ud.2.3 Udana

The Discourse about the Stick

Thus I heard: At one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Wood, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.

Then at that time many young boys who were between Sāvatthī and Jeta’s Wood were attacking a snake with a stick. Then the Gracious One, having dressed in the morning time, after picking up his bowl and robe, was entering Sāvatthī for alms. The Gracious One saw those many young boys between Sāvatthī and Jeta’s Wood attacking a snake with a stick. Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance:

“He who, while seeking happiness for himself,
harms with a stick Other beings who desire happiness,
will not find happiness after passing away.

“He who, while seeking happiness for himself,
does not harm with a stick Other beings who desire happiness,
will find happiness after passing away.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Ānandajoti

- Editor: Bhikkhu Sujato

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A Stick

So I have heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Now at that time, between Sāvatthī and the Jeta Grove, several boys were hitting a snake with a stick.
Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for alms.
He saw the boys hitting the snake.
Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:
“Creatures love happiness,
so if you harm them with a stick
in search of your own happiness,
after death you’ll find no happiness.
Creatures love happiness,
so if you don’t harm them with a stick
in search of your own happiness,
after death you will find happiness.”