How to see each other in future lives (sutra)

Key & Peele, "I Said Bitch" (Comedy Central); Ven. Thanissaro (trans.) Samajivina Sutra: "Living in Tune" (AN 4.55, PTS: A ii 61) edited by Dhr. Seven, Sheldon S., Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Karma is the key to events.

Once the Blessed One was staying among the Bhaggas in the Deer Park at Bhesakala Grove, near the Crocodile Haunt. Then early in the morning he dressed and, with robe and bowl, went to the home of the householder Nakula's father (Nakulapitā).

When he arrived he sat on a seat made ready. Nakula's father and Nakula's mother (Nakhulamātā) greeted the Blessed One, bowed, and sat respectfully to one side. Sitting there, Nakula's father said:

The Buddha's parents reunited in this life.

"Venerable sir, ever since Nakula's mother was a young girl brought to me [to be my future wife as arranged by our loving parents] when I was a young boy, I am not aware of being unfaithful to her even in thought, much less in body. We want to see one another in this life and in the future in lives to come."

Nakula's mother then said to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, ever since I was a young girl brought to Nakula's father [to be his future wife] when he was a young boy, I am not aware of being unfaithful to him even in thought, much less in body. We want to see one another in this life and in the future in lives to come."

"Karma: It's Everywhere You're Going To Be."

[The Buddha advised them in karmic terms:] "If both husband and wife wish to see one another in this life and also in lives to come, they should [seek to] be in tune [with one another]

• in confidence (faith)
• in tune in virtue
• in tune in generosity, and
• in tune in wisdom [views].

Then they will see one another in this life and also in lives to come."

Spouses alike in

confidence,

morality, restraint,

living by the Dharma,

addressing one another

with loving words

benefit in many ways.

To them comes bliss.

Their enemies are dejected

when they are seen in tune in virtue.

having followed the Dharma

here in this world,

in tune in precepts and practices,

they delight in the world of the devas,

enjoying what pleasures they desire.