10.
The Discourse on Homage to the Community
266.
At Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove.
There, etc.
said this -
"Once in the past, monks, Sakka, the lord of the gods, addressed Mātali the charioteer -
'Harness, my dear Mātali, the chariot yoked with a thousand thoroughbreds. Let us go to the pleasure ground to see the beautiful grounds.'
'Yes, venerable sir,' monks, Mātali the charioteer, having assented to Sakka, the lord of the gods, having yoked the chariot harnessed to a thousand thoroughbreds, announced to Sakka, the lord of the gods -
'The chariot yoked with a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed for you, sir. Now do as you think fit.'
Then, monks, Sakka, the lord of the gods, descending from the Vejayanta palace, having made salutation with joined palms, paid homage to the Community of monks.
Then, monks, Mātali the charioteer addressed Sakka, the lord of the gods, in verse -
Submerged in this corpse, afflicted by hunger and thirst.
Tell me the conduct of the sages, let us hear your word."
From whatever village they depart, without longing they go.
Seeking what is prepared by others, by that the virtuous sustain themselves.
The gods are opposed to the titans, and many mortals too, Mātali.
Without grasping among those with grasping, I pay homage to them, Mātali."
I too pay homage to those whom you pay homage to, Vāsava."
Having paid homage to the Community of monks, the chief one mounted the chariot."
The second chapter.
Its summary:
The sacrificer and homage, three on Sakka's paying homage.