{"collection":"Buddhism","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bud/angu/an3-52.htm","path":"bud/angu/an3-52.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bud/angu/an3-52.htm","text":"Main index\nBuddhism index\nindex\nAnguttara Nikaya III.52\nDvejana Sutta\nTwo People (2)\nFor free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma\nContext of this sutta\nOn one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then two brahmins -- feeble old men, aged, advanced in years, having come to the last stage of life, 120 years old -- went to the Blessed One. On arrival, they exchanged courteous greetings with him and, after an exchange of friendly greetings & courtesies, sat to one side. As they were sitting there, they said to him: \"Master Gotama, we are brahmins -- feeble old men, aged, advanced in years, having come to the last stage of life, 120 years old. And we have done no admirable deeds, no skillful deeds, no deeds that allay our fears. Teach us, Master Gotama. Instruct us, Master Gotama, for our long-term benefit & happiness.\"\n\"Indeed, brahmins, you are feeble old men, aged, advanced in years, having come to the last stage of life, 120 years old. And you have done no admirable deeds, no skillful deeds, no deeds that allay your fears. This world is on fire with aging, illness, & death. With the world thus on fire with aging, illness, & death, any restraint of body, speech, & intellect practiced here will be one's shelter, cave, island, & refuge after death in the world beyond.\"\nWhen a house is on fire,\nthe vessel salvaged\nis the one that will be of use,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 not the one left there to burn.\nSo when the world is on fire\nwith aging & death,\none should salvage [one's wealth] by giving:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 what's given is well salvaged.\nWhoever here is restrained\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 in body, speech, & awareness;\nwho makes merit while he's alive:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 that will be for his bliss after death.\nRevised: Sat 17 October 1998","title":"AN III.52: Dvejana Sutta","type":"page"}