Saṃyutta Nikāya
3. Khandha Vagga
29. Nāga Saṃyutta

The Book of the Kindred Sayings
3. The Book Called the Khandhā-Vagga
Containing Kindred Sayings on the Elements of Sensory Existence and other Subjects
29. Kindred Sayings on Nāgas

Sutta 6

Catuttha Uposatha Suttaṃ

Sabbath (4)

Translated by F. L. Woodward
Edited by Mrs. Rhys Davids

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[193]

[1] Thus have I heard:

The Exalted One was once staying near Sāvatthī
at the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.

Then a certain brother came to the Exalted One, and saluting him
sat down at one side.

So seated that brother thus addressed the Exalted One:

"What is the reason, lord,
what is the cause
why some nāgas born without parents keep the Sabbath
and divest themselves of their nāga-forms?"

"Herein, brother, certain nāgas born without parents think thus:

'Formerly we were double-dealing in speech,
double-dealing in act,
double-dealing in thought.

Thus in three ways being double-dealers,
when body breaks up after death
we shall be reborn in the company of nāgas. born without parents

Now if we were to practise virtuous deeds,
virtuous words
and virtuous thoughts,
when body breaks up after death
we might be reborn in the happy state,
in the heaven world.

Come now,
let us practise virtuous deeds,
virtuous words
and virtuous thoughts.'

This, brethren, is the reason,
this is the cause
why certain nāgas born without parents
keep the Sabbath
and divest themselves of their nāga-forms."