Chapter One

With Suvīra

sn11.1:1 So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!” “Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

sn11.1:2 “Once upon a time, mendicants, the titans marched against the angels. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed the angel Suvīra, ‘Dear Suvīra, the titans march against the angels! Go, and march against the titans!’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Suvīra. But he fell into negligence. For a second time Sakka addressed Suvīra, ‘Dear Suvīra, the titans march against the angels! Go, and march against the titans!’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Suvīra. But for a second time he fell into negligence. For a third time Sakka addressed Suvīra, ‘Dear Suvīra, the titans march against the angels! Go, and march against the titans!’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Suvīra. But for a third time he fell into negligence. Then Sakka addressed the angel Suvīra in verse:

sn11.1:3 ‘Suvīra, go to that place where you can achieve happiness without working for it or trying hard— and take me with you!’

sn11.1:4 ‘That a lazy man who does no work, and doesn’t do his duty, can fulfill all his desires: Sakka, render me this boon!’

sn11.1:5 ‘Suvīra, go to that place where a lazy man who does no work prospers in unending happiness— and take me with you!’

sn11.1:6 ‘O Sakka, first among angels, that we might find the happiness that’s sorrowless, unstressed: Sakka, render me this boon!’

sn11.1:7 ‘If there exists anywhere a place where one can live happily without working, that surely would be extinguishment’s path! Go there, Suvīra, and take me with you!’

sn11.1:8 Since, mendicants, even that Sakka, chief of the angels—while living off of the fruit of his good deeds, and leading these angels of the thirty-three—will speak in praise of initiative and energy, you can excel at this, for you who have gone forth in such a well explained teaching and training can try hard, strive, and make an effort to attain the unattained, achieve the unachieved, and realize the unrealized.”

Chapter One

With Susīma

sn11.2:1 At Sāvatthī. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!” “Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

sn11.2:2 “Once upon a time, mendicants, the titans marched against the angels. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed the angel Susīma, ‘Dear Susīma, the titans march against the angels! Go, and march against the titans!’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Susīma. But he fell into negligence. For a second time … For a third time … Then Sakka addressed the angel Susīma in verse:

sn11.2:3 ‘Susīma, go to that place where you can achieve happiness without working for it or trying hard— and take me with you!’

sn11.2:4 ‘That a lazy man who does no work, and doesn’t do his duty, should fulfill all his desires: Sakka, render me this boon!’

sn11.2:5 ‘Susīma, go to that place where a lazy man who does no work prospers in unending happiness— and take me with you!’

sn11.2:6 ‘O Sakka, first among angels, that we might find the happiness that’s sorrowless, unstressed: Sakka, render me this boon!’

sn11.2:7 ‘If there exists anywhere a place where one can live happily without working, that surely would be extinguishment’s path! Susīma, go to that place and take me with you!’

sn11.2:8 Since, mendicants, even that Sakka, chief of the angels—while living off of the fruit of his good deeds, and leading these angels of the thirty-three—will speak in praise of initiative and energy, you can excel at this, for you who have gone forth in such a well explained teaching and training can try hard, strive, and make an effort to attain the unattained, achieve the unachieved, and realize the unrealized.”

Chapter One

The Banner’s Crest

sn11.3:1 At Sāvatthī. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!” “Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

sn11.3:2 “Once upon a time, mendicants, a battle was fought between the angels and the titans. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed the angels of the thirty-three:

sn11.3:3 ‘Good fellows, when the angels are fighting, if you get scared or terrified, just look up at my banner’s crest. Then your fear and terror will go away.

sn11.3:4 If you can’t see my banner’s crest, then look up at the banner’s crest of the Progenitor, chief of the angels. Then your fear and terror will go away.

sn11.3:5 If you can’t see his banner’s crest, then look up at the banner’s crest of Varuṇa, chief of the angels. Then your fear and terror will go away.

sn11.3:6 If you can’t see his banner’s crest, then look up at the banner’s crest of Īsāna, chief of the angels. Then your fear and terror will go away.’

sn11.3:7 However, when they look up at those banner’s crests their fear and terror might go away or it might not.

sn11.3:8 Why is that? Because Sakka is not free of greed, hate, and delusion. He is fearful, scared, nervous, quick to flee.

