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Sakka debates with Vepacitti

Thus have I heard, once, the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī at the Jeta Grove in the Anāthapiṇḍika Park.

At that time the World-honored One told the monks: “Long time ago, Sakka Devānam Indo, Leader of the Gods, was about to do battle with the asuras. At that time Sakka Devānam Indo said to Vepacitti, King of the asuras: “We should not carelessly lead our hosts to harm each other, but instead debate, and thus decide who wins, who loses.” Vepacitti said to Sakka Devānam Indo: “Kosiya, if we were to debate, who would determine the winner and the loser?” Sakka Devānam Indo said: “In both our hosts there are intelligent people, of wise judgment, who are able to tell good from bad, and can decide who the winner, who the loser will be.” Vepacitti said: “You speak first, Sakka!” [But] Sakka answered: “My turn will come. You are the older deva. You speak first.” And Vepacitti spoke this verse:

IIf I would tolerate transgressions // the foolish would say about my patient manner
“His patience is born from fear” // and deem themselves superior

In reply Sakka Devānam Indo spoke this verse:

Though the other might call it fear // and [think] he gained the upper hand
Precious treasures and all the gain // [are for those] invincible ones who are patient when insulted

There Vepacitti spoke another verse:

The foolish have no wisdom // they have to be restrained
Like when a cow in the back // attempts to run over the one before her on the path
It needs blades and cudgels // to reign in the fools

Sakka Devānam Indo answered with this verse:

I believe that for restraining the foolish // silent patience is the best
Extreme hatred or anger or rage // when suffered patiently the other will naturally calm down
Who is without hatred and aggression // is indeed a saintly person
And the disciples of a saintly person // should strive to befriend these
Those filled with hatred and anger // their hatred is an obstacle heavy like a mountain
Whenever at a time of hate and anger // one can restrain oneself even a little
It is called a skillful action // like reigning in a wicked horse

The wise among the Devas and the asuras debated this thoroughly, to mete out victory and defeat. [They agreed] that the [King of the] asuras spoke in favor of strife and battle, while Sakka Devānam Indo [spoke to] end quarrels, the mind without frenzy wanting to compete. Thus the asura [King] lost and Sakka won.”

The Buddha told the monks: “Sakka Devānam Indo, who rules freely in [Tuṣita] heaven, has during the long night [of Saṃsāra] patiently suffered insults, now extols the way of patience. You too, oh monks, who are supposed to have left the householders way of life, should be able to patiently bear insults, and extol those who are patient.”

When the Buddha had finished, the monks, having listened to what he had said, were happy and practiced accordingly.

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