Katthahara Sutta

Translation by Bhikkhuni Uppalavanna

1. At that time the Blessed One was living in a stretch of forest in the country of Kosala.

2. At that time many young men were collecting fire wood for a certain Brahmin of the Bhàradvàja clan and the young men entered that forest stretch.

3. They saw the Blessed One sitting there, legs crossed, keeping the body straight and mindfulness established in front of him. Seeing the Blessed One they approached the Brahmin of the Bhàradvàja clan.

4. Approaching him they said: "Good sir, in that forest stretch there is a recluse sitting, legs crossed, keeping the body straight and mindfulness established in front of him."

5. Then the Brahmin of the Bhàradvàja clan approached that stretch of forest with the young men and saw the Blessed One sitting, legs crossed, keeping the body straight and mindfulness established in front of him. Seeing he approached the Blessed One and said these stanzas:


 * "In an exceptionally fearful forest plunged into a place without humans
 * Without fearing the wild animals, the bhikkhu concentrates. It's charming.
 * Here, there's no song or music. The sage is a lone dweller in the forest.
 * I say it is marvelous. You look so happy, alone in the forest.
 * I think you aim the company of the leading gods.
 * Do you desire the incomparable heaven of the thirty-three?
 * Why do you choose the forest without people?
 * Are you practicing austerities to attain the highest good?"

6. "All doubts, all enjoyments or to be established in various elements forever
 * Spring from desires not knowing the root cause
 * I have destroyed them completely
 * I am without doubts free from greed and undertakings
 * I have a pure vision of all things
 * I have attained incomparable rightful enlightenment.
 * Brahmin, I concentrate secretly, with confidence."

Then the brahmin of the Bhàradvàja clan said to the Blessed One: "Good Gotama, now I understand. It's like something overturned is put upright. Something covered is made manifest. It's like one who was lost was shown the path. It's like a lamp lighted for the darkness, for those who have sight to see forms. In this and other ways the Teaching is well explained. Now I take refuge in good Gotama, in the Teaching and the Community of bhikkhus. I am a lay disciple who has taken refuge from today until I die."