SCRIPTURA

The Buddha · Numbered Discourses: The Threes · 17 of 28

A Lump of Salt · AN 3.92–3.100

Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato

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AN 3.92 · Urgent

AN 3.92 · Accāyikasutta

“Mendicants, a farmer has three urgent duties. What three? A farmer swiftly makes sure the field is well ploughed and tilled. Next they swiftly plant seeds in season. When the time is right, they swiftly irrigate or drain the field. These are the three urgent duties of a farmer. That farmer has no special power or ability to say: ‘Let the crops germinate today! Let them flower tomorrow! Let them ripen the day after!’ But there comes a time when that farmer’s crops germinate, flower, and ripen as the seasons change.

“Tīṇimāni, bhikkhave, kassakassa gahapatissa accāyikāni karaṇīyāni. Katamāni tīṇi? Idha, bhikkhave, kassako gahapati sīghaṁ sīghaṁ khettaṁ sukaṭṭhaṁ karoti sumatikataṁ. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ khettaṁ sukaṭṭhaṁ karitvā sumatikataṁ sīghaṁ sīghaṁ bījāni patiṭṭhāpeti. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ bījāni patiṭṭhāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ udakaṁ abhinetipi apanetipi. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi kassakassa gahapatissa accāyikāni karaṇīyāni. Tassa kho taṁ, bhikkhave, kassakassa gahapatissa natthi sā iddhi vā ānubhāvo vā: ‘ajjeva me dhaññāni jāyantu, sveva gabbhīni hontu, uttarasveva paccantū’ti. Atha kho, bhikkhave, hoti so samayo yaṁ tassa kassakassa gahapatissa tāni dhaññāni utupariṇāmīni jāyantipi gabbhīnipi honti paccantipi.

In the same way, a mendicant has three urgent duties. What three? Undertaking the training in the higher ethics, the higher mind, and the higher wisdom. These are the three urgent duties of a mendicant. That mendicant has no special power or ability to say: ‘Let my mind be freed from defilements by not grasping today! Or tomorrow! Or the day after!’ But there comes a time—as that mendicant trains in the higher ethics, the higher mind, and the higher wisdom—that their mind is freed from defilements by not grasping.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīṇimāni bhikkhussa accāyikāni karaṇīyāni. Katamāni tīṇi? Adhisīlasikkhāsamādānaṁ, adhicittasikkhāsamādānaṁ, adhipaññāsikkhāsamādānaṁ— imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi bhikkhussa accāyikāni karaṇīyāni. Tassa kho taṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno natthi sā iddhi vā ānubhāvo vā: ‘ajjeva me anupādāya āsavehi cittaṁ vimuccatu sve vā uttarasve vā’ti. Atha kho, bhikkhave, hoti so samayo yaṁ tassa bhikkhuno adhisīlampi sikkhato adhicittampi sikkhato adhipaññampi sikkhato anupādāya āsavehi cittaṁ vimuccati.

So you should train like this: ‘We will have keen enthusiasm for undertaking the training in the higher ethics, the higher mind, and the higher wisdom.’ That’s how you should train.”

Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, evaṁ sikkhitabbaṁ: ‘tibbo no chando bhavissati adhisīlasikkhāsamādāne, tibbo chando bhavissati adhicittasikkhāsamādāne, tibbo chando bhavissati adhipaññāsikkhāsamādāne’ti. Evañhi vo, bhikkhave, sikkhitabban”ti.

Paṭhamaṁ.

AN 3.93 · Seclusion

AN 3.93 · Pavivekasutta

“Mendicants, wanderers of other religions advocate three kinds of seclusion. What three? Seclusion in robes, almsfood, and lodgings.

“Tīṇimāni, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā pavivekāni paññāpenti. Katamāni tīṇi? Cīvarapavivekaṁ, piṇḍapātapavivekaṁ, senāsanapavivekaṁ.

