Dhamma Talks - How Long Is Life :: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

On one occasion, the Buddha noticed that his disciples were careless about life, and forgot that life was short, uncertain and subject to sickness, old age, and death.

The Buddha asked them, “Behold monks, how long do you think human life is?”
One monk answered, “Lord Buddha, human life is about 80 years long.”
The Buddha said to him that he did not understand the reality of life.
Another monk answered, “Lord Buddha, human life is about 60 years long.”
The Buddha said to him that he did not understand the reality of life.
Another monk answered, “Lord Buddha, human life is about 40 years long.”
The Buddha said to him that he did not understand the reality of life.
Another monk answered, “Lord Buddha, human life is about 20 years long.”
The Buddha said to him that he did not understand the reality of life.
Another monk answered, “Lord Buddha, human life is about 1 day long.”
The Buddha said to him that he did not understand the reality of life.

Then no one answered the Buddha, they just looked at each other. Suddenly, one monk at the back of the hall broke the silence, saying, “Lord Buddha, human life lasts only as long as the in-and-out breath.” The Buddha said to him, “Excellent, monk, you understand the reality of life”, and added, “Monks, life is uncertain and as short as our breath so don’t be careless, you should spend a mindful and righteous life; study and practice more, don’t postpone these things.” All the monks were delighted by the Buddha’s word. After that, they intended to study and practice meditation; spending a mindful and righteous life.