an.3.18 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)
Deva
“Bhikkhus, if wanderers of other sects were to ask you thus: ‘Friends, do you lead the spiritual life under the ascetic Gotama for the sake of rebirth in the deva world?’ wouldn’t you be repelled, humiliated, and disgusted?”
“Yes, Bhante.”
“Thus, bhikkhus, since you are repelled, humiliated, and disgusted with a celestial life span, celestial beauty, celestial happiness, celestial glory, and celestial authority, so much more then should you be repelled, humiliated, and disgusted with bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, and mental misconduct.”
- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi
- Editor: Blake Walsh
The Realm of the Gods
“Mendicants, if wanderers who follow another path were to ask you:
‘Reverend, do you lead the spiritual life with the ascetic Gotama so that you can be reborn in the realm of the gods?’
Being questioned like this, wouldn’t you be horrified, repelled, and disgusted?”
“Yes, sir.”
“So it seems that you are horrified, repelled, and disgusted by divine lifespan, beauty, happiness, fame, and sovereignty.
How much more then should you be horrified, embarrassed, and disgusted by bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind.”
