Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One
The Collection of Minor Texts
The Text of the Minor Exposition
The Chapter on Going to the Far Shore
The Introductory Verses
1.
Seeking nothingness, a brahmin accomplished in mantras.
2.
He lived on the bank of the Godhāvarī, on gleanings and fruits.
3.
From the income thus produced, he arranged a great sacrifice.
4.
When he had re-entered, another brahmin came.
5.
And approaching him, he begged for five hundred.
6.
Asked about his comfort and welfare, and spoke these words.
7.
"Grant me permission, brahmin, I do not have five hundred."
8.
On the seventh day, may your head split into seven pieces."
9.
Having heard those words, Bāvarī became distressed.
10.
And even in such a state of mind, his mind found no delight in meditation.
11.
Having approached Bāvari, he spoke these words.
12.
Knowledge of the head or the falling of the head is not found in him."
13.
The head and the falling of the head, we will listen to your words."
14.
Regarding the head and the falling of the head, this is the vision of the Victorious Ones."
15.
The head and the falling of the head? Tell me that, deity."
16.
A descendant of King Okkāka, the son of the Sakyans, maker of light.
17.
Attained to all powers of direct knowledge, possessing vision regarding all teachings;
Having attained the destruction of all actions, liberated in the extinction of acquisitions.
18.
Go and ask him, he will explain it to you."
19.
His sorrow became slight, and he gained abundant rapture.
20.
"In which village or town indeed, in which country is the Lord of the World;
Where having gone shall we see the Enlightened One, supreme among bipeds?"
21.
That Sakyan son, unequalled, taintless, knower of the supreme attainment, the bull among men."
22.
"Come, young men, I shall tell you, listen to my words.
23.
He has now arisen in the world, renowned as the Enlightened One;
Quickly go to Sāvatthī, and see the supreme one among beings."
24.
Tell us who do not know, how we may know him."
25.
Thirty-two are explained, complete in progressive sequence.
26.
Only two destinations are there for him, a third is not found.
27.
Without stick or sword, he rules by the Teaching.
28.
He becomes an Enlightened One who draws back the veil, an unsurpassed Arahant.
29.
Ask only mentally about the head and what falls on the head.
30.
He will answer verbally the questions asked mentally."
31.
Students: Ajita, Tissametteyya, Puṇṇaka, and then Mettagū.
32.
Todeyya and both Kappas, and the wise Jatukaṇṇī.
33.
And Mogharāja the intelligent one, and Piṅgiya the great sage.
34.
Meditators delighting in meditation, wise ones, perfumed by habits of the past.
35.
All wearing matted hair and animal hides, they departed facing north.
36.
And to Ujjeni and Gonaddha, and to Vedisa named after the forest.
37.
To Setabya and Kapilavatthu, and to Kusināra's mansion.
38.
To Pāsāṇaka shrine, delightful and heart-pleasing.
39.
Like one oppressed by heat to shade, they hurriedly climbed the mountain.
40.
Was teaching the Teaching to the monks, roaring like a lion in the forest.
41.
Like the moon on the fifteenth day, having reached fulfilment.
42.
Standing to one side, delighted, he asked questions of the mind.
43.
Tell of his perfection in mantras, how many does the brahmin teach?"
44.
He has three characteristics on his limbs, he is accomplished in the three Vedas.
45.
He teaches five hundred, gone to perfection in the true Teaching."
46.
O destroyer of craving, explain, let there not be perplexity for us."
47.
The private parts are in a sheath - know this, young man."
48.
All people reflect, inspired, with reverential salutation.
49.
When questions are asked mentally, who answers this.
50.
Explain this to us, O Blessed One, remove our perplexity, O sage."
51.
Together with faith, mindfulness, concentration, desire and energy."
52.
Arranging his deerskin on one shoulder, fell with his head at the feet.
53.
Uplifted in mind and glad, pays homage at your feet, O One with Vision."
54.
And may you too be happy, young man, may you live long.
55.
The opportunity is given, ask whatever you wish in mind."
56.
Ajita asked the first question there to the Truth Finder.
The Introductory Verses are concluded.
1.
The Questions of the Young Man Ajita
57.
"By what does it not shine?
"What do you say is the smearing, what is his great fear?"
58.
Through stinginess and negligence it does not shine;
I say that craving is the smearing, suffering is his great fear."
59.
What is the restraint of the streams;
Tell me the restraint of the streams, by what are the streams blocked?"
60.
Mindfulness is their restraint;
I tell you the restraint of the streams, by wisdom these are blocked."
61.
And name-and-form, friend;
"Being asked this, tell me where this ceases."
62.
Where name and form cease without remainder;
With the cessation of consciousness, all this ceases here."
63.
Being alert to their conduct, tell me when asked, friend."
64.
Skilled in all states, a mindful monk should wander forth."
The Questions of Ajita the Student First.
2.
The Questions of Tissa Metteyya the Student
65.
For whom are there no perturbations;
Who, having direct knowledge of both ends, with wisdom clings not to the middle;
Whom do you declare to be a great man, who here has gone beyond the seamstress?"
66.
Free from craving, always mindful;
The monk who is quenched through reckoning, for him there are no perturbations.
67.
I declare him to be a great man, he here has gone beyond the seamstress."
The Questions of the Student Tissa Metteyya, the second.
3.
The Questions of Puṇṇaka
68.
I have come with a question;
What do seers and humans rely on, nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
69.
Nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, Puṇṇaka, hoping for this state of being;
Dependent on aging they arranged sacrifices."
70.
Nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, Blessed One, were they truly diligent in the path of sacrifice;
"They have crossed over birth and aging, friend, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
71.
They pray for sensual pleasures dependent on gain, those devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence;
I say they have not crossed over birth and aging."
72.
Through sacrifices, birth and aging, friend;
Then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend;
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
73.
One who has no perturbation anywhere in the world;
Peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging."
The Questions of the Young Man Puṇṇaka, the third.
4.
The Questions of the Young Man Mettagū
74.
I think you are one who knows the ancient scriptures, with a developed self;
From where have these sufferings arisen, whatever manifold ones there are in the world."
75.
I shall tell you that as I understand it;
Sufferings originate with acquisition as their source, whatever manifold ones there are in the world.
76.
Therefore, understanding one should not create acquisition, contemplating birth as the source of suffering."
77.
'How do the wise cross over the flood, birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation';
Please explain this well to me, sage, for this Teaching is understood by you.
78.
In this very life, not based on hearsay;
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
79.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
80.
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Having dispelled delight and attachment in these, consciousness would not remain in existence.
81.
Birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation, suffering right here the wise one would abandon."
82.
Indeed the Blessed One has abandoned suffering, thus this Teaching is understood by you.
83.
Having met you, I revere you, O dragon, perhaps the Blessed One would exhort me to stability."
84.
Surely he has crossed over this flood, gone beyond to the far shore, free from barrenness, free from perplexity.
85.
He is free from craving, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging."
The Questions of the Student Mettagū Fourth.
5.
The Questions of the Student Dhotaka
86.
"I long for your speech, great sage;
Having heard your utterance, I should train for my own Nibbāna."
87.
Right here alert and mindful;
Having heard the utterance from here, train for your own Nibbāna."
88.
Having met you, I revere you, O All-seeing One, free me, O Mighty One, from doubts."
89.
But knowing the supreme Teaching, thus you will cross over this flood."
90.
Like space, being unrepelled, may I wander right here peaceful and independent."
91.
In this very life, not based on hearsay;
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
92.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
93.
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Having understood this as bondage in the world, make no craving for any kind of existence."
The Questions of the Student Dhotaka, the fifth.
6.
The Questions of the Student Upasīva
94.
Independent, I am not able to cross over;
Tell me a basis, O All-seeing One, based upon which I might cross this flood."
95.
Based upon 'there is nothing', cross the flood;
Having abandoned sensual pleasures, abstaining from talk, see the destruction of craving day and night."
96.
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving;
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception, would that one remain there without following?"
97.
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving;
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception, would that one remain there without following."
98.
Would that one be cooled and liberated right there, would the consciousness of such a one pass away?"
99.
Goes to its end and cannot be reckoned;
So the sage, liberated from the body of name, goes to its end and cannot be reckoned."
100.
Please explain this well to me, sage, for this Teaching is understood by you.
101.
That by which they might speak of him does not exist for him;
When all things are removed, all paths of assertion are also removed.
The Questions of the Student Upasīva, the Sixth.
7.
The Questions of the Student Nanda
102.
People speak of this, but how is this;
Do they speak of a sage as one endowed with knowledge, or indeed as one endowed with life?"
103.
Having abandoned conflict, free from trouble, without longing, those who live thus I call sages."
104.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances,
Declare purity in many ways;
Blessed One, living restrained there,
Have they crossed over birth and aging, friend;
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
105.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways;
Although they practice with dedication there, I say they have not crossed over birth and aging."
106.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways;
"They have crossed over birth and aging, friend, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
107.
To be hindered by birth and aging;
Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances;
I say those persons indeed have crossed over the flood."
108.
Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances;
I too say they have crossed over the flood."
The Questions of the Student Nanda, the Seventh.
8.
Questions of the Student Hemaka
109.
Prior to Gotama's Dispensation;
'Thus it was, thus it will be,' all that was hearsay;
All that increased reasoning, I did not delight in that.
110.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
111.
The removal of desire and lust is the deathless state of Nibbāna.
112.
They are always peaceful, crossed over the world's attachments."
The Questions of Hemaka, the eighth.
9.
The Questions of Todeyya
113.
"In whom no craving is found;
And who has crossed over doubt, what sort of liberation is there for him?"
114.
"In whom no craving is found;
And who has crossed over doubt, there is no higher liberation for him."
115.
"O Sakka, how might I know a sage? Explain that to me, O All-seeing One."
116.
Know the sage thus too, Todeyya, owning nothing, unattached to sensual pleasure and existence."
The Questions of the Student Todeyya, the ninth.
10.
The Questions of the Student Kappa
117.
"When a flood has arisen, a great peril;
For those overcome by aging and death, tell me an island, friend;
And you explain to me an island, so that this might not occur again."
118.
"When a flood has arisen, a great peril;
To those overcome by aging and death, I tell you, Kappa, of an island.
119.
I call it Nibbāna, the utter destruction of aging and death.
120.
They are not under Māra's sway, they are not Māra's followers."
The Questions of the Student Kappa, the tenth.
11.
The Questions of Jatukaṇṇi
121.
"I have come to question the one who has gone beyond the flood;
Tell me of the peaceful state, O Vision-Born One, tell me that as it really is, Blessed One.
122.
O one of vast wisdom, to me of little wisdom, teach the Teaching that I should cognize;
The abandoning of birth and aging here."
123.
Seeing security in renunciation;
Let there be nothing for you, either grasped or rejected.
124.
If you do not grasp at what is in between, you will live at peace.
125.
No taints are found in him by which he would fall under Death's control."
The Questions of Jatukaṇṇi, the eleventh.
12.
The Questions of Bhadrāvudha
126.
"Who has abandoned delight, crossed the flood, liberated;
Having abandoned the aeon, I beseech the wise one, having heard the arahant, they will depart from here.
127.
Awaiting your word, O hero;
Please explain well to them, for this Teaching is understood by you."
128.
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Whatever they grasp at in the world, by that very thing Māra pursues a being.
129.
Seeing these beings attached to grasping, stuck in the realm of Death.
The Questions of the Student Bhadrāvudha, the Twelfth.
13.
The Questions of the Student Udaya
130.
Who has done what had to be done, taintless;
Gone beyond all states, I have come with a question;
Tell me about the deliverance of final knowledge, the breaking up of ignorance."
131.
And of both kinds of displeasure;
The dispelling of sloth, and the warding off of remorse.
132.
I declare the deliverance of final knowledge, the breaking up of ignorance."
133.
By the abandoning of what, is it called Nibbāna?"
134.
By the abandoning of craving, it is called Nibbāna."
135.
Having come to question the Blessed One, we will listen to your words."
136.
Living thus mindfully, consciousness ceases."
The Questions of the Youth Udaya, the thirteenth.
14.
The Questions of the Youth Posāla
137.
Unstirred, with doubts cut off;
Gone beyond all states, I have come with a question.
138.
For one who sees that there is nothing at all internally and externally;
I ask you about their knowledge, how should such a one be guided."
139.
The Truth Finder;
Knows this one who stands, liberated, with that as destination.
140.
Having understood this through direct knowledge, one then sees with insight into that;
This is the actual knowledge of that accomplished brahmin."
The Fourteenth Question of the Young Man Posāla.
15.
Question of the Young Man Mogharāja
141.
"But the One with Vision did not explain to me;
I have heard that when asked for the third time, the divine sage explains.
142.
Does not know your view, of the glorious Gotama.
143.
How should one look upon the world, so that the King of Death does not see?"
144.
Uprooting the view of self, thus one may cross beyond death;
One who looks upon the world in this way, the King of Death does not see."
The Questions of the Young Man Mogharāja, the fifteenth.
16.
The Questions of the Young Man Piṅgiya
145.
My eyes are not clear, hearing is not comfortable;
Let me not perish confused in between, teach me the Teaching that I should cognize;
The abandoning of birth and aging here."
146.
People who are negligent are afflicted in forms;
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent, abandon form for no renewed existence."
147.
There is nothing in the world unseen, unheard, unsensed, or uncognized by you;
Teach me the Teaching that I should cognize, the abandoning of birth and aging here."
148.
Born to torment, overcome by aging;
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent, abandon craving for no renewed existence."
The Questions of the Student Piṅgiya, the Sixteenth.
17.
Verses in Praise of the Way to the Beyond
This is what the Blessed One said while dwelling among the Magadhans at the Pāsāṇaka shrine, when questioned again and again by the sixteen brahmin attendants, he answered their questions. If one were to understand the meaning and the Teaching of even a single question and practise in accordance with the Teaching, one would surely go to the far shore of aging and death. "These teachings are for going to the far shore" - therefore this exposition of the Teaching is designated as 'The Way to the Beyond'.
149.
Dhotaka and Upasīva, Nanda and then Hemaka.
150.
Bhadrāvudha and Udaya, and also the brahmin Posāla;
And Mogharāja the intelligent one, and Piṅgiya the great sage.
151.
Asking subtle questions, they approached the supreme Buddha.
152.
By answering their questions, the sage satisfied the brahmins.
153.
Lived the holy life in the presence of one with excellent wisdom.
154.
One who would practise thus, would go from the near shore to the far shore.
155.
That path leads to the far shore, therefore it is called the Way to the Beyond.
18.
Verses of Recitation on the Way to the Beyond
156.
As he saw, so he declared, the stainless one of vast wisdom;
Free from sensual desire, without defilements, a dragon - for what reason would he speak falsely?
157.
Come, I shall proclaim speech endowed with praise.
158.
Taintless, abandoned all suffering, called truth, O Brahmā, he is honored by me.
159.
Thus I, having abandoned those of little vision, have reached the great ocean like a swan.
160.
'Thus it was, thus it will be';
All that was hearsay, all that increased reasoning.
161.
Gotama of vast knowledge, Gotama of vast wisdom.
162.
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere."
163.
From Gotama of vast knowledge, from Gotama of vast wisdom.
164.
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere."
165.
From Gotama of vast knowledge, from Gotama of vast wisdom.
166.
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere.
167.
Paying homage I spend the night, thus I think there is no separation.
168.
Do not turn me away from Gotama's Dispensation;
Whatever direction the one of vast wisdom goes, I am inclined in that very direction.
169.
I always go in thought, for my mind, brahmin, is joined to that.
170.
Then I saw the Enlightened One, crossed over the floods, taintless.
171.
Even so you too release faith, you will go, Piṅgiya, to the far shore of Death's realm."
172.
The Enlightened One with veil removed, free from barrenness, discerning.
173.
The Teacher is the end-maker of questions for those who acknowledge their perplexity.
174.
Surely I will go, I have no doubt about this, thus consider me one of resolute mind."
The Verses of Recitation on the Way to the Beyond are concluded.
Exposition of the Chapter on the Way to the Beyond
1.
Exposition of the Questions of the Young Man Ajita
1.
"By what does it not shine?
What do you say is the smearing, what is his great fear?"
By what is the world enveloped? 'World' means: the world of hell, the animal world, the domain of ghosts, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of sense bases, this world, the other world, the brahmā world, the world of deities - this is called world. By what is this world enveloped, enclosed, obstructed, concealed, hidden, covered - by what is the world enveloped?
[said Venerable Ajita] Thus is the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence thus. 'Venerable' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation venerable. 'Ajita' is that brahmin's name, term, designation, description, expression, name, naming, denomination, language, phrasing, manner of speaking - said Venerable Ajita.
"By what does it not shine" means: by what does the world not shine, not glow, not radiate, not illuminate, not become known, not appear - by what does it not shine.
"What do you say is the smearing" means what is the world's smearing, sticking, bondage, defilement. By what is the world smeared, besmeared, defiled, corrupted, stained, tainted, attached, stuck, hindered - you say, point out, show, make known, establish, reveal, analyse, make plain, manifest - what do you say is the smearing.
"What is his great fear" means what is the world's fear, great fear, oppression, hurting, calamity, trouble - what is his great fear. Therefore that brahmin said -
"By what does it not shine?
What do you say is the smearing, what is his great fear?"
2.
Through stinginess and negligence it does not shine;
I say that craving is the smearing, suffering is his great fear.
The world is enveloped by ignorance. 'Ignorance' means: not knowing about suffering, not knowing about the origin of suffering, not knowing about the cessation of suffering, not knowing about the way leading to the cessation of suffering, not knowing about the past, not knowing about the future, not knowing about both past and future, not knowing about specific conditionality and dependently arisen states, that which is non-seeing, non-breakthrough, non-awakening, non-enlightenment, non-penetration, non-embracing, non-plunging into, non-considering, non-reviewing, non-reviewing action, dullness, foolishness, lack of clear comprehension, delusion, confusion, bewilderment, ignorance, flood of ignorance, bond of ignorance, underlying tendency to ignorance, obsession with ignorance, barrier of ignorance, delusion, unwholesome root, this is called - ignorance.
'World' means: the world of hell, the animal world, the domain of ghosts, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of sense bases, this world, the other world, the brahmā world, the world of deities - this is called world. This world is enveloped, enclosed, obstructed, concealed, hidden, covered by this ignorance - the world is enveloped by ignorance.
The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Ajita. "Blessed One" is a designation of reverence. Moreover, the Blessed One has destroyed lust; the Blessed One has destroyed hatred; the Blessed One has destroyed delusion; the Blessed One has destroyed conceit; the Blessed One has destroyed views; the Blessed One has destroyed thorns; the Blessed One has destroyed defilements; the Blessed One has divided, analysed and classified the jewel of the Teaching; the Blessed One has made an end of existences; the Blessed One has a developed body, developed virtuous behaviour, developed mind, developed wisdom; the Blessed One resorted to remote lodgings in forests and woodland thickets that are quiet, with little noise, far from the crowds, secluded from people, and suitable for meditation; the Blessed One is one who partakes of robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicinal requisites; the Blessed One is one who partakes of the taste of the goal, the taste of the Teaching, the taste of liberation, of higher virtuous behaviour, of higher mind, of higher wisdom; the Blessed One is one who partakes of the four meditative absorptions, the four measureless states, the four formless attainments; the Blessed One is one who partakes of the eight deliverances, the eight bases for transcendence, the nine progressive attainments; the Blessed One is one who partakes of the ten perceptions developments, the kasiṇa attainments, the concentration of mindfulness of breathing, the attainment of foulness; the Blessed One is one who partakes of the four establishments of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path; the Blessed One is one who partakes of the ten powers of the Truth Finder, the four grounds of self-confidence, the four analytical knowledges, the six direct knowledges, the six qualities of the Enlightened One; "Blessed One" - this name was not made by mother, not made by father, not made by brother, not made by sister, not made by friends and companions, not made by relatives and blood relations, not made by ascetics and brahmins, not made by deities. This is the final liberation, the designation realized by the Blessed Ones, the Buddhas, together with the attainment of omniscient knowledge at the foot of the Bodhi tree, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Ajita.
Through stinginess and negligence it does not shine. Five kinds of selfishness are called stinginess - selfishness regarding dwellings, selfishness regarding families, selfishness regarding gains, selfishness regarding praise, selfishness regarding the Teaching. Whatever selfishness, being selfish, state of being selfish, stinginess, meanness, tight-fistedness, state of not giving up in the mind - this is called selfishness. Moreover, selfishness regarding aggregates is selfishness, selfishness regarding elements is selfishness, selfishness regarding sense bases is selfishness, grasping is called selfishness. Negligence should be explained - regarding bodily misconduct or verbal misconduct or mental misconduct or regarding the five cords of sensual pleasure, the relinquishing of mind or non-production of relinquishment or regarding development of wholesome states, doing without thoroughness, doing without perseverance, doing without stability, behaviour of sluggishness, giving up desire, giving up responsibility, non-cultivation, non-development, not making much of, non-decision, non-pursuit is negligence. Whatever negligence of such kind, being negligent, state of being negligent - this is called negligence. "Through stinginess and negligence it does not shine" means: through this selfishness and this negligence the world does not shine, not glow, not radiate, not illuminate, not become known, not appear - through stinginess and negligence it does not shine.
"I say that craving is the smearing" means: muttering is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation, inclination, compliance, delight, passionate delight, the mind's infatuation, wish, confusion, clamp, greed, intense greed, attachment, mud, stirring, deceit, producer, reproducer, sewer, net, stream, entanglement, thread, diffusion, accumulator, partner, wish, conduit to existence, wood, jungle, connection, affection, longing, bondage, hope, hoping, state of hoping, hope for forms, hope for sounds, hope for odours, hope for tastes, hope for tactile objects, hope for gain, hope for wealth, hope for children, hope for life, muttering, mumbling, murmuring, state of muttering, state of greed, greediness, state of greediness, fawning, desire for approval, unrighteous lust, unrighteous greed, yearning, desire, longing, envying, intense longing, craving for sensual pleasure, craving for existence, craving for non-existence, craving for form, craving for the formless, craving for cessation, craving for forms, craving for sounds, craving for odours, craving for tastes, craving for tactile objects, craving for mind-objects, flood, bondage, knot, clinging, obstruction, hindrance, covering, imprisonment, corruption, underlying tendency, obsession, creeper, avarice, root of suffering, source of suffering, production of suffering, Māra's snare, Māra's hook, Māra's bait, Māra's domain, Māra's dwelling, Māra's range, Māra's bondage, river of craving, net of craving, leash of craving, ocean of craving, covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome - this is called muttering. The world's smearing, sticking, bondage, defilement - by this muttering the world is smeared, besmeared, defiled, corrupted, stained, tainted, attached, stuck, hindered - I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - I declare muttering to be the smearing.
Suffering is his great fear. Suffering means: the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of illness, the suffering of death, the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair, the suffering in hell, the suffering in the animal realm, the suffering in the domain of ghosts, human suffering, suffering rooted in descent into the womb, suffering rooted in remaining in the womb, suffering rooted in emergence from the womb, suffering connected with birth, suffering of the born through others, suffering due to one's own exertion, suffering due to others' exertion, suffering of formations, suffering due to change, eye disease, ear disease, nose disease, tongue disease, body disease, head disease, ear disease, mouth disease, tooth disease, cough, asthma, catarrh, fever, old age, stomach ache, fainting, dysentery, gripes, cholera, leprosy, boils, eczema, consumption, epilepsy, ringworm, itch, scab, nail-scratch, scabies, blood and bile, diabetes, hemorrhoids, pustules, fistula, bile-originated afflictions, phlegm-originated afflictions, wind-originated afflictions, combined afflictions, afflictions produced by change of climate, afflictions produced by careless behaviour, afflictions due to exertion, afflictions resulting from kamma, cold, heat, hunger, thirst, excrement, urine, suffering from contact with flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and reptiles, suffering from mother's death, suffering from father's death, suffering from brother's death, suffering from sister's death, suffering from son's death, suffering from daughter's death, suffering from disaster to relatives, suffering from disaster through disease, suffering from disaster to wealth, suffering from disaster to virtue, suffering from disaster to views, suffering of those states whose arising from the beginning is evident. From their disappearance, cessation is evident. Result is dependent on action. Action is dependent on result, form is dependent on name, name is dependent on form, followed by birth, pursued by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, established in suffering, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless - this is called suffering. This suffering is the world's fear, great fear, oppression, hurting, calamity, trouble - suffering is his great fear. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Through stinginess and negligence it does not shine;
I say that craving is the smearing, suffering is his great fear."
3.
What is the restraint of the streams;
Tell me the restraint of the streams, by what are the streams blocked.
The streams flow everywhere. Streams means: the stream of craving, the stream of views, the stream of defilements, the stream of misconduct, the stream of ignorance. Everywhere means: in all sense bases. Flow means: they flow, pour, stream, proceed. From the eye they flow, pour, stream, proceed towards forms. From the ear towards sounds...etc... From the nose towards odours... From the tongue towards tastes... From the body towards tactile objects... From the mind towards mind-objects they flow, pour, stream, proceed. From the eye craving for forms flows, pours, streams, proceeds. From the ear craving for sounds flows, pours, streams, proceeds. From the nose craving for odours flows... From the tongue craving for tastes flows... From the body craving for tactile objects flows... From the mind craving for mind-objects flows, pours, streams, proceeds - The streams flow everywhere.
[said Venerable Ajita] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms thus...etc... said Venerable Ajita.
"What is the restraint of the streams" means: what is the obstruction, hindrance, restraint, protection, guarding of the streams - what is the restraint of the streams.
"Tell me the restraint of the streams" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the obstruction, hindrance, restraint, protection, guarding of the streams - tell me the restraint of the streams.
"By what are the streams blocked" means: by what are the streams blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed - by what are the streams blocked. Therefore that brahmin said -
What is the restraint of the streams;
Tell me the restraint of the streams, by what are the streams blocked?"
4.
Mindfulness is their restraint;
I tell you the restraint of the streams, by wisdom these are blocked.
Whatever streams there are in the world means: those streams that have been proclaimed, declared, explained, taught, established, revealed, analysed, elucidated, made manifest by me, that is: the stream of craving, the stream of views, the stream of defilements, the stream of misconduct, the stream of ignorance. In the world: in the world of misery, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of bases - whatever streams there are in the world. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Ajita.
Mindfulness is their restraint means. Mindfulness means that which is mindfulness, recollection, remembrance, mindfulness, state of remembering, bearing in mind, not floating away, not forgetting, mindfulness, faculty of mindfulness, power of mindfulness, right mindfulness, mindfulness as enlightenment factor, one-way path - this is called mindfulness. Restraint means obstruction, hindrance, restraint, protection, guarding - mindfulness is their restraint.
"I tell you the restraint of the streams" means: I tell, explain the obstruction, hindrance, restraint, protection, guarding of the streams...etc... clarify, make manifest - I tell you the restraint of the streams.
By wisdom these are blocked. Wisdom means that which is wisdom, understanding...etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. By wisdom these are blocked - by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. For one who knows and sees 'All formations are impermanent', by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. For one who knows and sees 'All formations are suffering', by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. For one who knows and sees 'All formations are non-self', by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. For one who knows and sees 'With ignorance as condition, formations arise', by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. "With formations as condition, consciousness"...etc... "With consciousness as condition, name-and-form"... "With name-and-form as condition, the six sense bases"... "With the six sense bases as condition, contact"... "With contact as condition, feeling"... "With feeling as condition, craving"... "With craving as condition, clinging"... "With clinging as condition, existence"... "With existence as condition, birth"... For one who knows and sees "With birth as condition, aging-and-death", by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. "With the cessation of ignorance there is cessation of formations"... "With the cessation of formations there is cessation of consciousness"... "With the cessation of consciousness there is cessation of name-and-form"... "With the cessation of name-and-form there is cessation of the six sense bases"... "With the cessation of the six sense bases there is cessation of contact"... "With the cessation of contact there is cessation of feeling"... "With the cessation of feeling there is cessation of craving"... "With the cessation of craving there is cessation of clinging"... "With the cessation of clinging there is cessation of existence"... "With the cessation of existence there is cessation of birth"... For one who knows and sees "With the cessation of birth there is cessation of aging-and-death", by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. "This is suffering"...etc... "This is the origin of suffering"... "This is the cessation of suffering"... For one who knows and sees "This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering", by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. "These are the taints"...etc... "This is the origin of the taints"... "This is the cessation of the taints"... For one who knows and sees "This is the way leading to the cessation of the taints", by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. "These things should be directly known"...etc... "These things should be fully understood"... "These things should be abandoned"... "These things should be developed"... For one who knows and sees "These things should be realized", by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. For one who knows and sees the origin, disappearance, gratification, danger, and escape regarding the six bases of contact, by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed. For one who knows and sees the origin, disappearance, gratification, danger, and escape regarding the five aggregates of clinging... For one who knows and sees the origin, disappearance, gratification, danger, and escape regarding the four great elements... For one who knows and sees 'Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease', by wisdom these streams are blocked, cut off, do not flow, do not leak, do not stream, do not proceed - by wisdom these are blocked. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Mindfulness is their restraint;
I tell you the restraint of the streams, by wisdom these are blocked."
5.
And name-and-form, friend;
Being asked this, tell me where this ceases.
Both wisdom and mindfulness. Wisdom means that which is wisdom, understanding, investigation, full investigation, investigation-of-states, observation, noting, repeated noting, sagacity, skillfulness, discrimination, analysis, reflection, close examination, breadth of wisdom, intelligence, guidance, insight, clear comprehension, a goad, wisdom, faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, sword of wisdom, tower of wisdom, light of wisdom, radiance of wisdom, lamp of wisdom, jewel of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. Mindfulness means that which is mindfulness, recollection... etc... right mindfulness - "Both wisdom and mindfulness," said Venerable Ajita.
And name-and-form, friend. Name means: the four formless aggregates. Form means: the four great elements and the form derived from the four great elements. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - and name-and-form, friend.
Tell me this when asked. To me this means: what I ask, what I request, what I beg, what I seek confidence in. When asked means: questioned, requested, begged, sought confidence in. Tell means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - tell me this when asked.
"Where does this cease" means: where does this cease, subside, disappear, become tranquil. Where does this cease. Therefore that brahmin said -
And name-and-form, friend;
Being asked thus, tell me where this ceases."
6.
Where name and form cease without remainder;
With the cessation of consciousness, all this ceases here.
The question that you asked. That means: wisdom and mindfulness and name-and-form. Asked means: you asked, requested, begged, made confident - the question that you asked.
Ajita, I will tell you that. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Ajita. That means: wisdom and mindfulness and name-and-form. I tell means: I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest. Ajita, I will tell you that.
Where name and form cease without remainder means: name is the four formless aggregates. Form means: the four great elements and the form derived from the four great elements. Without remainder means: this is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder. Ceases means: ceases, subsides, disappears, becomes tranquil. Where name and form cease without remainder.
With the cessation of consciousness, all this ceases here means: with the cessation of volitional consciousness through the knowledge of stream-entry, except for seven existences, whatever name and form would have arisen in the round of rebirths without discernible beginning, these cease here, subside, disappear, become tranquil. With the cessation of volitional consciousness through the knowledge of once-returner path, except for two existences, whatever name and form would have arisen in five existences, these cease here, subside, disappear, become tranquil. With the cessation of volitional consciousness through the knowledge of non-returner path, except for one existence in the form-sphere or formless-sphere, whatever name and form would have arisen, these cease here, subside, disappear, become tranquil. With the cessation of volitional consciousness through the knowledge of Arahantship path, whatever name and form would have arisen, these cease here, subside, disappear, become tranquil. For the Worthy One attaining final Nibbāna with no residue remaining, with the cessation of final consciousness, wisdom and mindfulness and name and form, these cease here, subside, disappear, become tranquil - with the cessation of consciousness, all this ceases here.
Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Where name and form cease without remainder;
With the cessation of consciousness, all this ceases here."
7.
Being alert to their conduct, tell me when asked, friend.
Those who have fully understood the states means: the arahants with taints destroyed are called those who have fully understood the states. Why are the arahants with taints destroyed called those who have fully understood the states? They have fully understood the states, known the states, weighed the states, judged the states, made clear the states, understood the states. "All formations are impermanent" - they have fully understood the states, known the states, weighed the states, judged the states, made clear the states, understood the states. "All formations are suffering" - they have fully understood the states... etc... "All phenomena are non-self" - they have fully understood the states... "With ignorance as condition, formations arise" - they have fully understood the states... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" - they have fully understood the states, known the states, weighed the states, judged the states, made clear the states, understood the states. Or their aggregates are fully understood, elements are fully understood, bases are fully understood, destinations are fully understood, rebirths are fully understood, reconnection is fully understood, existences are fully understood, rounds of rebirths are fully understood, rounds are fully understood. Or they are standing still at the end of aggregates, standing still at the end of elements, standing still at the end of bases, standing still at the end of destinations, standing still at the end of rebirth, standing still at the end of reconnection, standing still at the end of existence, standing still at the end of the round of rebirths, standing still at the end of the round, standing still in the final existence, standing still in the final body, the arahants bearing the final body.
The round of birth and death, for them there is no renewed existence.
For that reason the arahants with taints destroyed are called those who have fully understood the states. Those who have fully understood the states, and the many trainees here. Trainees: why are they called trainees? They are trainees because they train. And what do they train in? They train in higher virtuous behaviour, higher mind, and higher wisdom. What is training in higher virtuous behaviour? Here, a monk is virtuous, dwells restrained by the restraint of the code of monastic rules, possessed of proper conduct and resort, seeing danger in the slightest faults, trains in the training rules he has undertaken. The small aggregate of virtuous behaviour, the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, virtue as support, beginning, conduct, self-control, restraint, gateway, foremost for the attainment of wholesome states - this is the training in higher virtuous behaviour.
What is the training in higher mind? Here a monk, quite secluded from sensual pleasures... etc... first meditative absorption... second meditative absorption... third meditative absorption... enters and dwells in the fourth meditative absorption - this is the training in higher mind.
What is the training in higher wisdom? Here a monk is wise, endowed with the wisdom that sees the rise and fall of phenomena, which is noble and penetrative, leading to the complete destruction of suffering. He understands as it really is "This is suffering", "This is the origin of suffering"... etc... "This is the cessation of suffering"... "This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering" he understands as it really is. "These are the taints"... etc... "This is the origin of the taints"... "This is the cessation of the taints"... "This is the way leading to the cessation of the taints" he understands as it really is. "This is the training in higher wisdom"... they train while reflecting on these three trainings, train while knowing, train while seeing, train while resolving the mind, train while being intent through faith, train while rousing energy, train while establishing mindfulness, train while concentrating the mind, train while understanding with wisdom, train while directly knowing what should be directly known, train while fully understanding what should be fully understood, train while abandoning what should be abandoned, train while developing what should be developed, train while realising what should be realised - they practise, conduct themselves, and proceed having undertaken them. For that reason they are called - trainees. Diverse means many. These trainees are stream-enterers and those practising for it, once-returners and those practising for it, non-returners and those practising for it, and arahants and those practising for it. Here means: in this view, in this conviction, in this personal preference, in this belief, in this Teaching, in this discipline, in this Teaching and discipline, in this doctrine, in this holy life, in this Teacher's Dispensation, in this individual existence, in this human world - and the many trainees here.
Being alert to their conduct, tell me when asked, friend means: you too are alert, wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, astute. The conduct, behavior, mode of moving, deportment, practice, range, dwelling, way of those who have fully understood the states and of the trainees. When asked means: questioned, requested, begged, sought confidence in. Tell means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - being alert to their conduct, tell me when asked, friend. Therefore that brahmin said -
"Being alert to their conduct, tell me when asked, friend."
8.
Skilled in all states, a mindful monk should wander forth.
One should not be greedy for sensual pleasures means: "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure. What are the objects of sensual pleasure? Agreeable forms, agreeable sounds, agreeable odours, agreeable tastes, agreeable tactile objects, spreads, coverlets, male and female slaves, goats and sheep, fowl and pigs, elephants, cattle, horses and mares, fields, property, gold, money, villages, towns, royal cities, the country and provinces, the treasury and storehouses - whatever is an enticing object are objects of sensual pleasure.
Moreover, there are past sensual pleasures, future sensual pleasures, present sensual pleasures, internal sensual pleasures, external sensual pleasures, both internal and external sensual pleasures, low sensual pleasures, middling sensual pleasures, sublime sensual pleasures, sensual pleasures of the planes of misery, human sensual pleasures, divine sensual pleasures, present sensual pleasures, created sensual pleasures, sensual pleasures created by others, possessed sensual pleasures, unpossessed sensual pleasures, cherished sensual pleasures, uncherished sensual pleasures, all mind-objects of the sense-sphere, all mind-objects of the form-sphere, all mind-objects of the formless-sphere, which are objects of craving, bases for craving, in the sense of being desirable, in the sense of being lustful, in the sense of being intoxicating, in the sense of being delightful, are sensual pleasures. These are called objective sensual pleasures.
What are defiling sensual pleasures? Desire is sensual pleasure, lust is sensual pleasure, desire and lust is sensual pleasure; intention is sensual pleasure, lust is sensual pleasure, lustful intention is sensual pleasure; that which in sensual pleasures is sensual desire, lust for sensual pleasures, delight in sensual pleasures, craving for sensual pleasures, affection for sensual pleasures, thirst for sensual pleasures, passion for sensual pleasures, greed for sensual pleasures, infatuation with sensual pleasures, clinging to sensual pleasures, flood of sensual pleasures, bondage of sensual pleasures, clinging to sensual pleasures, hindrance of sensual desire -
I shall not intend you, thus you shall not be.
These are called defiling sensual pleasures. Greed is called craving, that which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. "One should not be greedy for sensual pleasures" means: one should not be greedy, should not be bound by defiling sensual pleasures regarding objective sensual pleasures, should be without greed, not tied to it, not infatuated, not blindly absorbed, free from greed, with greed gone, having given up greed, having vomited greed, having released greed, having abandoned greed, having relinquished greed, free from lust, with lust gone, having given up lust, having vomited lust, having released lust, having abandoned lust, having relinquished lust, without hunger, quenched, become cool, experiencing pleasure, should dwell with a self become divine - one should not be greedy for sensual pleasures.
"One should be mentally undefiled" means. "Mind" is that which is mind, mentality, heart, the white, mind, mind base, mind faculty, consciousness, consciousness aggregate, the corresponding mind-consciousness element. Through bodily misconduct the mind becomes turbid, stirred up, agitated, disturbed, shaken, confused, unsettled. From misconduct of speech...etc... from misconduct of mind... from lust... from hatred... from delusion... from anger... from resentment... from contempt... from insolence... of envy... from miserliness... of deceit... from fraud... from obstinacy... from rivalry... from conceit... from arrogance... from vanity... from negligence... from all defilements... from all misconduct... from all burnings... from all passion... from all disturbance... from all unwholesome volitional formations the mind becomes turbid, stirred up, agitated, disturbed, shaken, confused, unsettled. "One should be mentally undefiled" means one should be undefiled in mind - unstirred, unagitated, undisturbed, unshaken, unconfused, settled, one should abandon, give up, dispel, terminate, obliterate the defilements that cause turbidity, and should be aloof, abstained, refrained, gone forth, detached, freed, released, dwelling with a mind made unlimited from the defilements that cause turbidity - one should be mentally undefiled.
"Skilled in all states" means skilled in all states as "All formations are impermanent", skilled in all states as "All formations are suffering", skilled in all states as "All phenomena are non-self", skilled in all states as "With ignorance as condition, formations arise"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" - skilled in all states. Thus too one is skilled in all states.
Or else, skilled in all states as impermanent, as suffering...etc... as a disease... as a tumour... as a dart... as misery... as an affliction... as alien... as disintegrating... as a calamity... as a disaster... as a peril... as a trouble... as shaky... as breaking up... as unstable... as no protection... as no shelter... as no refuge... as become refugeless... as void... as hollow... as empty... as non-self... as a danger... as subject to change... as without substance... as a root of misery... as murderous... as due to be exterminated... as tainted... as conditioned... as Māra's bait... as subject to birth... as subject to aging... as subject to illness... as subject to death... as subject to sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair... as subject to defilement... as having an origin... as subject to disappearance... as gratification... as a danger... as escape, one is skilled in all states. Thus too one is skilled in all states.
Or else, one is skilled in aggregates, skilled in elements, skilled in sense bases, skilled in dependent origination, skilled in foundations of mindfulness, skilled in right strivings, skilled in bases for spiritual power, skilled in faculties, skilled in powers, skilled in enlightenment factors, skilled in the path, skilled in fruition, skilled in Nibbāna. Thus too one is skilled in all states.
Or else, all states means the twelve bases - The eye and forms, the ear and sounds, the nose and odours, the tongue and tastes, the body and tactile objects, and the mind and mental phenomena. When desire and lust for the internal and external bases are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising, to this extent one is skilled in all states - skilled in all states.
A mindful monk should wander forth. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body, one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating feelings in feelings, one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating mind in mind, one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating mind-objects in mind-objects.
By four other ways one is mindful - one is mindful by avoiding unmindfulness, one is mindful by doing what should be done with mindfulness, one is mindful by destroying states that are obstacles to mindfulness, one is mindful by not forgetting the signs of mindfulness.
By four other ways one is mindful - one is mindful by being endowed with mindfulness, one is mindful by mastery of mindfulness, one is mindful by being endowed with proficiency in mindfulness, one is mindful by not falling away from mindfulness.
By four other ways one is mindful - one is mindful by being endowed with mindfulness, one is mindful by being peaceful, one is mindful by being calmed, one is mindful by being endowed with peaceful states. One is mindful by recollection of the Buddha, one is mindful by recollection of the Teaching, one is mindful by recollection of the Community, one is mindful by recollection of virtue, one is mindful by recollection of generosity, one is mindful by recollection of deities, one is mindful by mindfulness of breathing, one is mindful by mindfulness of death, one is mindful by mindfulness directed to the body, one is mindful by recollection of peace. That which is mindfulness, recollection... etc... right mindfulness, mindfulness as enlightenment factor, one-way path - this is called mindfulness. One who is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this mindfulness is called mindful. A monk means one who has broken seven things - identity view is broken, doubt is broken, adherence to rules and observances is broken, lust is broken, hatred is broken, delusion is broken, conceit is broken. Evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future are broken.
Gone to final Nibbāna, gone beyond perplexity;
Having abandoned both non-being and being, that monk has lived the life and destroyed renewed existence.
A mindful monk should wander forth means a mindful monk should wander forth, should go mindfully, should stand mindfully, should sit mindfully, should lie down mindfully, should go forward mindfully, should go back mindfully, should look ahead mindfully, should look around mindfully, should bend mindfully, should stretch mindfully, should wear the outer robe, bowl and robes mindfully, should walk mindfully, should dwell mindfully, should behave mindfully, should continue mindfully, should guard mindfully, should maintain mindfully, should sustain mindfully - a mindful monk should wander forth. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Skilled in all states, a mindful monk should wander forth."
Together with the conclusion of the verse, in those many thousands of living beings who were of one intention, one purpose, one aim, one inclination with the brahmin, there arose the spotless, stainless eye of the Teaching: "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease." That brahmin's mind was liberated from the taints through not clinging. Together with the attainment of Arahantship, his antelope hide, matted hair, bark-garment, triple staff, water-pot, hair and beard disappeared, and he was seated wearing a shaven head and yellow robes, with bowl and outer robe, showing proper practice with reverential salutation, paying homage to the Blessed One - "The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple".
The Exposition of the Questions of the Young Man Ajita is first.
2.
The Explanation of the Questions of Tissa Metteyya the Student
9.
For whom are there no perturbations;
Who, having direct knowledge of both ends, with wisdom clings not to the middle;
Whom do you declare to be a great man, who here has gone beyond the seamstress?"
"Who in the world is contented": who in the world is satisfied, content, delighted, fulfilled in intention - who in the world is contented.
[said the Venerable Tissa Metteyya] Thus is the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence - thus. 'Venerable' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation - venerable. 'Tissa' is that brahmin's name, term, designation, description, expression, name, naming, denomination, language, phrasing, manner of speaking. 'Metteyya' is that brahmin's clan name, term, designation, description, expression - said the Venerable Tissa Metteyya.
For whom are there no perturbations means perturbation of craving, perturbation of views, perturbation of conceit, perturbation of defilements, perturbation of sensual pleasure. For whom do these perturbations not exist, are not found, are not seen, are not obtained, are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - for whom are there no perturbations.
Who having direct knowledge of both ends means: who having direct knowledge of both ends, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - who having direct knowledge of both ends.
With wisdom clings not to the middle means: with wisdom does not cling to the middle, unattached, unstuck, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - with wisdom clings not to the middle.
"Whom do you declare to be a great man" means: a great man, foremost person, best person, most excellent person, chief person, highest person, prominent person, supreme person. "Whom do you declare" means: whom do you tell, whom do you conceive, whom do you say, whom do you see, whom do you express - whom do you declare to be a great man.
"Who here has gone beyond the seamstress" means: who here has gone beyond, transcended, crossed over, completely crossed over, passed beyond the seamstress that is craving - who here has gone beyond the seamstress. Therefore that brahmin said -
For whom are there no perturbations;
Who, having direct knowledge of both ends, with wisdom clings not to the middle;
Whom do you declare to be a great man, who here has gone beyond the seamstress?"
10.
Free from craving, always mindful;
The monk who is quenched through reckoning, for him there are no perturbations.
One who leads the holy life regarding sensual pleasures. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. The holy life is called abstaining, abstinence, refraining, avoidance, non-performance, non-doing, non-transgression, non-overstepping the limit from engaging in what is contrary to the true Teaching. Moreover, in the strict sense, the holy life is called the Noble Eightfold Path, namely - right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. One who is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this Noble Eightfold Path is called one who leads the holy life. Just as one is called wealthy through wealth, prosperous through prosperity, famous through fame, skilled through skill, virtuous through virtue, energetic through energy, wise through wisdom, knowledgeable through knowledge - even so one who is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this Noble Eightfold Path is called one who leads the holy life - one who leads the holy life regarding sensual pleasures.
The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by his clan name, Metteyya. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - "Metteyya" means the Blessed One.
Free from craving, always mindful means: Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. For whom this craving is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called free from craving, having given up craving, having vomited craving, having released craving, having abandoned craving, having relinquished craving, free from lust, having given up lust, having vomited lust, having released lust, having abandoned lust, having relinquished lust, without hunger, quenched, become cool, experiencing happiness, dwelling with a self become divine. Always means: always, at all times, all the time, perpetually, constantly, continuously, uninterruptedly, successively, repeatedly, like waves of water, without interval, in succession, connected, in contact, before the meal, after the meal, in the first watch, in the middle watch, in the last watch, in the dark fortnight, in the bright fortnight, in the rainy season, in winter, in summer, in the first stage of life, in the middle stage of life, in the last stage of life. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body, one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating feelings in feelings, one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating mind in mind, one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating mind-objects in mind-objects... etc... one is called mindful - free from craving, always mindful.
"The monk who is quenched through reckoning" - reckoning is called knowledge. That which is wisdom, understanding, investigation, full investigation...etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. Having reckoned means: having reckoned, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are impermanent" having reckoned, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are suffering"...etc... "All phenomena are non-self"... "With ignorance as condition, formations arise"... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having reckoned, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear.
Or else, having reckoned as impermanent, having known...etc... as suffering... as a disease... as a tumour... as a dart...etc... as escape having reckoned, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. Quenched means: quenched due to the quenching of lust, quenched due to the quenching of hatred, quenched due to the quenching of delusion, of anger... of resentment... of contempt... of insolence... of envy... of selfishness... of deceit... of fraud... of obstinacy... of rivalry... of conceit... of arrogance... of vanity... of negligence... of all defilements... of all misconduct... of all disturbance... of all passion... of all torments... quenched due to the quenching of all unwholesome volitional formations. A monk means one who has broken seven things...etc... that monk has lived the life and destroyed renewed existence - the monk who is quenched through reckoning.
For him there are no perturbations. His means of the Worthy One whose taints are destroyed. Perturbations means perturbation of craving, perturbation of views, perturbation of conceit, perturbation of defilements, perturbation of sensual pleasure. For him these perturbations do not exist, are not found, are not seen, are not obtained, are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - for him there are no perturbations. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Free from craving, always mindful;
The monk who is quenched through reckoning, for him there are no perturbations.
11.
I declare him to be a great man, he here has gone beyond the seamstress.
He, having direct knowledge of both ends, with wisdom clings not to the middle. Ends means: contact is one end, the origin of contact is the second end, the cessation of contact is in the middle; the past is one end, the future is the second end, the present is in the middle; pleasant feeling is one end, painful feeling is the second end, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling is in the middle; name is one end, form is the second end, consciousness is in the middle; the six internal sense bases are one end, the six external sense bases are the second end, consciousness is in the middle; identity is one end, the origin of identity is the second end, the cessation of identity is in the middle. Wisdom is called reflection, that which is wisdom, understanding...etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view.
Stains are two stains - clinging through craving and clinging through views. What is clinging through craving? Whatever is bounded, circumscribed, bordered, appropriated, and claimed as 'mine' through what is reckoned as craving - 'This is mine, that is mine, this much is mine, just this much is mine, my forms, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, spreads, coverlets, male and female slaves, goats and sheep, fowl and pigs, elephants, cattle, horses and mares, fields, property, gold, money, villages, towns, royal cities, the country and provinces, the treasury and storehouses.' One claims even the whole great earth as 'mine' through craving. As far as the one hundred and eight courses of craving - this is clinging through craving.
What is clinging through views? Identity view has twenty bases, wrong view has ten bases, view of extremes has ten bases, whatever view of this sort is going after views, a thicket of views, a wilderness of views, a contortion of views, a vacillation of views, a fetter of views, holding, grasping, adherence, wrong grasp, wrong path, wrong way, wrongness, sectarian base, distorted holding, inverted holding, perverted holding, wrong holding, holding what is not real to be real, as far as the sixty-two views - this is clinging through views.
He, having direct knowledge of both ends, with wisdom clings not to the middle means: he having direct knowledge of both ends and the middle with wisdom, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, does not cling, does not adhere, does not stick; unattached, unadhered, unstuck, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - He, having direct knowledge of both ends, with wisdom clings not to the middle.
I declare him to be a great man means: a great man, foremost person, best person, most excellent person, chief person, highest person, supreme person, I declare him, speak of him, utter of him, explain of him, express of him.
The Venerable Sāriputta said this to the Blessed One - "'Great man, great man,' Venerable Sir, it is said. To what extent, Venerable Sir, is one a great man?" "Because of a liberated mind, Sāriputta, I say 'great man', without a liberated mind, I say 'not a great man'.
"And how, Sāriputta, is one of liberated mind? Here, Sāriputta, a monk dwells contemplating the body in the body internally, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and displeasure regarding the world. As he dwells contemplating the body in the body, his mind becomes dispassionate and is liberated from the taints by not clinging. In feelings... etc... In mind... He dwells contemplating mind-objects in mind-objects, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and displeasure regarding the world. As he dwells contemplating mind-objects in mind-objects, his mind becomes dispassionate and is liberated from the taints by not clinging. This, Sāriputta, is how a monk is of liberated mind. Because of a liberated mind, Sāriputta, I say 'great man', without a liberated mind, I say 'not a great man'. I declare him to be a great man.
He here has gone beyond the seamstress means: seamstress means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome, for whom this seamstress that is craving is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge. He surpassed, went beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond the seamstress that is craving - he here has gone beyond the seamstress. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
I declare him to be a great man, he here has gone beyond the seamstress."
Together with the conclusion of the verse, in those many thousands of living beings who were of one intention, one purpose, one aim, one inclination with the brahmin, there arose the spotless, stainless eye of the Teaching: "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease." That brahmin's mind was liberated from the taints through not clinging. Together with the attainment of Arahantship, his antelope hide, matted hair, bark-garment, triple staff, water-pot, hair and beard disappeared. He was seated wearing a shaven head and yellow robes, with bowl and outer robe, showing proper practice with reverential salutation, paying homage to the Blessed One - "The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple".
The Explanation of the Questions of Tissa Metteyya the Student is concluded.
3.
The Explanation of The Questions of Puṇṇaka
12.
I have come with a question;
What do seers and humans rely on, nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
"To the unstirred one who sees the root" means: stirring is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome, that stirring, that craving in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is unstirred. Due to the abandonment of stirring, he is unstirred. The Blessed One does not move at gain, he does not move at loss, he does not move at fame, he does not move at obscurity, he does not move at praise, he does not move at blame, he does not move at pleasure, he does not move at pain, does not shake, does not quiver, does not quake - unstirred. One who sees the root means: the Blessed One sees the root, sees the cause, sees the source, sees the origination, sees the production, sees the genesis, sees the nutriment, sees the basis, sees the condition, sees the origin.
Three unwholesome roots - greed is an unwholesome root, hatred is an unwholesome root, delusion is an unwholesome root.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, there are these three sources for the arising of actions. What are the three? Greed is a source for the arising of actions, hatred is a source for the arising of actions, delusion is a source for the arising of actions. Monks, through actions born of greed, actions born of hatred, actions born of delusion, neither deities appear, nor human beings appear, nor any other good destinations. Rather, monks, through actions born of greed, actions born of hatred, actions born of delusion, hell appears, the animal realm appears, the domain of ghosts appears, or any other bad destinations for the generation of individual existence in hell, in the animal realm, in the domain of ghosts." The Blessed One knows and sees these three unwholesome roots. Thus too is the Blessed One a seer of roots...etc... a seer of origin. Three wholesome roots - non-greed is a wholesome root, non-hatred is a wholesome root, non-delusion is a wholesome root.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "These three...etc... Monks, through actions born of non-greed, actions born of non-hatred, actions born of non-delusion, hell does not appear, the animal realm does not appear, the domain of ghosts does not appear, nor any other bad destinations. Rather, monks, through actions born of non-greed, actions born of non-hatred, actions born of non-delusion, deities appear, human beings appear, and other good destinations for the generation of individual existence among deities and human beings." The Blessed One knows and sees these three wholesome roots. Thus too is the Blessed One a seer of roots...etc... a seer of origin.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Whatever states there are, monks, that are unwholesome, partaking of the unwholesome, belonging to the unwholesome - all of them are rooted in ignorance, converge upon ignorance, are uprooted through the uprooting of ignorance." The Blessed One knows and sees that all of them go to uprooting. Thus too is the Blessed One a seer of roots...etc... a seer of origin.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Whatever states there are, monks, that are wholesome, partaking of the wholesome, belonging to the wholesome - all of them are rooted in diligence, converge upon diligence. The Blessed One knows and sees that diligence is declared foremost among these states." Thus too is the Blessed One a seer of roots...etc... a seer of origin.
Moreover, the Blessed One knows and sees. "Ignorance is the root of formations, formations are the root of consciousness, consciousness is the root of name-and-form, name-and-form is the root of the sixfold base, the sixfold base is the root of contact, contact is the root of feeling, feeling is the root of craving, craving is the root of clinging, clinging is the root of existence, existence is the root of birth, birth is the root of aging-and-death" - the Blessed One knows and sees. Thus too is the Blessed One a seer of roots...etc... a seer of origin.
