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Samyutta Nikaya:I.Sagathavagga-With Verses[]
Samyutta 7 : Connected Discourses with Brahmins/Priests (Brahmanasamyutta)[]
(i) The Arahants Section (Arahantavaggo)[]
187. Dhananjani[]
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). Now on that occasion the wife of a certain brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan, a brahmin lady named Dhananjani, had full confidence in the Buddha, the dhamma(path,law), and the Sangha(fraternity). 428 Once, while the brahmin lady Dhananjani was bringing the brahmin his meal, she stumbled, whereupon she uttered three times this inspired utterance:
"Homage to the Lord (Buddha), the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One!
Homage to the Lord (Buddha), the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One!
Homage to the Lord (Buddha), the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One!" 429
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan said to her: "For the slightest thing this wretched woman spouts out praise of that shaveling ascetic! Now, wretched woman, I am going to refute the doctrine of that teacher of yours." 430
"I do not see anyone, brahmin, in this world with its devas(angels), Mara(Satan), and Brahma(Archangel), in this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, its devas and humans, who could refute the doctrine of the Lord (Buddha), the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One. But go, brahmin. When you have gone, you will understand."
Then the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan, angry and displeased, approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse: 431
"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?"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Having killed anger, one sleeps soundly; Having killed anger, one does not sorrow;
The killing of anger, O brahmin; With its poisoned root and honeyed tip:
This is the killing the Noble ones praise;For having killed that, one does not sorrow."
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama! The dhamma(path,law) has been made clear in many ways by Master Gotama, as though he were turning upright what had been turned upside down, revealing what was hidden, showing the way to one who was lost, or holding up a lamp in the dark for those with eyesight to see forms. I go for refuge to Master Gotama, and to the Dhamma, and to the bhikkhu(monk) Sangha(fraternity). May I receive the going-forth(initiation,pabajja) under Master Gotama, may I receive the higher ordination(upsampada)?"
Then the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan received the going-forth(initiation,pabajja) under the Lord (Buddha), he received the higher ordination. And soon, not long after his higher ordination, dwelling alone, withdrawn, alertful, ardent, and resolute, the Venerable Bharadvaja, by realizing it for himself, vested with divine-knowledge(abhinna), in this very life entered and dwelt in that unsurpassed goal of the holy celibate life(brahmacariya) for the sake of which clansmen rightly go forth from the household life into hermit life. He directly knew:
"Destroyed is rebirth, the holy celibate life(brahmacariya) has been lived, what had to be done has been done, there is no more for this state of being." 432 And the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
188. Abuse (Akkosa)[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). The brahmin Akkosaka Bharadvaja, Bharadvaja the Abusive, heard: 433 "It is said that the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan has gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit) from the household life into hermit life under the ascetic Gotama." Angry and displeased, he approached the Lord (Buddha) and abused and reviled him with rude, harsh words.
When he had finished speaking, the Lord (Buddha) said to him:
"What do you think, brahmin? Do your friends and colleagues, kinsmen and relatives, as well as guests come to visit you?"
[Bharadvaja:] "Sometimes they come to visit. Master Gotama."
[Buddha:]"Do you then offer them some food or a meal or a snack?"
[Bharadvaja:] "Sometimes I do. Master Gotama."
[Buddha:] "But if they do not accept it from you, then to whom does the food belong?"
[Bharadvaja:] "If they do not accept it from me, then the food still belongs to us."
[Buddha:]"So too, brahmin, we - who do not abuse anyone, who do not scold anyone, who do not rail against anyone - refuse to accept from you the abuse and scolding and tirade you let loose at us. It still belongs to you, brahmin! It still belongs to you, brahmin!
"Brahmin, one who abuses his own abuser, who scolds the one who scolds him, who rails against the one who rails at him - he is said to partake of the meal, to enter upon an exchange. But we do not partake of your meal; we do not enter upon an exchange. It still belongs to you, brahmin! It still belongs to you, brahmin!"
[Bharadvaja:] "The king and his retinue understand the ascetic Gotama to be an arahant, yet does Master Gotama still gets angry ?." 434
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"How can anger arise in one who is angerless;In the tamed one of righteous living,
In one liberated(vimutta sans. vimukt) by perfect knowledge; In the Stable One who remains in peace? 435
"One who repays an angry man with anger; Thereby makes things worse for himself.
Not repaying an angry man with anger; One wins a battle hard to win.
