SN 1.31 · Virtuous
SN 1.31 · Sabbhisutta
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
Then, late at night, several glorious deities of the host of a hundred felicities, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho sambahulā satullapakāyikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,things get better, not worse.”
“Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,seyyo hoti na pāpiyo”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,wisdom is gained—but not from anyone else.”
“Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,paññā labbhati nāññato”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,you grieve not among the grieving.”
“Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,sokamajjhe na socatī”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,you dazzle among your relatives.”
“Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,ñātimajjhe virocatī”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,sentient beings go to a good place.”
“Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,sattā gacchanti suggatin”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,sentient beings live happily.”
“Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,sattā tiṭṭhanti sātatan”ti.
Then another deity said to the Buddha, “Sir, who has spoken well?”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “kassa nu kho, bhagavā, subhāsitan”ti?
“You’ve all spoken well in your own way. However, listen to me also:
“Sabbāsaṁ vo subhāsitaṁ pariyāyena, api ca mamapi suṇātha—
Associate only with the virtuous!Try to get close to the virtuous!Understanding the true teaching of the good,you’re released from all suffering.”
Sabbhireva samāsetha,sabbhi kubbetha santhavaṁ;Sataṁ saddhammamaññāya,sabbadukkhā pamuccatī”ti.
That is what the Buddha said. Delighted, those deities bowed and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on their right, before vanishing right there.
Idamavoca bhagavā. Attamanā tā devatāyo bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā tatthevantaradhāyiṁsūti.
SN 1.32 · Stinginess
SN 1.32 · Maccharisutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
Then, late at night, several glorious deities of the host of a hundred felicities, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho sambahulā satullapakāyikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Because of stinginess and negligencea gift is not given.Wanting merit,a smart person would give.”
“Maccherā ca pamādā ca,evaṁ dānaṁ na dīyati;Puññaṁ ākaṅkhamānena,deyyaṁ hoti vijānatā”ti.
Then another deity recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imā gāthāyo abhāsi:
“When a miser fails to give because of fear,the very thing they’re afraid of comes to pass.The hunger and thirstthat a miser fearshurt the foolin this world and the next.
“Yasseva bhīto na dadāti maccharī,Tadevādadato bhayaṁ;Jighacchā ca pipāsā ca,Yassa bhāyati maccharī;Tameva bālaṁ phusati,Asmiṁ loke paramhi ca.
So you should dispel stinginess,overcoming that stain, and give a gift.The good deeds of sentient beingssupport them in the next world.”
Tasmā vineyya maccheraṁ,dajjā dānaṁ malābhibhū;Puññāni paralokasmiṁ,patiṭṭhā honti pāṇinan”ti.
Then another deity recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imā gāthāyo abhāsi:
“Among the dead they do not die,those who, like fellow travelers on the road,are happy to provide, though they have but little.This is an ancient teaching.
“Te matesu na mīyanti,panthānaṁva sahabbajaṁ;Appasmiṁ ye pavecchanti,esa dhammo sanantano.
Some who have little are happy to provide,while some who have much don’t wish to give.An offering given from littleis multiplied a thousand times.”
Appasmeke pavecchanti,bahuneke na dicchare;Appasmā dakkhiṇā dinnā,sahassena samaṁ mitā”ti.
Then another deity recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imā gāthāyo abhāsi:
“Giving what’s hard to give,doing what’s hard to do;the wicked don’t act like this,for the teaching of the good is hard to follow.
“Duddadaṁ dadamānānaṁ,dukkaraṁ kamma kubbataṁ;Asanto nānukubbanti,sataṁ dhammo duranvayo.
That’s why the virtuous and the wickedhave different destinations after here.The wicked go to hell,while the virtuous are bound for heaven.”
Tasmā satañca asataṁ,nānā hoti ito gati;Asanto nirayaṁ yanti,santo saggaparāyanā”ti.
Then another deity said to the Buddha, “Sir, who has spoken well?”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike etadavoca: “kassa nu kho, bhagavā, subhāsitan”ti?
“You’ve all spoken well in your own way. However, listen to me also:
“Sabbāsaṁ vo subhāsitaṁ pariyāyena; api ca mamapi suṇātha—
A hundred thousand people <j>making a thousand sacrificesisn’t worth a fraction of that sort,who lives rightly, wandering for gleanings,or one who supports their partner <j>with what little they have.”