sn11.3:9 But, mendicants, I say this: If you’ve gone to a wilderness, or to the root of a tree, or to an empty hut and you get scared or terrified, just recollect me: ‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of angels and humans, awakened, blessed.’ Then your fear and terror will go away.

sn11.3:10 If you can’t recollect me, then recollect the teaching: ‘The teaching is well explained by the Buddha—apparent in the present life, immediately effective, inviting inspection, relevant, so that sensible people can know it for themselves.’ Then your fear and terror will go away.

sn11.3:11 If you can’t recollect the teaching, then recollect the Saṅgha: ‘The Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples is practicing the way that’s good, direct, systematic, and proper. It consists of the four pairs, the eight individual persons. This is the Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples that is worthy of offerings given for God’s sake, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of greeting with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world.’ Then your fear and terror will go away.

sn11.3:12 Why is that? Because the Realized One is free of greed, hate, and delusion. He is fearless, brave, bold, and stands his ground.” That is what the Buddha said. Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

sn11.3:13 “In the wilderness, at a tree’s root, or an empty hut, O mendicants, recollect the Buddha, and no fear will come to you.

sn11.3:14 If you can’t recollect the Buddha— the eldest in the world, the captain of men— then recollect the teaching, emancipating, well taught.

sn11.3:15 If you can’t recollect the teaching— emancipating, well taught— then recollect the Saṅgha, the supreme field of merit.

sn11.3:16 Thus recollecting the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha, mendicants, fear and terror and goosebumps will be no more.”

Chapter One

With Vepacitti

sn11.4:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, a battle was fought between the angels and the titans. Then Vepacitti, lord of titans, addressed the titans, ‘My good fellows, if the titans defeat the angels in this battle, bind Sakka, the chief of the angels, by his limbs and neck and bring him to my presence in the citadel of the titans.’ Meanwhile, Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed the angels of the thirty-three, ‘My good fellows, if the angels defeat the titans in this battle, bind Vepacitti by his limbs and neck and bring him to my presence in the Hall of Clear Right of the angels.’ In that battle the angels won and the titans lost. So the angels of the thirty-three bound Vepacitti by his limbs and neck and brought him to Sakka’s presence in the Hall of Clear Right of the angels. And as Sakka was entering and leaving the hall, Vepacitti abused and insulted him with rude, harsh words. So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

sn11.4:2 ‘O Maghavā, O Sakka, is it from fear or from weakness that you endure such harsh words in the presence of Vepacitti?’

sn11.4:3 ‘It’s not out of fear or weakness that I’m patient with Vepacitti. For how can a sensible person like me get in a fight with a fool?’

sn11.4:4 ‘Fools would vent even more if there’s no one to put a stop to them. So an attentive one should stop a fool with forceful punishment.’

sn11.4:5 ‘I think that this is the only way to put a stop to a fool, when you know that the other is upset, be mindful and stay calm.’

sn11.4:6 ‘In this mere endurance, Vāsava, I see a flaw. When a fool thinks, “He endures me out of fear,” the simpleton will go after you even harder, like a cow chasing someone who runs away.’

sn11.4:7 ‘Let him think this if he wishes, or not— “He endures me out of fear.” For the highest goal, one’s own, naught better than patience is found.

sn11.4:8 When a strong person endures a weakling, they call that the ultimate patience, for a weakling must always be patient.

sn11.4:9 The strength of folly is really just weakness, they say. But no one can challenge a person who’s strong, guarded by the teaching.

sn11.4:10 When you get angry at an angry person you just make things worse for yourself. When you don’t get angry at an angry person you win a battle hard to win.

sn11.4:11 When you know that the other is angry, you act for the good of both yourself and the other if you’re mindful and stay calm.

sn11.4:12 People inexpert in the teaching consider one who heals both oneself and the other to be a fool.’

sn11.4:13 Since, mendicants, even that Sakka, chief of the angels—while living off of the fruit of his good deeds, and leading these angels of the thirty-three—will speak in praise of patience and gentleness, you can excel at this, for you who have gone forth in such a well explained teaching and training can develop patience and gentleness.”

