as they’re able to evaluate what’s beneficial,

their enemies suffer,

seeing that their normal expression doesn’t change.

Prayers, recitations, fine sayings,

or charity of woven rugs:

if by means of any such things you benefit,

then by all means keep doing them.

But if you understand that ‘this good thing

can’t be had by me or by anyone else’,

you should accept it without sorrowing, thinking:

‘The deed is powerful. What can I do now?’”

Numbered Discourses 5.49 5. With King Muṇḍa The King of Kosala

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. Then a man went up to the king and whispered in his ear, “Your Majesty, Queen Mallikā has passed away.”

When this was said, King Pasenadi was miserable and sad. He sat with his shoulders drooping, downcast, depressed, with nothing to say.