"He practises for the welfare of both; His own and the other's.
When, knowing that his foe is angry; He meditative(sato) maintains his peace.
"When he achieves the cure of both;His own and the other's,
The people who consider him childish(unwise); Are unskilled in the dhamma(path,law)." 436
When this was said, the brahmin Akkosaka Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 187) I go for refuge to Master Gotama, and to the Dhamma, and to the bhikkhu(monk) Sangha(fraternity). May I receive the going-forth(initiation,pabajja) under Master Gotama, may I receive the higher ordination(upsampada)?"
Then the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan received the going-forth(initiation,pabajja) under the Lord (Buddha), he received the higher ordination. And soon, not long after his higher ordination, dwelling alone ...(as in 187) the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
189. Asurindaka[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). The brahmin Asurindaka Bharadvaja heard: 437 "It is said that the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan has gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit) from the household life into hermit life under the ascetic Gotama." Angry and displeased, he approached the Lord (Buddha) and abused and reviled him with rude, harsh words.
When he had finished speaking, the Lord (Buddha) remained silent. Then the brahmin Asurindaka Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "You're beaten, ascetic! You're beaten, ascetic!"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"The childish(unwise) thinks victory is won; When, by speech, he bellows harshly;
But for one who understands; Patient endurance is the true victory. 438
"One who repays an angry man with anger; Thereby makes things worse for himself.
Not repaying an angry man with anger; One wins a battle hard to win.
"He practises for the welfare of both; His own and the other's.
When, knowing that his foe is angry; He meditative(sato) maintains his peace.
"When he achieves the cure of both;His own and the other's,
The people who consider him childish(unwise); Are unskilled in the dhamma(path,law)."
When this was said, the brahmin Asurindaka Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 187)" And the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
190 Bilangika[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). The brahmin Bilangika Bharadvaja heard: 439 "It is said that the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan has gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit) from the household life into hermit life under the ascetic Gotama." Angry and displeased, he approached the Lord (Buddha) and silently stood to one side. 440 Then the Lord (Buddha), having known with his own mind the thought in the brahmin Bilangika Bharadvaja's mind, addressed him in verse:
"If one wrongs an innocent man,
A pure person without blemish,
The evil falls back on the childish(unwise) himself
Like fine dust thrown against the wind."
When this was said, the brahmin Bilangika Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 187)" And the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
191. Ahimsaka[]
At Savatthi. Then the brahmin Ahimsaka Bharadvaja, Bharadvaja the Harmless, approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him. 441 When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and said to the Lord (Buddha): "I am Ahimsaka the Harmless, Master Gotama. I am Ahimsaka the Harmless, Master Gotama."
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"If one were as one's name implies ; You would be a harmless one.
But it is one who does no harm at all ; By body, speech, or mind.
Who really is a harmless one; As he does not harm others."
When this was said, the brahmin Ahimsaka Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 187)" And the Venerable Ahimsaka Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
192. Tangle (Jata)[]
At Savatthi. Then the brahmin Jata Bharadvaja, Bharadvaja of the Tangle, approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"A tangle inside, a tangle outside;This generation is entangled in a tangle.
I ask you this, O Gotama; Who can disentangle this tangle?"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"A man established on virtue(sheel), wise; Developing the mind and illuminated-insight(panna),
A bhikkhu(monk) ardent and discreet; He can disentangle this tangle.
"Those for whom lust(raag) & hatred(dosa/dvesh); Along with ignorance(avijja sans. avidya) have been expunged.
The arahants with defilements destroyed; For them the tangle is disentangled.
"Where mind-and-bodyform(namarupa) ceases; Stops without remainder.
And also impingement(patigha) and perception(sanna sans. sangya) of form;It is here this tangle is cut."
When this was said, the brahmin Jata Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 187)" And the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
193. Suddhika[]
At Savatthi. Then the brahmin Suddhika Bharadvaja approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side gnd recited this verse in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"In the world no brahmin is ever purified; Though he be virtuous and austere(tapa) in practice;
One accomplished in knowledge and conduct is purified;Not the others, the common folk." 442
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Even though one mutters many chants; One does not become a brahmin by birth;
If one is rotten within and defiled; Supporting oneself by fraudulent means.
"Whether khattiya, brahmin, vessa, sudda; Candala or scavenger,
If one is energetic and resolute; Always firm in exertion,
One attains the supreme purity; Know, O brahmin, that this is so."