Moreover, the Blessed One knows and sees. "The eye is the root of eye diseases, the ear is the root of ear diseases, the nose is the root of nose diseases, the tongue is the root of tongue diseases, the body is the root of bodily diseases, the mind is the root of mental suffering" - the Blessed One knows and sees. Thus too is the Blessed One a seer of roots, a seer of causes, a seer of sources, a seer of origination, a seer of production, a seer of genesis, a seer of nutriment, a seer of basis, a seer of conditions, a seer of origin - unstirred, one who sees the root.
"Thus said Venerable Puṇṇaka" means: a conjunction of words...etc... the Venerable Puṇṇaka.
I have come with a question means: I have come wanting a question, I have come wanting to ask a question, I have come wanting to hear a question - thus too 'I have come with a question.' Or else, there could be coming, approaching, visiting, and attending of those wanting questions, wanting to ask questions, wanting to hear questions - thus too 'I have come with a question.' Or else, you have the coming of questions, you are capable, you are competent. To speak and answer what I ask, carry this burden - thus too 'I have come with a question.'
What do seers and humans rely on means: what do they rely on, depend on, adhere to, go to, are consumed by, are disposed to. Seers means: those who are called seers, whoever has gone forth into the life of a seer, Ājīvakas, Jains, matted-hair ascetics, and austere ones. Humans means: those who are called human beings - what do seers and humans rely on.
Nobles and brahmins of the deities. Nobles means: whoever is born into the noble class. Brahmins: whoever use the term of address "bho". Of the deities means: for disciples of Ājīvakas, Ājīvakas are deities; for disciples of Jains, Jains are deities; for disciples of matted-hair ascetics, matted-hair ascetics are deities; for disciples of wanderers, wanderers are deities; for disciples of non-conflicting ones, non-conflicting ones are deities; for those who follow elephant observances, elephants are deities; for those who follow horse observances, horses are deities; for those who follow cow observances, cows are deities; for those who follow dog observances, dogs are deities; for those who follow crow observances, crows are deities; for those who follow Vāsudeva observances, Vāsudeva is deity; for those who follow Baladeva observances, Baladeva is deity; for those who follow Puṇṇabhadda observances, Puṇṇabhadda is deity; for those who follow Maṇibhadda observances, Maṇibhadda is deity; for those who follow fire observances, fire is deity; for those who follow dragon observances, dragons are deities; for those who follow divine bird observances, divine birds are deities; for those who follow spirit observances, spirits are deities; for those who follow titan observances, titans are deities; for those who follow tree-deity observances, tree-deities are deities; for those who follow great king observances, great kings are deities; for those who follow moon observances, moon is deity; for those who follow sun observances, sun is deity; for those who follow Inda observances, Inda is deity; for those who follow brahmā observances, brahmā is deity; for those who follow deity observances, deity is deity; for those who follow direction observances, directions are deities; whoever are worthy of offerings for them, those are their deities - nobles and brahmins of the deities.
Who arranged sacrifices in this world means: sacrifice means what is to be given: the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink, clothing, transport, garlands, perfumes, ointments, beds, lodging, and lamps. Who arranged sacrifices means: those who seek, search and quest for a sacrifice of the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink, clothing, transport, garlands, perfumes, ointments, beds, lodging, and lamps, they too arrange a sacrifice. Those who form a sacrifice of the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps, they too arrange a sacrifice. Those who give, sacrifice, and relinquish a sacrifice of the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps, they too arrange a sacrifice. Diverse means: these sacrifices are diverse, these sacrificers are diverse, or these recipients are diverse. How are these sacrifices diverse? These are sacrifices for many: the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink, clothing, transport, garlands, perfumes, ointments, beds, lodging, and lamps - thus these sacrifices are diverse.
How are these sacrificers diverse? There are many sacrificers: nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciants, deities and human beings - thus these sacrificers are diverse.
How are these recipients diverse? There are many recipients: ascetics and brahmins, the poor, travellers, vagrants and beggars - thus these recipients are diverse. Here in the world means in the human world they arranged sacrifices - many in this world.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Question: there are three kinds of questions - questions to illuminate the unseen, questions to compare what is seen, questions to cut off uncertainty. What is a question to illuminate the unseen? When a characteristic is naturally unknown, unseen, unscrutinized, unexamined, unclear, undeveloped, one asks a question for the sake of knowledge, vision, scrutiny, examination, clarity and development - this is a question to illuminate the unseen.
What is a question to compare what is seen? When a characteristic is naturally known, seen, scrutinized, examined, clear, developed. One asks a question for the sake of comparing with other wise persons - this is a question to compare what is seen.
What is a question to cut off uncertainty? When one has naturally fallen into doubt, fallen into uncertainty, become confused - "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?"! One asks a question for the sake of cutting off uncertainty - this is a question to cut off uncertainty. These are the three questions.
There are another three questions - questions by humans, questions by non-humans, questions by created beings. What are questions by humans? Human beings approach the Blessed One, the Enlightened One, and ask questions, monks ask questions, nuns ask questions, male lay followers ask questions, female lay followers ask questions, kings ask questions, nobles ask questions, brahmins ask questions, merchants ask questions, workers ask questions, householders ask questions, renunciants ask questions - these are questions by humans.
What are questions by non-humans? Non-humans approach the Blessed One, the Enlightened One, and ask questions, dragons ask questions, divine birds ask questions, spirits ask questions, titans ask questions, tree-deities ask questions, great kings ask questions, Indras ask questions, brahmās ask questions, deities ask questions - these are questions by non-humans.
What are questions by created beings? When the Blessed One creates a mind-made form complete in all its parts and faculties, that created being approaches the Blessed One, the Enlightened One, and asks questions; the Blessed One answers - these are questions by created beings. These are the three questions.
There are another three questions - questions about one's own good, questions about another's good, questions about both's good. There are another three questions - questions about good pertaining to the present life, questions about good pertaining to the future life, questions about the highest good. There are another three questions - questions about the blameless good, questions about the good of defilements' removal, questions about cleansing. There are another three questions - questions about the past, questions about the future, questions about the present. There are another three questions - questions about the internal, questions about the external, questions about both internal and external. There are another three questions - questions about the wholesome, questions about the unwholesome, questions about the undeclared. There are another three questions - questions about aggregates, questions about elements, questions about bases. There are another three questions - questions about establishments of mindfulness, questions about right strivings, questions about bases for spiritual power. There are another three questions - questions about faculties, questions about powers, questions about enlightenment factors. There are another three questions - questions about the path, questions about fruition, questions about Nibbāna.
"I ask you" means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, I encourage you, "please tell me" - I ask you. "Blessed One" is this designation of reverence... the designation realized - namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Therefore that brahmin said -
I have come with a question;
What do seers and humans rely on, nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
13.
Nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, Puṇṇaka, hoping for this state of being;
Dependent on aging they arranged sacrifices.
Whatever seers and humans. "Whatever" is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - whatever. Seers means: those who are called seers, whoever has gone forth into the life of a seer, Ājīvakas, Jains, matted-hair ascetics, and austere ones. Humans means: those who are called human beings - "Whatever seers and humans," said the Blessed One to Puṇṇaka.
Nobles and brahmins of the deities. Nobles means: whoever is born into the noble class. Brahmins: whoever use the term of address "bho". Of the deities means: for disciples of Ājīvakas, Ājīvakas are deities...etc... for those who follow direction observances, directions are deities. Whoever are worthy of offerings for them, those are their deities - nobles and brahmins of the deities.
Who arranged sacrifices in this world means. Sacrifice means what is to be given: the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps. Who arranged sacrifices means: those who seek, search and quest for a sacrifice...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps, they too arrange a sacrifice. Diverse means: these sacrifices are diverse, these sacrificers are diverse, or these recipients are diverse...etc... thus these recipients are diverse. Here in the world means in the human world they arranged sacrifices - many in this world.
Hoping for this state of being, Puṇṇaka. Hoping for means: hoping for attainment of form, hoping for attainment of sound, hoping for attainment of odour, hoping for attainment of taste, hoping for attainment of tactile object, hoping for attainment of children, hoping for attainment of anguish, hoping for attainment of wealth, hoping for attainment of fame, hoping for attainment of power, hoping for attainment of individual existence in a great wealthy noble family, hoping for attainment of individual existence in a great wealthy brahmin family, hoping for attainment of individual existence in a great wealthy merchant family, hoping for attainment of individual existence among the Four Great King deities, hoping for attainment of individual existence among the Tāvatiṃsa deities, Yāma deities, Tusita deities, Nimmānarati deities, Paranimmitavasavatti deities, and among the deities of Brahmā's company - wishing, approving, longing, desiring, aspiring.
Puṇṇaka, this state of being means: hoping for production of individual existence here, hoping for production of individual existence here in a great wealthy noble family...etc... hoping for production of individual existence here among the deities of Brahmā's company - wishing, approving, longing, desiring, aspiring - Puṇṇaka, this state of being.
Dependent on aging they arranged sacrifices means: dependent on aging, dependent on sickness, dependent on death, dependent on sorrow, lamentation, suffering, displeasure and despair. Whatever they are dependent on birth, that they are dependent on aging. Whatever they are dependent on aging, that they are dependent on sickness. Whatever they are dependent on sickness, that they are dependent on death. Whatever they are dependent on death, that they are dependent on sorrow, lamentation, suffering, displeasure and despair. Whatever they are dependent on sorrow, lamentation, suffering, displeasure and despair, that they are dependent on destination. Whatever they are dependent on destination, that they are dependent on rebirth. Whatever they are dependent on rebirth, that they are dependent on relinking. Whatever they are dependent on relinking, that they are dependent on existence. Whatever they are dependent on existence, that they are dependent on the round of rebirths. Whatever they are dependent on the round of rebirths, that they are dependent on, attached to, approached, clung to, disposed to the round - Dependent on aging they arranged sacrifices. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, Puṇṇaka, hoping for this state of being;
Dependent on aging they arranged sacrifices."
14.
Nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, Blessed One, were they truly diligent in the path of sacrifice;
"They have crossed over birth and aging, friend, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
Whatever seers and humans. Whatever...etc...
Blessed One, were they truly diligent in the path of sacrifice. "Truly" is a question of doubt, a question of uncertainty, a question of confusion, a question with no definite conclusion - "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?" - truly. "They" means those who offer sacrifices. "Blessed One" is a designation of reverence...etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - truly they, Blessed One. "Diligent in the path of sacrifice" means: the path of sacrifice is just sacrifice. Just as the noble path is the way of the noble ones, the path of deities is the way of deities, the path of brahmās is the way of brahmās, even so the path of sacrifice is just sacrifice. "Diligent" means: diligent in the path of sacrifice, acting carefully, acting persistently, acting steadily, not acting sluggishly, not giving up desire, not laying down the burden, of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority - they too were diligent in the path of sacrifice. Those who seek, search and quest for a sacrifice of the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps, acting carefully...etc... under its authority, they too were diligent in the path of sacrifice. Those who form a sacrifice of the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps, acting carefully...etc... under its authority, they too were diligent in the path of sacrifice. Those who give, sacrifice, and relinquish a sacrifice of the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink...etc... beds, lodging, and lamps, acting carefully...etc... under its authority, they too were diligent in the path of sacrifice - Blessed One, were they truly diligent in the path of sacrifice.
"They have crossed over birth and aging, friend" means: they crossed over, went beyond, passed over, transcended, went past aging and death. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - have they crossed over birth and aging, friend.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. 'I ask you' means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, I encourage you, 'please tell me' - I ask you. "Blessed One" is a designation of reverence...etc... the designation realized - namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Therefore that brahmin said -
Nobles and brahmins of the deities;
Who arranged sacrifices in this world, Blessed One, were they truly diligent in the path of sacrifice;
Have they crossed over birth and aging, friend, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
15.
They pray for sensual pleasures dependent on gain, those devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence;
I say they have not crossed over birth and aging."
"They hope for, praise, pray for, and make sacrifices" means: "They hope for" means: they hope for attainment of form, they hope for attainment of sound, they hope for attainment of odour, they hope for attainment of taste, they hope for attainment of tactile object, they hope for attainment of children, they hope for attainment of anguish, they hope for attainment of wealth, they hope for attainment of fame, they hope for attainment of power, they hope for attainment of individual existence in a great wealthy noble family, they hope for attainment of individual existence in a great wealthy brahmin family...etc... they hope for attainment of individual existence in a great wealthy merchant family, among the Four Great King deities...etc... they hope for attainment of individual existence among the deities of Brahmā's company, they wish for, approve of, long for, yearn for - they hope for.
"They praise" means: they praise either the sacrifice, or the fruit, or those worthy of offerings. How do they praise the sacrifice? What is given is pure, what is given is agreeable, what is given is sublime, what is given is timely, what is given is allowable, what is given is with discretion, what is given is blameless, what is given is repeatedly, while giving the mind becomes confident - they praise, glorify, extol and commend. Thus they praise the sacrifice.
How do they praise the fruit? From this source there will be attainment of form...etc... there will be attainment of individual existence among the deities of Brahmā's retinue - they praise, glorify, extol and commend. Thus they praise the fruit.
How do they praise those worthy of gifts? Those worthy of offerings are endowed with birth, endowed with lineage, reciters, masters of the mantras, accomplished in the three Vedas with their vocabularies, liturgy, phonology, etymology and histories as the fifth; skilled in philology and grammar, well-versed in the Lokāyata philosophy and in the marks of a Great Man, or they are free from lust or practising for the removal of lust, free from hatred or practising for the removal of hatred, free from delusion or practising for the removal of delusion, endowed with faith, endowed with virtue, endowed with concentration, endowed with wisdom, endowed with liberation, endowed with the vision of the knowledge of liberation - they praise, glorify, extol and commend. Thus they praise those worthy of offerings - they hope for, they praise.
They pray for means: they pray for gaining forms, they pray for gaining sounds, they pray for gaining odours, they pray for gaining tastes...etc... they pray for attainment of individual existence among the deities of Brahmā's company - they hope for, praise, pray for. Make sacrifices means: they sacrifice, give, offer, relinquish the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, food, drink, clothing, transport, garlands, perfumes, ointments, beds, lodging, and lamps - they hope for, praise, pray for, and make sacrifices, said the Blessed One to Puṇṇaka.
They pray for sensual pleasures dependent on gain means: dependent on attainment of form they pray for sensual pleasures, dependent on attainment of sound they pray for sensual pleasures...etc... dependent on attainment of individual existence among the deities of Brahmā's company they pray and beseech for sensual pleasures - they pray for sensual pleasures dependent on gain.
"They, devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence, have not crossed over birth and aging, I say" means: "they" means those who offer sacrifices, "devoted to sacrifice" means: engaged, applied, yoked, connected with sacrificial duties, who are of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority - those devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence means: lust for existence is said to be that which is desire for existence, lust for existence, delight in existence, craving for existence, affection for existence, fever for existence, infatuation with existence, clinging to existence. With lust for existence, they are impassioned, greedy, tied, infatuated, blindly absorbed, stuck, attached, and hindered regarding states of existence - those devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence.
I say they have not crossed over birth and aging means: those devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence, have not crossed over, not gone beyond, not passed beyond, not transcended, not overcome birth, aging and death; they have not escaped, not departed from, not gone beyond, not transcended, not overcome birth, aging and death; they revolve within birth, aging and death, they revolve within the path of the round of rebirths. Pursued by birth, stalked by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless means: I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - I say they, devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence, have not crossed over birth and aging. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
They pray for sensual pleasures dependent on gain, those devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence;
I say they have not crossed over birth and aging."
16.
Through sacrifices, birth and aging, friend;
Then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend;
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
If they have not crossed over, those devoted to sacrifice means: those who offer sacrifices, devoted to sacrifice, delighting in the lust for existence, have not crossed over, not gone beyond, not passed beyond, not transcended, not overcome birth, aging and death; they have not escaped, not departed from, not gone beyond, not transcended, not overcome birth, aging and death; they revolve within birth, aging and death, they revolve within the path of the round of rebirths. Pursued by birth, stalked by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless means: if they have not crossed over, those devoted to sacrifice.
[said the Venerable Puṇṇaka] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... the Venerable Puṇṇaka.
Through sacrifices, birth and aging, friend means: "Through sacrifices" means: through abundant sacrifices, through various sacrifices, through many sacrifices. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - through sacrifices, birth and aging, friend.
"Then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend" means: then who is this one in this world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings, who has crossed over, gone beyond, passed over, transcended, gone past birth, aging and death. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. 'I ask you' means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, I encourage you, 'please tell me' - I ask you. "Blessed One" is a designation of reverence...etc... the designation realized - namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Therefore that brahmin said -
Through sacrifices, birth and aging, friend;
Then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend;
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
17.
One who has no perturbation anywhere in the world;
Peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging.
"Having reckoned the lower and higher in the world" - reckoning is called knowledge, that which is wisdom, understanding...etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. Lower and higher means: the lower is called one's own individuality, the higher is called another's individuality; the lower is called one's own form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness, the higher is called another's form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness; the lower is called the six internal sense bases, the higher is called the six external sense bases. The lower is called the human world, the higher is called the world of deities; the lower is called the element of sensual pleasure, the higher is called the element of form and the element of formlessness; the lower is called the element of sensual pleasure and the element of form, the higher is called the element of formlessness. Having reckoned the lower and higher in the world means: having reckoned the lower and higher as impermanent, as suffering, as a disease, as a boil...etc... as escape having reckoned, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - having reckoned the lower and higher in the world. said the Blessed One to Puṇṇaka. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Puṇṇaka. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Puṇṇaka.
One who has no perturbation anywhere in the world means. For whom means: for the Worthy One with taints destroyed. Perturbations means perturbation of craving, perturbation of views, perturbation of conceit, perturbation of defilements, perturbation of sensual pleasure. For whom these perturbations do not exist, are not found, are not seen, are not obtained, are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge. Anywhere means: anywhere, in anything, somewhere, internally or externally or both internally and externally. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases means - one who has no perturbation anywhere in the world.
Peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging. Peaceful means: peaceful due to the peacefulness of lust, of hatred...etc... of delusion... of anger... of resentment... of contempt... peaceful, at peace, fully peaceful, quenched, tranquillized due to the stilling, calming, subsiding, extinction, quenching, disappearance, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations - thus peaceful; smokeless means: bodily misconduct is made smokeless, dispersed, dried up, completely dried up, terminated, verbal misconduct...etc... mental misconduct is made smokeless, dispersed, dried up, completely dried up, terminated, lust... hatred... delusion is made smokeless, dispersed, dried up, completely dried up, terminated, anger... resentment... contempt... insolence... envy... selfishness... deceit... fraud... obstinacy... rivalry... conceit... arrogance... vanity... negligence... all defilements, all misconduct, all anguish, all passion, all disturbance, all unwholesome volitional formations are made smokeless, dispersed, dried up, completely dried up, terminated. Or else, anger is called smoke -
The tongue is the ladle, the heart is the fire-place, a well-tamed self is a person's light.
Moreover, anger arises in ten aspects - "They did me harm" - anger arises, "They are doing me harm" - anger arises, "They will do me harm" - anger arises, "They did harm to one who is dear and agreeable to me, they are doing harm, they will do harm" - anger arises, "They did good to one who is not dear and disagreeable to me, they are doing good, they will do good" - anger arises, or anger arises groundlessly. Whatever resentment of mind, repulsion, aversion, opposition, irritation, anger, fury, hatred, hostility, intense hostility, corruption of mind, mental hostility, anger, being angry, state of being angry, hate, being hateful, state of being hateful, being repelled, state of being repelled, state of being hostile, opposition, resistance, ferocity, demonic state, displeasure of mind - this is called anger.
Moreover, the intensity and weakness of anger should be understood. There is sometimes when anger just causes disturbance of mind, but has not yet caused facial contortions. There is sometimes when anger just causes facial contortions, but has not yet caused jaw clenching. There is sometimes when anger just causes jaw clenching, but has not yet caused the uttering of harsh speech. There is sometimes when anger just causes the uttering of harsh speech, but has not yet caused looking around in all directions. There is sometimes when anger just causes looking around in all directions, but has not yet caused seizing of sticks and weapons. There is sometimes when anger just causes seizing of sticks and weapons, but has not yet caused brandishing of sticks and weapons. There is sometimes when anger just causes brandishing of sticks and weapons, but has not yet caused striking with sticks and weapons. There is sometimes when anger just causes striking with sticks and weapons, but has not yet caused cutting and mutilation. There is sometimes when anger just causes cutting and mutilation, but has not yet caused breaking and crushing. There is sometimes when anger just causes breaking and crushing, but has not yet caused tearing of limbs. There is sometimes when anger just causes tearing of limbs, but has not yet caused taking of life. There is sometimes when anger just causes taking of life, but has not yet settled into complete relinquishment of everything. When anger, having killed another person, kills oneself, at that point anger has reached its highest pitch and fullest expansion. One in whom that anger has been abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called - smokeless.
Smokeless because anger is abandoned, smokeless because the basis of anger is fully understood, smokeless because the cause of anger is fully understood, smokeless because the cause of anger is cut off. Free from trouble means: lust is trouble, hatred is trouble, delusion is trouble, anger is trouble, resentment is trouble...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are troubles. For whom these troubles are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called free from trouble.
Without longing means: hope means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. For whom this hope, craving is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called without longing. Birth means the birth, production, coming forth, manifestation, appearance of the aggregates, obtaining of the sense bases in various orders of beings. Aging means the aging, decaying, broken teeth, grey hair, wrinkled skin, decline of life-span, deterioration of the faculties in various orders of beings. Peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging means: one who is peaceful and smokeless and free from trouble and without longing, he has crossed over, gone beyond, passed over, transcended, gone past birth, aging and death - I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
One who has no perturbation anywhere in the world;
Peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... he was seated with reverential salutation, paying homage to the Blessed One - "The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple".
The Explanation of The Questions of Puṇṇaka, the third.
4.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Young Man Mettagū
18.
I think you are one who knows the ancient scriptures, with a developed self;
From where have these sufferings arisen, whatever manifold ones there are in the world.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Question: there are three kinds of questions - questions to illuminate the unseen, questions to compare what is seen, questions to cut off uncertainty. What is a question to illuminate the unseen? When a characteristic is naturally unknown, unseen, unscrutinized, unexamined, unclear, undeveloped. One asks a question for the sake of knowledge, vision, scrutiny, examination, clarity and development - this is a question to illuminate the unseen.
What is a question to compare what is seen? When a characteristic is naturally known, seen, scrutinized, examined, clear, developed. One asks a question for the sake of comparing with other wise persons - this is a question to compare what is seen.
What is a question to cut off uncertainty? When one has naturally fallen into doubt, fallen into uncertainty, become confused - "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?"? One asks a question for the sake of cutting off uncertainty - this is a question to cut off uncertainty. These are the three questions.
There are another three questions - questions by humans, questions by non-humans, questions by created beings. What are questions by humans? Human beings approach the Blessed One, the Enlightened One, and ask questions, monks ask questions, nuns ask questions, male lay followers ask questions, female lay followers ask questions, kings ask questions, nobles ask questions, brahmins ask questions, merchants ask questions, workers ask questions, householders ask questions, renunciants ask questions - these are questions by humans.
What are questions by non-humans? Non-humans approach the Blessed One, the Enlightened One, and ask questions, dragons ask questions, divine birds ask questions, spirits ask questions, titans ask questions, tree-deities ask questions, great kings ask questions, Indras ask questions, brahmās ask questions, deities ask questions - these are questions by non-humans.
What are questions by created beings? The Blessed One creates a mind-made form complete in all its parts and faculties. That created being approaches the Blessed One, the Enlightened One, and asks questions. The Blessed One answers. These are questions by created beings. These are the three questions.
There are another three questions - questions about one's own good, questions about another's good, questions about both's good...etc... there are another three questions - questions about good pertaining to the present life, questions about good pertaining to the future life, questions about the highest good... there are another three questions - questions about the blameless good, questions about the good of defilements' removal, questions about cleansing... there are another three questions - questions about the past, questions about the future, questions about the present... there are another three questions - questions about the internal, questions about the external, questions about both internal and external... there are another three questions - questions about the wholesome, questions about the unwholesome, questions about the undeclared... there are another three questions - questions about aggregates, questions about elements, questions about bases... there are another three questions - questions about establishments of mindfulness, questions about right strivings, questions about bases for spiritual power... there are another three questions - questions about faculties, questions about powers, questions about enlightenment factors... there are another three questions - questions about the path, questions about fruition, questions about Nibbāna...
"I ask you" means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, I encourage you, "please tell me" - I ask you. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized - namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
"Thus said Venerable Mettagū" means: a conjunction of words...etc... [said the Venerable Mettagū].
"I think you are one who knows the ancient scriptures, with a developed self." I think you are one who has attained knowledge, I think you are one with a developed self, thus I know, thus I understand, thus I acknowledge, thus I penetrate. And how, Blessed One, is one who has attained knowledge, one with a developed self? Knowledge in the four paths is called veda - wisdom, faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom...etc... investigation-of-states enlightenment factor, investigation, insight, right view. Through these vedas the Blessed One has gone to the end of birth, aging and death, reached the end, gone to the peak, reached the peak, gone to the limit, reached the limit, gone to the conclusion, reached the conclusion, gone to shelter, reached shelter, gone to refuge, reached refuge, gone to safety, reached safety, gone to the imperishable, reached the imperishable, gone to the Deathless, reached the Deathless, gone to Nibbāna, reached Nibbāna. 'Vedagū' means one who has gone to the end of the vedas; or one who has gone to the end through the vedas; or one who is vedagū because of having known seven things; identity view is known, doubt is known, adherence to rules and observances is known, lust, hatred, delusion, conceit is known, evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future are known in him.
Of ascetics and brahmins here;
Free from lust regarding all feelings;
Having transcended all inspiration, he is one who has gone beyond inspiration.
Thus the Blessed One has gone beyond inspiration.
How has the Blessed One developed himself? The Blessed One has a developed body, developed virtuous behaviour, developed mind, developed wisdom, developed foundation of mindfulness, developed right striving, developed basis for spiritual power, developed faculty, developed power, developed enlightenment factor, developed path, abandoned defilements, penetrated the unshakable, realized cessation. His suffering is fully understood, origin is abandoned, path is developed, cessation is realized, what should be directly known is directly known, what should be fully understood is fully understood, what should be abandoned is abandoned, what should be developed is developed, what should be realized is realized, he is not limited, great, profound, immeasurable, hard to fathom, rich in treasures, like the ocean, possessed of equanimity towards the six senses.
When seeing a form with the eye, he is neither glad nor sad; he dwells equanimous, mindful and clearly comprehending. When hearing a sound with the ear, smelling an odour with the nose, tasting a flavour with the tongue, touching a tactile object with the body, cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, he is neither glad nor sad; he dwells equanimous, mindful and clearly comprehending.
When seeing a form with the eye that is agreeable, he does not covet it, does not delight in it, does not generate lust. His body remains stable, his mind internally well-established and well-liberated. When seeing a form with the eye that is disagreeable, he is not dejected, his mind is not unestablished, his heart is not downcast, his mind is not ill-willed. His body remains stable, his mind internally well-established and well-liberated. When hearing a sound with the ear... When smelling an odour with the nose... When tasting a flavour with the tongue... When touching a tactile object with the body... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind that is agreeable, he does not covet it, does not delight in it, does not generate lust. His body remains stable, his mind internally well-established and well-liberated. When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind that is disagreeable, he is not dejected. His mind is not unestablished, his heart is not downcast, his mind is not ill-willed; his body remains stable, his mind internally well-established and well-liberated.
When seeing a form with the eye, his body remains stable regarding forms that are agreeable and disagreeable, his mind internally well-established and well-liberated. When hearing a sound with the ear... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, his body remains stable regarding mental phenomena that are agreeable and disagreeable, his mind internally well-established and well-liberated.
When seeing a form with the eye, one does not lust in what is lustful, does not hate in what is hateful, does not become deluded in what is delusive, does not become angry in what is irritating, does not become intoxicated in what is intoxicating, does not become defiled in what is defiling. When hearing a sound with the ear... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, one does not lust in what is lustful, does not hate in what is hateful, does not become deluded in what is delusive, does not become angry in what is irritating, does not become intoxicated in what is intoxicating, does not become defiled in what is defiling.
In what is seen, just the seen; in what is heard, just the heard; in what is sensed, just the sensed; in what is cognized, just the cognized. One does not cling to what is seen, does not cling to what is heard, does not cling to what is sensed, does not cling to what is cognized. Regarding what is seen, one dwells unattracted, unrepelled, independent, unattached, freed, released, with a mind made unlimited. Regarding what is heard...etc... in regard to what is sensed... Regarding what is cognized, one dwells unattracted, unrepelled, independent, unattached, freed, released, with a mind made unlimited.
The Blessed One has an eye, the Blessed One sees forms with the eye, the Blessed One has no desire and lust, the Blessed One's mind is well liberated. The Blessed One has an ear, the Blessed One hears sounds with the ear, the Blessed One has no desire and lust, the Blessed One's mind is well liberated. The Blessed One has a nose, the Blessed One smells odours with the nose, the Blessed One has no desire and lust, the Blessed One's mind is well liberated. The Blessed One has a tongue, the Blessed One tastes flavours with the tongue, the Blessed One has no desire and lust, the Blessed One's mind is well liberated. The Blessed One has a body, the Blessed One touches tactile objects with the body, the Blessed One has no desire and lust, the Blessed One's mind is well liberated. The Blessed One has a mind, the Blessed One cognizes mental phenomena with the mind, the Blessed One has no desire and lust, the Blessed One's mind is well liberated.
The eye delights in forms, finds pleasure in forms, rejoices in forms; that has been tamed, guarded, protected, and restrained by the Blessed One; and he teaches the Teaching for its restraint. The ear delights in sounds, finds pleasure in sounds...etc... The nose delights in odours, finds pleasure in odours... The tongue delights in tastes, finds pleasure in tastes, rejoices in tastes; that has been tamed, guarded, protected, and restrained by the Blessed One; and he teaches the Teaching for its restraint. The body delights in tactile objects, finds pleasure in tactile objects, rejoices in tactile objects... The mind delights in mind-objects, finds pleasure in mind-objects, rejoices in mind-objects; that has been tamed, guarded, protected, and restrained by the Blessed One; and he teaches the Teaching for its restraint -
The tamed one is best among human beings, who endures harsh speech.
And great tusked elephants, but better still is one who has tamed oneself.
As one well-tamed by oneself, the tamed one goes with the tamed.
Having attained the plane of self-control, they are victorious in the world.
Having penetrated this world and the world beyond, developed and tamed, he awaits his time."
Thus the Blessed One has a developed self.
I think you are one who knows the ancient scriptures, with a developed self, from where have these sufferings arisen. "From where?" is a question of doubt, a question of uncertainty, a question of confusion, a question with no definite conclusion - "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?" - from where. Sufferings means: the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of illness, the suffering of death, the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair, the suffering of disaster, the suffering in hell, the suffering in the animal realm, the suffering in the domain of ghosts, human suffering, suffering rooted in descent into the womb, suffering rooted in remaining in the womb, suffering rooted in emergence from the womb, suffering connected with birth, suffering of the born through others, suffering due to one's own exertion, suffering due to others' exertion, suffering as pain, suffering of formations, suffering due to change, eye disease, ear disease, nose disease, tongue disease, body disease, head disease, ear disease, mouth disease, tooth disease, cough, asthma, catarrh, fever, old age, stomach ache, fainting, dysentery, gripes, cholera, leprosy, boils, eczema, consumption, epilepsy, ringworm, itch, scab, nail-scratch, scabies, blood and bile, diabetes, hemorrhoids, pustules, fistula, bile-originated afflictions, phlegm-originated afflictions, wind-originated afflictions, combined afflictions, afflictions produced by change of climate, afflictions produced by careless behaviour, afflictions due to exertion, afflictions resulting from kamma, cold, heat, hunger, thirst, excrement, urine, suffering from contact with flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and reptiles, suffering from mother's death, suffering from father's death, suffering from brother's death, suffering from sister's death, suffering from son's death, suffering from daughter's death, suffering from disaster to relatives, suffering from disaster through disease, suffering from disaster to wealth, suffering from disaster to virtue, suffering from disaster to views; of those states whose arising from the beginning is evident, from their disappearance cessation is evident, result is dependent on action, action is dependent on result, form is dependent on name, name is dependent on form, followed by birth, pursued by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, established in suffering, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless - these are called sufferings. From where have these sufferings arisen, from where are they born, from where do they originate, from where do they come forth, from where do they spring forth, from where do they appear, what is their source, what is their origin, what is their birth, what is their production - thus one asks about the root of these sufferings, asks about the cause, asks about the source, asks about the origination, asks about the production, asks about the arising, asks about the nutriment, asks about the basis, asks about the condition, asks about the origin, questions, requests, begs, implores - from where have these sufferings arisen.
Whatever manifold ones there are in the world. "Whatever" is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - whatever. In the world: in the world of misery, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of bases. Manifold means: various kinds, different types of suffering - whatever manifold ones there are in the world. Therefore that brahmin said -
I think you are one who knows the ancient scriptures, with a developed self;
From where have these sufferings arisen, whatever manifold ones there are in the world."
19.
I shall tell you that as I understand it;
Sufferings originate with acquisition as their source, whatever manifold ones there are in the world.
"You ask me about the origin of suffering." "Of suffering" means the suffering of birth, suffering of aging, suffering of illness, suffering of death, suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair. "You ask about the origin" means you ask about the root of suffering, ask about the cause, ask about the source, ask about the origination, ask about the production, ask about the arising, ask about the nutriment, ask about the basis, ask about the condition, ask about the origin, request, beg, implore - "You ask me about the origin of suffering." The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Mettagū. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Mettagū.
I shall tell you that as I understand it. "That": I shall tell the root of suffering, I shall tell the cause, I shall tell the source, I shall tell the origination, I shall tell the production, I shall tell the arising, I shall tell the nutriment, I shall tell the basis, I shall tell the condition, I shall tell the origin, I shall explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I shall tell you that. As I understand means as one who understands, knows, cognizes, understands, penetrates. Not by hearsay, not by oral tradition, not by lineage of teaching, not by a collection of texts, not by reasoning, not by inferential reasoning, not by reflection on reasons, not by acceptance of a view after pondering it, but the Teaching personally realized by direct knowledge as one's own - I shall speak of that - I shall tell you that as I understand it.
Sufferings originate with acquisition as their source. Acquisition means ten kinds of acquisition - acquisition as craving, acquisition as views, acquisition as defilements, acquisition as action, acquisition as misconduct, acquisition as nutriment, acquisition as aversion, the four clung-to elements as acquisition, the six internal sense bases as acquisition, the six classes of consciousness as acquisition, all suffering in the sense of suffering is acquisition. These are called the ten kinds of acquisition. Sufferings means: the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of illness, the suffering of death, the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair, the suffering in hell...etc... suffering from disaster to views. of those states whose arising from the beginning is evident, from their disappearance cessation is evident, result is dependent on action, action is dependent on result, form is dependent on name, name is dependent on form, followed by birth, pursued by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, established in suffering, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless - these are called sufferings. These sufferings with acquisition as source, with acquisition as cause, with acquisition as condition, with acquisition as reason, exist, originate, come to be, are born, arise, come forth, manifest - sufferings originate with acquisition as their source.
Whatever manifold ones there are in the world. "Whatever" is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - whatever. In the world: in the world of misery, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of bases. Manifold means: various kinds, different types of suffering - whatever manifold ones there are in the world. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
I shall tell you that as I understand it;
Sufferings originate with acquisition as their source, whatever manifold ones there are in the world."
20.
Therefore, understanding one should not create acquisition, contemplating birth as the source of suffering.
"One who is ignorant creates acquisition" means. "One": whoever he may be, of whatever sort, of whatever position, of whatever status, of whatever kind, having reached whatever station, endowed with whatever qualities - whether noble, brahmin, merchant, or worker, whether householder or one gone forth, whether deity or human being. "Ignorant" means: possessed of ignorance, not knowing, unenlightened, unwise. "Creates acquisition" means: creates acquisition as craving, creates acquisition as views, creates acquisition as defilements, creates acquisition as action, creates acquisition as misconduct, creates acquisition as nutriment, creates acquisition as aversion, creates the four clung-to elements as acquisition, creates the six internal sense bases as acquisition, creates the six classes of consciousness as acquisition, generates, produces, brings forth, brings about - the ignorant creates acquisition.
"The fool comes upon suffering again and again" means: he comes upon, approaches, draws near, grasps, adheres to, clings to the suffering of birth, suffering of aging, suffering of illness, suffering of death, suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair again and again - comes upon suffering again and again. "Fool" means: a fool, stupid, ignorant, possessed of ignorance, not knowing, unenlightened, unwise - the fool comes upon suffering again and again.
Therefore, understanding one should not create acquisition. Therefore means: for that reason, because of that cause, because of that condition, because of that source, seeing this danger in acquisitions. Understanding means understanding, knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating, understanding, knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating "All formations are impermanent", "All formations are suffering"...etc... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... understanding, knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease". One should not create acquisition means: one should not create acquisition as craving, should not create acquisition as views, should not create acquisition as defilements, should not create acquisition as misconduct, should not create acquisition as nutriment, should not create acquisition as aversion, should not create the four clung-to elements as acquisition, should not create the six internal sense bases as acquisition, should not create the six classes of consciousness as acquisition, should not generate, produce, bring forth or bring about - therefore, understanding one should not create acquisition.
"Of suffering" means the suffering of birth, suffering of aging, suffering of illness, suffering of death, suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair. Contemplating the source means contemplating the root of suffering, contemplating the cause, contemplating the source, contemplating the origination, contemplating the production, contemplating the arising, contemplating the nutriment, contemplating the basis, contemplating the condition, contemplating the origin. Contemplation is called knowledge. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this contemplative wisdom. One is called contemplating - contemplating birth as the source of suffering. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Therefore, understanding one should not create acquisition, contemplating birth as the source of suffering."
21.
How do the wise cross over the flood, birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation?
Please explain this well to me, sage, for this Teaching is understood by you.
"What we asked you have explained to us" means what we asked, begged, requested, invited. "Have explained to us" means: told, declared, explained, taught, made known, established, revealed, analysed, clarified, proclaimed - What we asked you have explained to us.
"Now we ask you something else, please tell us" means: we ask you something else, we beg something else, we request something else, we invite something else, we ask you further. "Please tell us" means: pray tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - Now we ask you something else, please tell us.
How do the wise cross over the flood, birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation? "How?" is a question of doubt, a question of uncertainty, a question of confusion, a question with no definite conclusion - "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?" - how? Wise means wise, wise persons, possessed of wisdom, possessed of intelligence, possessed of knowledge, discerning, intelligent. Flood means the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views, the flood of ignorance. Birth means the birth, production, coming forth, coming to be, manifestation, appearance of the aggregates, obtaining of the sense bases in various orders of beings. Aging means the aging, decaying, broken teeth, grey hair, wrinkled skin, decline of life-span, deterioration of the faculties in various orders of beings. Sorrow means: when one is touched by disaster regarding relatives, or touched by disaster regarding wealth, or touched by disaster regarding health, or touched by disaster regarding virtue, or touched by disaster regarding views, or when one is touched by some kind of disaster or some kind of painful state, the sorrow, sorrowing, sorrowfulness, inner sorrow, inner grief, inner burning, inner torment, mental affliction, displeasure, arrow of sorrow. Lamentation means: when one is touched by disaster regarding relatives, or touched by disaster regarding wealth, or touched by disaster regarding health, or touched by disaster regarding virtue, or touched by disaster regarding views, or when one is touched by some kind of disaster or some kind of painful state, the crying, lamenting, crying out, lamenting out, state of crying, state of lamentation, talk, prattle, chatter, wailing, state of wailing, state of prattling.
How do the wise cross over the flood, birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation means: how do the wise cross, cross over, transcend, overcome, get past the flood and birth and aging and sorrow and lamentation - How do the wise cross over the flood, birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation?
Please explain this well to me, sage. That: what I ask, what I request, what I beg, what I seek confidence in. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. The Blessed One endowed with that knowledge is a sage who has attained sageship. Three kinds of sageship - bodily sagacity, verbal sagacity, mental sagacity.
What is bodily sagacity? The abandoning of the three kinds of bodily misconduct is bodily sagacity. The three kinds of bodily good conduct is bodily sagacity. Knowledge of the bodily object is bodily sagacity. Full understanding of the body is bodily sagacity. The path associated with full understanding is bodily sagacity. The abandoning of desire and lust for the body is bodily sagacity. The cessation of bodily formations, the attainment of the fourth meditation is bodily sagacity. This is bodily sagacity.
What is verbal sagacity? The abandoning of the four kinds of verbal misconduct is verbal sagacity. The four kinds of verbal good conduct is verbal sagacity. Knowledge of the verbal object is verbal sagacity. Full understanding of speech is verbal sagacity. The path associated with full understanding is verbal sagacity. The abandoning of desire and lust for speech is verbal sagacity. The cessation of verbal formations, the attainment of the second meditation is verbal sagacity. This is verbal sagacity.
What is mental sagacity? The abandoning of the three kinds of mental misconduct is mental sagacity. The three kinds of mental good conduct is mental sagacity. Knowledge of the mental object is mental sagacity. Full understanding of mind is mental sagacity. The path associated with full understanding is mental sagacity. The abandoning of desire and lust in mind is mental sagacity. The cessation of mental formations, the attainment of the cessation of perception and feeling is mental sagacity. This is mental sagacity.
They call a sage endowed with sageship one who has abandoned all.
They call a sage endowed with sageship one who is washed clean of evil."
Endowed with these three qualities of sageship. Six types of sages - householder sages, homeless sages, trainee sages, sages beyond training, privately enlightened sages, and supreme sages. Who are the householder sages? Those householders who have seen the state and cognized the Teaching - these are the householder sages. Who are the homeless sages? Those who have gone forth who have seen the state and cognized the Teaching - these are the homeless sages. The seven trainees are the trainee sages. The Arahants are the sages beyond training. The Paccekabuddhas are the privately enlightened sages. The Truth Finders, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones are the supreme sages.
One who, like holding up a balance, takes what is excellent, being wise.
One who understands both worlds, by that is called a sage.
One who is worthy of honour by deities and human beings, that sage who has overcome the net of attachments.
Please explain well means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - Please explain this well to me, sage. Thus this Teaching is understood by you means: thus this Teaching is understood, weighed, judged, clear, made clear by you - thus this Teaching is understood by you. Therefore that brahmin said -
How do the wise cross over the flood, birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation?
Please explain this well to me, sage, for this Teaching is understood by you."
22.
In this very life, not based on hearsay;
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world.
I will explain to you the Teaching means. "Teaching" means: I shall praise, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the holy life that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with meaning and phrasing, utterly perfect and pure, the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna - I shall praise the Teaching to you. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Mettagū.
In this very life, not based on hearsay. In this very life means: in this very life having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having made clear the states, having understood the states, "All formations are impermanent"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" in this very life having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having made clear the states, having understood the states - thus I shall speak in this very life. Or else, having seen suffering I shall speak of suffering, having seen origin I shall speak of origin, having seen the path I shall speak of the path, having seen cessation I shall speak of cessation - thus I shall speak in this very life. Or else, in this very life directly visible, immediately effective, inviting one to come and see, leading onwards, to be personally experienced by the wise - thus I shall speak in this very life - in this very life. Not based on hearsay means: not hearsay, not oral tradition, not lineage of teaching, not a collection of texts, not by reasoning, not by inferential reasoning, not by reflection on reasons, not by acceptance of a view after pondering it, but the Teaching personally realized by direct knowledge as one's own, I shall speak of that - in this very life, not based on hearsay.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully means: having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are impermanent" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are suffering"... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... is called mindful. 'Move about' means moving, dwelling, behaving, continuing, maintaining, keeping going, making go - having understood which, wandering mindfully.
"Cross over clinging in the world" - craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Why is it called entanglement? It is entanglement because it spreads, it is entanglement because it is extensive, it is entanglement because it diffuses, it is entanglement because it is unrighteous, it is entanglement because it entangles, it is entanglement because it constricts, it is entanglement because it deceives, it is entanglement because it has poisonous roots, it is entanglement because it has poisonous fruits, it is entanglement because it has poisonous results, that craving is extensive in forms, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, families, groups, dwellings, gains, fame, praise, pleasure, robes, almsfood, lodgings, medicinal requisites, the sense-sphere element, the form element, the formless element, sense-sphere existence, form existence, formless existence, existence with perception, existence without perception, existence with neither perception nor non-perception, existence with one aggregate, existence with four aggregates, existence with five aggregates, past, future, present, in things seen, heard, sensed and cognized - spread out and extended, thus it is entangling. World: the world of misery, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of bases. "Cross over clinging in the world" means: that clinging in the world, or that attachment in the world, one who is mindful should cross over, should go beyond, should pass beyond, should transcend, should overcome - cross over clinging in the world. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
In this very life, not based on hearsay;
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
23.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world.
And I delight in that means: That means: your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice. I delight means: I delight in, rejoice in, approve of, desire, accept, request, wish for, long for, aspire to - and I delight in that.
Great sage, the supreme Teaching means: Great sage means: why is the Blessed One a great sage? He sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a great sage; the great aggregate of concentration...etc... the great aggregate of wisdom... the great aggregate of liberation... he sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the breaking through of the great mass of darkness, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the shattering of great inversion, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the extraction of the great dart of craving, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the untangling of the great bondage of views, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the bringing down of the great banner of conceit, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the subsiding of great volitional formations, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the crossing over of the great flood, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the laying down of the great burden, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the cutting off of the great round of rebirths, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the extinguishing of great torment, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the tranquillization of great passion, thus he is a great sage; he sought, searched and pursued the raising up of the great banner of the Teaching, thus he is a great sage; the great foundations of mindfulness...etc... the great right strivings... the great bases for spiritual power... the great faculties... the great powers... the great enlightenment factors... the great noble eightfold path... he sought, searched and pursued the great ultimate goal, the Deathless, Nibbāna, thus he is a great sage; he was sought, searched and pursued by influential beings - "Where is the Enlightened One? Where is the Blessed One? Where is the deity of deities? Where is the bull among men?" thus he is a great sage. Supreme Teaching means: the supreme Teaching is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Supreme means: foremost, best, distinguished, supreme, highest, superior Teaching - great sage, supreme Teaching.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully means: having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are impermanent" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are suffering"... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body, in feelings... etc... In mind... in mind-objects... one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating mind-objects... is called mindful. 'Move about' means moving, dwelling, behaving, continuing, maintaining, keeping going, making go - having understood which, wandering mindfully.
"Cross over clinging in the world" - craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Why is it called entanglement... etc... spread out and extended, thus it is entangling. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases. "Cross over clinging in the world" means: that clinging in the world, or that attachment in the world, one who is mindful should cross over, should go beyond, should pass beyond, should transcend, should overcome - cross over clinging in the world. Therefore that brahmin said -
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
24.
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Having dispelled delight and attachment in these, consciousness would not remain in existence.
Whatever you clearly comprehend means: whatever you understand, know, cognize, discern, penetrate - whatever you clearly comprehend. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Mettagū. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Mettagū.
Above, below, and across in the middle. Above means the future; below means the past; and across in the middle means the present. Above means the world of deities; below means the world of hell; and across in the middle means the human world. Or else, above means wholesome states; below means unwholesome states; and across in the middle means undeclared states. Above means the element of formlessness; below means the element of sensual pleasure; and across in the middle means the element of form. Above means pleasant feeling; below means painful feeling; and across in the middle means neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Above means from the soles of the feet upward; below means from the head-hairs downward; and across in the middle means in the middle - above, below, and across in the middle.
Having dispelled delight and attachment in these, consciousness would not remain in existence means in these that have been explained, taught, made known, established, disclosed, analysed, made plain, and proclaimed. Delight means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Inclinations means two inclinations - inclination of craving and inclination of view. What is inclination of craving? To the extent that by reckoning of craving... etc... this is inclination of craving. What is inclination of view? Identity view with twenty bases... etc... this is inclination of view.
Having dispelled consciousness means consciousness associated with meritorious volitional formations, consciousness associated with demeritorious volitional formations, consciousness associated with imperturbable volitional formations. Having dispelled, pushed away, removed, abandoned, relinquished, eliminated, abolished and obliterated delight and attachment and consciousness associated with volitional formations in these means - having dispelled delight and attachment in these, consciousness.
Would not remain in existence means: Existences means: two existences - existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking. What is existence as action? Meritorious volitional formation, demeritorious volitional formation, imperturbable volitional formation - this is existence as action. What is renewed existence at rebirth-linking? At rebirth-linking, form, feeling, perception, formations, consciousness - this is renewed existence at rebirth-linking. Would not remain in existence means: abandoning, dispelling, putting away, obliterating delight and attachment and consciousness associated with volitional formations and existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking, one would not remain in existence as action, would not remain, would not persist in renewed existence at rebirth-linking - having dispelled consciousness, would not remain in existence. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Having dispelled delight and attachment in these, consciousness would not remain in existence.
25.
A monk wandering having abandoned possessiveness;
Birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation, suffering right here the wise one would abandon.
Dwelling thus mindfully and diligently. Dwelling thus means: abandoning, dispelling, putting away, obliterating delight and attachment and consciousness associated with volitional formations and existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking - dwelling thus. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... is called mindful. Diligent means one who acts carefully, acts persistently, acts without pause, whose practice is not lax, who has not abandoned desire, who has not relinquished the task, diligent in wholesome states - "How should I either fulfil the unfulfilled aggregate of virtuous behaviour, or assist with wisdom here and there the fulfilled aggregate of virtuous behaviour" - the desire, effort, vigour, enthusiasm, unremittingness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, ardor, striving, decision, pursuit, diligent and diligence therein in regard to wholesome states. "How should I either fulfil the unfulfilled aggregate of concentration...etc... aggregate of wisdom... aggregate of liberation... aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation, or assist with wisdom here and there the fulfilled aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation" - the desire, effort, vigour, enthusiasm, unremittingness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, ardor, striving, decision, pursuit, diligent and diligence therein in regard to wholesome states. "How should I either fully understand suffering that is not fully understood, or abandon defilements that are not abandoned, or develop the path that is not developed, or realise cessation that is not realised" - the desire, effort, vigour, enthusiasm, unremittingness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, ardor, striving, decision, pursuit, diligent and diligence therein in regard to wholesome states - dwelling thus mindfully and diligently.
A monk wandering having abandoned possessiveness. A monk means: either a good worldling monk or a monk who is a trainee. 'Move about' means moving, dwelling, behaving, continuing, maintaining, keeping going, making go. There are two kinds of possessiveness - possessiveness of craving and possessiveness of views...etc... this is possessiveness of craving...etc... this is possessiveness of views... having abandoned possessiveness of craving and relinquished possessiveness of views, having given up, abandoned, relinquished, dispelled, terminated and obliterated possessiveness - a monk wandering having abandoned possessiveness.
Birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation, suffering right here the wise one would abandon. Birth means: for various beings...etc... aging means: for various beings...etc... sorrow means: when one is touched by disaster regarding relatives...etc... lamentation means: when one is touched by disaster regarding relatives...etc... here means: in this view...etc... in this human world. 'Knowing one' means one who is having true knowledge, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. Suffering means: the suffering of birth...etc... the suffering of displeasure and despair. 'Birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation, suffering right here the wise one would abandon' means: one who has true knowledge, is knowledgeable, discerning, astute, would right here abandon, dispel, terminate, obliterate birth and aging and sorrow and lamentation and suffering - birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation, suffering right here the wise one would abandon. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Birth, aging, sorrow and lamentation, suffering right here the wise one would abandon."
26.
Indeed the Blessed One has abandoned suffering, thus this Teaching is understood by you.
I delight in the words of the great sage means. That means: I delight in, rejoice in, approve of, desire, accept, request, wish for, long for, aspire to your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice. Great sage means: why is the Blessed One a great sage? He sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a great sage...etc... Where is the bull among men?" thus he is a great sage - I delight in the words of the great sage.
Well proclaimed by Gotama who is free from acquisition. "Well proclaimed" means well proclaimed, well explained, well taught, well established, well founded, well revealed, well analyzed, well clarified, well illuminated - well proclaimed. "By Gotama who is free from acquisition" means acquisitions are called defilements, aggregates and volitional formations. The abandoning of acquisition, the subsiding of acquisition, the relinquishment of acquisition, the tranquillization of acquisition, the Deathless as Nibbāna - well proclaimed by Gotama who is free from acquisition.
Indeed the Blessed One has abandoned suffering. "Surely" is a word expressing certainty, a word expressing freedom from doubt, a word expressing freedom from perplexity, a word expressing non-duality, a word expressing non-vacillation, a word expressing cessation, a word expressing inevitability, a word expressing affirmation - "surely." Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One". Has abandoned suffering means: he abandoned, eliminated, dispelled, put an end to, and obliterated the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of illness, the suffering of death, the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair - indeed the Blessed One has abandoned suffering.
Thus this Teaching is understood by you means: thus this Teaching is understood, weighed, judged, clear, made clear by you - thus this Teaching is understood by you. Therefore that brahmin said -
Indeed the Blessed One has abandoned suffering, thus this Teaching is understood by you."
27.
Having met you, I revere you, O dragon, perhaps the Blessed One would exhort me to stability.
"Surely they too would abandon suffering." And those means nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciants, deities and human beings. Would abandon suffering means: they would abandon, dispel, put an end to, and obliterate the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of illness, the suffering of death, the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair - surely they too would abandon suffering.
Those whom you, sage, would exhort to stability. Those means nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciants, deities and human beings. You means he addresses the Blessed One. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments. Would exhort to stability means would exhort to stability, would exhort respectfully, would exhort repeatedly, would exhort again and again, would instruct - those whom you, sage, would exhort to stability.
Having met you, I revere you, O dragon. That means he speaks to the Blessed One. "I revere" means I revere with the body, or I revere with speech, or I revere with mind, or I revere through practice in accordance with the meaning, or I revere through practice in accordance with the Teaching, I respect, I revere, I honour, I worship. "Having met" means having understood, having fully understood, having met, having fully met, I revere him face to face. "Dragon" means the Blessed One is a dragon because he does not do evil - 'dragon' means one who does not go - "dragon" means one who does not come - dragon. How does the Blessed One not do evil - dragon? Evil means evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future.
Having released all bondages and bonds;
Not clinging anywhere, liberated, the steadfast one is called a dragon because of actuality.
Thus the Blessed One does not do evil - dragon.
How does the Blessed One not go - dragon. The Blessed One does not take a wrong course through desire, does not take a wrong course through hatred, does not take a wrong course through delusion, does not take a wrong course through fear, does not go under the power of lust, does not go under the power of hatred, does not go under the power of delusion, does not go under the power of conceit, does not go under the power of views, does not go under the power of restlessness, does not go under the power of doubt, does not go under the power of underlying tendencies, is not moved, led, carried, conveyed by factional things. Thus the Blessed One does not go - dragon.
How does the Blessed One not come - dragon. Whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of stream-entry, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements. by the path of once-returning...etc... by the path of non-returning... Whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of arahantship, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements. Thus the Blessed One does not come, therefore he is called 'dragon' - Having met you, I revere you, O dragon.
Perhaps the Blessed One would exhort me to stability means perhaps the Blessed One would exhort me to stability, would exhort respectfully, would exhort repeatedly, would exhort again and again, would instruct - Perhaps the Blessed One would exhort me to stability. Therefore that brahmin said -
Having met you, I revere you, O dragon, perhaps the Blessed One would exhort me to stability."
