DiscoverSNSN 1–11SN 1SN 1.12

A deity engages the Buddha in verse on delight, exploring a teaching on suffering, liberation, and the law of kamma.

SN 1.12 Delight

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho sā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:

“Nandati puttehi puttimā,
Gomā gohi tatheva nandati;
Upadhīhi narassa nandanā,
Na hi so nandati yo nirūpadhī”ti.

“Socati puttehi puttimā,
Gomā gohi tatheva socati;
Upadhīhi narassa socanā,
Na hi so socati yo nirūpadhī”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

At Sāvatthī.

Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho sā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:

Standing to one side, that deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:

“Nandati puttehi puttimā,

“Children bring you delight!

Gomā gohi tatheva nandati;

Cattle also bring you delight!

Upadhīhi narassa nandanā,

For attachments are a man’s delight;

Na hi so nandati yo nirūpadhī”ti.

without attachments there’s no delight.”

“Socati puttehi puttimā,

“Children bring you sorrow.

Gomā gohi tatheva socati;

Cattle also bring you sorrow.

Upadhīhi narassa socanā,

For attachments are a man’s sorrow;

Na hi so socati yo nirūpadhī”ti.

without attachments there are no sorrows.”

Qualities:

Craving

Craving

☁️ dark quality

A driving ‘thirst’ that reaches out toward experiences, identities, or outcomes as the place to find satisfaction—“if only I had that.” It spins stories of lack, binds the mind to becoming, and invariably leads to suffering.

Also known as: wanting, yearning, longing, lit. thirst
Pāli: taṇha, abhijjhā
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Delight

Delight

☁️ dark quality

A mental quality of relishing and taking pleasure in what is experienced—especially in sensuality or the prospect of continued becoming. When it fastens onto gratification, it nourishes craving and keeps the mind circling around what it wants to experience again.

Also known as: relishing, enjoyment, taking pleasure
Pāli: nandi, ārāmatā
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Mindfulness

Mindfulness

☀️ bright quality

Active presence of mind and lucid retention; the faculty that remembers the Dhamma, anchors attention to the chosen object or present experience, and guards the mind against unwholesome states.

Also known as: recollecting, remembering, keeping in mind, presence, awareness
Pāli: sati, anussati
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Sorrow

Sorrow

☁️ dark quality

Grief or sadness that follows loss or disappointment, dimming the mind’s natural brightness. It clouds clear perception.

Also known as: grief, sadness
Pāli: soka, socati
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Last updated on July 27, 2026

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