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Samyutta Nikaya:I.Sagathavagga-With Verses[]
Samyutta 2 : Connected Discourses with Young Devas (Devaputtasamyutta)[]
(i) The First Subchapter (Suriya)[]
82. Kassapa(1)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), Anathapindika's Park. Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Kassapa, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), approached the Lord (Buddha). 141 Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and said to the Lord (Buddha):
"The Lord (Buddha) has revealed the bhikkhu(monk) but not the
instruction to the bhikkhu." 142
[Buddha:]
"Well then, Kassapa, clear up this point yourself." 143
[Devata:]
"He should train in well-spoken counsel,
And in the exercise of an ascetic,
In a solitary seat, alone,
And in the calming of the mind." 144
This is what the young deva Kassapa said. The Teacher approved. Then the young deva Kassapa, thinking, "The Teacher has approved of me," paid homage to the Lord (Buddha) and, keeping him on the right, he disappeared right there.
83. Kassapa (2)[]
At Savatthi. Standing to one side, the young deva Kassapa recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"A bhikkhu(monk) should be a meditator,One who is liberated(vimutta sans. vimukt) in mind,
If he desires the heart's attainment.
Bent on that as his advantage; Having known the world & rise and fall(udaya-bbya).
Let him be lofty in mind and unattached." 145
84. Magha[]
[Devata:]
At Savatthi. Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Magha, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse: 146
"Having killed what does one sleep soundly?Having killed what does one not sorrow?
What is the one dhamma(quality,law), O Gotama; Whose killing you approve?"
[Buddha:]
"Having killed anger, one sleeps soundly;Having killed anger, one does not sorrow;
The killing of anger, O Vatrabhu(Indra); With its poisoned root and honeyed tip;
This is the killing the noble ones praise; For having killed that, one does not sorrow."
85. Magadha[]
At Savatthi. Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Magadha addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"How many sources of light are in the world; By means of which the world is illumined?
We've come to ask the Lord (Buddha) this; How are we to understand it?"
[Buddha:]
"There are four sources of light in the world; A fifth one is not found here.
The sun shines by day; The moon glows at night,
And fire flares up here and there;Both by day and at night.
But the Buddha is the best of those that shine; He is the light unsurpassed."
86. Damali[]
At Savatthi. Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Damali, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
[Devata:]
"This should be done by the brahmin; Striving without weariness,
That by his abandoning of sensual desires; He does not yearn for existence(bhavo)." 147
[Buddha:]
"For the brahmin there is no task to be done, [O Damali," said the Lord (Buddha)],
"For the brahmin has done what should be done.
While he has not gained a footing in the river,
A man will strain with all his limbs;
But a footing gained, standing on the ground,
He need not strain for he has gone beyond.
"This is a simile for the brahmin, O Damali,
For the defilement-free one, the discreet meditator.
Having reached the end of rebirth and death.
He need not strain for he has gone beyond." 148
87. Kamada[]
At Savatthi. Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Kamada said to the Lord (Buddha): "Hard to do. Lord (Buddha)! Very hard to do. Lord (Buddha)!"
[Buddha:]
"They do even what is hard to do, [O Kamada," said the Lord (Buddha),]
"The trainees endowed with virtue(sheel), steadfast.
For one who has entered the hermit life
Contentment brings along happiness(sukh)."
[Devata:]
"That is hard to gain. Lord (Buddha), namely, contentment."
[Buddha:]
"They gain even what is hard to gain,
[O Kamada," said the Lord (Buddha),]
"Who delight(nandi\anand) in calming the mind.
Whose minds, day and night
Take delight(nandi\anand) in development."
[Devata:]
"That is hard to samadhify(in trance). Lord (Buddha), namely, the mind."
[Buddha:]
"They samadhify(in trance) even what is hard to samadhify(in trance),[O Kamada," said the Lord (Buddha),]
"Who delight(nandi\anand) in calming the faculties.
Having cut through the net of Death,
The noble ones, O Kamada, go their way."
