I recently came across a Buddhist sutra called the Paya Sutra, also known as the "Risk/Hazard Sutra" in English.
In this sutra, the Buddha discussed three risks that mothers cannot protect their children from and vice versa. The Buddha explained that those who haven't listened to the Dhamma may assume that hazards caused by fire, water, and thieves are among the dangers that mothers cannot help their children with. However, the Buddha taught that in some cases, mothers can save their children from these hazards. Nevertheless, there are real hazards that mothers cannot prevent, namely those caused by aging, illness, and death.
When a child grows old, a mother cannot hope that their child will not age, and similarly, when a mother ages, a child cannot wish for their mother to avoid aging. Such desires are impossible to fulfill since everyone will inevitably age.
When a child falls ill, a mother cannot hope that their child will not get sick, and the same goes for a mother falling ill, as sickness is a natural part of life.
As for death, neither mother nor child can escape it, whether for themselves or others.
This sutra aims to emphasize the truth of aging, illness, and death, which every one of us must face. No one can prevent or wish away these events. However, following the Noble Eightfold Path, the Buddha offered a way out of this cycle of hazards and misery. By doing so, we can end all cycles of suffering caused by birth, aging, illness, and death.
Until next time,
Bhikkhuni Khemavamsi
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