Homage to the Buddha (SN11.17)

Linked Discourses 11.17

Chapter Two

Homage to the Buddha

Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.

Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation.

Then Sakka, lord of gods, and the divinity Sahampati approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post.¹

Then Sakka spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:

“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.”²

“Lord of gods, that’s not how to pay homage to the Realized Ones.

This is how it should be done:

‘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!’”³