[Devata:]
"The path is impassable and uneven. Lord (Buddha)." 150
[Buddha:]
"Though the path is impassable and uneven; The noble ones walk it, Kamada.
The ignoble ones fall down head first; Right there on the uneven path.
But the path of the noble ones is even; For the noble are even among the uneven."
88. Pancalacanda[]
At Savatthi. Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Pancalacanda recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"The one of broad illuminated-insight(panna) has indeed found;The opening in the midst of confinement;
The Buddha who discovered jhana.
The withdrawn chief bull, the sage." 151
[Buddha:]
"Even in the midst of confinement they find it, [O Pancalacanda," said the Lord (Buddha),]
"The dhamma(path,law) for the attainment of Nibbana
Those who have acquired meditation(sati).
Those remain perfectly well in-samadhi(trance)state." 152
89. Tayana[]
At Savatthi. Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Tayana, formerly the founder of a religious sect, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), approached the Lord (Buddha). 153 Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and recited these verses in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Having exerted oneself, cut the stream!Dispel sensual desires, O brahmin!
Without having abandoned sensual desires; A sage does not reach unity. 154
"If one would do what should be done; One should firmly exert oneself. <112>
For a slack ascetic's life; Only scatters more dust.
"Better left undone is the misdeed; A deed that later brings repentance.
Better done is the good deed; Which when done is not repented.
"As kusa-grass, wrongly grasped; Only cuts one's hand.
So the ascetic life, wrongly taken up; Drags one down to hell.
"Any deed that is slackly done; Any corrupted vow,
A holy celibate life(brahmacariya) that breeds suspicion; Does not yield great fruit." 155
This is what the young deva Tayana said. Having said this, he
paid homage to the Lord (Buddha) and, keeping him on the right,
he disappeared right there.
Then, when the night had passed, the Lord (Buddha) addressed
the bhikkhus thus: "Bhikkhus(monks), last night, when the night had
advanced, the young deva Tayana, formerly the founder of a
religious sect ... approached me ... and in my presence
recited these verses:
"Having exerted oneself, cut the stream! . . . Does not yield great fruit."
"This is what the young deva Tayana said. Having said this,
he paid homage to me and, keeping me on the right, he disappeared right there. Learn Tayana's verses, bhikkhus. Master
Tayana's verses, bhikkhus. Remember Tayana's verses,
bhikkhus. Tayana's verses are beneficial, bhikkhus, they pertain
to the fundamentals of the holy celibate life(brahmacariya)."
90. Candima[]
At Savatthi. Now on that occasion the young deva(angel) Candima had been seized by Rahu, lord of the asuras(demons). 156 Then, recollecting the Lord (Buddha), the young deva Candima on that occasion recited this verse:
"Let homage be to you, the Buddha! O Brave(vir) one, you are everywhere released(in mokkha/moksha).
I have fallen into captivity; So please be my refuge."
Then, referring to the young deva Candima, the Lord (Buddha) addressed Rahu, lord of the asuras, in verse:
"Candima has gone for refuge; To the Tathagata, the Arahant.
release(mokkha/moksha) Candima, O Rahu; Buddhas have compassion for the world."
Then Rahu, lord of the asuras, released(in mokkha/moksha) the young deva Candima and hurriedly approached Vepacitti, lord of the asuras. 157 Having approached, shocked and terrified, he stood to one side. Then, as he stood there, Vepacitti, lord of the asuras, addressed him in verse:
"Why, Rahu, did you come in a hurry? Why did you release(mokkha/moksha) Candima?
Having come as if in shock; Why do you stand there frightened?"
"My head would have split in seven parts; While living I would have found no ease.
If, when chanted over by the Buddha's verse; I had not let go of Candima." [51]
91. Suriya[]
At Savatthi. Now on that occasion the young deva(angel) Suriya had been seized by Rahu, lord of the asuras(demons). 158 Then, recollecting the Lord (Buddha), the young deva Suriya on that occasion recited this verse:
"Let homage be to you, the Buddha! O Brave(vir) one, you are everywhere released(in mokkha/moksha).
