Episode Details

The Discourse on the Youngsters

THUS HAVE I HEARD: At one time the Bhagavā was staying at Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time, many youngsters were catching fish between Sāvatthī and Jeta’s Grove.

Then the Bhagavā, having dressed in the morning, and taking his bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for alms. The Bhagavā saw those many youngsters catching fish between Sāvatthī and Jeta’s Grove. Having seen them, he approached those youngsters; having approached, he said to them: “Are you afraid of suffering, youngsters? Is suffering disagreeable to you?” “Yes, Venerable Sir, we are afraid of suffering, Venerable Sir, suffering is disagreeable to us.”

Then, having understood this matter, the Bhagavā uttered this udāna at that time:

“If you are afraid of suffering, if suffering is disagreeable to you,

Do not commit any evil deed, whether openly or in secret.

If you will commit evil deeds, or if you are committing them now,

There is no escape from suffering for you, even if you flee after it has come.”

The Buddha's words/kumārakasutta from Tipitaka_Pali_Reader