Navakamikka 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 the builder Bhàradvàja Brahmin was getting some work done in that forest stretch.

3. The builder Bhàradvàja Brahmin saw the Blessed One sitting at the root of a certain Sal tree, legs crossed, keeping the body straight and mindfulness established in front of him.

4. Seeing the Blessed One it occurred to him: "I enjoy doing some work in this stretch of forest. This recluse Gotama, doing what, does he enjoy in this forest stretch?"

5. Then the builder, the Bhàradvàja Brahmin approached the Blessed One and said this stanza:


 * "Bhikkhu, what work do you do in this Sal grove?
 * Gotama does enjoy the loneliness in the forest."

6. I have no duties here, in the forest my roots are pulled out,
 * My craving is dried up, arrow pulled out, I am without lust,
 * Dispelling the non attachment, to loneliness I enjoy it.

7. Then the builder Bhàradvàja Brahmin 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."