Verses on Dhamma 5.13.p4

5.13.p4

Imameva petaṃ sandhāya vuttaṃ. Satthā therassa kathaṃ sutvāva, ‘‘bhikkhave, mayāpesa satto bodhimaṇḍe nisinneneva diṭṭho ‘ye ca pana me vacanaṃ na saddaheyyuṃ, tesaṃ ahitāya bhaveyyā’ti paresaṃ anukampāya na kathesiṃ, idāni pana moggallānassa sakkhī hutvā kathemī’’ti āha. Taṃ sutvā bhikkhū tassa pubbakammaṃ pucchiṃsu. Satthāpi nesaṃ kathesi –

The Teacher listened to the Elder's story and said, "Monks, I also saw that very creature as I sat on the Throne of Enlightenment. But out of compassion for others, I did not say, 'As for those who will not believe my words, may it be to their disadvantage.' Now, however, I will make Moggallāna my witness and tell what I saw." When the monks heard this, they asked about the ghost's misdeed in a previous state of existence. Thereupon the Teacher related the following