I have fallen into captivity; So please be my refuge."
Then, referring to the young deva Suriya, the Lord (Buddha) addressed Rahu, lord of the asuras, in verse:
"Suriya has gone for refuge; To the Tathagata, the Arahant.
release(mokkha/moksha) Suriya, O Rahu; Buddhas have compassion for the world.
"While moving across the sky, O Rahu;
Do not swallow the radiant one;
The maker of light in darkness;
The disk of fiery might in the gloom.
Rahu, release(mokkha/moksha) my child Suriya." 159
Then Rahu, lord of the asuras, released(in mokkha/moksha) the young deva Suriya and hurriedly approached Vepacitti, lord of the asuras. Having approached, shocked and terrified, he stood to one side. Then, as he stood there, Vepacitti, lord of the asuras, addressed him in verse:
"Why, Rahu, did you come in a hurry? Why did you release(mokkha/moksha) Suriya?
Having come as if in shock; Why do you stand there frightened?"
"My head would have split in seven parts;While living I would have found no ease.
If, when chanted over by the Buddha's verses; I had not let go of Suriya."
(ii) Anathapindika[]
92. Candimasa[]
At Savatthi. Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Candimasa, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"They will surely reach to safety; Like deer in a mosquito-free marsh.
Who, having attained the jhanas; Are unified, discreet, meditative(satima)." 160
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"They will surely reach the far shore; Like a fish when the net is cut.
Who, having attained the jhanas; Are alertful(appamada), with flaws discarded." 161
93. Vendu (sans. Vishnu)[]
At Savatthi. Standing to one side, the young deva Vendu (Vishnu) recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha): 162
"Happy indeed are those human beings; Attending on the Fortunate One(Sugato),
Applying themselves to Gotama's Teaching; Who train in it with alertfulness(appamada)." 163
[Buddha:]
"When the course of teaching is proclaimed by me,[O Vendu," said the Lord (Buddha),]
"Those meditators who train therein.
Being alertful(appamada) at the proper time.
Will not come under Death's control."
94. Dighalatthi[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Dighalatthi, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"A bhikkhu(monk) should be a meditator;liberated(vimutta sans. vimukt) in mind,
If he desires the heart's attainment; Bent on that as his advantage.
Having known the world & rise and fall(udaya-bbya),
Let him be lofty in mind and unattached."
95. Nandana[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Nandana addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"I ask you, Gotama, broad of illuminated-insight(panna)
Unobstructed is the Lord (Buddha)'s knowledge and vision;
What is he like whom they call virtuous?
What is he like whom they call wise?
What is he like who has passed beyond suffering?
What is he like whom the devatas(angels) worship?"
[Buddha:]
"One virtuous, wise, of developed mind.
in-samadhi(trance)state, meditative(satima), enjoying jhana.
For whom all sorrows are gone, abandoned,
A defilement-destroyer bearing his final body;
It is such a one that they call virtuous,
Such a one that they call wise.
Such a one has passed beyond suffering.
Such a one the devatas worship."
96. Candana[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Candana addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"Who here crosses over the flood; Unwearying by day and night?
Who does not sink in the deep; Without support, without a hold?" 164
[Buddha:]
"One always perfect in virtue(sheel); Endowed with illuminated-insight(panna), well in-samadhi(trance)state.
One energetic and resolute; Crosses the flood so hard to cross.
"One who desists from sensual perception(sanna sans. sangya); Who has overcome the fetter of form,
Who has destroyed delight(nandi\anand) in existence(bhavo); He does not sink in the deep." 165
97. Vasudatta[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Vasudatta recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"As if smitten by a sword; As if his head were on fire,
A bhikkhu(monk) should remain meditative(sati); To abandon sensual(kaam/sexual) lust(raag)."
[Buddha:]
"As if smitten by a sword; As if his head were on fire,
A bhikkhu should remain meditative(sati); To abandon body-identity-view(sakkaya-ditthi)."
