Tipiṭaka

Theragāthā 154

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Verses of the Senior Monks 2.34

The Book of the Twos

Chapter Four

Isidinna

1 I’ve seen lay disciples

who have memorized discourses,

saying, “Sensual pleasures are impermanent”.

But they’re obsessed with jeweled earrings,

concerned for their partners and children.

2 To be honest, they don’t know Dhamma,

even though they say

“Sensual pleasures are impermanent”.

They don’t have the power to cut their lust,

so they cling to children, wives, and wealth.

Sujato translation (Sujato), 2018. CC0 1.0 Universal. Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato, published by SuttaCentral and dedicated to the public domain through CC0. Version: bilara-data, published branch at 4b0b8739c (2026-11-05). Source

Pali Canon of Theravāda Buddhism, Mahāsaṅgīti edition.

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