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

SN 1.72 A Chariot

“Kiṁsu rathassa paññāṇaṁ,
kiṁsu paññāṇamaggino;
Kiṁsu raṭṭhassa paññāṇaṁ,
kiṁsu paññāṇamitthiyā”ti.

“Dhajo rathassa paññāṇaṁ,
dhūmo paññāṇamaggino;
Rājā raṭṭhassa paññāṇaṁ,
bhattā paññāṇamitthiyā”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Kiṁsu rathassa paññāṇaṁ,

“What is a chariot known by?

kiṁsu paññāṇamaggino;

What is fire known by?

Kiṁsu raṭṭhassa paññāṇaṁ,

What is a nation known by?

kiṁsu paññāṇamitthiyā”ti.

What is a woman known by?”

“Dhajo rathassa paññāṇaṁ,

“A chariot is known by a banner.

dhūmo paññāṇamaggino;

Fire is known by smoke.

Rājā raṭṭhassa paññāṇaṁ,

A nation is known by its ruler.

bhattā paññāṇamitthiyā”ti.

A woman is known by her husband.”