One Prone to Conceit

At Savatthi. Standing to one side, that devatā recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“There is no taming here for one fond of conceit,
Nor is there sagehood for the unconcentrated:
Though dwelling alone in the forest, heedless,
One cannot cross beyond the realm of Death.”

The Blessed One:

“Having abandoned conceit, well concentrated,
With lofty mind, everywhere released:
While dwelling alone in the forest, diligent,
One can cross beyond the realm of Death.”