Upaniya Sutta

Thus have I heard. At one time the Blessed One was staying near Saavatthii, at Jeta Grove, in Anaathapi.n.dika's park. Now a certain deva,1 as the night was passing away, lighting up the whole Jeta Grove with his effulgent beauty, approached the Blessed One and, having approached, stood on one side.

Standing thus on one side, the deva spoke this verse before the Blessed One:


 * Life but leads to doom. Our time is short.
 * From Decay there's naught can keep us safe.
 * Contemplating thus the fear of death,
 * Let's make merit that will bring us bliss.

[The Blessed One replied:]
 * Life but leads to doom. Our time is short.
 * From Decay there's naught can keep us safe.
 * Contemplating thus this fear of death,
 * Scorn such worldly bait, seek final peace.