123. At the Gotamaka Shrine

AN 3:123 At the Gotamaka Shrine

Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi

On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at the Gotamaka Shrine, near Vesali. There the Blessed One addressed the monks thus:

“On the basis of direct knowledge I teach the Dhamma, O monks, not without direct knowledge. On good grounds I teach the Dhamma, not without good grounds. Convincingly I teach the Dhamma, not unconvincingly. Therefore, monks, my advice should be followed and my instruction accepted. This, monks, is sufficient for your satisfaction, sufficient for your gladness, sufficient for your joy: fully enlightened is the Blessed One; well proclaimed is the Blessed One’s Dhamma; well conducted is the Sangha.”

Thus spoke the Blessed One. Gladdened, those monks approved the Blessed One’s words. While this discourse was being spoken, the thousandfold world system shook.