Dhammaṁ care yopi samuñjakaṁ care,Dārañca posaṁ dadamappakasmiṁ;Sataṁ sahassānaṁ sahassayāginaṁ,Kalampi nāgghanti tathāvidhassa te”ti.
Then another deity addressed the Buddha in verse:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavantaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
“Why doesn’t that sacrifice of theirs, <j>so abundant and magnificent,equal the value of a moral person’s gift?How is it that a hundred thousand people <j>making a thousand sacrificesisn’t worth a fraction of what’s offered by that sort?”
“Kenesa yañño vipulo mahaggato,Samena dinnassa na agghameti;Kathaṁ sataṁ sahassānaṁ sahassayāginaṁ,Kalampi nāgghanti tathāvidhassa te”ti.
“Some give based on immorality—after slaying, killing, and tormenting.Such an offering—tearful, violent—in no way equals the value of a moral person’s gift.
“Dadanti heke visame niviṭṭhā,Chetvā vadhitvā atha socayitvā;Sā dakkhiṇā assumukhā sadaṇḍā,Samena dinnassa na agghameti.
That’s how it is that a hundred thousand people <j>making a thousand sacrificesisn’t worth a fraction of what’s offered by that sort.”
Evaṁ sataṁ sahassānaṁ sahassayāginaṁ,Kalampi nāgghanti tathāvidhassa te”ti.
SN 1.33 · Good
SN 1.33 · Sādhusutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
Then, late at night, several glorious deities of the host of a hundred felicities, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. Standing to one side, one deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho sambahulā satullapakāyikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi:
“Good, good fellow, is giving!Because of stinginess and negligencea gift is not given.Wanting merit,a smart person would give.”
“Sādhu kho mārisa dānaṁ,maccherā ca pamādā ca;Evaṁ dānaṁ na dīyati,puññaṁ ākaṅkhamānena;Deyyaṁ hoti vijānatā”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi:
“Good, good fellow, is giving!Even when one has little, giving is good.
“Sādhu kho mārisa dānaṁ,Api ca appakasmimpi sāhu dānaṁ.
Some who have little are happy to provide,while some who have much don’t wish to give.An offering given from littleis multiplied a thousand times.”
Appasmeke pavecchanti,bahuneke na dicchare;Appasmā dakkhiṇā dinnā,sahassena samaṁ mitā”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi:
“Good, good fellow, is giving!Even when one has little, giving is good.And it’s also good to give out of faith.Giving and warfare are similar, they say,for even a few of the good may conquer the many.If a faithful person gives even a little,it still brings them happiness in the hereafter.”
“Sādhu kho mārisa dānaṁ,Appakasmimpi sāhu dānaṁ;Api ca saddhāyapi sāhu dānaṁ,Dānañca yuddhañca samānamāhu;Appāpi santā bahuke jinanti,Appampi ce saddahāno dadāti;Teneva so hoti sukhī paratthā”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi:
“Good, good fellow, is giving!Even when one has little, giving is good.And it’s also good to give out of faith.And it’s also good to give legitimate wealth.
“Sādhu kho mārisa dānaṁ,Appakasmimpi sāhu dānaṁ;Saddhāyapi sāhu dānaṁ,Api ca dhammaladdhassāpi sāhu dānaṁ.
A personage who gives legitimate wealth,earned by his efforts and initiative,has passed over Yama’s Vetaraṇī River;that mortal arrives at celestial fields.”
Yo dhammaladdhassa dadāti dānaṁ,Uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatassa jantu;Atikkamma so vetaraṇiṁ yamassa,Dibbāni ṭhānāni upeti macco”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi:
“Good, good fellow, is giving!Even when one has little, giving is good.And it’s also good to give out of faith.And it’s also good to give legitimate wealth.And it’s also good to give intelligently.
“Sādhu kho mārisa dānaṁ,Appakasmimpi sāhu dānaṁ;Saddhāyapi sāhu dānaṁ,Dhammaladdhassāpi sāhu dānaṁ;Api ca viceyya dānampi sāhu dānaṁ.
The Holy One praises giving intelligentlyto those worthy of offerings here <j>in the world of the living.What’s given to these is very fruitful,like seeds sown in a fertile field.”
Viceyya dānaṁ sugatappasatthaṁ,Ye dakkhiṇeyyā idha jīvaloke;Etesu dinnāni mahapphalāni,Bījāni vuttāni yathā sukhette”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi:
“Good, good fellow, is giving!Even when one has little, giving is good.And it’s also good to give out of faith.And it’s also good to give legitimate wealth.And it’s also good to give intelligently.And it’s also good to be restrained <j>when it comes to living creatures.
