The Buddha recounts Sakka, lord of gods, speaking verses on sponsoring sacrifice, illustrating how even celestial rulers apply the Dhamma to conflict, conduct, and devotion.

SN 11.16 Sponsoring Sacrifice

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate.

Atha kho sakko devānamindo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhito kho sakko devānamindo bhagavantaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

“Yajamānānaṁ manussānaṁ,
puññapekkhāna pāṇinaṁ;
Karotaṁ opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,
kattha dinnaṁ mahapphalan”ti.

“Cattāro ca paṭipannā,
cattāro ca phale ṭhitā;
Esa saṅgho ujubhūto,
paññāsīlasamāhito.

Yajamānānaṁ manussānaṁ,
Puññapekkhāna pāṇinaṁ;
Karotaṁ opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,
Saṅghe dinnaṁ mahapphalan”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate.

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain.

Atha kho sakko devānamindo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi.

And then Sakka, lord of gods, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side,

Ekamantaṁ ṭhito kho sakko devānamindo bhagavantaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

and addressed him in verse:

“Yajamānānaṁ manussānaṁ,

“For humans, those merit-seeking creatures,

puññapekkhāna pāṇinaṁ;

who sponsor sacrifices,

Karotaṁ opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,

making worldly merit,

kattha dinnaṁ mahapphalan”ti.

where is a gift very fruitful?”

“Cattāro ca paṭipannā,

“Four practicing the path,

cattāro ca phale ṭhitā;

and four established in the fruit.

Esa saṅgho ujubhūto,

This is the upright Saṅgha,

paññāsīlasamāhito.

with wisdom, ethics, and immersion.

Yajamānānaṁ manussānaṁ,

For humans, those merit-seeking creatures,

Puññapekkhāna pāṇinaṁ;

who sponsor sacrifices,

Karotaṁ opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,

making worldly merit,

Saṅghe dinnaṁ mahapphalan”ti.

what is given to the Saṅgha is very fruitful.”

Topics & Qualities:

Collectedness

Collectedness

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Merit

Merit

Wholesome result of good conduct, generosity, and right intention. Merit brightens the mind and supports happiness and favorable conditions for practice.

Also known as: good deeds, spiritual wealth
Pāli: puñña, kalyāṇa
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on July 27, 2026