Saṁyutta Nikāya
2. Nidāna Vagga

Part II.
The Book Called the Nidāna-Vagga
Containing Kindred sayings on Cause
and Other Subjects

20. Opamma-Samyuttam

Chapter XX.
The Kindred Sayings on Parables

Sutta 3

Nakhasikhaṁ Suttaṁ

The Clans

 

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Thus have I heard:

The Exalted One was once staying near Sāvatthi at the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.

Just as whatever clans have many women,
few men,
are easily molested by robbers and pot-thieves,¹
even so, brethren,
any brother who has not developed
and often practised
liberation of will through love
is easily molested by beings other than human.

Just as whatever clans have few women,
many men,
are hard to molest by robbers and pot-thieves,
even so any brother who has developed
and often practised
liberation of will through love
is hardly molested by beings other than human.

Wherefore, brethren, thus must ye train yourselves:­

Liberation of the will through love we will develop,
we will often practise it,
make it a vehicle,
make it a base,
take our stand upon it,
store it up,
thoroughly set it going.

 

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¹ Burglars who conceal their lights in jars when house-breaking. Comy.