“Sādhu kho mārisa dānaṁ,Appakasmimpi sāhu dānaṁ;Saddhāyapi sāhu dānaṁ,Dhammaladdhassāpi sāhu dānaṁ;Viceyya dānampi sāhu dānaṁ,Api ca pāṇesupi sādhu saṁyamo.
One who lives without harming any living beingdoes no bad because of others’ blame.Were that the case they praise the coward, <j>not the brave;for the virtuous do no bad out of fear.”
Yo pāṇabhūtāni aheṭhayaṁ caraṁ,Parūpavādā na karonti pāpaṁ;Bhīruṁ pasaṁsanti na hi tattha sūraṁ,Bhayā hi santo na karonti pāpan”ti.
Then another deity said to the Buddha, “Sir, who has spoken well?”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “kassa nu kho, bhagavā, subhāsitan”ti?
“You’ve all spoken well in your own way. However, listen to me also:
“Sabbāsaṁ vo subhāsitaṁ pariyāyena, api ca mamapi suṇātha—
A gift of faith is praised in many ways,but a passage of teaching is better than giving,for the virtuous, in days old and older still,even attained extinction with wisdom.”
Saddhā hi dānaṁ bahudhā pasatthaṁ,Dānā ca kho dhammapadaṁva seyyo;Pubbe ca hi pubbatare ca santo,Nibbānamevajjhagamuṁ sapaññā”ti.
SN 1.34 · There Are None
SN 1.34 · Nasantisutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
Then, late at night, several glorious deities of the host of a hundred felicities, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho sambahulā satullapakāyikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Among mankind there are no sensual pleasures that are permanent.Here there are sensuous things, bound to which,drunk on which, there’s no coming back.That person doesn’t return from Death’s dominion.”
“Na santi kāmā manujesu niccā,Santīdha kamanīyāni yesu baddho;Yesu pamatto apunāgamanaṁ,Anāgantā puriso maccudheyyā”ti.
“Gloom is born of desire; suffering is born of desire; when desire is removed, gloom is removed; when gloom is removed, suffering is removed.”
“Chandajaṁ aghaṁ chandajaṁ dukkhaṁ, Chandavinayā aghavinayo; Aghavinayā dukkhavinayo”ti.
“The world’s pretty things aren’t sensual pleasures.Greedy intention is a person’s sensual pleasure.The world’s pretty things stay just as they are,but the attentive remove desire for them.
“Na te kāmā yāni citrāni loke,Saṅkapparāgo purisassa kāmo;Tiṭṭhanti citrāni tatheva loke,Athettha dhīrā vinayanti chandaṁ.
Give up anger, get rid of conceit,and get past all the fetters.Sufferings don’t torment the one who has nothing,not clinging to name and form.
Kodhaṁ jahe vippajaheyya mānaṁ,Saṁyojanaṁ sabbamatikkameyya;Taṁ nāmarūpasmimasajjamānaṁ,Akiñcanaṁ nānupatanti dukkhā.
They gave up judgment without falling into conceit;craving for name and form was cut off right here.They cut the ties, untroubled, <j>with no need for hope.Though gods and humans search for themin this life or the next, they never find them,not in heaven nor in any abode.”
Pahāsi saṅkhaṁ na vimānamajjhagā,Acchecchi taṇhaṁ idha nāmarūpe;Taṁ chinnaganthaṁ anighaṁ nirāsaṁ,Pariyesamānā nājjhagamuṁ;Devā manussā idha vā huraṁ vā,Saggesu vā sabbanivesanesū”ti.
“If neither gods nor humans see one freed in this way,”said Venerable Mogharāja,“in this life or the next,are those who revere that supreme man,who lives for the good of mankind, <j>also worthy of praise?”
“Tañce hi nāddakkhuṁ tathāvimuttaṁ,(iccāyasmā mogharājā)Devā manussā idha vā huraṁ vā;Naruttamaṁ atthacaraṁ narānaṁ,Ye taṁ namassanti pasaṁsiyā te”ti.
“The mendicants who revere one freed in this way,”said the Buddha,“are also worthy of praise, Mogharāja.Having understood the teaching <j>and given up doubt,those mendicants slip their chains.”
