Udāna
II.3: Danda Suttaɱ

The Stick

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

For free distribution only.

 

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[II-3.1] I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Sāvatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time, a large number of boys on the road between Sāvatthi and Jeta's Grove were hitting a snake with a stick. Then early in the morning the Blessed One, having put on his robes and carrying his bowl and outer robe, went into Sāvatthi for alms. He saw the large number of boys on the road between Sāvatthi and Jeta's Grove hitting the snake with a stick.

Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:

Whoever takes a stick
to beings desiring ease,
when he himself is looking for ease,
will meet with no ease after death.

Whoever doesn't take a stick
to beings desiring ease,
when he himself is looking for ease,
will meet with ease after death.