Chapter One

Victory by Good Speech

sn11.5:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, a battle was fought between the angels and the titans. Then Vepacitti, lord of titans, said to Sakka, chief of the angels, ‘Chief of the angels, let there be victory by fine words!’ ‘Vepacitti, let there be victory by fine words!’ Then the angels and the titans appointed a panel of judges, saying, ‘These will understand our good and bad statements.’ Then Vepacitti, lord of titans, said to Sakka, chief of the angels, ‘Chief of the angels, recite a verse!’ When he said this, Sakka said to him, ‘Vepacitti, you are the elder here. Recite a verse.’ So Vepacitti spoke this verse:

sn11.5:2 ‘Fools would vent even more if there’s no one to put a stop to them. So an intelligent person should stop a fool with forceful punishment.’

sn11.5:3 The titans applauded Vepacitti’s verse, while the angels kept silent. Then Vepacitti said to Sakka, ‘Chief of the angels, recite a verse!’ So Sakka spoke this verse:

sn11.5:4 ‘I think that this is the only way to put a stop to a fool, when you know that the other is upset, be mindful and stay calm.’

sn11.5:5 The angels applauded Sakka’s verse, while the titans kept silent. Then Sakka said to Vepacitti, ‘Vepacitti, recite a verse!’ So Vepacitti spoke this verse:

sn11.5:6 ‘In this mere endurance, Vāsava, I see a flaw. When a fool thinks, “He endures me out of fear,” the simpleton will go after you even harder, like a cow chasing someone who runs away.’

sn11.5:7 The titans applauded Vepacitti’s verse, while the angels kept silent. Then Vepacitti said to Sakka, ‘Chief of the angels, recite a verse!’ So Sakka spoke this verse:

sn11.5:8 ‘Let him think this if he wishes, or not— “He endures me out of fear.” For the highest goal, one’s own, naught better than patience is found.

sn11.5:9 When a strong person endures a weakling, they call that the ultimate patience, for a weakling must always be patient.

sn11.5:10 The strength of folly is really just weakness, they say. But no one can challenge a person who’s strong, guarded by the teaching.

sn11.5:11 When you get angry at an angry person you just make things worse for yourself. When you don’t get angry at an angry person you win a battle hard to win.

sn11.5:12 When you know that the other is angry, you act for the good of both yourself and the other if you’re mindful and stay calm.

sn11.5:13 People inexpert in the teaching consider one who heals both oneself and the other to be a fool.’

sn11.5:14 The angels applauded Sakka’s verses, while the titans kept silent. Then the panel of judges consisting of both angels and titans said this, ‘The verses spoken by Vepacitti evoke punishment and violence. That’s how you get fights, arguments, and quarrels. The verses spoken by Sakka don’t evoke punishment and violence. That’s how you stay free of fights, arguments, and quarrels. Sakka, chief of the angels, wins victory by fine words!’ And that’s how Sakka came to win victory by fine words.”

Chapter One

Bird Nests

sn11.6:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, a battle was fought between the angels and the titans. In that battle the titans won and the angels lost. Defeated, the angels fled north with the titans in pursuit. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed his chariot handler Mātali in verse:

sn11.6:2 ‘Mātali, don’t ram the bird nests in the Red Silk-Cotton Woods with your draft-pole. I’d rather give up our lives to the titans than deprive these birds of their nests.’

sn11.6:3 ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. And he turned the chariot back around, with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. Then the titans thought, ‘Now Sakka’s chariot has turned back. The titans will have to fight the angels a second time!’ Terrified, they retreated right away to the citadel of the titans. And that’s how Sakka came to win victory by principle.”

Chapter One

Not Betray

sn11.7:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, as Sakka, chief of the angels, was in private retreat this thought came to his mind, ‘I should never betray even a sworn enemy.’ And then Vepacitti, lord of titans, knowing Sakka’s train of thought, approached him. Sakka saw Vepacitti coming off in the distance, and said to him, ‘Stop, Vepacitti, you’re caught!’

sn11.7:2 ‘Good fellow, don’t give up the idea you just had!’

sn11.7:3 ‘Swear, Vepacitti, that you won’t betray me.’

sn11.7:4 ‘Whatever bad things happen to a liar, or to someone who slanders the noble ones, or to someone who betrays a friend, or to someone who’s ungrateful, the same bad things impact anyone who betrays you, Sujā’s husband.’”