When this was said, the brahmin Suddhika Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!"...(as in 187) And the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
194. Aggika[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). Now on that occasion milk-rice with ghee had been set out for the brahmin Aggika Bharadvaja, who had thought: "I will offer a fire ceremony, I will perform the fire oblation (yagna & food)." 443
Then, in the morning, the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, entered Rajagaha for alms. Walking for alms on uninterrupted alms round in Rajagaha, the Lord (Buddha) approached the residence of the brahmin Aggika Bharadvaja and stood to one side. The brahmin Aggika Bharadvaja saw the Lord (Buddha) standing for alms and addressed him in verse:
"One endowed with the triple knowledge; Of proper birth, of ample learning.
Accomplished in knowledge and conduct; Might partake of this milk-rice meal." 444
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Even though one mutters many chants;One does not become a brahmin by birth
If one is rotten within and defiled; With followers gained by fraudulent means.
"One who has known his past abodes; Who sees(passato,in meditation) heaven and the plane of woe.
Who has reached the destruction(khaya\kshaya) of rebirths; A sage perfect in divine-knowledge(abhinna) 445
"By means of these three kinds of knowledge; One is a triple-knowledge brahmin.
This one accomplished in knowledge and conduct; Might partake of this milk-rice meal." <358>
[The brahmin Aggika Bharadvaja:] "Let Master Gotama eat; The worthy is a brahmin."
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Food over which verses have been sung;Is not fit to be eaten by me.
This, brahmin, is not the principle Observed by those who see.
The Enlightened Ones reject such food Over which verses have been sung.
As such a principle exists, O brahmin This is their rule of conduct.
"To the Perfect one, the great saint
With defilements destroyed and remorse stilled,
"Serve with other food and drink
For he is the field for one seeking divine-merit(punya)." 446
When this was said, the brahmin Aggika Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!"...(as in 187) And the Venerable Aggika Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
195 Sundarika[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling among the Kosalans on the bank of the river Sundarika. Now on that occasion the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja was offering a fire ceremony and performing the fire donation on the bank of the river Sundarika. Then the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja, having offered the fire ceremony and performed the fire donation (yagna & food), rose from his seat and surveyed the four quarters all around, wondering: "Who now might eat this fire-ceremony cake?" 447
The brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja saw the Lord (Buddha) sitting at the foot of a tree with his head covered. Having seen him, he took the fire-ceremony cake in his left hand and the waterpot in his right hand and approached the Lord (Buddha). When the Lord (Buddha) heard the sound of the brahmin's footsteps, he uncovered his head. Then the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja, thinking, "This worthy is shaven-headed, this worthy is a shaveling," wanted to turn back; but it occurred to him:
"Some brahmins here are also shaven-headed. Let me approach him and inquire about his birth."
Then the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja approached the
Lord (Buddha) and said to him: "What is the worthy one's birth?"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Ask not of birth but ask of conduct:
Fire is indeed produced from any wood.
A resolute sage, though from low family.
Is a thoroughbred restrained by a sense of shame. 448
"The ceremony-holder should invoke this one:
One tamed by truth, perfect by taming.
Who has reached the end of knowledge,
A fulfiller of the holy celibate life(brahmacariya).
Then he makes a timely donation
To one worthy of offerings." 449
[The brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja:]
"Surely my ceremony is well performed
As I have seen such a knowledge-master.
Because I had not seen those like yourself
Other people ate the fire-ceremony cake.
"Let Master Gotama eat. The worthy is a brahmin."
[The Lord (Buddha):](as in 194)
"Food over which verses have been sung;Is not fit to be eaten by me.
This, brahmin, is not the principle Observed by those who see.
The Enlightened Ones reject such food Over which verses have been sung.
As such a principle exists, O brahmin This is their rule of conduct.
" To the Perfect one, the great saint
With defilements destroyed and remorse stilled,
Serve with food and drink
For he is the field for one seeking divine-merit(punya)."
[Sundarika Bharadvaja:] "Then, Master Gotama, should I donate this fire-ceremony cake to someone else?" "I do not see anyone, brahmin, in this world with its devas(angels), Mara(Satan), and Brahma(arch-angel), in this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, its devas and humans, who could eat and properly digest this fire-ceremony cake except the Tathagata or a disciple of the Tathagata. 450 Therefore, brahmin, throw away the fire-ceremony cake in a place where there is sparse vegetation or dispose of it in water where there are no living beings."
