SN 11.17 Homage to the Buddha

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

Sāvatthiyaṁ jetavane.

Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.

Tena kho pana samayena bhagavā divāvihāragato hoti paṭisallīno.

Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation.

Atha kho sakko ca devānamindo brahmā ca sahampati yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā paccekaṁ dvārabāhaṁ nissāya aṭṭhaṁsu.

Then Sakka, lord of gods, and the divinity Sahampati approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post.

Atha kho sakko devānamindo bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:

Then Sakka spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:

“Uṭṭhehi vīra vijitasaṅgāma,

“Rise, hero! Victor in battle, with burden put down,

Pannabhāra anaṇa vicara loke;

wander the world free of debt.

Cittañca te suvimuttaṁ,

Your mind is fully liberated,

Cando yathā pannarasāya rattin”ti.

like the moon on the fifteenth night.”

“Na kho, devānaminda, tathāgatā evaṁ vanditabbā.

“Lord of gods, that’s not how to pay homage to the Realized Ones.

Evañca kho, devānaminda, tathāgatā vanditabbā:

This is how it should be done:

‘Uṭṭhehi vīra vijitasaṅgāma,

‘Rise, hero! Victor in battle, caravan leader,

Satthavāha anaṇa vicara loke;

wander the world free of debt.

Desassu bhagavā dhammaṁ,

Let the Blessed One teach the Dhamma!

Aññātāro bhavissantī’”ti.

There will be those who understand!’”