---
title: "Linked Discourses I: With Verses · Saṁyutta Nikāya · Sagāthāvagga"
author: "The Buddha"
translator: "Bhikkhu Sujato"
languages: [pi, en]
shelf: "Pali Canon"
section: 30 of 31
url: https://scriptura.si/works/pali-samyutta-nikaya-1/30/
cite: "The Buddha, tr. Bhikkhu Sujato, Linked Discourses I: With Verses · Saṁyutta Nikāya · Sagāthāvagga, section 30. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/pali-samyutta-nikaya-1/30/"
---

# Linked Discourses I: With Verses · Saṁyutta Nikāya · Sagāthāvagga

*The Buddha, tr. Bhikkhu Sujato*

The first book of the Linked Discourses: dialogues in verse with gods, Māra, nuns, brahmins and kings.

> Pali: the Mahāsaṅgīti Tipiṭaka (Buddha Jayanti edition, 2500), from SuttaCentral’s bilara-data, dedicated to the public domain (CC0).

> English: Bhikkhu Sujato, from SuttaCentral’s bilara-data, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the segment numbers the two texts share, gathered into paragraphs; verse keeps its lines.

## 30. Chapter Two · SN 11.11–11.20

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/pali-samyutta-nikaya-1/30/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/pali-samyutta-nikaya-1/30/#p-N

[¶0] SN 11.11 · Vows

> Pali: SN 11.11 · Vatapadasutta

[¶1] At Sāvatthī.

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ.

[¶2] “Mendicants, in a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he achieved the status of Sakka. What seven?

> Pali: “Sakkassa, bhikkhave, devānamindassa pubbe manussabhūtassa satta vatapadāni samattāni samādinnāni ahesuṁ, yesaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagā. Katamāni satta vatapadāni?

[¶3] As long as I live, may I support my parents. As long as I live, may I honor the elders in the family. As long as I live, may I speak gently. As long as I live, may I not backbite. As long as I live, may I live at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. As long as I live, may I speak the truth. As long as I live, may I be free of anger, or should anger arise, may I quickly get rid of it.

> Pali: Yāvajīvaṁ mātāpettibharo assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ kule jeṭṭhāpacāyī assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ saṇhavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ apisuṇavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ vigatamalamaccherena cetasā agāraṁ ajjhāvaseyyaṁ muttacāgo payatapāṇi vossaggarato yācayogo dānasaṁvibhāgarato, yāvajīvaṁ saccavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ akkodhano assaṁ—sacepi me kodho uppajjeyya, khippameva naṁ paṭivineyyanti.

[¶4] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he achieved the status of Sakka.

> Pali: Sakkassa, bhikkhave, devānamindassa pubbe manussabhūtassa imāni satta vatapadāni samattāni samādinnāni ahesuṁ, yesaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagāti.

[¶5] A child who respects their parents,
and honors the elders in the family,
whose speech is gentle and courteous,
and has given up backbiting;

> Pali: Mātāpettibharaṁ jantuṁ,
kule jeṭṭhāpacāyinaṁ;
Saṇhaṁ sakhilasambhāsaṁ,
pesuṇeyyappahāyinaṁ.

[¶6] who’s committed to getting rid of stinginess,
is truthful, and has mastered anger:
the gods of the thirty-three declare
them to be a true person.”

> Pali: Maccheravinaye yuttaṁ,
saccaṁ kodhābhibhuṁ naraṁ;
Taṁ ve devā tāvatiṁsā,
āhu sappuriso itī”ti.

[¶7] SN 11.12 · Sakka’s Names

> Pali: SN 11.12 · Sakkanāmasutta

[¶8] Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. There the Buddha said to the mendicants:

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ jetavane. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū etadavoca:

[¶9] “Mendicants, in a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he was a student named Magha. That’s why he’s called Maghavā, the Bounteous.

