The lion

Bhikkhus, the lion, king of animals coming out of his den yawns, looks in the four directions, roars three times and sets out in search of pasture. He gives a careful blow to a horse, a buffalo, a cow, a leopard, even to a very small living thing, such as a hare. he gives a blow. What is the reason? May my purview not be destroyed.

Bhikkhus, lion is a synonym for the rightfully enlightened, Thus Gone One. Bhikkhus, if the Thus Gone One teaches a gathering, it becomes his lion's roar. When the Thus Gone One teaches the bhikkhus, he does it with careful attention When the Thus Gone One teaches the bhikkhunis, he does it with careful attention. When the Thus Gone One teaches the male lay disciples he does it with careful attention. When the Thus Gone One teaches the female lay disciples he does it with careful attention. When the Thus Gone One teaches the ordinary folk he does it with careful attention. The Thus Gone One teaches even those carrying loads or waiting to hunt, even then he does it, with careful attention. What is the reason? Bhikkhus, the Thus Gone One reveres the Teaching and it is out of reverence for the Teaching.