28.
Surely he has crossed over this flood, gone beyond to the far shore, free from barrenness, free from perplexity.
That brahmin whom one would directly know as master of inspiration means. A brahmin is one who has eliminated seven things. identity view is eliminated, doubt is eliminated, adherence to rules and observances is eliminated, lust is eliminated, hatred is eliminated, delusion is eliminated, conceit is eliminated. Evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future are eliminated in him.
Pure, well concentrated, and stable;
Having transcended the round of rebirths, he is a consummate one, independent, such a one is called a sublime deity.
"Master of inspiration" means: knowledge in the four paths is called veda...etc... Having transcended all inspiration, he is one who has gone beyond inspiration. "Would directly know" means one should directly know, know, understand, comprehend and penetrate - that brahmin whom one would directly know as master of inspiration.
Owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence. "Owning nothing" means: one in whom the encumbrance of lust, encumbrance of hatred, encumbrance of delusion, encumbrance of conceit, encumbrance of views, encumbrance of defilements, encumbrance of misconduct, these encumbrances are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called one who owns nothing. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. Existences means: two existences - existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking... etc... this is renewed existence at rebirth-linking. "Owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence" means: a person owning nothing and unattached, unfettered, unbound, unimpeded, departed, gone forth, released, disconnected from sensual existence, dwelling with a mind made free from limitations - owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence.
Surely he has crossed over this flood. "Surely" is a word expressing certainty...etc... this is a word expressing affirmation - "surely." Flood means the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views, the flood of ignorance. Has crossed over means has transcended, passed beyond, overcome and gone beyond - surely he has crossed over this flood.
And gone beyond to the far shore, free from barrenness, free from perplexity. Crossed over means crossed over the flood of sensual pleasure, crossed over the flood of existence, crossed over the flood of views, crossed over the flood of ignorance, crossed over the path of the round of rebirths, crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond. He has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct, completed the journey, finished the course, reached the summit, guarded the holy life, attained the supreme view, developed the path, abandoned defilements, penetrated the unshakable, realized cessation. His suffering is fully understood, origin is abandoned, path is developed, cessation is realized, what should be directly known is directly known, what should be fully understood is fully understood, what should be abandoned is abandoned, what should be developed is developed, what should be realized is realized. He has lifted the barrier, filled in the moat, pulled out the pillar, unlocked the bolt, is noble, has lowered the flag, put down the burden, is unfettered, has abandoned five factors, is endowed with six factors, has one guard, has four supports, has rejected individual truths, has thoroughly given up searching through equanimity, has pure intention, has tranquillized bodily formations, has well-liberated mind, has well-liberated wisdom, is consummate, has lived the life, is the supreme person, the highest person, one who has reached the supreme attainment. One neither accumulates nor diminishes, having diminished and standing still. One neither abandons nor clings, having abandoned and standing still. One neither disperses nor accumulates, having dispersed and standing still. One neither dispels nor collects, having dispelled and standing still. Standing still, being endowed with the aggregate of virtue of one beyond training. With the aggregate of concentration of one beyond training...etc... with the aggregate of wisdom... with the aggregate of liberation... standing still, being endowed with the aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation of one beyond training. Standing still, having realized truth. Standing still, having transcended stirring. Standing still, having exhausted the fire of defilements. Standing still through non-wandering. How is one standing still through undertaking? Standing still through pursuing liberation. Standing still through the purification of loving-kindness. Of compassion...etc... through altruistic joy... standing still through the purification of equanimity. Standing still through ultimate purification. Standing still through the purification of non-identification. Standing still through liberation. Standing still through contentment. Standing still at the end of aggregates. Standing still at the end of elements. Standing still at the end of bases. Standing still at the end of destinations. Standing still at the end of rebirth. Standing still at the end of reconnection. Standing still at the end of existence. Standing still at the end of the round of rebirths. Standing still at the end of the round. Standing still in the final existence. Standing still in the final body. The arahant bearing the final body.
The round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence.
And gone beyond to the far shore means: the far shore is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. He has gone to the far shore, reached the far shore, gone to the end, reached the end, gone to the peak, reached the peak, gone to the limit, reached the limit, gone to the conclusion, reached the conclusion, gone to shelter, reached shelter, gone to refuge, reached refuge, gone to safety, reached safety, gone to the imperishable, reached the imperishable, gone to the Deathless, reached the Deathless, gone to Nibbāna, reached Nibbāna. He has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct...etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - and gone beyond to the far shore.
Free from barrenness means: lust is barrenness, hatred is barrenness, delusion is barrenness, anger is barrenness, hostility is barrenness...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are barrennesses. For whom these barrennesses are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called free from barrenness. "Free from perplexity" means: perplexity about suffering, perplexity about the origin of suffering, perplexity about the cessation of suffering, perplexity about the way leading to the cessation of suffering, perplexity about the past, perplexity about the future, perplexity about both past and future, perplexity about specific conditionality and dependently arisen states, whatever perplexity, being perplexed, state of being perplexed, uncertainty, doubt, wavering, forked path, scepticism, grasping at various views, hesitation, vacillation, inability to grasp, trepidation, mental confusion. For whom these perplexities are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called free from perplexity - and gone beyond to the far shore, free from barrenness, free from perplexity. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Surely he has crossed over this flood, gone beyond to the far shore, free from barrenness, free from perplexity.
29.
He is free from craving, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging.
"And the person who is wise, accomplished in ancient scriptures here" means: 'Knowing one' means one who is having true knowledge, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. "One": whoever he may be...etc... or human being. 'Master of inspiration' means: knowledge in the four paths is called veda - wisdom, faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, investigation-of-states enlightenment factor, investigation, insight, right view. Through these vedas he has gone to the end of birth, aging and death, reached the end, gone to the peak, reached the peak, gone to the limit, reached the limit, gone to the conclusion, reached the conclusion, gone to shelter, reached shelter, gone to refuge, reached refuge, gone to safety, reached safety, gone to the imperishable, reached the imperishable, gone to the Deathless, reached the Deathless, gone to Nibbāna, reached Nibbāna. 'Vedagū' means one who has gone to the end of the vedas, or one who has gone to the end through the vedas, or one who is vedagū because of having known seven things. Identity view is known, doubt...etc... adherence to rules and observances... lust... hatred... delusion... conceit is known. Evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future are known in him.
Of ascetics and brahmins here;
Free from lust regarding all feelings, having transcended all inspiration, he is one who has gone beyond inspiration.
A 'person' means a being, a man, a person, a human, an individual, a soul, a person, a being, a person, a human. Here means: in this view...etc... in this human world - and the person who is wise, accomplished in ancient scriptures here.
Having let go of this attachment to existence and non-existence. In various states of existence: in various states of existence, in states of action, in renewed existence, in sense-sphere existence, in states of action, in sense-sphere existence, in renewed existence, in form-sphere existence, in states of action, in form-sphere existence, in renewed existence, in formless-sphere existence, in states of action, in formless-sphere existence, in renewed existence, in repeated renewed existence, in repeated destination, in repeated rebirth, in repeated re-linking, in repeated production of individual existence. Attachments: there are seven attachments - attachment of lust, attachment of hatred, attachment of delusion, attachment of conceit, attachment of views, attachment of defilements, attachment of misconduct. Having untied means: having released the attachments, having untied. Or having unbound the attachments that were tied, bound, fastened, attached, fixed, stuck, hindered, and fettered, having untied. Just as they undo and dismantle a vehicle or carriage or chariot or cart or palanquin that was assembled - even so having released the attachments, having untied. Or having unbound the attachments that were tied, bound, fastened, attached, fixed, stuck, hindered, and fettered, having untied - having let go of this attachment to existence and non-existence.
He is free from craving, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects... For whom this craving is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called free from craving, with craving gone, having given up craving, having vomited craving, having released craving, having abandoned craving, having relinquished craving, free from lust, having given up lust, having abandoned lust, having relinquished lust, without hunger, quenched, become cool, experiencing happiness, dwelling with a self become divine - he is free from craving. Free from trouble means: lust is trouble, hatred is trouble, delusion is trouble, anger is trouble, resentment is trouble...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are troubles. For whom these troubles are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called free from trouble. Without longing means: hope means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. For whom this hope, craving is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, he is called without longing. Birth means: for various beings...etc... obtaining of the sense bases. Aging means: for various beings...etc... deterioration of the faculties. this is called aging. He is free from craving, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging means: one who is free from craving and free from trouble and without longing, he has crossed over, gone beyond, passed over, transcended, gone past birth, aging and death - I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - he is free from craving, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
He is free from craving, free from trouble, without longing, I say that one has crossed over birth and aging."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Young Man Mettagū is concluded.
5.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Dhotaka
30.
"I long for your speech, great sage;
Having heard your utterance, I should train for my own Nibbāna."
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Question: there are three kinds of questions - questions to illuminate the unseen, questions to compare what is seen, questions to cut off uncertainty...etc... these are the three questions...etc... questions about Nibbāna. 'I ask you' means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, I encourage you, 'please tell me' - I ask you. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
[said the venerable Dhotaka] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... 'Venerable' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation venerable. 'Dhotaka' is that brahmin's name, term, designation, description, expression, name, naming, denomination, language, phrasing, manner of speaking - said the venerable Dhotaka.
"I long for your speech, great sage" means: I long for, desire, wish for, accept, request, aspire to, yearn for your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice. Great sage means: why is the Blessed One a great sage? He sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a great sage...etc... Where is the bull among men?" thus he is a great sage - I long for your speech, great sage.
Having heard your utterance means: having heard, listened to, learned, considered, and observed your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice - having heard your utterance.
One should train for one's own Nibbāna. Training means three trainings - training in higher virtuous behaviour, training in higher mind, training in higher wisdom... etc... this is the training in higher wisdom. "For one's own Nibbāna" means for the extinction of one's own lust, for the extinction of hatred, for the extinction of delusion, for the extinction of anger, for the extinction of resentment...etc... for the peace, tranquillity, subsiding, extinction, relinquishment, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations, one should train in higher virtuous behaviour, higher mind, and higher wisdom. One should train while reflecting on these three trainings, train while knowing, train while seeing, train while reviewing, train while resolving the mind, train while being intent through faith, train while rousing energy, train while establishing mindfulness, train while concentrating the mind, train while understanding with wisdom, train while directly knowing what should be directly known, train while fully understanding what should be fully understood, train while abandoning what should be abandoned, train while developing what should be developed, train while realising what should be realised - one should practise, conduct oneself, and proceed having undertaken them - one should train for one's own Nibbāna. Therefore that brahmin said -
"I long for your speech, great sage;
Having heard your utterance, I should train for my own Nibbāna.
31.
Right here alert and mindful;
Having heard the utterance from here, train for your own Nibbāna.
"Therefore make ardor" means make ardor, make effort, make enthusiasm, make strength, make resolution, make energy, generate desire, produce, establish, bring forth, create, create thoroughly - therefore make ardor.
The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Dhotaka. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - "Dhotaka," said the Blessed One.
Right here alert and mindful. Here means: in this view, in this conviction, in this personal preference, in this belief, in this Teaching, in this discipline, in this Teaching and discipline, in this doctrine, in this holy life, in this Teacher's Dispensation, in this individual existence, in this human world. Alert means: one who is alert, wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... one is called mindful - right here alert and mindful.
Having heard the utterance from here means: having heard, listened to, learned, considered, and observed my word, way, teaching, instruction and advice - having heard the utterance from here.
One should train for one's own Nibbāna. Training means three trainings - training in higher virtuous behaviour, training in higher mind, training in higher wisdom... etc... this is the training in higher wisdom. "For one's own Nibbāna" means for the extinction of one's own lust, for the extinction of hatred, for the extinction of delusion, for the extinction of anger, for the extinction of resentment...etc... for the peace, tranquillity, subsiding, extinction, relinquishment, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations, one should train in higher virtuous behaviour, higher mind, and higher wisdom. One should train while reflecting on these three trainings, train while knowing...etc... train while realising what should be realised - one should practise, conduct oneself, and proceed having undertaken them - one should train for one's own Nibbāna. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Right here alert and mindful;
Having heard the utterance from here, I should train for my own Nibbāna.
32.
Having met you, I revere you, O All-seeing One, free me, O Mighty One, from doubts.
I see in the world of deities and humans. Deities: there are three kinds of deities - conventional deities, deities by rebirth, deities by purification. Which are conventional deities? Conventional deities are called kings and princes and queens. These are called conventional deities. Which are deities by rebirth? Deities by rebirth are called the deities of the Four Great Kings, the deities of the Thirty-three, the deities of Yāma, the deities of Tusita, the deities who delight in creation, the deities who control the creations of others, the deities of Brahmā's company, and those deities higher than these. These are called deities by rebirth. Which are deities by purification? Deities by purification are called the disciples of the Truth Finder who are arahants with taints destroyed, and the privately enlightened ones. These are called deities by purification. The Blessed One is a deity, a supreme deity, and a deity beyond deities of conventional deities, deities by rebirth, and deities by purification; he is the lion of lions, the dragon of dragons, the leader of leaders, the sage of sages, the king of kings. "I see in the world of deities and humans": in the human world I see a deity, I see a supreme deity, I see a deity beyond deities, I observe, I look at, I consider, I examine - I see in the world of deities and humans.
"A brahmin who owns nothing moving about." "Owning nothing" means: the encumbrance of lust, encumbrance of hatred, encumbrance of delusion, encumbrance of conceit, encumbrance of views, encumbrance of defilements, encumbrance of misconduct, these encumbrances in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising, therefore the Enlightened One owns nothing. A brahmin means the Blessed One is a brahmin because of having eliminated seven things - identity view is eliminated, doubt is eliminated, adherence to rules and observances is eliminated, lust is eliminated, hatred is eliminated, delusion is eliminated, conceit is eliminated, evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future are eliminated in him.
Pure, well concentrated, and stable;
Having transcended the round of rebirths, he is a consummate one, independent, such a one is called a sublime deity.
Moving means: moving, dwelling, conducting oneself, carrying on, guarding, maintaining, keeping going - a brahmin who owns nothing moving about.
Having met you, I revere you, O All-seeing One. That means he speaks to the Blessed One. "I revere" means I revere with the body, or I revere with speech, or I revere with mind, or I revere through practice in accordance with the meaning, or I revere through practice in accordance with the Teaching, I respect, I revere, I honour, I worship. "All-seeing eye": the all-seeing eye is called the knowledge of omniscience. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with the knowledge of omniscience.
The Truth Finder has directly known all that can be known, therefore he has the all-seeing eye.
Having met you, I revere you, O All-seeing One.
Free me, O Mighty One, from doubts. "Sakka" means the Blessed One who went forth from the Sakyan clan is Sakka. Or else, being rich, of great wealth, wealthy is also Sakka. He possesses these forms of wealth, that is: the wealth of faith, the wealth of virtue, the wealth of moral shame, the wealth of fear of wrongdoing, the wealth of learning, the wealth of generosity, the wealth of wisdom, the wealth of the foundations of mindfulness, the wealth of right striving, the wealth of the bases for spiritual power, the wealth of the faculties, the wealth of the powers, the wealth of the enlightenment factors, the wealth of the path, the wealth of fruition, the wealth of Nibbāna. Being rich, of great wealth, wealthy with these various treasures of wealth is also Sakka. Or else, Sakka means capable, powerful, competent, heroic, valiant, brave, not timid, not cowardly, not frightened, not ready to run, abandoned fear and terror, free from terror. Doubt is called uncertainty. Perplexity about suffering, perplexity about the origin of suffering, perplexity about the cessation of suffering, perplexity about the way leading to the cessation of suffering, perplexity about the past, perplexity about the future, perplexity about both past and future, perplexity about specific conditionality and dependently arisen states. Whatever perplexity, being perplexed, state of being perplexed, uncertainty, doubt, wavering, forked path, scepticism, grasping at various views, hesitation, vacillation, inability to grasp, trepidation, mental confusion. "Free me, O Mighty One, from doubts" means: free me, release me, liberate me, deliver me, lift me up, raise me up, remove me from the dart of doubt. Free me, O Mighty One, from doubts. Therefore that brahmin said -
Having met you, I revere you, O All-seeing One, free me, O Mighty One, from doubts."
33.
But knowing the supreme Teaching, thus you will cross over this flood.
"I will not undertake to free" means: I am not able to free you, release you, liberate you, deliver you, lift you up, raise you up, remove you, raise you up from the dart of doubt. Thus too I will not undertake to free them. Or else, I do not strive, do not endeavour, do not attempt, do not make effort, do not make endeavour, do not make enthusiasm, do not make strength, do not make resolution, do not make energy, do not generate desire, do not produce, do not bring forth, do not bring about teaching the Teaching to individuals who are without faith, without desire, lazy, of inferior energy, who do not practise. Thus too I will not undertake to free them. Or else, there is no other liberator. If they were to be freed, they would be freed by their own strength, their own force, their own energy, their own exertion, their own manly strength, their own manly force, their own manly energy, their own manly exertion, practising by themselves the right way, the way in accordance, the non-opposing way, the beneficial way, the way in accordance with the Teaching. Thus too I will not undertake to free them.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "That one who is himself stuck in the swamp should pull out another who is stuck in the swamp - this is not a possible position. That one who is himself untamed, undisciplined, unquenched should tame, discipline, and lead another to quenching - this is not a possible position." Thus too I will not undertake to free them.
For this was said by the Blessed One -
By oneself is evil left undone, by oneself indeed is one purified;
Purity and impurity depend on oneself, no one can purify another."
Thus too I will not undertake to free them.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Just so, brahmin, Nibbāna still exists, the path leading to Nibbāna still exists, and I am present as one who advises, yet when my disciples are thus exhorted by me, thus instructed by me, some attain the ultimate goal, Nibbāna, and some do not attain it. What can I do about that, brahmin? The Truth Finder is one who shows the path, brahmin. The Enlightened One points out the path. When they practise by themselves, they would be freed." Thus too I will not undertake to free them."
Anyone who doubts in the world, Dhotaka means any person with perplexity, with barrenness, with indecision, with doubt. Anyone means: any noble, or brahmin, or merchant, or worker, or householder, or one gone forth, or deity, or human being. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases means - anyone who doubts in the world, Dhotaka.
But knowing the supreme Teaching means: the supreme Teaching is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Supreme means: knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating the foremost, best, distinguished, supreme, highest, superior Teaching - but knowing the supreme Teaching.
Thus you will cross over this flood means thus you would cross, overcome, transcend, go beyond and surmount the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views and the flood of ignorance - thus you will cross over this flood. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
But knowing the supreme Teaching, thus you will cross over this flood."
34.
Like space, being unrepelled, may I wander right here peaceful and independent.
"Instruct me, O brahmin, being compassionate" means: instruct me, O brahmin, help me, O brahmin, have tender concern for me, O brahmin - instruct me, O brahmin. "Being compassionate" means: being compassionate, being sympathetic, being protective, being helpful, having tender concern - instruct me, O brahmin, being compassionate.
"The Teaching of seclusion that I might cognize" means: the Teaching of seclusion is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. 'That I should cognize': that I should know, understand, cognize, comprehend, penetrate, attain, experience, realize - the Teaching of seclusion that I should cognize.
'Like space, being unrepelled': just as space is not repelled, does not grasp, is not bound, is not fettered, thus being unrepelled, ungrasping, unbound, unfettered - Thus too like space, being unrepelled. Just as space is not stained by lac or turmeric or indigo or madder, thus being unstained, unhating, undeluded, undefiled - Thus too like space, being unrepelled. Just as space does not become angry, is not repelled, does not withdraw, is not struck, thus not becoming angry, being unrepelled, not withdrawing, not being struck, not striking back - Thus too like space, being unrepelled.
May I wander right here peaceful and independent. Right here peaceful means: right here peaceful, right here being, right here being seated, being seated in this very seat, being seated in this very assembly - thus too - right here peaceful. Or alternatively, right here peaceful, at peace, fully peaceful, quenched, tranquillized - thus too - right here peaceful. Independent means: two dependencies - dependency on craving and dependency on views...etc... this is dependency on craving...etc... this is dependency on views... Having abandoned dependency on craving and relinquished dependency on views, independent of eye, independent of ear, independent of nose, independent of tongue, independent of body, independent of mind, in forms... sounds... odours... tastes... tactile objects... towards the Teaching... in family... in group... in dwelling... in gain... in fame... in praise... in happiness... in robe... in almsfood... in lodging... in medicinal requisites... in sense-sphere element... in form-sphere element... in formless-sphere element... in sense-sphere existence... in form-sphere existence... in formless-sphere existence... in existence with perception... in existence without perception... in existence with neither perception nor non-perception... in existence with one aggregate... in existence with four aggregates... in existence with five aggregates... in past... in future... in present... independent of things seen, heard, sensed and cognized, unattached, unadhered, unapproached, not taken to, not adhered to, gone forth, detached, freed, released, with a mind made unlimited. May I wander means: may I wander, may I dwell, may I move, may I behave, may I keep going, may I keep going - may I wander right here peaceful and independent. Therefore that brahmin said -
Like space, being unrepelled, may I wander right here peaceful and independent."
35.
In this very life, not based on hearsay;
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world.
I will proclaim to you peace means the peace of lust, the peace of hatred, the peace of delusion, the peace of anger, of resentment...etc... of contempt... of insolence... of envy... of selfishness... of deceit... of fraud... of obstinacy... of rivalry... of conceit... of arrogance... of vanity... of negligence... of all defilements... of all misconduct... of all disturbance... of all passion... of all torments... I shall relate, I shall tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the peace, calming, tranquillizing, quenching, tranquillity of all unwholesome volitional formations - I will proclaim to you peace.
"Dhotaka," said the Blessed One. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Dhotaka. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - "Dhotaka," said the Blessed One.
In this very life, not based on hearsay. In this very life means: in this very life having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having made clear the states, having understood the states, "All formations are impermanent"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" in this very life having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having understood the states, having made clear the states - thus also - in this very life...etc... Or else, having seen suffering I shall speak of suffering, having seen origin I shall speak of origin, having seen the path I shall speak of the path, having seen cessation I shall speak of cessation - thus also - in this very life...etc... Or else, directly visible, immediately effective, inviting one to come and see, leading onwards, to be personally experienced by the wise - thus also - in this very life. Not based on hearsay means: not hearsay, not oral tradition, not lineage of teaching, not a collection of texts, not by reasoning, not by inferential reasoning, not by reflection on reasons, not by acceptance of a view after pondering it, but the Teaching personally realized by direct knowledge as one's own, I shall speak of that - in this very life, not based on hearsay.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully means: having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear; "All formations are impermanent" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear; "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... is called mindful. 'Move about' means moving, dwelling, behaving, continuing, maintaining, keeping going, making go - having understood which, wandering mindfully.
"Cross over clinging in the world" - craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Why is it called entanglement... etc... spread out and extended, thus it is entangling. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases. "Cross over clinging in the world" means: that clinging in the world, or that attachment in the world, one who is mindful should cross over, should go beyond, should pass beyond, should transcend, should overcome - cross over clinging in the world. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
In this very life, not based on hearsay;
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
36.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world.
And I delight in that means: That means: I delight in, rejoice in, approve of, desire, accept, request, wish for, long for, aspire to your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice - and I delight in that.
Great sage, supreme peace. Great sage means: why is the Blessed One a great sage? He sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a great sage; the great aggregate of concentration...etc... where is the bull among men?" thus he is a great sage. Supreme peace means: peace is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Supreme means: foremost, best, distinguished, supreme, highest, superior - great sage, supreme peace.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully means: having made known...etc... "All formations are impermanent" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear; "All formations are suffering"... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... is called mindful. Wandering means wandering... etc... keeping going - having understood which, wandering mindfully.
Cross over clinging in the world. Craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Why is it called entanglement... etc... spread out and extended, thus it is entangling. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases. "Cross over clinging in the world" means: that clinging in the world, or that attachment in the world, being mindful I should cross over, I should go beyond... etc... I should overcome - cross over clinging in the world. Therefore that brahmin said -
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
37.
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Having understood this as bondage in the world, make no craving for any kind of existence.
Whatever you clearly comprehend means: whatever you clearly comprehend, know, discern, penetrate - whatever you clearly comprehend. "Dhotaka," said the Blessed One. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Dhotaka. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - "Dhotaka," said the Blessed One.
Above, below, and across in the middle. Above means the future; below means the past; and across in the middle means the present. Above means the world of deities; below means the world of misery; and across in the middle means the human world. Or else, above means wholesome states; below means unwholesome states; and across in the middle means undeclared states. Above means the element of formlessness; below means the element of sensual pleasure; and across in the middle means the element of form. Above means pleasant feeling; below means painful feeling; and across in the middle means neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Above means from the soles of the feet upward; below means from the head-hairs downward; and across in the middle means in the middle - above, below, and across in the middle.
Having understood this as bondage in the world means: having known, having understood, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear that this is bondage, this is attachment, this is imprisonment, this is obstruction - Having understood this as bondage in the world.
Make no craving for any kind of existence. Craving: craving for forms, craving for sounds... etc... craving for mind-objects. For various states of existence means: do not make, do not generate, do not produce, do not bring forth, do not give rise to craving for various states of existence, for states of action, for renewed existence, for sense-sphere existence, for states of action, for sense-sphere existence, for renewed existence, for form-sphere existence, for states of action, for form-sphere existence, for renewed existence, for formless-sphere existence, for states of action, for formless-sphere existence, for renewed existence, for repeated existence, for repeated destination, for repeated rebirth, for repeated re-linking, for repeated production of individual existence; abandon, eliminate, abolish, bring to obliteration means - make no craving for any kind of existence. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Having understood this as bondage in the world, make no craving for any kind of existence."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Dhotaka is concluded.
6.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Upasīva
38.
Independent, I am not able to cross over;
Tell me a basis, O All-seeing One, based upon which I might cross this flood.
"Alone, Sakka, I cannot cross this great flood." Alone means: I have no second person, nor do I have the Teaching as a second, nor is there any person or Teaching depending on which I could cross, overcome, transcend, go beyond and surmount the great flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views and the flood of ignorance. Sakka means Sakka. The Blessed One who went forth from the Sakyan clan is also Sakka. Or else, being rich, of great wealth, wealthy is also Sakka. He possesses these forms of wealth, that is: the wealth of faith, the wealth of virtue, the wealth of moral shame, the wealth of fear of wrongdoing, the wealth of learning, the wealth of generosity, the wealth of wisdom, the wealth of the foundations of mindfulness...etc... the wealth of Nibbāna. Being rich, of great wealth, wealthy with these various treasures of wealth is also Sakka. Or else, Sakka means capable, powerful, competent, heroic, valiant, brave, not timid, not cowardly, not frightened, not ready to run, abandoned fear and terror, free from terror - "Alone, Sakka, I cannot cross this great flood."
[said Venerable Upasīva] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Upasīva' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - said Venerable Upasīva.
"Independent, I am not able to cross over." Independent means: not dependent on a person or not dependent on the Teaching, I am not able, do not attempt, am not capable, am not competent to cross, overcome, transcend, go beyond and surmount the great flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views and the flood of ignorance - independent, I am not able to cross over.
"Tell me a basis, O All-seeing One" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal a basis, support, foundation, proximate cause. "All-seeing eye": the all-seeing eye is called the knowledge of omniscience. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with that knowledge of omniscience.
The Truth Finder has directly known all that can be known, therefore he has the all-seeing eye.
Tell me a basis, O All-seeing One.
Based upon which I might cross this flood. Based upon which means: depending on which person or depending on which Teaching I might cross, overcome, transcend, go beyond and surmount the great flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views and the flood of ignorance - based upon which I might cross this flood. Therefore that brahmin said -
Independent, I am not able to cross over;
Tell me a basis, O All-seeing One, based upon which I might cross this flood."
39.
Based upon 'there is nothing', cross the flood;
Having abandoned sensual pleasures, abstaining from talk, see the destruction of craving day and night.
Contemplating nothingness, being mindful means: that brahmin was naturally an attainer of the base of nothingness but does not know the basis - "This is my support." The Blessed One explains to him both the support and the further path of emancipation. Having mindfully attained the base of nothingness, having emerged from it, contemplating the mental phenomena and mental states arisen there as impermanent, as suffering...etc... as a disease... as a tumour... as a dart... as misery... as an affliction... as alien... as disintegrating... as a calamity... as a disaster... as a peril... as a trouble... as shaky... as breaking up... as unstable... as no protection... as no shelter... as no refuge... as become refugeless... as void... as hollow... as empty... as non-self... as a danger... as subject to change... as without substance... as a root of misery... as existence... as due to be exterminated... as tainted... as conditioned... as Māra's bait... as subject to birth... as subject to aging... as subject to illness... as subject to death... as subject to sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair... as subject to origination... as subject to disappearance... as gratification... as a danger... contemplating as escape, seeing, looking at, observing, examining.
Mindful means that which is mindfulness, recollection, remembrance...etc... right mindfulness - this is called mindfulness. One who is possessed... etc... endowed with this mindfulness is called mindful - contemplating nothingness, being mindful.
The Blessed One to Upasīva. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Upasīva. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Upasīva.
Cross the flood based upon 'there is nothing' means the attainment of the base of nothingness 'there is nothing at all'. For what reason is there 'there is nothing at all' as the attainment of the base of nothingness? Having mindfully attained the base of infinite consciousness, having emerged from it, one makes that same consciousness cease, disappear, vanish, and sees 'there is nothing at all'. For that reason, based upon, depending on, making an object of the attainment of the base of nothingness 'there is nothing at all', cross, overcome, transcend, go beyond and surmount the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views and the flood of ignorance - based upon 'there is nothing', cross the flood.
Having abandoned sensual pleasures, abstaining from talk. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. Having abandoned sensual pleasures means: having fully understood material sensual pleasures and having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated sensual desire - having abandoned sensual pleasures. Abstaining from talk means: doubt is called uncertainty. Perplexity about suffering... etc... trepidation, mental confusion, aloof from uncertainty, abstained, refrained, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - thus also abstaining from talk... etc... or else, aloof from thirty-two kinds of pointless talk, abstained, refrained, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - thus also abstaining from talk - having abandoned sensual pleasures, abstaining from talk.
See the destruction of craving day and night. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. Night means night-time. Day means daytime. Night and day see, observe, watch, look at, contemplate and examine the destruction of craving, the destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion, the destruction of destination, the destruction of rebirth, the destruction of relinking, the destruction of existence, the destruction of the round of rebirths, the destruction of the round - see the destruction of craving day and night. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Based upon 'there is nothing', cross the flood;
Having abandoned sensual pleasures, abstaining from talk, see the destruction of craving day and night."
40.
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving;
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception, would that one remain there without following.
One who is free from lust regarding all sensual pleasures. "Regarding all" means: this is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder. "Regarding sensual pleasures" means: sensual pleasures in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. One who is free from lust regarding all sensual pleasures. One who regarding all sensual pleasures is free from lust, with lust gone, having given up lust, having vomited lust, having released lust, having abandoned lust, having relinquished lust, through suppression - one who is free from lust regarding all sensual pleasures.
[said Venerable Upasīva] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Upasīva' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - said Venerable Upasīva.
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving. Having abandoned, given up, relinquished, overcome, transcended and gone beyond the six lower attainments, dependent on, based upon, approached, fully approached, clung to, disposed to the attainment of the base of nothingness - based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving.
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception means: the seven attainments of perception are called deliverances through perception. Among those attainments of perception, the deliverance of the attainment of the base of nothingness is the highest, the best, the most excellent, the chief, the supreme, and the most excellent; in the supreme, highest, best, most excellent, chief, supreme, and most excellent, liberated with the deliverance of disposition, disposed there, disposed to that, of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority - liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception.
Would that one remain there without following? "Would remain?" is a question of doubt, a question of uncertainty, a question of confusion, a question with no definite conclusion, "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?" - would remain? "There" means in the base of nothingness. "Without following" means without following, not departing, not going away, not disappearing, not declining...etc... Or else, being unstained, unhating, undeluded, undefiled - would that one remain there without following. Therefore that brahmin said -
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving;
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception, would that one remain there without following?"
41.
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving;
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception, that one would remain there without following.
One who is free from lust regarding all sensual pleasures. "Regarding all" means: this is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder. "Regarding sensual pleasures" means: sensual pleasures in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. "One who is free from lust regarding all sensual pleasures" means one who regarding all sensual pleasures is free from lust... etc... having relinquished lust, through suppression - one who is free from lust regarding all sensual pleasures.
The Blessed One to Upasīva. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Upasīva. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Upasīva.
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving. Having abandoned, given up, relinquished, overcome, transcended and gone beyond the six lower attainments, dependent on, based upon, approached, fully approached, clung to, disposed to the attainment of the base of nothingness - based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving.
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception means: the seven attainments of perception are called deliverances through perception. Among those attainments of perception, the deliverance of the attainment of the base of nothingness is the highest, the best, the most excellent, the chief, the supreme, and the most excellent; in the supreme, highest, best, most excellent, chief, supreme, and most excellent, liberated with the deliverance of disposition, disposed there, disposed to that...etc... under its authority - liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception.
That one would remain there without following. "Would remain" means would remain for sixty thousand aeons. "There" means in the base of nothingness. "Without following" means without following, not departing, not going away, not disappearing, not declining. Or else, being unstained, unhating, undeluded, undefiled - that one would remain there without following. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Based upon nothingness, having abandoned conceiving;
Liberated in the supreme deliverance of perception, that one would remain there without following."
42.
Would that one be cooled and liberated right there, would the consciousness of such a one pass away.
"If that one would remain there without following" means if that one would remain for sixty thousand aeons. "There" means in the base of nothingness. "Without following" means without following, not departing, not going away, not disappearing, not declining. Or else, being unstained, unhating, undeluded, undefiled - if that one would remain there without following.
"For many years, O All-Seeing One." "For many years": for many years, many hundreds of years, many thousands of years, many hundreds of thousands of years, many aeons, many hundreds of aeons, many thousands of aeons, many hundreds of thousands of aeons. "All-seeing eye": the all-seeing eye is called the knowledge of omniscience...etc... the Truth Finder has the all-seeing eye - for many years, O All-Seeing One.
"Would that one be cooled and liberated right there, would the consciousness of such a one pass away?": right there having attained the state of cooling, permanent, stable, eternal, not subject to change, would remain the same for eternity. Or else, would his consciousness pass away, be annihilated, perish, be destroyed, not exist, meaning would the consciousness for renewed existence arise in the sense-sphere, or form-sphere, or formless-sphere? Thus he asks about eternalism and annihilation for one who has attained the base of nothingness. Or would he attain final Nibbāna right there in the element of Nibbāna without residue. Or else, would his consciousness pass away, would consciousness for renewed existence arise in the sense-sphere, or form-sphere, or formless-sphere? Thus he asks about final Nibbāna and rebirth-linking for one reborn in the base of nothingness. "Of such a one" means of such a one, of one like that, of one who stands thus, of one of such a kind, of one similar to that, of one reborn in the base of nothingness - Would that one be cooled and liberated right there, would the consciousness of such a one pass away. Therefore that brahmin said -
"Would that one be cooled and liberated right there, would the consciousness of such a one pass away?"
43.
Goes to its end and cannot be reckoned;
So the sage, liberated from the body of name, goes to its end and cannot be reckoned."
"Just as a flame thrown by the force of wind": a flame means a tongue of fire. Winds means: eastern winds, western winds, northern winds, southern winds, dusty winds, dustless winds, cool winds, hot winds, gentle winds, strong winds, high altitude winds, wing winds, eagle winds, palm leaf winds, and fan winds. "Thrown by the force of wind" means: thrown, tossed up, pushed, driven, propelled and scattered by the force of wind - just as a flame thrown by the force of wind. The Blessed One to Upasīva. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Upasīva. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Upasīva.
"Goes to its end and cannot be reckoned." "Goes to its end" means: goes to its end, reaches its end, goes to its end, ceases, subsides, becomes tranquil. "Cannot be reckoned" means: does not come to reckoning, does not come to synopsis, does not come to counting, does not come to description, "gone to the eastern direction, or gone to the western direction, or gone to the northern direction, or gone to the southern direction, or gone upward, or gone downward, or gone horizontally, or gone to the intermediate directions" - there is no cause, no condition, no reason by which he would come to reckoning - goes to its end and cannot be reckoned.
So the sage, liberated from the body of name. Thus is the bringing forth of the simile. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments. Liberated from the body of name means: that sage is by nature already liberated from the material body. Through transcendence of that factor, it is abandoned by way of suppression-abandoning. For that sage, having come to the end of existence, the four noble paths are attained. Due to the attainment of the four noble paths, the mental body and the material body are fully understood. Due to the full understanding of the mental body and the material body, he is freed, liberated, well liberated from the mental body and the material body through the ultimate liberation through non-clinging - so the sage, liberated from the body of name.
"Goes to its end and cannot be reckoned." "Goes to its end" means: attains final Nibbāna in the element of Nibbāna without residue. "Cannot be reckoned" means: having attained final Nibbāna in the element of Nibbāna without residue, does not come to reckoning, does not come to synopsis, does not come to counting, does not come to description - as a noble or a brahmin or a merchant or a worker or a householder or one gone forth or a deity or a human being or as one having form or formless or percipient or non-percipient or neither percipient nor non-percipient. There is no cause, no condition, no reason by which he would come to reckoning - goes to its end and cannot be reckoned. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Goes to its end and cannot be reckoned;
So the sage, liberated from the body of name, goes to its end and cannot be reckoned."
44.
Please explain this well to me, sage, for this Teaching is understood by you.
Has that one gone to its end, or does that one not exist means: has that one gone to its end or does that one not exist, ceased, been cut off, been destroyed - has that one gone to its end, or does that one not exist.
Or is that one eternally healthy means: or would that one remain permanent, stable, eternal, not subject to change, and remain just so for eternity - or is that one eternally healthy.
Please explain this well to me, sage. That: what I ask, what I request, what I beg, what I seek confidence in. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments. Please explain well means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - Please explain this well to me, sage.
Thus this Teaching is understood by you means: thus this Teaching is understood, weighed, judged, clear, made clear by you - thus this Teaching is understood by you. Therefore that brahmin said -
Please explain this well to me, sage, for this Teaching is understood by you."
45.
That by which they might speak of him does not exist for him;
When all things are removed, all paths of assertion are also removed.
For one gone to the end there is no measure means: for one who has attained final Nibbāna in the element of Nibbāna without residue, there is no measure of form, no measure of feeling, no measure of perception, no measure of formations, no measure of consciousness, it does not exist, is not found, is not obtained, is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - For one gone to the end there is no measure. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Upasīva. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Upasīva.
That by which they might speak of him does not exist for him means: by which lust they might speak of him, by which hatred they might speak, by which delusion they might speak, by which conceit they might speak, by which view they might speak, by which restlessness they might speak, by which doubt they might speak, by which underlying tendencies they might speak - as one who is lustful or full of hate or deluded or imprisoned or grasped or distracted or not arrived at the goal or obstinate, those volitional formations are abandoned. Due to volitional formations being abandoned, by which destination they might speak of him - as one in hell or in the animal realm or in the domain of ghosts or as a human being or a deity or as one having form or formless or percipient or non-percipient or neither percipient nor non-percipient, there is no cause, no condition, no reason by which they might speak, talk, declare, explain, or express - that by which they might speak of him does not exist for him.
When all things are removed means: when all things, all aggregates, all bases, all elements, all destinations, all kinds of rebirth, all reconnections, all states of existence, all rounds of births, all rounds of existence are removed, taken away, lifted away, completely lifted away, pulled out, completely pulled out, abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made unable to arise, burnt by the fire of knowledge - when all things are removed.
"All paths of assertion too are removed" means paths of assertion are called defilements, aggregates and volitional formations. For him assertions and paths of assertion and designations and paths of designation and language and paths of language and descriptions and paths of description are removed, fully removed, lifted up, fully lifted up, pulled out, fully pulled out, abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - all paths of assertion too are removed. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
That by which they might speak of him does not exist for him;
When all things are removed, all paths of assertion are also removed.
Together with the conclusion of the verse, those with the brahmin...etc... he was seated with reverential salutation, paying homage - The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Upasīva is concluded.
7.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Nanda
46.
People speak of this, but how is this;
Do they speak of a sage as one endowed with knowledge, or indeed as one endowed with life.
There are sages in the world means: "Are" means are, exist, are found, are obtained. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases. Sages means: those named sages, Ājīvakas, Nigaṇṭhas, matted-hair ascetics, and austere ones. (Deities in the world perceive them as sages, but they are not sages). There are sages in the world. Thus said Venerable Nanda means: Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Nanda' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - thus said Venerable Nanda.
People speak of this, but how is this? People means nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciants, deities and human beings. Speak means they tell, say, explain, express. "How is this?" is a question of doubt, a question of uncertainty, a question of confusion, a question with no definite conclusion, "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?" - People speak of this, but how is this?
Do they speak of a sage as one endowed with knowledge? Do they speak, tell, say, explain, express of a sage as one endowed with the knowledge of the eight attainments or the knowledge of the five direct knowledges, as one who has entered into, fully entered into, gone to, fully gone to, reached, fully reached, possessed of - Do they speak of a sage as one endowed with knowledge?
Or indeed as one endowed with life means do they speak, tell, say, explain, express of a sage as one who has entered into, fully entered into, gone to, fully gone to, reached, fully reached, possessed of the pursuit of various kinds of extremely difficult austerities and harsh life - Or indeed as one endowed with life? Therefore that brahmin said -
People speak of this, but how is this;
Do they speak of a sage as one endowed with knowledge, or indeed as one endowed with life?
47.
The wise here declare no delight;
Having abandoned conflict, free from trouble, without longing, those who live thus I call sages.
Not by view, not by learning, not by knowledge. Not by view means not by purity of what is seen. Not by learning means not by purity of what is heard. Not by knowledge means not by knowledge of the eight attainments, not by knowledge of the five direct knowledges, not by wrong knowledge - not by view, not by learning, not by knowledge.
The wise here, Nanda, declare wholesomeness. Skilled means those who are skilled in aggregates, skilled in elements, skilled in sense bases, skilled in dependent origination, skilled in foundations of mindfulness, skilled in right strivings, skilled in bases for spiritual power, skilled in faculties, skilled in powers, skilled in enlightenment factors, skilled in the path, skilled in fruition, skilled in Nibbāna, do not speak, tell, say, explain, or express of a sage as one who has entered into, fully entered into, gone to, fully gone to, reached, fully reached, possessed of purification by view, or purification by learning, or knowledge of the eight attainments, or knowledge of the five direct knowledges, or wrong knowledge, or by what is seen, or by what is heard - the wise here, Nanda, declare wholesomeness.
Having abandoned conflict, free from trouble, without longing, those who live thus I call sages means army is called Māra's army, bodily misconduct is Māra's army, verbal misconduct is Māra's army, mental misconduct is Māra's army, lust is Māra's army, hatred is Māra's army, delusion is Māra's army, anger...etc... resentment... contempt... insolence... envy... selfishness... deceit... fraud... obstinacy... rivalry... conceit... arrogance... vanity... negligence... all defilements, all misconduct, all anguish, all passion, all disturbance, all unwholesome volitional formations are Māra's army. For this was said by the Blessed One -
Your third is hunger and thirst, the fourth is called craving.
Your seventh is doubt, contempt and obstinacy your eighth;
Gain, praise, honour, and whatever fame wrongly obtained.
This, Namuci, is your army, the striking force of the Dark One;
One who is no titan conquers it, and having conquered obtains happiness."
When by the four noble paths all the armies of Māra and all the opposing defilements are conquered and defeated, broken and scattered, turned away, therefore it is called having abandoned conflict. Free from trouble means: lust is trouble, hatred is trouble, delusion is trouble, anger is trouble, resentment is trouble...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are troubles. Those in whom these troubles are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, they are called free from trouble. Without longing means: hope means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... ignorance, greed, root of the unwholesome. Those in whom this hope, craving is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge, they are called without longing, Arahants with taints destroyed. Having abandoned conflict, free from trouble, without longing, those who live thus I call sages means: those who having abandoned conflict are free from trouble and without longing, who live, dwell, move, continue, guard, maintain, sustain, I speak of them as sages in the world, I explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - having abandoned conflict, free from trouble, without longing, those who live thus I call sages. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
"Having abandoned conflict, free from trouble, without longing, those who live thus I call sages."
48.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
Whatever ascetics and brahmins here. "Whatever" is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - whatever. Ascetics: whoever outside of this have gone forth, have entered the life of wanderers. Brahmins: whoever use the term of address "bho" - whatever ascetics and brahmins here. Thus said Venerable Nanda means: Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... Nanda: that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - thus said Venerable Nanda.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is seen; they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is heard; they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is seen and heard - Declare purity by what is seen and heard.
Declare purity by rules and observances means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by rules; they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by observances; they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by rules and observances - Declare purity by rules and observances.
Declare purity in many ways means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation through various kinds of auspicious ceremonies - Declare purity in many ways.
Blessed One, living restrained there. "Truly" is a question of doubt, a question of uncertainty, a question of confusion, a question with no definite conclusion, "is it thus?", "is it not thus?", "what?", "how?" - truly. They means: the view-holders. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - truly they, Blessed One. Living restrained there means: "There" means: in one's own view, in one's own conviction, in one's own personal preference, in one's own belief. Restrained means: controlled, well-controlled, guarded, protected, watched over, restrained. Living means: living, dwelling, carrying on, continuing, maintaining, sustaining and keeping going - Blessed One, living restrained there.
"Have crossed over birth and aging, friend" means: they crossed over, went beyond, passed over, transcended, went past birth, aging and death. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation - friend - have they crossed over birth and aging, friend.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. 'I ask you' means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, 'please tell me' - I ask you. Blessed One...etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Therefore that brahmin said -
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways.
Have they crossed over birth and aging, friend;
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this."
49.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways;
Although they practice with dedication there, I say they have not crossed over birth and aging."
Whatever ascetics and brahmins here. "Whatever" is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - whatever. Ascetics: whoever outside of this have gone forth, have entered the life of wanderers. Brahmins: whoever use the term of address "bho" - whatever ascetics and brahmins here. said the Blessed One to Nanda. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Nanda. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Nanda.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is seen; by what is heard...etc... they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is seen and heard - Declare purity by what is seen and heard.
Declare purity by rules and observances means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by rules; by observances purity...etc... express; they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by rules and observances - Declare purity by rules and observances.
Declare purity in many ways means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation through various kinds of auspicious ceremonies - Declare purity in many ways.
Although they practice with dedication there. Although means: the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence - although. They means: the view-holders. "There" means: in one's own view, in one's own conviction, in one's own personal preference, in one's own belief. Restrained means: controlled, well-controlled, guarded, protected, watched over, restrained. Live: they live, dwell, carry on, continue, maintain, sustain and keep going - although they practice with dedication there.
I say they have not crossed over birth and aging means: they have not crossed over, not gone beyond, not passed beyond, not transcended, not overcome birth, aging and death; they have not escaped, not departed from, not gone beyond, not transcended, not overcome birth, aging and death; they revolve within birth, aging and death, they revolve within the path of the round of rebirths, pursued by birth, stalked by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless - I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - I say they have not crossed over birth and aging. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Although they practice with dedication there, I say they have not crossed over birth and aging."
50.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways.
Has crossed over birth and aging, friend, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
Whatever ascetics and brahmins here. "Whatever" is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - whatever. Ascetics: whoever outside of this have gone forth, have entered the life of wanderers. Brahmins: whoever use the term of address "bho" - whatever ascetics and brahmins here. Thus said Venerable Nanda means: Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... thus said Venerable Nanda.
Declare purity by what is seen and heard means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is seen; by what is heard...etc... they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by what is seen and heard - Declare purity by what is seen and heard.
Declare purity by rules and observances means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by rules; by observances purity...etc... express; they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation by rules and observances - Declare purity by rules and observances.
Declare purity in many ways means: they speak, tell, say, explain, express purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation through various kinds of auspicious ceremonies - Declare purity in many ways.
If you say these sages have not crossed the flood. These means those with views. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments. You say they have not crossed the flood means: not crossed over, not gone beyond, not transcended, not gone past the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views, the flood of ignorance, turning around within birth, aging and death, turning around within the path of the round of rebirths, pursued by birth, stalked by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless. You say means: you speak, tell, show, make known, establish, reveal, analyse, make plain, manifest - if you say these sages have not crossed the flood.
"Then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend" means: then who is this one in this world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings, who has crossed over, gone beyond, passed over, transcended, gone past birth, aging and death. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - then who indeed in the world of deities and humans, has crossed over birth and aging, friend.
I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. 'I ask you' means I ask you, I request you, I invite you, I encourage you. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - I ask you Blessed One, tell me this. Therefore that brahmin said -
Declare purity by what is seen and heard;
Declare purity by rules and observances, declare purity in many ways.
Has crossed over birth and aging, friend, I ask you Blessed One, tell me this.
51.
To be hindered by birth and aging;
Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances.
I say those persons indeed have crossed over the flood."
"I do not declare all ascetics and brahmins here," said the Blessed One to Nanda, "to be hindered by birth and aging" means: I do not say, Nanda, that all ascetics and brahmins are hindered, obstructed, impeded, blocked, covered, concealed by birth and aging. There are those ascetics and brahmins whose birth and aging and death are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising - I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - "I do not declare all ascetics and brahmins here," said the Blessed One to Nanda, "to be hindered by birth and aging."
"Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances" means: having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated all purities of what is seen. Having abandoned all purities of what is heard... etc... having abandoned all purities of what is sensed, having abandoned all purities of what is seen, heard and sensed, having abandoned all purities of virtuous behaviour, having abandoned all purities of observances, having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated all purities of rules and observances - those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances.
Having abandoned all the manifold forms means: having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation through various kinds of auspicious ceremonies - having abandoned all the manifold forms.
Having fully understood craving, being taintless, I say those persons indeed have crossed over the flood. Craving is craving for forms, craving for sounds, craving for odours, craving for tastes, craving for tactile objects, craving for mind-objects. Having fully understood craving means having fully understood craving with three kinds of full understanding - full understanding of the known, full understanding of scrutiny, full understanding as abandoning. What is full understanding of the known? One knows craving: "This is craving for forms, this is craving for sounds, this is craving for odours, this is craving for tastes, this is craving for tactile objects, this is craving for mind-objects" - one knows and sees - this is full understanding of the known.
What is full understanding of scrutiny? Having known thus, one scrutinizes craving as impermanent, as suffering, as a disease, as a tumour...etc... scrutinizes as escape - this is full understanding as scrutinization.
What is full understanding as abandoning? Having examined thus, he abandons craving, dispels it, puts an end to it, and obliterates it. For this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, abandon whatever desire and lust there is for craving. Thus that craving will be abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising." This is full understanding as abandoning. Having fully understood craving means having fully understood craving with these three kinds of full understanding. Taintless means the four taints - the taint of sensual desire, the taint of existence, the taint of views, the taint of ignorance. Those in whom these taints are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising, they are called the taintless ones, the Arahants with taints destroyed - having fully understood craving, being taintless.
I say those persons indeed have crossed over the flood means: those who having fully understood craving are taintless, they have crossed over the flood of sensual pleasure, crossed over the flood of existence, crossed over the flood of views, crossed over the flood of ignorance, crossed over the entire path of the round of rebirths, crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond - I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - Having fully understood craving, being taintless, I say those persons indeed have crossed over the flood. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
To be hindered by birth and aging;
Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances.
I say those persons indeed have crossed over the flood."
52.
Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances.
I too say they have crossed over the flood.
I delight in the words of the great sage means. That means: I delight in, rejoice in, approve of, desire, accept, request, wish for, long for, aspire to your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice. Great sage means: why is the Blessed One a great sage? He sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a great sage...etc... Where is the bull among men?" thus he is a great sage - I delight in the words of the great sage.
Well proclaimed by Gotama who is free from acquisition. "Well proclaimed" means well proclaimed, well explained, well taught, well established, well founded, well revealed, well analyzed, well clarified, well illuminated. "By Gotama who is free from acquisition" means acquisitions are called defilements, aggregates and volitional formations. The abandoning of acquisition, the subsiding of acquisition, the relinquishing of acquisition, the tranquillization of acquisition, the Deathless as Nibbāna - well proclaimed by Gotama who is free from acquisition.
"Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances" means: having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated all purities of what is seen. Having abandoned all purities of what is heard... etc... having abandoned all purities of what is sensed... having abandoned all purities of what is seen, heard and sensed... having abandoned all purities of virtuous behaviour... having abandoned all purities of observances... having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated all purities of rules and observances - those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances.
Having abandoned all the manifold forms means: having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated purification, complete purification, perfect purification, freedom, liberation, complete liberation through various kinds of auspicious ceremonies - having abandoned all the manifold forms.
Having fully understood craving, being taintless, I too say they have crossed over the flood. Craving is craving for forms, craving for sounds, craving for odours, craving for tastes, craving for tactile objects, craving for mind-objects. Having fully understood craving means having fully understood craving with three kinds of full understanding - full understanding of the known, full understanding of scrutiny, full understanding as abandoning. What is full understanding of the known? One knows craving - this is craving for forms, this is craving for sounds, this is craving for odours, this is craving for tastes, this is craving for tactile objects, this is craving for mind-objects - one knows and sees - this is full understanding of the known.
What is full understanding of scrutiny? Having known thus, one scrutinizes craving as impermanent, as suffering, as a disease, as a tumour, as a dart, as misery, as an affliction, as alien, as disintegrating, as a calamity, as a disaster, as a peril, as a trouble, as shaky, as breaking up, as unstable, as no protection, as no shelter, as no refuge, as having become refugeless, as void, as hollow, as empty, as non-self, as a danger, as subject to change, as without substance, as a root of misery, as murderous, as due to be exterminated, as tainted, as conditioned, as Māra's bait, as subject to birth, as subject to aging, as subject to illness, as subject to death, as subject to sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair, as subject to defilement, as having an origin, as subject to disappearance, as gratification, as danger, as escape - this is full understanding as scrutinization.
What is full understanding as abandoning? Having examined thus, he abandons craving, dispels it, puts an end to it, and obliterates it - this is full understanding as abandoning.
Having fully understood craving means having fully understood craving with these three kinds of full understanding. Taintless means the four taints - the taint of sensual desire, the taint of existence, the taint of views, the taint of ignorance. Those in whom these taints are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising, they are called the taintless ones, the Arahants with taints destroyed. Having fully understood craving, being taintless, I too say they have crossed over the flood. I say means: those who having fully understood craving are taintless, I too say they have crossed over the flood of sensual pleasure, crossed over the flood of existence, crossed over the flood of views, crossed over the flood of ignorance, crossed over the entire path of the round of rebirths, crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond - having fully understood craving, being taintless, I too say they have crossed over the flood. Therefore that brahmin said -
Those who here having abandoned all that is seen, heard, sensed, and rules and observances.
I too say they have crossed over the flood."
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Nanda, the Seventh.
8.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Hemaka
53.
Prior to Gotama's Dispensation;
'Thus it was, thus it will be,' all that was hearsay;
All that increased reasoning, I did not delight in that.
"Those who explained to me before" means: both the brahmin Bāvarī and his other teachers, they explained, declared, taught, established, laid down, revealed, analyzed, elucidated, proclaimed their own view, their own acceptance, their own personal preference, their own belief, their own inclination, their own intention - "Those who explained to me before." [said Venerable Hemaka] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms - thus. Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Hemaka' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - said Venerable Hemaka.
