Setting: This event took place in Sāvatthī.

One morning, the Blessed One (Buddha) dressed himself, took his bowl and robe, and went to the residence of the brahmin Udaya. The brahmin Udaya filled the Blessed One's bowl with rice.

The next morning, the Blessed One again dressed himself, took his bowl and robe, and went to Udaya's residence. (Middle portion omitted)

On the third day, after Udaya filled the Blessed One's bowl with rice again, he said to the Blessed One: "This ascetic Gotama is greedy, coming again and again."

The Blessed One replied (in verse):

"Again and again farmers sow their seeds,

Again and again the rain god sends rain.

Again and again farmers plow their fields,

Again and again the nation gains its grain.

Again and again beggars make their rounds,

Again and again donors give their gifts.

Again and again when donors give their gifts,

Again and again they ascend to heavenly realms.

Again and again the milker milks the cow,

Again and again the calf seeks its mother.

Again and again fools struggle and strive,

Again and again they enter new births.

Again and again comes birth and death,

Again and again one's carried to the grave.

But one who's found the path to no more birth,

Being wise, is born no more again."

After hearing these words, Udaya said to the Blessed One: "Wonderful, Master Gotama... (middle portion omitted)... Please accept me as a lay follower (upāsaka) who from today takes refuge for life."

This sutta demonstrates how the Buddha used examples from daily life to explain the cycles of cause and effect and the path to liberation, ultimately leading to Udaya's conversion to the Buddhist path.

This sutta profoundly expounds the philosophy of life cycles and liberation, using everyday examples to convey deep Buddhist wisdom. Let's analyze its meaning:

1. Repetition and Cycles:

The Buddha uses multiple examples to illustrate the repetitive nature present in both life and nature. The farmer's sowing, rainfall, cultivation, and harvest are natural cycles. Similarly, human activities like begging, giving, and milking continue repeatedly. These examples reveal the cyclical nature of all worldly phenomena.

2. Cause and Effect:

Each repetitive action has its consequences. Farmers sowing leads to harvest, giving leads to heavenly rebirth - these demonstrate the connection between actions and results. This reflects the Buddhist concept of karma.

3. Samsara and Suffering:

The line "Again and again fools struggle and strive, again and again they enter new births" highlights the nature of samsara. The cycle of rebirth is described as exhausting and struggling, indicating the "suffering of existence" taught in Buddhism.

4. Path to Liberation:

The final verses reveal Buddhism's core teaching - liberation. "One who's found the path to no more birth, being wise, is born no more again" indicates that through wisdom one can transcend the cycle of birth and death, reaching nirvana.

5. Teaching Method:

Rather than directly criticizing Udaya's misunderstanding, the Buddha uses vivid metaphors to inspire reflection. This gentle yet effective approach demonstrates the Buddha's superior teaching wisdom.

Reflections:

1. Life's Cyclical Nature: Are we aware of the repetitions in our own lives? Do these repetitions bring us trouble or insight?

2. Impact of Actions: Every action we take may have far-reaching consequences. Are we aware of the importance of our daily actions?

3. Transcending Cycles: The Buddha points out that wisdom can help us transcend life's cycles. In our lives, are there negative cycles we can break through wisdom?

4. Art of Teaching: The Buddha teaches through vivid metaphors rather than direct criticism. How does this method inspire our daily communication?

5. Process of Awakening: Udaya's journey from misunderstanding to enlightenment reflects human cognitive transformation. Have we experienced similar shifts in understanding? How have these experiences changed our view of life?

This sutta is not just a simple story; it's a mirror reflecting life's essence and human predicaments. It invites us to deeply examine our life patterns, scrutinize our actions and thoughts, and explore the path to wisdom and liberation. In today's fast-paced modern society, this ancient text still provides profound insights, helping us find inner peace and life's true meaning.