Vepacitti Sutta

Categories: Sagatha Vagga | Andrew Olendzki

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

• Translated from the Pali by Andrew Olendzki

[Matali:]

Could it be you're afraid, Sakka, Or weak, that you forbear like this, Though hearing such insulting words From the mouth of Vepacitti?

[Sakka:]

I am neither afraid nor weak, Yet I forbear Vepacitti. How is it one who knows, like me, Would get provoked by such a fool?

[Matali:]

More angry will a fool become If no one puts a stop to him. So let the wise restrain the fool By the use of a mighty stick.

[Sakka:]

This is the only thing, I deem, That will put a stop to the fool: Knowing well the other's anger, One is mindful and remains calm.

[Matali:]

This very forbearance of yours, Sakka, I see as a mistake. For when a fool reckons like this: "From fear of me he does forbear," The dolt will come on stronger still — Like a bull the more that one flees.

[Sakka:]

Let him think whatever he likes: "From fear of me he does forbear." Among ideals and highest goods None better than patience is found.

For surely he who, being strong, Forbears the ones who are more weak — Forever enduring the weak — That is called the highest patience.

For whom strength is the strength of fools, It is said of the strong "He's weak!" For the strong, guarding the dhamma, Contentiousness is never found.

It is indeed a fault for one Who returns anger for anger. Not giving anger for anger, One wins a double victory.

He behaves for the good of both: Himself and the other person. Knowing well the other's anger, He is mindful and remains calm.

In this way he is healing both: Himself and the other person. The people who think "He's a fool," Just don't understand the dhamma.