"Beyond the Teaching of Gotama" means: beyond the Teaching of Gotama, after the Teaching of Gotama, before the Teaching of Gotama, earlier than the Teaching of Gotama, the Teaching of the Buddha, the Teaching of the Victor, the Teaching of the Truth Finder, the Teaching of the Accomplished Ones - beyond Gotama's Dispensation.
'Thus it was, thus it will be' means thus it was, they say, thus it will be, they say - thus it was, thus it will be.
'All that was hearsay' means all that was hearsay, by oral tradition, by lineage of teaching, by a collection of texts, by reasoning, by inferential reasoning, by reflection on reasons, by acceptance of a view after pondering it, not personally realized by direct knowledge, not as one's own Teaching they spoke - All that was hearsay.
'All that increased reasoning' means all that increased reasoning, increased thought, increased intention, increased thoughts of sensual pleasure, increased thoughts of ill will, increased thoughts of harmfulness, increased thoughts about relatives, increased thoughts about the country, increased thoughts about deathlessness, increased thoughts connected with sympathy for others, increased thoughts connected with gain, honour and praise, increased thoughts connected with not being despised - All that increased reasoning.
"I did not delight in that" means: I did not delight in that, did not find, did not attain, did not obtain - I did not delight in that. Therefore that brahmin said -
Prior to Gotama's Dispensation;
'Thus it was, thus it will be,' all that was hearsay;
All that increased reasoning, I did not delight in that."
54.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world.
"Tell me the Teaching" means: You means he addresses the Blessed One. "Tell me the Teaching" means: "Teaching" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the holy life that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with meaning and phrasing, utterly perfect and pure, the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna - tell me the Teaching.
"The destruction of craving, O sage" means: Craving means - craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. The destruction of craving, the abandoning of craving, the subsiding of craving, the relinquishment of craving, the tranquillization of craving, the Deathless, Nibbāna. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments - the sage, the destroyer of craving.
Having understood which, wandering mindfully means: having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "All formations are impermanent" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having made known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... is called mindful. 'Move about' means moving, dwelling, behaving, continuing, maintaining, keeping going, making go - having understood which, wandering mindfully.
"Cross over clinging in the world" - craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Why is it called entanglement... etc... spread out and extended, thus it is entangling. World: the world of misery, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of bases. "Cross over clinging in the world" means: that clinging in the world, or that attachment in the world, being mindful I should cross over, I should go beyond, I should pass beyond, I should transcend, I should overcome - cross over clinging in the world. Therefore that brahmin said -
Having understood which, wandering mindfully, one crosses over clinging in the world."
55.
The removal of desire and lust is the deathless state of Nibbāna.
Here among things seen, heard, sensed and cognized. Seen means what is seen with the eye; heard means what is heard with the ear; sensed means what is smelt with the nose, tasted with the tongue, touched with the body; cognized means what is cognized with the mind - here among things seen, heard, sensed and cognized.
Among pleasing forms, Hemaka means what in the world is pleasant and agreeable? The eye in the world is pleasant and agreeable, the ear in the world...etc... The nose in the world... The tongue in the world... The body in the world... The mind in the world is pleasant and agreeable; Forms in the world are pleasant and agreeable, sounds in the world... odours in the world... tastes in the world... tactile objects in the world... mental phenomena in the world are pleasant and agreeable; eye-consciousness in the world is pleasant and agreeable, ear-consciousness in the world is pleasant and agreeable, nose-consciousness in the world... tongue-consciousness in the world... body-consciousness in the world... mind-consciousness in the world is pleasant and agreeable, eye-contact in the world... ear-contact in the world... nose-contact in the world... tongue-contact in the world... body-contact in the world... mind-contact in the world is pleasant and agreeable; feeling born of eye-contact in the world is pleasant and agreeable... feeling born of ear-contact... feeling born of nose-contact... feeling born of tongue-contact... feeling born of body-contact... feeling born of mind-contact in the world is pleasant and agreeable; perception of form in the world... perception of sound in the world... perception of odour in the world... perception of taste in the world... perception of tactile objects in the world... perception of mental phenomena in the world is pleasant and agreeable, form-volition in the world... sound-volition in the world... odour-volition in the world... taste-volition in the world... tactile-object-volition in the world... mental-phenomena-volition in the world is pleasant and agreeable; craving for form in the world... craving for sounds in the world... craving for odours in the world... craving for tastes in the world... craving for tactile objects in the world... craving for mental phenomena in the world is pleasant and agreeable; thought of form in the world... thought of sound in the world... thought of odour in the world... thought of taste in the world... thought of tactile objects in the world... thought of mental phenomena in the world is pleasant and agreeable; examination of form in the world is pleasant and agreeable, examination of sound in the world... examination of odours in the world... examination of tastes in the world... examination of tactile objects in the world... examination of mental phenomena in the world is pleasant and agreeable - among pleasing forms, Hemaka.
The removal of desire and lust. Desire and lust means: that which in sensual pleasures is sensual desire, lust for sensual pleasures, delight in sensual pleasures, craving for sensual pleasures, affection for sensual pleasures, passion for sensual pleasures, infatuation with sensual pleasures, clinging to sensual pleasures, flood of sensual pleasures, bondage of sensual pleasures, clinging to sensual pleasures, hindrance of sensual desire. The removal of desire and lust means: the abandoning of desire and lust, the subsiding of desire and lust, the relinquishment of desire and lust, the tranquillization of desire and lust, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the removal of desire and lust.
The deathless state of Nibbāna means: the state of Nibbāna, the state of protection, the state of shelter, the state of refuge, the state of fearlessness. 'Deathless' means permanent, stable, eternal, not subject to change - the deathless state of Nibbāna. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
The removal of desire and lust is the deathless state of Nibbāna."
56.
They are always peaceful, crossed over the world's attachments.
"Those mindful ones who have understood this" means: This means: the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Having understood means: having understood, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "All formations are impermanent" having understood, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. "All formations are suffering"... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having understood, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. Those: the arahants with taints destroyed. Mindful in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body...etc... they are called mindful - those mindful ones who have understood this.
Are quenched in this very life. In this very life means: having seen the states, having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having made clear the states, having understood the states. "All formations are impermanent" having seen the states...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having seen the states, having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having made clear the states, having understood the states. Quenched means: quenched due to the quenching of lust, quenched due to the quenching of hatred, quenched due to the quenching of delusion, of anger...etc... of resentment... peaceful, at peace, fully peaceful, quenched, tranquillized due to the stilling, calming, subsiding, extinction, quenching, disappearance, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations - quenched in this very life.
And they are always peaceful. Peaceful means peaceful due to the subsiding, quenching of lust...etc... of hatred... of delusion... of anger... of resentment...etc... peaceful, at peace, fully peaceful, quenched, tranquillized due to the stilling, calming, subsiding, extinction, quenching, disappearance, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations - Those: the arahants with taints destroyed. Always means: always, at all times, all the time, perpetually, constantly, continuously, uninterruptedly, successively, repeatedly, like waves of water, without interval, in succession, connected, in contact, before the meal, after the meal, in the first watch, in the middle watch, in the last watch, in the dark fortnight, in the bright fortnight, in the rainy season, in winter, in summer, in the first stage of life, in the middle stage of life, in the last stage of life - and they are always peaceful.
Crossed over the world's attachments - craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Why is it called entanglement... etc... spread out and extended, thus it is entangling. "In the world" means in the world of planes of misery... etc... in the world of sense bases. Crossed over the world's attachments means: that clinging in the world, or that attachment in the world, crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, passed beyond, completely transcended, overcome - crossed over the world's attachments. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
They are always peaceful, crossed over the world's attachments."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Hemaka, the eighth.
9.
The Explanation of the Questions of Todeyya
57.
"In whom no craving is found;
And who has crossed over doubt, what sort of liberation is there for him?
"In whom sensual pleasures do not dwell" means: in whom sensual pleasures do not dwell, do not reside, do not inhabit, do not abide - in whom sensual pleasures do not dwell. Thus said Venerable Todeyya. Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms - thus. Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Todeyya' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - thus said Venerable Todeyya.
"In whom no craving is found" means: craving for whom does not exist, is not found, is not seen, is not obtained, burnt by the fire of knowledge - no craving is found in him.
"And who has crossed over doubt" means: and who has crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond doubt - and who has crossed over doubt.
"What sort of liberation is there for him" means: what sort of liberation is there for him, what is its form, what is its nature, what is it comparable to, what should be desired - thus he asks about liberation - what sort of liberation is there for him. Therefore that brahmin said -
"In whom no craving is found;
And who has crossed over doubt, what sort of liberation is there for him?"
58.
"In whom no craving is found;
And who has crossed over doubt, there is no higher liberation for him.
In whom sensual pleasures do not dwell. In whom means: in that person who is an arahant with taints destroyed. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. "In whom sensual pleasures do not dwell" means: in whom sensual pleasures do not dwell, do not reside, do not inhabit, do not abide - in whom sensual pleasures do not dwell.
The Blessed One said to Todeyya. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Todeyya. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Todeyya.
"In whom no craving is found." Craving is craving for forms, craving for sounds, craving for odours, craving for tastes, craving for tactile objects, craving for mind-objects. For whom means: for the Worthy One with taints destroyed. "In whom no craving is found" means: craving for whom does not exist, is not found, is not seen, is not obtained, is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - no craving is found in him.
"And who has crossed over doubt" means: doubt is called uncertainty. Perplexity about suffering... etc... trepidation, mental confusion. Who means: he who is worthy with taints destroyed. "And who has crossed over doubt" means: and who has crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond doubt - and who has crossed over doubt.
"There is no higher liberation for him" means: there is no other liberation for him. By whatever liberation he would be liberated, he is liberated. What should be done by liberation has been done by him - there is no higher liberation for him. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
"In whom no craving is found;
And who has crossed over doubt, there is no higher liberation for him."
59.
O Sakka, how might I know a sage? Explain that to me, O All-seeing One."
"Is he without expectation or expecting" means: is he without craving, or with craving does he long for forms, for sounds...etc... odours... tastes... tactile objects... in family... in group... in dwelling... in gain... in fame... in praise... in happiness... in robe... in almsfood... in lodging... in medicinal requisites... in sense-sphere element... in form-sphere element... in formless-sphere element... in sense-sphere existence... in form-sphere existence... in formless-sphere existence... in existence with perception... in existence without perception... in existence with neither perception nor non-perception... in existence with one aggregate... in existence with four aggregates... in existence with five aggregates... in past... in future... in present... he longs for, delights in, wishes for, yearns for, babbles about things seen, heard, sensed and cognized - is he without expectation or expecting.
Does he possess wisdom or construct wisdom. "He possesses wisdom" means: one who is wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. "Or construct wisdom" means: or by knowledge of the eight attainments or by knowledge of the five direct knowledges or by wrong knowledge, does he construct, generate, produce, bring forth or bring about either the aeon of craving or the aeon of views - does he possess wisdom or construct wisdom.
"O Sakka, how might I know a sage?" "Sakka" means the Blessed One. Being one who went forth from the Sakyan clan is also Sakka. Or else, being rich, of great wealth, wealthy is also Sakka. He possesses these forms of wealth, that is: the wealth of faith, the wealth of virtue, the wealth of moral shame, the wealth of fear of wrongdoing, the wealth of learning, the wealth of generosity, the wealth of wisdom, the wealth of the foundations of mindfulness, the wealth of right striving, the wealth of the bases for spiritual power, the wealth of the faculties, the wealth of the powers, the wealth of the enlightenment factors, the wealth of the path, the wealth of fruition, the wealth of Nibbāna. Being rich, of great wealth, wealthy with these various treasures of wealth is also Sakka. Or else, Sakka means capable, powerful, competent, heroic, valiant, brave, not timid, not cowardly, not frightened, not ready to run, abandoned fear and terror, free from terror. "O Sakka, how might I know a sage" means: Sakka, how might I know, understand, cognize, comprehend, penetrate a sage - "O Sakka, how might I know a sage."
"Explain that to me, O All-seeing One." That: what I ask, what I request, what I beg, what I seek confidence in. Explain means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal. "All-seeing eye": the all-seeing eye is called the knowledge of omniscience...etc... the Truth Finder has the all-seeing eye - explain that to me, O All-seeing One. Therefore that brahmin said -
"O Sakka, how might I know a sage? Explain that to me, O All-seeing One."
60.
Know the sage thus too, Todeyya, owning nothing, unattached to sensual pleasure and existence."
"He is without expectation and not expecting" means: he is without craving. He is not with craving, he does not long for forms. Sounds...etc... odours... he longs not for, wishes not for, delights not in, yearns not for, yearns not for, longs not for things seen, heard, sensed and cognized - he is without expectation and not expecting.
He possesses wisdom but does not construct wisdom. "Possesses wisdom" means: one who is wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. "But does not construct wisdom" means: by knowledge of the eight attainments or by knowledge of the five direct knowledges or by wrong knowledge, he does not construct either the aeon of craving or the aeon of views, does not generate, produce, bring forth or bring about - he possesses wisdom but does not construct wisdom.
Know the sage thus too, Todeyya. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments. Know the sage thus too, Todeyya, thus know, understand, comprehend, penetrate the sage - know the sage thus too, Todeyya.
Owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence. "Owning nothing" means: the encumbrance of lust, encumbrance of hatred, encumbrance of delusion, encumbrance of conceit, encumbrance of views, encumbrance of defilements, encumbrance of misconduct. One in whom these encumbrances are abandoned, eliminated, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt up by the fire of knowledge, he is called one who owns nothing. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. Existences means: two existences - existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking... etc... this is renewed existence at rebirth-linking.
"Owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence" means: a person owning nothing and unattached, unfettered, unbound, unimpeded, departed, gone forth, released, disconnected from sensual pleasure and existence, dwelling with a mind made free from limitations - owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Know the sage thus too, Todeyya, owning nothing, unattached to sensual existence."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of Todeyya, the ninth.
10.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Kappa
61.
"When a flood has arisen, a great peril;
For those overcome by aging and death, tell me an island, friend;
And you explain to me an island, so that this might not occur again."
'Standing in the middle of a lake': a lake means the round of rebirths, coming, going, going and coming, passing of time, destination, existence and non-existence, passing away and rebirth, production and destruction, birth and aging and death. Neither the first point nor the last point of the round of rebirths is discerned; beings are maintained, established, adhered to, gone to, consumed by, disposed to just the middle of the round of rebirths.
How is the first point of the round of rebirths not discerned? There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many thousands of births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of thousands of births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many millions of births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of millions of births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many thousands of millions of births and did not turn beyond that." Thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of thousands of millions of births and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned.
There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many thousands of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of thousands of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many millions of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of millions of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many thousands of millions of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of thousands of millions of years and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned.
There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many thousands of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of thousands of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many millions of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of millions of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many thousands of millions of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round turned for so many hundreds of thousands of millions of aeons and did not turn beyond that," thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, this round of rebirths is without discernible beginning, a first point is not discerned of beings hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving, running and wandering on. Thus for a long time, monks, you have experienced suffering, experienced intense suffering, experienced disaster, and the charnel grounds have grown. Therefore, monks, this is enough to become disenchanted with all formations, enough to become dispassionate, enough to be liberated. Thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned.
How is the last point of the round of rebirths not discerned? There is no such thing as "The round will turn for so many births and will not turn beyond that," thus the last point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. There is no such thing as "The round will turn for so many hundreds of births, so many thousands of births, so many hundreds of thousands of births, so many millions of births, so many hundreds of millions of births, so many thousands of millions of births, so many hundreds of thousands of millions of births, so many years, so many hundreds of years, so many thousands of years, so many hundreds of thousands of years, so many millions of years, so many hundreds of millions of years, so many thousands of millions of years, so many hundreds of thousands of millions of years, so many aeons, so many hundreds of aeons, so many thousands of aeons, so many hundreds of thousands of aeons, so many millions of aeons, so many hundreds of millions of aeons, so many thousands of millions of aeons, so many hundreds of thousands of millions of aeons and will not turn beyond that," thus the last point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. Thus neither the first point nor the last point of the round of rebirths is discerned, beings are maintained, established, adhered to, gone to, consumed by, disposed to just the middle of the round of rebirths - for those standing in the middle of a lake. [said the Venerable Kappa] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Kappa' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - thus said Venerable Kappa.
When a flood has arisen, a great peril means: when the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views, the flood of ignorance has arisen, been produced, originated, been originated, appeared. "A great peril" means: the peril of birth, the peril of aging, the peril of illness, the peril of death - when a flood has arisen, a great peril.
"Those overcome by aging and death" means: those affected by, overcome by, possessed by, endowed with aging. Those affected by, overcome by, possessed by, endowed with death, pursued by birth, obsessed by aging, overwhelmed by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, who have become refugeless - those overcome by aging and death.
"Tell me an island, friend" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal an island, a protection, a shelter, a refuge, a destination, a resort. 'Friend' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation friend - tell me an island, friend.
And you explain to me an island. You means he addresses the Blessed One. Explain an island means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal an island, a protection, a shelter, a refuge, a destination, a resort - and you explain to me an island.
So that this might not occur again means: so that this suffering would cease here itself, would subside, would disappear, would become tranquil, suffering through renewed existence would not arise, in the sense-sphere, or form-sphere, or formless-sphere, or in sense-sphere existence, or form-sphere existence, or formless-sphere existence, or existence with perception, or existence without perception, or existence with neither perception nor non-perception, or existence with one aggregate, or existence with four aggregates, or existence with five aggregates, or in any destination, or rebirth, or renewed existence, or existence, or round of births, or round, would not be generated, produced, brought forth or brought about. Would cease here itself, would subside, would disappear, would become tranquil - so that this might not occur again. Therefore that brahmin said -
"When a flood has arisen, a great peril;
For those overcome by aging and death, tell me an island, friend;
And you explain to me an island, so that this might not occur again."
62.
"When a flood has arisen, a great peril;
To those overcome by aging and death, I tell you, Kappa, of an island.
'Standing in the middle of a lake': a lake means the round of rebirths, coming, going, going and coming, passing of time, destination, existence and non-existence, passing away and rebirth, production and destruction, birth and aging and death. Neither the first point nor the last point of the round of rebirths is discerned. Beings are maintained, established, adhered to, gone to, consumed by, disposed to just the middle of the round of rebirths.
How is the first point of the round of rebirths not discerned...etc... Thus the first point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. How is the last point of the round of rebirths not discerned...etc... Thus the last point of the round of rebirths is not discerned. Thus neither the first point nor the last point of the round of rebirths is discerned. Beings are maintained, established, adhered to, gone to, consumed by, disposed to just the middle of the round of rebirths - for those standing in the middle of a lake. The Blessed One to Kappa. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Kappa. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - The Blessed One to Kappa.
When a flood has arisen, a great peril means: when the flood of sensual pleasure, the flood of existence, the flood of views, the flood of ignorance has arisen, been produced, originated, been originated, appeared. "A great peril" means: the peril of birth, the peril of aging, the peril of illness, the peril of death - when a flood has arisen, a great peril.
"Those overcome by aging and death" means: those affected by, overcome by, possessed by, endowed with aging, those affected by, overcome by, possessed by, endowed with death, pursued by birth, obsessed by aging, overwhelmed by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, who have become refugeless - those overcome by aging and death.
"I tell you, Kappa, of an island" means: I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest an island, a protection, a shelter, a refuge, a destination, a resort - I tell you, Kappa, of an island. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
"When a flood has arisen, a great peril;
For those overcome by aging and death, I tell you, Kappa, of an island."
63.
I call it Nibbāna, the utter destruction of aging and death.
One who owns nothing and does not grasp means: "Encumbrance" means - the encumbrance of lust, encumbrance of hatred, encumbrance of delusion, encumbrance of conceit, encumbrance of views, encumbrance of defilements, encumbrance of misconduct; the abandoning of encumbrances, the subsiding of encumbrances, the relinquishment of encumbrances, the tranquillization of encumbrances, the Deathless, Nibbāna - owning nothing. "Not grasping" means: grasping is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. The abandoning of grasping, the subsiding of grasping, the relinquishment of grasping, the tranquillization of grasping, the Deathless, Nibbāna - owning nothing, not grasping.
"This is the island with nothing beyond" means: this island, protection, shelter, refuge, destination, resort. With nothing beyond means there is no other island beyond that. Rather, that island is the highest, the best, the most excellent, the chief, the supreme, and the most excellent - this is the island with nothing beyond.
I call it Nibbāna means vāna is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. The abandoning of craving, the subsiding of craving, the relinquishment of craving, the tranquillization of craving, the Deathless, Nibbāna. Thus is the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence - thus. I speak means: I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest - I call it Nibbāna.
The utter destruction of aging and death means: the abandoning of aging-and-death, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the utter destruction of aging and death. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
I call it Nibbāna, the utter destruction of aging and death."
64.
They are not under Māra's sway, they are not Māra's followers.
"Those mindful ones who have understood this" means: This means: the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Having understood means: having understood, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear, "All formations are impermanent"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having understood, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. Those: the arahants with taints destroyed. Mindful in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body...etc... they are called mindful - those mindful ones who have understood this.
Are quenched in this very life. In this very life means: having seen the states, having known the states, having weighed the states, having judged the states, having made clear the states, having understood the states. Quenched means: quenched due to the quenching of lust, of hatred...etc... peaceful, at peace, fully peaceful, quenched, tranquillized due to the stilling, calming, subsiding, extinction, quenching, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations - quenched in this very life.
They are not under Māra's sway. Māra means: he who is Māra, the dark one, overlord, end-maker, destroyer, friend of heedlessness. They are not under Māra's sway means: they do not come under Māra's power, nor does Māra exercise power over them. Having overcome, conquered, overwhelmed, exhausted and crushed Māra and Māra's faction and Māra's snare and Māra's hook and Māra's material things and Māra's domain and Māra's dwelling and Māra's range and Māra's bondage, they live, dwell, carry on, continue, maintain, sustain and keep going - they are not under Māra's sway.
They are not Māra's followers means: they would not be Māra's followers, attendants or servants; they would be followers, attendants and servants of the Blessed One Buddha - they are not Māra's followers. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
They are not under Māra's sway, they are not Māra's followers."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Student Kappa, the tenth.
11.
The Explanation of the Questions of Jatukaṇṇi
65.
"I have come to question the one who has gone beyond the flood;
Tell me of the peaceful state, O Vision-Born One, tell me that as it really is, Blessed One.
Having heard of the hero who desires no sensual pleasures means: having heard, listened to, learned, considered, and observed. Indeed, the Blessed One is an Arahant...etc... the Enlightened One, the Blessed One - having heard. Hero means: the Blessed One is a hero. Hero means: energetic is a hero, capable is a hero, powerful is a hero, competent is a hero, warrior is a hero, valiant, brave, not timid, not cowardly, not frightened, not ready to run, abandoned fear and terror, free from terror - thus a hero.
He is energetic and striving, the hero is called thus because of actuality.
Having heard, hero. "Who desires no sensual pleasures" means: "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. For the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, objective sensual pleasures are fully understood, defiling sensual pleasures are abandoned. Because objective sensual pleasures are fully understood and defiling sensual pleasures are abandoned, the Blessed One does not desire sensual pleasures, does not yearn for sensual pleasures, does not long for sensual pleasures, does not aspire for sensual pleasures. Those who desire sensual pleasures, yearn for sensual pleasures, long for sensual pleasures, aspire for sensual pleasures, they are desirous of sensual pleasures, lustful with lust, perceiving with perception. The Blessed One does not desire sensual pleasures, does not yearn for sensual pleasures, does not long for sensual pleasures, does not aspire for sensual pleasures. Therefore the Enlightened One is without desire, free from desire, having given up desire, having vomited desire, having released desire, having abandoned desire, having relinquished desire, free from lust, with lust gone, having given up lust, having vomited lust, having released lust, having abandoned lust, having relinquished lust, without hunger, quenched, become cool, experiencing happiness, dwelling with a self become divine - having heard of the hero who desires no sensual pleasures.
[said the Venerable Jatukaṇṇi] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms - thus. 'Venerable' means: this is a word implying endearment, reverence and deference, venerable. 'Jatukaṇṇi' is that brahmin's clan name, term, designation, description, expression - said the venerable Jatukaṇṇi.
"I have come to question the one who has gone beyond the flood." Gone beyond the flood means: gone beyond the flood, transcended, crossed over, passed beyond - gone beyond the flood. To question means: to question, to ask, to request, to beseech, to inspire confidence. I have come means: I have come, arrived, approached, reached, met with you to question the one without desire, without sensual pleasure, who has abandoned sensual pleasure, vomited sensual pleasure, freed from sensual pleasure, given up sensual pleasure, relinquished sensual pleasure, without lust, free from lust, who has abandoned lust, vomited lust, freed from lust, given up lust, relinquished lust - I have come to question the one who has gone beyond the flood.
Tell me of the peaceful state, O Vision-Born One. Peace means: in one way both peace and the state of peace is that same Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. For this was said by the Blessed One - "This state is peaceful, this state is sublime, that is, the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna." Then in another way, those states that lead to the achievement of peace, to the touching of peace, to the realization of peace, namely - the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path - these are called the states of peace. Tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the state of peace, the state of protection, the state of shelter, the state of refuge, the state of fearlessness, the state of deathlessness, the state of the Deathless, the state of Nibbāna. Vision-Born One means: vision is called the knowledge of omniscience. The vision and the state of victory of the Buddha, the Blessed One, arose simultaneously, not before, not after, in one moment at the foot of the Bodhi tree, therefore the Buddha is called Vision-Born One - tell me of the peaceful state, O Vision-Born One.
"Tell me that as it really is, Blessed One" means: as it really is is called the Deathless, Nibbāna...etc... cessation, Nibbāna. "Blessed One" is a designation of reverence...etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One". "Tell me this" means: tell, explain...etc... reveal - tell me that as it really is, Blessed One. Therefore that brahmin said -
"I have come to question the one who has gone beyond the flood;
Tell me of the peaceful state, O Vision-Born One, tell me that as it really is, Blessed One.
66.
O one of vast wisdom, to me of little wisdom, teach the Teaching that I should cognize;
The abandoning of birth and aging here.
The Blessed One dwells having overcome sensual pleasures. "Blessed One" is a designation of reverence...etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One". "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. The Blessed One, having fully understood material sensual pleasures and having abandoned sensual desire, having overcome, having conquered, having overwhelmed, having exhausted, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself - the Blessed One dwells having overcome sensual pleasures.
Like the sun with its heat illuminating the earth means: the sun is called ādicca. Earth is called the world. Just as the sun, endowed with heat, having overcome, conquered, overwhelmed, exhausted and heated up the earth, having dispelled all darkness in space, having scattered the gloom, having shown light, moves in space, in the atmosphere, in the path of the sky, even so the Blessed One, endowed with the heat of knowledge, with all formations and their origin...etc... having scattered the darkness of defilements and the gloom of ignorance, having shown the light of knowledge, having fully understood material sensual pleasures and having abandoned sensual desire, having overcome, having conquered, having overwhelmed, having exhausted, having crushed, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself - like the sun with its heat illuminating the earth.
To me of little wisdom, O one of vast wisdom means: I am of little wisdom, mean wisdom, base wisdom, wretched wisdom. You too are of great wisdom, broad wisdom, joyous wisdom, swift wisdom, sharp wisdom, penetrative wisdom. Vast is called earth. The Blessed One is endowed with wisdom that is vast and extensive like the earth - to me of little wisdom, O one of vast wisdom.
Teach me the Teaching that I should cognize. "Teaching" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the holy life that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with meaning and phrasing, utterly perfect and pure, the four foundations of mindfulness...etc... and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna. "That I should cognize" means: that I should know, understand, cognize, comprehend, penetrate, attain, experience, realize - teach me the Teaching that I should cognize.
"The abandoning of birth and aging here" means: right here the abandoning of birth, aging and death, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the abandoning of birth and aging here. Therefore that brahmin said -
O one of vast wisdom, to me of little wisdom, teach the Teaching that I should cognize;
The abandoning of birth and aging here."
67.
Seeing security in renunciation;
Let there be nothing for you, either grasped or rejected.
Remove greed for sensual pleasures. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. Greed means: greed is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. "Remove greed for sensual pleasures" means: remove, dispel, abandon, eliminate, abolish, obliterate greed regarding sensual pleasures - remove greed for sensual pleasures. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by his clan name as Jatukaṇṇī. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Jatukaṇṇī.
Seeing security in renunciation means. Renunciation means: having seen, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear the right way, the way in accordance, the non-opposing way, the beneficial way, the way in accordance with the Teaching, complete fulfilment in virtuous behaviour, guarding the doors of the faculties, moderation in eating, devotion to wakefulness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna as security, as protection, as shelter, as refuge, as a true refuge, as fearlessness, as the undying, as the Deathless, as Nibbāna - seeing security in renunciation.
Either grasped or rejected. "Grasped" means whatever is taken, adhered to, inclined to, entered upon, attached to, resolved upon through craving and through views. "Or rejected" means what should be released, abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated - either grasped or rejected.
"Let there be nothing for you" means the encumbrance of lust, encumbrance of hatred, encumbrance of delusion, encumbrance of conceit, encumbrance of views, encumbrance of defilements, encumbrance of misconduct. Let this encumbrance not exist for you, not be found, not be present; abandon, dispel, terminate and obliterate it - let there be nothing for you. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Seeing security in renunciation;
Either grasped or rejected, let there be nothing for you."
68.
If you do not grasp at what is in between, you will live at peace.
"Dry up what came before" means: having dried up, completely dried up, desiccated, completely desiccated, made sterile, abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated those defilements that might arise concerning past formations - Thus dry up what came before. Or else, those volitional formations of past actions whose results have not yet ripened, dry up, completely dry up, desiccate, completely desiccate, make sterile, abandon, dispel, terminate and obliterate those volitional formations of actions - Thus dry up what came before.
"Let there be nothing for you afterwards" means: afterwards refers to concerning future formations, the encumbrance of lust, encumbrance of hatred, encumbrance of delusion, encumbrance of conceit, encumbrance of views, encumbrance of defilements, encumbrance of misconduct. Let this encumbrance not exist for you, not have existed, do not generate, produce, bring about; abandon, dispel, terminate and obliterate it - let there be nothing for you afterwards.
"If you do not grasp at what is in between" means: in between refers to present form, feeling, perception, formations, consciousness. You will not grasp, crave, adhere to, delight in, seek delight in, or hold to present formations through craving and views. You will abandon, dispel, terminate and obliterate delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging - if you do not grasp at what is in between.
"You will live at peace" means: you will live at peace due to the stilling of lust, of hatred...etc... peaceful, at peace, fully peaceful, quenched, tranquillized you will live, dwell, move, behave, maintain yourself, keep going, keep going due to the stilling, calming, subsiding, extinction, quenching, disappearance, tranquillization of all unwholesome volitional formations - you will live at peace. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
If you do not grasp at what is in between, you will live at peace."
69.
No taints are found in him by which he would fall under Death's control.
For one devoid of greed regarding name-and-form in every way, brahmin means: "Completely" means: this is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder. Name means: the four formless aggregates. Form means: the four great elements and the form derived from the four great elements. Greed is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. For one devoid of greed regarding name-and-form in every way, brahmin means: for one who regarding name-and-form in every way is devoid of greed, rid of greed, who has given up greed, vomited greed, freed from greed, abandoned greed, relinquished greed, devoid of lust, rid of lust, who has given up lust, vomited lust, freed from lust, abandoned lust, relinquished lust - for one devoid of greed regarding name-and-form in every way, brahmin.
No taints are found in him. Taints means: the four taints - the taint of sensual desire, the taint of existence, the taint of views, the taint of ignorance. His means: of the Worthy One whose taints are destroyed. Are not found means: these taints for him do not exist, are not found, are not seen, are not obtained, are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - no taints are found in him.
By which he would fall under Death's control means: by which taints he would fall under the control of death, or would fall under the control of dying, or would fall under the control of Māra's faction; these taints for him do not exist, are not found, are not seen, are not obtained, are abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - by which he would fall under Death's control. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
No taints are found in him by which he would fall under Death's control."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of Jatukaṇṇi, the eleventh.
12.
The Explanation of the Questions of Bhadrāvudha
70.
"Who has abandoned delight, crossed the flood, liberated;
Having abandoned the aeon, I beseech the wise one, having heard the arahant, they will depart from here.
"One who has abandoned the home, cut off craving, unstirred." "Abandoned the home" means: in regard to the form-element, whatever desire, lust, delight, craving, engagement and clinging, mental standpoints, adherence and underlying tendencies, in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, these are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One has abandoned the home. In regard to the feeling-element...etc... towards the perception element... towards the formations element... in regard to the consciousness-element, whatever desire, lust, delight, craving, engagement and clinging, mental standpoints, adherence and underlying tendencies, in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, these are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One has abandoned the home.
"Cut off craving." Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. That craving in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, is cut off, cut away, completely cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge. Therefore the Enlightened One is the cutter of craving. Unstirred means: stirring is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. That stirring, craving in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is unstirred. Due to the abandonment of stirring, the Blessed One does not move at gain, he does not move at loss, he does not move at fame, he does not move at obscurity, he does not move at praise, he does not move at blame, he does not move at pleasure, he does not move at pain, does not shake, does not quiver, does not quake, does not completely quake. Therefore the Enlightened One is unstirred - one who has abandoned the home, cut off craving, unstirred. Thus said Venerable Bhadrāvudha. Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... venerable means: an endearing word... etc... 'Bhadrāvudha' is that brahmin's name... etc... manner of speaking - thus said Venerable Bhadrāvudha.
"Who has abandoned delight, crossed the flood, liberated" means: delight means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. That delight, that craving in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One has abandoned delight. Crossed over the flood means: the Blessed One has crossed over the flood of sensual pleasure, crossed over the flood of existence, crossed over the flood of views, crossed over the flood of ignorance, crossed over the entire path of the round of rebirths, crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond. He has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct... etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - who has abandoned delight, crossed over the flood. Liberated means: the Blessed One's mind is freed, liberated, well liberated from lust, from hatred the mind... from delusion the mind... etc... the mind is freed, liberated, well liberated from all unwholesome volitional formations means - who has abandoned delight, crossed over the flood, liberated.
Having abandoned the aeon, I beseech the wise one. Aeons: there are two aeons - the aeon of craving and the aeon of views... etc... this is the aeon of craving... etc... this is the aeon of views. For the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, the aeon of craving is abandoned, the aeon of views is relinquished. Since the aeon of craving is abandoned and the aeon of views is relinquished, therefore the Enlightened One is one who has abandoned aeons. Beseech means: I request, I beseech, I beg, I accept, I desire, I wish for, I long for, I aspire to. Wise means wisdom. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this intelligence, wisdom. Therefore the Enlightened One is wise - having abandoned the aeon, I beseech the wise one.
Having heard the arahant, they will depart from here. Of the arahant means: dragon. The Blessed One is a dragon because he does not do evil, he is a dragon because he does not go, he is a dragon because he does not come...etc... thus the Blessed One does not go, therefore he is a dragon. Having heard the arahant, they will depart from here means: having heard, listened to, learned, considered, and observed your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice, they will depart from here, will go away, will leave, will go to various directions - having heard the arahant, they will depart from here. Therefore that brahmin said -
"Who has abandoned delight, crossed the flood, liberated;
Having abandoned the aeon, I beseech the wise one, having heard the arahant, they will depart from here."
71.
Please explain well to them, for this Teaching is understood by you.
Various people gathered from the provinces. Various people means nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciants, deities and human beings. Gathered from the provinces means from Aṅga, Magadha, Kaliṅga, Kāsi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Cetiya, Vaṃsa, Kuru, Pañcāla, Maccha, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Yona, and Kamboja. Gathered means gathered, assembled, come together, met - various people gathered from the provinces.
Awaiting your word, O hero. Hero means hero. The Blessed One is a hero because he is energetic, a hero because he is capable, a hero because he is powerful, a hero because he is competent, and also a hero because he is free from terror.
He is energetic and striving, the hero is called thus because of actuality.
"Awaiting your word, O hero" means your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice. Awaiting means: awaiting, wishing, approving, longing, desiring, aspiring - awaiting your word, O hero.
Please explain well to them. To them means: to nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciates, deities and human beings. You means: he addresses the Blessed One. Please explain well means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal - please explain well to them.
Thus this Teaching is understood by you means: thus this Teaching is understood, weighed, judged, clear, made clear by you - thus this Teaching is understood by you. Therefore that brahmin said -
Please explain well to them, for this Teaching is understood by you."
72.
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Whatever they grasp at in the world, by that very thing Māra pursues a being.
"One should remove all craving that takes up" means: craving that takes up is craving for form...etc... Why is it called craving that takes up? Through that craving they grasp, cling to, seize, adhere to, and become fixed on form. Feeling...etc... perception... formations... consciousness... destination... rebirth... reconnection... existence... round of births... they grasp, cling to, seize, adhere to, and become fixed on the round. For this reason it is called craving that takes up. "One should remove all craving that takes up" means: one should remove, thoroughly remove, abandon, dispel, terminate, obliterate all craving that takes up - one should remove all craving that takes up. The Blessed One to Bhadrāvudha. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Bhadrāvudha. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - the Blessed One to Bhadrāvudha.
Above, below, and across in the middle. Above means the future; below means the past; and across in the middle means the present. Above means the world of deities; below means the world of hell; and across in the middle means the human world. Or else, above means wholesome states; below means unwholesome states; and across in the middle means undeclared states. Above means the element of formlessness; below means the element of sensual pleasure; and across in the middle means the element of form. Above means pleasant feeling; below means painful feeling; and across in the middle means neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Above means from the soles of the feet upward; below means from the head-hairs downward; and across in the middle means in the middle - above, below, and across in the middle.
"Whatever they grasp at in the world" means: whatever exists of form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness, they grasp, cling to, seize, adhere to, and become fixed on. In the world means: in the world of misery...etc... in the world of sense bases means - whatever they grasp at in the world.
By that very thing Māra pursues a being means: by the power of that very volitional formation of action, Māra in the form of aggregates at rebirth-linking, Māra in the form of elements, Māra in the form of sense bases, Māra in the form of destination, Māra in the form of rebirth, Māra in the form of rebirth-linking, Māra in the form of existence, Māra in the form of round of rebirths, Māra in the form of round pursues, comes after, accompanies. Being means: a being, person, man, youth, individual, person, soul, creature, being, person, human - by that very thing Māra pursues a being. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Above, below, and across in the middle;
Whatever they grasp at in the world, by that very thing Māra pursues a being.
73.
Seeing these beings attached to grasping, stuck in the realm of Death.
Therefore, understanding, one should not grasp. Therefore means: for that reason, because of that cause, because of that condition, because of that source, seeing this danger in the craving for taking - therefore. Understanding means knowing, understanding, knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating "All formations are impermanent"...etc... understanding, knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease". Should not grasp means: should not take up, should not cling to, should not grasp, should not adhere to, should not cling to form; feeling...etc... perception... formations... consciousness... destination... rebirth... reconnection... existence... round of births... should not take up, should not cling to, should not grasp, should not adhere to, should not cling to the round - therefore, understanding, one should not grasp.
A mindful monk at anything in the whole world. A monk means: either a good worldling monk or a monk who is a trainee. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... one is called mindful - a mindful monk. Anything means whatever exists of form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness. In the whole world means: in all the world of misery, in all the human world, in all the world of deities, in all the world of aggregates, in all the world of elements, in all the world of sense bases - a mindful monk at anything in the whole world.
Seeing these beings attached to grasping means: beings attached to grasping are those who grasp, cling to, seize, adhere to, and become fixed on form; feeling...etc... perception... formations... consciousness... destination... rebirth... reconnection... existence... round of births... they grasp, cling to, seize, adhere to, and become fixed on the round. Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms thus. Seeing means: seeing, watching, observing, looking, viewing, contemplating, examining - seeing these beings attached to grasping thus.
This generation stuck in the realm of Death. Generation is a designation for beings; the realm of Death is called defilements, aggregates and volitional formations. Generation in the realm of Death, in Māra's realm, in the realm of mortality is stuck, attached, fixed, caught, clung to, hindered. Just as on a wall peg or an elephant tusk goods are stuck, attached, fixed, caught, clung to, hindered, even so generation in the realm of Death, in Māra's realm, in the realm of mortality is stuck, attached, fixed, caught, clung to, hindered - this generation stuck in the realm of Death. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Seeing these beings attached to grasping, stuck in the realm of Death.
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of Bhadrāvudha, the Twelfth.
13.
The Explanation of the Questions of Udaya
74.
Who has done what had to be done, taintless;
Gone beyond all states, I have come with a question;
Tell me about the deliverance of final knowledge, the breaking up of ignorance.
A meditator, dustless, seated. A meditator means: the Blessed One is a meditator. A meditator by the first meditative absorption, a meditator by the second meditative absorption, a meditator by the third meditative absorption, a meditator by the fourth meditative absorption, a meditator by meditative absorption with thought and examination, a meditator by meditative absorption with examination only, a meditator by meditative absorption without thought and examination, a meditator by meditative absorption with rapture, a meditator by meditative absorption without rapture, a meditator by meditative absorption accompanied by pleasure, a meditator by meditative absorption accompanied by equanimity, a meditator by meditative absorption of voidness, a meditator by meditative absorption of the signless, a meditator by meditative absorption of the undirected, a meditator by mundane meditative absorption, a meditator by supramundane meditative absorption, one delighting in meditation, devoted to unity, intent on his own goal - a meditator. Dustless means: lust is dust, hatred is dust, delusion is dust, anger is dust, resentment is dust...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are dust. These dusts in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is dustless, free from dust, without dust, rid of dust, abandoned dust, detached from dust, transcended all dust.
Defilement is a designation for lust;
Having abandoned this defilement, the one with vision, therefore the victor is called one free from defilement.
Having abandoned this defilement, the one with vision, therefore the victor is called one free from defilement.
Having abandoned this defilement, the one with vision, therefore the victor is called one free from defilement. -
Free from defilement...etc...
'Seated' means the Blessed One was seated at the Pasanaka shrine - seated.
Is attended by disciples with the three knowledges who have abandoned death.
Thus too is the Blessed One seated. Moreover, the Blessed One is seated because of the tranquillization of all anxiety, he has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct...etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence. Thus too is the Blessed One seated - a meditator, dustless, seated.
[said Venerable Udaya] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Udaya' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - thus said Venerable Udaya.
"Who has done what had to be done, taintless" means: for the Blessed One what had to be done and what need not be done, what should be done and what should not be done, is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One has done what had to be done.
Who has abandoned what should and should not be done, no passion is found.
Who has done what had to be done, taintless. Taints means: the four taints - the taint of sensual desire, the taint of existence, the taint of views, the taint of ignorance. These taints in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is taintless - who has done what had to be done, taintless.
"Gone beyond all phenomena" means: the Blessed One has gone beyond through direct knowledge of all phenomena, gone beyond through full understanding, gone beyond through abandoning, gone beyond through development, gone beyond through realization, gone beyond through attainment. Gone beyond through direct knowledge of all things, gone beyond through full understanding of all suffering, gone beyond through abandoning of all defilements, gone beyond through development of the four paths, gone beyond through realization of cessation, gone beyond through attainment of all attainments. He has attained mastery, attained perfection in noble virtuous behavior; attained mastery, attained perfection in noble concentration; attained mastery, attained perfection in noble wisdom; attained mastery, attained perfection in noble liberation. He has gone to the far shore, reached the far shore, gone to the end, reached the end, gone to the peak, reached the peak, gone to the limit, reached the limit, gone to the conclusion, reached the conclusion, gone to shelter, reached shelter, gone to refuge, reached refuge, gone to safety, reached safety, gone to the imperishable, reached the imperishable, gone to the Deathless, reached the Deathless, gone to Nibbāna, reached Nibbāna. He has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct...etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - gone beyond all phenomena.
I have come with a question means: I have come wanting a question, I have come wanting to ask a question, I have come wanting to hear a question, thus too 'I have come with a question.' Or else, there could be coming, approaching, visiting, and attending of those wanting questions, wanting to ask questions, wanting to hear questions, thus too 'I have come with a question.' Or else, you have the coming of questions, you are capable, you are competent to speak and answer what I ask, carry this burden, thus too 'I have come with a question.'
"Tell me about the deliverance of final knowledge" means: the deliverance of final knowledge is called the deliverance of Arahantship. Tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the deliverance of Arahantship - tell me about the deliverance of final knowledge.
The breaking up of ignorance means: the breaking up, shattering, abandoning, subsiding, relinquishment, tranquillization of ignorance, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the breaking up of ignorance. Therefore that brahmin said -
Who has done what had to be done, taintless;
Gone beyond all states, I have come with a question;
Tell me about the deliverance of final knowledge, the breaking up of ignorance."
75.
And of both kinds of displeasure;
The dispelling of sloth, and the warding off of remorse.
The abandoning of sensual desires means: Desire means: that which in sensual pleasures is sensual desire, lust for sensual pleasures, delight in sensual pleasures, craving for sensual pleasures, affection for sensual pleasures, thirst for sensual pleasures, passion for sensual pleasures, infatuation with sensual pleasures, clinging to sensual pleasures, flood of sensual pleasures, bondage of sensual pleasures, clinging to sensual pleasures, hindrance of sensual desire. The abandoning of sensual desires means: the abandoning of sensual desires, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the abandoning of sensual desires. Said the Blessed One to Udaya. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Udaya. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Udaya.
And of both kinds of displeasure. Displeasure means: that which is mental discomfort, mental pain, unpleasant and painful feeling born of mental contact, unpleasant and painful feeling born of mind-contact. And of both kinds of displeasure means: the abandoning of both sensual desire and displeasure, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - and of both kinds of displeasure.
The dispelling of sloth means: Sloth means: that which is unwieldiness of mind, unfitness for work, shrinking, withdrawing, contracted, contracting, state of being contracted, sloth, being slothful, state of being slothful of mind. Dispelling means: the dispelling of sloth, the abandoning, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the dispelling of sloth.
The warding off of remorse means. Remorse means remorse of hands, remorse of feet, remorse of hands and feet. Perceiving as allowable what is not allowable, perceiving as not allowable what is allowable...etc... Perceiving as faulty what is not faulty, perceiving as not faulty what is faulty. Whatever remorse, being remorseful, state of being remorseful, regret of mind, mental worry of this kind, this is called remorse. Moreover, remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arises for two reasons - because of what has been done and what has not been done. How does remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arise because of what has been done and what has not been done? Remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arises thinking: "I have done bodily misconduct, I have not done bodily good conduct". "I have done verbal misconduct, I have not done verbal good conduct"...etc... "I have done mental misconduct, I have not done mental good conduct"...etc... "I have destroyed life, I have not practised abstinence from destroying life"...etc... "I have taken what is not given, I have not practised abstinence from taking what is not given"...etc... "I have engaged in sexual misconduct, I have not practised abstinence from sexual misconduct"...etc... "I have spoken falsely, I have not practised abstinence from false speech"...etc... "I have spoken divisively, I have not practised abstinence from divisive speech"...etc... "I have spoken harshly, I have not practised abstinence from harsh speech"...etc... "I have engaged in idle chatter, I have not practised abstinence from idle chatter"...etc... "I have been covetous, I have not been non-covetous"...etc... "I have had ill will, I have not had non-ill will"...etc... "I have held wrong view, I have not held right view", remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arises. Thus remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arises because of what has been done and what has not been done.
Or else remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arises thinking: "I have not been one who fulfils the precepts"; "I am unguarded in the faculties"...etc... "I am immoderate in eating"... "I am not devoted to wakefulness"... "I am not possessed of mindfulness and clear comprehension"... "I have not developed the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path"... "I have not fully understood suffering, I have not abandoned the origin, I have not developed the path, I have not realized cessation" - remorse, regret of mind, mental worry arises.
The warding off of remorse means: the obstruction of remorse, the hindrance, the abandoning, the peace, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the warding off of remorse. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
And of both kinds of displeasure;
The dispelling of sloth, the warding off of remorse."
76.
I declare the deliverance of final knowledge, the breaking up of ignorance.
Pure in equanimity and mindfulness means. "Equanimity" means: that which in the fourth meditative absorption is equanimity, being equanimous, maintaining equanimity, mental evenness, mental tranquillity, neutrality of mind. Mindfulness means: that which in the fourth meditative absorption concerning equanimity is mindfulness, recollection... etc... right mindfulness. "Pure in equanimity and mindfulness" means: in the fourth meditative absorption equanimity and mindfulness are pure, purified, thoroughly pure, completely pure, bright, unblemished, rid of corruptions, pliant, workable, steady, and attained to imperturbability - pure in equanimity and mindfulness.
"Preceded by investigation of the Teaching" means: investigation of the Teaching refers to right intention. It is first, it is in front, it is the forerunner of the deliverance of final knowledge - thus too is the Teaching-reasoning preceded. Or else, Teaching-reasoning is called right view. It is first, it is in front, it is the forerunner of the deliverance of final knowledge - thus too is the Teaching-reasoning preceded. Or else, Teaching-reasoning is called insight at the preliminary stage of the four paths. It is first, it is in front, it is the forerunner of the deliverance of final knowledge - thus too is the Teaching-reasoning preceded.
"I declare the deliverance of final knowledge" means: the deliverance of final knowledge is called the deliverance of Arahantship. I speak, explain, teach, declare, establish, reveal, analyse, clarify, make manifest the deliverance of Arahantship - I declare the deliverance of final knowledge.
The breaking up of ignorance. Ignorance means: not knowing about suffering...etc... ignorance, delusion, unwholesome root. Breaking up means: the breaking up of ignorance, the abandoning, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the breaking up of ignorance. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
"I declare the deliverance of final knowledge, the breaking up of ignorance."
77.
By the abandoning of what, is it called Nibbāna?"
"By what is the world fettered" means the world's fetter, sticking, bondage, defilement. By what is the world engaged in, involved in, yoked to, connected with, attached, stuck, hindered - by what is the world fettered.
What is its means of examination means: what is its conduct, examination, investigation. By what does the world move about, wander about, and roam about - what is its means of examination. By the abandoning of what, is it called Nibbāna means: by the abandoning, subsiding, relinquishment, tranquillization of what is it said, declared, spoken, uttered, explained, expressed as Nibbāna - by the abandoning of what, is it called Nibbāna. Therefore that brahmin said -
By the abandoning of what, is it called Nibbāna?"
78.
By the abandoning of craving, it is called Nibbāna.
The world is fettered by delight means: delight means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome, this is called delight. That delight which is the world's fetter, sticking, bondage, defilement, by this delight the world is engaged in, involved in, yoked to, connected with, attached, stuck, hindered - the world is fettered by delight.
Thought is its means of examination. Thoughts are nine thoughts - the thought of sensual pleasure, thought of ill will, thought of harmfulness, thought about relatives, thought about the country, thought about immortals, thought connected with sympathy for others, thought connected with gain, honour and praise, thought connected with not being despised. These are called the nine thoughts. These nine thoughts are the world's moving about, wandering about, and roaming about. By these nine thoughts the world moves about, wanders about, and roams about - thought is its means of examination.
By the abandoning of craving, it is called Nibbāna. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. By the abandoning of craving, it is called Nibbāna means: by the abandoning, subsiding, relinquishment, tranquillization of craving it is said, declared, spoken, uttered, explained, expressed as Nibbāna - by the abandoning of craving, it is called Nibbāna. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
By the abandoning of craving, it is called Nibbāna."
79.
Having come to question the Blessed One, we will listen to your words.
"How does one live mindfully" means: how does one live, dwell, move, behave, guard, maintain, live on mindfully and clearly comprehending - how does one live mindfully.
"Consciousness ceases" means: consciousness ceases, subsides, disappears, becomes tranquil - consciousness ceases.
"Having come to question the Blessed One" means: we have come, arrived, approached, reached, "met with you" to question, to ask, to request, to beseech, to inspire confidence in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One - Having come to question the Blessed One.
We will listen to your words. That means: we will hear, learn, remember, consider, and observe your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice - we will listen to your words. Therefore that brahmin said -
Having come to question the Blessed One, we will listen to your words."
80.
Living thus mindfully, consciousness ceases.
For one not delighting in feeling internally and externally means: dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings internally, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging; dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings externally, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging; dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings both internally and externally, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging. dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings internally while contemplating the nature of origination, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging; dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings internally while contemplating the nature of vanishing... etc... dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings internally while contemplating the nature of origination and vanishing... etc... dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings externally while contemplating the nature of origination, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging; dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings externally while contemplating the nature of vanishing... etc... dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings externally while contemplating the nature of origination and vanishing... etc... dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings both internally and externally while contemplating the nature of origination... etc... dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings both internally and externally while contemplating the nature of vanishing... etc... dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings both internally and externally while contemplating the nature of origination and vanishing, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging. Dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings in these twelve aspects... etc... obliterates it.
Or else, seeing feeling as impermanent, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging. seeing feeling as suffering, as a disease, as a tumour, as a dart, as misery, as an affliction...etc... seeing it as escape, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging. Dwelling contemplating feelings in feelings in these forty aspects, one does not delight in feeling, does not welcome it, does not hold to it, abandons, dispels, puts an end to, and obliterates delight, welcoming, holding, grasping, adherence and clinging - for one not delighting in feeling internally and externally.
Living thus mindfully means: living, dwelling, moving, behaving, guarding, maintaining, living on thus mindfully and clearly comprehending - living thus mindfully.
"Consciousness ceases" means: consciousness associated with meritorious volitional formations, consciousness associated with demeritorious volitional formations, consciousness associated with imperturbable volitional formations ceases, subsides, disappears, becomes tranquil - consciousness ceases. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Living thus mindfully, consciousness ceases."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of Udaya, the thirteenth.
14.
The Explanation of the Questions of Posāla
81.
Unstirred, with doubts cut off;
Gone beyond all states, I have come with a question.
"One who reveals the past." Who means: he who is the Blessed One, self-enlightened. Without a teacher, who by himself awakened to the truths in things not previously heard, and therein attained omniscience and mastery of the powers. "Reveals the past" means: the Blessed One reveals the past, future, and present of himself and others.
How does the Blessed One reveal his own past? The Blessed One reveals his own past: one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births, twenty births, thirty births, forty births, fifty births, a hundred births... etc... a thousand births... a hundred thousand births... many world-contractions... many world-expansions... many world-contractions and expansions - 'There I was, having such a name, such a clan, such beauty, such food, experiencing such pleasure and pain, with such a life span; passing away from there, I arose there; there too I was, having such a name, such a clan, such beauty, such food, experiencing such pleasure and pain, with such a life span; passing away from there, I arose here.' Thus with aspects and terms he reveals manifold past lives. Thus the Blessed One reveals his own past.
How does the Blessed One reveal others' past? The Blessed One reveals others' past: one birth, two births... etc... many world-contractions and expansions - 'There he was, having such a name, such a clan, such beauty, such food, experiencing such pleasure and pain, with such a life span; passing away from there, he arose there; there too he was, having such a name, such a clan, such beauty, such food, experiencing such pleasure and pain, with such a life span; passing away from there, he arose here.' Thus with aspects and terms he reveals manifold past lives. Thus the Blessed One reveals others' past.
