1.
The Discourse on the More Dear
41.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Now at that time King Pasenadi of Kosala had gone up to the upper terrace of the palace together with Queen Mallikā.
Then King Pasenadi of Kosala said this to Queen Mallikā -
"Is there indeed anyone else, Mallikā, more dear to you than yourself?"
"There is not indeed anyone else, great king, more dear to me than myself. But is there, great king, anyone else more dear to you than yourself?" "For me too indeed, Mallikā, there is not anyone else more dear than myself."
Then King Pasenadi of Kosala, having descended from the palace, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, King Pasenadi of Kosala said this to the Blessed One -
"Here I, venerable sir, having gone up to the upper terrace of the palace together with Queen Mallikā, said this to Queen Mallikā - 'Is there indeed anyone else, Mallikā, more dear to you than yourself?' When this was said, Queen Mallikā said this to me - 'There is not indeed anyone else, great king, more dear to me than myself. But is there, great king, anyone else more dear to you than yourself?' When this was said, I, venerable sir, said this to Queen Mallikā - 'For me too indeed, Mallikā, there is not anyone else more dear than myself.'"
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
One finds nowhere anyone more dear than oneself;
Thus the self is dear to each of others,
Therefore one who loves oneself should not harm another." The first.