Our parents are the greatest field of blessings in the world. The Buddha is the greatest field of blessings beyond this world. In the Buddha’s time, there was a severe famine, and many people starved to death. There were skeletons everywhere for as far as you could see, and no one had any food to give to the Bhikshus. The Buddha waited until all the other Bhikshus left, and went into the city to beg for alms by himself. From morning to noon, he went door to door asking for food, but no one had anything to give. The Buddha went back with an empty alms bowl. For the next two days, he did the same, but did not receive any food.
A Bhikshu saw that the Buddha looked a bit strange. It seemed like he had not eaten for a long time. He asked, “Buddha! Have you not eaten today?” The Buddha answered, “I’ve been asking for alms for three days, but have not received even one spoonful of food. I’m very hungry and feel very weak. I don’t have energy to talk to you anymore.”
Hearing what the Buddha said, the Bhikshu started crying uncontrollably. He thought to himself, “The Buddha is the most supreme field of blessings; all sentient beings should support and protect him. I should sell my three (monastic) robes in exchange for a bowl of rice to offer to the Buddha. Now is the perfect time!” The Bhikshu immediately put his thoughts into action, and obtained a bowl of rice to offer to the Buddha.
Even though he already knew what had happened, the Buddha asked, “Bhikshu! So many people are starving to death in this severe famine. How did you manage to get such a good bowl of rice?” The Bhikshu told the whole story to the Buddha, who replied, “Bhikshu! The three (monastic) robes represent all Buddhas of the Three Periods of time. These three robes are of utmost honor and importance. They embody significant grace and kindness. Today you have used these robes in exchange for a bowl of rice for me. I appreciate your kindness, but I am not worthy of accepting this bowl of rice.”
The Bhikshu said, “The Buddha is the most sacred field of blessings in the Three Realms, yet you say you cannot accept it. Other than the Buddha, who could possibly accept it?” The Buddha said, “Bhikshu! Are your parents still alive?” The Bhikshu said, “Yes.” “Then take this bowl of rice and offer it to your parents.” The Bhikshu said, “If you, the Buddha, are not worthy enough to accept it, how could my parents accept it?” The Buddha said, “They can! Why? Your parents gave birth to you, and have showed you great kindness and virtue. Based on this, they deserve to receive it.”
The Buddha then asked, “Bhikshu! Do your parents believe in Buddhism?” The Bhikshu said, “No, they do not.” The Buddha said, “If you offer them this bowl of rice, they will believe in Buddhism. This will make them very happy, and therefore they will believe in Buddhism. Start by helping them take refuge in the Three Treasures; then they will be worthy of accepting this bowl of rice.” The Bhikshu suddenly realized what the Buddha was saying, and immediately went to offer the rice to his parents. From this story, we can see that it is most important to be filial to our parents.
In addition, the Buddha’s mother, Queen Maya, passed away seven days after the Buddha was born. She was reborn in the Trayastrimsa Heaven. After the Buddha was enlightened, he went to the Trayastrimsa Heaven to explain the Dharma to his mother during the three-month summer retreat. This was his way of repaying his mother for her kindness in giving birth to him. Even the Buddha must repay his parents; how could we not treat our parents with filial respect? We must know that our parents have shown us tremendous kindness and virtue!