SUTTA-NIPATA 2.11

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Adapted From the Translation by V. Fausboll(1881)

Buddha recommends the life of a recluse to Rahula, and admonishes him to turn his mind away from the world and to be moderate.

1. Bhagava(Lord Buddha) said: 'Do you not despise the wise man, from living with him constantly? Is he who holds up a torch to mankind honoured by you?' (337)

2. Rahula: 'I do not despise the wise man, from living with him constantly; he who holds up a torch to mankind is always honoured by me.' (338)

Vatthugatha. 3. Bhagava(Lord Buddha) : 'Having abandoned the objects of the five senses, the beautiful, the charming, and gone out from your house with faith, do you put an end to pain. (339)

4. 'Cultivate (the society of) virtuous friends and a distant dwelling-place, secluded and quiet; be moderate in food. (340)

5. 'Robes, alms (in bowl), requisites (for the sick), a dwelling-place,--do not thirst after these (things), that you may not go back to the world again. (341)

6. 'Be subdued according to the patimokka(vinaya precepts), and as to the five senses, be attentive as regards your body, and be full of disgust (with the world). (342)

7. 'Avoid causes(which lead to effects), what is pleasant and is accompanied with passion, turn your mind undisturbed and well composed(focussed) within. (343)

8. 'Cherish what is causeless, leave the inclinations for pride; then by destroying pride you shall remain calm.' (344)

So Bhagava(Lord Buddha) repeatedly admonished the venerable Rahula with these stanzas.

Rahulasutta is ended.