The Sun (SN2.10)

Linked Discourses 2.10

Chapter One

The Sun

At Sāvatthī.

Now at that time the Sun God had been seized by Rāhu, lord of titans.¹

Then the Sun God, recollecting the Buddha, at that time spoke this verse:

“Homage to you, Buddha, hero!

You’re free in every way.

I’ve wandered into confinement:

be my refuge!”

Then the Buddha addressed Rāhu in verse concerning the Sun God:

“The Sun God has gone for refuge

to the Realized One, the perfected one.

The Buddhas have compassion for the world—

so Rāhu, release the Sun!

He is a beacon in the darkness,²

the dazzling sun, circle of awesome might.

Rāhu, do not swallow him as he traverses the sky.³

Rāhu, release my offspring, the Sun!”⁴

Then Rāhu, having released the Sun, rushed to see Vepacitti, lord of titans and stood to one side, shocked and awestruck.

Vepacitti addressed him in verse:

“Why the rush?

Rāhu, you released the Sun

and came here looking like you’re in shock:

why do you stand there so scared?”

“My head would have exploded in seven pieces,

I would have found no joy in life,

if, when enchanted by the Buddha’s verse,

I had not released the Sun.”