The Blessed One, when speaking the five hundred birth stories, reveals his own and others' past, when speaking the Great Lineage Discourse reveals his own and others' past, when speaking the Great Splendour Discourse reveals his own and others' past, when speaking the Great Steward Discourse reveals his own and others' past, when speaking the Maghadeva Discourse reveals his own and others' past.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Cunda, concerning the past course, the Truth Finder has knowledge that follows what was. He recollects as far back as he wishes. And Cunda, concerning the future...etc... And Cunda, concerning the present course, there arises in the Truth Finder knowledge born of enlightenment - 'This is the last birth, now there is no renewed existence.'"
The knowledge of the different degrees of the faculties of beings is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power, the knowledge of the inclinations and underlying tendencies of beings is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power, the knowledge of the twin miracle is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power, the knowledge of the attainment of great compassion is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power, the knowledge of omniscience is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power, the knowledge that is unobstructed is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power, the knowledge that is unattached, unimpeded and unobstructed in all is the Truth Finder's Truth Finder-power. Thus the Blessed One reveals, explains, teaches, proclaims, establishes, discloses, analyses, makes clear, and declares the past, future, and present of himself and others - one who reveals the past.
[said Venerable Posāla] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Posāla' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - said Venerable Posāla.
"Unstirred, with doubts cut off" means: stirring is called craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. That stirring, craving in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is unstirred. Due to the abandonment of stirring, he is unstirred. The Blessed One does not move at gain... etc... he does not move at pain, does not shake, does not quiver, does not quake, does not completely quake - thus unstirred. "With doubts cut off" means: doubt is called uncertainty. Perplexity about suffering... etc... trepidation, mental confusion. That doubt in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, is abandoned, cut off, cut away, completely cut off, calmed, relinquished, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge. Therefore the Enlightened One is one with doubts cut off - unstirred, with doubts cut off.
"Gone beyond all phenomena" means: the Blessed One has gone beyond through direct knowledge of all phenomena, gone beyond through full understanding, gone beyond through abandoning, gone beyond through development, gone beyond through realization, gone beyond through attainment, gone beyond through direct knowledge of all phenomena... etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - gone beyond all things.
I have come with a question means: I have come wanting a question...etc... "carry this burden" - I have come with a question. Therefore that brahmin said -
Unstirred, with doubts cut off;
Gone beyond all teachings, I have come with a question."
82.
For one who sees that there is nothing at all internally and externally;
I ask you about their knowledge, how should such a one be guided.
For one with clear perception of form means: what is perception of form? The perception, perceiving, state of perceiving of one who has attained or been reborn in or dwells happily in this very life in the form-sphere attainment - this is perception of form. For one with clear perception of form means: for one who has gained the four formless attainments, perceptions of form have become clear, gone, overcome, transcended, gone beyond - for one with clear perception of form.
Who has abandoned all bodies means: all his linking form-body is abandoned, through transcendence of that factor, his form-body is abandoned by way of suppression-abandoning - who has abandoned all bodies.
For one who sees that there is nothing at all internally and externally. 'There is nothing at all' means the attainment of the base of nothingness. For what reason? 'There is nothing at all' means the attainment of the base of nothingness. Having mindfully attained the base of infinite consciousness, having emerged from it, one makes that same consciousness cease, disappear, vanish, and sees 'there is nothing at all' - for that reason 'there is nothing at all' means the attainment of the base of nothingness - for one who sees that there is nothing at all internally and externally.
I ask you about their knowledge. "Sakka" means - Sakka. The Blessed One who went forth from the Sakyan clan is also Sakka...etc... abandoned fear and terror, free from terror is also Sakka. "I ask you about their knowledge" means I ask about their knowledge, I ask about their wisdom, I ask about the fully enlightened one. "What kind, of what stability, of what quality, of what aspect is the knowledge to be desired" - I ask you about their knowledge.
"How should such a one be guided" means how should one be guided, instructed, directed, made to understand, convinced, made to see, made confident? How should he develop higher knowledge? "Such a one" means one like that, established thus, of such a kind, of such a nature, who has gained the attainment of the base of nothingness - how should such a one be guided. Therefore that brahmin said -
For one who sees that there is nothing at all internally and externally;
I ask you about their knowledge, how should such a one be guided."
83.
The Truth Finder;
Knows this one who stands, liberated, with that as destination;
"All stations for consciousness" means the Blessed One knows the four stations for consciousness by way of volitional formations, knows the seven stations for consciousness by way of rebirth-linking. How does the Blessed One know the four stations for consciousness by way of volitional formations? For this was said by the Blessed One - "When consciousness, monks, stands engaged with form, it might stand with form as its object, with form as its support, with delight as its refreshment, and might reach growth, increase and expansion. When consciousness, monks, stands engaged with feeling... etc... When consciousness, monks, stands engaged with perception... etc... When consciousness, monks, stands engaged with formations, it might stand with formations as its object, with formations as its support, with delight as its refreshment, and might reach growth, increase and expansion." Thus the Blessed One knows the four stations for consciousness by way of volitional formations.
How does the Blessed One know the seven stations for consciousness by way of rebirth-linking? For this was said by the Blessed One - "There are, monks, beings with diversity of body and diversity of perception - such as human beings, some deities, and some beings in the lower worlds. This is the first station for consciousness.
"There are, monks, beings with diversity of body but unity of perception, such as the deities of Brahmā's retinue who are first reborn there. This is the second station for consciousness.
"There are, monks, beings with unity of body but diversity of perception, such as the Ābhassara deities. This is the third station for consciousness.
"There are, monks, beings with unity of body and unity of perception, such as the Subhakiṇha deities. This is the fourth station for consciousness.
"There are, monks, beings who, with the complete transcendence of perceptions of form, with the disappearance of perceptions of sensory impingement, with inattention to perceptions of diversity, aware that 'space is infinite,' belong to the base of the infinity of space. This is the fifth station for consciousness.
"There are, monks, beings who, with the complete transcendence of the base of the infinity of space, aware that 'consciousness is infinite,' belong to the base of infinite consciousness. This is the sixth station for consciousness.
"There are, monks, beings who, with the complete transcendence of the base of infinite consciousness, aware that 'there is nothing,' belong to the base of nothingness. This is the seventh station for consciousness." Thus the Blessed One knows the seven stations for consciousness by way of rebirth-linking - all stations for consciousness.
The Blessed One to Posāla. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Posāla. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Posāla.
The Truth Finder. Understanding means directly knowing, knowing, cognizing, understanding, penetrating, the Truth Finder. For this was said by the Blessed One - "If, Cunda, something concerning the past is untrue, not actual, and unbeneficial, the Truth Finder does not declare it. If, Cunda, something concerning the past is true, actual, but unbeneficial, that too the Truth Finder does not declare. If, Cunda, something concerning the past is true, actual, and beneficial, there the Truth Finder knows the right time for answering that question. If, Cunda, something concerning the future is...etc... If, Cunda, something concerning the present is untrue, not actual, and unbeneficial, the Truth Finder does not declare it. If, Cunda, something concerning the present is true, actual, but unbeneficial, that too the Truth Finder does not declare. If, Cunda, something concerning the present is true, actual, and beneficial, there the Truth Finder knows the right time for answering that question. Thus, Cunda, regarding things past, future and present, the Truth Finder speaks at the right time, speaks what is factual, speaks what is beneficial, speaks on the Teaching and the discipline. Therefore he is called the Truth Finder.
Whatever in this world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings, is seen, heard, sensed, cognized, attained, sought after and pondered over by the mind - all that has been fully awakened to by the Truth Finder. Therefore he is called the Truth Finder. The night when the Truth Finder awakens to unsurpassed perfect enlightenment and the night when he attains final Nibbāna in the element of Nibbāna without residue, whatever he speaks, utters, and explains in the interval between these - all that is just so, not otherwise. Therefore he is called the Truth Finder. As the Truth Finder speaks, Cunda, so he acts; as he acts, so he speaks. Thus he speaks as he acts and acts as he speaks. Therefore he is called the Truth Finder. In this world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings, the Truth Finder is the overlord, unvanquished, all-seeing, wielder of power. Therefore he is called the Truth Finder" - the Truth Finder.
"Knows this one who stands" means: the Blessed One knows right here through the power of volitional formations - "This person, with the breaking up of the body, after death, will be reborn in a plane of misery, a bad destination, a lower realm, in hell." The Blessed One knows right here through the power of volitional formations - "This person, with the breaking up of the body, after death, will be reborn in the animal realm." The Blessed One knows right here through the power of volitional formations - "This person, with the breaking up of the body, after death, will be reborn in the domain of ghosts." The Blessed One knows right here through the power of volitional formations - "This person, with the breaking up of the body, after death, will be reborn among human beings." The Blessed One knows right here through the power of volitional formations - "This person who is practising well, with the breaking up of the body, after death, will be reborn in a good destination, in a heavenly world."
For this was said by the Blessed One - "But here, Sāriputta, I understand a certain person, having encompassed his mind with my mind - this person is practising in such a way, conducting himself in such a way, and has entered upon such a path, that with the breaking up of the body, after death, he will be reborn in a plane of misery, a bad destination, a lower realm, in hell.
"But here, Sāriputta, I understand a certain person, having encompassed his mind with my mind - this person is practising in such a way, conducting himself in such a way, and has entered upon such a path, that with the breaking up of the body, after death, he will be reborn in the animal realm.
"But here, Sāriputta, I understand a certain person, having encompassed his mind with my mind - this person is practising in such a way, conducting himself in such a way, and has entered upon such a path, that with the breaking up of the body, after death, he will be reborn in the domain of ghosts.
"But here, Sāriputta, I understand a certain person, having encompassed his mind with my mind - this person is practising in such a way, conducting himself in such a way, and has entered upon such a path, that with the breaking up of the body, after death, he will be reborn among human beings.
"But here, Sāriputta, I understand a certain person, having encompassed his mind with my mind - this person is practising in such a way, conducting himself in such a way, and has entered upon such a path, that with the breaking up of the body, after death, he will be reborn in a good destination, in a heavenly world.
"But here, Sāriputta, I understand a certain person, having encompassed his mind with my mind - this person is practising in such a way, conducting himself in such a way, and has entered upon such a path, that with the destruction of the taints, he enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom, having realized it for himself through direct knowledge in this very life - knows this one who stands.
Liberated, with that as destination. Disposition means the base of nothingness. Disposition means disposed through deliverance, disposed therein, disposed to that, having that as authority. Moreover, the Blessed One knows - "This individual is disposed to form, disposed to sound, disposed to odour, disposed to taste, disposed to tactile object, disposed to family, disposed to group, disposed to lodging, disposed to gain, disposed to fame, disposed to praise, disposed to pleasure, disposed to robe, disposed to almsfood, disposed to lodging, disposed to medicinal requisites, disposed to the discourses, disposed to discipline, disposed to higher teaching, disposed to the factor of forest-dwelling, disposed to the factor of almsfood-gathering, disposed to the factor of rag-robes, disposed to the factor of three robes, disposed to the factor of house-to-house alms gathering, disposed to the factor of eating one meal, disposed to the factor of sitting, disposed to the factor of accepting any seat, disposed to the first meditative absorption, disposed to the second meditative absorption, disposed to the third meditative absorption, disposed to the fourth meditative absorption, disposed to the attainment of the base of infinite space, disposed to the attainment of the base of infinite consciousness, disposed to the attainment of the base of nothingness, disposed to the attainment of the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception" - thus disposed.
With that as destination means having the base of nothingness as destination, having action as destination, having result as destination, weighted towards action, weighted towards rebirth-linking. Moreover, the Blessed One knows - "this person has form as destination...etc... has the attainment of the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception as destination" - their inclination and destination. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
The Truth Finder;
Knows this one who stands, liberated, with that as destination."
84.
Having understood this through direct knowledge, one then sees with insight into that;
This is the actual knowledge of that accomplished brahmin.
Having known the origin of nothingness means: what is called the origin of nothingness is the volitional formation of action that leads to the base of nothingness. Having known, having understood, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear that the volitional formation of action leading to the base of nothingness is the origin of nothingness, having known it as attachment, having known it as bondage, having known it as obstruction - having known the origin of nothingness.
That delight is a fetter means: lust for the formless is called a fetter of delight. Having known, having understood, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear that action is caught, clung to, hindered by lust for the formless, having known formless lust as the fetter of delight, having known it as attachment, having known it as bondage, having known it as obstruction. Thus is the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence thus - the fetter of delight thus.
Having understood this through direct knowledge means: having direct knowledge of this thus, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - having understood this through direct knowledge.
One then sees with insight into that. Therein means: having attained the base of nothingness, having emerged from it, one sees with insight into the mental phenomena and mental states arisen there as impermanent, sees with insight as suffering, as disease...etc... sees with insight, observes, looks at, contemplates and examines as escape - one then sees with insight into that.
This is the actual knowledge of that means: this knowledge is real, what has come to be, factual, not inverted, of that - This is the actual knowledge of that.
Of the accomplished brahmin. A brahmin is one who has eliminated seven things... etc... independent, such a one is called a sublime deity. "Of the accomplished brahmin" means: starting from a good ordinary person, seven trainees live, dwell, abide, and reside for attaining the unattained, for achieving the unachieved, for realizing the unrealized; an arahant with taints destroyed, who has lived the holy life, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, reached the true goal, destroyed the fetters of existence, and is liberated through final knowledge; he has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct...etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - of the accomplished brahmin. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Having understood this through direct knowledge, one then sees with insight into that;
This is the actual knowledge of that accomplished brahmin."
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Fourteenth Explanation of the Questions of Posāla.
15.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Young Man Mogharāja
85.
"But the One with Vision did not explain to me;
I have heard that when asked for the third time, the divine sage explains.
"Twice I asked Sakka" means that brahmin asked the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, a question two times. The Blessed One, when questioned, did not answer - "In the meantime this brahmin's faculties will come to maturity." "Sakka" means Sakka. The Blessed One who went forth from the Sakyan clan is also Sakka. Or else, being rich, of great wealth, wealthy is also Sakka. He possesses these forms of wealth, that is: the wealth of faith, the wealth of virtue, the wealth of moral shame, the wealth of fear of wrongdoing, the wealth of learning, the wealth of generosity, the wealth of wisdom, the wealth of the foundations of mindfulness, the wealth of right striving, the wealth of the bases for spiritual power, the wealth of the faculties, the wealth of the powers, the wealth of the enlightenment factors, the wealth of the path, the wealth of fruition, the wealth of Nibbāna. Being rich, of great wealth, wealthy with these various treasures of wealth is also Sakka. Or else, Sakka means capable, powerful, competent, heroic, valiant, brave, not timid, not cowardly, not frightened, not ready to run, abandoned fear and terror, free from terror. "Twice I asked Sakka" means I asked, requested, begged, made confident twice - twice I asked Sakka.
[said the Venerable Mogharāja] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Mogharāja' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - [said the Venerable Mogharāja]
"But the One with Vision did not explain to me." "Did not explain to me" means: did not explain to me, did not tell, did not teach, did not proclaim, did not establish, did not disclose, did not analyse, did not make clear, did not reveal. One with vision means: the Blessed One has vision in five ways - vision with the physical eye, vision with the divine eye, vision with the eye of wisdom, vision with the enlightened eye, and vision with the all-around eye.
How does the Blessed One have vision with the physical eye? In the physical eye of the Blessed One there are five colours - blue colour, yellow colour, red colour, black colour, and white colour. And where the eyelashes are established it is blue, deep blue, pleasing, beautiful to see, like the flax flower. Beyond that it is yellow, bright yellow, golden coloured, pleasing, beautiful to see, like the kaṇikāra flower. And on both sides the Blessed One's eye corners are red, deep red, pleasing, beautiful to see, like the indagopaka insect. In the middle it is black, deep black, not rough, smooth, pleasing, beautiful to see, like a polished black gem. Beyond that it is white, bright white, clear, pure, pleasing, beautiful to see, like the morning star. With that natural physical eye, included in his individuality, produced by past good conduct, the Blessed One sees for a yojana all around both day and night. When there is darkness possessing four factors and the sun has set; it is the Uposatha on the dark fortnight, there is a dense forest grove, and a great dark cloud has arisen. Even in such darkness possessing four factors he sees for a yojana all around. There is no wall, door, rampart, mountain, bush, or creeper that forms an obstruction to seeing forms. If one were to mark a single sesame seed and put it in a cart of sesame, he could pick out that very sesame seed. So pure is the Blessed One's natural physical eye. Thus the Blessed One has vision with the physical eye.
How does the Blessed One have vision with the divine eye? The Blessed One with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, sees beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly; fortunate and unfortunate, and he understands how beings fare according to their actions - 'These worthy beings who were endowed with misconduct of body, misconduct of speech, misconduct of mind, who reviled the noble ones, held wrong views, and undertook actions based on wrong views, with the breaking up of the body, after death, have been reborn in a plane of misery, a bad destination, a lower realm, in hell; But these worthy beings who were endowed with good conduct of body, good conduct of speech, good conduct of mind, who did not revile the noble ones, who held right views and undertook actions based on right views, with the breaking up of the body, after death, have been reborn in a good destination, in a heavenly world.' Thus with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, he sees beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and he understands how beings fare according to their actions. And if he wishes, the Blessed One could see one world system, two world systems, three world systems, four world systems, five world systems, ten world systems, twenty world systems, thirty world systems, forty world systems, fifty world systems, a hundred world systems, a thousandfold minor world system, a twofold intermediate world system, a threefold world system, a great thousandfold world system, or he could see as far as he wishes. So pure is the Blessed One's divine eye. Thus the Blessed One has vision with the divine eye.
How does the Blessed One have vision with the eye of wisdom? The Blessed One was of great wisdom, broad wisdom, swift wisdom, joyous wisdom, sharp wisdom, penetrative wisdom, skilled in discriminating wisdom, of analytical knowledge, attained to analytical knowledge, gained in the four grounds of self-confidence, bearer of the ten powers, the bull of a man, the lion of a man, the dragon of a man, the thoroughbred of a man, the beast of burden of a man, of boundless knowledge, boundless power, boundless fame, rich, of great wealth, wealthy, a guide, an instructor, a leader, one who makes others understand, comprehend, observe, and gain confidence. For the Blessed One was the originator of the unoriginated path, the producer of the unproduced path, the declarer of the undeclared path; he was the knower of the path, the discoverer of the path, the one skilled in the path. And now his disciples dwell following the path, endowed with it afterwards.
For the Blessed One knows what is to be known, sees what is to be seen, he has become vision, become knowledge, become the Teaching, become Brahmā, he is the proclaimer, the expounder, the bringer of meaning, the giver of the Deathless, the lord of the Teaching, the Truth Finder. There is nothing unknown, unseen, not understood, not realized, not experienced with wisdom by that Blessed One. All phenomena, whether past, future, or present, in all their aspects come within range of the knowledge of the Buddha, the Blessed One. Whatever there is to be understood that should be known - whether benefit for oneself or benefit for others or benefit for both, whether benefit pertaining to the present life or benefit pertaining to the future life, whether obvious benefit or profound benefit, whether hidden benefit or concealed benefit, whether benefit to be guided to or benefit already guided to, whether blameless benefit or taintless benefit, whether cleansing benefit or ultimate benefit - all that revolves within the Buddha's knowledge.
All bodily action of the Buddha, the Blessed One, is accompanied by knowledge, all verbal action is accompanied by knowledge, all mental action is accompanied by knowledge. The knowledge of the Blessed One Buddha is unobstructed regarding the past, unobstructed regarding the future, unobstructed regarding the present, as far as there is what can be known, that far extends the knowledge, as far as there is knowledge, that far extends what can be known. Knowledge extends to the limit of what can be known, what can be known extends to the limit of knowledge, knowledge does not occur beyond what can be known, there is no path of what can be known beyond knowledge. These things stand within each other's limits. Just as when two bowl-lids are properly fitted together, the lower bowl-lid does not go beyond the upper one, the upper bowl-lid does not go beyond the lower one, they stand within each other's limits; even so what can be known and the knowledge of the Blessed One Buddha stand within each other's limits. As far as there is what can be known, that far extends the knowledge, as far as there is knowledge, that far extends what can be known, knowledge extends to the limit of what can be known, what can be known extends to the limit of knowledge. Knowledge does not occur beyond what can be known, there is no path of what can be known beyond knowledge. These things stand within each other's limits.
The knowledge of the Blessed One Buddha occurs regarding all phenomena. All phenomena are bound to the adverting, bound to the wish, bound to the attention, bound to the inclination of mind of the Blessed One Buddha. The knowledge of the Blessed One Buddha occurs regarding all beings. The Blessed One knows the disposition of all beings, knows their underlying tendencies, knows their behaviour, knows their inclinations, knows beings with little dust in their eyes and with much dust in their eyes, with sharp faculties and with dull faculties, with good qualities and with bad qualities, easy to teach and difficult to teach, capable and incapable. This world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings, revolves within the Buddha's knowledge.
Just as whatever fish and turtles, even including the great whales, move within the great ocean, even so this world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings, revolves within the Buddha's knowledge. Just as whatever birds, even including Garuḷa the son of Vinata, move about in regions of space, even so those equal to Sāriputta endowed with wisdom also move about in regions of the Buddha's knowledge; the Buddha's knowledge pervades and surpasses the wisdom of deities and human beings, and remains so.
Those wise nobles, wise brahmins, wise householders, and wise ascetics who are subtle, experienced in controversy, who are like hair-splitters, they wander about seemingly demolishing the views of others with their wisdom, having formulated questions again and again, they approach the Truth Finder and ask hidden and concealed things. Those questions are answered and explained by the Blessed One, with reasons pointed out. And they become disciples of the Blessed One. Indeed, the Blessed One excels in this matter - that is, in wisdom. Thus the Blessed One has vision with the eye of wisdom.
How does the Blessed One have vision with the eye of a Buddha? Surveying the world with the eye of a Buddha, the Blessed One saw beings with little dust in their eyes and with much dust in their eyes, with sharp faculties and with dull faculties, with good qualities and with bad qualities, easy to teach and difficult to teach, and some who dwelt seeing fear in blame and the other world. Just as in a pond of blue lotuses, red lotuses, or white lotuses, some blue lotuses, red lotuses, or white lotuses are born in the water, grow in the water, and never rise above the water, but flourish immersed within, some blue lotuses, red lotuses, or white lotuses are born in the water, grow in the water, and remain at the water's surface, some blue lotuses, red lotuses, or white lotuses are born in the water, grow in the water, and stand rising above the water, unsullied by the water; Even so, surveying the world with the eye of a Buddha, the Blessed One saw beings with little dust in their eyes and with much dust in their eyes, with sharp faculties and with dull faculties, with good qualities and with bad qualities, easy to teach and difficult to teach, and some who dwelt seeing fear in blame and the other world. The Blessed One knows - "This person is of lustful temperament, this one of hateful temperament, this one of deluded temperament, this one of thinking temperament, this one of faithful temperament, this one of intellectual temperament." To a person of lustful temperament the Blessed One speaks about foulness; To a person of hateful temperament the Blessed One explains the development of loving-kindness; A person of deluded temperament the Blessed One establishes in synopsis and questioning, timely listening to the Teaching, timely discussion of the Teaching, and living under a teacher; To a person of thinking temperament the Blessed One explains mindfulness of breathing; To a person of faithful temperament the Blessed One explains the inspiring aspects: the perfect enlightenment of the Buddha, the perfect nature of the Teaching, the perfect practice of the Community, and the precepts; To a person of intellectual temperament the Blessed One explains the marks of insight: the aspect of impermanence, the aspect of suffering, the aspect of non-self.
Just as that, O wise one, having ascended the palace made of Teaching, all-seeing one;
Sorrowless one, look upon the people overcome by sorrow, overwhelmed by birth and aging."
Thus the Blessed One has vision with the eye of a Buddha.
How does the Blessed One have vision with the all-seeing eye? The all-seeing eye is called the knowledge of omniscience. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with the knowledge of omniscience.
The Truth Finder has directly known all that can be known, therefore he has the all-seeing eye.
Thus the Blessed One has vision with the all-seeing eye - But the One with Vision did not explain to me.
I have heard that when asked for the third time, the divine sage explains means: when questioned up to the third time about a legitimate question, the Enlightened One explains, he does not make one wander in the round of births - thus I have learned, thus I have understood, thus I have observed. Divine sage means both the Blessed One and a sage - divine sage. Just as kings who have renounced are called royal sages, brahmins who have renounced are called brahmin sages, similarly the Blessed One is both a deity and a sage - divine sage.
Moreover, the Blessed One is a sage because he has renounced. He sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a sage. The great aggregate of concentration...etc... the great aggregate of wisdom... the great aggregate of liberation... he sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation, thus he is a sage. He sought, searched and pursued the breaking through of the great mass of darkness, thus he is a sage. He sought, searched and pursued the shattering of great inversion, thus he is a sage. The extraction of the great dart of craving... the untangling of the great bondage of views... the bringing down of the great banner of conceit... the subsiding of great volitional formations... the crossing over of the great flood... the laying down of the great burden... the cutting off of the great round of rebirths... the extinguishing of great torment... the tranquillization of great passion... he sought, searched and pursued the raising up of the great banner of the Teaching, thus he is a sage. The great foundations of mindfulness... the great right strivings... the great faculties... the great powers... the great enlightenment factors... the great noble eightfold path... he sought, searched and pursued the great ultimate goal, the Deathless, Nibbāna, thus he is a sage. Or he was sought, searched and pursued by influential beings - "Where is the Enlightened One? Where is the Blessed One? Where is the deity of deities? Where is the bull among men?" thus he is a sage - I have heard that when asked for the third time, the divine sage explains. Therefore that brahmin said -
"But the One with Vision did not explain to me;
"I have heard that when asked for the third time, the divine sage explains."
86.
Does not know your view, of the glorious Gotama.
This world and the other world. This world means: the human world. The other world means: excluding the human world, all is the other world - this world and the other world.
The brahmā world with its deities means: this world with its deities, Māra, and Brahmā, among the population with its ascetics and brahmins, deities and human beings - the brahmā world with its deities.
'Does not know your view' means: the world does not know your view, acceptance, personal preference, belief, inclination, intention - 'this one has such a view, such acceptance, such personal preference, such belief, such inclination, such intention' - does not know, does not see, does not observe, does not find, does not get, does not obtain - does not know your view.
'of the glorious Gotama' means: the Blessed One has attained glory, thus glorious. Moreover, the Blessed One is honoured, respected, revered, venerated and esteemed, and is a recipient of robes, almsfood, lodgings and medicinal requisites, thus he is famous - of the famous Gotama. Therefore that brahmin said -
Does not know your view, of the glorious Gotama."
87.
How should one look upon the world, so that the King of Death does not see.
To one of such excellent vision means: to one of such excellent vision, supreme vision, best vision, distinguished vision, foremost vision, highest vision, ultimate vision - to one of such excellent vision.
I have come with a question means: I have come wanting a question...etc... carry this burden, thus too 'I have come with a question.'
How should one look upon the world means: how should one look upon, reflect upon, weigh up, consider, examine, and make clear the world - how should one look upon the world.
The King of Death does not see means: the King of Death does not see, does not observe, does not find, does not get, does not obtain - the King of Death does not see. Therefore that brahmin said -
How should one look upon the world, so that the King of Death does not see?"
88.
Uprooting the view of self, thus one may cross beyond death;
One who views the world thus, the King of Death does not see.
Look upon the world as empty. 'World' means: the world of hell, the animal world, the domain of ghosts, the human world, the world of deities, the world of aggregates, the world of elements, the world of sense bases, this world, the other world, the brahmā world with its deities. A certain monk said this to the Blessed One - "'World, world,' Venerable Sir, it is said. "To what extent, Venerable Sir, is it said to be 'a world'?" "It breaks up, monk, therefore it is said to be 'a world'. And what breaks up? The eye, monk, breaks up, forms break up, eye-consciousness breaks up, eye-contact breaks up, whatever feeling arises with eye-contact as condition - whether pleasant, painful, or neither-painful-nor-pleasant - that too breaks up; the ear breaks up, odours break up...etc... the body breaks up, tactile objects break up; the mind breaks up, mind-objects break up, mind-consciousness breaks up, mind-contact breaks up; whatever feeling arises with mind-contact as condition - whether pleasant, painful, or neither-painful-nor-pleasant - that too breaks up. It breaks up, monk, therefore it is said to be 'a world'."
Look upon the world as empty in two ways - by way of observing the characteristic of uncontrollable occurrence or by way of regarding hollow formations. How does one look upon the world as empty by way of observing the characteristic of uncontrollable occurrence? In form no control is obtained, in feeling no control is obtained, in perception no control is obtained, in formations no control is obtained, in consciousness no control is obtained. For this was said by the Blessed One - "Form, monks, is non-self. If, monks, form were self, this form would not lead to affliction; and it would be possible with regard to form: 'Let my form be thus, let my form not be thus'. But because, monks, form is non-self, therefore form leads to affliction, and it is not possible with regard to form: 'Let my form be thus, let my form not be thus'.
"Feeling is non-self. If, monks, feeling were self, this feeling would not lead to affliction; and it would be possible with regard to feeling: 'Let my feeling be thus, let my feeling not be thus'. But because, monks, feeling is non-self, therefore feeling leads to affliction, and it is not possible with regard to feeling: 'Let my feeling be thus, let my feeling not be thus'.
"Perception is non-self. If, monks, perception were self, this perception would not lead to affliction; and it would be possible with regard to perception: 'Let my perception be thus, let my perception not be thus'. But because, monks, perception is non-self, therefore perception leads to affliction, and it is not possible with regard to perception: 'Let my perception be thus, let my perception not be thus'.
"Formations are non-self. If, monks, formations were self, these formations would not lead to affliction; and it would be possible with regard to formations: 'Let my formations be thus, let my formations not be thus'. But because, monks, formations are non-self, therefore formations lead to affliction, and it is not possible with regard to formations: 'Let my formations be thus, let my formations not be thus'.
Consciousness is non-self. If, monks, consciousness were self, this consciousness would not lead to affliction; and it would be possible with regard to consciousness: 'Let my consciousness be thus, let my consciousness not be thus'. But because, monks, consciousness is non-self, therefore consciousness leads to affliction, and it is not possible with regard to consciousness: 'Let my consciousness be thus, let my consciousness not be thus'.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, this body is neither yours nor others'. Monks, this should be seen as old action, conditioned, volitionally produced, to be felt. Therein, monks, the learned noble disciple carefully and thoroughly attends to dependent origination itself: 'When this exists, that exists; with the arising of this, that arises; when this does not exist, that does not exist; with the cessation of this, that ceases, that is: with ignorance as condition, formations; with formations as condition, consciousness; with consciousness as condition, name-and-form; with name-and-form as condition, the six sense bases; with the six sense bases as condition, contact; with contact as condition, feeling; with feeling as condition, craving; with craving as condition, clinging; with clinging as condition, existence; with existence as condition, birth; with birth as condition, aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair come to be - such is the origin of this entire mass of suffering.'"
"With the complete fading away and cessation of ignorance, formations cease; with the cessation of formations, consciousness ceases...etc... with the cessation of birth, aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair cease; such is the cessation of this entire mass of suffering." Thus one looks upon the world as empty by way of observing the characteristic of uncontrollable occurrence.
How does one look upon the world as empty by way of regarding formations as hollow? In form no substance is obtained, in feeling no substance is obtained, in perception no substance is obtained, in formations no substance is obtained, in consciousness no substance is obtained; form is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, whether in terms of permanent-essence, happiness-essence, self-essence, or what is permanent, stable, eternal, or not subject to change. Feeling is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence...etc... perception is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence... formations are without substance, without essence, devoid of essence... consciousness is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, whether in terms of permanent-essence, happiness-essence, self-essence, or what is permanent, stable, eternal, or not subject to change. Just as a reed is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a castor-oil plant...etc... just as a fig tree is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a white acacia is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a coral tree is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a lump of foam is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a water bubble is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a mirage is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a plantain trunk is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, just as a magical illusion is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence - even so form is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, whether in terms of permanent-essence, happiness-essence, self-essence, or what is permanent, stable, eternal, or not subject to change. Feeling is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence...etc... perception is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence... formations are without substance, without essence, devoid of essence... consciousness is without substance, without essence, devoid of essence, whether in terms of permanent-essence, happiness-essence, self-essence, or what is permanent, stable, eternal, or not subject to change. Thus one looks upon the world as empty by way of regarding formations as hollow. In these two ways one looks upon the world as empty.
Moreover, in six aspects one looks upon the world as empty. The eye is empty of self or what belongs to self or what is permanent or stable or eternal or not subject to change, the ear is empty...etc... the nose is empty... the tongue is empty... the body is empty... the mind is empty of self or what belongs to self or what is permanent or stable or eternal or not subject to change. Forms are empty...etc... sounds are empty... odours are empty... tastes are empty... tactile objects are empty... mind-objects are empty of self or what belongs to self or what is permanent or stable or eternal or not subject to change. Eye-consciousness is empty...etc... mind-consciousness is empty... eye-contact is empty... mind-contact is empty... feeling born of eye-contact is empty... feeling born of mind-contact is empty... perception of form is empty... perception of mind-objects is empty... volition regarding form is empty... volition regarding mind-objects is empty... craving for form is empty... thought of form is empty... examination of form is empty... examination of mind-objects is empty of self or what belongs to self or what is permanent or stable or eternal or not subject to change. Thus in six aspects one looks upon the world as empty.
Moreover, in ten aspects one looks upon the world as empty. Form as void, as hollow, as empty, as non-self, as without substance, as murderous, as due to be exterminated, as a root of misery, as tainted, as conditioned; feeling...etc... perception... formations... consciousness... passing away... rebirth... reconnection... existence... the round of rebirths as void, as hollow, as empty, as non-self, as without substance, as murderous, as due to be exterminated, as a root of misery, as tainted, as conditioned. Thus in ten aspects one looks upon the world as empty.
Moreover, in twelve aspects one looks upon the world as empty. Form is not a being, not a soul, not a person, not a human, not a woman, not a man, not a self, not belonging to self, not I, not mine, not anyone, not of anyone; feeling...etc... perception... formations... consciousness is not a being, not a soul, not a person, not a human, not a woman, not a man, not a self, not belonging to self, not I, not mine, not anyone, not of anyone. Thus in twelve aspects one looks upon the world as empty.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "What is not yours, monks, abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. And what, monks, is not yours? Form, monks, is not yours; abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. Feeling, monks, is not yours; abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. Perception, monks, is not yours; abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. Formations, monks, are not yours; abandon them. When abandoned, they will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. Consciousness, monks, is not yours; abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. Just as, monks, if people were to carry away, burn, or do as they please with the grass, sticks, branches and leaves in this Jeta Grove. Would it occur to you: 'People are carrying us away, burning us, or doing as they please with us'?" 'No, Venerable Sir.' "What is the reason for this?" "Because, Venerable Sir, that is neither our self nor what belongs to self." "Even so, monks, what is not yours - abandon that; when abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. And what, monks, is not yours? Form, monks, is not yours; abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. Feeling...etc... perception... formations... consciousness, monks, is not yours; abandon that. When abandoned, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time." Thus one looks upon the world as empty.
The Venerable Ānanda said this to the Blessed One - "'Empty world, empty world,' Venerable Sir, it is said. To what extent, Venerable Sir, is it said to be 'an empty world'?" "Because, Ānanda, it is empty of self or of what belongs to self, therefore it is said to be 'an empty world'. And what, Ānanda, is empty of self or of what belongs to self? The eye, Ānanda, is empty of self or of what belongs to self. Forms are empty...etc... eye-consciousness is empty... eye-contact is empty... Whatever feeling arises with eye-contact as condition - whether pleasant, painful, or neither-painful-nor-pleasant - that too is empty of self or of what belongs to self. The ear is empty... sounds are empty... the nose is empty... odours are empty... the tongue is empty... tastes are empty... the body is empty... tactile objects are empty... the mind is empty... mind-objects are empty... mind-consciousness is empty... mind-contact is empty... whatever feeling arises with mind-contact as condition - whether pleasant, painful, or neither-painful-nor-pleasant - that too is empty of self or of what belongs to self. Because, Ānanda, it is empty of self or of what belongs to self, therefore it is said to be 'an empty world'." Thus one looks upon the world as empty.
For one who sees as it really is, there is no fear, headman.
One longs for nothing else except non-rebirth."
Thus one looks upon the world as empty.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Even so, monks, a monk investigates form as far as the range of form extends, investigates feeling as far as the range of feeling extends, investigates perception as far as the range of perception extends, investigates formations as far as the range of formations extends, investigates consciousness as far as the range of consciousness extends. As he investigates form as far as the range of form extends, feeling...etc... perception... formations... investigates consciousness as far as the range of consciousness extends, whatever there might be of his that 'I am' or 'mine' or 'I exist', that too does not exist for him." Thus one looks upon the world as empty.
Look upon the world as empty means look upon, reflect upon, see, weigh, examine, make clear, make evident the world as empty. Look upon the world as empty.
Mogharāja, always mindful means: The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Mogharāja. Always means at all times... etc... in the last stage of life. "Mindful" in four ways one is mindful - one is mindful developing the establishment of mindfulness by contemplating the body in the body... etc... one is called mindful - Mogharāja, always mindful.
Uprooting the view of self means: the view of self is called identity view with twenty bases. Here, an unlearned worldling who does not see the noble ones, is unskilled in the Teaching of the noble ones, undisciplined in the Teaching of the noble ones, who does not see superior persons, is unskilled in the Teaching of superior persons, undisciplined in the Teaching of superior persons, regards form as self, or self as possessing form, or form as in self, or self as in form, feeling...etc... perception... formations... regards consciousness as self, or self as possessing consciousness, or consciousness as in self, or self as in consciousness. Whatever view of this sort is going after views, a thicket of views, a wilderness of views, a contortion of views, a vacillation of views, a fetter of views, holding, grasping, adherence, wrong grasp, wrong path, wrong way, wrongness, sectarian base, distorted holding, inverted holding, perverted holding, wrong holding, holding what is not real to be real, as far as the sixty-two views, this is the view of self. Uprooting the view of self means: having uprooted, completely uprooted, pulled out, completely pulled out, uprooted, completely uprooted, abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated the view of self - uprooting the view of self.
Thus one may cross beyond death means: thus you would cross, overcome, transcend, go beyond and surmount death, aging and death - thus one may cross beyond death.
One who looks upon the world thus means: one who looks upon, reflects upon, weighs up, considers, examines, and makes clear the world - one who looks upon the world thus.
The King of Death does not see means: death is the King of Death, Māra is the King of Death, dying is the King of Death. Does not see means: the King of Death does not see, does not observe, does not find, does not get, does not obtain. For this was said by the Blessed One - "Just as, monks, a wild deer roaming in the forest wilds moves about confidently, stands confidently, sits confidently, lies down confidently. What is the reason for this? Gone out of range, monks, of the hunter. Even so, monks, a monk, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, enters and dwells in the first meditative absorption, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of seclusion. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the subsiding of thought and examination, a monk enters and dwells in the second meditative absorption, which has internal confidence and unification of mind, is without thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of concentration... etc... third meditative absorption... enters and dwells in the fourth meditative absorption. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of perceptions of form, with the disappearance of perceptions of sensory impingement, with inattention to perceptions of diversity, aware that 'space is infinite,' a monk enters and dwells in the base of the infinity of space. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of the infinity of space, aware that 'consciousness is infinite,' a monk enters and dwells in the base of infinite consciousness... etc...
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of infinite consciousness, aware that 'there is nothing,' one enters and dwells in the base of nothingness... etc...
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of nothingness, one enters and dwells in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception... etc...
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, one enters and dwells in the cessation of perception and feeling; Having seen with wisdom, his taints are completely destroyed. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One, crossed over the world's attachments.' He moves about confidently, stands confidently, sits confidently, lies down confidently. What is the reason for this? Because the monk has gone beyond the range of the Evil One" - the King of Death does not see. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Uprooting the view of self, thus one may cross beyond death;
At the conclusion of the verse...etc... The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Young Man Mogharāja, the fifteenth.
16.
The Explanation of the Questions of the Young Man Piṅgiya
89.
My eyes are not clear, hearing is not comfortable;
Let me not perish confused in between, teach me the Teaching that I should cognize;
The abandoning of birth and aging here.
I am old, weak, and without beauty. "I am old" means: old, aged, elderly, advanced in years, come to the last stage of life, a hundred and twenty years of age. "Weak" means: feeble, of little strength, of little power. "Without beauty" means: without beauty, departed from beauty, beauty has gone. That earlier beauty and lustre has disappeared and the danger has become manifest - I am old, weak, and without beauty.
[said Venerable Piṅgiya] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... Venerable means: an endearing word...etc... 'Piṅgiya' is that brahmin's name...etc... manner of speaking - said Venerable Piṅgiya.
"My eyes are not clear, hearing is not comfortable" means: eyes are unclear, impure, unpurified, not bright. I do not see forms with the eye in such a way - my eyes are not clear. "Hearing is not comfortable" means: the ear is unclear, impure, unpurified, not bright. I do not hear sounds with the ear in such a way - my eyes are not clear, hearing is not comfortable.
Let me not perish confused in between. "Let me not perish" means: let me not perish, let me not be destroyed, let me not be lost. "Confused" means: confused with delusion, possessed of ignorance, not knowing, unenlightened, unwise. "In between" means: without knowing, without attaining, without understanding, without gaining, without contacting, without realizing your Teaching, view, way and path, I might die in between - let me not perish confused in between.
Teach me the Teaching that I should cognize. "Teaching" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the holy life that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with meaning and phrasing, utterly perfect and pure, the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna - teach the Teaching. 'That I should cognize': that I should know, understand, cognize, comprehend, penetrate, attain, experience, realize - teach me the Teaching that I should cognize.
"The abandoning of birth and aging here" means: right here the abandoning of birth, aging and death, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the abandoning of birth and aging here. Therefore that brahmin said -
My eyes are not clear, hearing is not comfortable;
Let me not perish confused in between, teach me the Teaching that I should cognize;
The abandoning of birth and aging here."
90.
People who are negligent are afflicted in forms;
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent, abandon form for no renewed existence.
Having seen people being afflicted in forms. Form means: the four great elements and the form derived from the four great elements. Beings are hurt, afflicted, harmed, injured because of form, conditioned by form, caused by form. When there is form, they inflict various tortures. beating them with whips, beating them with canes, beating them with clubs, cutting off their hands, cutting off their feet, cutting off their hands and feet, cutting off their ears, cutting off their nose, cutting off their ears and nose, subjecting them to the porridge pot, the polished-shell shave, the Rāhu's mouth, the fiery garland, the flaming hand, the grass-duty, the bark-dress, the antelope, the meat-hooks, the coin-gouging, the caustic pickling, the pivoting pin, the rolled-up palliasse, pouring hot oil over them, having them devoured by dogs, impaling them alive on stakes, cutting off their head with a sword. Thus beings are hurt, afflicted, harmed, injured because of form, conditioned by form, caused by form. Having seen, having observed, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear them being thus hurt, being afflicted, being harmed, being injured - having seen people being afflicted in forms.
said the Blessed One to Piṅgiya. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Piṅgiya. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Piṅgiya.
People who are negligent are afflicted in forms. Are afflicted means: they are afflicted, upset, oppressed, disturbed, become ill and dejected. They are afflicted, upset, oppressed, disturbed, become ill and dejected with eye disease. With ear disease...etc... With bodily disease...etc... They are afflicted, upset, oppressed, disturbed, become ill and dejected through contact with flies, mosquitoes, wind, heat and reptiles - are afflicted in forms.
Or else, when the eye is deteriorating, declining, decreasing, wasting away, disappearing, vanishing, they are afflicted...etc... they become dejected. In the ear...etc... in the nose... in the tongue... in the body... in form... in sound... in odour... in taste... in tactile objects... in family... in group... in dwelling... in gain... in fame... praise... in happiness... in robe... in almsfood... in lodging... when medicinal requisites are deteriorating, declining, decreasing, wasting away, disappearing, vanishing, they are afflicted, upset, oppressed, disturbed, become ill and dejected - thus too they are afflicted in forms.
People means nobles, brahmins, merchants, workers, householders, renunciants, deities and human beings. Negligent means: negligence should be stated as bodily misconduct or verbal misconduct or mental misconduct or regarding the five cords of sensual pleasure, the relinquishing of mind or non-production of relinquishment or regarding development of wholesome states, doing without thoroughness, doing without perseverance, doing without stability, behaviour of sluggishness, giving up desire, giving up responsibility, non-cultivation, non-development, not making much of, non-decision, non-pursuit is negligence. Whatever negligence of such kind, being negligent, state of being negligent - this is called negligence. People endowed with this negligence are negligent - People who are negligent are afflicted in forms.
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent. Therefore means: for that reason, because of that cause, because of that condition, because of that source, seeing this danger in forms - therefore you, Piṅgiya. Diligent means one who acts carefully, acts persistently...etc... diligence in wholesome states - therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent.
Abandon form for no renewed existence. Form means: the four great elements and the form derived from the four great elements. Abandon form means: abandon form, forsake form, dispel form, put form away, make form disappear. For no renewed existence means: so that your form would cease here itself, renewed existence would not arise in the sense-sphere, or form-sphere, or formless-sphere, or in sense-sphere existence, or form-sphere existence, or formless-sphere existence, or existence with perception, or existence without perception, or existence with neither perception nor non-perception, or existence with one aggregate, or existence with four aggregates, or existence with five aggregates, or in any destination, or rebirth, or renewed existence, or existence, or round of births, or round, would not be generated, produced, brought forth or brought about, would cease here itself, would subside, would disappear, would become tranquil - abandon form for no renewed existence. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
People who are negligent are afflicted in forms;
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent, abandon form for no renewed existence."
91.
There is nothing in the world unseen, unheard, unsensed, or uncognized by you;
Teach me the Teaching that I should cognize, the abandoning of birth and aging here.
The four directions, the four intermediate directions, above and below - these ten directions means: the ten directions.
There is nothing in the world unseen, unheard, unsensed, or uncognized by you means: there is nothing unseen, unheard, unsensed, uncognized by you - whether benefit for oneself or benefit for others or benefit for both, whether benefit pertaining to the present life or benefit pertaining to the future life, whether obvious benefit or profound benefit, whether hidden benefit or concealed benefit, whether benefit to be guided to or benefit already guided to, whether blameless benefit or taintless benefit, whether cleansing benefit or ultimate benefit - these do not exist, are not found, are not seen, are not obtained - There is nothing in the world unseen, unheard, unsensed, or uncognized by you.
Teach me the Teaching that I should cognize. "Teaching" means: good in the beginning...etc... and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna. 'That I should cognize': that I should know, understand, cognize, comprehend, penetrate, attain, experience, realize - teach me the Teaching that I should cognize.
"The abandoning of birth and aging here" means: right here the abandoning of birth, aging and death, the subsiding, the relinquishment, the tranquillization, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the abandoning of birth and aging here. Therefore that brahmin said -
There is nothing in the world unseen, unheard, unsensed, or uncognized by you;
Teach me the Teaching that I should cognize, the abandoning of birth and aging here."
92.
Born to torment, overcome by aging;
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent, abandon craving for no renewed existence."
"Seeing humankind overcome by craving." Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. Overcome by craving means: overcome by craving, following craving, pursuing craving, stalked by craving, fallen into craving, practising craving, overwhelmed by craving, with mind possessed by craving. Humankind means: a designation for beings. Seeing means: seeing, watching, looking at, observing, examining - seeing humankind overcome by craving. said the Blessed One to Piṅgiya. The Blessed One addressed that brahmin by name as Piṅgiya. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - said the Blessed One to Piṅgiya.
Born to torment, overcome by aging. Born of anguish means: born of anguish from birth, born of anguish from aging, born of anguish from illness, born of anguish from death, born of anguish from sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair, born of anguish from the suffering of hell...etc... born of anguish from the suffering of the disaster of views, born of calamity, born of misfortune, born of trouble - born of anguish. Overcome by aging means: touched by, overcome by, confused by, possessed by aging. Pursued by birth, stalked by aging, overcome by illness, struck down by death, without protection, without shelter, without refuge, become refugeless - born of anguish, overcome by aging.
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent. Therefore means: for that reason, because of that cause, because of that condition, because of that source, seeing this danger in craving - therefore you, Piṅgiya. Diligent means one who acts carefully...etc... diligence in wholesome states - therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent.
Abandon craving for no renewed existence. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. Abandon craving means: abandon craving, forsake craving, dispel craving, put an end to craving, bring craving to obliteration. For no renewed existence means: so that...etc... renewed existence would not arise in the sense-sphere, or form-sphere, or formless-sphere, or in sense-sphere existence, or form-sphere existence, or formless-sphere existence, or existence with perception, or existence without perception, or existence with neither perception nor non-perception, or existence with one aggregate, or existence with four aggregates, or existence with five aggregates, or in any destination, or rebirth, or renewed existence, or existence, or round of births, or round, would not be generated, produced, brought forth or brought about, would cease here itself, would subside, would disappear, would become tranquil - abandon craving for no renewed existence. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Born to torment, overcome by aging;
Therefore you, Piṅgiya, being diligent, abandon craving for no renewed existence."
Together with the conclusion of the verse, in those many thousands of living beings who were of one intention, one purpose, one aim, one inclination with the brahmin, there arose the spotless, stainless eye of the Teaching: "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease." And there arose in that brahmin the spotless, stainless eye of the Teaching: "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease." Together with the attainment of the eye of the Teaching, his antelope hide, matted hair, bark-garment, triple staff, water-pot, hair and beard disappeared, and he was seated wearing a shaven head and yellow robes, with bowl and outer robe, showing proper practice with reverential salutation, paying homage to the Blessed One - "The Blessed One is the Teacher, Venerable Sir, I am a disciple".
The Explanation of the Questions of the Young Man Piṅgiya, the Sixteenth.
17.
Exposition of the Verses in Praise of the Way to the Beyond
93. This is what the Blessed One said while dwelling among the Magadhans at the Pāsāṇaka shrine, when questioned again and again by the sixteen brahmin attendants, he answered their questions.
"This is what the Blessed One said" means he said this Way to the Beyond. Blessed One means this designation of reverence... etc... the designation realized, namely "Blessed One" - This is what the Blessed One said. Dwelling among the Magadhans means: dwelling, behaving, continuing, maintaining, keeping going, making go in the country named Magadha. At the Pāsāṇaka shrine means: Pāsāṇaka shrine is called the Buddha's seat - dwelling among the Magadhans at the Pāsāṇaka shrine. Of the sixteen brahmin attendants means: the brahmin Piṅgiya was a follower, attendant and servant, a student of the brahmin Bāvari. With Piṅgiya they were sixteen - thus of the sixteen brahmin attendants. Or else, those sixteen brahmins were followers, attendants, servants and students of the Blessed One Buddha - thus of the sixteen brahmin attendants.
When questioned again and again, he answered their questions. Requested means: requested, begged. When questioned again and again means: questioned, questioned, asked, asked, requested, requested, begged, begged, sought confidence in, sought confidence in. Answered their questions means: answered their questions, explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, manifested - when requested and questioned again and again, he answered their questions. Therefore it is said -
94. If one were to understand the meaning and the Teaching of even a single question and practise in accordance with the Teaching, one would surely go to the far shore of aging and death. These teachings are for going to the far shore. Therefore this exposition of the Teaching is designated as "The Way to the Beyond".
"Even a single question" means: even a single question of Ajita, even a single question of Tissametteyya, even a single question of Puṇṇaka, even a single question of Mettagū, even a single question of Dhotaka, even a single question of Upasīva, even a single question of Nandaka, even a single question of Hemaka, even a single question of Todeyya, even a single question of Kappa, even a single question of Jatukaṇṇi, even a single question of Bhadrāvudha, even a single question of Udaya, even a single question of Posāla, even a single question of Mogharāja, even a single question of Piṅgiya. even of a single question.
Having understood the meaning and the Teaching means: the question itself is the Teaching, the answer is the meaning; having understood the meaning, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - having understood the meaning. Having understood the Teaching means: having understood the Teaching, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - having understood the Teaching - having understood the meaning and the Teaching. Would practise in accordance with the Teaching means: would practise the right way, the way in accordance, the non-opposing way, the beneficial way, the way in accordance with the Teaching - would practise in accordance with the Teaching. Would surely go to the far shore of aging and death means: the far shore of aging and death is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Would surely go to the far shore of aging and death means: would go to the far shore of aging and death, would reach the far shore, would touch the far shore, would realize the far shore - would surely go to the far shore of aging and death. These teachings are for going to the far shore means: these teachings are for going to the far shore. They lead to the far shore, they bring to the far shore, they bring completely to the far shore, they lead to crossing over aging and death - these teachings are for going to the far shore.
Therefore this exposition of the Teaching. Therefore means: for that reason, because of that cause, because of that condition, because of that source - therefore. Of this exposition of the Teaching means of this 'Way to the Beyond' - therefore this exposition of the Teaching. Is designated as 'The Way to the Beyond' means: the far shore is called the Deathless, Nibbāna...etc... cessation, Nibbāna. Going is called the path, namely - right view... etc... right concentration. Designation means: term, designation, description, expression, name, naming, denomination, language, phrasing, manner of speaking - is designated as 'The Way to the Beyond'. Therefore it is said -
"If one were to understand the meaning and the Teaching of even a single question and practise in accordance with the Teaching, one would surely go to the far shore of aging and death. These teachings are for going to the far shore. Therefore this exposition of the Teaching is designated as 'The Way to the Beyond'.
95.
Dhotaka and Upasīva, Nanda and then Hemaka.
96.
Bhadrāvudha and Udaya, and also the brahmin Posāla;
And Mogharāja the intelligent one, and Piṅgiya the great sage.
97.
Asking subtle questions, they approached the supreme Buddha.
These approached the Buddha. These means: the sixteen brahmins of the Pārāyana. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One, self-enlightened, without a teacher, who by himself awakened to the truths in things not previously heard, and therein attained omniscience and mastery of the powers. "Enlightened One" - in what sense is he enlightened? "Enlightened One" because he discovered the truths, "Enlightened One" because he awakens beings, "Enlightened One" through omniscience, "Enlightened One" through seeing all, "Enlightened One" through direct knowledge, "Enlightened One" through blossoming, "Enlightened One" in the sense of having destroyed the taints, "Enlightened One" in the sense of being free from defilements, "Enlightened One" because he is completely free from lust, "Enlightened One" because he is completely free from hatred, "Enlightened One" because he is completely free from delusion, "Enlightened One" because he is completely free from defilements, "Enlightened One" because he has gone by the one-way path, "Enlightened One" because he alone awakened to unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, "Enlightened One" because of destroying ignorance and gaining enlightenment. "Enlightened One" - this name was not made by mother, not made by father, not made by brother, not made by sister, not made by friends and companions, not made by relatives and blood relations, not made by ascetics and brahmins, not made by deities. This is the final liberation, the designation realized by the Blessed Ones, the Buddhas, together with the attainment of omniscient knowledge at the foot of the Bodhi tree, namely "Enlightened One". These approached the Buddha means: these approached, went to, attended upon, questioned and inquired of the Buddha - these approached the Buddha.
The sage of perfect conduct means: conduct is called the accomplishment of virtuous behavior. Restraint of virtue is conduct, restraint of faculties is conduct, moderation in eating is conduct, devotion to wakefulness is conduct, the seven good qualities are conduct, the four meditative absorptions are conduct. Perfect conduct means: perfect conduct, best conduct, excellent conduct, foremost conduct, supreme conduct, superior conduct. Sage means: the Blessed One is a sage because he sought, searched and pursued the great aggregate of virtuous behaviour, thus he is a sage...etc... or he was sought, searched and pursued by influential beings - "Where is the Enlightened One? Where is the Blessed One? Where is the deity of deities? Where is the bull among men?" - thus he is a sage - the sage of perfect conduct.
