Visakha Sutta
From Buddhist Encyclopedia
Three Jewels
Buddha . Dharma . Sangha
Three Dharma Seals
Anicca . Dukkha . Anatta
Karma . Rebirth
Samsara . Nirvana
Four Noble Truths
Seven Sets
Four Frames of Reference
Four Right Exertions
Four Bases of Power
Five Faculties
Five Strengths
Seven Factors of Awakening
Noble Eightfold Path
Bodhisattva
Four Great Vows
Ten Great Vows
- Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying in Savatthi at the Eastern Monastery, the palace of Migara's mother. Now at that time, Visakha, Migara's mother, had some dealings with King Pasenadi Kosala that he did not settle as she had wished. So in the middle of the day she went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As she was sitting there the Blessed One said to her, "Well now, Visakha, where are you coming from in the middle of the day?"
"Just now, lord, I had some dealings with King Pasenadi Kosala that he did not settle as I had wished."
Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:
All subjection to others is painful. All independence is bliss. What is held in common brings suffering, for duties are hard to overcome.
