Mahagovindasutta 44: 6.3. A Discussion With the Divinity
The Great Steward 44
- Language
- English
6.3. A Discussion With the Divinity
44.1
And then the divinity Sanaṅkumāra, knowing the Great Steward’s train of thought, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, vanished from the realm of divinity and reappeared in the Great Steward’s presence.
44.2
At that, the Great Steward became frightened, scared, his hair standing on end, as he had never seen such a sight before.
44.3
So he addressed the divinity Sanaṅkumāra in verse:
44.4
“Who might you be, sir,
44.5
so beautiful, glorious, majestic?
44.6
Not knowing, I ask—
44.7
how am I to know who you are?”
44.8
“In the realm of divinity they know me
44.9
as ‘The Eternal Youth’.
44.10
All the gods know me thus,
44.11
and so you should know me, Steward.”
44.12
“A Divinity deserves a seat and water,
44.13
foot-salve, and sweet cakes.
44.14
Sir, I ask you to please accept
44.15
these gifts of hospitality.”
44.16
“I accept the gifts of hospitality
44.17
of which you speak.
44.18
I grant you the opportunity
44.19
to ask whatever you desire—
44.20
about welfare and benefit in this life,
44.21
or happiness in lives to come.”
Translations (2)
- Mahāgovinda — sr
- Der Große Verwalter — German
Commentaries (1)
- Sumaṅgalavilāsinī — Buddhaghosa, Pāli
Linked texts (1)
- Mahāgovindasutta — Pāli