sn.10.2 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

With a Spirit Named Sakka

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain.
Then a spirit named Sakka went up to the Buddha, and addressed him in verse:
“You’ve given up all ties,
and are fully freed.
It’s not a good idea for you, ascetic,
to be instructing others.”
“No matter what the apparent reason
why people are together, Sakka,
it’s unworthy for a wise person
to not think of the other with compassion.
If you instruct others
with a mind clear and confident,
your compassion and empathy
don’t create attachments.”