A Gold Ingot, Etc.

At Sāvatthī.

“Mendicants, when I’ve comprehended the mind of a certain individual, I understand:

‘This venerable would not tell a deliberate lie even for the sake of a gold ingot.’ …”

“‘… for the sake of a hundred gold ingots.’ …”

“‘… for the sake of a mountain of gold.’ …” ^[1]

“‘… for the sake of a hundred mountains of gold.’ …”

“‘… for the sake of the whole earth full of gold.’ …”

“‘… for any kind of material reward.’ …”

“‘… for the sake of life.’ …”

“‘… for the sake of the finest lady in the land.’

But some time later I see them tell a deliberate lie because their mind is overcome and overwhelmed by possessions, honor, and popularity.

So grim are possessions, honor, and popularity. …”