sn.11.17 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Veneration of the Buddha

At Savatthī in Jeta’s Grove. Now on that occasion the Blessed One had gone for his day’s abiding and was in seclusion. Then Sakka, lord of the devas, and Brahma Sahampati approached the Blessed One and stood one at each doorpost. Then Sakka, lord of the devas, recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“Rise up, O hero, victor in battle!
Your burden lowered, debt-free one, wander in the world.
Your mind is fully liberated
Like the moon on the fifteenth night.”

Brahma Sahampati: “It is not in such a way that the Tathagatas are to be venerated, lord of the devas. The Tathagatas are to be venerated thus:

“Rise up, O hero, victor in battle!
O caravan leader, debt-free one, wander in the world.
Teach the Dhamma, O Blessed One:
There will be those who will understand.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Homage to the Buddha

Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.
Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation.
Then Sakka, lord of gods, and Brahmā Sahampati approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post.
Then Sakka recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Rise, hero! Victor in battle, with burden put down,
wander the world without obligation.
Your mind is fully liberated,
like the moon on the fifteenth night.”
“Lord of gods, that’s not how to pay homage to the Realized Ones.
This is how it should be done:
‘Rise, hero! Victor in battle, leader of the caravan,
wander the world without obligation.
Let the Blessed One teach the Dhamma!
There will be those who understand!’”