The Related Suttas Collection 17.13–20

Chapter Two

A Gold Coin, Etc.

At Sāvatthī.

“Bhikkhus, when I’ve comprehended the mind of a certain person, I understand: ‘This venerable would not tell a deliberate lie even for the sake of a gold coin.’ …”

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

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

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

“‘… 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 brutal are possessions, honor, and popularity. …”