The Buddha Corrects a Deva

At Rajagaha. As he was standing to one side, Uttara the deva’s son recited this verse in the Blessed One’s presence:

Life is swept along,
next-to-nothing its span.
For one swept on by aging
no shelters exist.
Perceiving this danger in death,
one should do deeds of merit
that bring about bliss.

[The Buddha:]
Life is swept along,
next-to-nothing its span.
For one swept to old age
no shelters exist.
Perceiving this danger in death,
one should drop the world’s bait
and look for peace.

SN 2.19

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