Help | Home » Tipitaka » Sutta Pitaka » Samyutta Nikaya » Context of this sutta

### Samyutta Nikaya IX.1

# Viveka Sutta

# Seclusion

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

I have heard that on one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a forest thicket. Now at that time, as he had gone to spend the day [in the thicket], he was thinking unskillful thoughts, connected with the household life.

Then the devata inhabiting the forest thicket, feeling sympathy for the monk, desiring his benefit, desiring to bring him to his senses, approached him and addressed him with this verse:

> "Desiring seclusion
> you've entered the forest,
> and yet your mind
> goes running outside.
> You, a person:
> subdue your desire for people.
> Then you'll be happy, free
> from passion.
> Dispel discontent,
> be mindful.
> Let me remind you
> of that which is good --
> for the dust
> of the regions below
> is hard to transcend.
> Don't let the dust
> of the sensual
> pull
> you
> down.

> As a bird
> spattered with dirt
> sheds the adhering dust with a shake,
> so a monk
> -- energetic & mindful --
> sheds the adhering dust."

The monk, chastened by the devata, came to his senses.

See also: SN IX.9; SN IX.14.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001