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

### Udana VII.10

# Udena Sutta

# About King Udena

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

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying in Kosambi at Ghosita's monastery. Now at that time the inner quarters of King Udena's royal park had burned down, and 500 women, headed by Samavati, had died.

Then in the early morning, a large number of monks, having put on their robes and carrying their bowls & outer robes, went into Kosambi for alms. Having gone for alms in Kosambi, after the meal, returning from their alms round, they went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As they were sitting there, they said to the Blessed One: "Lord, the inner quarters of King Udena's royal park have burned down, and 500 women, headed by Samavati, have died. What is the destination of those female lay followers? What is their future course?"

"Monks, among those female lay followers are stream-winners, once-returners, & non-returners. In no case was the death of any of those female lay followers without [noble] fruit."

Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:

> Bound round with delusion, the world
> only appears to be competent.
> Bound with acquisitions, foolish,
> surrounded by darkness,
> it seems eternal,
> but for one who sees,
> there is nothing.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001