Then the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja disposed of that fire-ceremony cake in water where there were no living beings. When it was disposed of in the water, that fire-ceremony cake sizzled and hissed and gave off steam and smoke. 451 Just as a ploughshare, heated all day, sizzles and hisses and gives off steam and smoke if placed in water, so too that fire-ceremony cake, when disposed of in the water, sizzled and hissed and gave off steam and smoke.
Then the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja, shocked and terrified,
approached the Lord (Buddha) and stood to one side. The
Lord (Buddha) then addressed him with verses:
"When kindling wood, brahmin, do not imagine
This external deed brings purity;
For experts say no purity is gained
By one who seeks it outwardly.
"Having given up the fire made from wood,
I kindle, O brahmin, the inner light alone.
Always ablaze, my mind always in-samadhi(trance)state,
I am an arahant living the holy celibate life(brahmacariya).
"Conceit, O brahmin, is your shoulder-load,
Anger the smoke, false speech the ashes;
The tongue is the ladle, the heart the altar,
A well-tamed self is the light of a man.
"The dhamma(path,law) is a lake with fords of virtue(sheel)
Limpid, praised by the good to the good
Where the knowledge-masters go to bathe.
And, dry-limbed, cross, to the far shore. 453
"Truth, Dhamma, restraint, the holy celibate life(brahmacariya).
Attainment of Brahma based on the middle(path):
Pay homage, O brahmin, to the upright ones;
I call that person one impelled by Dhamma." 454
When this was said, the brahmin Sundarika Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!"...(as in 187) And the Venerable Sundarika Bharadvaja became one of the arahants.
196. Many Daughters (Bahudhita)[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain woodland thicket. Now on that occasion fourteen oxen belonging to a certain brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan had gotten lost. Then the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan, while searching for those oxen, went to the woodland thicket where the Lord (Buddha) was staying. There he saw the Lord (Buddha) sitting with his legs folded crosswise, holding his body erect, having set up meditation(sati) in front of face of him. Having seen him, he approached the Lord (Buddha) and recited these verses in the presence of the Lord (Buddha):
"Surely this ascetic does not have, Fourteen oxen [that have gotten lost].
Not seen now for the past six days; Hence this ascetic is happy. 455
"Surely this ascetic does not have; A field of blighted sesamum plants.
Some with one leaf, some with two, Hence this ascetic is happy. <366>
"Surely this ascetic does not have; Rats inside an empty barn
Dancing around merrily; Hence this ascetic is happy.
"Surely this ascetic does not have; A blanket that for seven months
Has been covered with swarms of vermin; Hence this ascetic is happy.
"Surely this ascetic does not have; Seven daughters left for widows.
Some with one son, some with two; Hence this ascetic is happy. 456
"Surely this ascetic does not have; A tawny wife with pockmarked face
Who wakes him up with a kick; Hence this ascetic is happy.
"Surely this ascetic does not have; Creditors who call at dawn.
Chiding him, 'Pay up! Pay up!'; Hence this ascetic is happy."
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; Fourteen oxen [that have gotten lost].
Not seen now for the past six days; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy.
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; A field of blighted sesamum plants.
Some with one leaf, some with two; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy.
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; Rats inside an empty barn
Dancing around merrily; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy.
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; A blanket that for seven months
Has been covered with swarms of vermin; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy.
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; Seven daughters left for widows.
Some with one son, some with two; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy.
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; A tawny wife with pockmarked face
Who wakes me up with a kick; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy.
"Surely, brahmin, I do not have; Creditors who call at dawn.
Chiding me, 'Pay up! Pay up!'; Hence, O brahmin, I am happy."
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama!"...(as in 187) And the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the arahants. 457 <369>
(ii) The Lay Followers Section (Upasakavaggo)[]
197. Kasi Bharadvaja[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). 458 On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling among the Magadhans at Dakkhinagiri near the brahmin village of Ekanala. Now on that occasion the brahmin Kasi Bharadvaja, Bharadvaja the Ploughman, had five hundred ploughs fastened to their yokes at the time of sowing. 459 Then, in the morning, the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, went to the place where the brahmin Kasi Bharadvaja was at work.
Now on that occasion the brahmin Kasi Bharadvaja's food disribution was taking place. 460 Then the Lord (Buddha) approached the place of the food distribution and stood to one side. The brahmin Kasi Bharadvaja saw the Lord (Buddha) standing for alms and said to him:
"Recluse, I plough and sow, and when I have ploughed and sown I eat. You too, ascetic, ought to plough and sow; then when you have ploughed and sown, you will eat."
