At Sāvatthi.

While standing to one side, that deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

"Life ebbs away, its span is short,

For one brought to old age, there are no shelters;

Clearly seeing this danger in death,

one should do meritorious deeds that bring happiness.

"Life ebbs away, its span is short,

For one brought to old age, there are no shelters;

Clearly seeing this danger in death,

one should abandon worldly pleasures, looking for peace."

Related Teachings:

Life Is Short and Fleeting (AN 7.74) - Araka was a famous teacher long ago, when the life span was much greater than today. Nevertheless, he still taught impermanence.

Intoxicated with Vanity of Youth, Health and Life (AN 3.31) - In this teaching, the Buddha recounts his delicate bringing up, and warns on the three intoxications: of youth, health, and life.

The Human Condition: From “In the Buddha’s Words” by Bhikkhu Bodhi ↗️ - Read a collection of short teachings on the human condition.