AN 3.52
PTS: A i 156
Thai III.53; BJT III.53
Dvejana Sutta: Two People (2)
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1997–2011
On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's
Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then two brahmans — feeble old
men, aged, advanced in years, having come to the last stage of
life, 120 years old — went to the Blessed One. On arrival, they
exchanged courteous greetings with him and, after an exchange of
friendly greetings & courtesies, sat to one side. As they were
sitting there, they said to him: "Master Gotama, we are brahmans —
feeble old men, aged, advanced in years, having come to the last
stage of life, 120 years old. And we have done no admirable deeds,
no skillful deeds, no deeds that allay our fears. Teach us, Master
Gotama. Instruct us, Master Gotama, for our long-term benefit &
happiness."
"Indeed, brahmans, you are feeble old men, aged, advanced in years,
having come to the last stage of life, 120 years old. And you have
done no admirable deeds, no skillful deeds, no deeds that allay
your fears. This world is on fire with aging, illness, & death.
With the world thus on fire with aging, illness, & death, any
restraint of body, speech, & intellect practiced here will be
one's shelter, cave, island, & refuge after death in the world
beyond."
When a house is on fire, the vessel salvaged is the one that will
be of use, not the one left there to burn. So when the world is on
fire with aging & death, one should salvage [one's wealth] by
giving: what's given is well salvaged. Whoever here is restrained
in body, speech, & awareness; who makes merit while he's alive:
that will be for his bliss after death.