Udāna
II.9: Visakha Suttaɱ

To Visakha

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

For free distribution only.

 

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[II-9.1] I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying in Sāvatthi at the Eastern Monastery, the palace of Migara's mother. Now at that time, Visakha, Migara's mother, had some dealings with King Pasenadi Kosala that he did not settle as she had wished. So in the middle of the day she went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As she was sitting there the Blessed One said to her, "Well now, Visakha, where are you coming from in the middle of the day?"

"Just now, lord, I had some dealings with King Pasenadi Kosala that he did not settle as I had wished.

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

All subjection to others
    is painful.
All independence
    is bliss.
What is held in common
brings suffering,
for duties are hard
to overcome.