Asking subtle questions. Asking means: asking, requesting, begging, inspiring confidence. Subtle questions means: profound, hard to see, hard to understand, peaceful, sublime, beyond the sphere of reasoning, subtle, to be experienced by the wise questions - asking subtle questions.
They approached the supreme Enlightened One. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One...etc... the designation realized, namely "Enlightened One." Supreme means: they approached, went to, attended upon, questioned and inquired of the foremost, best, distinguished, supreme, highest, superior Enlightened One - they approached the supreme Enlightened One. Therefore it is said -
Asking subtle questions, they approached the supreme Enlightened One."
98.
By answering their questions, the sage satisfied the brahmins.
The Enlightened One answered them. Them means: the sixteen brahmins of the Way to the Beyond. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One...etc... the designation realized, namely "Enlightened One." Answered means: the Enlightened One answered them, explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, manifested - the Enlightened One answered them.
When questioned, truthfully. When asked a question means: questioned, asked, requested, begged, sought confidence in. According to the truth means: as it should be explained, thus he explained; as it should be taught, thus he taught; as it should be described, thus he described; as it should be established, thus he established; as it should be disclosed, thus he disclosed; as it should be analysed, thus he analysed; as it should be made plain, thus he made plain; as it should be proclaimed, thus he proclaimed - when asked a question, according to the truth.
By answering their questions means: by answering, explaining, teaching, describing, establishing, disclosing, analysing, making plain, proclaiming their questions - by answering their questions.
The sage satisfied the brahmins. Satisfied means: satisfied, well satisfied, gave confidence, pleased, made them content. Brahmins means: the sixteen brahmins of the Way to the Beyond. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments - the sage satisfied the brahmins. Therefore it is said -
By answering their questions, the sage satisfied the brahmins."
99.
Lived the holy life in the presence of one with excellent wisdom.
They, satisfied by the One with Vision. They means: the sixteen brahmins of the Pārāyana. Satisfied means: satisfied, well satisfied, made confident, pleased, made content - they satisfied. One with vision means: the Blessed One has vision in five ways - vision with the physical eye, vision with the divine eye, vision with the eye of wisdom, vision with the enlightened eye, and vision with the all-around eye. How does the Blessed One have vision with the physical eye...etc... Thus the Blessed One has vision with the all-seeing eye - they, satisfied by the One with Vision.
By the Buddha, kinsman of the sun. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One...etc... the designation realized, namely "Enlightened One." Kinsman of the sun means: the sun is called ādicca. He is of the Gotama clan, the Blessed One too is of the Gotama clan, the Blessed One is a clan relative, a clan kinsman of the sun. Therefore the Enlightened One is a kinsman of the sun - by the Enlightened One, kinsman of the sun.
They lived the holy life means: the holy life is called abstaining, abstinence, refraining, avoidance, desisting, non-performance, non-doing, non-transgression, non-overstepping the limit, bridge-destruction from engaging in what is contrary to the true Teaching. Moreover, in the strict sense, the holy life is called the Noble Eightfold Path, namely - right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. "They lived the holy life" means they lived, practised, undertook and maintained the holy life - they lived the holy life.
"In the presence of one of excellent wisdom" means in the presence of one of excellent wisdom, supreme wisdom, best wisdom, exceptional wisdom, foremost wisdom, highest wisdom, noble wisdom. "In the presence" means in the presence, in the vicinity, near, not far, approaching - in the presence of one of excellent wisdom. Therefore it is said -
Lived the holy life in the presence of one of excellent wisdom."
100.
One who would practise thus, would go from the near shore to the far shore.
"For each and every question" means for each question of Ajita, for each question of Tissametteyya...etc... for each question of Piṅgiya - for each and every question.
"As taught by the Enlightened One" means. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One, self-enlightened...etc... the designation realized, namely "Enlightened One." "As taught by the Enlightened One" means: as explained, taught, made known, established, revealed, analysed, clarified, proclaimed by the Enlightened One - as taught by the Enlightened One.
"One who would practise thus" means: would practise the right way, the way in accordance, the non-opposing way, the beneficial way, the way in accordance with the Teaching - One who would practise thus.
"Would go from the near shore to the far shore" means: the far shore is called the Deathless, Nibbāna...etc... cessation, Nibbāna; defilements, aggregates and volitional formations are called the near shore. "Would go from the near shore to the far shore" means: would go from the near shore to the far shore, would reach the far shore, would touch the far shore, would realize the far shore - would go from the near shore to the far shore. Therefore it is said -
One who would practise thus, would go from the near shore to the far shore.
101.
That path leads to the far shore, therefore it is called the Way to the Beyond.
"Would go from the near shore to the far shore" means defilements, aggregates and volitional formations are called the near shore; the far shore is called the Deathless, Nibbāna...etc... the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Would go from the near shore to the far shore means: would go from the near shore to the far shore, would reach the far shore, would touch the far shore, would realize the far shore - would go from the near shore to the far shore.
Developing the supreme path means: the supreme path is called the Noble Eightfold Path, namely - right view... etc... right concentration. Supreme path means: the path that is foremost, best, distinguished, supreme, highest, superior. Developing means: developing, pursuing, cultivating - developing the supreme path.
That path leads to the far shore means -
A boat, a bridge across, and a raft, a bolster, a crossing.
Would go to the far shore means: to go to the far shore, to reach the far shore, to thoroughly reach the far shore, to cross over aging-and-death - that path leads to the far shore.
Therefore it is called the Way to the Beyond. Therefore means: for that reason, because of that cause, because of that condition, because of that source. The far shore is called the Deathless, Nibbāna...etc... cessation, Nibbāna. Going is called the path. Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms thus - therefore it is called the Way to the Beyond. Therefore it is said -
That path leads to the far shore, therefore it is called the Way to the Beyond.
The Seventeenth Exposition of the Verses in Praise of the Way to the Beyond.
18.
Exposition of the Verses of Recitation on the Way to the Beyond
102.
As he saw, so he declared, the stainless one of vast wisdom;
Free from sensual desire, without defilements, a dragon - for what reason would he speak falsely?
I shall recite the Way to the Beyond means: I shall sing what was sung, I shall tell what was told, I shall speak what was spoken, I shall utter what was uttered, I shall say what was said - "I shall recite the Way to the Beyond." [said Venerable Piṅgiya] Thus means: a conjunction of words...etc... this is a progressive sequence of terms - thus. 'Venerable' is an endearing word, a respectful word, a reverential and deferential designation - venerable. 'Piṅgiya' is that elder's name, term, designation, description, expression, name, naming, denomination, language, phrasing, manner of speaking - said Venerable Piṅgiya.
As he saw, so he declared means: as he saw, so he declared, explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, manifested. "All formations are impermanent" as he saw, so he declared, explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, manifested. "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self"... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" as he saw, so he declared, explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, manifested - As he saw, so he declared.
The stainless one of vast wisdom. Stainless means: lust is a stain, hatred is a stain, delusion is a stain, anger... resentment...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are stains. These stains in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. The Enlightened One is stainless, pure, spotless, free from stains, rid of stains, liberated from stains, gone beyond all stains. Vast is called earth. The Blessed One is endowed with wisdom that is vast and extensive like the earth. Intelligence is called wisdom. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this intelligence, wisdom, therefore the Enlightened One is of excellent wisdom - stainless, of vast wisdom.
Free from sensual desire, without defilements, a dragon. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. For the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, objective sensual pleasures are fully understood, defiling sensual pleasures are abandoned because objective sensual pleasures are fully understood and defiling sensual pleasures are abandoned. The Blessed One does not desire sensual pleasures, does not wish for sensual pleasures, does not yearn for sensual pleasures, does not long for sensual pleasures, does not aspire for sensual pleasures. Those who desire sensual pleasures, wish for sensual pleasures, yearn for sensual pleasures, long for sensual pleasures, aspire for sensual pleasures, they are desirous of sensual pleasures, lustful with lust, perceiving with perception. The Blessed One does not desire sensual pleasures, does not wish for sensual pleasures, does not yearn for sensual pleasures, does not long for sensual pleasures, does not aspire for sensual pleasures. Therefore the Enlightened One is without desire, free from desire, having given up desire, having vomited desire, having released desire, having abandoned desire, having relinquished desire, free from lust, with lust gone, having given up lust, having vomited lust, having released lust, having abandoned lust, having relinquished lust, without hunger, quenched, become cool, experiencing happiness, dwelling with a self become divine - free from desire.
"Without forest" means: lust is a forest, hatred is a forest, delusion is a forest, anger is a forest, resentment is a forest... etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are from the forest. These forests in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is forestless, without forest, free from defilements, gone from the forest, abandoned the forest, liberated from the forest, transcended all forests - free from defilements. "Dragon" means dragon; the Blessed One is a dragon because he does not do evil, he is a dragon because he does not go, he is a dragon because he does not come...etc... thus the Blessed One does not come, therefore he is called 'dragon' - free from sensual desire, without defilements, a dragon.
For what reason would he speak falsely. "For what reason" means: for what reason, because of what, for what cause, from what source, for what condition - for what reason. "Speak falsely" means: would speak falsely, would tell, would explain, would express; "speak falsely" means: would speak falsehood, would speak false speech, would speak ignoble speech. Here, someone when brought to a council, assembly, midst of relatives, guild, or royal court and questioned as a witness: 'Come, good man, tell what you know,' not knowing he says 'I know,' or knowing he says - 'I do not know,' not seeing he says 'I see,' or seeing he says 'I do not see.' Thus for his own sake or for another's sake or for some small material reward he speaks deliberate falsehood, this is called falsehood.
Moreover, false speech occurs in three aspects. Before it occurs to him - "I will speak falsely," while speaking it occurs to him - "I am speaking falsely," after speaking it occurs to him - "I spoke falsely" - false speech occurs in these three aspects. Moreover, false speech occurs in four aspects. Before it occurs to him - "I will speak falsely," while speaking it occurs to him - "I am speaking falsely," after speaking it occurs to him - "I spoke falsely," misrepresenting what was seen - false speech occurs in these four aspects. Moreover, in five aspects...etc... in six aspects... in seven aspects... false speech occurs in eight aspects. Before it occurs to him - "I will speak falsely," while speaking it occurs to him - "I am speaking falsely," after speaking it occurs to him - "I spoke falsely," misrepresenting what was seen, misrepresenting conviction, misrepresenting personal preference, misrepresenting perception, misrepresenting existence - false speech occurs in these eight aspects as falsehood. For what reason would he speak falsely, tell, explain, express - for what reason would he speak falsely. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
As he saw, so he declared, the stainless one of vast wisdom;
Free from sensual desire, without defilements, a dragon - for what reason would he speak falsely?
103.
Come, I shall proclaim speech endowed with praise.
Of one who has abandoned stain and delusion means: Stain means: lust is a stain, hatred is a stain, delusion is a stain, conceit is a stain, view is a stain, defilement is a stain, all misconduct is a stain, all action leading to existence is a stain.
Delusion means: that which is not knowing about suffering...etc... barrier of ignorance, delusion, unwholesome root. This is called delusion. Stain and delusion in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One has abandoned stain and delusion - of one who has abandoned stain and delusion.
Of one who has given up conceit and contempt. Conceit in one way - which is the elevation of mind. Conceit is twofold: conceit of self-exaltation, conceit of disparaging others. Conceit is threefold: the conceit 'I am better', the conceit 'I am equal', the conceit 'I am inferior'. Conceit is fourfold: one generates conceit through gain, one generates conceit through fame, one generates conceit through praise, one generates conceit through pleasure. Conceit is fivefold: 'I gain agreeable forms' - thus one generates conceit, 'I gain agreeable sounds'...etc... in odours... in tastes... 'in tactile objects' - thus one generates conceit. Conceit is sixfold: one generates conceit due to eye perfection, due to ear perfection...etc... due to nose perfection... due to tongue perfection... due to body perfection... one generates conceit due to mind perfection. Conceit is sevenfold: conceit, arrogance, excessive conceit, inferiority complex, contempt, the conceit "I am", wrong conceit. Conceit is eightfold: one generates conceit through gain, one generates inferiority complex through lack of gain, one generates conceit through fame, one generates inferiority complex through lack of fame, one generates conceit through praise, one generates inferiority complex through blame, one generates conceit through pleasure, one generates inferiority complex through pain. Conceit is ninefold: in one better than oneself the conceit 'I am better', in one better than oneself the conceit 'I am equal', in one better than oneself the conceit 'I am inferior', in one equal to oneself the conceit 'I am better', in one equal to oneself the conceit 'I am equal', in one equal to oneself the conceit 'I am inferior', in one inferior to oneself the conceit 'I am better', in one inferior to oneself the conceit 'I am equal', in one inferior to oneself the conceit 'I am inferior'. Conceit is tenfold: here someone generates conceit by birth, or by clan, or by being a son of a good family, or by beauty of appearance, or by wealth, or by learning, or by sphere of work, or by sphere of craft, or by branch of knowledge, or by learning, or by ingenuity, or by some other ground. Whatever conceit of such a kind, conceiving, state of conceiving, elevation, state of elevation, flag, assumption, desire for a banner of the mind - this is called conceit.
Contempt is that which is contempt, denigration, state of denigration, spitefulness, act of spitefulness - this is called contempt. In the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, conceit and contempt are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One has given up conceit and contempt - who has given up conceit and contempt.
Come, I shall proclaim speech endowed with praise. "Come, I shall": the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence - "come, I shall". "I shall proclaim speech endowed with praise" means I shall tell, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal speech, utterance, expression, statement that has entered into, fully entered into, gone to, fully gone to, reached, fully reached, possessed of praise - Come, I shall proclaim speech endowed with praise. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
Come, I shall proclaim speech endowed with praise.
104.
Taintless, abandoned all suffering, called truth, O Brahmā, he is honored by me.
The darkness-dispeller, the Enlightened One, the all-seeing one. "Darkness-dispeller" means: he pushed away, drove away, abandoned, dispelled, terminated, obliterated the darkness of lust, darkness of hatred, darkness of delusion, darkness of conceit, darkness of views, darkness of defilements, darkness of misconduct, what causes blindness, what causes not knowing, what obstructs wisdom, what belongs to vexation, what does not lead to Nibbāna. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One...etc... the designation realized; that is, 'Enlightened One'. The all-seeing eye is called the knowledge of omniscience...etc... the Truth Finder has the all-seeing eye - the darkness-dispeller, the Enlightened One, the all-seeing one.
Gone to the world's end, transcended all existence. World means one world - the world of existence. Two worlds - the world of existence and the world of origination; the world of successful existence and the world of successful origination; the world of failed existence and the world of failed origination. Three worlds - three feelings. Four worlds - four nutriments. Five worlds - the five aggregates of clinging. Six worlds - the six internal sense bases. Seven worlds - seven stations for consciousness. Eight worlds - eight worldly conditions. Nine worlds - nine abodes of beings. Ten worlds - ten sense bases. Twelve worlds - twelve sense bases. Eighteen worlds - eighteen elements. Gone to the world's end means: the Blessed One has gone to the end of the world, reached the end, gone to the peak, reached the peak... gone to Nibbāna, reached Nibbāna. He has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - gone to the world's end.
Transcended all existence means. Existences means: two existences - existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking. What is existence as action? Meritorious volitional formation, demeritorious volitional formation, imperturbable volitional formation - this is existence as action. What is renewed existence at rebirth-linking? At rebirth-linking, form, feeling, perception, formations, consciousness - this is renewed existence at rebirth-linking. The Blessed One has transcended, gone beyond, passed beyond existence as action and renewed existence at rebirth-linking - gone to the world's end, transcended all existence.
Taintless with all suffering abandoned. Taintless means: there are four taints - the taint of sensual desire, the taint of existence, the taint of views, the taint of ignorance. These taints in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is taintless. Abandoned all suffering means: all his suffering connected with rebirth-linking, the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of illness, the suffering of death, the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair...etc... the suffering of disaster to views is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge. Therefore the Enlightened One has abandoned all suffering - taintless, abandoned all suffering.
Called truth, O Brahmā, he is honored by me. Called truth means having a name similar to truth, having a designation similar to truth, having a name identical to truth. The Blessed One Vipassī, the Blessed One Sikhī, the Blessed One Vessabhū, the Blessed One Kakusandha, the Blessed One Koṇāgamana, the Blessed One Kassapa. Those Blessed Ones, the Enlightened Ones, have similar names, similar designations. The Blessed One, the Sakyan sage too, has a similar name, a similar designation to those Blessed Ones, the Enlightened Ones - therefore the Enlightened One is called truth.
He is honored by me, O Brahmā means that Blessed One was approached, honored, attended upon, questioned, and inquired about by me - called truth, O Brahmā, he is honored by me. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
"Taintless, abandoned all suffering, called truth, O Brahmā, he is honored by me."
105.
Thus I, having abandoned those of little vision, have reached the great ocean like a swan.
As a bird leaving a small grove, would dwell in a forest with abundant fruit. Bird is called winged one. Why is a bird called winged one? Twice-born is called bird, from mother's womb and from egg shell. For this reason a bird is called winged one - bird. As leaving a small grove means as a bird leaving a small grove, a small forest with little fruit, little food, little water, having abandoned, having given up, having overcome, having transcended, having gone beyond, would reach, find, obtain another forest grove that is great with abundant fruit, abundant food, abundant water, and would make its dwelling in that forest grove - as a bird leaving a small grove would dwell in a forest with abundant fruit.
Thus I, having abandoned those of little vision, have reached the great ocean like a swan. Thus is the bringing forth of the simile. "Having abandoned those of little vision" means: both the brahmin Bāvarī and his other teachers, in comparison with the Blessed One Buddha, are of little vision, limited vision, slight vision, inferior vision, poor vision, deficient vision. Having abandoned, having given up, having overcome, having transcended, having gone beyond those of little vision, limited vision, slight vision, inferior vision, poor vision, deficient vision, I reached, found, obtained the Blessed One Buddha of immeasurable vision, foremost vision, best vision, superior vision, excellent vision, supreme vision, noble vision, the unequaled, the equal of the unequaled, the matchless, the incomparable, the unrivaled, deity above deities, bull among men, lion among men, dragon among men, thoroughbred among men, bull among men, beast of burden among men, bearer of the ten powers. And just as a swan would reach, find, obtain a great Mānasa lake, or Anotatta lake, or the great ocean, unshakeable mass of immeasurable water, even so I reached that Blessed One Buddha, the unshakeable one of immeasurable energy, with burst-forth knowledge, with opened eye, skilled in the analysis of wisdom, who has attained analytical knowledge, reached the four grounds of self-confidence, of pure disposition, personally pure, speaker of non-duality, such, of such promise, unlimited, great, profound, immeasurable, hard to fathom, with abundant treasure, ocean-like, endowed with the six-factored equanimity, incomparable, vast, immeasurable, such a one, proclaimer of the path, like Meru among mountains, like a garuda among birds, like a lion among beasts, like the ocean among waters, I reached that teacher, that victor supreme, that great seer - thus I, having abandoned those of little vision, have reached the great ocean like a swan. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
Thus I, having abandoned those of little vision, have reached the great ocean like a swan.
106.
Prior to Gotama's Dispensation 'thus it was, thus it will be';
All that was hearsay, all that increased reasoning.
"Those who explained to me before." "Those" means: both the brahmin Bāvarī and his other teachers, they explained, declared, taught, established, laid down, revealed, analyzed, elucidated, proclaimed their own view, their own acceptance, their own personal preference, their own belief, their own inclination, their own intention - "Those who explained to me before."
"Beyond the Teaching of Gotama" means: beyond the Teaching of Gotama, after the Teaching of Gotama, before the Teaching of Gotama, earlier than the Teaching of Gotama, the Teaching of the Buddha, the Teaching of the Victor, the Teaching of the Truth Finder, the Teaching of the Accomplished Ones - beyond Gotama's Dispensation.
'Thus it was, thus it will be' means thus it was, they say, thus it will be, they say - thus it was, thus it will be.
'All that was hearsay' means all that was hearsay, by oral tradition, by lineage of teaching, by a collection of texts, by reasoning, by inferential reasoning, by reflection on reasons, by acceptance of a view after pondering it, not personally realized by direct knowledge, not as one's own Teaching that they spoke - All that was hearsay.
'All that increased reasoning' means all that increased reasoning, increased thought, increased intention, increased thoughts of sensual pleasure, increased thoughts of ill will, increased thoughts of harmfulness, increased thoughts about relatives, increased thoughts about the country, increased thoughts about deathlessness, increased thoughts connected with sympathy for others, increased thoughts connected with gain, honour and praise, increased thoughts connected with not being despised - All that increased reasoning. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
'Thus it was, thus it will be';
All that was hearsay, all that increased reasoning."
107.
Gotama of vast knowledge, Gotama of vast wisdom.
"Alone, dispelling darkness" means: Alone means: the Blessed One is alone in the sense of going forth, alone in the sense of being without a second, alone in the sense of abandoning craving, alone because he is completely free from lust, alone because he is completely free from hatred, alone because he is completely free from delusion, alone because he is completely free from defilements, alone because he has gone by the one-way path, alone because he has awakened to the unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.
How is the Blessed One alone in the sense of going forth? When the Blessed One was still young, a black-haired youth endowed with the blessing of youth in the prime of life, despite the wishes of his weeping and wailing parents with tearful faces, having cut off all impediments of living in a house, having cut off impediments of children and wife, having cut off impediments of relatives, having cut off impediments of friends and companions, having shaved off hair and beard, having put on ochre robes, having gone forth from home into homelessness, having reached the state of owning nothing, he walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself alone. Thus is the Blessed One alone in the sense of going forth.
How is the Blessed One alone in the sense of being without a second? Having thus gone forth, he resorts to remote lodgings in forests and woodland thickets that are quiet, with little noise, far from the crowds, secluded from people, and suitable for meditation. He goes alone, stands alone, sits alone, lies down alone, enters the village for alms alone, goes forward alone, returns alone, sits in seclusion alone, walks up and down alone, walks alone, dwells alone, moves alone, conducts himself alone, maintains himself alone, lives alone. Thus is the Blessed One alone in the sense of being without a second.
How is the Blessed One alone in the sense of abandoning craving? Dwelling thus alone, without a companion, diligent, ardent and resolute on the bank of the river Nerañjarā at the foot of the Bodhi tree, striving in the great striving, having scattered Māra together with his army - the Dark One, Death, the Friend of Heedlessness - he abandoned, dispelled, put an end to, and obliterated the craving that is a net, that has spread out, that clings.
Not transcending the round of births, he goes from this state to other states.
Free from craving, without grasping, a mindful monk should wander forth."
Thus is the Blessed One alone in the sense of abandoning craving.
How is the Blessed One alone because he is completely free from lust? He is alone because he is completely free from lust due to having abandoned lust, alone because he is completely free from hatred due to having abandoned hatred, alone because he is completely free from delusion due to having abandoned delusion, alone because he is completely free from defilements due to having abandoned defilements.
How is the Blessed One alone because he has gone by the one-way path? The direct path is called the four foundations of mindfulness...etc... the Noble Eightfold Path.
"By this path they crossed over before, and they will cross over, those who cross the flood."
Thus the Blessed One is alone because he has gone by the one-way path.
How is the Blessed One alone because he has awakened to the unsurpassed perfect enlightenment? Enlightenment means: knowledge in the four paths - wisdom, faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, investigation-of-states enlightenment factor, investigation, insight, right view. The Blessed One with that enlightenment knowledge awakened to "All formations are impermanent", awakened to "All formations are suffering", awakened to "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... awakened to "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease". Or else, whatever should be awakened to, should be fully awakened to, should be awakened to oneself, should be completely awakened to, should be attained, should be touched, should be realized, all that with that enlightenment knowledge he awakened to, fully awakened to, awakened to himself, completely awakened to, attained, touched, realized. Thus the Blessed One is alone because he has awakened to unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.
"Darkness-dispeller" means: the Blessed One pushed away, drove away, abandoned, dispelled, terminated, obliterated the darkness of lust, darkness of hatred, darkness of delusion, darkness of views, darkness of defilements, darkness of misconduct, what causes blindness, what causes loss of vision, what causes not knowing, what obstructs wisdom, what belongs to vexation, what does not lead to Nibbāna. 'Seated' means the Blessed One was seated at the Pasanaka shrine - seated.
Is attended by disciples with the three knowledges who have abandoned death.
Thus too is the Blessed One seated...etc... Moreover, the Blessed One is seated because of the tranquillization of all anxiety, he has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct...etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence, thus too is the Blessed One seated - Alone, dispelling darkness.
Brilliant, he is the light-maker. "Brilliant" means: one who is brilliant, intelligent, wise, possessed of wisdom, enlightened, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. "Light-maker" means: light-maker, light-producer, illuminator, lamp-maker, light-giver, brightener, light-bringer - brilliant, he is the light-maker.
"Gotama of vast wisdom" means: Gotama of vast wisdom, possessed of knowledge and wisdom, has wisdom as his banner, has wisdom as his emblem, has wisdom as his authority, is given to investigation, is given to scrutiny, is given to observation, is given to thorough observation, is one who examines things, dwells clearly seeing, behaves accordingly, gives weight to that, is devoted to that, slants towards that, slopes towards that, inclines towards that, is disposed to that, has that as authority.
A king is the mark of a kingdom, a husband is the mark of a woman.
Even so, Gotama of vast wisdom, possessed of knowledge and wisdom, has wisdom as his banner, has wisdom as his emblem, has wisdom as his authority, is given to investigation, is given to scrutiny, is given to observation, is given to thorough observation, is one who examines things, dwells clearly seeing, behaves accordingly, gives weight to that, is devoted to that, slants towards that, slopes towards that, inclines towards that, is disposed to that, has that as authority. Gotama of vast knowledge.
Gotama of vast wisdom means: vast is called earth. The Blessed One is endowed with wisdom that is vast and extensive like the earth. Intelligence is called wisdom. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this intelligence, therefore the Enlightened One is of excellent wisdom - Gotama of vast wisdom. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
Gotama of vast knowledge, Gotama of vast wisdom."
108.
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere.
"Who taught me the Teaching." Who means: he who is the Blessed One, self-enlightened, without a teacher, who by himself awakened to the truths in things not previously heard, and therein attained omniscience and mastery of the powers. Taught me the Teaching. "Teaching" means: tell, explain, teach, proclaim, establish, disclose, analyse, make clear, reveal the holy life that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with meaning and phrasing, utterly perfect and pure, the four foundations of mindfulness...etc... explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, revealed the Noble Eightfold Path and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna - who taught me the Teaching.
Directly visible and immediate means: directly visible, immediately effective, inviting one to come and see, leading onwards, to be personally experienced by the wise - thus directly visible. Or else, one who develops the noble eightfold path in this very life, immediately and directly after that path, attains, finds and gains the fruition - thus too it is directly visible. 'Immediately effective' means: unlike when people give wealth with time conditions and do not receive immediately but wait for time to pass, this Teaching is not like that. One who develops the noble eightfold path in this very life, immediately and directly after that path, attains, finds and gains the fruition, not elsewhere, not in another world - thus it is immediately effective - directly visible, immediately effective.
The destruction of craving, free from misery. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. The destruction of craving means: the destruction of craving, the destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion, the destruction of destination, the destruction of rebirth, the destruction of relinking, the destruction of existence, the destruction of the round of rebirths, the destruction of the round. Free from misery means: defilements, aggregates and volitional formations are called misery. The abandoning of misery, the subsiding of misery, the relinquishment of misery, the tranquillization of misery, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the destruction of craving, free from misery.
To which there is no comparison anywhere. For whom means: for Nibbāna. No comparison means: there is no comparison, no equal, no similar, no likeness, does not exist, is not found, is not obtained. Anywhere means: anywhere, in anything, somewhere, internally or externally or both internally and externally - to which there is no comparison anywhere. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere."
109.
From Gotama of vast knowledge, from Gotama of vast wisdom.
"Why do you stay away" means: why do you stay away from the Enlightened One, depart, go away, be without - why do you stay away from him.
"Even for a moment, Piṅgiya" means: even for a moment, an instant, a period, a time, an interval - even for a moment. "Piṅgiya": Bāvarī addresses that grandson by name.
"From Gotama of vast knowledge" means: from Gotama of vast knowledge, of knowledge and wisdom, who has wisdom as his banner, who has wisdom as his emblem, who has wisdom as his authority, who is given to investigation, who is given to scrutiny, who is given to observation, who examines things, who dwells clearly seeing, who behaves accordingly, who is abundant in that, who gives weight to that, who slants towards that, who slopes towards that, who inclines towards that, who is disposed to that, who has that as authority - From Gotama of vast knowledge.
From Gotama of vast wisdom means: vast is called earth. The Blessed One is endowed with wisdom that is vast and extensive like the earth. Intelligence is called wisdom. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this intelligence, wisdom, therefore the Enlightened One is of excellent wisdom - from Gotama of vast wisdom. Therefore that brahmin said -
From Gotama of vast knowledge, from Gotama of vast wisdom."
110.
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere.
Who taught you the Teaching means: he who is the Blessed One...etc... and therein attained omniscience and mastery of the powers. Taught the Teaching means: the Teaching that is good in the beginning, good in the middle...etc... explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, revealed Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna - who taught you the Teaching.
Directly visible and immediate means: directly visible, immediately effective, inviting one to come and see, leading onwards, to be personally experienced by the wise - thus directly visible. Or else, one who develops the noble eightfold path in this very life, immediately and directly after that path, attains, finds and gains the fruition - thus too it is directly visible. 'Immediately effective' means: unlike when people give wealth with time conditions and do not receive immediately but wait for time to pass, this Teaching is not like that. One who develops the noble eightfold path in this very life; immediately and directly after that path, attains, finds and gains the fruition, not elsewhere, not in another world - thus it is immediately effective - directly visible, immediately effective.
The destruction of craving, free from misery. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. The destruction of craving means: the destruction of craving, the destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion, the destruction of destination, the destruction of rebirth, the destruction of relinking, the destruction of existence, the destruction of the round of rebirths, the destruction of the round. Free from misery means: defilements, aggregates and volitional formations are called misery. The abandoning of misery, the subsiding of misery, the relinquishment of misery, the tranquillization of misery, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the destruction of craving, free from misery.
To which there is no comparison anywhere. For whom means: for Nibbāna. No comparison means: there is no comparison, no equal, no similar, no likeness, does not exist, is not found, is not obtained. Anywhere means: anywhere, in anything, somewhere, internally or externally or both internally and externally - to which there is no comparison anywhere. Therefore that brahmin said -
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere."
111.
From Gotama of vast knowledge, from Gotama of vast wisdom.
"I do not stay away" means: I do not stay away from the Buddha, do not depart, do not go away, am not separated - I do not stay away from him.
"Even for a moment, brahmin" means: even for a moment, an instant, a period, a time, an interval - "Brahmin" means: he addresses his uncle with reverence.
"From Gotama of vast knowledge" means: from Gotama of vast knowledge, of knowledge and wisdom, who has wisdom as his banner, who has wisdom as his emblem, who has wisdom as his authority, who is given to investigation, who is given to scrutiny, who is given to observation, who examines things, who dwells clearly seeing, who behaves accordingly, who is abundant in that, who gives weight to that, who slants towards that, who slopes towards that, who inclines towards that, who is disposed to that, who has that as authority - From Gotama of vast knowledge.
From Gotama of vast wisdom means: vast is called earth. The Blessed One is endowed with wisdom that is vast and extensive like the earth. Intelligence is called wisdom. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this intelligence, wisdom. Therefore the Enlightened One is of excellent wisdom - from Gotama of vast wisdom. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
From Gotama of vast knowledge, from Gotama of vast wisdom."
112.
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere.
Who taught me the Teaching means: he who is the Blessed One, self-enlightened, without a teacher, who by himself awakened to the truths in things not previously heard, and therein attained omniscience and mastery of the powers. Taught me the Teaching. "Teaching" means: explained, taught, proclaimed, established, disclosed, analysed, made clear, revealed the holy life that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with meaning and phrasing, utterly perfect and pure, the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, and Nibbāna and the way leading to Nibbāna - who taught me the Teaching.
Directly visible and immediate means: directly visible, immediately effective, inviting one to come and see, leading onwards, to be personally experienced by the wise - thus it is directly visible. Or else, one who develops the noble eightfold path in this very life, immediately and directly after that path, attains, finds and gains the fruition - thus too it is directly visible. 'Immediately effective' means: unlike when people give wealth with time conditions and do not receive immediately but wait for time to pass, this Teaching is not like that. One who develops the noble eightfold path in this very life, immediately and directly after that path, attains, finds and gains the fruition, not elsewhere, not in another world - thus it is immediately effective - directly visible, immediately effective.
The destruction of craving, free from misery. Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. The destruction of craving means: the destruction of craving, the destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion, the destruction of destination, the destruction of rebirth, the destruction of relinking, the destruction of existence, the destruction of the round of rebirths, the destruction of the round. Free from misery means: defilements, aggregates and volitional formations are called misery. The abandoning of misery, the subsiding of misery, the tranquillization of misery, the Deathless, Nibbāna - the destruction of craving, free from misery.
To which there is no comparison anywhere. For whom means: for Nibbāna. No comparison means: there is no comparison, no equal, no similar, no likeness, does not exist, is not found, is not obtained. Anywhere means: anywhere, in anything, somewhere, internally or externally or both internally and externally - to which there is no comparison anywhere. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
The destruction of craving, free from misery, to which there is no comparison anywhere."
113.
Paying homage I spend the night, thus I think there is no separation.
"I see him with my mind as if with my eye" means: just as a person with vision would see, observe, look at, consider and examine forms in the light, even so I see, observe, look at, consider and examine the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, with my mind - I see him with my mind as if with my eye.
"Day and night, brahmin, being diligent" means: night and day developing the recollection of the Enlightened One with the mind, being diligent - day and night, brahmin, being diligent.
Paying homage I spend the night. "Paying homage" means paying homage with the body, or paying homage with speech, or paying homage with the mind, or paying homage through practice in accordance with the meaning, or paying homage through practice in accordance with the Teaching, respecting, revering, honouring, venerating, I spend day and night, I pass, I go beyond - Paying homage I spend the night.
"Thus I think there is no separation" means developing that recollection of the Enlightened One, I think there is no separation, I think, I know there is no living apart. thus I know, thus I understand, thus I cognize, thus I comprehend, thus I penetrate - thus I think there is no separation. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
Paying homage I spend the night, thus I think there is no separation."
114.
Whatever direction the one of vast wisdom goes, I am inclined in that very direction.
Faith and rapture and mind and mindfulness. Faith means: that which concerning the Blessed One is faith, believing, trust, confidence, faith, faculty of faith, power of faith. Rapture means: that which concerning the Blessed One is rapture, gladness, rejoicing, gladness, delight, mirth, delight, elation, joy, exultation, pleasure of mind. Mind means: that which concerning the Blessed One is mind, mentality, heart, the white, mind, mind base, mind faculty, consciousness, consciousness aggregate, the corresponding mind-consciousness element. Mindfulness means: that which concerning the Blessed One is mindfulness, recollection, right mindfulness - faith and rapture and mind and mindfulness.
"Do not turn me away from Gotama's Dispensation" means: these four things do not turn away from Gotama's Dispensation, the Buddha's Dispensation, the Victor's Dispensation, the Truth Finder's Dispensation, the Accomplished Ones' Dispensation, do not go away, do not abandon, do not destroy - Do not turn me away from Gotama's Dispensation.
Whatever direction the one of vast wisdom goes. Whatever direction means: whether to the eastern direction, or to the western direction, or to the southern direction, or to the northern direction he goes, moves, walks, advances. One of vast wisdom means: one of vast wisdom, great wisdom, sharp wisdom, broad wisdom, joyous wisdom, swift wisdom, penetrative wisdom. Vast is called earth. The Blessed One is endowed with wisdom that is vast and extensive like the earth - whatever direction the one of vast wisdom goes.
I am inclined in that very direction means: wherever the Enlightened One is, in that very direction he is inclined, slanting towards that, sloping towards that, inclining towards that, disposed to that, has that as authority - I am inclined in that very direction. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
Whatever direction the one of vast wisdom goes, I am inclined in that very direction."
115.
I always go in thought, for my mind, brahmin, is joined to that.
Though I am old with feeble strength means: old, aged, elderly, advanced in years, having reached old age. With feeble strength means: with feeble strength, with little strength, with limited strength - though I am old with feeble strength.
Therefore my body does not go there means: the body does not move, does not go, does not proceed, does not pass beyond where the Enlightened One is - therefore my body does not go there.
I always go in thought means: I go, proceed, pass beyond by going in intention, going in thought, going in knowledge, going in wisdom, going in enlightenment - I always go in thought.
For my mind, brahmin, is joined to that. Mind means: that which is mind, mentality...etc... the corresponding mind-consciousness element. For my mind, brahmin, is joined to that means: mind is joined, yoked, connected to where the Enlightened One is - for my mind, brahmin, is joined to that. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
I always go in thought, for my mind, brahmin, is joined to that.
116.
Then I saw the Enlightened One, crossed over the floods, taintless.
Lying in the mud, floundering about means: "Lying in the mud" means: lying, resting, dwelling, residing, staying in the mud of sensual pleasure, in the mire of sensual pleasure, in the defilement of sensual pleasure, in the hook of sensual pleasure, in the fever of sensual pleasure, in the obstruction of sensual pleasure - lying in the mud. "Floundering about" means: trembling with the trembling of craving, trembling with the trembling of views, trembling with the trembling of defilements, trembling with the trembling of effort, trembling with the trembling of results, trembling with the trembling of mental misconduct, trembling with lust when impassioned, trembling with hatred when hateful, trembling with delusion when deluded, trembling with conceit when bound, trembling with views when grasped, trembling with restlessness when distracted, trembling with doubt when uncertain, trembling with underlying tendencies when persistent, trembling with gain, trembling with loss, trembling with fame, trembling with obscurity, trembling with praise, trembling with blame, trembling with pleasure, trembling with pain, trembling with birth, trembling with aging, trembling with illness, trembling with death, trembling with sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure and despair, trembling with the suffering of hell, trembling with the suffering of the animal realm, trembling with the suffering of the domain of ghosts, trembling with human suffering...etc... with the suffering rooted in descent into the womb... with the suffering rooted in remaining in the womb... with the suffering rooted in emerging from the womb... with the suffering connected with birth... with the suffering of being dependent on others after birth... with the suffering of self-inflicted pain... with the suffering inflicted by others... with the suffering of formations... with the suffering of change... with the suffering of eye disease... with the suffering of ear disease... with the suffering of nose disease... with the suffering of tongue disease... with the suffering of bodily disease... with the suffering of head disease... with the suffering of ear disease... with the suffering of mouth disease... with the suffering of tooth disease... with the suffering of lip disease... with cough... with asthma... with cold... with fever... with jaundice... with stomach disease... with fainting... with dysentery... with sharp pain... with cholera... with leprosy... with boils... with eczema... with consumption... with epilepsy... with ringworm... with itch... with scabies... with scratches... with scabs... with blood bile... with diabetes... with hemorrhoids... with pustules... with fistulas... with afflictions arising from bile... with afflictions arising from phlegm... with afflictions arising from wind... with afflictions arising from the combination of humors... with afflictions born of change of climate... with afflictions born of careless behaviour... with afflictions due to exertion... with afflictions born as results of action... with cold... with heat... with hunger... with thirst... with excrement... with urine... with the painful contact of flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and reptiles... with suffering from mother's death... with suffering from father's death... with suffering from son's death... with suffering from daughter's death... with suffering from disaster regarding relatives... with suffering from disaster regarding wealth... with suffering from disaster regarding health... with suffering from disaster regarding virtuous behaviour... trembling, floundering, quivering, quaking with suffering from disaster regarding views - lying in the mud, floundering about.
"I floated from island to island" means: I floated, drifted, wandered from teacher to teacher, from one exposition of the Teaching to another exposition of the Teaching, from one group to another group, from one view to another view, from one way of practice to another way of practice, from one path to another path - I floated from island to island.
Then I saw the Enlightened One. Thus is the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence - thus. I saw means I found, I saw, I observed, I penetrated. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One, self-enlightened, without a teacher...etc... the designation realized, namely "Enlightened One" - then I saw the Enlightened One.
crossed over the floods, taintless. Crossed over the flood means: the Blessed One has crossed over the flood of sensual pleasure, crossed over the flood of existence, crossed over the flood of views, crossed over the flood of ignorance, crossed over the entire path of the round of rebirths, crossed over, gone beyond, transcended, completely transcended, passed beyond, he has lived the life, fulfilled his conduct...etc... the round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence - crossed over the flood. Taintless means the four taints - the taint of sensual desire, the taint of existence, the taint of views, the taint of ignorance. These taints in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is taintless - crossed over the floods, taintless. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
"Then I saw the Enlightened One, crossed over the floods, taintless."
117.
Even so you too release faith, you will go, Piṅgiya, to the far shore of Death's realm.
Just as Vakkali was released in faith, and Bhadrāvudha and Āḷavi Gotama means just as the Elder Vakkali was faithful, weighted with faith, had faith as forerunner, was disposed to faith, had faith as authority and attained Arahantship, just as the Elder Bhadrāvudha was faithful, weighted with faith, had faith as forerunner, was disposed to faith, had faith as authority and attained Arahantship, just as the Elder Āḷavi Gotama was faithful, weighted with faith, had faith as forerunner, was disposed to faith, had faith as authority and attained Arahantship - just as Vakkali was released in faith, and Bhadrāvudha and Āḷavi Gotama.
Even so you too release faith means even so you release, let loose, set loose, dispose yourself to faith, be convinced. "All formations are impermanent" release, let loose, set loose, dispose yourself to faith, be convinced. "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self" release, let loose, set loose, dispose yourself to faith, be convinced... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" release, let loose, set loose, dispose yourself to faith, be convinced - Even so you too release faith.
"You will go, Piṅgiya, to the far shore of Death's realm" means Death's realm are called defilements, aggregates and volitional formations. The far shore of Death's realm is called the Deathless, Nibbāna, that which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. "You will go, Piṅgiya, to the far shore of Death's realm" means: you will go to the far shore, will achieve the far shore, will contact the far shore, will realize the far shore - you will go, Piṅgiya, to the far shore of Death's realm. Thus spoke the Blessed One -
Even so you too release faith,
"You will go, Piṅgiya, to the far shore of Death's realm."
118.
The Enlightened One with veil removed, free from barrenness, discerning.
I am even more confident means I am even more confident, more and more I have faith, more and more I am convinced, more and more I am intent on; "All formations are impermanent" more and more I am confident, more and more I have faith, more and more I am convinced, more and more I am intent on; "All formations are suffering" more and more I am confident...etc... "All phenomena are non-self" more and more I am confident...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" more and more I am confident, more and more I have faith, more and more I am convinced, more and more I am intent on - I am even more confident.
Having heard the sage's word. Sage means: knowledge is called sageship...etc... that sage who has overcome the net of attachments. Having heard the sage's word means: having heard, learned, considered, and observed your word, way, teaching, instruction and advice - having heard the sage's word.
The Enlightened One with coverings opened. Covering means: five coverings - the covering of craving, the covering of views, the covering of defilements, the covering of misconduct, the covering of ignorance. Those coverings in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are opened, destroyed, completely uncovered, abandoned, eliminated, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt up by the fire of knowledge. Therefore the Enlightened One has removed the covering. The Enlightened One is he who is the Blessed One...etc... the designation realized, namely "Enlightened One" - the Enlightened One with veil removed.
Free from barrenness, discerning. Free from barrenness means: lust is barrenness, hatred is barrenness, delusion is barrenness, anger is barrenness, hostility...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are barrennesses. These barrennesses in the Enlightened One, the Blessed One, are abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that they are no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Enlightened One is free from barrenness.
"Of ready wit" - there are three kinds of those with ready wit - ingenuity in learning, ingenuity in questioning, ingenuity in achievement. What is ingenuity in learning? Here someone has learned the word of the Enlightened One: the discourses, mixed prose and verse, explanations, verses, inspired utterances, quotations, birth stories, marvellous accounts, and questions-and-answers. Based on that learning, he has ingenuity - this is ingenuity in learning.
What is ingenuity in questioning? Here someone has questioned about the meaning, the true way, characteristics, reasons, and possibilities and impossibilities. Based on that questioning he has ingenuity - this is ingenuity in questioning.
What is ingenuity in achievement? Here someone has attained the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, the four noble paths, the four fruits of the ascetic life, the four analytical knowledges, the six direct knowledges. For that one the meaning is known, the Teaching is known, the language is known. When the meaning is known, the meaning becomes clear; when the Teaching is known, the Teaching becomes clear; when the language is known, the language becomes clear. Knowledge of these three kinds of knowledge is analytical knowledge of ingenuity. The Blessed One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this analytical knowledge of ingenuity. Therefore the Enlightened One is discerning. For one who has no learning, no questioning, no achievement, what ingenuity will there be - free from barrenness, discerning. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
The Enlightened One with veil removed, free from barrenness, discerning.
119.
The Teacher is the end-maker of questions for those who acknowledge their perplexity.
Having directly known what is beyond the deities means: Deities: there are three kinds of deities - conventional deities, deities by rebirth, deities by purification. Which are conventional deities? Conventional deities are called kings and princes and queens. These are called conventional deities. Which are deities by rebirth? Deities by rebirth are called the deities of the Four Great Kings, the deities of the Thirty-three... etc... the deities of Brahmā's company, and those deities higher than these. These are called deities by rebirth. Which are deities by purification? Deities by purification are called the Truth Finders, the disciples of the Truth Finder who are arahants with taints destroyed, and the privately enlightened ones. These are called deities by purification. The Blessed One having direct knowledge of conventional deities as higher deities, having direct knowledge of deities by rebirth as higher deities, having direct knowledge of deities by purification as higher deities, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - having direct knowledge of what is beyond the deities.
He knew all from best to worst means: the Blessed One knew, understood, contacted, penetrated the states that make higher deities of himself and others. What are the things that make oneself a higher deity? Right practice, practice in accordance, practice that is not contrary, practice that is beneficial, practice in accordance with the Teaching, complete fulfilment in virtuous behaviour, guarding the doors of the faculties, moderation in eating, devotion to wakefulness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, the four foundations of mindfulness...etc... the Noble Eightfold Path. These are called the things that make oneself a higher deity.
What are the things that make others higher deities? Right practice...etc... the Noble Eightfold Path. These are called the things that make others higher deities. Thus the Blessed One knew, understood, contacted, penetrated the states that make higher deities of himself and others - he knew all from high to low.
The Teacher is the end-maker of questions means: the Blessed One is the end-maker, the limit-maker, the boundary-maker, the termination-maker of the questions of those crossing over; the end-maker, the limit-maker, the boundary-maker, the termination-maker of Sabhiya's questions; of Sakka's questions...etc... of Suyāma's questions... of monks' questions... of nuns' questions... of male lay followers' questions... of female lay followers' questions... of kings' questions... of nobles' questions... of brahmins' questions... of merchants' questions... of workers' questions... of deities' questions... the end-maker, the limit-maker, the boundary-maker, the termination-maker of Brahmā's questions - the end-maker of questions. The Teacher: the Blessed One is the caravan leader. Just as a caravan leader guides caravans across a wilderness, guides them across a wilderness of robbers, guides them across a wilderness of wild beasts, guides them across a wilderness of famine, guides them across a wilderness without water, leads them across, brings them across, takes them across, brings them to a secure ground; even so the Blessed One, the caravan leader, guides beings across a wilderness, guides them across a wilderness of birth, guides them across a wilderness of aging...etc... a wilderness of sickness... a wilderness of death... guides them across a wilderness of sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair, guides them across a wilderness of lust, guides them across a wilderness of hatred... a wilderness of delusion... a wilderness of conceit... a wilderness of views... a wilderness of defilements... guides them across a wilderness of misconduct, guides them across a jungle of lust, guides them across a jungle of hatred, a jungle of delusion... a jungle of views... a jungle of defilements... guides them across a jungle of misconduct, leads them across, brings them across, takes them across; brings them to security, the Deathless, Nibbāna - thus too is the Blessed One a caravan leader.
Moreover, the Blessed One is a guide, an instructor, a leader, one who makes others understand, comprehend, observe, and gain confidence, thus is the Blessed One a caravan leader. Moreover, the Blessed One is the originator of the unoriginated path, the producer of the unproduced path, the declarer of the undeclared path; he is the knower of the path, the discoverer of the path, the one skilled in the path. And now his disciples dwell following the path, endowed with it afterwards, thus too is the Blessed One a caravan leader - the Teacher is the end-maker of questions.
For those who acknowledge means: they come with perplexity and become free from perplexity, they come with defilement and become free from defilement, they come with doubt and become free from doubt, they come with uncertainty and become free from uncertainty, they come with lust and become free from lust, they come with hatred and become free from hatred, they come with delusion and become free from delusion, they come with defilements and become free from defilements - for those who acknowledge their perplexity. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
The Teacher is the end-maker of questions for those who acknowledge their perplexity."
120.
Surely I will go, I have no doubt about this, thus consider me one of resolute mind.
Unshakeable and immovable means: unshakeable is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. Unshakeable means: Nibbāna cannot be shaken by lust, hatred, delusion, anger, resentment, contempt, insolence, envy, selfishness, deceit, fraud, obstinacy, rivalry, conceit, arrogance, vanity, negligence, by all defilements, all misconduct, all passion, all taints, all anguish, all disturbance, all unwholesome volitional formations; it is permanent, stable, eternal, not subject to change - unshakeable.
Immovable means: immovable is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations...etc... cessation, Nibbāna. Of Nibbāna no arising is discerned, there is no passing away, no alteration of it is discerned. Nibbāna is permanent, stable, eternal, not subject to change - unshakeable and immovable.
To which there is no comparison anywhere. For whom means: for Nibbāna. No comparison means: there is no comparison, no equal, no similar, no likeness, does not exist, is not found, is not obtained. Anywhere means: anywhere, in anything, somewhere, internally or externally or both internally and externally - to which there is no comparison anywhere.
Surely I will go, I have no doubt about this. "Surely" is a word expressing certainty, a word expressing freedom from doubt, a word expressing freedom from perplexity, a word expressing non-duality, a word expressing non-vacillation, a word expressing necessity, a word expressing inevitability, a word expressing non-deviation, a word expressing affirmation - "surely." I will go means: I will go, I will achieve, I will contact, I will realize - surely I will go. I have no doubt about this. About this means: regarding Nibbāna there is no perplexity, no doubt, no vacillation, no uncertainty, does not exist, is not found, is not obtained, is abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge - surely I will go, I have no doubt about this.
thus consider me one of resolute mind. "Thus consider me" means thus regard me. "One of resolute mind" means slanting towards Nibbāna, sloping towards Nibbāna, inclining towards Nibbāna, resolved upon Nibbāna. thus consider me one of resolute mind. Therefore the elder Piṅgiya said -
Surely I will go, I have no doubt about this, thus consider me one of resolute mind."
The Eighteenth Exposition of the Verses of Recitation on the Way to the Beyond.
The Chapter on Going to the Far Shore is finished.
The Discourse on the Rhinoceros Horn
The Exposition of the Discourse on the Rhinoceros Horn
First Chapter
121.
One should not wish for a child, much less a companion, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having laid down the stick towards all beings means. "Regarding all" means: this is a term meaning completely and totally in every way without exception or remainder - "regarding all." "Beings" means: beings are called the trembling and the still. Trembling means those whose craving of thirst is not abandoned, and whose fears and terrors are not abandoned. Why are they called trembling? They tremble, are terrified, are frightened, fear, fall into terror; for that reason they are called trembling. Still means those whose craving of thirst is abandoned, and whose fears and terrors are abandoned. Why are they called still? They do not tremble, are not terrified, are not frightened, do not fear, do not fall into terror; for that reason they are called still. Rods: there are three rods - the bodily rod, the verbal rod, the mental rod. Threefold bodily misconduct is the bodily rod, fourfold verbal misconduct is the verbal rod, threefold mental misconduct is the mental rod. "Having laid down the stick towards all beings" means: having laid down, having put down the stick towards all beings.
"Not harming even one among them" means: not harming even a single being with hand or clod of earth or stick or sword or chain or rope, not harming all beings with hand or clod of earth or stick or sword or chain or rope - not harming even one among them.
One should not wish for a child, much less a companion. Inclination is rejection; children means four kinds of children - a child born to oneself, a child born in the field, an adopted child, a pupil child. Companions means those with whom coming is comfortable, going is comfortable, coming and going is comfortable, standing is comfortable, sitting is comfortable, lying down is comfortable, addressing is comfortable, conversing is comfortable, chatting is comfortable, discussing is comfortable. One should not wish for a child, much less a companion means: one should not wish for, not welcome, not desire, not long for, not yearn for even a child, how then could one wish for, welcome, desire, long for, yearn for a friend or an acquaintance or a confidant or a companion - one should not wish for a child, much less a companion.
one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Alone means: that Individually Enlightened One is alone in the sense of going forth, alone in the sense of being without a second, alone in the sense of abandoning craving, alone because he is completely free from lust, alone because he is completely free from hatred, alone because he is completely free from delusion, alone because he is completely free from defilements, alone because he has gone by the one-way path, alone because he has awakened to the unsurpassed individual enlightenment.
How is that Individually Enlightened One alone in the sense of going forth? That Individually Enlightened One, having cut off all impediments of living in a house, having cut off impediments of children and wife, having cut off impediments of relatives, having cut off impediments of storing, having shaved off hair and beard, having put on ochre robes, having gone forth from home into homelessness, having reached the state of owning nothing, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself alone - thus that Individually Enlightened One is alone in the sense of going forth.
How is that Individually Enlightened One alone in the sense of being without a second? Having thus gone forth, he resorts to remote lodgings in forests and woodland thickets that are quiet, with little noise, far from the crowds, secluded from people, and suitable for meditation. He goes alone, stands alone, sits alone, lies down alone, enters the village for alms alone, goes forward alone, returns alone, sits in seclusion alone, walks up and down alone, walks alone, dwells alone, moves alone, conducts himself alone, maintains himself alone, lives alone - thus that Individually Enlightened One is alone in the sense of being without a second.
How is that Individually Enlightened One alone in the sense of abandoning craving? Dwelling thus alone, without a companion, diligent, ardent and resolute, striving in the great striving, having scattered Māra together with his army - Death, the Dark One, the Friend of Heedlessness - he abandoned, dispelled, put an end to, and obliterated the craving that is a net, that has spread out, that clings.
Not transcending the round of births, he goes from this state to other states.
Free from craving, without grasping, a mindful monk should wander forth."
Thus that Individually Enlightened One is alone in the sense of abandoning craving.
How is that Individually Enlightened One alone because he is completely free from lust? He is alone because he is completely free from lust due to having abandoned lust, alone because he is completely free from hatred due to having abandoned hatred, alone because he is completely free from delusion due to having abandoned delusion, alone because he is completely free from defilements due to having abandoned defilements. Thus that Individually Enlightened One is alone because he is completely free from lust.
How is that Individually Enlightened One alone because he has gone by the one-way path? The direct path is called the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path.
"By this path they crossed over before, and they will cross over, those who cross the flood."
