Kings (2)

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

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[1][wrrn][pts] "Bhikkhus, once in the past, when Sakka, ruler of the devas, was guiding the Tāvatiɱsa devas, on that occasion he recited this verse:

'The person who would be like me
should observe the uposatha
complete in the eight factors,
on the fourteenth, fifteenth,
and eighth of the fortnight,
and during special fortnights.'

"This verse, bhikkhus, was badly recited by Sakka, ruler of the devas, not well recited. It was badly stated, not well stated.

For what reason?

Because Sakka, ruler of the devas, is not free from birth, old age and death, from sorrow, lamentation, pain, dejection, and despair; he is not free from suffering, I say.

But in the case of a bhikkhu who is an arahant — one whose taints are destroyed ... one completely liberated through final knowledge — it is fitting for him to say:

'The person who would be like me
should observe the uposatha
complete in the eight factors,
on the fourteenth, fifteenth,
and eighth of the fortnight,
and during special fortnights.'

"For what reason? Because that bhikkhu is free from birth, old age and death, from sorrow, lamentation, pain, dejection, and despair; he is free from suffering, I say."

Aṅguttara-Nikāya III. Tika Nipāta IV. Deva-Dūta Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha III. The Book of the Threes IV. Divine Messengers

Sutta 37 (WP 38)

Dutiya Catu-Mahārāja Suttaɱ

Kings (2)

Aṅguttara-Nikāya
III. Tika Nipāta
IV. Deva-Dūta Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
III. The Book of the Threes
IV. Divine Messengers