iti.81 Itivuttaka

Esteem

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“I’ve seen, mendicants, sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by honor. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.
I’ve seen sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by not being honored. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.
I’ve seen sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by both honor and by not being honored. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.
Now, I don’t say this because I’ve heard it from some other ascetic or brahmin.
I only say it because I’ve known, seen, and realized it for myself.”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
“Whether they’re honored
or not honored, or both,
their immersion doesn’t waver
as they live diligently.
They persistently practice absorption
with subtle view and discernment.
Rejoicing in the ending of grasping,
they’re said to be a good person.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.