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SN 10.2

Sakka In Name Only

Sakkanāmasutta

from: 1. With Indaka

Sakka In Name Only

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain.

Then a spirit who was Sakka in name only went up to the Buddha, and addressed him in verse:

“You’ve given up all ties,
and are fully freed.
It’s not a good idea for you, ascetic,
to be instructing others.”

“No matter how you explain why
people gather together, Sakka,
it’s unworthy for a wise person
not to think of the other with sympathy.

If you instruct others
with a mind clear and confident,
your compassion and empathy
don’t create attachments.”

Translation: German (Ayyā Sabbamittā), English (Bhikkhu Sujato). Source: SuttaCentral / Bilara (public domain, CC0).

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