98. Subrahma[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Subrahma addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse: 166
"Always frightened is this mind;The mind is always agitated
About unarisen problems; And about arisen ones.
If there exists release(mokkha/moksha) from fear; Being asked, please declare it to me." 167
[Buddha:]
"Not apart from enlightenment and austerity(tapa); Not apart from restraint of the sense faculties.
Not apart from relinquishing all; Do I see any safety for living beings." 168
This is what the Lord (Buddha) said.... He [the young deva] disappeared right there.
99. Kakudha[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was
dwelling at Saketa in the Anjana-Grove(Anjanvana), the Deer-Park(Migdaye). Then,
when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Kakudha,
of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Anjana-Grove(Anjanvana),
approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, he paid homage
to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and said to him:
"Do you delight(nandi\anand), ascetic?" ;"
[Buddha:]
Having gained what, friend?"
[Devata:]
"Then, ascetic, do you sorrow?" ;
[Buddha:]
"What has been lost, friend?"
[Devata:]
"Then, ascetic, do you neither delight(nandi\anand) nor sorrow?"
[Buddha:]
"Yes, friend."
[Devata:]
"I hope that you're untroubled, bhikkhu(monk).
I hope no delight(nandi\anand) is found in you.
I hope that when you sit all alone
Discontent doesn't spread over you." 169
[Buddha:]
"Truly, I'm untroubled, spirit.
Yet no delight is found in me.
And when I'm sitting all alone
Discontent doesn't spread over me."
[Devata:]
"How are you untroubled, bhikkhu?
How is no delight found in you?
How come, when you sit all alone.
Discontent doesn't spread over you?"
[Buddha:]
"delight(nandi\anand) comes to one who is miserable.
Misery to one filled with delight.
As a bhikkhu undelighted, untroubled;
That's how you should know me, friend."
[Devata:]
"After a long time at last I see
A brahmin who is fully quenched,
A bhikkhu undelighted, untroubled.
Who has crossed over attachment to the world." 170
100. Uttara[]
At Rajagaha. Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Uttara recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Life is swept along, short is the life span;
No shelters exist for one who has reached old age.
Seeing clearly this danger in death,
One should do deeds of divine-merit(punya) that bring happiness(sukh)."
[Buddha:]
"Life is swept along, short is the life span;
No shelters exist for one who has reached old age.
Seeing clearly this danger in death,
A seeker of peace should drop the world's bait."
101. Anathapindika[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Anathapindika recited these verses in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"This indeed is that Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana);The resort of the Order of saints(ishis sans. rishis),
Dwelt in by the Dhamma King; A place that gives me joy.
"Action, knowledge, righteousness(dhamma);Virtue(sheel), an excellent life;
By this are mortals purified; Not by clan or wealth.
"Therefore a person who is wise;Out of regard for his own good,
Should meditatively(yoniso) examine the dhamma(path,law); Thus he is purified in it.
"Sariputta truly is endowed with illuminated-insight(panna); With virtue(sheel) and with inner peace.
Even a bhikkhu(monk) who has gone beyond; At best can only equal him."
This is what the young deva Anathapindika said. Having said
this, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha) and, keeping him on
the right, he disappeared right there.
Then, when the night had passed, the Lord (Buddha) addressed
the bhikkhus thus: "Bhikkhus(monks), last night, when the night had
advanced, a certain young deva ... approached me ... and in my
presence recited these verses:
"This indeed is that Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), ...
At best can only equal him."
"This is what that young deva said. Having said this, he paid
homage to me and, keeping me on the right, he disappeared
right there."
When this was said, the Venerable Ananda said to the Lord (Buddha) :
"Venerable sir, that young deva must surely have been
Anathapindika. For Anathapindika the householder had full
confidence in the Venerable Sariputta."
"Good, good, Ananda! You have drawn the right inference by
reasoning. 171 That young deva was Anathapindika."
