Buddhist Dhammapadha the man whom women loved

Chapter XXII - NIRAYA VAGGA - Woeful state

ADULTERY IS EVIL

ADULTERY IS EVIL

Cattari thanani naro pamatto apajjati paradarupasevi
Apunna labham na nikama seyyam nindam tatiyam nirayam catuttham
Apunna labho ca gati ca papika bhitassa bhitaya rati ca thokika
Raja ca dandam garukam paneti tasma naro paradaram na seve. [309-310]

Four misfortunes befall a careless man who commits adultery: acquisition of demerit, disturbed sleep, blame, and suffering in a woeful state. There is acquisition of demerit as well as evil destiny. Brief is the joy of the frightened man and woman. The King imposes a heavy punishment. Therefore, a man should not commit sexual misconduct with another man's wife. [309-310]

XXII: 04 The man whom women loved

Khema, in addition to being rich, was also very good looking and many women were attracted to him. They could hardly resist him and naturally fell for him. Khema committed adultery without compunction. The king's men caught him three times for sexual misconduct and brought him to the presence of the king. When informed that Khema was the nephew of Anatha Pindika, and out of respects for Anatha Pindika, the king did not take any actions against Khema but only reprimanded him. When Anatha Pindika came to know of his nephew's misconduct he took him to see the Buddha who admonished Khema on the depravity of sexual misconduct and the seriousness of the consequences. Thereafter he mended his ways and observed the ethical code of morality.^*

Notes:

*Morality: A Buddhist is encouraged to observe daily the Five Precepts for his spiritual well-being and happiness. He undertakes the precepts to abstain from (i) killing, (ii) stealing, (iii) sexual misconduct, (iv) lying and (v) taking intoxicants that cause heedlessness.