“Udāyī, when they see elephants with such a big, formidable body people say: ‘A giant, such a giant!’

And also when they see a horse with a big, formidable body …

When they see a bull with a big, formidable body …

When they see a serpent with a big, formidable body …

When they see a tree with a big, formidable body …

And when they see a human being with such a big, formidable body people say: ‘A giant, such a giant!’

But Udāyī, one who does nothing monstrous by way of body, speech, and mind is who I call a ‘giant’ in this world with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, its gods and humans.”

“It’s incredible, sir, it’s amazing! How well said this was by the Buddha: ‘But Udāyī, one who does nothing monstrous by way of body, speech, and mind is who I call a “giant” in this world with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, its gods and humans.’ And I celebrate the well-spoken words of the Buddha with these verses:

Awakened as a human being,

self-tamed and immersed in samādhi,

following the spiritual path,

he loves peace of mind.

Revered by people,

gone beyond all things,

even the gods revere him;

so I’ve heard from the perfected one.

He has transcended all fetters

and escaped from entanglements.

Delighting to renounce sensual pleasures,

he’s freed like lustrous gold from stone.

That giant outshines all,

like the Himalaya beside other mountains.