Wanderers of other religions advocate this kind of seclusion in robes. They wear robes of sunn hemp, mixed hemp, corpse-wrapping cloth, rags, lodh tree bark, antelope hide (whole or in strips), kusa grass, bark, wood-chips, human hair, horse-tail hair, or owls’ wings. This is what wanderers of other religions advocate for seclusion in robes.

Tatridaṁ, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā cīvarapavivekasmiṁ paññāpenti, sāṇānipi dhārenti, masāṇānipi dhārenti, chavadussānipi dhārenti, paṁsukūlānipi dhārenti, tirīṭānipi dhārenti, ajinampi dhārenti, ajinakkhipampi dhārenti, kusacīrampi dhārenti, vākacīrampi dhārenti, phalakacīrampi dhārenti, kesakambalampi dhārenti, vālakambalampi dhārenti, ulūkapakkhikampi dhārenti. Idaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā cīvarapavivekasmiṁ paññāpenti.

Wanderers of other religions advocate this kind of seclusion in almsfood. They eat herbs, millet, wild rice, poor rice, water lettuce, rice bran, scum from boiling rice, sesame flour, grass, or cow dung. They survive on forest roots and fruits, or eating fallen fruit. This is what the wanderers of other religions advocate for seclusion in almsfood.

Tatridaṁ, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā piṇḍapātapavivekasmiṁ paññāpenti. Sākabhakkhāpi honti, sāmākabhakkhāpi honti, nīvārabhakkhāpi honti, daddulabhakkhāpi honti, haṭabhakkhāpi honti, kaṇabhakkhāpi honti, ācāmabhakkhāpi honti, piññākabhakkhāpi honti, tiṇabhakkhāpi honti, gomayabhakkhāpi honti, vanamūlaphalāhārā yāpenti pavattaphalabhojī. Idaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā piṇḍapātapavivekasmiṁ paññāpenti.

Wanderers of other religions advocate this kind of seclusion in lodgings. They stay in a wilderness, at the root of a tree, in a charnel ground, a forest, the open air, a heap of straw, or a threshing-hut. This is what wanderers of other religions advocate for seclusion in lodgings. These are the three kinds of seclusion that wanderers of other religions advocate.

Tatridaṁ, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā senāsanapavivekasmiṁ paññāpenti araññaṁ rukkhamūlaṁ susānaṁ vanapatthaṁ abbhokāsaṁ palālapuñjaṁ bhusāgāraṁ. Idaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā senāsanapavivekasmiṁ paññāpenti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi aññatitthiyā paribbājakā pavivekāni paññāpenti.

In this teaching and training, there are three kinds of seclusion for a mendicant. What three? Firstly, a mendicant is ethical, giving up unethical conduct, being secluded from it. They have right view, giving up wrong view, being secluded from it. They’ve ended defilements, giving up defilements, being secluded from them. When a mendicant has these three kinds of seclusion, they’re called a mendicant who has reached the peak and the pith, being pure and consolidated in the core.

Tīṇi kho panimāni, bhikkhave, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye bhikkhuno pavivekāni. Katamāni tīṇi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā ca hoti, dussīlyañcassa pahīnaṁ hoti, tena ca vivitto hoti; sammādiṭṭhiko ca hoti, micchādiṭṭhi cassa pahīnā hoti, tāya ca vivitto hoti; khīṇāsavo ca hoti, āsavā cassa pahīnā honti, tehi ca vivitto hoti. Yato kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti, dussīlyañcassa pahīnaṁ hoti, tena ca vivitto hoti; sammādiṭṭhiko ca hoti, micchādiṭṭhi cassa pahīnā hoti, tāya ca vivitto hoti; khīṇāsavo ca hoti, āsavā cassa pahīnā honti, tehi ca vivitto hoti. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, ‘bhikkhu aggappatto sārappatto suddho sāre patiṭṭhito’.

When a farmer’s rice field is ripe, they’d have the rice cut swiftly, gathered swiftly, transported swiftly, made into heaps swiftly, threshed swiftly, the straw removed swiftly, winnowed swiftly, brought over swiftly, pounded swiftly, and have the husks removed swiftly. In this way that farmer’s crop would reach the peak and the pith, being pure and consolidated in the core.

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, kassakassa gahapatissa sampannaṁ sālikkhettaṁ. Tamenaṁ kassako gahapati sīghaṁ sīghaṁ lavāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ lavāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ saṅgharāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ saṅgharāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ ubbahāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ ubbahāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ puñjaṁ kārāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ puñjaṁ kārāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ maddāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ maddāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ palālāni uddharāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ palālāni uddharāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ bhusikaṁ uddharāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ bhusikaṁ uddharāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ opunāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ opunāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ atiharāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ atiharāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ koṭṭāpeyya. Sīghaṁ sīghaṁ koṭṭāpetvā sīghaṁ sīghaṁ thusāni uddharāpeyya. Evamassu tāni, bhikkhave, kassakassa gahapatissa dhaññāni aggappattāni sārappattāni suddhāni sāre patiṭṭhitāni.

In the same way, when a mendicant is ethical, giving up unethical conduct, being secluded from it; when they have right view, giving up wrong view, being secluded from it; when they’ve ended defilements, giving up defilements, being secluded from them: they’re called a mendicant who has reached the peak and the pith, being pure and consolidated in the core.”

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, yato bhikkhu sīlavā ca hoti, dussīlyañcassa pahīnaṁ hoti, tena ca vivitto hoti; sammādiṭṭhiko ca hoti, micchādiṭṭhi cassa pahīnā hoti, tāya ca vivitto hoti; khīṇāsavo ca hoti, āsavā cassa pahīnā honti, tehi ca vivitto hoti. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, ‘bhikkhu aggappatto sārappatto suddho sāre patiṭṭhito’”ti.

Dutiyaṁ.

AN 3.94 · Autumn

AN 3.94 · Saradasutta

“In the autumn, the heavens are sunny and cloudless. And as the sun is rising to the firmament, having dispelled all the darkness of space, it shines and glows and dazzles.

“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, saradasamaye viddhe vigatavalāhake deve ādicco nabhaṁ abbhussakkamāno sabbaṁ ākāsagataṁ tamagataṁ abhivihacca bhāsate ca tapate ca virocati ca.

In the same way, when the stainless, immaculate vision of the teaching arises in a noble disciple, three fetters are given up: substantialist view, doubt, and misapprehension of precepts and observances.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, yato ariyasāvakassa virajaṁ vītamalaṁ dhammacakkhuṁ uppajjati, saha dassanuppādā, bhikkhave, ariyasāvakassa tīṇi saṁyojanāni pahīyanti— sakkāyadiṭṭhi, vicikicchā, sīlabbataparāmāso.

Afterwards they are delivered from two things: covetousness and ill will. Quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unskillful qualities, they enter and remain in the first absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of seclusion, while placing the mind and keeping it connected. If that noble disciple passed away at that time, they’re bound by no fetter that might return them to this world.”

Athāparaṁ dvīhi dhammehi niyyāti abhijjhāya ca byāpādena ca. So vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṁ savicāraṁ vivekajaṁ pītisukhaṁ paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati. Tasmiñce, bhikkhave, samaye ariyasāvako kālaṁ kareyya, natthi taṁ saṁyojanaṁ yena saṁyojanena saṁyutto ariyasāvako puna imaṁ lokaṁ āgaccheyyā”ti.

Tatiyaṁ.

AN 3.95 · Assemblies

AN 3.95 · Parisāsutta

“Mendicants, these are the three assemblies. What three? An assembly of the best, a divided assembly, and a harmonious assembly.

“Tisso imā, bhikkhave, parisā. Katamā tisso? Aggavatī parisā, vaggā parisā, samaggā parisā.

And what is an assembly of the best? An assembly where the senior mendicants are not indulgent or slack, nor are they backsliders. Instead, they take the lead in seclusion, rousing energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized. And those who come afterwards follow their example. They too are not indulgent or slack, nor are they backsliders. Instead, they take the lead in seclusion, rousing energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized. This is called an assembly of the best.