(iii) Various Sectarians[]
102 Siva (sans. Shiv)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), Anathapindika's Park. Then, when the night had advanced, the young deva(angel) Siva, of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and recited these verses in the presence of the Lord (Buddha): 172
"One should associate only with the good;With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true dhamma(path,law) of the good,One becomes better, never worse.
"One should associate only with the good;With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true Dhamma of the good,illuminated-insight(panna) is gained, but not from another.
"One should associate only with the good;With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true Dhamma of the good, One does not sorrow in the midst of sorrow.
"One should associate only with the good;With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true Dhamma of the good, One shines among one's relations.
"One should associate only with the good;With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true Dhamma of the good,Beings go(rebirth) on to a good destination(sugati, heaven etc).
"One should associate only with the good; With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true Dhamma of the good, Beings dwell comfortably."
Then the Lord (Buddha) replied to the young deva Siva in verse:
"One should associate only with the good; With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learnt the true Dhamma of the good, One is released(in mokkha/moksha) from all suffering."
103. Khema[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Khema recited these verses in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Unwise(bala) people devoid of illuminated-insight(panna), Behave like enemies towards themselves.
They go about doing evil deeds,Which yield only bitter fruit.
"That deed is not well performed, Which, having been done, is then repented.
The result of which one experiences , Weeping with a tearful face.
"But that deed is well performed, Which, having been done, is not repented.
The result of which one experiences, Joyfully with a happy mind." 173
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"One should promptly do the deed, One knows leads to one's own welfare;
The thinker, the wise one, should not advance; With the example of the carter.
"As the carter who left the highway, A road with an even surface.
And entered upon a rugged bypath; Broods mournfully with a broken axle
"So the childish(unwise), having left the dhamma(path,law); To follow a way opposed to Dhamma,
When he falls into the mouth of Death; Broods like the carter with a broken axle." 174
104 Seri[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Seri addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"They always take delight(nandi\anand) in food; Both devas(angels) and human beings.
So what sort of spirit could it be; That does not take delight in food?"
[Buddha:]
"When they give donation out of faith; With a heart of confidence.
Food accrues to [the giver] himself; Both in this world and the next.
"Therefore, having removed stinginess; The conqueror of the stain should give a donation.
Divine-merits(punya) are the support for living beings;[When they arise] in the other world."
[Devata:]
"It is wonderful, venerable sir! It is amazing, venerable sir!
How well this was stated by the Lord (Buddha):
"When they give donation out of faith ... [When they arise] in the other world.'
"Once in the past, venerable sir, I was a king named Seri, a donor, a philanthropist, one who spoke in praise of giving donation. At the four gates I had donations given to ascetics, brahmins, paupers, wayfarers, mendicants, and beggars. Then, venerable sir, the harem women came to me and said: 'Your majesty gives donations, but we do not give donations. It would be good if, with your majesty's assistance, we too might give donations and do meritorious(punya) deeds.' It occurred to me: 'I am a donor, a philanthropist, one who speaks in praise of giving donation. So when they say, "Let us give donations," what am I to say to them?' So, venerable sir, I gave the first gate to the harem women. There the harem women gave donations, and my donations returned to me.
"Then, venerable sir, my khattiya vassals came to me and said:
'Your majesty gives donations, the harem women give donations, but we do not give donations. It would be good if, with your majesty's assistance, we too might give donations and do meritorious(punya) deeds.' It occurred to me: 'I am a donor....' So, venerable sir, I gave the second gate to the khattiya vassals. There the khattiya vassals gave donations, and my donations returned to me.
"Then, venerable sir, my troops came to me ...... So, venerable sir, I gave the third gate to the troops. There the troops gave donations, and my donations returned to me.
"Then, venerable sir, the brahmins and householders came to me ... So, venerable sir, I gave the fourth gate to the brahmins and householders. There the brahmins and householders gave donations, and my donations returned to me.
