A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

19: Speech
Jā 499 Sivijātakaṁ
Keeping One's Promises
King Sivi is very generous and resolves to give
even his body parts away if asked. Sakka decides
to test him and dressed as a brāhman asks for his
eye to which the King agrees; the townsfolk try to
persuade him to change his mind, and this is part
of his reply.
371. Yo ve Dassan-ti vatvāna, adāne kurute mano,
Bhūmyā so patitaṁ pāsaṁ gīvāyaṁ paṭimuñcati.
He who, having said he will give,
Makes up his mind not to give it,
Fastens his own neck in a snare
That has fallen down on the ground.
372. Yo ve Dassan-ti vatvāna, adāne kurute mano,
Pāpā pāpataro hoti, sampatto Yamasādhanaṁ.
He who, having said he will give,
Makes up his mind not to give it,
Is the most wicked of wicked,
He falls into Yama's armies.
255