Thus that Individually Enlightened One is alone because he has gone by the one-way path.
How is that Individually Enlightened One alone because he has awakened to the unsurpassed individual enlightenment? Enlightenment means knowledge in the four paths. Wisdom, faculty of wisdom, power of wisdom, investigation-of-states enlightenment factor, investigation, insight, right view. That Individually Enlightened One, enlightened through the path, enlightened through knowledge, awakened to "All formations are impermanent", awakened to "All formations are suffering", awakened to "All phenomena are non-self", awakened to "With ignorance as condition, formations arise", awakened to "With formations as condition, consciousness", awakened to "With consciousness as condition, name-and-form", awakened to "With name-and-form as condition, the six sense bases", awakened to "With the six sense bases as condition, contact", awakened to "With contact as condition, feeling", awakened to "With feeling as condition, craving", awakened to "With craving as condition, clinging", awakened to "With clinging as condition, existence", awakened to "With existence as condition, birth", awakened to "With birth as condition, aging-and-death"; awakened to "With the cessation of ignorance there is cessation of formations", awakened to "With the cessation of formations there is cessation of consciousness", awakened to "With the cessation of consciousness there is cessation of name-and-form", awakened to "With the cessation of name-and-form there is cessation of the six sense bases", awakened to "With the cessation of the six sense bases there is cessation of contact", awakened to "With the cessation of contact there is cessation of feeling", awakened to "With the cessation of feeling there is cessation of craving", awakened to "With the cessation of craving there is cessation of clinging", awakened to "With the cessation of clinging there is cessation of existence", awakened to "With the cessation of existence there is cessation of birth", awakened to "With the cessation of birth there is cessation of aging-and-death"; awakened to "This is suffering", awakened to "This is the origin of suffering", awakened to "This is the cessation of suffering", awakened to "This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering"; awakened to "These are the taints", awakened to "This is the origin of the taints"...etc... awakened to "This is the way leading to the cessation of the taints"; awakened to "These things should be directly known", awakened to "These things should be abandoned", awakened to "These things should be realized", awakened to "These things should be developed"; awakened to the origin, disappearance, gratification, danger, and escape regarding the six bases of contact, awakened to the origin...etc... and escape regarding the five aggregates of clinging, awakened to the origin, disappearance, gratification, danger, and escape regarding the four great elements, awakened to "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease".
Or else, whatever should be awakened to, should be fully awakened to, should be awakened to oneself, should be completely awakened to, should be attained, should be touched, should be realized, all that with that individual enlightenment knowledge he awakened to, fully awakened to, awakened to himself, completely awakened to, attained, touched, realized - thus that Individually Enlightened One is alone because he has awakened to the unsurpassed individual enlightenment - one.
Practises: there are eight kinds of conduct - conduct of postures, conduct of sense bases, conduct of mindfulness, conduct of concentration, conduct of knowledge, conduct of path, conduct of attainment, conduct for the world's good. Conduct of postures: in the four postures. Conduct of sense bases: in the six internal and external sense bases. Conduct of mindfulness: in the four foundations of mindfulness. Conduct of concentration: in the four meditative absorptions. Conduct of knowledge: in the four noble truths. Conduct of path: in the four noble paths. Conduct of attainment: in the four fruits of asceticism. Conduct for the world's good: in Truth Finders, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, partially in privately enlightened ones, partially in disciples. Conduct of postures is for those accomplished in wishes, conduct of sense bases for those guarded in the faculties, conduct of mindfulness for those dwelling in diligence, conduct of concentration for those devoted to the higher mind, conduct of knowledge for those accomplished in enlightenment, conduct of path for those practising rightly, conduct of attainment for those who have attained the fruits, conduct for the world's good for Truth Finders, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, partially for privately enlightened ones, partially for disciples. These are the eight kinds of conduct. There are eight other kinds of conduct - being intent through faith one practises, rousing energy one practises, establishing mindfulness one practises, making non-distraction through concentration one practises, understanding through wisdom one practises, cognizing through the practice of consciousness one practises. For one practising thus wholesome states are acquired thus - one practises through the practice of the bases. Practising thus one attains distinction thus - one practises through the practice of distinction. These are the eight kinds of conduct.
There are eight other kinds of conduct - The practice of vision through right view, the practice of application through right intention, the practice of restraint through right speech, the practice of origination through right action, the practice of cleansing through right livelihood, the practice of exertion through right effort, the practice of establishment through right mindfulness, the practice of non-distraction through right concentration. These are the eight kinds of conduct.
Like a rhinoceros: just as the horn of a rhinoceros is one without a second, so too that Individually Enlightened One is similar, like that, comparable to that. Just as what is very salty is called similar to salt, what is very bitter is called similar to bitter, what is very sweet is called similar to sweet, what is very hot is called similar to fire, what is very cold is called similar to ice, a great mass of water is called similar to the ocean, a disciple who has attained great direct knowledge is called similar to the Teacher; even so that Individually Enlightened One is similar to that, like that, comparable to that, alone, without a second, freed from bonds, walks rightly in the world, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself - one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
One should not wish for a child, much less a companion, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
122.
Seeing the danger born of affection, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
For one who has formed bonds there arise affections means: Bonding: there are two kinds of bonding - bonding through vision and bonding through hearing. What is bonding through vision? Here someone sees a woman or girl who is beautiful, lovely, graceful, possessing supreme beauty of complexion. Having seen, having observed, he grasps the features and signs - beautiful hair, or beautiful face, or beautiful eyes, or beautiful ears, or beautiful nose, or beautiful lips, or beautiful teeth, or beautiful face, or beautiful neck, or beautiful breasts, or beautiful chest, or beautiful belly, or beautiful hips, or beautiful thighs, or beautiful calves, or beautiful hands, or beautiful feet, or beautiful fingers, or beautiful nails. Having seen, having observed, he delights in it, welcomes it, longs for it, brings it about, pursues it, the bond of lust - this is bonding through vision.
What is bonding through hearing? Here someone hears - "In such and such a village or town there is a woman or girl who is beautiful, lovely, graceful, possessing supreme beauty of complexion." Having heard, having listened, he delights in it, welcomes it, longs for it, brings it about, pursues it, the bond of lust - this is bonding through hearing.
Affection: there are two kinds of affection - craving-affection and view-affection. What is craving-affection? Whatever is bounded, circumscribed, bordered, appropriated, and claimed as 'mine' through what is reckoned as craving - 'This is mine, that is mine, this much is mine, just this much is mine.' Forms, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, spreads, coverlets, male and female slaves, goats and sheep, fowl and pigs, elephants, cattle, horses and mares, fields, property, gold, money, villages, towns, royal cities, the country and provinces, the treasury and storehouses, one claims even the whole great earth as 'mine' through craving, as far as the one hundred and eight courses of craving - this is craving-affection.
What is view-affection? Identity view has twenty bases, wrong view has ten bases, view of extremes has ten bases. Whatever view of this sort is going after views, a thicket of views, a wilderness of views, a contortion of views, a vacillation of views, a fetter of views, holding, grasping, adherence, wrong grasp, wrong path, wrong way, wrongness, sectarian base, distorted holding, inverted holding, perverted holding, wrong holding, holding what is not real to be real, as far as the sixty-two views - this is view-affection.
For one who has formed bonds there arise affections means: conditioned by bonding through vision and conditioned by bonding through hearing, craving-affection and view-affection exist, originate, come to be, arise, come forth, come forth again, manifest - For one who has formed bonds there arise affections.
Following from affection this suffering arises. Affection means: two affections - craving-affection and view-affection...etc... this is craving-affection...etc... this is view-affection. This suffering arises means: here someone engages in bodily misconduct, engages in verbal misconduct, engages in mental misconduct, kills living beings, takes what is not given, breaks into houses, plunders wealth, commits burglary, ambushes people on highways, goes to others' wives, and speaks falsely. Having caught him, they show him to the king: "Your majesty, this is a thief, a criminal. Impose on him whatever punishment you wish." The king scolds him. Due to the scolding, he experiences suffering and displeasure. From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust.
Even with this much the king is not satisfied. The king has him bound - with iron bonds, or rope bonds, or chain bonds, or bamboo bonds, or vine bonds, or bonds of confinement, or bonds of enclosure, or village bonds, or town bonds, or country bonds, or provincial bonds, or even makes him subject to a command - "You are not permitted to leave from here." Due to bondage, he experiences suffering and displeasure. From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust.
Even with this much the king is not satisfied. The king has that very wealth of his confiscated - a hundred or a thousand or a hundred thousand. Due to the loss of wealth, he experiences suffering and displeasure. From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust.
Even with this much the king is not satisfied. The king has various punishments inflicted on him - beating him with whips, beating him with canes, beating him with clubs, cutting off his hands, cutting off his feet, cutting off his hands and feet, cutting off his ears, cutting off his nose, cutting off his ears and nose, subjecting him to the porridge pot, the polished-shell shave, the Rāhu's mouth, the fiery garland, the flaming hand, the grass-duty, the bark-dress, the antelope, the meat-hooks, the coin-gouging, the caustic pickling, the pivoting pin, the rolled-up palliasse, pouring hot oil over him, having him devoured by dogs, impaling him alive on stakes, cutting off his head with a sword. Due to the punishments, he experiences suffering and displeasure. From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust. The king is ruler over these four punishments.
With the breaking up of the body, after death, due to his own action he is reborn in a plane of misery, a bad destination, a lower realm, in hell. The hell wardens subject him to the torture called the fivefold bondage - they drive a hot iron stake into his hand, they drive a hot iron stake into his second hand, they drive a hot iron stake into his foot, they drive a hot iron stake into his second foot, they drive a hot iron stake into his chest in the middle. There he experiences painful, sharp, severe, acute feelings; but he does not die until that evil action is exhausted. From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust.
The hell wardens lay him down and pare him with axes...etc... The hell wardens grab him feet up and head down and pare him with adzes. The hell wardens yoke him to a chariot and drive him back and forth across blazing, burning, glowing ground. The hell wardens make him climb up and down a great mountain of blazing, burning, glowing coals. The hell wardens grab him feet up and head down and plunge him into a blazing, burning, glowing copper cauldron. There he boils with foam bubbling up. As he boils there with foam bubbling up, he goes sometimes up, sometimes down, sometimes across. There he experiences painful, sharp, severe, acute feelings; but he does not die until that evil action is exhausted. From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust.
The hell wardens throw him into the Great Hell. Now that Great Hell -
Bounded by iron walls, covered over with iron.
Extending for a hundred yojanas, it stands all around perpetually.
Hair-raising forms indeed, frightful, fearsome and painful.
Burning those of evil actions, it strikes against the western wall.
Burning those of evil actions, it strikes against the eastern wall.
Burning those of evil actions, it strikes against the northern wall.
Burning those of evil actions, it strikes against the southern wall.
Burning those of evil actions, strikes against the roof.
Burning those of evil actions, strikes against the ground.
So is the Avīci hell, seen from below and above.
Of endless evil actions, are cooked but do not die.
See the firmness of their actions, it becomes neither ashes nor soot.
They run to the north, then they run to the south.
Those beings seeking liberation have gone forth with hope.
And much of their evil actions remain without result."
From where does this fear, suffering and displeasure arise? It arises due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust.
Whatever sufferings there are in hell, whatever sufferings in the animal realm, whatever sufferings in the domain of ghosts, whatever sufferings among humans, from where are they born, from where produced, from where generated, from where created, from where manifested? Due to his affection and delight and lust and delight-and-lust they exist, originate, come to be, arise, come forth, come forth again, manifest - following from affection this suffering arises.
Seeing the danger born of affection means. Affection means: two affections - craving-affection and view-affection...etc... this is craving-affection...etc... this is view-affection. Seeing the danger born of affection means: seeing, watching, looking at, observing, examining the danger born of craving-affection and view-affection - seeing the danger born of affection, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Seeing the danger born of affection, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
123.
Seeing this peril in intimacy, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having compassion for friends and companions, one loses purpose with a bound mind means: Friends are of two kinds - the householder friend and the homeless friend. What is a householder friend? Here someone gives what is hard to give, gives up what is hard to give up, does what is hard to do, endures what is hard to endure, reveals their secrets to them, keeps their secrets, does not abandon them in misfortunes, would give up even their life for their benefit, does not despise them when they are destitute - this is a householder friend.
What is a homeless friend? Here a monk is loved, agreeable, respected, esteemed, an adviser, patient with speech, speaks profound talk, and does not urge one towards what is impossible, encourages in higher virtuous behavior, encourages in the pursuit of development of the four establishments of mindfulness, of the four right strivings...etc... of the four bases for spiritual power... of the five faculties... of the five powers... of the seven enlightenment factors... encourages in the pursuit of development of the Noble Eightfold Path - this is a homeless friend.
Well-wishers means those with whom coming is comfortable, going is comfortable, standing is comfortable, sitting is comfortable, lying down is comfortable, addressing is comfortable, conversing is comfortable, chatting is comfortable, discussing is comfortable. Having compassion for friends and companions, one loses purpose means: having compassion, concern and sympathy for friends, companions, acquaintances, intimates and allies, one loses, causes to lose, diminishes, destroys, avoids and makes disappear one's own purpose, others' purpose, both purposes, purpose pertaining to the present life, purpose pertaining to the future life, and the highest purpose - having compassion for friends and companions, one loses purpose.
With a bound mind means: one has a bound mind due to two causes - One has a bound mind placing oneself low and others high, or one has a bound mind placing oneself high and others low. How does one have a bound mind placing oneself low and others high? "You are very helpful to me. Depending on you I receive robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites. Whatever others think to give or do for me, they do so dependent on you, seeing you. Even my old maternal and paternal lineage has disappeared. Through you I am known - as the supporter of such and such a family, the supporter of such and such a family." Thus one has a bound mind placing oneself low and others high.
How does one have a bound mind placing oneself high and others low? "I am of great help to you, through me you have gone for refuge to the Buddha, gone for refuge to the Teaching, gone for refuge to the Community, abstained from the destruction of life, abstained from taking what is not given, abstained from sexual misconduct, abstained from false speech, abstained from liquors, wines, and intoxicants which are the basis for negligence; I give you the synopsis, I give you the questioning, I explain the observance day, I undertake the new work. But then, having rejected me, you honour, respect, esteem and worship others." Thus one has a bound mind placing oneself high and others low - having compassion for friends and companions, one loses purpose with a bound mind.
Seeing this peril in intimacy means: Fear means: fear of birth, fear of aging, fear of illness, fear of death, fear of kings, fear of thieves, fear of fire, fear of water, fear of self-reproach, fear of others' reproach, fear of punishment, fear of bad destination, fear of waves, fear of crocodiles, fear of whirlpools, fear of sharks, fear of livelihood, fear of disgrace, fear of embarrassment in assemblies, fear of intoxication, terror, trepidation, terror, mental agitation, fright. Intimacy means: two kinds of intimacy - intimacy of craving and intimacy of views...etc... this is intimacy of craving...etc... this is intimacy of views. Seeing this peril in intimacy means: seeing, watching, looking at, observing, examining this peril in intimacy - seeing this peril in intimacy, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Seeing this peril in intimacy, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
124.
Like a bamboo shoot unattached, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
As a spreading bamboo is entangled means: bamboo means a clump of bamboo. Just as in a bamboo thicket the old bamboos are stuck, attached, fixed, caught, clung to, hindered, even so craving is called entanglement. That which is lust, infatuation, inclination, compliance, delight, passionate delight, the mind's infatuation, wish, confusion, clamp, greed, intense greed, attachment, mud, stirring, deceit, producer, reproducer, sewer, net, stream, entanglement, thread, diffusion, accumulator, partner, wish, conduit to existence, wood, jungle, connection, affection, longing, bondage, hope, hoping, state of hoping, hope for forms, hope for sounds, hope for odours, hope for tastes, hope for tactile objects, hope for gain, hope for wealth, hope for children, hope for life, muttering, mumbling, murmuring, state of muttering, state of greed, greediness, state of greediness, fawning, desire for approval, unrighteous lust, unrighteous greed, yearning, desire, longing, envying, intense longing, craving for sensual pleasure, craving for existence, craving for non-existence, craving for form, craving for the formless, craving for cessation, craving for forms, craving for sounds, craving for odours, craving for tastes, craving for tactile objects, craving for mind-objects, flood, bondage, knot, clinging, obstruction, hindrance, covering, imprisonment, corruption, underlying tendency, obsession, creeper, avarice, root of suffering, source of suffering, production of suffering, Māra's snare, Māra's hook, Māra's domain, Māra's dwelling, Māra's bondage, river of craving, net of craving, leash of craving, ocean of craving, covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome.
Why is it called entanglement? It is entanglement because it is extensive, it is entanglement because it spreads, it is entanglement because it diffuses, it is entanglement because it is unrighteous, it is entanglement because it entangles, it is entanglement because it constricts, it is entanglement because it deceives, it is entanglement because it has poisonous roots, it is entanglement because it has poisonous fruits, it is entanglement because it has poisonous results. That craving is extensive in forms, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, families, groups, dwellings, gains, fame, praise, pleasure, robes, almsfood, lodgings, medicinal requisites, the sense-sphere element, the form element, the formless element, sense-sphere existence, form existence, formless existence, existence with perception, existence without perception, existence with neither perception nor non-perception, existence with one aggregate, existence with four aggregates, existence with five aggregates, past, future, present, in things seen, heard, sensed and cognized - spread out and extended - entanglement - as a spreading bamboo is entangled.
The longing for children and wives. Children means four kinds of children - a child born to oneself, a child born in the field, an adopted child, a pupil child. Wives means spouses. Longing means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. the longing for children and wives.
Like a bamboo shoot unattached means: bamboo means a clump of bamboo. Just as young bamboo shoots are unattached, unadhered, unbound, unimpeded, gone forth, detached, freed from a bamboo clump, even so. Clinging: there are two kinds of clinging - clinging through craving and clinging through views...etc... this is clinging through craving...etc... this is clinging through views. For that Individually Enlightened One clinging through craving is abandoned, clinging through views is relinquished. Since clinging through craving is abandoned and clinging through views is relinquished, that Individually Enlightened One does not cling to forms, does not cling to sounds, does not cling to odours, does not cling to tastes, does not cling to tactile objects, does not cling to family...etc... group... dwelling... gain... fame... praise... pleasure... robes... almsfood... lodging... medicinal requisites... sense-sphere... form-sphere... formless-sphere... existence in the sense-sphere... existence in the form-sphere... existence in the formless-sphere... existence with perception... existence without perception... existence with neither perception nor non-perception... existence with one aggregate... existence with four aggregates... existence with five aggregates... past... future... present... does not cling, does not grasp, does not get bound, does not get fettered, does not get infatuated with things seen, heard, sensed and cognized; gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - like a bamboo shoot unattached, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Like a bamboo shoot unattached, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
125.
A wise person, seeing freedom, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
As a deer unbound in the forest goes wherever it wishes for food. Deer means two kinds of deer - the antelope and the spotted deer. Just as a wild deer roaming in the forest wilds moves about confidently, stands confidently, sits confidently, lies down confidently.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Just as, monks, a wild deer roaming in the forest wilds moves about confidently, stands confidently, sits confidently, lies down confidently. What is the reason for this? Gone out of range, monks, of the hunter. Even so, monks, a monk, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, enters and dwells in the first meditative absorption, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of seclusion. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the subsiding of thought and examination, a monk enters and dwells in the second meditative absorption, which has internal confidence and unification of mind, is without thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of concentration. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the fading away of rapture, a monk dwells in equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending, and experiences happiness with the body - that which the noble ones declare: 'One who is equanimous and mindful, one who dwells in happiness' - enters and dwells in the third meditative absorption. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and with the previous disappearance of joy and displeasure, a monk enters and dwells in the fourth meditative absorption, which has neither-pain-nor-pleasure and purity of mindfulness due to equanimity. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of perceptions of form, with the disappearance of perceptions of sensory impingement, with inattention to perceptions of diversity, aware that 'space is infinite,' a monk enters and dwells in the base of the infinity of space. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One'.
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of the infinity of space, aware that 'consciousness is infinite,' a monk enters and dwells in the base of infinite consciousness... etc...
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of infinite consciousness, aware that 'there is nothing,' one enters and dwells in the base of nothingness... etc...
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of nothingness, one enters and dwells in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception... etc...
"And furthermore, monks, with the complete transcendence of the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, one enters and dwells in the cessation of perception and feeling, and having seen with wisdom, his taints are completely destroyed. This monk is called, monks, 'one who has blinded Māra, destroyed the Evil One's vision, gone beyond the sight of the Evil One', crossed over attachment in the world. He moves about confidently, stands confidently, sits confidently, lies down confidently. What is the reason for this? Because, monks, he has gone beyond the range of the Evil One - As a deer unbound in the forest goes wherever it wishes for food.
A wise person seeing freedom. "Wise" means: one who is wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. "Person" means: a being, a person, a human, an individual, a soul, a person, a being, a person, a human. There are two kinds of freedom - the Teaching is freedom and the individual is freedom. What is the Teaching that is freedom? The four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path - this is the Teaching that is freedom. What individual is free? One who is endowed with this free Teaching is called a free individual. "A wise person seeing freedom" means: a wise person seeing, watching, looking at, observing, examining the Teaching that is freedom - a wise person seeing freedom, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
A wise person seeing freedom, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
126.
Seeing freedom that is not coveted, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"There is socializing in the midst of companions, in dwelling, staying, walking, and wandering" means companions are those with whom coming is comfortable, going is comfortable, coming and going is comfortable, standing is comfortable, sitting is comfortable, lying down is comfortable, addressing is comfortable, conversing is comfortable, chatting is comfortable, discussing is comfortable. "There is socializing in the midst of companions, in dwelling, staying, walking, and wandering" means in the midst of companions, whether in dwelling, staying, walking, or wandering, there is discussion about one's own good, discussion about others' good, discussion about both kinds of good, discussion about good pertaining to the present life, discussion about good pertaining to the future life, discussion about the highest good - there is socializing in the midst of companions, in dwelling, staying, walking, and wandering.
"Seeing freedom that is not coveted" means this matter is not coveted by fools, untrue men, sectarians, and disciples of sectarians, that is - wearing shaven head and ochre robes. This matter is coveted by wise people, superior persons, disciples of the Buddha, and Privately Enlightened Ones, that is - wearing shaven head and ochre robes. There are two kinds of freedom - the Teaching is freedom and the individual is freedom. What is the Teaching that is freedom? The four foundations of mindfulness...etc... the Noble Eightfold Path - this is the Teaching that is freedom. What individual is free? One who is endowed with this free Teaching is called a free individual. "Seeing freedom that is not coveted" means: seeing, watching, looking at, observing, examining the Teaching that is freedom - seeing freedom that is not coveted, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Seeing freedom that is not coveted, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
127.
Detesting separation from the beloved, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
There is play and delight in the midst of companions. Play means two kinds of play - Bodily amusement and verbal amusement. What is bodily amusement? They play with elephants, they play with horses, they play with chariots, they play with bows, they play with shields, they play at eight-row chess, they play at ten-row chess, they play in the air, they play hopscotch, they play spillikins, they play with dice, they play stick games, they play with hand-pictures, they play with balls, they play with leaf-pipes, they play with toy ploughs, they play at guessing letters drawn in the air or on one's back, they play at mimicking deformities, they play with miniature pots, they play with toy carts, they play with toy bows, they play at guessing letters, they play at guessing thoughts, they play at imitating deformities. This is bodily amusement.
What is verbal amusement? Mouth-drumming, mouth-trumpeting, mouth-tambourining, mouth-dancing, mouth-horning, mouth-taboring, acting, dancing, singing, clowning. This is verbal amusement.
Delight: this is a designation for contentment. Companions means those with whom coming is comfortable, going is comfortable, coming and going is comfortable, standing is comfortable, sitting is comfortable, lying down is comfortable, addressing is comfortable, conversing is comfortable, chatting is comfortable, discussing is comfortable. There is play and delight in the midst of companions means there is both play and delight in the midst of companions - there is play and delight in the midst of companions.
And for children there is abundant affection. Children means four kinds of children - a child born to oneself, a child born in the field, an adopted child, a pupil child. And for children there is abundant affection means and for children there is excessive affection - and for children there is abundant affection.
Being disgusted with separation from the dear: there are two dear things - beings or formations. Which beings are dear? Here, for one who has those who wish one good, wish one welfare, wish one comfort, wish one security from bondage - mother or father or brother or sister or son or daughter or friends or colleagues or relatives or family members - these beings are dear.
Which formations are dear? Agreeable forms, agreeable sounds, agreeable odours, agreeable tastes, agreeable tactile objects, these formations are dear. Detesting separation from the beloved means detesting, being troubled by, being ashamed of separation from the beloved - Detesting separation from the beloved, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Detesting separation from the beloved, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
128.
Enduring dangers without fear, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
One is free in all directions without aversion. "Free in all directions" means that solitary enlightened one dwells pervading one direction with a mind imbued with loving-kindness, so for the second, so for the third, so for the fourth. Thus above, below, across, everywhere and to everyone, he dwells pervading the entire world with a mind imbued with friendliness, vast, exalted, measureless, free from animosity and free from repulsion. with a mind imbued with compassion... etc... with a mind imbued with altruistic joy... etc... he dwells pervading one direction with a mind imbued with equanimity, so for the second, so for the third... etc... free from repulsion. "Free in all directions without aversion" means: due to the development of loving-kindness, beings in the eastern direction are not repulsive, beings in the southern direction are not repulsive, beings in the western direction are not repulsive, beings in the northern direction are not repulsive, beings in the north-eastern direction are not repulsive, beings in the south-eastern direction are not repulsive, beings in the south-western direction are not repulsive, beings in the north-western direction are not repulsive, beings in the lower direction are not repulsive, beings in the upper direction are not repulsive, beings in all directions and intermediate directions are not repulsive; due to the development of compassion, due to the development of altruistic joy, due to the development of equanimity, beings in the eastern direction are not repulsive... etc... beings in all directions and intermediate directions are not repulsive - one is free in all directions without aversion.
"Content with whatever comes" means: that solitary enlightened one is content with whatever kind of robe, and speaks in praise of contentment with whatever kind of robe, and does not engage in improper search because of robes. and not having received a robe he is not agitated, and having received a robe he uses it without being tied to it, not infatuated with it, not blindly absorbed in it, seeing the danger, understanding the escape. and because of that contentment with whatever kind of robe, he neither exalts himself nor disparages others. One who is skilful, not lazy, clearly comprehending and mindful in this, is called a solitary enlightened one who stands in the ancient, original noble lineage. He is content with whatever kind of almsfood... etc...
He is content with whatever kind of lodging... etc... He is content with whatever kind of medicinal requisites, and speaks in praise of contentment with whatever kind of medicinal requisites, and does not engage in improper search because of medicinal requisites. And not having received medicinal requisites he is not agitated. And having received medicinal requisites he uses them without being tied to them, not infatuated with them, not blindly absorbed in them, seeing the danger, understanding the escape. And because of that contentment with whatever kind of medicinal requisites, he neither exalts himself nor disparages others. One who is skilful, not lazy, clearly comprehending and mindful in this, is called a solitary enlightened one who stands in the ancient, original noble lineage - content with whatever comes.
Enduring dangers without fear. Dangers: there are two dangers - evident dangers and hidden dangers. What are the evident dangers? Lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, wolves, buffaloes, elephants, snakes, scorpions, centipedes, thieves whether they have committed a crime or not yet committed a crime, eye disease, ear disease, nose disease, tongue disease, body disease, head disease, ear disease, mouth disease, tooth disease, cough, asthma, catarrh, fever, old age, stomach ache, fainting, dysentery, gripes, cholera, leprosy, boils, eczema, consumption, epilepsy, ringworm, itch, scab, nail-scratch, scabies, blood and bile, diabetes, hemorrhoids, pustules, fistula, bile-originated afflictions, phlegm-originated afflictions, wind-originated afflictions, combined afflictions, afflictions produced by change of climate, afflictions produced by careless behaviour, afflictions due to exertion, afflictions resulting from kamma, cold, heat, hunger, thirst, excrement, urine, contact with flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and reptiles - these are called evident dangers.
What are the hidden dangers? Bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, mental misconduct, the hindrance of sensual desire, the hindrance of ill will, the hindrance of sloth and torpor, the hindrance of restlessness and remorse, the hindrance of doubt, lust, hatred, delusion, anger, hostility, contempt, insolence, envy, avarice, deceit, fraud, obstinacy, rivalry, conceit, arrogance, vanity, negligence, all defilements, all misconduct, all anguish, all passion, all disturbance, all unwholesome volitional formations. These are called hidden dangers.
In what sense are they dangers? They overwhelm, thus they are dangers; they lead to decline, thus they are dangers; they lie in wait there, thus they are dangers. How do they overwhelm, thus they are dangers? Those dangers overwhelm that person, completely overwhelm, overpower, overcome, exhaust, and crush. Thus they overwhelm - thus they are dangers.
How do they lead to decline, thus they are dangers? Those dangers lead to obstacles and decline of wholesome states. Of which wholesome states? Of right practice, of practice in accordance, of practice that is not contrary, of practice according to the goal, of practice in accordance with the Teaching, of fulfilment in virtuous behaviour, of guarding the doors of the faculties, of moderation in eating, of pursuit of wakefulness, of mindfulness and clear comprehension, of pursuit of development of the four establishments of mindfulness, of the four right strivings... of the four bases for spiritual power... of the five faculties... of the five powers... of the seven enlightenment factors... of pursuit of development of the Noble Eightfold Path - they lead to obstacles and decline of these wholesome states. Thus they lead to decline - thus they are dangers.
How do they lie in wait there, thus they are dangers? These evil unwholesome states arise dependent on individual existence. Just as beings that dwell in holes rest in holes, beings that dwell in water rest in water, beings that dwell in forests rest in forests, beings that dwell in trees rest in trees; even so these evil unwholesome states arise dependent on individual existence. Thus they are dwellers therein - thus they are dangers.
For this was said by the Blessed One - A monk with a pupil and with a teacher, monks, dwells painfully, not at ease. And how, monks, does a monk with a pupil and with a teacher dwell painfully, not at ease? Here, monks, when a monk sees a form with the eye, there arise evil unwholesome states, intentions connected with fetters, and these evil unwholesome states dwell within him, flow within him. Therefore he is called 'one with a pupil'. By that conduct evil unwholesome states overwhelm him. Therefore he is called 'one with a teacher'.
Furthermore, monks, when a monk hears a sound with the ear...etc... When smelling an odour with the nose... When tasting a flavour with the tongue... When touching a tactile object with the body... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, there arise evil unwholesome states, intentions connected with fetters, and these evil unwholesome states dwell within him, flow within him. Therefore he is called 'one with a pupil'. By that conduct evil unwholesome states overwhelm him. Therefore he is called 'one with a teacher'. This, monks, is how a monk with a dweller within and with a teacher dwells painfully, not at ease. Thus they are dwellers therein - thus they are dangers.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, there are these three inner stains, inner enemies, inner adversaries, inner murderers, inner antagonists. Which three? Greed, monks, is an inner stain, inner enemy, inner adversary, inner murderer, inner antagonist, hatred, monks...etc... delusion, monks, is an inner stain, inner enemy, inner adversary, inner murderer, inner antagonist. These, monks, are the three inner stains, inner enemies, inner adversaries, inner murderers, inner antagonists."
Fear born within, that people do not understand.
Darkness then there is, when greed overcomes a person.
Fear born within, that people do not understand.
Darkness then there is, when hatred overcomes a person.
Fear born within, that people do not understand.
Darkness then there is, when delusion overcomes a person.
Thus they are dwellers therein - thus they are dangers.
For this was said by the Blessed One - "Great king, three things arising internally in a person arise for their harm, suffering, and dwelling in discomfort. Which three? Great king, greed arising internally in a person arises for their harm, suffering, and dwelling in discomfort; Great king, hatred... etc... Great king, delusion arising internally in a person arises for their harm, suffering, and dwelling in discomfort. Great king, these three things arising internally in a person arise for their harm, suffering, and dwelling in discomfort.
Self-produced things harm one, like the fruit of a reed.
Thus they are dwellers therein - thus they are dangers.
For this was said by the Blessed One -
From here arise thoughts of mind, which boys let loose like crows."
Thus they are dwellers therein - thus they are dangers.
Enduring dangers means having endured, accomplished, overcome, exhausted, and transcended the dangers - enduring dangers. Not timid means: that Individually Enlightened One dwells brave, not timid, not frightened, not ready to run, with fear and terror abandoned, with hair-raising terror gone - enduring dangers without fear, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Enduring dangers without fear, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
129.
Being unconcerned about others' children, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Some renunciates are hard to associate with means: even when some renunciates here are given support, given a synopsis, given questions, given a robe, given a bowl, given a bronze dish, given a water filter, given a bag, given sandals, given a waistband, they do not listen, do not lend ear, do not establish their minds on knowledge, they are disobedient, do not follow instructions, act contrary, and turn their faces away. Some renunciates are hard to associate with.
And householders living in homes means: even when some householders here are given an elephant...etc... a chariot, a field, land, silver, gold, a village...etc... a town, a city... a country... a province, they do not listen, do not lend ear, do not establish their minds on knowledge, they are disobedient, do not follow instructions, act contrary, and turn their faces away - and householders living in homes.
Being unconcerned about others' children means: except for oneself, all in this matter are others' children. Being unconcerned about others' children, being unoccupied, being indifferent - Being unconcerned about others' children, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Being unconcerned about others' children, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
130.
Having cut off the bonds of the householder, the hero should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having laid aside the marks of a householder means: the marks of a householder are hair and beard, garlands and odours and ointments and ornaments and decorations and clothes and robes and coverings and rubbing, massaging, bathing, kneading, using mirrors, eye-ointments, garlands, scents, cosmetics, face-powders, face-creams, bracelets, head-bands, walking sticks, containers, swords, sunshades, decorated sandals, turbans, gems, yak-tail fans, white robes with long fringes and so forth. Having laid aside the marks of a householder means: having laid aside, having put aside, having abandoned, having given up the marks of a householder - having laid aside the marks of a householder.
Like a kovilara tree with cut leaves means: just as the leaves of a kovilara tree are cut, fully cut, fallen, fallen away, so too for that Individually Enlightened One the marks of a householder are cut, fully cut, fallen away - like a kovilara tree with cut leaves.
Having cut off the bonds of the householder, the hero means: Hero means: energetic is a hero, capable is a hero, powerful is a hero, competent is a hero, warrior is a hero, valiant, brave, not timid, not cowardly, not frightened, not ready to run, with fear and terror abandoned is a hero, free from terror is a hero.
He is energetic and striving, the wise one is called thus because of actuality.
Fields, property, gold, money, villages, towns, royal cities, the country and provinces, the treasury and storehouses, sons and wives and male slaves and female slaves and goats and sheep and fowl and pigs and elephants, cattle, horses and mares and fields and property and gold and money and villages and towns and royal cities and the country and provinces and the treasury and storehouses, whatever is an enticing object are called the bonds of householders.
Having cut off the bonds of the householder, the hero means: that solitary enlightened one, the hero, having cut off, completely cut off, abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated the bonds of the householder - Having cut off the bonds of the householder, the hero should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having cut off the bonds of the householder;
one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
The first chapter.
Second Chapter
131.
Overcoming all dangers, wander with him, mindful and content.
If one should find an alert companion means: if one should find, obtain, acquire, come upon an alert, wise, discerning, enlightened, knowledgeable, clear-sighted, intelligent companion. If one should find an alert companion.
A righteous dweller, wise to walk along with. Walk along with means: walking together. A righteous dweller means: one who dwells righteously with the first meditative absorption, with the second meditative absorption... with the third meditative absorption... with the fourth meditative absorption one who dwells righteously, with the liberation of mind through loving-kindness one who dwells righteously, with compassion...etc... through altruistic joy... with the liberation of mind through equanimity one who dwells righteously, with the attainment of the base of the infinity of space one who dwells righteously, with the attainment of the base of consciousness...etc... with the attainment of the base of nothingness...etc... with the attainment of the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception one who dwells righteously, with the attainment of cessation one who dwells righteously, with the attainment of fruition one who dwells righteously. Wise means: wise, a wise person, discerning, enlightened, knowledgeable, clear-sighted, intelligent - a righteous dweller, wise to walk along with.
Having overcome all dangers. Dangers: there are two dangers - evident dangers and hidden dangers... etc... these are called evident dangers... etc... these are called hidden dangers... etc... thus they are dwellers therein - thus they are dangers. Having overcome all dangers means having overcome, conquered, overwhelmed, exhausted and crushed all dangers - having overcome all dangers.
One should wander content and mindful means that Paccekasambuddha, with that alert, wise, discerning, enlightened, knowledgeable, clear-sighted, intelligent companion, being content, satisfied, pleased, delighted, elated, joyful, should walk, dwell, move, conduct himself, maintain himself, sustain himself - one should wander content. Mindful means: that Individually Enlightened One is mindful, possessed of supreme mindfulness and discretion, one who remembers and recollects what was done and said long ago - one should wander content and mindful. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having overcome all dangers, one should wander content and mindful.
132.
Like a king abandoning a conquered realm, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
If one should not find an alert companion means: if one should not find, obtain, acquire, come upon an alert, wise, discerning, enlightened, knowledgeable, clear-sighted, intelligent companion - if one should not find an alert companion.
A righteous dweller, wise to walk along with. Walk along with means: walking together. A righteous dweller means: one who dwells righteously with the first meditative absorption...etc... with the attainment of cessation one who dwells righteously, with the attainment of fruition one who dwells righteously. Wise means: wise, a wise person, discerning, enlightened, knowledgeable, clear-sighted, intelligent - a righteous dweller, wise to walk along with.
Like a king abandoning a conquered realm means: a king of the noble class, anointed on the head, victorious in battle, having defeated enemies, having achieved his aim, with full treasury and storehouse, having given up his realm and country and treasury and storehouse and abundant gold and silver and city, having shaved off hair and beard, having put on ochre robes, having gone forth from home into homelessness, having reached the state of owning nothing, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself alone. Even so the Individually Enlightened One, having cut off all impediments of living in a house, having cut off impediments of children and wife, having cut off impediments of relatives, having cut off impediments of friends and companions, having shaved off hair and beard, having put on ochre robes, having gone forth from home into homelessness, having reached the state of owning nothing, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself alone - Like a king abandoning a conquered realm, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Like a king abandoning a conquered realm, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
133.
Not getting these, content with blameless food, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Indeed we praise the accomplishment of companionship." "Surely" is a word expressing certainty, a word expressing freedom from doubt, a word expressing freedom from perplexity, a word expressing non-duality, a word expressing non-vacillation, a word expressing necessity, a word expressing inevitability, a word expressing non-deviation, a word expressing affirmation - "surely." "Accomplishment of companionship": accomplishment of companionship is said of that companion who is endowed with the aggregate of virtue of one beyond training, with the aggregate of concentration of one beyond training... with the aggregate of wisdom of one beyond training... with the aggregate of liberation of one beyond training... is endowed with the aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation of one beyond training. "Indeed we praise the accomplishment of companionship": we praise, acclaim, laud, extol the accomplishment of companionship - indeed we praise the accomplishment of companionship.
"One should associate with companions who are equal or superior": companions are superior in virtuous behaviour, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge and vision of liberation; companions are equal, being the same in virtuous behaviour, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge and vision of liberation. Superior companions or equal companions should be associated with, followed, attended upon, questioned and inquired of - one should associate with companions who are equal or superior.
"Not getting these, content with blameless food": there is an individual who eats blameworthy food and there is an individual who eats blameless food. And what is an individual who eats blameworthy food? Here, some individual makes a living having received, obtained, reached, found and gained unrighteously and improperly through scheming, persuading, hinting, belittling, pursuing gain with gain, giving wood, giving bamboo, giving bowls, giving flowers, giving fruits, giving bath items, giving powder, giving clay, giving toothwood, giving water for washing the mouth, flattery, bean-soup talk, fondling, being a foot-massager, knowledge of sites, knowledge of animals, knowledge of bodily marks, knowledge of stars, running messages, running errands, running on foot, medical practice, new works, giving alms to get alms, giving gifts to get gifts. This is called an individual who eats blameworthy food.
And what is an individual who eats blameless food? Here, some individual makes a living having received, obtained, reached, found and gained righteously and properly not by scheming, nor by persuading, nor by hinting, nor by belittling, nor by pursuing gain with gain, nor by giving wood, nor by giving bamboo, nor by giving bowls, nor by giving flowers, nor by giving fruits, nor by giving bath items, nor by giving powder, nor by giving clay, nor by giving toothwood, nor by giving water for washing the mouth, nor by flattery, nor by bean-soup talk, nor by fondling, nor by being a foot-massager, nor by knowledge of sites, nor by knowledge of animals, nor by knowledge of bodily marks, nor by knowledge of stars, nor by running messages, nor by running errands, nor by running on foot, nor by medical practice, nor by new works, nor by giving alms to get alms, nor by giving gifts to get gifts. This is called an individual who eats blameless food.
"Not getting these, content with blameless food" means not having received, obtained, reached, found and gained these blameless foods. Not getting these, content with blameless food, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Not getting these, content with blameless food, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
134.
Jangling together on both arms, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having seen the luminous ornaments of gold means: having seen, having observed, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear. Of gold means: of pure gold. Luminous means: pure and clean - having seen the luminous ornaments of gold.
Well-crafted by a goldsmith's son means: a goldsmith's son is called a worker in gold. Well-crafted by a goldsmith's son means: well-crafted, well-made, well-prepared by a goldsmith's son - well-crafted by a goldsmith's son.
Jangling together on both arms means: arm is called a hand. Just as two anklets clash on one hand; even so beings, due to the power of craving and the power of views, clash in hell, clash in the animal realm, clash in the domain of ghosts, clash in the human world, clash in the world of deities, from destination to destination, from rebirth to rebirth, from reconnection to reconnection, from existence to existence, from round of rebirths to round of rebirths, they clash, conflict and clashing they live, dwell, carry on, continue, maintain, sustain and keep going - Jangling together on both arms, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Jangling together on both arms, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
135.
Seeing this peril in the future, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Thus "with a companion" means: one has either craving as companion or a person as companion. How does one have craving as companion? Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. One whose craving is not abandoned is called one who has craving as companion.
Not transcending the round of births, he goes from this state to other states.
Thus one has craving as companion.
How does one have a person as companion? Here someone, without cause or reason, being restless and with unsettled mind, becomes a second to one, or a third to two, or a fourth to three. There he engages in much idle chatter; that is: talk about kings, talk about thieves, talk about ministers, talk about armies, talk about perils, talk about battles, talk about food, talk about drink, talk about clothes, talk about beds, talk about garlands, talk about odours, talk about relatives, talk about vehicles, talk about villages, talk about towns, talk about cities, talk about countries, talk about women, talk about heroes, talk about streets, talk about wells, talk about the dead, talk about diversity, speculations about the world, speculations about the sea, talk about existence and non-existence. Thus one has a person as companion - thus with a companion there would be.
"Idle talk or friction" means: idle talk is called the thirty-two kinds of pointless talk, that is - talk about kings... etc... talk about existence and non-existence. Or friction means two kinds of friction - clinging through craving and clinging through views...etc... this is clinging through craving...etc... this is clinging through views - idle talk or friction.
Seeing this peril in the future. Fear means: fear of birth, fear of aging, fear of illness, fear of death, fear of kings, fear of thieves, fear of fire, fear of water, fear of self-reproach, fear of others' reproach, fear of punishment, fear of bad destination, fear of waves, fear of crocodiles, fear of whirlpools, fear of sharks, fear of livelihood, fear of disgrace, fear of embarrassment in assemblies, fear of intoxication, terror, trepidation, terror, mental agitation, fright. "Seeing this peril in the future" means: seeing, watching, looking at, observing, examining this peril in the future - seeing this peril in the future, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Seeing this peril in the future, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
136.
Having seen the danger in the cords of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
For sensual pleasures are diverse, sweet and delightful. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. "Diverse" means: forms of various kinds, sounds of various kinds, odours of various kinds, tastes of various kinds, tactile objects of various kinds that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing. "Sweet": for this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, there are these five cords of sensual pleasure. What are the five? Forms cognizable by the eye that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing; sounds cognizable by the ear... Odours cognizable by the nose... Tastes cognizable by the tongue... Tactile objects cognizable by the body that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing. These, monks, are the five cords of sensual pleasure. Whatever pleasure and joy, monks, arise dependent on these five cords of sensual pleasure, this is called sensual happiness, filthy happiness, worldling's happiness, ignoble happiness; it should not be pursued, not be developed, not be cultivated; 'One should be afraid of this happiness,' I say" - for sensual pleasures are diverse, sweet and delightful. Mind means: that which is mind...etc... the corresponding mind-consciousness element. They delight, praise, satisfy and gladden the mind - for sensual pleasures are diverse, sweet and delightful.
"In their various forms they agitate the mind" means: with forms of various kinds...etc... with tactile objects of various kinds they agitate, gratify and delight the mind - in their various forms they agitate the mind.
Having seen the danger in the cords of sensual pleasure. For this was said by the Blessed One - "And what, monks, is the danger of sensual pleasures? Here, monks, a clansman earns his living by some craft, whether by accounting, by calculation, by reckoning, by farming, by trading, by cattle-herding, by archery, by royal service, or by any other craft, being afflicted by cold, afflicted by heat, suffering from contact with gadflies, mosquitoes, wind, sun, and reptiles, dying from hunger and thirst; this, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"If, monks, when that clansman strives, endeavours, and makes an effort thus, those riches do not come to be achieved, he sorrows, becomes weary, laments, beats his breast, and falls into confusion - 'My exertion has been in vain, my effort has been fruitless.' This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"If, monks, when that clansman strives, endeavours, and makes an effort thus, those riches come to be achieved, he experiences suffering and displeasure due to protecting those possessions - 'May my possessions not be taken by kings, not be taken by thieves, not be burnt by fire, not be carried away by water, not be taken by unloved heirs!' Even though he guards and protects those possessions thus, kings take them, or thieves take them, or fire burns them, or water carries them away, or unloved heirs take them. He sorrows...etc... falls into confusion - 'What was mine, that too is no more.' This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"And furthermore, monks, with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures, kings dispute with kings, nobles dispute with nobles, brahmins dispute with brahmins, householders dispute with householders, mother disputes with son, son disputes with mother, father disputes with son, son disputes with father, brother disputes with sister, sister disputes with brother, friend disputes with friend. They, having fallen into quarrels, strife and disputes, attack one another with fists, clods of earth, sticks, and weapons. There they meet death or deadly suffering. This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"And furthermore, monks, with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures, having taken up sword and shield, having strapped on bow and quiver, they charge into battle from both sides while arrows are flying, spears are flying, and swords are flashing. There they are pierced by arrows, pierced by spears, and have their heads cut off by swords. There they meet death or deadly suffering. This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"And furthermore, monks, with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures, having taken up sword and shield, having strapped on bow and quiver, they charge into bastions plastered with mud while arrows are flying, spears are flying, and swords are flashing. There they are pierced by arrows, pierced by spears, have dung thrown at them, are crushed by the stampede, and have their heads cut off by swords. There they meet death or deadly suffering. This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"And furthermore, monks, with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures, they break into houses, plunder wealth, commit burglary, wait in ambush, and go to others' wives. Having caught them, kings inflict various punishments - beating them with whips, beating them with canes, beating them with clubs, cutting off their hands...etc... cutting off their head with a sword. There they meet death or deadly suffering. This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures that is directly visible, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
"And furthermore, monks, with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures, they engage in bodily misconduct, engage in verbal misconduct, engage in mental misconduct. Having engaged in bodily misconduct, having engaged in verbal misconduct, having engaged in mental misconduct, with the breaking up of the body, after death, they are reborn in a plane of misery, a bad destination, a lower realm, in hell. This too, monks, is a danger of sensual pleasures pertaining to the future life, a mass of suffering with sensual pleasures as cause, sensual pleasures as source, sensual pleasures as basis, the cause being simply sensual pleasures.
Having seen the danger in the cords of sensual pleasure means: having seen, having observed, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear the danger in the cords of sensual pleasure - Having seen the danger in the cords of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having seen the danger in the cords of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
137.
Having seen this peril in the cords of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Calamity and tumour and misfortune, and disease and dart and this fear means: for this was said by the Blessed One: "Monks, 'fear' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'suffering' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'disease' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'tumour' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'dart' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'bondage' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'mire' is a designation for sensual pleasures. "Monks, 'womb' is a designation for sensual pleasures. And why, monks, is 'fear' a designation for sensual pleasures? Because, monks, one who is impassioned with sensual lust, bound by desire and lust, is not freed from fears pertaining to this life, nor from fears pertaining to the future life, therefore 'fear' is a designation for sensual pleasures. And why, monks, 'suffering'... 'disease'... 'tumour'... 'dart'... 'bondage'... 'mire'... is 'womb' a designation for sensual pleasures? Because, monks, one who is impassioned with sensual lust, bound by desire and lust, is not freed from the womb pertaining to this life, nor from the womb pertaining to the future life, therefore 'womb' is a designation for sensual pleasures."
Mire and womb, both, these are called sensual pleasures;
To which the worldling is attached.
But when a monk is ardent, not forsaking clear comprehension.
Observes this generation, trembling, subject to birth and aging.
Having seen this peril in the cords of sensual pleasure means: having seen this peril in the cords of sensual pleasure, having observed, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - Having seen this peril in the cords of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having seen this peril in the cords of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
138.
Having endured all these, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Cold and heat and hunger and thirst. Cold: cold occurs due to two causes - cold occurs due to disturbance of internal elements, or cold occurs due to external weather. Heat: heat occurs due to two causes - heat occurs due to disturbance of internal elements, or heat occurs due to external weather. Hunger means famine. Thirst means thirst for water - cold and heat and hunger and thirst.
Wind and sun and gadflies and snakes. Winds means: eastern winds, western winds, northern winds, southern winds, dusty winds, dustless winds, cool winds, hot winds, gentle winds, strong winds, high altitude winds, wing winds, eagle winds, palm leaf winds, and fan winds. Sun means the heat of the sun. Gadflies are called brown flies. Serpents are called snakes - wind and sun and gadflies and snakes.
Having endured all these means having overcome, having overwhelmed, having exhausted, having crushed - Having endured all these, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having endured all these, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
139.
Having dwelt in the forest as one pleases, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Like a bull elephant having avoided the herds" means a bull elephant is called a bull elephant. The Individually Enlightened One too is a dragon. Why is the Individually Enlightened One a dragon? He is a dragon because he does not do evil; he is a dragon because he does not go; he is a dragon because he does not come. How is that Individually Enlightened One a dragon because he does not do evil? Evil means evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future.
Not clinging anywhere, liberated, the steadfast one is called a dragon because of actuality.
Thus that Individually Enlightened One is a dragon because he does not do evil.
How is that Individually Enlightened One a dragon because he does not go? That Individually Enlightened One does not take a wrong course through desire, does not take a wrong course through hatred, does not take a wrong course through delusion, does not take a wrong course through fear, does not go under the power of lust, does not go under the power of hatred, does not go under the power of delusion, does not go under the power of conceit, does not go under the power of views, does not go under the power of restlessness, does not go under the power of doubt, does not go under the power of underlying tendencies, is not moved, led, carried, conveyed by factional aeons. Thus that Individually Enlightened One is a dragon because he does not go.
How is that Individually Enlightened One a dragon because he does not come? Whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of stream-entry, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements, by the path of once-returning...etc... by the path of non-returning...etc... Whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of arahantship, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements. Thus that Individually Enlightened One is a dragon because he does not come.
"Like a bull elephant having avoided the herds" means: just as that bull elephant, having avoided, having shunned, having completely avoided the herds, having entered alone into the forest thicket, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself, even so the Individually Enlightened One, having avoided, having shunned, having completely avoided the group, resorts to remote lodgings in forests and woodland thickets that are quiet, with little noise, far from the crowds, secluded from people, and suitable for meditation. He goes alone, stands alone, sits alone, lies down alone, enters the village for alms alone, returns alone, sits in seclusion alone, walks up and down alone, walks alone, dwells alone, moves alone, conducts himself alone, maintains himself alone, lives alone - like a bull elephant having avoided the herds.
"With fully grown shoulders, a magnificent lotus-like one" means: just as that bull elephant has fully grown shoulders, being seven or eight cubits tall, even so the Individually Enlightened One has fully grown aggregates with the aggregate of virtue of one beyond training, with the aggregate of concentration of one beyond training, with the aggregate of wisdom of one beyond training, with the aggregate of liberation of one beyond training, with the aggregate of knowledge and vision of liberation of one beyond training. Just as that bull elephant is lotus-like, even so the Individually Enlightened One is lotus-like with the seven flowers of enlightenment factors: with the flower of the enlightenment factor of mindfulness, with the flower of the enlightenment factor of investigation-of-states, with the flower of the enlightenment factor of energy, with the flower of the enlightenment factor of rapture, with the flower of the enlightenment factor of tranquillity, with the flower of the enlightenment factor of concentration, with the flower of the enlightenment factor of equanimity. Just as that bull elephant is magnificent in strength, power, speed and courage, even so the Individually Enlightened One is magnificent in virtuous behaviour, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge and vision of liberation - with fully grown shoulders, a magnificent lotus-like one.
"Having dwelt in the forest as one pleases" means: just as that bull elephant dwells in the forest as he pleases, even so the Individually Enlightened One dwells in the forest as he pleases. He dwells in the forest as he pleases with the first meditative absorption, with the second meditative absorption... etc... with the third meditative absorption... with the fourth meditative absorption he dwells in the forest as he pleases; through liberation of mind through loving-kindness he dwells in the forest as he pleases, through liberation of mind through compassion... through liberation of mind through altruistic joy... through liberation of mind through equanimity he dwells in the forest as he pleases; with the attainment of the base of infinity of space he dwells in the forest as he pleases, with the attainment of the base of infinity of consciousness... with the attainment of the base of nothingness... with the attainment of the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception... with the attainment of cessation... with the attainment of fruition he dwells in the forest as he pleases - Having dwelt in the forest as one pleases, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having dwelt in the forest as one pleases, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
140.
Having heard the words of the Kinsman of the Sun, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
It is impossible for one who delights in society to experience even temporary liberation - for this was said by the Blessed One: "As long as, Ānanda, a monk delights in society, takes pleasure in society, is devoted to delight in society, who delights in groups, takes pleasure in groups, is pleased with groups, that he will gain at will, without difficulty, without trouble, that happiness of renunciation, happiness of seclusion, happiness of peace, happiness of enlightenment - This is not a possible position. But that monk, Ānanda, who dwells alone, withdrawn from the group - it can be expected of that monk. That he will gain at will, without difficulty, without trouble, that happiness of renunciation, happiness of seclusion, happiness of peace, happiness of enlightenment - This is indeed a possible position. As long as, Ānanda, a monk delights in society, takes pleasure in society, is devoted to delight in society, who delights in groups, takes pleasure in groups, is pleased with groups, will enter and dwell in either the temporary and agreeable liberation of mind or the perpetual and unshakable liberation - This is not a possible position. But that monk, Ānanda, who dwells alone, withdrawn from the group - it can be expected of that monk that he will enter and dwell in either the temporary and agreeable liberation of mind or the perpetual and unshakable liberation - this is indeed a possible position." It is impossible for one who delights in society to experience even temporary liberation.