"Then, venerable sir, my men came to me and said: 'Now your majesty is not giving donations anywhere.' 175 When this was said, I told those men: 'Well then, I say, send half of the revenue generated in the outlying provinces from there to the palace. There itself give half as donations to ascetics, brahmins, paupers, wayfarers, mendicants, and beggars.'
"I did not reach any limit, venerable sir, to the meritorious(punya) deeds that I did for such a long time, to the beneficial(kusala sans. kushal) deeds that I did for such a long time, such that I could say:
'There is just so much divine-merit(punya)' or 'There is just so much result of divine-merit(punya)' or 'For just so long am I to dwell in heaven' It is wonderful, venerable sir! It is amazing, venerable sir! How well this was stated by the Lord (Buddha):
"When they donate out of faith; With a heart of confidence.
Food accrues to [the donor] himself; Both in this world and the next.
"Therefore, having removed stinginess;The conqueror of the stain should give a donation.
Deeds of divine-merit(punya) are the support for living beings;[When they arise] in the other world."
105. Ghatikara[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Ghatikara recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Seven bhikkhus reborn in Aviha(hell);
....Have been fully liberated(vimutta sans. vimukt)...."( verses same as in 1:50)
Both now inwardly developed; Bearers of their final bodies. "
106. Jantu[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion a number of bhikkhus were dwelling among the Kosalans in a little forest hut on a slope of the Himalayas - restless, puffed up, personally vain, roughtongued, rambling in their talk, muddle-minded, without complete comprehension (sampajanna), not-in-samadhi(trance)state, scatter-brained, loose in their sense faculties. 176
Then, on the Uposatha day of the fifteenth, the young deva(angel) Jantu approached those bhikkhus and addressed them in verses: 177
"In the past the bhikkhus lived happily;The disciples of Gotama.
Without wishes they sought their alms;Without wishes they used their lodgings.
Having known the world's impermanence(anicca sans. anitya);They made an end to suffering.
"But now like headmen in a village;They make themselves hard to maintain.
They eat and eat and then lie down;Infatuated in others' homes. 178
"Having reverently saluted the Sangha(fraternity);I here speak only about some;
They are rejected, without protector;Become just like the dead. 179
"My statement is made with reference;To those who dwell in slothfulness(pamada).
As for those who dwell in alertfulness(appamada);To them I humbly pay homage."
107. Rohitassa[]
At Savatthi. Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Rohitassa said to the Lord (Buddha):
"Is it possible, venerable sir, by travelling to know or to see or
to reach the end of the world, where one is not born, does not
age, does not die, does not pass away, and is not reborn?" <143>
[Buddha:]
"As to that end of the world, friend, where one is not born,
does not age, does not die, does not pass away, and is not
reborn - I say that it cannot be known, seen, or reached by travelling." 1811
[Devata:]
"It is wonderful, venerable sir! It is amazing, venerable sir!
How well this was stated by the Lord (Buddha): 'As to that end of
the world, friend, ... I say that it cannot be known, seen, or
reached by travelling.'
"Once in the past, venerable sir, I was a hermit named Rohitassa, son of Bhoja, possessed of spiritual-power(iddhi\riddhi), able to travel through the sky. My speed was such, venerable sir, that I could move just as swiftly as a firm-bowed archer - trained, skilful, practised, experienced - could easily shoot past the shadow of a palmyra tree with a light arrow. 181 My stride was such, venerable sir, that it seemed to reach from the eastern ocean to the western ocean. Then, venerable sir, the wish arose in me: 'I will reach the end of the world by travelling.' Possessing such speed and such a stride, and having a life span of a hundred years, living for a hundred years, I travelled for a hundred years, without pausing except to eat, drink, take meals and snacks, to defecate and urinate, to sleep and dispel fatigue; yet I died along the way without having reached the end of the world.
"It is wonderful, venerable sir! It is amazing, venerable sir! How well this was stated by the Lord (Buddha): 'As to that end of the world (nirvana), friend, where one is not born, does not age, does not die, does not pass away, and is not reborn - I say that it cannot be known, seen, or reached by travelling."
