When a loved one died, what did the Buddha do?

The Buddha's father died, but he did not cry, did not set up an altar, did not invite a monk to chant sutras, he just sat by and preached a sermon when he learned that his father was seriously ill.

The Buddha returned to Kapilavastu, not to cure his father's illness, nor to pray for his father to live longer.

He came to do only one thing, which was to help Father gain liberating wisdom, to let go of all his body, his throne, and his fear of death.

Not placing his faith in rituals, King Suddhodana chose to listen to the words of his son, a monk who had renounced his throne. On his deathbed, he meditated deeply, gradually letting go of each layer of attachment, and finally he attained the state of Anagami, a saint who would no longer be reborn in sinful desires.

On the day the King passed away, there were no tears, no funeral, no offerings, the Buddha still sat there calmly, quietly, because he clearly understood that no one could go in another's place, and true love is not to hold back, but to help the person leave on the right path.

In life, many people understand filial piety as building a big tomb, holding a big ceremony, but the Buddha gave us another way. Filial piety is helping parents see the Dharma, understand impermanence and leave this life in peace, without formalities, without mystical beliefs, only with Wisdom and awareness. Perhaps everyone should prepare for the last moment of life not by fear, but by living lightly, letting go gradually each day, and those who have learned to let go in each day of life, will no longer panic when the last day comes.