Chapter One

Verocana, Lord of Titans

sn11.8:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, and Verocana, lord of titans, approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post. Then Verocana spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:

sn11.8:2 “A man should make an effort until his goal is accomplished. A goal is splendid when accomplished— this is the word of Verocana!”

sn11.8:3 “A man should make an effort until his goal is accomplished. For the goal that’s splendid when accomplished, naught better than patience is found.”

sn11.8:4 “All beings are in need, as they deserve in each case. But even so, harnessed work is the highest thing of value for all living creatures. A goal is splendid when accomplished— this is the word of Verocana!”

sn11.8:5 “All beings are in need, as they deserve in each case. But rather than harnessed work being the highest thing of value for all living creatures, for the goal that’s splendid when accomplished, naught better than patience is found.”

Chapter One

Seers in the Wilderness

sn11.9:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, several seers who were ethical, of good character, settled in leaf huts in a wilderness region. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, and Vepacitti, lord of titans, went to those seers. Vepacitti put on his lined sandals, strapped on his sword, and, carrying a sunshade, entered the hermitage through the main gate. He walked right past those seers, keeping them at arm’s length. Sakka took off his lined sandals, gave his sword to others, and, putting down his sunshade, entered the hermitage through the same gate. He stood downwind of those seers, revering them with cupped palms. Then those seers addressed Sakka in verse:

sn11.9:2 ‘When seers have been long initiated, the odor of their bodies goes with the gale. You’d better leave, O thousand-eyed! The odor of the seers is unclean, chief of the angels.’

sn11.9:3 ‘When seers have been long initiated, let the odor of their bodies go with the gale. We yearn for this odor, sirs, like a colorful crown of flowers. The angels don’t see it as repulsive.’”

Chapter One

Seers by the Ocean

sn11.10:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, several seers who were ethical, of good character, settled in leaf huts on the ocean shore. Now at that time a battle was fought between the angels and the titans. Then the seers thought, ‘The angels are principled, the titans are unprincipled. We may be at risk from the titans. Why don’t we approach Sambara, lord of titans, and beg him for a pledge of safety?’ Then, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, those seers vanished from those leaf huts on the ocean shore and reappeared in Sambara’s presence. Then those seers addressed Sambara in verse:

sn11.10:2 ‘The seers have come to Sambara to beg for a pledge of safety. For you can give them what you wish, whether danger or safety.’

sn11.10:3 ‘There is no safety for seers, the hated associates of Sakka! Though you beg me for your safety, I’ll only give you fear!’

sn11.10:4 ‘Though we beg you for our safety, you give us only fear. This is what we get from you: may endless peril come to you!

sn11.10:5 Whatever kind of seed you sow, that is the fruit you reap. A doer of good gets good, a doer of bad gets bad. You, my dear, have sown your own seed, now you’ll experience the fruit.’

sn11.10:6 Then those seers, having cursed Sambara, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, vanished from Sambara’s presence and reappeared in those leaf huts on the ocean shore. But after being cursed by the seers, Sambara woke in alarm three times that night.”

Chapter Two

Vows

sn11.11:1 At Sāvatthī. “Mendicants, long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he was exalted to the status of Sakka. What seven? As long as I live, may I support my parents. As long as I live, may I honor the elders in the family. As long as I live, may I speak gently. As long as I live, may I not backbite. As long as I live, may I live at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. As long as I live, may I speak the truth. As long as I live, may I be free of anger, or should anger arise, may I quickly get rid of it. Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he was exalted to the status of Sakka.

sn11.11:2 A child who respects their parents, and honors the elders in the family, whose speech is gentle and courteous, and has given up backbiting;

sn11.11:3 who’s committed to getting rid of stinginess, is truthful, and has mastered anger: the angels of the thirty-three declare them to be a true person.”

Chapter Two

Sakka’s Names

sn11.12:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. There the Buddha said to the mendicants: “Mendicants, long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he was a student named Magha. That’s why he’s called Maghavā, the Bounteous.

sn11.12:2 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he was first to give gifts. That’s why he’s called Purindada, the Firstgiver.

sn11.12:3 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he gave gifts ably. That’s why he’s called Sakka, the Able.

sn11.12:4 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he gave the gift of a guest house. That’s why he’s called Vāsava, the Houser.

sn11.12:5 Sakka thinks of a thousand needs in an hour. That’s why he’s called Sahassakkha, the Thousand-Eyed.