> Pali: “sakko, bhikkhave, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno magho nāma māṇavo ahosi, tasmā maghavāti vuccati.

[¶10] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he was first to give gifts. That’s why he’s called Purindada, the Firstgiver.

> Pali: Sakko, bhikkhave, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno pure dānaṁ adāsi, tasmā purindadoti vuccati.

[¶11] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he gave gifts ably. That’s why he’s called Sakka, the Able.

> Pali: Sakko, bhikkhave, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno sakkaccaṁ dānaṁ adāsi, tasmā sakkoti vuccati.

[¶12] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he gave the gift of a guest house. That’s why he’s called Vāsava, the Houser.

> Pali: Sakko, bhikkhave, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno āvasathaṁ adāsi, tasmā vāsavoti vuccati.

[¶13] Sakka thinks of a thousand needs in an hour. That’s why he’s called Sahassakkha, the Thousand-Eyed.

> Pali: Sakko, bhikkhave, devānamindo sahassampi atthānaṁ muhuttena cinteti, tasmā sahassakkhoti vuccati.

[¶14] Sakka’s wife is the titan maiden named Sujā. That’s why he’s called Sujampati, Sujā’s Husband.

> Pali: Sakkassa, bhikkhave, devānamindassa sujā nāma asurakaññā pajāpati, tasmā sujampatīti vuccati.

[¶15] Sakka rules as sovereign lord over the gods of the thirty-three. That’s why he’s called Devānaminda, the Lord of Gods.

> Pali: Sakko, bhikkhave, devānamindo devānaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ issariyādhipaccaṁ rajjaṁ kāreti, tasmā devānamindoti vuccati.

[¶16] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he achieved the status of Sakka. What seven?

> Pali: Sakkassa, bhikkhave, devānamindassa pubbe manussabhūtassa satta vatapadāni samattāni samādinnāni ahesuṁ, yesaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagā. Katamāni satta vatapadāni?

[¶17] As long as I live, may I support my parents. As long as I live, may I honor the elders in the family. As long as I live, may I speak gently. As long as I live, may I not backbite. As long as I live, may I live at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. As long as I live, may I speak the truth. As long as I live, may I be free of anger, or should anger arise, may I quickly get rid of it.

> Pali: Yāvajīvaṁ mātāpettibharo assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ kule jeṭṭhāpacāyī assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ saṇhavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ apisuṇavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ vigatamalamaccherena cetasā agāraṁ ajjhāvaseyyaṁ muttacāgo payatapāṇi vossaggarato yācayogo dānasaṁvibhāgarato, yāvajīvaṁ saccavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ akkodhano assaṁ—sacepi me kodho uppajjeyya, khippameva naṁ paṭivineyyanti.

[¶18] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he achieved the status of Sakka.

> Pali: Sakkassa, bhikkhave, devānamindassa pubbe manussabhūtassa imāni satta vatapadāni samattāni samādinnāni ahesuṁ, yesaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagāti.

[¶19] A child who respects their parents,
and honors the elders in the family,
whose speech is gentle and courteous,
and has given up backbiting;

> Pali: Mātāpettibharaṁ jantuṁ,
kule jeṭṭhāpacāyinaṁ;
Saṇhaṁ sakhilasambhāsaṁ,
pesuṇeyyappahāyinaṁ.

[¶20] who’s committed to getting rid of stinginess,
is truthful, and has mastered anger:
the gods of the thirty-three declare
them to be a true person.”

> Pali: Maccheravinaye yuttaṁ,
saccaṁ kodhābhibhuṁ naraṁ;
Taṁ ve devā tāvatiṁsā,
āhu sappuriso itī”ti.

[¶21] SN 11.13 · With Mahāli

> Pali: SN 11.13 · Mahālisutta

[¶22] So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, at the Great Wood, in the hall with the peaked roof.

> Pali: Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā vesāliyaṁ viharati mahāvane kūṭāgārasālāyaṁ.

