Deep Commentary

This verse, taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, relates to the wealthy merchant Mahàdhana. According to the account, Mahàdhana traveled with a caravan of five hundred carts filled with red-dyed cloth from the city of Benares to sell. Upon reaching Savatthi, he stopped by the river and thought, 'Tomorrow I shall cross the river.' That night, a sudden violent storm with relentless rain lasted seven days, preventing him from selling his cloth. He decided to remain through the rainy season, winter, and the following summer to complete his trade. When the Buddha passed by for alms and noticed Mahàdhana's intentions, he quietly smiled. Seeing this, Ananda asked the Buddha why. The Buddha explained that Mahàdhana would live only seven more days, yet he planned to stay for three seasons. The Buddha then recited the following verse: 'Work diligently today; do what is to be done today. Who knows if death will come tomorrow? Do we not struggle daily alongside the messenger of death? Blessed is the one who lives with ardor, tirelessly day and night, even if only for one night.' Upon hearing the verse, Ananda requested permission to inform Mahàdhana, which the Buddha granted. Learning that his death was imminent in seven days, Mahàdhana was deeply moved and invited the Buddha and the Sangha to receive offerings for seven days. Through contemplating death, he attained the stage of Stream-Entry. Seven days later, he succumbed to a headache and passed away, his consciousness reborn in the Tavatimsa heaven. The verse serves as a wake-up call for those obsessed with material wealth and career, reminding all that human life is short, impermanent, and that death can come unexpectedly. The Buddha’s smile is not only for Mahàdhana but for all who are ensnared by desire and attachment, signaling the urgency of mindfulness and the importance of preparing for death through spiritual practice.