So It Was Said 89

The Book of the Threes

Chapter Four

About Devadatta

iti89:1 This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

iti89:2 “Mendicants, overcome and overwhelmed by three things that oppose the true teaching, Devadatta is going to a place of loss, to hell, there to remain for an eon, irredeemable. What three? Corrupt wishes … Bad friendship … When there is still more to be done, stopping half-way after achieving some trifling distinction. Overcome and overwhelmed by these three things that oppose the true teaching, Devadatta is going to a place of loss, to hell, there to remain for an eon, irredeemable.” The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

iti89:3 “Let none of wicked desire ever appear in this world. And by this too you should know the place where those of corrupt wishes go.

iti89:4 He once was considered astute, deemed to be evolved, his glory stood forth like a flame, the renowned Devadatta.

iti89:5 Seduced by heedlessness, he attacked the Realized One. He has fallen to Avīci hell, four-doored and terrifying.

iti89:6 When someone betrays the innocent, who have done no wrong, their bad deeds impact the one with corrupt heart, lacking regard for others.

iti89:7 One might think to pollute the ocean with a pot of poison, but it wouldn’t work, for the sea is terribly large.

iti89:8 So too when someone attacks with words the Realized One— rightly comported, of peaceful mind— the words don’t take.

iti89:9 The astute would befriend one like this, and follow them around. A mendicant who walks the path attains the ending of suffering.”

iti89:10 This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.