Reading guide
Two arrivals, staged side by side
The discourse doesn't describe Vepacitti's and Sakka's visits separately; it places them back to back so the contrast in conduct is immediate and unmissable, each detail of one visit answered by its opposite in the other.
Regalia kept, or deliberately set aside
Every item Vepacitti keeps on entering — sandals, sword, sunshade — is precisely what Sakka removes or hands off before stepping through the same gate, making the contrast a matter of specific, itemized choices rather than a vague difference in attitude.
A position chosen for what it costs, not despite it
Sakka doesn't merely stand nearby; he specifically positions himself downwind of the seers, a choice that would carry their body odor toward him rather than away — reverence expressed through willingly accepting something unpleasant rather than avoiding it.
A test posed as if for Sakka's benefit
The seers' verse frames itself as a courtesy, suggesting the king of gods would prefer to leave rather than endure their odor — a gentle probe of whether his humble conduct reflects genuine regard or mere performance.
A reply that reframes the question entirely
Sakka doesn't answer by insisting he can tolerate the odor; he says outright that he yearns for it, comparing it to a colorful garland of flowers, and states plainly that the gods don't consider it repulsive at all.
Key terms
The text
§1At Sāvatthī. “Once upon a time, mendicants, several seers who were ethical, of good character, settled in leaf huts in a wilderness region. Then Sakka, lord of gods, and Vepacitti, lord of titans, went to those seers. Vepacitti put on his lined sandals, strapped on his sword, and, carrying a sunshade, entered the hermitage through the main gate. He walked right past those seers, keeping them at arm’s length.
§2Sakka took off his lined sandals, gave his sword to others, and, putting down his sunshade, entered the hermitage through the same gate. He stood downwind of those seers, revering them with cupped palms. Then those seers addressed Sakka in verse:
§3‘When seers have been long initiated, the odor of their bodies goes with the gale. You’d better leave, O thousand-eyed! The odor of the seers is unclean, king of gods.’
§4‘When seers have been long initiated, let the odor of their bodies go with the gale. We yearn for this odor, sirs, like a colorful crown of flowers. The gods don’t see it as repulsive.’”
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