Seclusion

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Proofed against and modified in accordance with the revised edition at dhammatalks.org
Provenance, terms and conditons

[1.1][pts] I have heard that on one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a forest grpve.

Now at that time, as he had gone to spend the day [in the grove], he was thinking unskillful thoughts, connected with the household life.

Then the devatā inhabiting the forest grove, feeling sympathy for the monk, desiring his benefit, desiring to bring him to his senses, approached him and addressed him with this verse:

"Desiring seclusion
you've entered the forest,
and yet your mind
goes running outside.
You, a person:
subdue your desire for people.
Then you'll be happy,     free
        from passion.
Dispel discontent,
be mindful.
Let me remind you
of that which is good —
for the dust
of the regions below
    is hard to transcend.
Don't let the dust
of the sensual
pull
    you
        down.

As a bird
spattered with dirt
sheds the adhering dust with a shake,
so a monk
— energetic and mindful —
sheds the adhering dust."

The monk, chastened by the devatā, came to his senses.

Saṃyutta Nikāya I. Sagatha Vagga 9. Vana Saṃyutta

Sutta 1

Viveka Sutta

Seclusion

Saṃyutta Nikāya
I. Sagatha Vagga
9. Vana Saṃyutta