[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Buddhist Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha) › [Buddhist Sanskrit literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit) › [Dharmapada anthologies](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada) › [Udānavarga](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga) › [法句譬喻經](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju) › [Texts from the Buddhist Canon commonly known as Dhammapada, with accompanying narratives](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal) › 31.p1.3 # 法句譬喻經 31.p1.3 Texts from the Buddhist Canon commonly known as Dhammapada, with accompanying narratives 31.p1.3 - **Language:** English ### [31.p1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal.31.p1.3) “And such is your case,” again said Buddha, “for though you are a Shaman, yet being unable to guard your mouth or your tongue, you are destined, as a small and insignificant thing, to be whirled in the endless eddies of transmigration—an object of contempt to all the Wise.” Rahula being filled with shame, Buddha addressed him once more: “Listen, and I will speak to you in a parable. There was in old time the king of a certain country who had a large and very powerful elephant, able to overpower by its own strength five hundred smaller elephants. This king, being about to go to war with some rebellious dependency, brought forth the iron armour belonging to the elephant, and directed the master of the animal to put it on him, to wit, two sharp-pointed swords on his tusks, two iron hooks (scythes) on his ears, a crooked spear on each foot, an iron club (or ball) attached to his tail; and to accompany him were appointed nine soldiers as escort. Then the elephant-master was rejoiced to see the creature thus equipped, and trained him above all things to keep his trunk well coiled up, knowing that an arrow piercing that in the midst must be fatal. But lo! in the middle of the battle the elephant, uncoiling his trunk, sought to seize a sword with it. On which the master was affrighted, and, in consultation with the king and his ministers, it was agreed that he should no more be brought into the battle-field.” In continuation, Buddha said: “Rahula! - [Previous: 31.p1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal.31.p1.2) - [Next: 31.p1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal.31.p1.4) - [Up: 31.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal.31.p1) ## Linked texts (1) - [法句譬喻經](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju.3.92) — Classical Chinese --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal.31.p1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.dharmapada.udanavarga*zh-faju~en-beal.31.p1.3) · Pramāṇa