[Buddha:] "I too, brahmin, plough and sow, and when I have ploughed and sown I eat."
[Kasi Bharadvaja] "But we do not see Master Gotama's yoke or plough or ploughshare or goad or oxen; yet Master Gotama says, 'I too, brahmin, plough and sow, and when I have ploughed and sown I eat.'"
Then the brahmin Kasi Bharadvaja addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"You claim to be a man who works the plough; But I do not see your ploughing.
If you're a ploughman, answer me; How should we understand your ploughing?"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Faith is the seed, austerity(tapa) the rain; illuminated-insight(panna) my yoke and plough;
Shame is the pole, mind the yoke-tie; meditation(sati) my ploughshare and goad 461
"Guarded in body, guarded in speech; Controlled in my appetite for food,
I use truth as my weeding-hook; And gentleness as my unyoking 462 [173]
"Energetic-strength(viriya) is my beast of burden; Carrying me to security from bondage.
It goes ahead without stopping; To where, having gone, one does not sorrow. 463
"In such a way this ploughing is done; Which has the deathless-state(nirvana) as its fruit.
Having finished this work of ploughing; One is released(in mokkha/moksha) from all suffering."
"Let Master Gotama eat! The worthy is a ploughman, since Master Gotama does ploughing that has even the deathless-state as its fruit."
"Food over which verses have been sung;Is not fit to be eaten by me.
This, brahmin, is not the principle Observed by those who see.
The Enlightened Ones reject such food Over which verses have been sung.
As such a principle exists, O brahmin This is their rule of conduct.
" To the perfect one, the great saint
With defilements destroyed and remorse stilled,
Serve with food and drink
For he is the field for one seeking divine-merit(punya). (as in 194)"
When this was said, the brahmin Kasi Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama! The dhamma(path,law) has been made clear in many ways by Master Gotama, as though he were turning upright what had been turned upside down, revealing what was hidden, showing the way to one who was lost, or holding up a lamp in the dark for those with eyesight to see forms. I go for refuge to Master Gotama, and to the Dhamma, and to the bhikkhu(monk) Sangha(fraternity). Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
198. Udaya[]
At Savatthi. Then, in the morning, the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, approached the residence of the brahmin Udaya. Then the brahmin Udaya filled the Lord (Buddha)'s bowl with rice. A second time in the morning the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, approached the residence of the brahmin Udaya.... A third time in the morning the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, approached the residence of the brahmin Udaya. 464 Then a third time the brahmin Udaya filled the Lord (Buddha)'s bowl with rice, after which he said to the Lord (Buddha): "This pesky ascetic Gotama keeps coming again and again." 465
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Again and again, they sow the seed; Again and again, the sky-god sends down rain;
Again and again, ploughmen plough the field; Again and again, grain comes to the realm.
"Again and again, the mendicants beg; Again and again, the donors give;
When donors have given again and again; Again and again they go to heaven.
"Again and again, the dairy folk draw milk; Again and again, the calf goes to its mother;
Again and again, one wearies and trembles; Again and again, the dimwit enters the womb;
Again and again, one is born and dies; Again and again, they take one to the cemetery.
"Obtaining path of no more rebirths; one bright in illuminated-insight(panna), is not born again & again!"
When this was said, the brahmin Udaya said to the Lord (Buddha):
"Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 197) Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
199. Devahita[]
At Savatthi. Now on that occasion the Lord (Buddha) was afflicted by winds and the Venerable Upavana was his attendant. 466 There the Lord (Buddha) addressed the Venerable Upavana thus: "Come now, Upavana, find some hot water for me."
"Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Upavana replied. Then he dressed and, taking bowl and robe, went to the residence of the brahmin Devahita, where he stood silently to one side. The brahmin Devahita saw the Venerable Upavana standing silently to one side and addressed him in verse:
"Silent, the worthy one stands; Shaven-headed, clad in a stitched robe.
What do you want, what do you seek; What have you come here to beg?"
[The Venerable Upavana:]
"The Arahant, the Fortunate One(Sugato) in the world;The Sage, is afflicted with winds.
If there is any hot water, brahmin; Please give it for the Sage.
"He is worshipped by those worthy of worship; Honoured by those worthy of honour.
Respected by those worthy of respect;It is to him that I wish to take it."