“Pasaṁsiyā tepi bhavanti bhikkhū,(mogharājāti bhagavā)Ye taṁ namassanti tathāvimuttaṁ;Aññāya dhammaṁ vicikicchaṁ pahāya,Saṅgātigā tepi bhavanti bhikkhū”ti.
SN 1.35 · Fault-Finding Deities
SN 1.35 · Ujjhānasaññisutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
Then, late at night, several glorious deities of the host of the fault-finders, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, and stood in the air. Standing in the air, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho sambahulā ujjhānasaññikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā vehāsaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Vehāsaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Someone who pretendsto be other than they really are,is like a cheating gamblerwho enjoys what was gained by theft.
“Aññathā santamattānaṁ,aññathā yo pavedaye;Nikacca kitavasseva,bhuttaṁ theyyena tassa taṁ.
You should only say what you would do;you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.The wise will recognizeone who talks without doing.”
Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade,yaṁ na kayirā na taṁ vade;Akarontaṁ bhāsamānaṁ,parijānanti paṇḍitā”ti.
“Not just by speaking,nor solely by listening,are you able to progresson this hard path,by which the attentive practicing absorptionare released from Māra’s bonds.
“Na yidaṁ bhāsitamattena,ekantasavanena vā;Anukkamitave sakkā,yāyaṁ paṭipadā daḷhā;Yāya dhīrā pamuccanti,jhāyino mārabandhanā.
The attentive certainly don’t act like that,for they understand the way of the world.The attentive are quenched by understanding,they’ve crossed over clinging to the world.”
Na ve dhīrā pakubbanti,viditvā lokapariyāyaṁ;Aññāya nibbutā dhīrā,tiṇṇā loke visattikan”ti.
Then those deities landed on the ground, bowed with their heads to the Buddha’s feet and said, “We made a mistake, sir. It was foolish, stupid, and unskillful of us to presume to attack the Buddha! Please, sir, accept our mistake for what it is, so we will restrain ourselves in future.”
Atha kho tā devatāyo pathaviyaṁ patiṭṭhahitvā bhagavato pādesu sirasā nipatitvā bhagavantaṁ etadavocuṁ: “accayo no, bhante, accagamā yathābālaṁ yathāmūḷhaṁ yathāakusalaṁ, yā mayaṁ bhagavantaṁ āsādetabbaṁ amaññimhā. Tāsaṁ no, bhante, bhagavā accayaṁ accayato paṭiggaṇhātu āyatiṁ saṁvarāyā”ti.
At that, the Buddha smiled.
Atha kho bhagavā sitaṁ pātvākāsi.
Then those deities, becoming even more fault-finding, flew up in the air. One deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho tā devatāyo bhiyyoso mattāya ujjhāyantiyo vehāsaṁ abbhuggañchuṁ. Ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“If you don’t give your pardonwhen a mistake is confessed,with hidden anger and heavy hate,you’re stuck in your enmity.”
“Accayaṁ desayantīnaṁ,yo ce na paṭigaṇhati;Kopantaro dosagaru,sa veraṁ paṭimuñcatī”ti.
“Suppose no mistake were found,and no one here had gone astray:if enmities were not settled,how could that be skillful?”
“Accayo ce na vijjetha,nocidhāpagataṁ siyā;Verāni na ca sammeyyuṁ,kenīdha kusalo siyā”ti.
“Who makes no mistakes?Who doesn’t go astray?Who doesn’t fall into confusion?Who is attentive, ever mindful?”
“Kassaccayā na vijjanti,kassa natthi apāgataṁ;Ko na sammohamāpādi,ko ca dhīro sadā sato”ti.
“The Realized One, the Buddha,sympathetic for all beings:that’s who makes no mistakes,and that’s who doesn’t go astray.He doesn’t fall into confusion,for he’s attentive, ever mindful.
“Tathāgatassa buddhassa,sabbabhūtānukampino;Tassaccayā na vijjanti,tassa natthi apāgataṁ;So na sammohamāpādi,sova dhīro sadā satoti.
If you don’t give your pardonwhen a mistake is confessed,with hidden anger and heavy hate,you’re stuck in your enmity.I don’t approve of such enmity,and so I pardon your mistake.”
Accayaṁ desayantīnaṁ,yo ce na paṭigaṇhati;Kopantaro dosagaru,sa veraṁ paṭimuñcati;Taṁ veraṁ nābhinandāmi,paṭiggaṇhāmi voccayan”ti.
