Chapter XXIV - TANHA VAGGA - Craving

 

LUST IS THE BLEMISH OF MANKIND

Tina dosani khettani raga dosa ayam paja
Tasma hi vita ragesu dinnam hoti mahapphalam. [356]

HATRED IS THE BLEMISH OF MANKIND

Tina dosani khettani dosa dosa ayam paja
Tasma hi vita dosesu dinnam hoti mahapphalam. [357]

DELUSION IS THE BLEMISH OF MANKIND

Tina dosani khettani moha dosa ayam paja
Tasma hi vita mohesu dinnam hoti mahapphalam. [358]

CRAVING IS THE BLEMISH OF MANKIND

Tina dosani khettani iccha dosa ayam paja
Tasma hi vigaticchesu dinnam hoti mahapphalam. [359]

XXIV: 12 Seeds sown on fertile ground yield abundantly (Ankura)

The Buddha visited the Tavatimsa deva realm to expound the Abhidhamma to Deva Santusita, who had been his mother. During that time, there was a deva named Indaka in Tavatimsa. Indaka in his last existence as a man had offered a little almsfood to Venerable Anuruddha. Because his small good deed was made to a holy man, upon his death, he was reborn in the Tavatimsa realm bestowed with abundant luxuries. At that time, there was also another deva by the name Ankura in Tavatimsa who had given much in charity, in fact many times more than what Indaka had given. But his charity was not made to holy men during the period of the time of any of the Buddha. So, in spite of his lavish and grand charities, he was enjoying the benefits of the life of a deva on a much smaller scale than Indaka, who had offered very little. As the Buddha was then at Tavatimsa, Ankura asked him the reason for the discrepancy in gaining the benefits. The Buddha explained, 'O Ankura! When giving charities and donations, you must consider wisely whom you give to, for acts of charities and donations, are just like seeds. Seeds sown in fertile soil will yield abundant fruits; but you had sown your seed in poor soil, so you reap poorly.'