Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2235

v2.c31.2235

1. Mahāsāla Sutta.—A rich brahmin asks the Buddha why there is an apparent decrease of human beings. The Buddha answers that it is because the world is ablaze with unlawful lusts, wrong doctrines, and depraved longings. There is no reasonable rain, harvests are poor, and men die easily.¹ 2. Mahāsāla or Lūkhapūraṇa Sutta.—A wealthy brahmin, looking worn and wearing a coarse garment, visits the Buddha at Sāvatthi and tells him that his four sons, aided by their wives, have shown him the door. The Buddha teaches him several verses illustrating the ingratitude of his sons to be recited in the Santhāgārāsālā. He recited these and his sons, who are in the assembly, take him home and look after him. Later he goes to the Buddha and asks him to accept a set of garments which his sons have given him. The Buddha accepts it out of compassion.¹