The Skin

1. I heard thus. At one time the Blessed One was living in the monastery offered by Anāthapiṇḍika in Jeta's grove in Sāvatthi.

2. The Blessed One addressed the monks from there. “Monks, gain, honor, and fame are severe and cruel and it's a danger for him who wants to end unpleasantness.

3. “Monks, gain, honor, and fame cut the outer skin. Then the inner skin Cutting the inner skin, they cut the flesh. Cutting the flesh, they cut the veins. Cutting the veins they cut the bone. Cutting the bone they stand close to the bone marrow.

4. “Monks, gain, honor, and fame are severe and cruel and a danger for him, who wants to end unpleasantness.

5. “Therefore, monks, you should train thus: `We will get rid of arisen gain, honor and fame. Arisen gain, honor, and fame will not take control of our minds.' Monks, you should train in this manner.”