sn11.12:7 Sakka leads the angels of the thirty-three. That’s why he’s called Devānaminda, the Chief of Angels.

sn11.12:8 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he was exalted to the status of Sakka. What seven? As long as I live, may I support my parents. As long as I live, may I honor the elders in the family. As long as I live, may I speak gently. As long as I live, may I not backbite. As long as I live, may I live at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. As long as I live, may I speak the truth. As long as I live, may I be free of anger, or should anger arise, may I quickly get rid of it. Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he was exalted to the status of Sakka.

sn11.12:9 A child who respects their parents, and honors the elders in the family, whose speech is gentle and courteous, and has given up backbiting;

sn11.12:10 who’s committed to getting rid of stinginess, is truthful, and has mastered anger: the angels of the thirty-three declare them to be a true person.”

Chapter Two

With Mahāli

sn11.13:1 So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, at the Great Wood, in the hall with the peaked roof. Then Mahāli the Licchavi went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him,

sn11.13:2 “Sir, have you seen Sakka, chief of the angels?”

sn11.13:3 “I have, Mahāli.”

sn11.13:4 “But surely, sir, you must have seen someone who looked like Sakka. For Sakka is hard to see.”

sn11.13:5 “Mahāli, I understand Sakka. And I understand the things that he undertook and committed to, which enabled him to achieve the status of Sakka.

sn11.13:6 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he was a student named Magha. That’s why he’s called Maghavā, the Bounteous.

sn11.13:7 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he gave gifts ably. That’s why he’s called Sakka, the Able.

sn11.13:8 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he was first to give gifts. That’s why he’s called Purindada, the Firstgiver.

sn11.13:9 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he gave the gift of a guest house. That’s why he’s called Vāsava, the Houser.

sn11.13:10 Sakka thinks of a thousand needs in an hour. That’s why he’s called Sahassakkha, the Thousand-Eyed.

sn11.13:12 Sakka leads the angels of the thirty-three. That’s why he’s called Devānaminda, the Chief of Angels.

sn11.13:13 Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he was exalted to the status of Sakka. What seven? As long as I live, may I support my parents. As long as I live, may I honor the elders in the family. As long as I live, may I speak gently. As long as I live, may I not backbite. As long as I live, may I live at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. As long as I live, may I speak the truth. As long as I live, may I be free of anger, or should anger arise, may I quickly get rid of it. Long ago, when Sakka was a human being, he undertook seven vows. And it was because of undertaking these that he was exalted to the status of Sakka.

sn11.13:14 A child who respects their parents, and honors the elders in the family, whose speech is gentle and courteous, and has given up backbiting;

sn11.13:15 who’s committed to getting rid of stinginess, is truthful, and has mastered anger: the angels of the thirty-three declare them to be a true person.”

Chapter Two

Poor

sn11.14:1 At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!” “Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

sn11.14:2 “Once upon a time, mendicants, there was a poor person, destitute and pitiful. They took up faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom in the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One. After undertaking these things, when their body broke up, after death, they entered a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the angels of the thirty-three. There they outshone the other angels in beauty and glory. But the angels of the thirty-three complained, grumbled, and objected, ‘Oh lord, how incredible, how amazing! For when this blessed soul was a human being in the world they were poor, destitute, and pitiful. And when their body broke up, after death, they entered a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the angels of the thirty-three. Here they outshine the other angels in beauty and glory.’

sn11.14:3 Then Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed the angels of the thirty-three, ‘Good fellows, don’t complain about this blessed soul. When this blessed soul was a human being in the world they took up faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom in the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One. After undertaking these things, when their body broke up, after death, they’ve entered a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the angels of the thirty-three. Here they outshine the other angels in beauty and glory.’ Then Sakka, chief of the angels, guiding the angels of the thirty-three, spoke this verse:

sn11.14:4 ‘Whoever has faith in the Realized One, unwavering and well grounded; whose ethical conduct is good, praised and loved by the noble ones;

sn11.14:5 who has confidence in the Saṅgha, and correct view: they’re said to be prosperous, their life is not in vain.

sn11.14:6 So let the wise devote themselves to faith, ethical behaviour, confidence, and insight into the teaching, remembering the instructions of the Buddhas.’”

