Born of the Fruits of Deeds (UD3.1)

Heartfelt Sayings 3.1

Born of the Fruits of Deeds

So I have heard.

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.

Now, at that time a certain mendicant was sitting not far from the Buddha, cross-legged, with his body straight. As a result of past deeds, he suffered painful, sharp, severe, and acute feelings, which he endured unbothered, with mindfulness and awareness.

The Buddha saw him meditating and enduring that pain.

Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:

“A mendicant who has left all deeds behind,

shaking off the dust of past deeds,

unselfish, steady, unaffected,

has no need to complain.”