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 9

Tatiya Tassa (aka Suta) Suttaṃ

Hearsay (3)

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

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[194]

[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 a certain one,
when body breaks up after death
is reborn in the company of the sweat-born nagas?"

"Herein, brother, a certain one is
a double-dealer in act,
a double-dealer in word
a double-dealer in thought.

He hears it said:

'The sweat-born nāgas are long-lived,
fair to see
and have much happiness.'

Then he thinks:

'0 that when body breaks up after death
I might be born in the company
of the sweat-born nāgas!'

When body breaks up after death
a double-dealer in act,
a double-dealer in word
a double-dealer in thought
is born in the company
of the sweat-born nāgas.

This is the reason, brother,
this is the cause
why a certain one,
when body breaks up after death
is reborn in the company of the sweat-born nāgas."