Chapter Two

Delightful

sn11.15:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. And then Sakka, chief of the angels, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and said to him, “Sir, what is a delightful place?”

sn11.15:2 “Shrines in parks and forests, well-made lotus ponds, are not worth a sixteenth part of a delightful human being.

sn11.15:3 Whether in village or wilderness, in a valley or the uplands, wherever the perfected ones live is a delightful place.”

Chapter Two

Sponsoring Sacrifice

sn11.16:1 At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain. And then Sakka, chief of the angels, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and addressed him in verse:

sn11.16:2 “For humans, those merit-seeking creatures, who sponsor sacrifices, making worldly merit, where is a gift very fruitful?”

sn11.16:3 “Four practicing the path, and four established in the fruit. This is the upright Saṅgha, with wisdom, ethics, and immersion.

sn11.16:4 For humans, those merit-seeking creatures, who sponsor sacrifices, making worldly merit, what is given to the Saṅgha is very fruitful.”

Chapter Two

Homage to the Buddha

sn11.17:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, and the angel Sahampati approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post. Then Sakka spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:

sn11.17:2 “Rise, hero! Victor in battle, with burden put down, wander the world free of debt. Your mind is fully liberated, like the moon on the fifteenth night.”

sn11.17:3 “Chief of the angels, that’s not how to pay respect to the Realized Ones. This is how it should be done:

sn11.17:4 ‘Rise, hero! Victor in battle, caravan leader, wander the world free of debt. Let the Blessed One teach the Dhamma! There will be those who understand!’”

Chapter Two

Homage of Householders

sn11.18:1 At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed his chariot handler Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good fellow, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’ Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his cupped palms, and greeted the people of the various quarters. So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

sn11.18:2 ‘Those proficient in the three Vedas praise you, as do all the aristocrats on earth, the four great kings, and the glorious host of Thirty. So what’s the name of the spirit that you honor, Sakka?’

sn11.18:3 ‘Those proficient in the three Vedas praise me, as do all the aristocrats on earth, the four great kings, and the glorious host of Thirty.

sn11.18:4 But I revere those accomplished in ethics, who have long trained in immersion, who have rightly gone forth for the culmination of spiritual life.

sn11.18:5 I also honor those householders, the ethical lay followers who make merit, Mātali, providing for a partner in a principled manner.’

sn11.18:6 ‘Those who you honor seem to be the best in the world, Sakka. I too will honor those who you honor, Sakka.’

sn11.18:7 After saying this, Maghavā the chief, chief of the angels, giver of gifts, having honored the virtuous of the various quarters, climbed into his chariot.”

Chapter Two

Homage of the Teacher

sn11.19:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed his chariot handler Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good fellow, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’ Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his cupped palms, and honored the Buddha. So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

sn11.19:2 ‘Angels and men honor you, Vāsava. So what’s the name of the spirit that you honor, Sakka?’

sn11.19:3 ‘It’s the fully awakened Buddha, the Teacher of peerless name in this world with its angels— that’s who I honor, Mātali.

sn11.19:4 Those in whom greed, hate, and ignorance have faded away; the perfected ones with defilements ended— they’re who I honor, Mātali.

sn11.19:5 The trainees who enjoy reducing suffering, diligently pursuing the training for getting rid of greed and hate, and going past ignorance— they’re who I honor, Mātali.’

sn11.19:6 ‘Those who you honor seem to be the best in the world, Sakka. I too will honor those who you honor, Sakka.’

sn11.19:7 After saying this, Maghavā the chief, chief of the angels, giver of gifts, having honored the Buddha, climbed into his chariot.”

Chapter Two

Homage of the Saṅgha

sn11.20:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, chief of the angels, addressed his chariot handler Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good fellow, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’ Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his cupped palms, and honored the mendicant Saṅgha. So Mātali the chariot handler addressed Sakka in verse:

sn11.20:2 ‘It’s these who should honor you, namely the humans stuck in their putrid bodies, sunk in a carcass, stricken by hunger and thirst.

sn11.20:3 Why then do you envy those who are homeless, Vāsava? Relate the seers’ way of life, let us hear what you say.’

sn11.20:4 ‘This is why I envy the homeless, Mātali. When they leave a village, they proceed without concern.

sn11.20:5 They hoard no goods in storerooms, nor in pots or baskets. They seek food prepared by others, and, true to their vows, live on that.

sn11.20:6 The attentive, whose words are full of wisdom, live peacefully and quietly. Angels fight with titans, and mortals fight each other, Mātali.

sn11.20:7 Not fighting among those who fight, quenched among those who have taken up arms, not grasping among those who grasp: they’re who I honor, Mātali.’

sn11.20:8 ‘Those who you honor seem to be the best in the world, Sakka. I too will honor those who you honor, Vāsava.’

sn11.20:9 After saying this, Maghavā the chief, chief of the angels, giver of gifts, having honored the mendicant Saṅgha, climbed into his chariot.”