Then the brahmin Devahita ordered a man to bring a carrying pole with hot water and presented a bag of molasses to the Venerable Upavana. Then the Venerable Upavana approached the Lord (Buddha). He had the Lord (Buddha) bathed with the hot water, and he mixed the molasses with hot water and offered it to him. Then the Lord (Buddha)'s ailment subsided.
Then the brahmin Devahita approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him, after which he sat down to one side and addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"Where should one give a proper donation? Where does a donation bear great fruit?
How, for one bestowing alms; Does an offering bring success - just how?" 467
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"One who has known his past abodes; Who sees(passato,in meditation) heaven and the plane of woe(hell).
Who has reached the destruction(khaya\kshaya) of rebirth; A sage perfect in divine-knowledge(abhinna):
Here one should give a proper donation; Here a donation bears great fruit.
That's how, for one bestowing alms; An offering brings success - just so!"
When this was said, the brahmin Devahita said to the Lord (Buddha):
"Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!... Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life." (as in 197)
200 The Affluent One (Mahasala)[]
At Savatthi. 468 Then a certain affluent brahmin, shabby, clad in a shabby cloak, approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side, and the Lord (Buddha) then said to him: "Why now, brahmin, are you so shabby, clad in a shabby cloak?"
[Brahmin:] "Here, Master Gotama, my four sons, instigated by their wives, have expelled me from the house."
[Buddha:] "Well then, brahmin, learn these verses and recite them when the multitude has assembled in the meeting hall with your sons sitting together there:
"Those at whose birth I took delight(nandi\anand); And whose success I much desired.
Being instigated by their wives; Chase me out as dogs chase swine.
"These evil fellows are indeed mean; Although they call me, 'Dad, dear Dad.'
They're demons in the guise of sons; To abandon me when I've grown old.
"As an old horse of no more use; Is led away from its fodder,
So the old father of those boys; Begs for alms at others' homes.
"Better for me is the staff I use; Than those disobedient sons;
For the staff drives off the wild bull; And drives away the wild dog.
"In the dark it goes before me; In the deep it gives me support.
By the gracious power of the staff; If I stumble I still stand firm."
Then that affluent brahmin, having learned these verses in the presence of the Lord (Buddha), recited them when the multitude had assembled in the meeting hall with his sons sitting together there:
"Those at whose birth I took delight(nandi\anand) . . . (same as before)..If I stumble I still stand firm."
Then the sons led that affluent brahmin to their house, bathed him, and each gave him a pair of clothes. Then that affluent brahmin, having taken one pair of clothes, approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him. Then he sat down to one side and said to the Lord (Buddha): "Master Gotama, we brahmins seek a teacher's fee for our teacher. Let Master Gotama accept a teacher's fee from me." The Lord (Buddha) accepted out of compassion.
Then that affluent brahmin said to the Lord (Buddha):
"Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 197) Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
201. Manatthaddha[]
At Savatthi. Now on that occasion a brahmin named Manatthaddha, Stiff with Conceit, was residing at Savatthi. 469 He did not pay homage to his mother or father, nor to his teacher or eldest brother. Now on that occasion the Lord (Buddha) was teaching the dhamma(path,law) surrounded by a large assembly. Then it occurred to the brahmin Manatthaddha: "This ascetic Gotama is teaching the Dhamma surrounded by a large assembly. Let me approach him. If the ascetic Gotama addresses me, then I will address him in turn. But if he does not address me, neither will I address him."
Then the brahmin Manatthaddha approached the Lord (Buddha) and stood silently to one side, but the Lord (Buddha) did not address him. Then the brahmin Manatthaddha, thinking, "This ascetic Gotama doesn't know anything' 470 wanted to turn back, but the Lord (Buddha), having known with his own mind the thought in the brahmin's mind, addressed the brahmin Manatthaddha in verse:
"The fostering of conceit is never good;For one keen on his welfare, brahmin.
You should instead foster that purpose; Because of which you've come here." 471
Then the brahmin Manatthaddha, thinking, "The ascetic Gotama knows my mind," prostrated himself right there with his head at the Lord (Buddha)'s feet. He kissed the Lord (Buddha)'s feet, stroked them with his hands, and announced his name thus:
"I am Manatthaddha, Master Gotama! I am Manatthaddha, Master Gotama!"
