Saṃyutta Nikāya
I. Sagātha Vagga
1. Devatā-Saṃyutta
I. Naḷa Vagga

The Section with Verses

Sutta 2

 

Vain Conceits

Translated from the Pāḷi
by
M. O'C. Walshe

Originally published as
Wheel No. 318-321
Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, 1985.
Volume 3 of
Samyutta Nikaya: An Anthology

Sourced from Access to Insight.
Transcribed from the print edition
by arrangement with the
Buddhist Publication Society.

© 2007

For free distribution only.

 

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[9.1][pts][bodh][upal] Thus have I heard.

At one time the Blessed One was staying near Sāvatthī, at Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's park.

Now a certain deva, as the night was passing away, lighting up the whole Jeta Grove with his effulgent beauty, approached the Blessed One and, having approached, stood on one side.

Standing thus on one side, the deva spoke this verse before the Blessed One:

Who has not tamed all vain conceits,^[1] Who lacks in wisdom, uncontrolled, Heedless, in the woods may dwell alone, Yet will not escape the realm of death.

[The Blessed One replied:]

Who, concentrated, leaves conceits behind, His heart and mind^[2] set fair, and wholly freed, Heedful dwelling in the woods alone, Shall indeed escape the realm of death.^[3]

 

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^[1] Māna kāma: "conceit and lust."

^[2] Citta: "mind," but often like the metaphorical use of "heart" in English.

^[3] He will pass "beyond death" to Nibbāna.