Tipitaka » Sutta Pitaka » Khuddaka Nikaya » Dhammapada » Verse 305
Dhammapada Verse 305 - Ekaviharitthera Vatthu[]
Daw Mya Tin Version[]
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
Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero Version[]
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