1.
The Chapter on the Worthy Ones
1.
The Discourse on Dhanañjānī
187. Thus have I heard - On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground. Now at that time a brahmin woman named Dhanañjānī, wife of a certain brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, had faith in the Buddha, the Teaching, and the Community. Then the brahmin woman Dhanañjānī, while serving food to the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, having stumbled, uttered an inspired utterance three times -
Homage to that Blessed One, the Worthy One, the One Enlightened by himself;
Homage to that Blessed One, the Worthy One, the One Enlightened by himself."
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan said this to the brahmin woman Dhanañjānī - "Just so indeed this outcast woman praises that shaveling ascetic here and there at every opportunity. Now I, outcast, will refute that teacher." "I do not see anyone, brahmin, in the world with its gods, with its Māras, with its Brahmās, among the generation with its ascetics and brahmins, with its gods and humans, who could refute that Blessed One, the Worthy One, the One Enlightened by himself. But you, brahmin, go; having gone you will find out."
Then the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, angry and displeased, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged friendly greetings with the Blessed One. Having concluded the pleasant and memorable talk, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan addressed the Blessed One in verse -
Of what one thing do you approve the murder, Gotama?"
Of wrath with its poisonous root, with its sweet tip, brahmin,
The noble ones praise the murder, for having cut that off one does not grieve."
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama, excellent, Master Gotama! Just as, Master Gotama, one might set upright what had been overturned, or reveal what had been concealed, or point out the path to one who was lost, or hold up an oil lamp in the darkness - so that those with eyes might see forms; just so, the Teaching has been made clear by Master Gotama in many ways. I, venerable sir, go for refuge to the Blessed One Gotama, to the Teaching, and to the Community of monks. May I receive the going forth in the presence of Master Gotama, may I receive the full ordination."
The brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan received the going forth in the presence of the Blessed One, he received full ordination. Not long after being fully ordained, the Venerable Bhāradvāja, dwelling alone, withdrawn, diligent, ardent, and resolute, before long - that unsurpassed final goal of the holy life, for the sake of which sons of good family rightly go forth from home into homelessness - the final goal of the holy life, in this very life, having realised by direct knowledge himself, having attained, he dwelt. He directly knew: "Birth is eliminated, the holy life has been lived, what was to be done has been done, there is no more of this state of being." And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones.
2.
The Discourse on Reviling
188. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground. The brahmin Akkosaka Bhāradvāja heard - "A brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, it seems, has gone forth from home into homelessness in the presence of the ascetic Gotama" - angry and displeased, he approached the Blessed One; having approached, he reviles and abuses the Blessed One with vulgar and harsh speech.
When this was said, the Blessed One said this to the brahmin Akkosaka Bhāradvāja - "What do you think, brahmin, do friends and colleagues, relatives and blood-relations, guests come to you?" "Sometimes, Master Gotama, friends and colleagues, relatives and blood-relations, guests come to me." "What do you think, brahmin, do you offer them solid food or soft food or delicacies?" "Sometimes I offer them, Master Gotama, solid food or soft food or delicacies." "But if, brahmin, they do not accept it, to whom does it belong?" "If they, Master Gotama, do not accept it, it belongs to us only." "Just so, brahmin, that by which you revile us who do not revile, irritate us who do not irritate, quarrel with us who do not quarrel, that we do not accept from you. It belongs to you only, brahmin; it belongs to you only, brahmin."
"Whoever, brahmin, reviles back one who reviles, irritates back one who irritates, quarrels back with one who quarrels, this is called, brahmin, eating together, exchanging. We neither eat together with you nor exchange with you. It belongs to you only, brahmin; it belongs to you only, brahmin." "The assembly including the king knows Master Gotama thus - 'The ascetic Gotama is a Worthy One.' And yet Master Gotama becomes angry."
To one completely liberated through final knowledge, to one at peace, to such a one.
Not becoming angry in return at one who is angry, one wins a battle hard to win.
Knowing the other to be enraged, one who is mindful becomes calm.
People think 'he is a fool' - those who are unskilled in the Teaching."
When this was said, the brahmin Akkosakabhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. I go for refuge to Master Gotama, to the Teaching, and to the Community of monks. May I, venerable sir, receive the going forth in the presence of Master Gotama, may I receive the full ordination."
The brahmin Akkosakabhāradvāja received the going forth in the presence of the Blessed One, he received full ordination. Not long after being fully ordained, the Venerable Akkosakabhāradvāja, dwelling alone, withdrawn, diligent, ardent, and resolute, before long - that unsurpassed final goal of the holy life, for the sake of which sons of good family rightly go forth from home into homelessness - the final goal of the holy life, in this very life, having realised by direct knowledge himself, having attained, he dwelt. He directly knew: "Birth is eliminated, the holy life has been lived, what was to be done has been done, there is no more of this state of being." And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones.
3.
