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Ud 5.4
PTS: Ud 51
Kumāra Sutta: Boys
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 2012
Alternate format:

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Sāvatthī at Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. And on that occasion, a large number of boys on the road between Sāvatthī & Jeta's Grove were catching fish. Then early in the morning the Blessed One adjusted his under robe and — carrying his bowl & robes — went into Sāvatthī for alms. He saw the large number of boys on the road between Sāvatthī & Jeta's Grove catching little fish. Seeing them, he went up to them and, on arrival, said to them, "Boys, do you fear pain? Do you dislike pain?"

"Yes, lord, we fear pain. We dislike pain."

Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:

If you fear pain, if you dislike pain, don't anywhere do an evil deed in open or in secret. If you're doing or will do an evil deed, you won't escape pain catching up as you run away.