SN 1.36 · Faith
SN 1.36 · Saddhāsutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
Then, late at night, several glorious deities of the host of a hundred felicities, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho sambahulā satullapakāyikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Faith is a person’s partner.If faithlessness doesn’t linger,fame and renown are theirs,and when they discard this corpse they go to heaven.”
“Saddhā dutiyā purisassa hoti,No ce assaddhiyaṁ avatiṭṭhati;Yaso ca kittī ca tatvassa hoti,Saggañca so gacchati sarīraṁ vihāyā”ti.
Then another deity recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imā gāthāyo abhāsi:
“Give up anger, get rid of conceit,and get past all the fetters.Chains don’t torment one who has nothing,not clinging to name and form.”
“Kodhaṁ jahe vippajaheyya mānaṁ,Saṁyojanaṁ sabbamatikkameyya;Taṁ nāmarūpasmimasajjamānaṁ,Akiñcanaṁ nānupatanti saṅgā”ti.
“Fools and simpletonsdevote themselves to negligence.But the wise protect diligenceas their best treasure.
“Pamādamanuyuñjanti,bālā dummedhino janā;Appamādañca medhāvī,dhanaṁ seṭṭhaṁva rakkhati.
Don’t devote yourself to negligence,or delight in erotic intimacy.For if you’re diligent and practice absorption,you’ll attain ultimate happiness.”
Mā pamādamanuyuñjetha,mā kāmarati santhavaṁ;Appamatto hi jhāyanto,pappoti paramaṁ sukhan”ti.
SN 1.37 · The Congregation
SN 1.37 · Samayasutta
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Sakyans, in the Great Wood near Kapilavatthu, together with a large Saṅgha of five hundred mendicants, all of whom were perfected ones. And most of the deities from ten solar systems had gathered to see the Buddha and the Saṅgha of mendicants.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sakkesu viharati kapilavatthusmiṁ mahāvane mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi sabbeheva arahantehi; dasahi ca lokadhātūhi devatā yebhuyyena sannipatitā honti bhagavantaṁ dassanāya bhikkhusaṅghañca.
Then four deities of the pure abodes, aware of what was happening, thought: “Why don’t we go to the Buddha and each recite a verse in his presence?”
Atha kho catunnaṁ suddhāvāsakāyikānaṁ devatānaṁ etadahosi: “ayaṁ kho bhagavā sakkesu viharati kapilavatthusmiṁ mahāvane mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi sabbeheva arahantehi; dasahi ca lokadhātūhi devatā yebhuyyena sannipatitā honti bhagavantaṁ dassanāya bhikkhusaṅghañca. Yannūna mayampi yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkameyyāma; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavato santike paccekaṁ gāthaṁ bhāseyyāmā”ti.
Then, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, they vanished from the Pure Abodes and reappeared in front of the Buddha. They bowed to the Buddha and stood to one side. Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho tā devatā—seyyathāpi nāma balavā puriso samiñjitaṁ vā bāhaṁ pasāreyya pasāritaṁ vā bāhaṁ samiñjeyya; evameva—suddhāvāsesu devesu antarahitā bhagavato purato pāturahesuṁ. Atha kho tā devatā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“There’s a great congregation in the woods,where heavenly hosts have assembled.We’ve come to this righteous congregationto see the invincible Saṅgha!”
“Mahāsamayo pavanasmiṁ,Devakāyā samāgatā;Āgatamha imaṁ dhammasamayaṁ,Dakkhitāye aparājitasaṅghan”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“The mendicants there are immersed in samādhi,they’ve straightened their own minds.Like a charioteer holding the reins,the astute ones protect their senses.”
“Tatra bhikkhavo samādahaṁsu,Cittamattano ujukaṁ akaṁsu;Sārathīva nettāni gahetvā,Indriyāni rakkhanti paṇḍitā”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“They snapped the post and snapped the cross-bar,unstirred, they tore out Indra’s pillar.They live pure and immaculate,the young giants tamed by the Clear-eyed One.”
“Chetvā khīlaṁ chetvā palighaṁ,Indakhīlaṁ ūhacca manejā;Te caranti suddhā vimalā,Cakkhumatā sudantā susunāgā”ti.
Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
“Anyone who has gone to the Buddha for refugewon’t go to a plane of loss.After giving up this human body,they swell the heavenly host.”
“Ye keci buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gatāse,Na te gamissanti apāyabhūmiṁ;Pahāya mānusaṁ dehaṁ,Devakāyaṁ paripūressantī”ti.
