Question

What is the significance of the Buddha’s request for a handful of mustard seeds and the addition of a condition to it?​

Answer 1

Explanation:

The Buddha was aware of Kisa Gotami's grief. He wanted her to the see truth of life and death and accept the destiny of human being. He asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died to show her that death is common to all.

Answer 2

Buddha's request for a handful of mustard seeds:

What is the significance of the Buddha’s request for a handful of mustard seeds and the addition of a condition to it?​

Answer:

•    There was a woman named Kisa Gotami who was the wife of a wealthy man.
•   Kisa lost her only child and lost her mind.
•   She was advised by an old man to meet the Buddha.
•   The Buddha told her that he could bring her child back to life on one condition.
•  The condition was to find white mustard seeds from a family where no one has ever died.
•   She couldn't find a single household where no one has ever died.
•   She understood that no one is free from mortality.
•   Therefore the significance of the Buddha's request for a handful of mustard seeds was to make the woman understand that death and sufferings are universal.