09 December, 2013

Section VI -Sermons on Socio'political questions. - Do not depend on the favour of princes. - Buddha and his dhamma,

:: Section VI -Sermons on Socio'political questions. ::
1. Do not depend on the favour of princes.

1. Once the Exalted One was staying at Rajagraha in the Bamboo Grove in the Squirrels' Feeding ground. 
2. At that time Prince Ajatasatruwas supporting Devadatta who had turned hostile to the Blessed Lord. 
3. He was maintaining the supporters of Devadatta, late and early with five hundred carts, conveying therein food brought in five hundred cooking-pots. 
4. Then a number of the brethren came before the Exalted One, saluted Him, and sat down on one side, and •there sitting they told all of these things to the Exalted One. 
5. Then the Blessed Lord addressing the brethren said : " Do ye not long for gains, favours and flattery from the kings. So long, brethren, as Prince Ajatasatru thus supports Devadatta late and early, with five hundred carts, conveying therein food brought in five hundred cooking-pots, it is ruin, brethren, that may be expected of Devadatta, and not growth in good conditions.
6. " Just as if, brethren, one were to crumble liver on a mad dog's nose, the dog would only get the madder, even so, brethren, so long as Prince Ajatasatru thus supports Devadatta it is ruin that may be expected of Devadatta, and not growth in good conditions. Thus terrible, brethren, are gains, favours, and flattery of the princes.
7. " They are a bitter, painful hindrance to the attainment of the sure peace that passeth all. 

8. " Wherefore, brethren, thus must you train yourselves: ' When gains, favours and flattery befall us, we will reject them, and when they do befall us, they shall not Tay hold of and be established in our hearts' and make us slaves of the prince.' "

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