sn.15.11 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

In a Sorry State

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī.

“Mendicants, transmigration has no known beginning.
No first point is found of sentient beings roaming and transmigrating, shrouded by ignorance and fettered by craving.
When you see someone in a sorry state, in distress, you should conclude:
‘In all this long time, we too have undergone the same thing.’
Why is that? Transmigration has no known beginning. …
This is quite enough for you to become disillusioned, dispassionate, and freed regarding all conditions.”