3.
The Stick Discourse
13.
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 many boys between Sāvatthī and Jeta's Grove were striking a snake with a stick.
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for almsfood.
The Blessed One saw many boys between Sāvatthī and Jeta's Grove striking a snake with a stick.
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
"Whoever hurts with a stick beings longing for happiness;
Seeking happiness for oneself, after death he does not obtain happiness.
"Whoever does not hurt with a stick beings longing for happiness;
Seeking happiness for oneself, after death he obtains happiness." The third.