[¶23] Then Mahāli the Licchavi went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him, “Sir, have you seen Sakka, lord of gods?”

> Pali: Atha kho mahāli licchavī yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho mahāli licchavī bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “Diṭṭho kho, bhante, bhagavatā sakko devānamindo”ti?

[¶24] “I have, Mahāli.”

> Pali: “Diṭṭho kho me, mahāli, sakko devānamindo”ti.

[¶25] “But surely, sir, you must have seen someone who looked like Sakka. For Sakka is hard to see.”

> Pali: “So hi nūna, bhante, sakkapatirūpako bhavissati. Duddaso hi, bhante, sakko devānamindo”ti.

[¶26] “Mahāli, I understand Sakka. And I understand the things that he undertook and committed to, which enabled him to achieve the status of Sakka.

> Pali: “Sakkañca khvāhaṁ, mahāli, pajānāmi sakkakaraṇe ca dhamme, yesaṁ dhammānaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagā, tañca pajānāmi.

[¶27] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he was a student named Magha. That’s why he’s called Maghavā, the Bounteous.

> Pali: Sakko, mahāli, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno magho nāma māṇavo ahosi, tasmā maghavāti vuccati.

[¶28] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he gave gifts ably. That’s why he’s called Sakka, the Able.

> Pali: Sakko, mahāli, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno sakkaccaṁ dānaṁ adāsi, tasmā sakkoti vuccati.

[¶29] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he was first to give gifts. That’s why he’s called Purindada, the Firstgiver.

> Pali: Sakko, mahāli, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno pure dānaṁ adāsi, tasmā purindadoti vuccati.

[¶30] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he gave the gift of a guest house. That’s why he’s called Vāsava, the Houser.

> Pali: Sakko, mahāli, devānamindo pubbe manussabhūto samāno āvasathaṁ adāsi, tasmā vāsavoti vuccati.

[¶31] Sakka thinks of a thousand needs in an hour. That’s why he’s called Sahassakkha, the Thousand-Eyed.

> Pali: Sakko, mahāli, devānamindo sahassampi atthānaṁ muhuttena cinteti, tasmā sahassakkhoti vuccati.

[¶32] Sakka’s wife is the titan maiden named Sujā. That’s why he’s called Sujampati, Sujā’s Husband.

> Pali: Sakkassa, mahāli, devānamindassa sujā nāma asurakaññā pajāpati, tasmā sujampatīti vuccati.

[¶33] Sakka rules as sovereign lord over the gods of the thirty-three. That’s why he’s called Devānaminda, the Lord of Gods.

> Pali: Sakko, mahāli, devānamindo devānaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ issariyādhipaccaṁ rajjaṁ kāreti, tasmā devānamindoti vuccati.

[¶34] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he achieved the status of Sakka. What seven?

> Pali: Sakkassa, mahāli, devānamindassa pubbe manussabhūtassa satta vatapadāni samattāni samādinnāni ahesuṁ, yesaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagā. Katamāni satta vatapadāni?

[¶35] As long as I live, may I support my parents. As long as I live, may I honor the elders in the family. As long as I live, may I speak gently. As long as I live, may I not backbite. As long as I live, may I live at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. As long as I live, may I speak the truth. As long as I live, may I be free of anger, or should anger arise, may I quickly get rid of it.

> Pali: Yāvajīvaṁ mātāpettibharo assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ kule jeṭṭhāpacāyī assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ saṇhavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ apisuṇavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ vigatamalamaccherena cetasā agāraṁ ajjhāvaseyyaṁ muttacāgo payatapāṇi vossaggarato yācayogo dānasaṁvibhāgarato, yāvajīvaṁ saccavāco assaṁ, yāvajīvaṁ akkodhano assaṁ—sacepi me kodho uppajjeyya, khippameva naṁ paṭivineyyanti.

[¶36] In a former life, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he achieved the status of Sakka.

