sn.1.21 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

A Sword

At Savatthi. Standing to one side, that devatā recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“As if smitten by a sword,
As if his head were on fire,
A bhikkhu should wander mindfully
To abandon sensual lust.”

The Blessed One:

“As if smitten by a sword,
As if his head were on fire,
A bhikkhu should wander mindfully
To abandon identity view.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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A Sword

At Sāvatthī.
Standing to one side, that deity recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Like they’re struck by a sword,
like their head was on fire,
a mendicant, mindful, should go forth,
to give up sensual desire.”
“Like they’re struck by a sword,
like their head was on fire,
a mendicant, mindful, should go forth,
to give up identity view.”