SN 1.38 · A Splinter
SN 1.38 · Sakalikasutta
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha in the Maddakucchi deer park.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati maddakucchismiṁ migadāye.
Now at that time the Buddha’s foot had been cut by a wooden splinter. The Buddha was stricken by harrowing pains; physical feelings that were painful, sharp, severe, acute, unpleasant, and disagreeable. But he endured unbothered, with mindfulness and situational awareness. And then he spread out his outer robe folded in four and laid down in the lion’s posture—on the right side, placing one foot on top of the other—mindful and aware.
Tena kho pana samayena bhagavato pādo sakalikāya khato hoti. Bhusā sudaṁ bhagavato vedanā vattanti sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā; tā sudaṁ bhagavā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno. Atha kho bhagavā catugguṇaṁ saṅghāṭiṁ paññāpetvā dakkhiṇena passena sīhaseyyaṁ kappeti pāde pādaṁ accādhāya sato sampajāno.
Then, late at night, seven hundred glorious deities of the host of a hundred felicities, lighting up the entire Maddakucchi, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side.
Atha kho sattasatā satullapakāyikā devatāyo abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ maddakucchiṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu.
Standing to one side, one deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “The ascetic Gotama is such an elephant, sir! And as an elephant, he endures painful physical feelings that have come up—sharp, severe, acute, unpleasant, and disagreeable—unbothered, with mindfulness and situational awareness.”
Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “nāgo vata, bho, samaṇo gotamo; nāgavatā ca samuppannā sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “The ascetic Gotama is such a lion, sir! And as a lion, he endures painful physical feelings … unbothered.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “sīho vata, bho, samaṇo gotamo; sīhavatā ca samuppannā sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “The ascetic Gotama is such a thoroughbred, sir! And as a thoroughbred, he endures painful physical feelings … unbothered.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “ājānīyo vata, bho, samaṇo gotamo; ājānīyavatā ca samuppannā sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “The ascetic Gotama is such a boss bull, sir! And as a boss bull, he endures painful physical feelings … unbothered.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “nisabho vata, bho, samaṇo gotamo; nisabhavatā ca samuppannā sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “The ascetic Gotama is such a behemoth, sir! And as a behemoth, he endures painful physical feelings … unbothered.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “dhorayho vata, bho, samaṇo gotamo; dhorayhavatā ca samuppannā sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “The ascetic Gotama is truly tamed, sir! And as someone tamed, he endures painful physical feelings … unbothered.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “danto vata, bho, samaṇo gotamo; dantavatā ca samuppannā sārīrikā vedanā dukkhā tibbā kharā kaṭukā asātā amanāpā sato sampajāno adhivāseti avihaññamāno”ti.
Then another deity expressed this heartfelt sentiment in the Buddha’s presence: “See, his immersion is so well developed, and his mind is so well freed—not leaning forward or pulling back, and not held in place by forceful suppression. If anyone imagines that they can overcome such an elephant of a man, a lion of a man, a thoroughbred of a man, a boss bull of a man, a behemoth of a man, a tamed man—what is that but a failure to see?”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ udānaṁ udānesi: “passa samādhiṁ subhāvitaṁ cittañca suvimuttaṁ, na cābhinataṁ na cāpanataṁ na ca sasaṅkhāraniggayhavāritagataṁ. Yo evarūpaṁ purisanāgaṁ purisasīhaṁ purisaājānīyaṁ purisanisabhaṁ purisadhorayhaṁ purisadantaṁ atikkamitabbaṁ maññeyya kimaññatra adassanā”ti.
“Learned in the five branches of Vedic lore,brahmins practice fervent mortification <j>for a full century.But their minds are not properly freed,for those of base character don’t cross to the far shore.
“Pañcavedā sataṁ samaṁ,Tapassī brāhmaṇā caraṁ;Cittañca nesaṁ na sammā vimuttaṁ,Hīnattharūpā na pāraṅgamā te.
Seized by craving, <j>attached to precept and observance,they practice rough and fervent mortification <j>for a hundred years.But their minds are not properly freed,for those of base character don’t go to the far shore.
Taṇhādhipannā vatasīlabaddhā,Lūkhaṁ tapaṁ vassasataṁ carantā;Cittañca nesaṁ na sammā vimuttaṁ,Hīnattharūpā na pāraṅgamā te.
