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- SN 9

SN 9.1
PTS: S i 197
CDB i 294
Viveka Sutta: Seclusion
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1999

I have heard that on one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a forest thicket. Now at that time, as he had gone to spend the day [in the thicket], he was thinking unskillful thoughts, connected with the household life.

Then the devata inhabiting the forest thicket, feeling sympathy for the monk, desiring his benefit, desiring to bring him to his senses, approached him and addressed him with this verse:

"Desiring seclusion you've entered the forest, and yet your mind goes running outside. You, a person: subdue your desire for people. Then you'll be happy, free from passion. Dispel discontent, be mindful. Let me remind you of that which is good — for the dust of the regions below is hard to transcend. Don't let the dust of the sensual pull you down. As a bird spattered with dirt sheds the adhering dust with a shake, so a monk — energetic & mindful — sheds the adhering dust."

The monk, chastened by the devata, came to his senses.

See also: SN 9.9; SN 9.14.