A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

18: Dwelling
Jā 168 Sakuṇagghijātakaṁ
The Strength of Being on Home Grounds
A quail fools a hawk into attacking him on his
home ground and dodges aside at the last moment
leaving the hawk to plunge to his death.
353. Seno balasā patamāno lāpaṁ gocaraṭhāyinaṁ,
Sahasā ajjhappatto va, maraṇaṁ tenupāgami.
A hawk diving with force
On a quail in its home,
Approached with violence,
And died because of that.
354. Sohaṁ nayena sampanno, pettike gocare rato,
Apetasattu modāmi, sampassaṁ attham-attano.
Having devised a clever plan,
I delight in my parents' grounds,
Now rid of my foe I rejoice,
Considering my own welfare.
241