring your child back to life."   Joyfully Kisagotami started off to get them. Then the Buddha added, "But the seeds must come from a family that has not known death."

         Kisagotami went from door to door  in the whole village asking for the mustard seeds, but everyone said, "Oh, there have been many deaths here", "I lost my father", I lost my sister". She could not find a single household that had not been visited by death.   Finally Kisagotami returned to the Buddha and said, "There is death in every family. Everyone dies. Now I understand your teaching."

          Later, she was awakened and entered the first stage of Arahantship.   Eventually, she became an Arahant ( One Who is worthy, anyone who has reached the ultimate state of  Nibbana).

          Reflecting on the formula of life: even when she does not see the "a dead person" she should constantly reflect according to the five subjects that all people, male or female, lay followers or monastics, should constantly bear in mind.

          Regularly reflecting in this way helps to prevent infatuation with youth, possessions and life, alleviating heedlessness and attachment, preventing evil actions and inspiring us to quickly work for goodness and benefit.