Santuttham Sutta

Translated from the Pali by Maurice O'Connell Walshe

"Monks, Kassapa [1] here is content with any old robe. He praises contentment with any robe, nor does he commit any offense of unseemliness or impropriety [2] on account of a robe. If he has not got a robe, he does not worry; if he has got a robe he enjoys the use of it without clinging or foolish attachment, not committing any offense, aware of the danger and wisely avoiding it. [3] Kassapa is content with whatever alms he gets... whatever lodging... whatever requisites in the way of medicines for sickness... he enjoys the use of these things without clinging or foolish attachment, not committing any offense, aware of the danger and wisely avoiding it.

"Therefore, monks, you should train yourselves thus: We will be content with whatever robe,... alms... lodging... medicines... we may get... We will enjoy the use of these things without clinging or foolish attachment, not committing any offense, aware of the danger and wisely avoiding it.

"Monks, I will exhort you by the example of Kassapa, or one like Kassapa. So exhorted, you should practice to gain the goal."