Katamā ca, bhikkhave, aggavatī parisā? Idha, bhikkhave, yassaṁ parisāyaṁ therā bhikkhū na bāhulikā honti na sāthalikā, okkamane nikkhittadhurā paviveke pubbaṅgamā, vīriyaṁ ārabhanti appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāya, tesaṁ pacchimā janatā diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjati. Sāpi hoti na bāhulikā na sāthalikā okkamane nikkhittadhurā paviveke pubbaṅgamā, vīriyaṁ ārabhati appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāya. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, aggavatī parisā.

And what is a divided assembly? An assembly where the mendicants fight, quarrel, and dispute, continually wounding each other with barbed words. This is called a divided assembly.

Katamā ca, bhikkhave, vaggā parisā? Idha, bhikkhave, yassaṁ parisāyaṁ bhikkhū bhaṇḍanajātā kalahajātā vivādāpannā aññamaññaṁ mukhasattīhi vitudantā viharanti, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, vaggā parisā.

And what is a harmonious assembly? An assembly where the mendicants live in harmony, appreciating each other, without dispute, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes. This is called a harmonious assembly.

Katamā ca, bhikkhave, samaggā parisā? Idha, bhikkhave, yassaṁ parisāyaṁ bhikkhū samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharanti, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, samaggā parisā.

When the mendicants live in harmony like this, they brim with much merit. At that time the mendicants live in a divine dwelling, that is, the heart’s release by rejoicing. When they’re joyful, rapture springs up. When the mind is full of rapture, the body becomes tranquil. When the body is tranquil, they feel bliss. And when they’re blissful, the mind becomes immersed in samādhi.

Yasmiṁ, bhikkhave, samaye bhikkhū samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharanti, bahuṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū tasmiṁ samaye puññaṁ pasavanti. Brahmaṁ, bhikkhave, vihāraṁ tasmiṁ samaye bhikkhū viharanti, yadidaṁ muditāya cetovimuttiyā. Pamuditassa pīti jāyati, pītimanassa kāyo passambhati, passaddhakāyo sukhaṁ vediyati, sukhino cittaṁ samādhiyati.

It’s like when the heavens rain heavily on a mountain top, and the water flows downhill to fill the hollows, crevices, and creeks. As they become full, they fill up the pools. The pools fill up the lakes, the lakes fill up the streams, and the streams fill up the rivers. And as the rivers become full, they fill up the ocean.

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, uparipabbate thullaphusitake deve vassante taṁ udakaṁ yathāninnaṁ pavattamānaṁ pabbatakandarapadarasākhā paripūreti, pabbatakandarapadarasākhā paripūrā kusobbhe paripūrenti, kusobbhā paripūrā mahāsobbhe paripūrenti, mahāsobbhā paripūrā kunnadiyo paripūrenti, kunnadiyo paripūrā mahānadiyo paripūrenti, mahānadiyo paripūrā samuddaṁ paripūrenti.

In the same way, when the mendicants are in harmony, appreciating each other, without dispute, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes, they brim with much merit. At that time the mendicants live in a divine dwelling, that is, the heart’s release by rejoicing. When they’re joyful, rapture springs up. When the mind is full of rapture, the body becomes tranquil. When the body is tranquil, they feel bliss. And when they’re blissful, the mind becomes immersed in samādhi.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ samaye bhikkhū samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharanti, bahuṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū tasmiṁ samaye puññaṁ pasavanti. Brahmaṁ, bhikkhave, vihāraṁ tasmiṁ samaye bhikkhū viharanti, yadidaṁ muditāya cetovimuttiyā. Pamuditassa pīti jāyati, pītimanassa kāyo passambhati, passaddhakāyo sukhaṁ vediyati, sukhino cittaṁ samādhiyati.

These are the three assemblies.”

Imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso parisā”ti.

Catutthaṁ.

