Question

Stories about these beings in a collection of one hundred avadana often end with the instruction to “work hard to get rid of your meanness.” These beings were heard wailing outside the palace of Bimbisara, causing the Buddha to recommend offerings to the Sangha in an example of transfer of merit. Another woman was reincarnated as a dog after first becoming one of these beings, in whose mouth rice turned into hot coals. The Yulanpen Sutra describes the rescue of that one of these beings by (*) Mùlián. (10[1])Along with those of animals and (10[1])hell, the realm of these beings (10[1])is one of the three lower realms in Buddhist cosmology. These beings, who have throats as narrow as needles and swollen bellies, are among (10[1])the spirits that roam free during the seventh month before lanterns guide them away. For 10 points, evil deeds or neglecting one’s ancestors might cause them to become what beings cursed with insatiable desire? ■END■

Buzzes

Summary