The Jackal (1)
Sigāla Sutta (SN 20:11)
Dwelling at Sāvatthī. “Monks, did you hear that jackal1 howling in the last watch of the night?”
“Yes, lord.”
“That jackal is afflicted with a disease called mange. Yet he goes wherever he likes, stands wherever he likes, sits down wherever he likes, lies down wherever he likes, and even a cool breeze blows on him.
“It would be good, monks, if a certain person here claiming to be a follower of the Sakyan were to experience a personal existence of that sort.2
“Therefore, monks, you should train yourselves: ‘We will dwell heedfully.’ That’s how you should train yourselves.”
Notes
1. Following the Thai and Sri Lankan editions. The Burmese edition reads “old jackal.”
2. This is a reference to Devadatta, who wounded the Buddha and created a split in the Saṅgha, acts that would send him to hell. See AN 5:129. See also Noble Warrior, chapter 13.
