81. Homage (ITI81)

This was said by the Lord…

“Bhikkhus, I have seen beings, overwhelmed and with minds obsessed by receiving homage, upon the perishing of the body after death take rebirth in a state of misery, a bad bourn, a state of ruin, hell. I have seen beings, overwhelmed and with minds obsessed by not receiving homage … by both receiving homage and (later) not receiving homage, upon the perishing of the body after death take rebirth in a state of misery, a bad bourn, a state of ruin, hell.

“I say this, bhikkhus, without having learnt it from another recluse or brahmin… It is just because I myself have known it, seen it, and observed it, that I say: I have seen beings, overwhelmed and with minds obsessed by receiving homage … after death take rebirth in … hell.”

He is one who lives diligently
With concentration undisturbed,
Both when homage is paid to him
And when he receives no homage.

Meditating continuously, gifted
With subtle view and insight,
Enjoying the destruction of grasping—
They call such a one a “true man.”

Translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland.

Digital Transcription Source: BPS Transcription Project

Extracted from The Udāna & the Itivuttaka, translated and introduced by John D. Ireland. Published in 1997.

The complete book, including introduction and notes by the translator, is available from the Buddhist Publication Society.

ISBN 955–24-0164-X

Copyright © 1997 by John D. Ireland.

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