The Blessed One describes how beings are affected by respect and disrespect, and how this affects their rebirth. The true person is one who is collected, detached, and delights in the ending of grasping.

Sakkāra sutta - Respect

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, as I have heard:

“Bhikkhus, I have seen beings who, overcome by |respect::honor, accolade, reverence [sakkāra]| and with minds overwhelmed, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a |bad destination::state of misery [duggati]|, in the |realms of downfall::in realms of misery [vinipāta]|, even in |hell::a place of intense suffering, lit. no good fortune [niraya]|.

Bhikkhus, I have seen beings who, overcome by |disrespect::disregard [asakkāra]| and with minds overwhelmed, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a bad destination, in the realms of downfall, even in hell.

Bhikkhus, I have seen beings who, overcome by both respect and disrespect, and with minds overwhelmed, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a bad destination, in the realms of downfall, even in hell.

But, bhikkhus, I do not say this having heard it from another ascetic or brahmin. Moreover, bhikkhus, what I have known for myself, seen for myself, and realized for myself, that is what I declare.

Bhikkhus, I have seen beings who, overcome by respect and with minds overwhelmed, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a bad destination, in the realms of downfall, even in hell.

Bhikkhus, I have seen beings who, overcome by disrespect and with minds overwhelmed, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a bad destination, in the realms of downfall, even in hell.

Bhikkhus, I have seen beings who, overcome by both respect and disrespect, and with minds overwhelmed, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a bad destination, in the realms of downfall, even in hell.”

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

“While being honored,
or shown dishonor, or by both;
For one whose |collectedness::stability of mind, stillness of mind, mental composure [samādhi]| does not waver,
as he dwells with a boundless mind —

That one, meditative and |practicing continuously::diligent, persevering, consistent [sātatika]|,
refined in vision and insight;
Delighting in the ending of grasping,
is called a |true person::good person, worthy one, awakened being [sappurisa]|.”

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

Last updated on April 29, 2025

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