[Buddha:]
"However, friend, I say that without having reached the end of the world(nirvana) there is no making an end to suffering. It is, friend, in just this fathom-high carcass(body) endowed with perception(sanna sans. sangya) and mind that I make known the world, the origin of the world, the cessation(nirodha) of the world(nirvana), and the way leading to the cessation of the world. (note: Here cessation a a state of meditation)
"The world's end can never be reached;By means of travelling [through the world],
Yet without reaching the world's end;There is no release(mokkha/moksha) from suffering.
"Therefore, truly, the world-knower, the wise one;
Gone to the world's end, fulfiller of the holy celibate life(brahmacariya).
Having known the world's end, at peace,
Longs not for this world or another."
108. Nanda[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Nanda recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Time flies by, the nights swiftly pass,
The stages of life successively desert us;
Seeing clearly this danger in death,
One should do deeds of divine-merit(punya) that bring happiness(sukh)."
[Buddha:]
"Time flies by, the nights swiftly pass;
The stages of life successively desert us.
Seeing clearly this danger in death,
A seeker of peace should drop the world's bait."
109. Nandivisala[]
Standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Nandivisala addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"Having four wheels and nine doors; Filled up and bound with greed.
Born from a bog, O greatly brave(mahavir)! How does one escape from it?"
[Buddha:]
"Having cut the thong and the strap; Having cut off evil desire and greed.
Having drawn out craving(tanha sans. trishna) with its root; Thus one escapes from it."
110. Susima[]
At Savatthi. Then the Venerable Ananda approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to him: "Do you too, Ananda, approve of Sariputta?" 183
[Ananda:]
"Indeed, venerable sir, who would not approve of the Venerable Sariputta, unless he were childish(unwise), full of hatred(dosa\dvesh), deluded, or mentally deranged? The Venerable Sariputta, venerable sir, is wise, one of great illuminated-insight(panna sans. pragya), of wide illuminated-insight(panna), of joyous illuminated-insight(panna), of swift illuminated-insight(panna), of sharp illuminated-insight(panna), of penetrative illuminated-insight(panna). 184 The Venerable Sariputta, venerable sir, has few wishes; he is content, secluded, aloof, energetic. The Venerable Sariputta, venerable sir, is one who gives advice, one who accepts advice, a reprover, one who censures evil. Indeed, venerable sir, who would not approve of the Venerable Sariputta, unless he were childish(unwise), full of hatred(dosa\dvesh), deluded, or mentally deranged?"
[Buddha:]
"So it is, Ananda, so it is! Indeed, Ananda, who would not approve of Sariputta, unless he were childish(unwise), full of hatred(dosa\dvesh), deluded, or mentally deranged? Sariputta, Ananda, is wise . . . (as above) ... unless he were mentally deranged?"
Then, while this praise of the Venerable Sariputta was being spoken, the young deva(angel) Susima, accompanied by a great assembly of young devas(angels), approached the Lord (Buddha). 185 Having approached, he paid homage to the Lord (Buddha), stood to one side, and said to him: "So it is. Lord (Buddha)! So it is. Fortunate One(Sugato)! Indeed, venerable sir, who would not approve of the Venerable Sariputta ... ( all as above)... unless he were mentally deranged? In my case too, venerable sir, no matter what assembly of young devas I have approached, I have often heard this same report: The Venerable Sariputta is wise ... one who censures evil. Indeed, who would not approve of the Venerable Sariputta, unless he were childish(unwise), full of hatred(dosa\dvesh), deluded, or mentally deranged?"'
Then, while this praise of the Venerable Sariputta was being spoken, the young devas in Susima's assembly - elated, gladdened, full of bliss(piti/preeti) and joy - displayed diverse lustrous colours. 186 Just as a beryl gem - beautiful, of fine quality, eightfaceted, of excellent workmanship - when placed on a brocade cloth, shines and beams and radiates, so too the young devas in Susima's assembly ... displayed diverse lustrous colours.
