Cariyāpiṭaka 24

The Conduct Leading to Buddhahood

The Chapter With Yudhañjaya

The Perfection of Renunciation (4th)

The Conduct of the Lotus-eaters

1 “Then again when I was

in the capital citadel of Kāsi,

a sister and seven brothers

were born in a learned family.

2 I was the first-born of them all,

furnishing with pure conscience.

Seeing rebirth as fearful,

I longed for renunciation.

3 Sent for by my mother and father,

my friends with one mind

invited me to enjoy sensual pleasures, saying:

‘Maintain the family lineage.’

4 The words they said

about the ways a householder can find happiness,

were hard for me to hear,

like a heated ploughshare.

5 When I turned down their proposal,

they asked me what I wished for:

‘My dear, what is it that you wish,

since you do not long for sensual pleasures?’

6 I spoke to my beneficiaries,

wanting what is best.

‘I wish not for the householder’s state,

I long for renunciation.’

7 Hearing my words,

they told my mother and father.

My parents said this:

‘Sirs, let all of us go forth!’

8 So both my mother and father,

sister and seven brothers,

discarding countless riches,

entered the great forest.”