> Pali: Sakkassa, mahāli, devānamindassa pubbe manussabhūtassa imāni satta vatapadāni samattāni samādinnāni ahesuṁ, yesaṁ samādinnattā sakko sakkattaṁ ajjhagāti.

[¶37] A child who respects their parents,
and honors the elders in the family,
whose speech is gentle and courteous,
and has given up backbiting;

> Pali: Mātāpettibharaṁ jantuṁ,
kule jeṭṭhāpacāyinaṁ;
Saṇhaṁ sakhilasambhāsaṁ,
pesuṇeyyappahāyinaṁ.

[¶38] who’s committed to getting rid of stinginess,
is truthful, and has mastered anger:
the gods of the thirty-three declare
them to be a true person.”

> Pali: Maccheravinaye yuttaṁ,
saccaṁ kodhābhibhuṁ naraṁ;
Taṁ ve devā tāvatiṁsā,
āhu sappuriso itī”ti.

[¶39] SN 11.14 · Poor

> Pali: SN 11.14 · Daliddasutta

[¶40] At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!”

> Pali: Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi: “bhikkhavo”ti.

[¶41] “Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

> Pali: “Bhadante”ti te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ. Bhagavā etadavoca:

[¶42] “Once upon a time, mendicants, there was a poor person, destitute and pitiful. They took up faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom in the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One. After undertaking these things, when their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. There they outshone the other gods in beauty and glory.

> Pali: “Bhūtapubbaṁ, bhikkhave, aññataro puriso imasmiṁyeva rājagahe manussadaliddo ahosi manussakapaṇo manussavarāko. So tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye saddhaṁ samādiyi, sīlaṁ samādiyi, sutaṁ samādiyi, cāgaṁ samādiyi, paññaṁ samādiyi. So tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye saddhaṁ samādiyitvā sīlaṁ samādiyitvā sutaṁ samādiyitvā cāgaṁ samādiyitvā paññaṁ samādiyitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajji devānaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ sahabyataṁ. So aññe deve atirocati vaṇṇena ceva yasasā ca.

[¶43] But the gods of the thirty-three complained, grumbled, and objected, ‘Oh lord, how incredible, how amazing! For when this godling was a human being in their past life they were poor, destitute, and pitiful. And when their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. Here they outshine the other gods in beauty and glory.’

> Pali: Tatra sudaṁ, bhikkhave, devā tāvatiṁsā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti: ‘acchariyaṁ vata bho, abbhutaṁ vata bho. Ayañhi devaputto pubbe manussabhūto samāno manussadaliddo ahosi manussakapaṇo manussavarāko; so kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapanno devānaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ sahabyataṁ. So aññe deve atirocati vaṇṇena ceva yasasā cā’ti.

[¶44] Then Sakka, lord of gods, addressed the gods of the thirty-three, ‘Good fellows, don’t complain about this godling. When this godling was a human being in their past life they took up faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom in the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One. After undertaking these things, when their body broke up, after death, they’ve been reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. Here they outshine the other gods in beauty and glory.’

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo deve tāvatiṁse āmantesi: ‘mā kho tumhe, mārisā, etassa devaputtassa ujjhāyittha. Eso kho, mārisā, devaputto pubbe manussabhūto samāno tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye saddhaṁ samādiyi, sīlaṁ samādiyi, sutaṁ samādiyi, cāgaṁ samādiyi, paññaṁ samādiyi. So tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye saddhaṁ samādiyitvā sīlaṁ samādiyitvā sutaṁ samādiyitvā cāgaṁ samādiyitvā paññaṁ samādiyitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapanno devānaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ sahabyataṁ. So aññe deve atirocati vaṇṇena ceva yasasā cā’ti.

