Dhammapada Verse 305 - Ekaviharitthera Vatthu

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Source: Adapted from the original translation by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.

Dhammapada Verse 305 - Ekaviharitthera Vatthu
Ekasanam ekaseyyam

eko caramatandito

eko damayamattanam

vanante ramito siya.

Verse 305: He who sits alone, lies down alone, walks(1) alone, in diligent practice, and alone tames himself should find delight in living in the forest.

1. All these postures are connected with the cultivation of Insight Development.

The Story of the Thera Who Stayed Alone

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (305) of this book, with reference to a bhikkhu who stayed by himself. Because he usually stayed alone, he was known as Thera Ekavihari.

Thera Ekavihari did not mix much with other bhikkhus, but usually stayed by himself. All alone, he would sleep or lie down, or stand, or walk. Other bhikkhus thought ill of Ekavihari and told the Buddha about him. But the Buddha did not blame him; instead he said, "Yes, indeed, my son has done well; for, a bhikkhu should stay in solitude and seclusion".

Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:

Verse 305: He who sits alone, lies down alone, walks alone, in diligent practice, and alone tames himself should find delight in living in the forest.

End of Chapter Twenty-One: Miscellaneous

Credits
Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.

Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon, Burma, 1986

Courtesy of Nibbana.com

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