An Only Son (SN17.23)

Linked Discourses 17.23

Chapter Three

An Only Son

At Sāvatthī.

“Possessions, honor, and popularity are grim …

A faithful laywoman with a dear and beloved only son would rightly appeal to him,

‘My darling, please be like the householder Citta and Hatthaka of Āḷavī.’¹

These are a standard and a measure for my male lay disciples, that is, the householder Citta and Hatthaka of Āḷavī.

‘But my darling, if you go forth from the lay life to homelessness,

please be like Sāriputta and Moggallāna.’

These are a standard and a measure for my monk disciples, that is, Sāriputta and Moggallāna.

‘And my darling, may you not come into possessions, honor, and popularity while you’re still a trainee and haven’t achieved your heart’s desire.’

If a trainee who hasn’t achieved their heart’s desire comes into possessions, honor, and popularity it’s an obstacle for them.

So grim are possessions, honor, and popularity. …”