Esteem (ITI81)

So It Was Said 81

The Book of the Threes

Chapter Four

Esteem

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

“I’ve seen, mendicants, sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by honor. When their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

I’ve seen sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by not being honored. When their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

I’ve seen sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by both honor and by not being honored. When their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Now, I don’t say this because I’ve heard it from some other ascetic or brahmin.

I only say it because I’ve known, seen, and realized it for myself.”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“Whether they’re honored

or not honored, or both,

their immersion doesn’t waver

as they abide in the immeasurables.¹

They persistently practice absorption

with subtle view and discernment.

Rejoicing in the ending of grasping,

they’re said to be a true person.”

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