Original: http://www.triplegem.plus.com/tipitaka/satti.htm
Discourse containing the Simile of a Spear-thrust |
21. The Bhagava was at Savatthi... Standing at a suitable place, the deva uttered thus in verse in the presence of the Bhagava:
(The Bhagava said:)
End of the Satti Sutta, 1. This stanza convoys the idea of urgency. When one is pierced by a spear thrust from above or when one's head has caught fire, one would lose no time to save oneself. Similarly, a bhikkhu needs to be mindful at all times so as to save himself from the perils of attachment to sense-pleasures. 2.
The Commentary says that the deva did not understand the force of the metaphor
and was contented with his achievement of the temporary abandonment of sensual
pleasures. The Buddha therefore emphasised to the deva that it is more
important to uproot the illusion of Self (sakkayaditthi) through Magga Insight.
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