not the heaven, but comes back and defiles his own person.7
"The slanderer is like one who flings dust at another when the wind is contrary; the dust does but return on him who threw it. The virtuous man cannot be hurt and the misery that the other would inflict comes back on himself."8
The abuser went away ashamed, but he came again and took refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.9
LVIII.
THE BUDDHA REPLIES TO THE DEVA.
On a certain day when the Blessed One dwelt at Jetavana, the garden of Anāthapindika, a celestial deva came to him in the shape of a Brahman whose countenance was bright and whose garments were white like snow. The deva asked questions which the Blessed One answered.1
The deva said: "What is the sharpest sword? What is is the deadliest poison? What is the fiercest fire? What is the darkest night?"2
The Blessed One replied: "A word spoken in wrath is the sharpest sword; covetousness is the deadliest poison; passion is the fiercest fire? ignorance is the darkest night."3
The deva said: "Who gains the greatest benefit? Who loses most? Which armor is invulnerable? What is the best weapon?"4
The Blessed One replied: "He is the greatest gainer who gives to others, and he loses most who greedily receives without gratitude. Patience is an invulnerable armor; wisdom is the best weapon."5
