sn.11.8 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Verocana, Lord of the Asuras

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 Verocana, lord of the asuras, approached the Blessed One and stood one at each door post. Then Verocana, lord of the asuras, recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“A man should make an effort
Until his goal has been achieved.
Goals shine when achieved:
This is the word of Verocana.”

Sakka:

“A man should make an effort
Until his goal has been achieved.
Of goals that shine when achieved,
None is found better than patience.”

Verocana:

“All beings are bent on a goal
Here or there as fits the case,
But for all creatures association
Is supreme among enjoyments.
Goals shine when achieved:
This is the word of Verocana.”

Sakka:

“All beings are bent upon a goal
Here or there as fits the case,
But for all creatures association
Is supreme among enjoyments.
Of goals that shine when achieved,
None is found better than patience.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Verocana, Lord of Demons

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 Verocana, lord of demons, approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post.
Then Verocana recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“A man should make an effort
until his goal is accomplished.
When goals are accomplished they shine:
this is the word of Verocana!”
“A man should make an effort
until his goal is accomplished.
Of goals that shine when accomplished,
none better than patience is found.”
“All beings are goal-orientated,
as befits them in each case.
But connection is the ultimate
of pleasures for all living creatures.
When goals are accomplished they shine:
this is the word of Verocana!”
“All beings are goal-orientated,
as befits them in each case.
But connection is the ultimate
of pleasures for all living creatures.
Of goals that shine when accomplished,
none better than patience is found.”