Some monks in Kosala fell into negligence, and were admonished by the deity Jantu.So I have heard. Now at that time several mendicants were staying in the Kosalan lands, in a wilderness hut on the slopes of the Himalayas. They were restless, insolent, fickle, gossipy, loose-tongued, unmindful, lacking situational awareness and immersion, with straying minds and undisciplined faculties. Then on the fifteenth day sabbath the god Jantu went up to those mendicants and addressed them in verse: “The mendicants used to live happily, as disciples of Gotama. [Read More]

The deity Ghaṭīkāra speaks of the seven mendicants reborn in the Aviha realm. The sutta is similar to SN 1.50.Standing to one side, the god Ghaṭikāra recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence: “Seven mendicants reborn in Aviha have been freed. With the complete ending of greed and hate, they’ve crossed over clinging to the world.” “Who are those who’ve crossed the bog, Death’s domain so hard to pass? Who, after leaving behind the human body, have risen above celestial yokes? [Read More]

The deity Serī speaks of how everyone loves food., to which the Buddha responds with verses in praise of giving. Serī speaks of his own generosity in a past life.Standing to one side, the god Serī addressed the Buddha in verse: “Both gods and humans enjoy their food. So what’s the name of the spirit who doesn’t like food?” “Those who give with faith and a clear and confident heart, partake of food in this world and the next. [Read More]

The deity Khema utters a series of verses in praise of good deeds. The Buddha responds with a simile for someone who departs the path of the good.Standing to one side, the god Khema recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence: “Foolish and unintelligent people treat themselves like an enemy. They do bad deeds with bitter fruit. It’s not good to do a deed after which you will regret. you experience the result weeping, with a tearful face. [Read More]

The deity Siva says one should associate only with the good, and this will lead to happiness. The Buddha adds that associating with the good leads to the end of suffering. Siva is the Pali spelling of Sanskrit Śiva, and this marks a rare appearance of a god of this name in the early texts.So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. [Read More]