Two Destinies, Two Paths

This story recounts the lives of Chunda the butcher and a generous lay supporter from Savatthi. It illustrates the Buddha’s teaching: if suffering arrives in this life, greater suffering awaits in the next; if happiness arrives in this life, even greater happiness follows.

In the early morning, gentle chanting drifted from Jetavana Monastery, blending with the birdsong among the bodhi trees. Yet nearby, in a large house, agonized screams shattered the peaceful atmosphere. These were the cries of Chunda, the wealthiest butcher in the region, writhing on the cold floor.

For decades, Chunda had made his living by slaughtering pigs. He was infamous for a cruel method that horrified all who witnessed it. He would tie a pig tightly, beat its body until it was bruised but not dead, then use iron tools to pry open its mouth and pour boiling water into its abdomen to remove the intestines. Finally, he would scald the skin to peel it off while the animal was still alive, before cutting its throat to collect the blood. Killing dozens of pigs daily, he grew rich, robust, and healthy through his specialty roast pork. He lived in luxury, never visiting the temple, offering no dana, and making no offerings. When monks walked by with their alms bowls, he turned away in contempt.

But when blessings run out, karma reveals itself. One day, Chunda fell ill with a terrible disease. His agony caused him to scream like a pig, crawl around the house, bang his head against walls, and hide under beds only to thrash violently. Family members tried to hold him, but he was too strong, flinging them aside with a single swing of his arm. For seven days and nights, he ran around screaming and struggling, as if being beaten, having boiling water poured into his belly, or having his throat cut. His cries reached the monastery, leading the bhikkhus to believe he was still killing pigs. On the seventh day, he let out one final shriek, his body blackened as if burned by fire, and collapsed dead.

The bhikkhus reported this to the Buddha. He sat in silence, then spoke: "Monks, it was not Chunda killing pigs. This was the karmic retribution manifesting in this life. He has died and is now suffering in Avici Hell, where pain is ten thousand times worse than what he just endured." The Buddha then recited a verse: "Suffering arrives in this life; greater suffering awaits in the next. The wicked are full of tears, harvesting the bitter fruits they have sown."

In stark contrast to Chunda’s fate, there lived a wealthy yet gentle and virtuous lay supporter in Savatthi. A friend of Anathapindika, though less affluent, he possessed boundless kindness. He dedicated himself to helping poor travelers arriving in the capital, providing them shelter and money before sending them home. He regularly practiced making offerings to the Sangha and taught his fourteen children to do the same. He instructed them to take turns organizing offerings, and each child happily complied.

As old age weakened him, he foresaw his death. He called his children and said, "I will pass away in three days. I wish to hear the monks chant the Four Foundations of Mindfulness so I may depart amidst the sound of the Dharma." His children asked the Buddha, who sent bhikkhus to chant for him. Lying in bed, hands clasped, eyes closed in meditative concentration, he listened. As the chanting rose, a vision appeared: the sky blazed with light, and chariots of devas from various heavens descended, inviting him to their realms. Devas from Tavatimsa, Catummaharajika, Sakka’s heaven, and Tusita all shouted, "Please come aboard our chariot!"

He opened his eyes and told the bhikkhus, "Please remain silent." Thinking he did not wish to die yet, the monks stopped chanting, bowed, and left. His children asked sadly, "Father, why did you ask the monks to stop?" He replied, "I did not ask the monks to stop. I asked the devas to be quiet, for their noise prevented me from hearing the sutras." He described the vision and asked, "Which of those heavens has a Buddha preaching the Dharma?" They answered, "The World-Honored One teaches that Bodhisattva Maitreya preaches in Tusita Heaven." He said, "Then I wish to go to Tusita. Take a garland, throw it into the air, and vow: 'May this garland attach to the chariot heading to Tusita.'"

His son held the garland, slightly doubtful but obedient. Miraculously, the garland flew up and hovered in mid-air, refusing to fall. Everyone saw this clear sign. The lay supporter smiled, closed his eyes, and passed away. Instantly, a sweet fragrance filled the house, light surged and slowly faded, and celestial music echoed in the distance. The bhikkhus returned to the monastery and reported to the Buddha. He said, "That lay supporter did not ask you to stop chanting, but asked the devas to cease their clamor. Now he has arrived in Tusita Heaven." Then he recited another verse: "Happiness arrives in this life; greater happiness awaits in the next. The virtuous are full of joy, harvesting the sweet fruits they have sown."

The Meaning of the Story

This tale teaches us about the unerring law of cause and effect (karmic law). Those who commit evil may enjoy wealth now, but when karmic retribution arrives, they suffer immensely, and their future suffering will be far worse. Those who practice virtue may not be as wealthy, but upon death, they are reborn in good realms, enjoying immeasurable blessings from merit. Do not lose heart seeing temporary success in the wicked, nor become discouraged if your own good deeds seem unrewarded. Trust deeply in cause and effect, live virtuously, and teach your descendants to cultivate merit, continuing the legacy of virtue.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang