The Master's Teaching

AN 7:79 The Master's Teaching

Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi

On one occasion the Venerable UPali approached the Blessed One. Having arrived, he paid homage to the Blessed One, sat down to one side, and said:

“It would be good, Lord, if the Blessed One would teach me the Dhamma in brief, so that having heard the Dhamma from the Blessed One, I might dwell alone, withdrawn, diligent, ardent and resolute.”

“When, UPali, you know of certain things: ’These things do not lead to complete revulsion, to dispassion, cessation, and peace, to direct knowledge, enlightenment, and Nibbana’—of such teachings you may be certain: ’This is not the Dhamma; this is not the Discipline; this is not the Master’s Teaching.’

“But, UPali, when you know of certain things: ’These things lead to complete revulsion, to dispassion, cessation, and peace, to direct knowledge, enlightenment, and Nibbana’—of such things you may be certain: ’This is the Dhamma; this is the Discipline; this is the Master’s Teaching.’“