Having heard the words of the Kinsman of the Sun means: the sun is called ādicca. He is of the Gotama clan. The Individually Enlightened One too is of the Gotama clan. That Individually Enlightened One is a clan relative, a clan kinsman of the sun, therefore the Individually Enlightened One is a Kinsman of the Sun. Having heard the words of the Kinsman of the Sun means: having heard, listened to, learned, considered, and observed the word, way, teaching, instruction and advice of the Kinsman of the Sun - having heard the words of the Kinsman of the Sun, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having heard the words of the Kinsman of the Sun, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
The Second Chapter.
The Third Chapter
141.
Having arisen with knowledge, not led by others, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Having transcended the contortions of views" means: the contortions of views are called identity view with twenty bases. Here, an unlearned worldling who does not see the noble ones, is unskilled in the Teaching of the noble ones, undisciplined in the Teaching of the noble ones, who does not see superior persons, is unskilled in the Teaching of superior persons, undisciplined in the Teaching of superior persons, regards form as self, or self as possessing form, or form as in self, or self as in form, feeling...etc... perception... formations... regards consciousness as self, or self as possessing consciousness, or consciousness as in self, or self as in consciousness. Whatever view of this sort is going after views, a thicket of views, a wilderness of views, a contortion of views, a vacillation of views, a fetter of views, holding, grasping, adherence, wrong grasp, wrong path, wrong way, wrongness, sectarian base, distorted holding, inverted holding, perverted holding, wrong holding, holding what is not real to be real, as far as the sixty-two views - these are the contortions of views. Having transcended the contortions of views means: having transcended, crossed over, completely crossed over, passed beyond the contortions of views - having transcended the contortions of views.
Having reached the fixed course, having gained the path means: the four paths are called the fixed course; the Noble Eightfold Path, namely - right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. Endowed with the four noble paths, having reached the fixed course, having attained, having touched, having realized - having reached the fixed course. Having gained the path means: having gained the path, having obtained the path, having attained the path, having touched the path, having realized the path - having reached the fixed course, having gained the path.
Having arisen with knowledge, not led by others means: for that Paccekabuddha knowledge has arisen, has come to be, has been generated, has been created, has become manifest. "All formations are impermanent" - knowledge has arisen, has come to be, has been generated, has been created, has become manifest, "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self"... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" - knowledge has arisen, has come to be, has been generated, has been created, has become manifest - having arisen with knowledge. Not led by others means: that Individually Enlightened One is not led by others,
Does not rely on others' attainments, is not dependent on others' conditions, is not bound to following others; he knows and sees as it really is, undeluded, clearly comprehending, mindful. "All formations are impermanent" - not to be led by others, not relying on others' attainments, not dependent on others' conditions, not bound to following others; he knows and sees as it really is, undeluded, clearly comprehending, mindful. "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" - not to be led by others, not relying on others' attainments, not dependent on others' conditions, not bound to following others; he knows and sees as it really is, undeluded, clearly comprehending, mindful - Having arisen with knowledge, not led by others, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having arisen with knowledge, not led by others, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
142.
Having become free from desire in all the world, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Free from greed, free from deceit, free from thirst" - greediness means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. That greediness, that craving in that Paccekabuddha is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore the Paccekabuddha is free from greed.
Not deceitful means: three bases of deceit - The basis of deceit reckoned as using requisites, the basis of deceit reckoned as postures, the basis of deceit reckoned as indirect talk.
What is the basis of deceit reckoned as using requisites? Here householders invite a monk to accept robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, having evil desires and overcome by desire, wanting robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites, wishing for more, he refuses robes, refuses almsfood, refuses lodging, refuses medicinal requisites. He speaks thus: "What use are expensive robes to an ascetic! It is proper for an ascetic to collect rags from a charnel ground, a rubbish heap, or a shop, make them into a robe, and wear it. What use is expensive almsfood to an ascetic! It is proper for an ascetic to maintain his life by gathering alms. What use is expensive lodging to an ascetic! It is proper for an ascetic to be one who dwells at the root of a tree, in a charnel ground, or in the open air. What use are expensive medicinal requisites to an ascetic! It is proper for an ascetic to make medicine with fermented urine or a piece of myrobalan." Based on that he wears coarse robes, uses coarse almsfood, uses coarse lodging, uses coarse medicinal requisites. Those householders know him thus: "This ascetic has few wishes, is content, secluded, not socializing, energetic, one who speaks of austere practices." They invite him more and more with robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites. He speaks thus: "In the presence of three things a faithful clansman generates much merit, in the presence of faith a faithful clansman generates much merit, in the presence of a gift a faithful clansman generates much merit, in the presence of those worthy of offerings a faithful clansman generates much merit. You have this faith, and there are gifts available, and I am one who receives. If I do not accept, then you will be excluded from merit. I have no need for this. But I accept out of compassion for you." Based on that he accepts many robes, accepts much almsfood, accepts much lodging, accepts many medicinal requisites. Whatever frowning and grimacing, deceiving and trickery, state of deception of this kind - This is called the basis of deception consisting in use of requisites.
What is the basis of deception consisting in postures? Here someone with evil desires, overcome by desire, aiming at honour, thinking "thus people will honour me," arranges his walking, arranges his standing, arranges his sitting, arranges his lying down, walks with determination, stands with determination, sits with determination, lies down with determination, walks as if concentrated, stands as if concentrated, sits as if concentrated, lies down as if concentrated, and is like a meditator in public. Whatever arranging, setting up, and establishing of postures, frowning and grimacing, deceiving and trickery, state of deception of this kind - this is called the basis of deception consisting in deportment.
What is the basis of deception consisting in suggestive talk? Here someone with evil desires, overcome by desire, aiming at honour, thinking "thus people will honour me," speaks words based upon the noble Teaching. He says: "One who wears such a robe is an influential ascetic;" one who carries such a bowl...etc... carries a bronze dish... carries a water filter... carries a strainer... carries a key... wears sandals... wears a waistband... wears a shoulder strap is an influential ascetic;" He says: "One who has such a preceptor is an influential ascetic;" one who has such a teacher...etc... such fellow pupils of the same preceptor... fellow pupils of the same teacher... friends... acquaintances... intimates... companions is an influential ascetic;" one who lives in such a dwelling... lives in a half-gabled house... lives in a mansion... lives in a storied house... lives in a cave... lives in a grotto... lives in a hut... lives in a gabled house... lives in a tower... lives in a pavilion... lives in an attic... lives in an attendance hall... lives in a pavilion... lives at the foot of a tree is an influential ascetic."
Or else, being fraudulent, a deceiver, a trickster, a dissembler, one who makes a show of his face, he speaks such profound, hidden, subtle, obscure, supramundane talk connected with emptiness, saying: "This ascetic is one who gains such peaceful meditative attainments." Whatever frowning and grimacing, deceiving and trickery, state of deception of this kind, this is the basis of deception reckoned as suggestive talk. These three bases of deception in that Individually Enlightened One are abandoned, eliminated, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt up by the fire of knowledge. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One is free from deceit.
Free from thirst means: thirst means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. That thirst, that craving in that Paccekabuddha is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore a Paccekabuddha is free from thirst - free from greed, free from deceit, free from thirst.
Free from contempt, with delusion and impurities dispelled. Contempt means: that which is contempt, denigration, state of denigration, spitefulness, act of spitefulness. Impurity means: lust is an impurity, hatred is an impurity, delusion is an impurity, anger...etc... resentment... contempt... insolence... all unwholesome volitional formations are impurities. Delusion means: not knowing about suffering, not knowing about the origin of suffering, not knowing about the cessation of suffering, not knowing about the way leading to the cessation of suffering, not knowing about the past, not knowing about the future, not knowing about both past and future, not knowing about specific conditionality and dependently arisen states. That which is non-knowing, non-seeing, non-breakthrough, non-awakening, non-penetration, non-embracing, non-plunging into, non-considering, non-reviewing, non-realization, dullness, foolishness, lack of clear comprehension, delusion, confusion, bewilderment, ignorance, flood of ignorance, bond of ignorance, underlying tendency to ignorance, obsession with ignorance, barrier of ignorance, delusion, unwholesome root. In that Paccekabuddha, contempt and impurity and delusion are vomited, fully vomited, dispelled, abandoned, cut off, calmed, tranquillized, made incapable of arising, burnt by the fire of knowledge. That Paccekabuddha is free from contempt, with impurity and delusion dispelled.
Having become free from desire in all the world means: hope means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. In the whole world means: in all the world of misery, in all the human world, in all the world of deities, in all the world of aggregates, in all the world of elements, in all the world of sense bases. Having become free from desire in all the world means: having become free from desire in all the world, having become free from craving, having become free from thirst - having become free from desire in all the world, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having become free from desire in all the world, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
143.
One should not associate with one attached and heedless, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"One should avoid an evil companion." An evil companion is said of that companion who is endowed with wrong view of ten grounds - 'There is nothing given, nothing offered, nothing sacrificed, there is no result or consequence of good and bad actions, there is no this world, there is no other world, there is no mother, there is no father, there are no spontaneously reborn beings, there are no ascetics and brahmins in the world who have reached the right path and who, having realised this world and the other world through direct knowledge, make it known to others.' This is an evil companion. "One should avoid an evil companion." One should avoid, should keep away from an evil companion - one should avoid an evil companion.
"Who shows harm, who is established in unrighteousness": one who shows harm is said of that companion who is endowed with wrong view of ten grounds - 'There is nothing given, nothing offered... who, having realised this world and the other world through direct knowledge, make it known to others.' 'Established in unrighteousness' means: established in unrighteous bodily action, established in unrighteous verbal action, established in unrighteous mental action, established in unrighteous destruction of life, established in unrighteous taking what is not given, established in unrighteous sexual misconduct, established in unrighteous false speech, established in unrighteous divisive speech, established in unrighteous harsh speech, established in unrighteous idle chatter, established in unrighteous covetousness, established in unrighteous ill will, established in unrighteous wrong view, established in unrighteous formations, established in unrighteous five cords of sensual pleasure, established in unrighteous five hindrances, firmly established, stuck, entered into, attached to, disposed to - who shows harm, established in unrighteousness.
One should not associate oneself with one who is devoted and heedless. Devoted means: one who seeks, searches and quests for sensual pleasures, who is of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority, he too is devoted to sensual pleasures. One who due to craving searches for forms, for sounds...etc... odours... tastes... searches for tactile objects, who is of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority, he too is devoted to sensual pleasures. One who due to craving obtains forms, sounds...etc... odours... tastes... obtains tactile objects, who is of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority, he too is devoted to sensual pleasures. One who due to craving enjoys forms, sounds...etc... odours... tastes... enjoys tactile objects, who is of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority, he too is devoted to sensual pleasures. Just as a quarrelmaker is devoted to quarrels, a worker is devoted to work, one moving in his range is devoted to his range, a meditator is devoted to meditation; even so, one who seeks, searches and quests for sensual pleasures, who is of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority, he too is devoted to sensual pleasures. One who due to craving searches for forms...etc... one who due to craving obtains forms...etc... one who due to craving enjoys forms, sounds...etc... odours... tastes... enjoys tactile objects, who is of such conduct, abundant in it, heavy with it, slanting towards it, sloping towards it, inclining towards it, disposed to it, under its authority, he too is devoted to sensual pleasures. Heedless means: negligence should be stated as bodily misconduct or verbal misconduct or mental misconduct or regarding the five cords of sensual pleasure, the relinquishing of mind or non-production of relinquishment or regarding development of wholesome states, doing without thoroughness, doing without perseverance, doing without stability, behaviour of sluggishness, giving up desire, giving up responsibility, non-cultivation, non-development, not making much of, non-decision, non-pursuit, whatever negligence of such kind, being negligent, state of being negligent - this is called negligence.
One should not associate oneself with one who is devoted and heedless means: one should not associate with one who is devoted and one should not oneself be heedless, one should not by oneself associate, should not pursue, should not follow, should not fully follow, should not practise, should not conduct oneself, should not lead one's life having undertaken it - One should not associate with one attached and heedless, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
One should not associate with one attached and heedless, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
144.
Having understood the goals and removed perplexity, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"One should associate with one who is learned and upholds the Teaching" means: the friend is learned, one who remembers what he has learned, one who accumulates learning. Those Teachings that are good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with their meaning and phrasing, proclaiming the holy life in its entirety and complete purity - such Teachings are learned by him, remembered, mastered verbally, examined with the mind, and well penetrated by view. "Upholds the Teaching" means: one who upholds the Teaching - the discourses, mixed prose and verse, explanations, verses, inspired utterances, quotations, birth stories, marvellous accounts, and questions-and-answers. "One should associate with one who is learned and upholds the Teaching" means: one should associate with, fully associate with, pursue, follow, develop and cultivate a friend who is learned and upholds the Teaching - one should associate with one who is learned and upholds the Teaching.
"A noble friend with ingenuity" means: the friend is noble in virtuous behavior, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge and vision of liberation. "Of ready wit" means: there are three kinds of those with ready wit - ingenuity in learning, ingenuity in questioning, ingenuity in achievement. What is ingenuity in learning? Here someone has learned the word of the Enlightened One: the discourses, mixed prose and verse, explanations, verses, inspired utterances, quotations, birth stories, marvellous accounts, and questions-and-answers. Based on that learning, he has ingenuity - this is ingenuity in learning.
What is ingenuity in questioning? Here someone has questioned about the meaning, the true way, characteristics, reasons, and possibilities and impossibilities. Based on that questioning he has ingenuity - this is ingenuity in questioning.
What is ingenuity in achievement? Here someone has attained the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right strivings, the four bases for spiritual power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven enlightenment factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, the four noble paths, the four fruits of the ascetic life, the four analytical knowledges, the six direct knowledges. For that one the meaning is known, the Teaching is known, the language is known. When the meaning is known, the meaning becomes clear; when the Teaching is known, the Teaching becomes clear; when the language is known, the language becomes clear. Knowledge of these three is analytical knowledge of ingenuity. That individually enlightened one is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this analytical knowledge of ingenuity. Therefore the individually enlightened one is ingenious. For one who has no learning, no questioning, no achievement, what ingenuity will there be - a noble friend with ingenuity.
Having understood which goals, having removed perplexity means: having understood, having direct knowledge of, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear the goal for oneself, having understood the goal for others, having understood the goal for both, having understood the goal pertaining to the present life, having understood the goal pertaining to the future life, having understood the ultimate goal, one should remove, thoroughly remove, abandon, dispel, terminate, obliterate perplexity - Having understood the goals and removed perplexity, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having understood the goals and removed perplexity, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
145.
Abstaining from places of adornment, speaking truth, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Amusement, delight and sensual pleasure in the world. Play means two kinds of play - bodily amusement and verbal amusement...etc... this is bodily amusement...etc... this is verbal amusement. Delight: this is a designation for contentment - delight. Sensual pleasure: for this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, there are these five cords of sensual pleasure. What are the five? Forms cognizable by the eye that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing; sounds cognizable by the ear... Odours cognizable by the nose... Tastes cognizable by the tongue... Tactile objects cognizable by the body that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing. These, monks, are the five cords of sensual pleasure. Whatever pleasure and joy, monks, arise dependent on these five cords of sensual pleasure, this is called sensual pleasure." "In the world" means in the human world - amusement, delight and sensual pleasure in the world.
Not adorning and not longing means: having abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated amusement, delight and sensual pleasure in the world, having become without longing - Not adorning and not longing for.
Abstaining from places of adornment, speaking truth. Adornment: there are two kinds of adornment - there is householder's adornment and there is homeless one's adornment. What is householder's adornment? Hair and beard, garlands and odours and ointments and ornaments and decorations and clothes and robes and coverings and rubbing, massaging, bathing, kneading, using mirrors, eye-ointments, garlands, scents, cosmetics, face-powders, face-creams, bracelets, head-bands, walking sticks, containers, swords, sunshades, decorated sandals, turbans, gems, yak-tail fans, white robes with long fringes and so forth - this is householder's adornment.
What is homeless one's adornment? Adorning of robes, adorning of bowls, adorning of lodgings, adorning of this putrid body or of external requisites, beautifying, playing around, toying around, greediness, state of greediness, fickleness, state of fickleness - this is the adornment of one gone forth.
"Speaking truth" means: that Paccekasambuddha is speaking truth, truthful, reliable, trustworthy, not deceiving the world, aloof from places of adornment, abstained, refrained, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - Abstaining from places of adornment, speaking truth, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Abstaining from places of adornment, speaking truth, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
146.
Having given up sensual pleasures according to their measure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Child and anguish, father and mother. Children means four kinds of children - a child born to oneself, a child born in the field, an adopted child, a pupil child. Wives means spouses. Father means he who is the progenitor. Mother means she who is the parent - child and anguish, father and mother.
Wealth and grain and relatives means: wealth means gold, gold ornaments, pearls, gems, beryl, conch, crystal, coral, silver, gold, ruby, cat's eye. Grain means early grain and late grain. Early grain means rice, paddy, barley, wheat, millet, beans, rye. Late grain means what is suitable for curry. Relatives means four kinds of relatives - relatives by blood are relatives, relatives by clan are relatives, relatives by friendship are relatives, relatives by craft are relatives - wealth and grain and relatives.
Having abandoned sensual pleasures according to their measure. "Sensual pleasures" in brief are twofold - objects of sensual pleasure and defilements of sensual pleasure... etc... these are called objective sensual pleasures... etc... these are called defiling sensual pleasures. Having abandoned sensual pleasures means: having fully understood material sensual pleasures and having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated sensual desire. Having abandoned sensual pleasures according to their measure means: whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of stream-entry, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements; whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of once-returning... etc... whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of non-returning... whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of arahantship, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements - having abandoned sensual pleasures according to their measure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having given up sensual pleasures according to their measure, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
147.
Knowing this is a hook, one who is wise, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"This is attachment, here happiness is limited" means: attachment or hook or material thing or clinging or bondage, this is a designation for the five cords of sensual pleasure. "Here happiness is limited" for this was said by the Blessed One - "Monks, there are these five cords of sensual pleasure. What are the five? Forms cognizable by the eye that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing... etc... Tactile objects cognizable by the body that are wished for, desired, agreeable, pleasing, connected with sensual pleasure, enticing. These, monks, are the five cords of sensual pleasure. Whatever pleasure and joy, monks, arise dependent on these five cords of sensual pleasure, this is called sensual happiness. This happiness is little, this happiness is limited, this happiness is slight, this happiness is inferior, this happiness is poor, this happiness is trifling" - This is attachment, here happiness is limited.
Here little gratification, suffering is more means: the Blessed One has said that sensual pleasures provide little gratification but much suffering and much despair; the danger in them is greater. Sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a skeleton, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a piece of meat, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a grass torch, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a pit of coals, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a dream, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like borrowed goods, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like tree fruits, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a butcher's knife, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a spear tip, sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to be like a snake's head, with much suffering and much despair; the danger in them is greater - here little gratification, suffering is more.
"Knowing this is a hook, one who is wise" means: hook or bait or material thing or clinging or bondage or imprisonment, this is a designation for the five cords of sensual pleasure. Thus is the connection of terms, the bonding of terms, the fulfilment of terms, the combination of syllables, the smoothness of phrasing, the progressive sequence thus. One who is wise means: one who is wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. Knowing this is a hook, one who is wise means: one who is wise having known it as a hook, having known it as bait, having known it as a material thing, having known it as clinging, having known it as bondage, having known it as imprisonment, having known, having weighed, having judged, having understood, having made clear - knowing this is a hook, one who is wise, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Knowing this is a hook, one who is wise, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
148.
Like a fire not turning back from what is burnt, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having broken the fetters means: the ten fetters - the fetter of sensual lust, the fetter of aversion, the fetter of conceit, the fetter of views, the fetter of doubt, the fetter of grasping at rules and observances, the fetter of lust for existence, the fetter of envy, the fetter of miserliness, the fetter of ignorance. Having broken the fetters means: having broken, having completely broken, having abandoned, having dispelled, having terminated and having obliterated the ten fetters - having broken the fetters.
Like a fish breaking through a net in the water means: a net is called a thread-net. Water means water. A fish means one who moves in water. Just as a fish having broken, having split, having torn, having rent, having completely rent through a net, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself, even so there are two nets - the net of craving and the net of views...etc... this is the net of craving...etc... this is the net of views. For that Individually Enlightened One the net of craving is abandoned, the net of views is relinquished. Since the net of craving is abandoned and the net of views is relinquished, that Individually Enlightened One does not cling to forms, does not cling to sounds, does not cling to odours...etc... does not cling, does not grasp, does not get bound, does not get fettered to things seen, heard, sensed and cognized; gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - like a fish breaking through a net in the water.
Like a fire not turning back from what is burnt means: just as a fire burning grass and wood as fuel goes forward not turning back, even so whatever defilements are abandoned by that Individually Enlightened One through the path of stream-entry, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements, by the path of once-returning...etc... by the path of non-returning... Whatever defilements are abandoned by the path of arahantship, he does not go back to, does not return to, does not come back to those defilements - Like a fire not turning back from what is burnt, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Like a fire not turning back from what is burnt, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
149.
Not corrupted and not burning, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"With downcast eyes and not restless in walking" - how is one with wandering eyes? Here a monk is restless in the eyes, possessed of restlessness of the eyes. "What is unseen must be seen, what is seen must be transcended" - and is devoted to long wandering, unsettled wandering, from park to park, from garden to garden, from village to village, from town to town, from city to city, from country to country, from region to region, for seeing forms. Thus one is with wandering eyes.
Or else, a monk who has entered among houses and is walking along a street goes unrestrained. Looking at elephants, looking at horses, looking at chariots, looking at pedestrians, looking at boys, looking at girls, looking at women, looking at men, looking at shops, looking at house fronts, looking up, looking down, looking in all directions. Thus one is with wandering eyes.
Or else, when seeing a form with the eye, a monk grasps at its signs and at its features. Since, if he dwelt with the eye faculty unrestrained, evil unwholesome states of covetousness and displeasure might flow in, he does not practise restraint, he does not guard the eye faculty, he does not undertake the restraint of the eye faculty. Thus one is with wandering eyes.
While some ascetics and brahmins, while living on food offered by the faithful, engage in watching shows such as these: dancing, singing, music, plays, story-telling, hand-clapping, cymbals, drums, magic shows, acrobatic shows, bamboo-pole climbing, washing of an elephant, animal fights - elephant fights, horse fights, buffalo fights, bull fights, goat fights, ram fights, cock fights, quail fights - stick fights, fist fights, wrestling matches, military parades, battle arrays, and troop reviews. Thus one is devoted to watching such shows. Thus one is with wandering eyes.
How is one with downcast eyes? Here a monk is not restless in the eyes, not possessed of restlessness of the eyes. "What is unseen must be seen, what is seen must be transcended" - and is not devoted to long wandering, unsettled wandering, from park to park, from garden to garden, from village to village, from town to town, from city to city, from country to country, from region to region, for seeing forms. Thus one is with downcast eyes.
Or else, a monk who has entered among houses and is walking along a street goes restrained. Not looking at elephants, not looking at horses, not looking at chariots, not looking at pedestrians, not looking at boys, not looking at girls, not looking at women, not looking at men, not looking at shops, not looking at house fronts, not looking up, not looking down, not looking in all directions. In this way too one is with downcast eyes.
Or else when seeing a form with the eye, a monk does not grasp at its signs nor at its features. Since, if he dwelt with the eye faculty unrestrained, evil unwholesome states of covetousness and displeasure might flow in, he practises restraint, he guards the eye faculty, he undertakes the restraint of the eye faculty. In this way too one is with downcast eyes.
While some ascetics and brahmins, while living on food offered by the faithful, engage in watching shows such as these: dancing, singing, music...etc... troop reviews. Thus he abstains from watching such shows. In this way too one is with downcast eyes.
And not restless in walking - how is one restless in wandering? Here a monk is restless in wandering, possessed of restlessness in wandering - and is devoted to long wandering, unsettled wandering, from park to park, from garden to garden, from village to village, from town to town, from city to city, from country to country, from region to region. In this way one is restless in wandering.
Or else, a monk within the monastery is possessed of restlessness in wandering, not for any good, not for any reason, being agitated with unsettled mind, he goes from one monastic dwelling to another monastic dwelling, goes from one dwelling to another dwelling, goes from one peaked house to another peaked house, goes from one mansion to another mansion, goes from one elevated house to another elevated house, goes from one cave to another cave, goes from one shelter to another shelter, goes from one hut to another hut, goes from one gabled house to another gabled house, goes from one watchtower to another watchtower, goes from one pavilion to another pavilion, goes from one raised platform to another raised platform, goes from one assembly hall to another assembly hall, goes from one pavilion to another pavilion, goes from one tree root to another tree root, and wherever monks are sitting or walking, he goes there, and becomes a second to one, or a third to two, or a fourth to three. There he engages in much idle chatter, that is - talk about kings, talk about thieves... etc... thus one talks about existence and non-existence. In this way one is restless in wandering.
And not restless in walking means: that Paccekasambuddha is aloof, abstained, refrained, gone forth, detached, freed, released, dwelling with a mind made unlimited from restlessness on foot, is fond of seclusion, delighting in seclusion, internally intent on serenity of mind, not neglecting meditation, endowed with insight and frequenting empty dwellings, a meditator, delighting in meditation, devoted to unity, intent on one's own goal - with downcast eyes and not restless in walking.
With guarded faculties and protected mind. With guarded faculties means that paccekasambuddha when seeing a form with the eye, does not grasp at its signs nor at its features. Since, if he dwelt with the eye faculty unrestrained, evil unwholesome states of covetousness and displeasure might flow in, he practises restraint, he guards the eye faculty, he undertakes the restraint of the eye faculty. When hearing a sound with the ear... When smelling an odour with the nose... When tasting a flavour with the tongue... When touching a tactile object with the body... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, he does not grasp at its signs nor at its features. Since, if he dwelt with the mind faculty unrestrained, evil unwholesome states of covetousness and displeasure might flow in, he practises restraint, he guards the mind faculty, he undertakes the restraint of the mind faculty - with guarded faculties. With protected mind means with guarded mind - with guarded faculties and protected mind.
Uncorrupted and burning means this was said by the Venerable Mahāmoggallāna - "Friends, I shall teach you the exposition of one who is corrupted and the exposition of one who is uncorrupted. Listen to them, attend carefully, I shall speak." "Yes, friend," those monks replied to the Venerable Mahāmoggallāna. The Venerable Mahāmoggallāna said this:
"And how, friend, is one corrupted? Here, friend, when seeing a form with the eye, a monk becomes intent on pleasing forms and repelled by unpleasing forms, and dwells with mindfulness of the body unestablished, with a limited mind. And he does not understand as it really is that liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom wherein those evil unwholesome states that have arisen cease without remainder. When hearing a sound with the ear... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, he becomes intent on pleasing mental phenomena and repelled by unpleasing mental phenomena, and dwells with mindfulness of the body unestablished, with a limited mind. And he does not understand as it really is that liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom wherein those evil unwholesome states that have arisen cease without remainder. This monk is called, friend, corrupted regarding forms cognizable by the eye...etc... corrupted regarding mental phenomena cognizable by the mind. When a monk dwells thus, friend, if Māra approaches him through the eye, Māra gains access to him, Māra gains an object in him, if through the ear...etc... if Māra approaches him through the mind, Māra gains access to him, Māra gains an object in him.
Just as, friend, a house made of reeds or a house made of grass that is dry, withered, more than a year old. If a person would approach it from the eastern direction with a blazing grass torch, the fire would find an opening in it, the fire would find an object in it; if from the western direction...etc... if from the northern direction... if from the southern direction... if from below... if from above... from wherever a person would approach it with a blazing grass torch, the fire would find an opening in it, the fire would find an object in it. Even so, friend, when a monk dwells thus, if Māra approaches him through the eye, Māra gains access to him, Māra gains an object in him, if through the ear...etc... if Māra approaches him through the mind, Māra gains access to him, Māra gains an object in him.
When a monk dwells thus, friend, forms overwhelm the monk, the monk does not overwhelm forms; sounds overwhelm the monk, the monk does not overwhelm sounds; odours overwhelm the monk, the monk does not overwhelm odours; tastes overwhelm the monk, the monk does not overwhelm tastes; tactile objects overwhelm the monk, the monk does not overwhelm tactile objects; mind-objects overwhelm the monk, the monk does not overwhelm mind-objects. This monk is called, friend, one overwhelmed by forms, overwhelmed by sounds, overwhelmed by odours, overwhelmed by tastes, overwhelmed by tactile objects, overwhelmed by mind-objects, overwhelmed, not overwhelming; evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future overwhelm him. This, friend, is how one is corrupted.
"And how, friend, is one uncorrupted? Here, friend, when seeing a form with the eye, a monk does not become intent on pleasing forms nor repelled by unpleasing forms, and dwells with mindfulness of the body established and an immeasurable mind. And he understands as it really is that liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom wherein those evil unwholesome states that have arisen cease without remainder; When hearing a sound with the ear...etc... When cognizing a mental phenomenon with the mind, he does not become intent on pleasing mental phenomena nor repelled by unpleasing mental phenomena, and dwells with mindfulness of the body established and an immeasurable mind. And he understands as it really is that liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom wherein those evil unwholesome states that have arisen cease without remainder. This monk is called, friend, uncorrupted regarding forms cognizable by the eye...etc... uncorrupted regarding mental phenomena cognizable by the mind. When a monk dwells thus, friend, if Māra approaches him through the eye, Māra gains no access to him, Māra gains no object in him; if through the ear...etc... if Māra approaches him through the mind, Māra gains no access to him, Māra gains no object in him.
Just as, friend, if a peaked house or a peaked hall, thickly plastered inside and out, if a person would approach it from the eastern direction with a blazing grass torch, the fire would find no opening in it, the fire would find no object in it; if from the western direction... if from the northern direction... if from the southern direction... if from below... if from above... from wherever a person would approach it with a blazing grass torch, the fire would find no opening in it, the fire would find no object in it. Even so, friend, when a monk dwells thus, if Māra approaches him through the eye, Māra gains no access to him, Māra gains no object in him; if through the ear...etc... if Māra approaches him through the mind, Māra gains no access to him, Māra gains no object in him.
When dwelling thus, friend, the monk overwhelms forms, forms do not overwhelm the monk; the monk overwhelms sounds, sounds do not overwhelm the monk; the monk overwhelms odours, odours do not overwhelm the monk; the monk overwhelms tastes, tastes do not overwhelm the monk; the monk overwhelms tactile objects, tactile objects do not overwhelm the monk; the monk overwhelms mind-objects, mind-objects do not overwhelm the monk. This monk is called, friend, one who overwhelms forms, overwhelms sounds, overwhelms odours, overwhelms tastes, overwhelms tactile objects, overwhelms mind-objects, overwhelming, not overwhelmed. He overwhelms those evil unwholesome states that are defiling, leading to renewed existence, troublesome, resulting in suffering, leading to birth, aging and death in the future. This, friend, is how one is uncorrupted" - uncorrupted.
Not burning means: not burning with the fever born of lust, not burning with the fever born of hatred, not burning with the fever born of delusion - Not corrupted and not burning, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Not corrupted and not burning, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
150.
Wearing the ochre robe, having gone forth, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having put aside the marks of a householder means: the marks of a householder are hair and beard...etc... with long fringes and so forth. Having put aside the marks of a householder means: having laid aside, having put aside, having abandoned, having given up the marks of a householder - having put aside the marks of a householder.
Like a coral tree with full foliage means: just as that coral tree or kovilara tree has thick leaves and foliage giving dense shade, even so that Individually Enlightened One wears complete robes - like a coral tree with full foliage.
"Wearing the ochre robe, having gone forth" means: that Individually Enlightened One, having cut off all impediments of living in a house, having cut off impediments of children and wife, having cut off impediments of relatives, having cut off impediments of friends and companions, having cut off impediments of storing, having shaved off hair and beard, having put on ochre robes, having gone forth from home into homelessness, having reached the state of owning nothing, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself alone - Wearing the ochre robe, having gone forth, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Wearing the ochre robe, having gone forth, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
The Third Chapter.
Fourth Chapter
151.
With a mind unattached to family after family, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Not being greedy for tastes, not restless means: Taste is root taste, trunk taste, bark taste, leaf taste, flower taste, fruit taste, sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, salty, alkaline, astringent, harsh, pleasant, unpleasant, cold, hot. There are some ascetics and brahmins who are greedy for tastes. They wander about seeking the finest tastes with the tip of the tongue. Having obtained something sour, they seek what is not sour, having obtained what is not sour, they seek what is sour; having obtained something sweet, they seek what is not sweet, having obtained what is not sweet, they seek what is sweet; having obtained something bitter, they seek what is not bitter, having obtained what is not bitter, they seek what is bitter; having obtained something pungent, they seek what is not pungent, having obtained what is not pungent, they seek what is pungent; having obtained something salty, they seek what is not salty, having obtained what is not salty, they seek what is salty; having obtained something alkaline, they seek what is not alkaline, having obtained what is not alkaline, they seek what is alkaline; having obtained something harsh, they seek what is not harsh, having obtained what is not harsh, they seek what is harsh; having obtained something astringent, they seek what is not astringent, having obtained what is not astringent, they seek what is astringent; having obtained something pleasant, they seek what is unpleasant, having obtained what is unpleasant, they seek what is pleasant; having obtained something cold, they seek what is hot, having obtained what is hot, they seek what is cold. Whatever they obtain, they are not satisfied with that, they seek more and more. They are impassioned, greedy, tied, infatuated, blindly absorbed, stuck, attached, and hindered regarding agreeable tastes. That craving for taste in that Paccekabuddha is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore that Paccekabuddha takes food after careful reflection - "neither for amusement, nor for vanity, nor for adornment, nor for beautification; but just for the maintenance and sustenance of this body, for avoiding harm, for supporting the holy life. Thus I shall terminate old feelings without arousing new feelings, and I shall have blamelessness and dwelling in comfort."
Just as one would apply medicine to a wound just for the purpose of healing, or just as one would grease an axle just for the purpose of transporting a load, or just as one would eat child's flesh as food just for the purpose of crossing the wilderness; even so that Individually Enlightened One takes food after careful reflection - "neither for amusement, nor for vanity, nor for adornment, nor for beautification; but just for the maintenance and sustenance of this body, for avoiding harm, for supporting the holy life. Thus I shall terminate old feelings without arousing new feelings, and I shall have blamelessness and dwelling in comfort." Aloof from craving for taste, abstained, refrained, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - not being greedy for tastes.
Not restless means: greediness means craving. That which is lust, infatuation... etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. That greediness, that craving in that Paccekabuddha is abandoned, cut off at the root, made like a palm stump, obliterated so that it is no longer subject to future arising. Therefore a Paccekabuddha is not restless - not being greedy for tastes, not restless.
Not dependent on others, going for alms methodically means: not dependent on others means: that Paccekabuddha sustains himself only, not others.
An Arahant who has rejected hatred, that one I call a brahmin.
'Not supported by others, going for alms methodically' means that Paccekasambuddha, having dressed in the morning and taking his bowl and robe, enters a village or town for alms with body guarded, with speech guarded, with mind guarded, with mindfulness established, with faculties restrained. With eyes downcast, endowed with proper posture, going for alms from family to family without passing over any - not dependent on others, going for alms methodically.
With a mind unattached to family after family means: one has a bound mind due to two causes - One has a bound mind placing oneself low and others high, or one has a bound mind placing oneself high and others low. How does one have a bound mind placing oneself low and others high? "You are very helpful to me. Depending on you I receive robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites. Whatever others think to give or do for me, they do so dependent on you, seeing you. Even my old maternal and paternal lineage has disappeared. Through you I am known - as the supporter of such and such a family, the supporter of such and such a family." Thus one has a bound mind placing oneself low and others high.
How does one have a bound mind placing oneself high and others low? "I am of great help to you, through me you have gone for refuge to the Buddha, gone for refuge to the Teaching, gone for refuge to the Community, abstained from the destruction of life, abstained from taking what is not given, abstained from sexual misconduct, abstained from false speech, abstained from liquors, wines, and intoxicants which are the basis for negligence, I give you the synopsis, I give you the questioning, I explain the observance day, I undertake the new work; But then, having rejected me, you honour, respect, esteem and worship others." Thus one has a bound mind placing oneself high and others low.
With a mind unattached to family after family means: that Paccekasambuddha has a mind unattached by the attachment to families, has a mind unattached by the attachment to groups, has a mind unattached by the attachment to dwellings, has a mind unattached by the attachment to robes, has a mind unattached by the attachment to almsfood, has a mind unattached by the attachment to lodgings, has a mind unattached by the attachment to medicinal requisites - With a mind unattached to family after family, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
With a mind unattached to family after family, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
152.
Independent, having cut off affection and hatred, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having abandoned the five obstructions of the mind means: that solitary enlightened one, having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated the hindrance of sensual desire, the hindrance of ill will... the hindrance of sloth and torpor... the hindrance of restlessness and remorse... having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated the hindrance of doubt, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, enters and dwells in the first meditative absorption, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of seclusion - having abandoned the five obstructions of the mind.
Having dispelled all corruptions means: lust is a corruption of the mind, hatred is a corruption of the mind, delusion is a corruption of the mind, anger... resentment...etc... all unwholesome volitional formations are corruptions of the mind. Having dispelled all corruptions means: having dispelled, driven away, abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated all corruptions of the mind - having dispelled all corruptions.
Independent, having cut off affection and hatred. Independent means two dependencies - dependency on craving and dependency on views...etc... this is dependency on craving...etc... this is dependency on views. Affection means two affections - craving-affection and view-affection...etc... this is craving-affection...etc... this is view-affection. Hatred means: whatever resentment of mind, repulsion, aversion, opposition, irritation, anger, fury, hatred, hostility, intense hostility, corruption of mind, mental hostility, anger, being angry, state of being angry, hate, being hateful, state of being hateful, being repelled, state of being repelled, ferocity, demonic state, displeasure of mind. Independent, having cut off affection and hatred means: that Individually Enlightened One, having cut off, completely cut off, abandoned, dispelled, terminated and obliterated craving-affection and view-affection and hatred, independent of eye, independent of ear...etc... regarding things seen, heard, sensed and cognized, unattached, unadhered, unapproached, not taken to, not adhered to, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - independent, having cut off affection and hatred, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Independent, having cut off affection and hatred, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
153.
Having attained pure equanimity and serenity, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having turned one's back on happiness and suffering, and earlier on joy and dejection means that Paccekasambuddha, with the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and with the previous disappearance of joy and displeasure, enters and dwells in the fourth meditative absorption, which has neither-pain-nor-pleasure and purity of mindfulness due to equanimity - Having turned one's back on happiness and suffering, and earlier on joy and dejection.
Having attained pure equanimity and serenity. "Equanimity" means: that which in the fourth meditative absorption is equanimity, being equanimous, maintaining equanimity, mental evenness, mental tranquillity, neutrality of mind. "Serenity" means: that which is stability of mind, establishment, steadiness, non-distraction, non-confusion, mental non-disturbance, serenity, faculty of concentration, power of concentration, right concentration; in the fourth meditative absorption equanimity and serenity are pure, purified, bright, unblemished, rid of corruptions, pliant, workable, steady, and attained to imperturbability. "Having attained pure equanimity and serenity" means: having received, obtained, found and gained equanimity and serenity of the fourth meditative absorption - having attained pure equanimity and serenity, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having attained pure equanimity and serenity, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
154.
Of firm endeavour, endowed with strength and power, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Of aroused energy for attaining the highest goal" means: the highest goal is called the Deathless, Nibbāna. That which is the stilling of all formations, the relinquishment of all acquisitions, the destruction of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna. For the attainment, gain, acquisition, achievement, realization and actualization of the highest goal, he dwells with energy aroused for the abandoning of unwholesome states and the acquisition of wholesome states, steadfast, of firm exertion, not relinquishing the task in regard to wholesome states - Of aroused energy for attaining the highest goal.
With mind not slack and not being lazy means: that Paccekasambuddha generates desire, makes effort, arouses energy, exerts his mind, and strives for the non-arising of unarisen evil unwholesome states, for the abandoning of arisen evil unwholesome states...etc... ...etc... for the arising of unarisen wholesome states... he generates desire, makes effort, arouses energy, exerts his mind, and strives for the maintenance, non-decay, increase, expansion, development and fulfilment of arisen wholesome states - thus with mind not slack and not being lazy.
Or else, he exerts his mind and strives thinking: 'Let only skin, sinews and bones remain, let the flesh and blood dry up in the body, there will be no stopping of energy until what can be achieved by human strength, human power, human energy, human exertion is achieved.' Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy.
I will not bow down while seeing, when the dart of craving is not removed.
one uplifts the mind and strives. Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy.
He exerts his mind and strives thinking: "I will not break this cross-legged position until my mind is liberated from the taints without clinging." Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy.
He exerts his mind and strives thinking: "I will not rise from this seat until my mind is liberated from the taints without clinging." Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy.
"I will not descend from this walking path...etc... leave the dwelling... leave the gabled house... leave the mansion... leave the upper storey... leave the cave... leave the grotto... leave the hut... leave the peaked house... leave the attic... leave the hall... leave the pavilion... leave the attendance hall... leave the pavilion... leave the root of the tree until my mind is liberated from the taints without clinging" - one uplifts the mind and strives. Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy.
He exerts his mind and strives thinking: "In this very morning I will bring forth, attain, reach, contact, and realize the noble Teaching." Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy. In this very noon time...etc... evening time...etc... before the meal... after the meal... first watch... middle watch... last watch... dark fortnight... bright fortnight... rainy season... winter... summer... first stage of life... middle stage of life... last stage of life I will bring forth, attain, reach, contact, and realize the noble Teaching" - one uplifts the mind and strives. Thus too with mind not slack and not being lazy.
Of firm endeavour, endowed with strength and power means: that Paccekasambuddha was firmly resolved in wholesome states, steadfast in good bodily conduct, good verbal conduct, good mental conduct, giving and sharing, virtuous behaviour, observance of the uposatha, in devotion to mother and father, to ascetics and brahmins, in respect for the elders of the family, and in various other superior wholesome states - of firm endeavour. Endowed with strength and power means: that Individually Enlightened One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with strength and power and energy and exertion and wisdom - of firm endeavour, endowed with strength and power, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Of firm endeavour, endowed with strength and power, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
155.
Having explored the danger in existences, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Not neglecting seclusion and meditation means: that Paccekasambuddha delights in seclusion, finds joy in seclusion, is internally devoted to mental serenity, does not neglect meditation, is possessed of insight, frequents empty dwellings, is a meditator, delights in meditation, is devoted to unity, intent on his own goal - seclusion. Not neglecting meditation means: that Paccekasambuddha does not neglect meditation for two reasons: engaged in, involved in, yoked to, connected with, properly connected with the arising of the unarisen first meditation, or of the unarisen second meditation... etc... of the unarisen third meditation... engaged in, involved in, yoked to, connected with, properly connected with the arising of the unarisen fourth meditation - in this way too one does not neglect meditation.
Or else one pursues, develops and cultivates the arisen first meditation, or the arisen second meditation... etc... or the arisen third meditative absorption... or pursues, develops and cultivates the arisen fourth meditative absorption. In this way too one does not neglect meditation - not abandoning seclusion and meditation.
Always living in accordance with the Teaching means: the teachings are called the four foundations of mindfulness...etc... the Noble Eightfold Path. What are the qualities conducive to the Teaching? Right practice, practice that is not contrary, practice that is beneficial, practice in accordance with the Teaching, complete fulfilment in virtuous behaviour, guarding the doors of the faculties, moderation in eating, devotion to wakefulness, mindfulness and clear comprehension - these are called qualities conducive to the Teaching. Always living in accordance with the Teaching in mind-objects means: in mind-objects perpetually, constantly, continuously, uninterruptedly, successively, repeatedly, like waves of water,
without interval, in succession, connected, in contact, before the meal, after the meal, in the first watch, in the middle watch, in the last watch, in the dark fortnight, in the bright fortnight, in the rainy season, in winter, in summer, in the first stage of life, in the middle stage of life, in the last stage of life, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself - always living in accordance with the Teaching.
Having explored the danger in existences means: having explored the danger in existences as "All formations are impermanent", "All formations are suffering"... etc... "All phenomena are non-self"...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" having explored the danger in existences - Having explored the danger in existences, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Having explored the danger in existences, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
156.
One who has reckoned the Teaching, fixed in destiny and striving, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Aspiring for the destruction of craving, diligent means: Craving: craving for forms... etc... craving for mind-objects. The destruction of craving means: desiring, approving, longing for, coveting, yearning for the destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion, the destruction of destination, the destruction of rebirth, the destruction of relinking, the destruction of existence, the destruction of the round of rebirths, the destruction of the round - aspiring for the destruction of craving. Diligent means: that Paccekasambuddha is one who acts carefully, acts persistently...etc... diligence in wholesome states - aspiring for the destruction of craving, diligent.
Not foolish or dumb, learned and mindful means: Not foolish or dumb means: that Individually Enlightened One is wise, possessed of wisdom, intelligent, knowledgeable, discerning, astute. Learned means: that Individually Enlightened One is learned, one who remembers what is learned. Those Teachings that are good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with their meaning and phrasing, proclaiming the holy life in its entirety and complete purity - such Teachings are learned by him, remembered, mastered verbally, examined with the mind, and well penetrated by view. Mindful means: that Individually Enlightened One is mindful, possessed of supreme mindfulness and discretion, one who remembers and recollects what was done and said long ago - not foolish or dumb, learned and mindful.
One who has reckoned the Teaching, fixed in destiny and striving means: reckoned Teaching is called knowledge. That which is wisdom, understanding... etc... non-delusion, investigation-of-states, right view. One who has reckoned the Teaching means: that Individually Enlightened One has fully understood the states, known the states, weighed the states, judged the states, made clear the states, understood the states, "All formations are impermanent" having fully understood the states...etc... "Whatever has the nature to arise, all that has the nature to cease" - they have fully understood the states, known the states, weighed the states, judged the states, made clear the states, understood the states. Or else, for that Individually Enlightened One the aggregates are concluded, elements are concluded, bases are concluded, destinations are concluded, rebirths are concluded, reconnections are concluded, existences are concluded, rounds of rebirths are concluded, rounds are concluded. Or else, that Individually Enlightened One is standing still at the end of aggregates, standing still at the end of elements, standing still at the end of bases, standing still at the end of destinations, standing still at the end of rebirth, standing still at the end of reconnection, standing still at the end of existence, standing still at the end of the round of rebirths, standing still at the end of the round, standing still at the end of formations, standing still in the final existence, standing still in the final body, the Individually Enlightened One bearing the final body.
The round of birth and death, for him there is no renewed existence.
For this reason the Individually Enlightened One has reckoned the Teaching. Fixed in destiny means: the four noble paths are called the fixed course. Fixed in destiny means: endowed with the four noble paths. Having reached the fixed course, having attained, having touched, having realized, having reached the fixed course. Striving means: energy is called striving. Whatever mental arousal of energy, endeavour, exertion, effort, striving, enthusiasm, persistence, firmness, steadfastness, unrelaxed persistence, not giving up desire, not laying down the burden, taking up the burden, energy, faculty of energy, power of energy, right effort. That Individually Enlightened One is possessed, fully possessed, attained, fully attained, entered upon, fully entered upon, endowed with this striving. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One is striving - One who has reckoned the Teaching, fixed in destiny and striving, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
One who has reckoned the Teaching, fixed in destiny and striving, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
157.
Like a lotus undefiled by water, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Like a lion unafraid of sounds means: just as a lion, king of beasts, is unafraid of sounds, not terrified, not frightened, not agitated, not anxious, not fearful, brave, not timid, not frightened, not ready to run, so too the Individually Enlightened One dwells unafraid of sounds, not terrified, not frightened, not agitated, not anxious, not fearful, brave, not timid, not frightened, not ready to run, with fear and terror abandoned, with hair-raising terror gone - like a lion unafraid of sounds.
Like the wind not caught in a net. Winds means: eastern winds, western winds, northern winds, southern winds, dusty winds, dustless winds, cool winds, hot winds, gentle winds, strong winds, high altitude winds, wing winds, eagle winds, palm leaf winds, and fan winds. A net is called a thread-net. Just as the wind does not cling to a net, does not grasp, does not get bound, does not get fettered, even so there are two nets - the net of craving and the net of views...etc... this is the net of craving...etc... this is the net of views. For that Individually Enlightened One the net of craving is abandoned, the net of views is relinquished, since the net of craving is abandoned and the net of views is relinquished, that Individually Enlightened One does not cling to forms, does not cling to sounds...etc... does not cling, does not grasp, does not get bound, does not get fettered to things seen, heard, sensed and cognized; gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - like the wind not caught in a net.
Like a lotus undefiled by water means: a lotus means a lotus flower. Water means water. Just as a lotus flower is not defiled by water, does not adhere, does not get stuck, undefiled, unadhered, unstuck, even so there are two kinds of clinging - clinging through craving and clinging through views...etc... this is clinging through craving...etc... this is clinging through views. For that Individually Enlightened One clinging through craving is abandoned, clinging through views is relinquished. Since clinging through craving is abandoned and clinging through views is relinquished, that Individually Enlightened One does not cling to forms, does not cling to sounds...etc... regarding things seen, heard, sensed and cognized, does not cling, does not adhere, does not get stuck, unattached, unadhered, unstuck, gone forth, detached, freed, released, he dwells with a mind made unlimited - Like a lotus undefiled by water, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Like a lotus undefiled by water, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
158.
One should resort to remote lodgings, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Like a lion with powerful fangs, overpowering, the king of beasts wandering as an overlord" means: just as a lion, king of beasts, with powerful fangs, armed with fangs, having overcome, conquered, overwhelmed, exhausted and crushed all living beings among animals, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself, even so the Individually Enlightened One, powerful in wisdom, armed with wisdom, having overcome, conquered, overwhelmed, exhausted and crushed all living beings and persons with wisdom, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself - Like a lion with powerful fangs, overpowering, the king of beasts wandering as an overlord.
"One should resort to remote lodgings" means: just as a lion, king of beasts, having entered into the forest thicket, walks, dwells, moves, conducts himself, maintains himself, sustains himself, even so the Individually Enlightened One resorts to remote lodgings in forests and woodland thickets that are quiet, with little noise, far from the crowds, secluded from people, and suitable for meditation. He goes alone, stands alone, sits alone, lies down alone, enters the village for alms alone, returns alone, sits in seclusion alone, walks up and down alone, walks alone, dwells alone, moves alone, conducts himself alone, maintains himself alone, lives alone - one should resort to remote lodgings, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
One should resort to remote lodgings, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
159.
Not conflicting with all the world, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"Cultivating loving-kindness, equanimity, compassion, liberation, and altruistic joy at the right time" means that solitary enlightened one dwells pervading one direction with a mind imbued with loving-kindness, so for the second, so for the third, so for the fourth, thus above, below, across, everywhere and to everyone, he dwells pervading the entire world with a mind imbued with loving-kindness, vast, exalted, measureless, free from animosity and free from repulsion; with a mind imbued with compassion... etc... with a mind imbued with altruistic joy... etc... he dwells pervading with a mind imbued with equanimity, vast, exalted, measureless, free from animosity and free from repulsion - Cultivating loving-kindness, equanimity, compassion, liberation, and altruistic joy at the right time.
"Not conflicting with all the world" means: due to the development of loving-kindness, beings in the eastern direction are not repulsive, beings in the western direction... etc... beings in the northern direction... beings in the southern direction... beings in the north-eastern direction... beings in the south-western direction... beings in the north-western direction... beings in the south-eastern direction... beings in the downward direction... beings in the upward direction... beings in the ten directions are not repulsive. Due to the development of compassion... due to the development of altruistic joy... due to the development of equanimity, beings in the eastern direction...etc... beings in the ten directions are not repulsive. "Not conflicting with all the world" means: not conflicting with all the world, not opposing, not resenting, not being hindered - not conflicting with all the world, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Not conflicting with all the world, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
160.
Unafraid at life's extinction, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Having abandoned lust, hatred, and delusion. Lust means: that which is lust, infatuation...etc... covetousness, greed, root of the unwholesome. Hatred means: whatever resentment of mind...etc... ferocity, demonic state, displeasure of mind. Delusion means: not knowing about suffering...etc... barrier of ignorance, delusion, unwholesome root. Having abandoned lust, hatred, and delusion means: that solitary enlightened one, having abandoned, given up, dispelled, terminated and obliterated lust and hatred and delusion - having abandoned lust, hatred, and delusion.
Having broken the fetters. The ten fetters - the fetter of sensual lust, the fetter of aversion...etc... the fetter of ignorance. Having broken the fetters means: having broken, having completely broken, having abandoned, having dispelled, having terminated and having obliterated the ten fetters - having broken the fetters.
Unafraid at life's extinction means: that solitary enlightened one at life's end dwells unafraid, not frightened, not agitated, not anxious, not fearful, brave, not timid, not frightened, not ready to run, with fear and terror abandoned, with hair-raising terror gone - Unafraid at life's extinction, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Unafraid at life's extinction, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
161.
Human beings are impure, with wisdom only for their own good, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
"They associate and serve for a reason" means: for the reason of one's own good, for the reason of others' good, for the reason of both, for the reason pertaining to the present life, for the reason pertaining to the future life, for the reason of the highest good, they associate, fully associate, serve, pursue, follow, and practice - they associate and serve for a reason.
"Friends without a reason are hard to find today" - friends are of two kinds - the householder friend and the homeless friend...etc... this is a householder friend...etc... this is a homeless friend. "Friends without a reason are hard to find today" means: these two kinds of friends without cause, without reason, without cause, without condition are hard to find (hard to obtain, very hard to obtain) - friends without a reason are hard to find today.
"Human beings are impure, with wisdom only for their own good." "With wisdom for one's own good" means: they associate, fully associate, serve, pursue, follow, practice, conduct themselves, behave, attend on, question and inquire for their own good, for their own cause, for their own condition, for their own reason - with wisdom for one's own good. "Human beings are impure" means: human beings are impure as possessed of impure bodily action, human beings are impure as possessed of impure verbal action, human beings are impure as possessed of impure mental action, with impure destruction of life...etc... with impure taking what is not given... with impure sexual misconduct... with impure false speech... possessed of impure divisive speech... possessed of impure harsh speech... possessed of impure idle chatter... possessed of impure covetousness... human beings are impure as possessed of impure ill will, human beings are impure as possessed of impure wrong view, human beings are impure as possessed of impure volition, human beings are impure as possessed of impure longing, human beings are impure as possessed of impure wish, impure, low, inferior, mean, vile, contemptible, limited - human beings are impure, with wisdom for their own good.
one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Alone means: that Individually Enlightened One is alone in the sense of going forth...etc... Practises: there are eight kinds of conduct...etc... Like a rhinoceros: just as the horn of a rhinoceros is one without a second...etc... one should wander alone like a rhinoceros. Therefore that Individually Enlightened One said -
Human beings are impure, with wisdom for their own good, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Fourth chapter.
The Exposition of the Discourse on the Rhinoceros Horn is concluded.
Dhotaka and Upasīva, Nanda and then Hemaka.
Bhadrāvudha and Udaya, and also the brahmin Posāla;
And Mogharāja the intelligent one, and Piṅgiya the great sage.
And the expositions of the Way to the Beyond, are just that many indeed.
And likewise the expositions of the Discourses on the Rhinoceros Horn;
The expositions should be known as twofold, complete and well-marked.
The Text of the Minor Exposition is concluded.