[¶45] Then Sakka, lord of gods, guiding the gods of the thirty-three, spoke this verse:

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo deve tāvatiṁse anunayamāno tāyaṁ velāyaṁ imā gāthāyo abhāsi:

[¶46] ‘Whoever has faith in the Realized One,
unwavering and well grounded;
whose ethical conduct is good,
praised and loved by the noble ones;

> Pali: ‘Yassa saddhā tathāgate,
acalā suppatiṭṭhitā;
Sīlañca yassa kalyāṇaṁ,
ariyakantaṁ pasaṁsitaṁ.

[¶47] who has confidence in the Saṅgha,
and correct view:
they’re said to be prosperous,
their life is not in vain.

> Pali: Saṅghe pasādo yassatthi,
ujubhūtañca dassanaṁ;
Adaliddoti taṁ āhu,
amoghaṁ tassa jīvitaṁ.

[¶48] So let the wise devote themselves
to faith, ethical behaviour,
confidence, and insight into the teaching,
remembering the instructions of the Buddhas.’”

> Pali: Tasmā saddhañca sīlañca,
pasādaṁ dhammadassanaṁ;
Anuyuñjetha medhāvī,
saraṁ buddhāna sāsanan’”ti.

[¶49] SN 11.15 · Delightful

> Pali: SN 11.15 · Rāmaṇeyyakasutta

[¶50] Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ jetavane.

[¶51] And then Sakka, lord of gods, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and said to him, “Sir, what is a delightful place?”

> Pali: Atha kho sakko devānamindo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhito kho sakko devānamindo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “kiṁ nu kho, bhante, bhūmirāmaṇeyyakan”ti?

[¶52] “Shrines in parks and forests,
well-made lotus ponds,
are not worth a sixteenth part
of a delightful human being.

> Pali: “Ārāmacetyā vanacetyā,
pokkharañño sunimmitā;
Manussarāmaṇeyyassa,
kalaṁ nāgghanti soḷasiṁ.

[¶53] Whether in village or wilderness,
in a valley or the uplands,
wherever the perfected ones live
is a delightful place.”

> Pali: Gāme vā yadi vāraññe,
Ninne vā yadi vā thale;
Yattha arahanto viharanti,
Taṁ bhūmirāmaṇeyyakan”ti.

[¶54] SN 11.16 · Sponsoring Sacrifice

> Pali: SN 11.16 · Yajamānasutta

[¶55] At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain.

> Pali: Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate.

[¶56] And then Sakka, lord of gods, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and addressed him in verse:

> Pali: Atha kho sakko devānamindo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhito kho sakko devānamindo bhagavantaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

[¶57] “For humans, those merit-seeking creatures,
who sponsor sacrifices,
making worldly merit,
where is a gift very fruitful?”

> Pali: “Yajamānānaṁ manussānaṁ,
puññapekkhāna pāṇinaṁ;
Karotaṁ opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,
kattha dinnaṁ mahapphalan”ti.

[¶58] “Four practicing the path,
and four established in the fruit.
This is the upright Saṅgha,
with wisdom, ethics, and immersion.

> Pali: “Cattāro ca paṭipannā,
cattāro ca phale ṭhitā;
Esa saṅgho ujubhūto,
paññāsīlasamāhito.

[¶59] For humans, those merit-seeking creatures,
who sponsor sacrifices,
making worldly merit,
what is given to the Saṅgha is very fruitful.”

> Pali: Yajamānānaṁ manussānaṁ,
Puññapekkhāna pāṇinaṁ;
Karotaṁ opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,
Saṅghe dinnaṁ mahapphalan”ti.

[¶60] SN 11.17 · Homage to the Buddha

> Pali: SN 11.17 · Buddhavandanāsutta

[¶61] Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ jetavane.

[¶62] Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation. Then Sakka, lord of gods, and the divinity Sahampati approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post.

> Pali: Tena kho pana samayena bhagavā divāvihāragato hoti paṭisallīno. Atha kho sakko ca devānamindo brahmā ca sahampati yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā paccekaṁ dvārabāhaṁ nissāya aṭṭhaṁsu.