Then that assembly was struck with amazement and the people said: "It is wonderful indeed, sir! It is amazing indeed, sir! This brahmin Manatthaddha does not pay homage to his mother and father, nor to his teacher or eldest brother, yet he shows such supreme honour towards the ascetic Gotama." 472
Then the Lord (Buddha) said to the brahmin Manatthaddha:
"Enough, brahmin! Get up and sit in your own seat, as your mind has confidence in me."
Then the brahmin Manatthaddha sat down in his own seat and addressed the Lord (Buddha) in verse:
"Towards whom should one avoid conceit? Towards whom should one show reverence? To whom should one be ever respectful? Whom is it proper to venerate deeply?"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"First one's own mother and father; Then one's eldest family brother.
Then one's teacher as the fourth;
Towards these one should avoid conceit;
Towards these one should be reverential;
These should be well respected;
These it is good to venerate deeply.
"Having struck down conceit, humble;One should pay homage to the arahants.
Those cool of heart, their tasks done;The defilement-free ones, unsurpassed."
When this was said, the brahmin Manatthaddha said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!... (as in 197) Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
202. Paccanika[]
At Savatthi. Now on that occasion a brahmin named Paccanikasata, Relisher of Contradiction, was residing at Savatthi. Then it occurred to the brahmin Paccanikasata: "Let me approach the ascetic Gotama and contradict whatever he says." Now on that occasion the Lord (Buddha) was walking back and forth in the open. Then the brahmin Paccanikasata approached the Lord (Buddha) and said to him while he was walking back and forth: "Speak dhamma(path,law), ascetic!"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Well-spoken counsel is hard to understand; By one who relishes contradiction.
By one with a corrupt mind ; Who is engrossed in aggression.
"But if one has removed aggression; And the distrust of one's heart.
If one has cast away aversion; One can understand well-spoken counsel."
When this was said, the brahmin Paccanikasata said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 197) Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain woodland thicket. Now on that occasion the brahmin Navakammika Bharadvaja was getting some work done in that woodland thicket. 473 The brahmin Navakammika Bharadvaja saw the Lord (Buddha) sitting at the foot of a certain sal tree with his legs folded crosswise, holding his body erect, having set up meditation(sati) in front of face of him. Having seen him, he thought: "I take delight(nandi\anand) in getting work done in this woodland thicket. What does this ascetic Gotama take delight in getting done?"
Then the brahmin Navakammika Bharadvaja approached the Lord (Buddha) and addressed him in verse:
"With what kind of work are you engaged; Here in this sal woods, bhikkhu(monk).
By reason of which you find delight; Alone in the forest, Gotama?"
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"There is nothing in the woods I need to do;
Cut down at the root, my woods is dried up.
Woodless and dartless, discontent cast off,
I find delight alone in the woods." 474
When this was said, the brahmin Navakammika Bharadvaja said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!... (as in 197) Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
204. The Wood Gatherers (Katthahara Sans. Kashth-hara)[]
On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain woodland thicket. Now on that occasion a number of brahmin boys, students of a certain brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan, approached that woodland thicket while collecting firewood. Having approached, they saw the Lord (Buddha) sitting in that woodland thicket with his legs folded crosswise, holding his body erect, having set up meditation(sati) in front of face of him. Having seen him, they approached the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan and said to him: "See now, master, you should know that in such and such a woodland thicket an ascetic is sitting with his legs folded crosswise, holding his body erect, having set up meditation(sati) in front of face of him."
Then the brahmin of the' Bharadvaja clan, together with those brahmin boys, went to that woodland thicket. He saw the Lord (Buddha) sitting there .. (as before) ... having set up meditation(sati) in front of him. He then approached the Lord (Buddha) and addressed him in verse:
"Having entered the empty, desolate forest.
Deep in the woods where many terrors lurk,
With a motionless body, steady, lovely.
How you meditate, bhikkhu(monk), so beautifully! 475
"In the forest where no song or music sounds,
A solitary sage has resorted to the woods!
This strikes me as a wonder - that you dwell
With joyful mind alone in the woods.
"I suppose you desire the supreme triple heaven,
The company of the world's divine lord.
Therefore you resort to the desolate forest:
You practise penance here for attaining Brahma(arch-angel)." 476
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"Whatever be the many desires and delights
That are always attached to the manifold elements(dhatu).
The longings sprung from the root of unknowing
All I have demolished along with their root. 477
701 "I am desireless, unattached, disengaged;
My vision of all Dhammas has been purified.