And just as an ornament of finest gold - very skilfully burnished in a furnace by an adroit goldsmith - when placed on a brocade cloth, shines and beams and radiates, so too the young devas in Susima's assembly ... displayed diverse lustrous colours.
And just as, when the night is fading, the morning star shines and beams and radiates, so too the young devas in Susima's assembly ... displayed diverse lustrous colours. 187
And just as in the autumn, when the sky is clear and cloudless, the sun, ascending in the sky, dispels all darkness from space as it shines and beams and radiates, 188 so too the young devas in Susima's assembly - elated, gladdened, full of bliss(piti/preeti) and joy - displayed diverse lustrous colours.
Then, with reference to the Venerable Sariputta, the young deva Susima recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"He is widely known to be a wise man; Sariputta, who is free of anger;
Of few wishes, gentle, tamed; The hermit adorned by the Teacher's praise."
Then the Lord (Buddha), with reference to the Venerable Sariputta,
replied to the young deva Susima in verse:
"He is widely known to be a wise man; Sariputta, who is free of anger;
Of few wishes, gentle, tamed; Developed, well tamed(mind of), he awaits the time." 189
111. Various Sectarians(Nanatitthiyas)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). Then, when the night had advanced, a number of young devas(angels), disciples of various sectarian teachers - Asama and Sahali and Ninka and Akotaka and Vetambari and Manavagamiya - of stunning beauty, illuminating the entire Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), approached the Lord (Buddha). Having approached, they paid homage to the Lord (Buddha) and stood to one side. 190
Then, standing to one side, the young deva(angel) Asama spoke this verse referring to Purana Kassapa in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"In injuring and killing here;In beating to death Kassapa
did not recognize evil; Nor see any divine-merit(punya) for oneself.
He indeed taught what is worthy of trust;That teacher deserves esteem." 191
Then the young deva Sahali spoke this verse referring to
Makkhali Gosala in the presence of the Lord (Buddha): 192
"By austerity(tapa) and scrupulousness; He attained complete self-restraint.
He abandoned contentious talk with people;
Refrained from falsehood, a speaker of truth.
Surely such a one does no evil." 193
Then the young deva Ninka spoke this verse referring to
Nigantha Nataputta in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"A scrupulous discerning bhikkhu(monk); Well restrained by the four controls.
Explaining what is seen and heard; Surely, he could not be a sinner." 194
Then the young deva Akotaka spoke this verse referring to
various sectarian teachers in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Pakudhaka Katiyana and the Nigantha;
Along with Makkhali and Purana;
Teachers of many, attained to ascetic stature;
They were surely not far from superior men." 195
Then the young deva Vetambari replied to the young deva Akotaka in verse:
"Even by howling along the wretched jackal;
Remains a vile beast, never the lion's peer;
So though he be the teacher of a group;
The naked ascetic, speaker of falsehood;
Arousing suspicion by his conduct;
Bears no resemblance to superior men." 196
Then Mara(Satan) the Evil One took possession of the young deva Vetambari and recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha): 197
"Those engaged in austerity(tapa) and scrupulousness; Those protecting their solitude.
And those who have settled on form; Delighting in the world of devas;
Indeed, these mortals teach rightly; In regard to the other world."
Then the Lord (Buddha), having understood, "This is Mara the
Evil One," replied to Mara the Evil One in verse:
"Whatever forms exist here or beyond;
And those of luminous beauty in the sky.
All these, indeed, you praise, Namuci,
Like bait thrown out for catching fish." 198
Then, in the Lord (Buddha)'s presence, the young deva Manavagamiya recited these verses referring to the Lord (Buddha):
"Vipula is called the best of mountains; Among the hills of Rajagaha,
Seta, the best of snow-clad(Himalaya) mountains;The sun, the best of travellers in the sky.
"The ocean is the best body of water; The moon, the best of nocturnal lights,
But in this world together with its devas; The Buddha is declared supreme."
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