Chapter Three

Slain

sn11.21:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. And then Sakka, chief of the angels, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and addressed him in verse:

sn11.21:2 “When what is slain do you sleep at ease? When what is slain is there no sorrow? What is the one thing whose killing you approve?”

sn11.21:3 “When anger’s slain you sleep at ease. When anger’s slain there is no sorrow. Anger has a poisonous root and a sweet tip, O Vāsava. The noble ones praise its killing, for when it’s slain there is no sorrow.”

Chapter Three

Ugly

sn11.22:1 Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. “Once upon a time, mendicants, there was a native spirit who was ugly and deformed. He sat on the throne of Sakka, chief of the angels. But the angels of the thirty-three complained, grumbled, and objected, ‘Oh lord, how incredible, how amazing! This ugly and deformed spirit is sitting on the throne of Sakka, the chief of the angels.’ But the more the angels complained, the more attractive, good-looking, and lovely that spirit became.

sn11.22:2 So the angels went up to Sakka and told him what had happened. He replied, ‘Surely, good fellow, that must be the anger-eating spirit!’

sn11.22:3 Then Sakka went up to that spirit, arranged his robe over one shoulder, knelt on his right knee, raised his joined palms toward the anger-eating spirit, and pronounced his name three times: ‘Good fellow, I am Sakka, chief of the angels! Good fellow, I am Sakka, the chief of the angels!’ But the more Sakka pronounced his name, the uglier and more deformed the spirit became, until eventually it vanished right there. Then Sakka, chief of the angels, guiding the angels of the thirty-three, spoke this verse:

sn11.22:4 ‘My mind isn’t easily upset; I’m not easily drawn into the maelstrom. I don’t get angry for long, anger doesn’t last in me.

sn11.22:5 When I do get angry I don’t speak harshly, nor do I advertise my own virtues. I carefully restrain myself out of regard for my own welfare.’”

Chapter Three

The Sambari Sorcery

sn11.23:1 At Sāvatthī. The Buddha said this: “Once upon a time, mendicants, Vepacitti, lord of titans, was sick, suffering, gravely ill. So Sakka went to see him to ask after his illness. Vepacitti saw Sakka coming off in the distance, and said to him, ‘I am gravely ill, chief of the angels!’ So Vepacitti addressed Sakka in verse:

sn11.23:2 ‘O Maghavā, O Sakka, chief of the angels, giver of gifts: a sorceror like Sambara falls into the terrible hell for a full century.’”

Chapter Three

Transgression

sn11.24:1 At Sāvatthī. Now at that time two mendicants had clashed. One of them transgressed against the other. The transgressor confessed to the other mendicant, but they didn’t accept it. Then several mendicants went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and told him what had happened.

sn11.24:2 “Mendicants, there are two fools. One who doesn’t recognize when they’ve made a mistake. And one who doesn’t properly accept the confession of someone who’s made a mistake. These are the two fools. There are two who are astute. One who recognizes when they’ve made a mistake. And one who properly accepts the confession of someone who’s made a mistake. These are the two who are astute.

sn11.24:3 Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, chief of the angels, guiding the angels of the thirty-three, spoke this verse:

sn11.24:4 ‘Control your anger; don’t let friendships decay. Don’t blame the blameless, and don’t backbite. For anger crushes bad people like a mountain.’”

Chapter Three

Don’t Be Angry

sn11.25:1 So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants: “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, chief of the angels, guiding the angels of the thirty-three, spoke this verse:

sn11.25:2 ‘Don’t let anger be your master, don’t get angry at angry people. Kindness and harmlessness are always present in the noble ones. For anger crushes bad people like a mountain.’”

sn11.25:3 The Linked Discourses with Sakka are complete.

sn11.25:4 The Book With Verses is finished.