Tipitaka » Sutta Pitaka » Khuddaka Nikaya » Dhammapada » Verse 396
Dhammapada Verse 396 - Eka Brahmana Vatthu[]
Daw Mya Tin Version[]
Na caham brahmanam brumi
yonijam mattisambhavam,
bhovadi(1) nama so hoti
sace hoti sakincano
akincanam anadanam
tamaham brumi brahmanam.
Verse 396: I do not call him a brahmana just because he is born from the womb of a brahmana mother. He is just a bhovadi brahmin if he is not free from moral defilements. Him I call a brahmana, who is free from moral defilements and from attachment.
1. bhovadi: 'Bho' is a familiar term of address used to inferiors and equals. The epithet 'bhovadi', therefore, implies arrogance. Brahmins usually addressed the Buddha as 'Bho Gotama!' The term 'bhovadi' is applied reproachfully by the Buddhists to the brahmins.
The Story of a Brahmin
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (396) of this book, with reference to a brahmin.
Once, a brahmin from Savatthi thought that since the Buddha called his disciples 'brahmanas', he should also be called a 'brahmana' because he was born of brahmin parents. When he told the Buddha about this, the Buddha replied to him, "O brahmin! I do not call him a brahmana just because he is born of brahmin parents. I call him a brahmana only if he is free from moral defilements and cut off all clinging to existence."
Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:
Verse 396: I do not call him a brahmana just because he is born from the womb of a brahmana mother. He is just a bhovadi brahmin if he is not free from moral defilements. Him I call a brahmana, who is free from moral defilements and from attachment.
At the end of the discourse that brahmin attained Sotapatti Fruition.
Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero Version[]
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