Father, Etc. (SN17.38-43)

Linked Discourses 17.38–43

Chapter Four

Father, Etc.

At Sāvatthī.

“Possessions, honor, and popularity are grim, bitter, and harsh. They’re an obstacle to reaching the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

When I’ve comprehended the mind of a certain individual, I understand:

‘This venerable would not tell a deliberate lie even for the sake of their father.’ …”

(Tell in full as in SN 17.37.)

“‘… brother.’ …”

“‘… sister.’ …”

“‘… son.’ …”

“‘… daughter.’ …”

“‘… wife.’

But some time later I see them tell a deliberate lie because their mind is overcome and overwhelmed by possessions, honor, and popularity.

So grim are possessions, honor, and popularity—bitter and harsh, an obstacle to reaching the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

So you should train like this:

‘We will give up arisen possessions, honor, and popularity, and we won’t let them occupy our minds.’

That’s how you should train.”

The Linked Discourses on possessions, honor, and popularity are complete.