Having attained the auspicious - supreme enlightenment -
Self-confident, brahmin, I meditate alone." 478
When this was said, the brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!...(as in 197) Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
205. The Mother Supporter (Matuposaka)[]
At Savatthi. Then a brahmin who supported his mother approached the Lord (Buddha) ... and said to him: "Master Gotama, I seek almsfood righteously and thereby support my mother and father. In doing so, am I doing my duty?"
"For sure, brahmin, in doing so you are doing your duty. One
who seeks almsfood righteously and thereby supports his
mother and father generates much divine-merit(punya).
"When a mortal righteously supports his parents.
Because of this service to mother and father
The wise praise him here in this world; And after death he rejoices in heaven."
When this was said, the brahmin who supported his mother said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama! . .(as in 197). . Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
206. The Mendicant (Bhikkhaka)[]
At Savatthi. Then a mendicant brahmin approached the Lord (Buddha) . . . and said to him: "Master Gotama, I am a mendicant and you are a mendicant. What is the difference between us in this respect?" 479
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"It is not thus that one becomes a mendicant.
Just because one begs others for alms.
If one has taken up a domestic practice.
One still has not become a bhikkhu(monk). 480
"But one here who leads the holy celibate life(brahmacariya).
Having divine-merit(punya) and expelled evil,
Who dwells in the world with comprehension:
He is truly called a bhikkhu."
When this was said, the mendicant brahmin said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!..(as in 197).. Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
207. Sangarava[]
At Savatthi. Now on that occasion a brahmin named Sangarava was residing at Savatthi. He was a practitioner of water-purification, one who believed in purification by water, who dwelt devoted to the practice of immersing himself in water at dusk and at dawn.
Then, in the morning, the Venerable Ananda dressed and, taking bowl and robe, entered Savatthi for alms. Having walked for alms in Savatthi, when he had returned from his alms round, after his meal he approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him:
"Here, venerable sir, a brahmin named Sangarava is residing at Savatthi. He is a practitioner of water-purification ... devoted to the practice of immersing himself in water at dusk and at dawn. It would be good, venerable sir, if the Lord (Buddha) would approach the residence of the brahmin Sangarava out of compassion." The Lord (Buddha) consented by silence.
Then, in the morning, the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, approached the brahmin Sangarava's residence, where he sat down in the appointed seat. Then the brahmin Sangarava approached the Lord (Buddha) and exchanged greetings with him, after which he sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to him: "Is it true, brahmin, that you are a practitioner of water-purification, one who believes in purification by water, devoted to the practice of immersing yourself in water at dusk and at dawn?"
[Sangarava:] "Yes, Master Gotama."
[Buddha:] "Considering what benefit do you do this, brahmin?"
[Sangarava:]"Here, Master Gotama, whatever evil deed I have done during the day I wash away by bathing at dusk. Whatever evil deed I have done at night I wash away by bathing at dawn."
[The Lord (Buddha):]
"The dhamma(path,law), brahmin, is a lake with fords of virtue(sheel)
A limpid lake the good praise to the good
Where the knowledge-masters go to bathe.
And, dry-limbed, cross to the far shore." 481
When this was said, the brahmin Sangarava said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!..(as in 197) .. Let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."
208. Khomadussa[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling among the Sakyans. where there was a town of the Sakyans named Khomadussa. 482 Then the Lord (Buddha) dressed and, taking bowl and robe, entered Khomadussa for alms.
Now on that occasion the brahmin householders of Khomadussa had assembled in council on some business matter while it was drizzling. Then the Lord (Buddha) approached the council. The brahmin householders of Khomadussa saw the Lord (Buddha) coming in the distance and said: "Who are these shaveling ascetics? Don't they know the rule of order?" 483
Then the Lord (Buddha) addressed the brahmin householders of Khomadussa in verse:
"That is no council where the good are absent;
They are not the good who don't speak Dhamma.
But having abandoned lust(raag), hatred(dosa\dvesh), and delusion(moha).
Those speaking on dhamma(path,law) are alone the good."
When this was said, the brahmin householders of Khomadussa said to the Lord (Buddha): "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama! The Dhamma has been made clear in many ways by Master Gotama, as though he were turning upright what had been turned upside down, revealing what was hidden, showing the way to one who was lost, or holding up a lamp in the dark for those with eyesight to see forms. We go for refuge to Master Gotama, and to the Dhamma, and to the bhikkhu(monk) Sangha(fraternity). Let Master Gotama remember us as lay followers who from today have gone for refuge for life."
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