[¶63] Then Sakka spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:

> Pali: Atha kho sakko devānamindo bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:

[¶64] “Rise, hero! Victor in battle, with burden put down,
wander the world free of debt.
Your mind is fully liberated,
like the moon on the fifteenth night.”

> Pali: “Uṭṭhehi vīra vijitasaṅgāma,
Pannabhāra anaṇa vicara loke;
Cittañca te suvimuttaṁ,
Cando yathā pannarasāya rattin”ti.

[¶65] “Lord of gods, that’s not how to pay homage to the Realized Ones. This is how it should be done:

> Pali: “Na kho, devānaminda, tathāgatā evaṁ vanditabbā. Evañca kho, devānaminda, tathāgatā vanditabbā:

[¶66] ‘Rise, hero! Victor in battle, caravan leader,
wander the world free of debt.
Let the Blessed One teach the Dhamma!
There will be those who understand!’”

> Pali: ‘Uṭṭhehi vīra vijitasaṅgāma,
Satthavāha anaṇa vicara loke;
Desassu bhagavā dhammaṁ,
Aññātāro bhavissantī’”ti.

[¶67] SN 11.18 · Homage of Householders

> Pali: SN 11.18 · Gahaṭṭhavandanāsutta

[¶68] At Sāvatthī.

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ.

[¶69] > Pali: Tatra …pe… etadavoca:

[¶70] “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, lord of gods, addressed his chariot handler Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’

> Pali: “bhūtapubbaṁ, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo mātaliṁ saṅgāhakaṁ āmantesi: ‘yojehi, samma mātali, sahassayuttaṁ ājaññarathaṁ. Uyyānabhūmiṁ gacchāma subhūmiṁ dassanāyā’ti.

[¶71] ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good fellow, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’

> Pali: ‘Evaṁ, bhaddantavā’ti kho, bhikkhave, mātali saṅgāhako sakkassa devānamindassa paṭissutvā sahassayuttaṁ ājaññarathaṁ yojetvā sakkassa devānamindassa paṭivedesi: ‘yutto kho te, mārisa, sahassayutto ājaññaratho. Yassadāni kālaṁ maññasī’ti.

[¶72] Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his cupped palms, and revered the various quarters.

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo vejayantapāsādā orohanto añjaliṁ katvā sudaṁ puthuddisā namassati.

[¶73] So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, mātali saṅgāhako sakkaṁ devānamindaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

[¶74] ‘Those proficient in the three Vedas worship you,
as do all the aristocrats on earth,
the four great kings,
and the glorious host of Thirty.
So what’s the name of the spirit
that you worship, Sakka?’

> Pali: ‘Taṁ namassanti tevijjā,
sabbe bhummā ca khattiyā;
Cattāro ca mahārājā,
tidasā ca yasassino;
Atha ko nāma so yakkho,
yaṁ tvaṁ sakka namassasī’ti.

[¶75] ‘Those proficient in the three Vedas worship me,
as do all the aristocrats on earth,
the four great kings,
and the glorious host of Thirty.

> Pali: ‘Maṁ namassanti tevijjā,
sabbe bhummā ca khattiyā;
Cattāro ca mahārājā,
tidasā ca yasassino.

[¶76] But I revere those accomplished in ethics,
who have long trained in immersion,
who have rightly gone forth
for the culmination of spiritual life.

> Pali: Ahañca sīlasampanne,
cirarattasamāhite;
Sammāpabbajite vande,
brahmacariyaparāyane.

[¶77] I also worship those householders,
the ethical lay followers
who make merit, Mātali,
providing for a partner in a principled manner.’

> Pali: Ye gahaṭṭhā puññakarā,
sīlavanto upāsakā;
Dhammena dāraṁ posenti,
te namassāmi mātalī’ti.

[¶78] ‘Those who you worship
seem to be the best in the world, Sakka.
I too will worship
those who you worship, Sakka.’

