z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 09.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 574
574 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
attachment to sense desires never does he come again for conception in a womb.”
- In short, he told them “Love your enemies.”
VIII
§ 2. Healing of the Stricken
A Consummate Healer of Sorrow.
(i)
Consoling Visakha
Visakha was an upasika. It was her routine to give alms to the bhikkhus.
One day her grand-daughter, Suddata, who lived with her, fell ill and died.
Visakha was unable to bear the grief.
After cremation she went to the Buddha and sat on one side sad with tearful eyes.
“O Visakha,” asked the Blessed One, “wherefore dost thou sit, sad and mournful, shedding tears ?”
She told him of her grand-daughter’s death, saying, “she was a dutiful girl, and I cannot find her like.”
“How many young girls, say, are there dwelling in Shravasti, O Visakha?”
“Lord, men say there are several kotis (several millions).”
“If all these were like thy grand-daughter, wouldst thou not love them ?”
“Verily, Lord,” replied Visakha.
“And how many die daily in Shravasti?”
“Many, Lord.”
“Then there is never a moment when thou wouldst not be grieving for someone ?”
“True, Lord.”
“Wouldst thou then spend thy life weeping day and night ?”
“I understand Lord ; it is well said !”
“Grieve then, no more.”