The Discourse on Asurindaka
189. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground. The brahmin Asurindaka Bhāradvāja heard - "A brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, it seems, has gone forth from home into homelessness in the presence of the ascetic Gotama" - angry and displeased, he approached the Blessed One; having approached, he reviles and abuses the Blessed One with vulgar and harsh speech. When this was said, the Blessed One remained silent. Then the brahmin Asurindaka Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "You are defeated, ascetic, you are defeated, ascetic!"
But that is victory for him, the forbearance of one who understands.
Not becoming angry in return at one who is angry, one wins a battle hard to win.
Knowing the other to be enraged, one who is mindful becomes calm.
People think 'he is a fool' - those who are unskilled in the Teaching."
When this was said, the brahmin Asurindaka Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. he directly knew. And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones.
4.
The Discourse on Bilaṅgika
190. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground. The brahmin Bilaṅgika Bhāradvāja heard - "A brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, it seems, has gone forth from home into homelessness in the presence of the ascetic Gotama" - angry and displeased, he approached the Blessed One; having approached, he stood to one side in silence. Then the Blessed One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of the brahmin Bilaṅgika Bhāradvāja, addressed the brahmin Bilaṅgika Bhāradvāja in verse -
A pure person without blemish;
The evil returns to that very fool,
Like subtle dust thrown against the wind."
When this was said, the brahmin Bilaṅgika Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. he directly knew. And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones.
5.
The Discourse on Ahiṃsaka
191. At Sāvatthī. Then the brahmin Ahiṃsaka Bhāradvāja approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged friendly greetings with the Blessed One. Having concluded the pleasant and memorable talk, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the brahmin Ahiṃsaka Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One: "I am Harmless, Master Gotama, I am Harmless, Master Gotama."
But one who does not harm by body, by speech, and by mind;
He indeed is harmless, who does not injure another."
When this was said, the brahmin Ahiṃsaka Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One: "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. he directly knew. And the Venerable Ahiṃsaka Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."
6.
The Discourse on Matted Hair
192. At Sāvatthī. Then the brahmin Jaṭā Bhāradvāja approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged friendly greetings with the Blessed One. Having concluded the pleasant and memorable talk, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the brahmin Jaṭā Bhāradvāja addressed the Blessed One in verse -
This I ask you, Gotama, who can disentangle this tangle?"
An ardent and prudent monk, he can disentangle this tangle.
Those who have eliminated the mental corruptions, the Worthy Ones, for them the tangle is disentangled.
Impingement and perception of material form, here this tangle is cut off."
When this was said, Jaṭā Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."
7.
The Discourse on Suddhika
193. At Sāvatthī. Then the brahmin Suddhika Bhāradvāja approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged friendly greetings with the Blessed One. Having concluded the pleasant and memorable talk, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the brahmin Suddhika Bhāradvāja addressed the Blessed One in verse in his presence -
One accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, he is purified, not other people of different kinds."
Inwardly full of rubbish, mentally defiled, dependent on scheming.
Putting forth strenuous energy, resolute, always of firm effort;
He attains the supreme purity - thus know, brahmin."
When this was said, the brahmin Suddhika Bhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."
8.
The Discourse on Aggika
194. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground. Now at that time the brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja had milk-rice with ghee prepared - "I will make an offering to the fire, I will attend to the fire-sacrifice."
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for almsfood. Walking for almsfood successively in Rājagaha, he approached the dwelling of the brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja; having approached, he stood to one side. The brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja saw the Blessed One standing for almsfood. Having seen him, he addressed the Blessed One in verse -
One accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, he should eat this excellent milk-rice."
Inwardly full of rubbish, mentally defiled, surrounded by scheming.
And also has attained the destruction of birth, the sage accomplished through direct knowledge.
One accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, he should eat this excellent milk-rice."
"Let Master Gotama eat. You are a brahmin."
Brahmin, this is not the principle for those who see clearly;
The Buddhas reject what is gained by reciting verses,
Brahmin, when the Teaching exists, this is the way of living.
One who has eliminated the mental corruptions, in whom remorse is stilled;
Attend upon him with food and drink,
For that is the field for one seeking merit."
When this was said, the brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. And the Venerable Aggikabhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."
9.
The Discourse on Sundarika
195. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Kosalans on the bank of the river Sundarikā. Now at that time the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja was making an offering to the fire on the bank of the river Sundarikā, attending to the fire-sacrifice. Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja, having made an offering to the fire, having attended to the fire-sacrifice, having risen from his seat, surveyed all around the four directions - "Who indeed might eat this remainder of the oblation?" The brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja saw the Blessed One seated at the foot of a certain tree, wrapped up to the head. Having seen him, having taken the remainder of the oblation in his left hand, having taken the water-pitcher in his right hand, he approached the Blessed One. Then the Blessed One uncovered his head at the sound of the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja's footsteps. Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja thought "This person is shaven-headed, this person is a shaveling," and wished to turn back from that very place. Then this occurred to the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja - "Some brahmins here are also shaven-headed; what if I were to approach him and ask about his birth."
Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja approached the Blessed One; having approached, he said this to the Blessed One - "What is your birth?"
From wood indeed fire is born;
Even one of low family, a sage with resolution,
Becomes a thoroughbred, restrained by shame.
One who has reached the end of knowledge, who has lived the holy life;
One who has prepared a sacrifice should invite him,
In due time he makes an offering to one worthy of offerings."
That I have seen such a master of knowledge;
For through not seeing those like you,
Other people eat the remainder of the oblation."
"Let Master Gotama eat. You are a brahmin."
Brahmin, this is not the principle for those who see clearly;
The Buddhas reject what is gained by reciting verses,
Brahmin, when the Teaching exists, this is the way of living.
One who has eliminated the mental corruptions, in whom remorse is stilled;
Attend upon him with food and drink,
For that is the field for one seeking merit."
"Then to whom, Master Gotama, should I give this remainder of the oblation?" "I do not see anyone, brahmin, in the world with its gods, with its Māras, with its Brahmās, among the generation with its ascetics and brahmins, with its gods and humans, by whom this remainder of the oblation, when eaten, would be properly digested, except, brahmin, for the Truth-finder or a disciple of the Truth-finder. If so, brahmin, throw that remainder of the oblation where there is little green vegetation, or drop it in water without living creatures."
Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja dropped that remainder of the oblation in water without living creatures. Then that remainder of the oblation, thrown into the water, hissed, sizzled, emitted smoke, and sent forth steam. Just as a ploughshare heated all day, thrown into water, hisses, sizzles, emits smoke, and sends forth steam; just so that remainder of the oblation, thrown into the water, hissed, sizzled, emitted smoke, and sent forth steam.
Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja, agitated, with hair standing on end, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he stood to one side. To the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja standing to one side, the Blessed One addressed in verses -
Think purity is external, for this is so;
For the skilled do not say purity comes by that,
One who would seek complete purity through what is external.
I kindle the light only internally;
With perpetual fire, perpetually concentrated,
A Worthy One, I live the holy life.
Wrath is smoke, untruth is ashes;
The tongue is the sacrificial ladle, the heart is the place of fire,
The well-tamed self is a person's light.
Undisturbed, praised by the virtuous, by the wise;
Where indeed those who have attained the highest knowledge have bathed,
With bodies unwet, they cross to the far shore.
Dependent on the middle, brahmin, is the attainment of the supreme;
You should pay homage to those who have become upright,
That person I call one who lives by the Teaching."
When this was said, the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."
10.
The Discourse on Many Daughters
196. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket. Now at that time fourteen oxen of a certain brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan had been lost. Then the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, searching for those oxen, approached that jungle thicket; having approached, he saw the Blessed One seated in that jungle thicket, folding his legs crosswise, directing his body upright, having established mindfulness in front of him. Having seen him, he approached the Blessed One; having approached, he spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One -
For six days now they have not been seen, therefore this ascetic is happy.
With one leaf and two leaves, therefore this ascetic is happy.
Dancing about with enthusiasm, therefore this ascetic is happy.
Covered with biting insects, therefore this ascetic is happy.
With one son and two sons, therefore this ascetic is happy.
Who awakens the sleeper with her foot, therefore this ascetic is happy.
Pressing him 'Give! Give!', therefore this ascetic is happy."
For six days now they have not been seen, therefore I am happy, brahmin.
With one leaf and two leaves, therefore I am happy, brahmin.
Dancing about with enthusiasm, therefore I am happy, brahmin.
Covered with biting insects, therefore I am happy, brahmin.
with one son, with two sons, therefore I am happy, brahmin.
who awakens my sleep with her foot, therefore I am happy, brahmin.
who press me saying 'Give! Give!', therefore I am happy, brahmin."
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama, excellent, Master Gotama! Just as, Master Gotama, one might set upright what had been overturned, or reveal what had been concealed, or point out the path to one who was lost, or hold up an oil lamp in the darkness - so that those with eyes might see forms; just so, the Teaching has been made clear by Master Gotama in many ways. I go for refuge to Master Gotama, to the Teaching, and to the Community of monks. May I receive the going forth in the presence of Master Gotama, may I receive the full ordination."
The brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan received the going forth in the presence of the Blessed One, he received full ordination. Not long after being fully ordained, the Venerable Bhāradvāja, dwelling alone, withdrawn, diligent, ardent, and resolute, before long - that unsurpassed goal for the sake of which sons of good family rightly go forth from home into homelessness - the final goal of the holy life, in this very life, having realised by direct knowledge himself, having attained, he dwelt. He directly knew: "Birth is eliminated, the holy life has been lived, what was to be done has been done, there is no more of this state of being." And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones.
The Arahant Chapter is first.
Its summary:
Ahiṃsaka and Matted Hair, and Purity and Fire-worshipper;
Sundarika and Many Daughters - these are ten.