Upaneyya.m Sutta
Doomed
translated from the Pali by
Maurice O'Connell Walshe
Thus have I heard. At one time the Blessed One was staying near Saavatthii, at Jeta Grove, in Anaathapi.n.dika's park. Now a certain deva,[1] as the night was passing away, lighting up the whole Jeta Grove with his effulgent beauty, approached the Blessed One and, having approached, stood on one side.
Standing thus on one side, the deva spoke this verse before the Blessed One:
Life but leads to doom. Our time is short.
From Decay there's naught can keep us safe.
Contemplating thus the fear of death,
Let's make merit that will bring us bliss.
[The Blessed One replied:]
Life but leads to doom. Our time is short.
From Decay there's naught can keep us safe.
Contemplating thus this fear of death,
Scorn such worldly bait, seek final peace.[2]
Notes
1. These words are repeated from the beginning of the whole work (SN 1.1), translated in Vol. I and Vol. II with slight differences. I render Bhagavaa literally as "the Blessed One" (Vol. I: "the Lord," Vol. II with KS "the Exalted One"). For the meaning of deva (or devataa) see Vol. I, n.1. In general, information given in the notes to Vols. I and II will not be repeated here.
2. The Buddha here makes a vital distinction which is valid to this day as marking the difference between the aims of "popular Buddhism" and the serious treading of the Path. "Merit" (puñña) can lead to a happier rebirth, perhaps in one of the deva-worlds, but this too will come to an end. The proper course is to tread the Noble Eightfold Path and gain the "final peace" of Nibbaana. Note, however, the remarks of the Ven. Khantipalo in The Buddhist Monk's Discipline (WH 130/131, p.7): "Puñña is the benefit of increasing purity of mind derived from skillful actions such as generosity, virtue, helpfulness, etc. 'Merit' is an inadequate rendering."
