Singalaka Sutta

Translation by Bhikkhuni Uppalavanna

I heard thus. At one time the Blessed One was living in the monastery offered by Anàthapiõóika in Jeta's grove in Sàvatthi. And the Blessed One addressed the monks from there.

"Monks have you heard the barking of the jackal in the last watch of the night?"

"Yes, we have, Venerable sir."

Monks, the decayed jackal suffers from an ailment called `ukkannaka'. Suffering from that ailment it goes wherever it likes, stands wherever it likes, sits wherever it likes and lies wherever it likes.

"Monks, how would it be like if someone who has promised to be a son of the Blessed One, was with such an ailment?

"Therefore, monks, you should train, `We will live diligently.'

"Monks, you should train in that."