> Pali: ‘Seṭṭhā hi kira lokasmiṁ,
ye tvaṁ sakka namassasi;
Ahampi te namassāmi,
ye namassasi vāsavā’ti.

[¶79] After saying this, Maghavā the chief,
king of gods, Sujā’s husband,
having worshiped the various quarters
climbed into his chariot.”

> Pali: Idaṁ vatvāna maghavā,
devarājā sujampati;
Puthuddisā namassitvā,
pamukho rathamāruhī”ti.

[¶80] SN 11.19 · Homage of the Teacher

> Pali: SN 11.19 · Satthāravandanāsutta

[¶81] Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ jetavane.

[¶82] “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, lord of gods, addressed his chariot handler Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’

> Pali: “Bhūtapubbaṁ, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo mātaliṁ saṅgāhakaṁ āmantesi: ‘yojehi, samma mātali, sahassayuttaṁ ājaññarathaṁ, uyyānabhūmiṁ gacchāma subhūmiṁ dassanāyā’ti.

[¶83] ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good fellow, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’

> Pali: ‘Evaṁ, bhaddantavā’ti kho, bhikkhave, mātali saṅgāhako sakkassa devānamindassa paṭissutvā sahassayuttaṁ ājaññarathaṁ yojetvā sakkassa devānamindassa paṭivedesi: ‘yutto kho te, mārisa, sahassayutto ājaññaratho. Yassadāni kālaṁ maññasī’ti.

[¶84] Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his cupped palms, and revered the Buddha.

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo vejayantapāsādā orohanto añjaliṁ katvā sudaṁ bhagavantaṁ namassati.

[¶85] So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, mātali saṅgāhako sakkaṁ devānamindaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

[¶86] ‘Gods and men
worship you, Vāsava.
So what’s the name of the spirit
that you worship, Sakka?’

> Pali: ‘Yañhi devā manussā ca,
taṁ namassanti vāsava;
Atha ko nāma so yakkho,
yaṁ tvaṁ sakka namassasī’ti.

[¶87] ‘It’s the fully awakened Buddha,
the Teacher of peerless name
in this world with its gods—
that’s who I worship, Mātali.

> Pali: ‘Yo idha sammāsambuddho,
asmiṁ loke sadevake;
Anomanāmaṁ satthāraṁ,
taṁ namassāmi mātali.

[¶88] Those in whom greed, hate, and ignorance
have faded away;
the perfected ones with defilements ended—
they’re who I worship, Mātali.

> Pali: Yesaṁ rāgo ca doso ca,
avijjā ca virājitā;
Khīṇāsavā arahanto,
te namassāmi mātali.

[¶89] The trainees who enjoy reducing suffering,
diligently pursuing the training
for getting rid of greed and hate,
and going past ignorance—
they’re who I worship, Mātali.’

> Pali: Ye rāgadosavinayā,
avijjāsamatikkamā;
Sekkhā apacayārāmā,
appamattānusikkhare;
Te namassāmi mātalī’ti.

[¶90] ‘Those who you worship
seem to be the best in the world, Sakka.
I too will worship
those who you worship, Sakka.’

> Pali: ‘Seṭṭhā hi kira lokasmiṁ,
ye tvaṁ sakka namassasi;
Ahampi te namassāmi,
ye namassasi vāsavā’ti.

[¶91] After saying this, Maghavā the chief,
king of gods, Sujā’s husband,
having worshiped the Buddha,
climbed into his chariot.”

> Pali: Idaṁ vatvāna maghavā,
devarājā sujampati;
Bhagavantaṁ namassitvā,
pamukho rathamāruhī”ti.

[¶92] SN 11.20 · Homage of the Saṅgha

> Pali: SN 11.20 · Saṅghavandanāsutta

[¶93] Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.

