Moggallana Sutta

Translation by Bhikkhuni Uppalavanna

1. At one time the Blessed One was living in Rajagaha on the Black Rock on the side of Isigili, with about five hundred bhikkhus all worthy ones. At the time venerable MahàMoggallàna was searching the minds of these bhikkhus to see whether they were released and without desires.

2. Then it occurred to venerable Vaïgãsa, "The Blessed One is living in Rajagaha on the Black Rock on the side of Isigili, with about five hundred bhikkhus all worthy ones. Venerable MahàMoggallàna is searching the minds of these bhikkhus to see whether they are released and are without desires What if I praise venerable MahàMoggallàna in the presence of the Blessed One with suitable stanzas.?"

3. Then venerable Vaïgãsa got up from his seat, arranged his robe and clasping hands towards the Blessed One said: "Venerable sir, Blessed One, it occurs to me."

4. The Blessed One said "Vaïgãsa, say it."

5. Venerable Vaïgãsa said these meaningful stanzas in the presence of the Blessed One, alluding to venerable MahàMoggallàna:


 * "The sage gone beyond unpleasantness sits on the side of the Great Being.
 * Associates disciples examining their attainments of the threefold knowledge
 * Moggallàna is powerful and knows their release and the ending of desires
 * The sages endowed with many powers are associating Gotama.