Carrying the Coffin of His Father

After the Buddha attained enlightenment, he traveled far and wide to propagate the Dharma. One day, the Buddha received news that his father, King Suddhodana, was seriously ill. He immediately headed for his father's kingdom with Rahula and his other disciples. When the king saw that the Buddha had returned to the palace, he wept tears of joy. The Buddha silently held his father's hands, and King Suddhodana, smiling, pressed his palms together and passed away. The Buddha kept watch over the coffin all night long. On the day of the funeral procession, he personally helped carry his father's coffin. All who witnessed this scene were moved to tears. Not only did the Buddha fulfill his responsibility as a son, he set the example of filial conduct for future generations.