A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

7: Treachery
Jā 493, Mahāvāṇijajātakaṁ
Gratefulness and Moderation
The god of a Banyan tree gives presents to
merchants, who out of greed decide to cut down
the tree. Their chief protests with this verse, and
is the only one spared retribution.
125. Yassa rukkhassa chāyāya, nisīdeyya sayeyya vā,
Na tassa sākhaṁ bhañjeyya mittadubbho hi pāpako.
That tree with shade where you can sit or lie,
Its branches the wicked should not destroy.
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