{"collection":"Samyutta Nikaya","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/suttacentral_sn9.8/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/suttacentral_sn9.8","id":"suttacentral_sn9.8","license":"CC0","rights_basis":"suttacentral_bilara_data_cc0","source":"suttacentral","source_url":"https://suttacentral.net/sn9.8/en/sujato","summary":null,"tags":["Early Buddhist Texts","Samyutta Nikaya"],"text":"At one time one of the monks was staying in the land of the Kosalans in a certain forest grove. Now at that time that monk had become too closely involved in the affairs of a certain family. The deity haunting that forest had sympathy for that monk, wanting what\u2019s best for him. So, wanting to stir him up, they manifested in the appearance of the mistress of that family, approached the monk, and addressed him in verse: \u201cAt river banks and guest houses, hotels and highways, people gather to gossip about what\u2019s going on between you and me.\u201d \u201cThere are many sounds echoing that a fervent ascetic must endure. They ought not be dismayed by that, for that\u2019s not what defiles you. If you\u2019re startled by every little sound, like a wind-deer in the wood, they\u2019ll call you \u2018flighty minded\u2019; and your practice won\u2019t succeed.\u201d","title":"The Mistress of the House","tradition":"Samyutta Nikaya","translated_text":null,"word_count":146}