The Samyutta Nikaya
The Grouped Discourses
Samyutta Nikaya IX.1
Viveka Sutta
Seclusion
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
I have heard that on one occasion a certain monk was
dwelling among the Kosalans in a forest thicket. Now
at that time, as he had gone to spend the day [in the thicket], he was
thinking unskillful thoughts, connected with the household life.
Then the devata inhabiting the forest thicket, feeling
sympathy for the monk, desiring his benefit, desiring to bring him to his
senses, approached him and addressed him with this verse:
"Desiring seclusion
you've entered the forest,
and yet your mind
goes running outside.
You, a person:
subdue your desire for people.
Then you'll be happy, free
from passion.
Dispel discontent,
be mindful.
Let me remind you
of that which is good --
for the dust
of the regions below
is hard to transcend.
Don't let the dust
of the sensual
pull
you
down.
As a bird
spattered with dirt
sheds the adhering dust with a shake,
so a monk
-- energetic & mindful --
sheds the adhering dust."
The monk, chastened by the devata, came to his senses.
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