Udāna 19

Heartfelt Sayings 2.9

With Visākhā

1 So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother in the Eastern Monastery. Now at that time Visākhā was caught up in some business with King Pasenadi. But the king’s settlement did not meet her expectations.

2 Then, in the middle of the day, she went to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down. The Buddha said to her: “So, Visākhā, where are you coming from in the middle of the day?” “Sir, I am caught up in some business with King Pasenadi. But the king’s settlement did not meet my expectations.”

3 Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:

4 “All under another’s control is suffering,

all under one’s own authority is pleasing;

what’s shared is stressful for both parties,

for yokes are hard to escape.”