Someone who’s fond of conceit can’t be tamed,and someone without immersion can’t be a sage.Living negligent alone in the wilderness,they can’t cross beyond Death’s dominion.”
Na mānakāmassa damo idhatthi,Na monamatthi asamāhitassa;Eko araññe viharaṁ pamatto,Na maccudheyyassa tareyya pāran”ti.
“Having given up conceit, serene within oneself,with a good heart, everywhere free;living diligent alone in the wilderness,they cross beyond Death’s dominion.”
“Mānaṁ pahāya susamāhitatto,Sucetaso sabbadhi vippamutto;Eko araññe viharamappamatto,Sa maccudheyyassa tareyya pāran”ti.
SN 1.39 · With Pajjunna’s Daughter (1st)
SN 1.39 · Paṭhamapajjunnadhītusutta
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, at the Great Wood, in the hall with the peaked roof.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā vesāliyaṁ viharati mahāvane kūṭāgārasālāyaṁ.
Then, late at night, the glorious Kokanadā, Pajjunna’s daughter, lighting up the entire Great Wood, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho kokanadā pajjunnassa dhītā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ mahāvanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho sā devatā kokanadā pajjunnassa dhītā bhagavato santike imā gāthāyo abhāsi:
“Staying in the woods of Vesālīis the Buddha, best of creation.Kokanadā am I who worships him,Kokanadā, Pajjuna’s daughter.
“Vesāliyaṁ vane viharantaṁ,Aggaṁ sattassa sambuddhaṁ;Kokanadāhamasmi abhivande,Kokanadā pajjunnassa dhītā.
Previously I had only heardthe teaching realized by the Clear-eyed One.But now I know it as a witnesswhile the sage, the Holy One teaches.
Sutameva pure āsi,Dhammo cakkhumatānubuddho;Sāhaṁ dāni sakkhi jānāmi,Munino desayato sugatassa.
There are simpletons who go aboutdenouncing the teaching of the noble ones.They fall into the terrible Hell of Screamswhere they suffer long.
Ye keci ariyaṁ dhammaṁ,Vigarahantā caranti dummedhā;Upenti roruvaṁ ghoraṁ,Cirarattaṁ dukkhaṁ anubhavanti.
There are those who have found <j>acceptance and peacein the teaching of the noble ones.After giving up this human body,they swell the heavenly host.”
Ye ca kho ariye dhamme,Khantiyā upasamena upetā;Pahāya mānusaṁ dehaṁ,Devakāyaṁ paripūressantī”ti.
SN 1.40 · With Pajjunna’s Daughter (2nd)
SN 1.40 · Dutiyapajjunnadhītusuttaṁ
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, at the Great Wood, in the hall with the peaked roof.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā vesāliyaṁ viharati mahāvane kūṭāgārasālāyaṁ.
Then, late at night, the glorious Kokanadā the Younger, Pajjunna’s daughter, lighting up the entire Great Wood, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
Atha kho cūḷakokanadā pajjunnassa dhītā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ mahāvanaṁ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho sā devatā cūḷakokanadā pajjunnassa dhītā bhagavato santike imā gāthāyo abhāsi:
“She came here, beautiful as a flash of lightning,Kokanadā, Pajjunna’s daughter.Revering the Buddha and the teaching,she spoke these verses full of meaning.
“Idhāgamā vijjupabhāsavaṇṇā,Kokanadā pajjunnassa dhītā;Buddhañca dhammañca namassamānā,Gāthācimā atthavatī abhāsi.
The teaching is such thatI could analyze it in many different ways.However, I will state the meaning in briefas far as I have learned it by heart.
Bahunāpi kho taṁ vibhajeyyaṁ,Pariyāyena tādiso dhammo;Saṅkhittamatthaṁ lapayissāmi,Yāvatā me manasā pariyattaṁ.
You should never do anything badby speech or mind or body in all the world.Having given up sensual pleasures, <j>mindful and aware,you shouldn’t keep doing <j>what’s painful and pointless.”
Pāpaṁ na kayirā vacasā manasā,Kāyena vā kiñcana sabbaloke;Kāme pahāya satimā sampajāno,Dukkhaṁ na sevetha anatthasaṁhitan”ti.
Satullapakāyikavaggo catuttho.
Tassuddānaṁ
Sabbhimaccharinā sādhu,na santujjhānasaññino;Saddhā samayo sakalikaṁ,ubho pajjunnadhītaroti.