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Verses 209, 210 and 211: The Story of Three Ascetics

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verses (209), (210) and (211)
of this book, with reference to a trio, consisting of a father, a mother and a son.

Once in Savatthi, the only son of a family first became a Bhikkhu; the father followed suit
and finally, the mother also became a Bhikkhuni. They were so attached to one another that
they rarely stayed apart. The family stayed in the monastery as if they were in their own
house, talking and eating together, thus making themselves a nuisance to others. Other
Bhikkhus reported their behaviour to the Buddha and he called them to his presence, and
said to them, "Once you have joined the Order, you should no longer stay together like a
family. Not seeing those who are dear, and seeing those who are not dear to one, are both
painful; so you should not hold any being or anything dear to you".

Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:

Verse 209: He who does what should not be done and fails to do what should be done, who
forsakes the Noble aim of life (i. e., Morality, Concentration and Insight) and grasps at sensual
pleasure, covets the benefits gained by those who exert themselves (in meditation).

Verse 210: Do not associate with those who are dear, and never with those who are not dear to
you; not seeing the dear ones is painful, and seeing those who are not dear to you is also painful.

Verse 211: Therefore, one should hold nothing dear; separation from the loved ones is painful;
there are no fetters for those, who do neither love nor hate.

Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, Burma 1986.