Saṃyutta Nikāya
I. Sagatha Vagga
2. Devaputta Saṃyutta
Sutta 19
Uttara Sutta
Uttara the Deva's Son
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Provenance, terms and conditons
[19.1][rhyc] At Rājagaha. As he was standing to one side,
Uttara the deva's son recited this verse in the Blessed One's presence:
Life is swept along,
next-to-nothing its span.
For one swept on by aging
no shelters exist.
Perceiving this danger in death,
one should do deeds of merit
that bring about bliss.
[The Buddha:]
Life is swept along,
next-to-nothing its span.
For one swept to old age
no shelters exist.
Perceiving this danger in death,
one should drop the world's bait
and look for peace.