> Pali: Sāvatthiyaṁ jetavane. Tatra kho …pe… etadavoca:

[¶94] “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, lord of gods, addressed his chariot handler Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’

> Pali: “bhūtapubbaṁ, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo mātaliṁ saṅgāhakaṁ āmantesi: ‘yojehi, samma mātali, sahassayuttaṁ ājaññarathaṁ, uyyānabhūmiṁ gacchāma subhūmiṁ dassanāyā’ti.

[¶95] ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good fellow, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’

> Pali: ‘Evaṁ, bhaddantavā’ti kho, bhikkhave, mātali saṅgāhako sakkassa devānamindassa paṭissutvā, sahassayuttaṁ ājaññarathaṁ yojetvā sakkassa devānamindassa paṭivedesi: ‘yutto kho te, mārisa, sahassayutto ājaññaratho, yassadāni kālaṁ maññasī’ti.

[¶96] Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his cupped palms, and revered the mendicant Saṅgha.

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo vejayantapāsādā orohanto añjaliṁ katvā sudaṁ bhikkhusaṅghaṁ namassati.

[¶97] So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

> Pali: Atha kho, bhikkhave, mātali saṅgāhako sakkaṁ devānamindaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

[¶98] ‘It’s these who should worship you,
namely the humans stuck in their putrid bodies,
sunk in a carcass,
stricken by hunger and thirst.

> Pali: ‘Tañhi ete namasseyyuṁ,
pūtidehasayā narā;
Nimuggā kuṇapamhete,
khuppipāsasamappitā.

[¶99] Why then do you envy those
who are homeless, Vāsava?
Relate the seers’ way of life,
let us hear what you say.’

> Pali: Kiṁ nu tesaṁ pihayasi,
anāgārāna vāsava;
Ācāraṁ isinaṁ brūhi,
taṁ suṇoma vaco tavā’ti.

[¶100] ‘This is why I envy the
homeless, Mātali.
When they leave a village,
they proceed without concern.

> Pali: ‘Etaṁ tesaṁ pihayāmi,
anāgārāna mātali;
Yamhā gāmā pakkamanti,
anapekkhā vajanti te.

[¶101] They hoard no goods in storerooms,
nor in pots or baskets.
They seek food prepared by others,
and, true to their vows, live on that.

> Pali: Na tesaṁ koṭṭhe openti,
na kumbhi na kaḷopiyaṁ;
Paraniṭṭhitamesānā,
tena yāpenti subbatā.

[¶102] The attentive, whose words are full of wisdom,
live peacefully and quietly.
Gods fight with titans,
and mortals fight each other, Mātali.

> Pali: Sumantamantino dhīrā,
tuṇhībhūtā samañcarā;
Devā viruddhā asurehi,
puthu maccā ca mātali.

[¶103] Not fighting among those who fight,
quenched among those who have taken up arms,
not grasping among those who grasp:
they’re who I worship, Mātali.’

> Pali: Aviruddhā viruddhesu,
attadaṇḍesu nibbutā;
Sādānesu anādānā,
te namassāmi mātalī’ti.

[¶104] ‘Those who you worship
seem to be the best in the world, Sakka.
I too will worship
those who you worship, Vāsava.’

> Pali: ‘Seṭṭhā hi kira lokasmiṁ,
ye tvaṁ sakka namassasi;
Ahampi te namassāmi,
ye namassasi vāsavā’”ti.

[¶105] After saying this, Maghavā the chief,
king of gods, Sujā’s husband,
having worshiped the mendicant Saṅgha,
climbed into his chariot.”

> Pali: Idaṁ vatvāna maghavā,
devarājā sujampati;
Bhikkhusaṅghaṁ namassitvā,
pamukho rathamāruhīti.

[¶106] > Pali: Dutiyo vaggo.

[¶107] > Pali: Tassuddānaṁ

[¶108] > Pali: Devā pana tayo vuttā,
daliddañca rāmaṇeyyakaṁ;
Yajamānañca vandanā,
tayo sakkanamassanāti.