AN 3.96 · The Thoroughbred (1st)

AN 3.96 · Paṭhamaājānīyasutta

“Mendicants, a fine royal thoroughbred with three factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and reckoned as a factor of kingship. What three? It’s when a fine royal thoroughbred is beautiful, strong, and fast. A fine royal thoroughbred with these three factors is worthy of a king. …

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhyaṁ gacchati. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño bhadro assājānīyo vaṇṇasampanno ca hoti balasampanno ca javasampanno ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhyaṁ gacchati.

In the same way, a mendicant with three qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world. What three? It’s when a mendicant is beautiful, strong, and fast.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno ca hoti balasampanno ca javasampanno ca.

And how is a mendicant beautiful? It’s when a mendicant is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and resorting for alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. That’s how a mendicant is beautiful.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti, pātimokkhasaṁvarasaṁvuto viharati ācāragocarasampanno aṇumattesu vajjesu bhayadassāvī, samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno hoti.

And how is a mendicant strong? It’s when a mendicant lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. That’s how a mendicant is strong.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu balasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu āraddhavīriyo viharati akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pahānāya kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ upasampadāya thāmavā daḷhaparakkamo anikkhittadhuro kusalesu dhammesu. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu balasampanno hoti.

And how is a mendicant fast? It’s when a mendicant truly understands: ‘This is suffering’ … ‘This is the origin of suffering’ … ‘This is the cessation of suffering’ … ‘This is the practice that leads to the cessation of suffering’. That’s how a mendicant is fast.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu javasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ‘idaṁ dukkhan’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti; ‘ayaṁ dukkhasamudayo’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti; ‘ayaṁ dukkhanirodho’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti; ‘ayaṁ dukkhanirodhagāminī paṭipadā’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu javasampanno hoti.

A mendicant with these three qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā”ti.

Pañcamaṁ.

AN 3.97 · The Thoroughbred (2nd)

AN 3.97 · Dutiyaājānīyasutta

“Mendicants, a fine royal thoroughbred with three factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and considered a factor of kingship. What three? It’s when a fine royal thoroughbred is beautiful, strong, and fast. A fine royal thoroughbred with these three factors is worthy of a king, …

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhayaṁ gacchati. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño bhadro assājānīyo vaṇṇasampanno ca hoti balasampanno ca javasampanno ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhyaṁ gacchati.

In the same way, a mendicant with three qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world. What three? It’s when a mendicant is beautiful, strong, and fast.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno ca hoti balasampanno ca javasampanno ca.

And how is a mendicant beautiful? It’s when a mendicant is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and resorting for alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. That’s how a mendicant is beautiful.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti …pe… samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno hoti.

And how is a mendicant strong? It’s when a mendicant lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. That’s how a mendicant is strong.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu balasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu āraddhavīriyo viharati akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pahānāya kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ upasampadāya thāmavā daḷhaparakkamo anikkhittadhuro kusalesu dhammesu. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu balasampanno hoti.

And how is a mendicant fast? It’s when a mendicant, with the ending of the five lower fetters, is reborn spontaneously. They’re extinguished there, and are not liable to return from that world. That’s how a mendicant is fast.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu javasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu pañcannaṁ orambhāgiyānaṁ saṁyojanānaṁ parikkhayā opapātiko hoti tattha parinibbāyī anāvattidhammo tasmā lokā. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu javasampanno hoti.

A mendicant with these three qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā”ti.

Chaṭṭhaṁ.

AN 3.98 · The Thoroughbred (3rd)

AN 3.98 · Tatiyaājānīyasutta

“Mendicants, a fine royal thoroughbred with three factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and considered a factor of kingship. What three? It’s when a fine royal thoroughbred is beautiful, strong, and fast. A fine royal thoroughbred with these three factors is worthy of a king. …

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhayaṁ gacchati. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño bhadro assājānīyo vaṇṇasampanno ca hoti balasampanno ca javasampanno ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhyaṁ gacchati.

In the same way, a mendicant with three qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world. What three? It’s when a mendicant is beautiful, strong, and fast.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno ca hoti balasampanno ca javasampanno ca.

And how is a mendicant beautiful? It’s when a mendicant is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and resorting for alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. That’s how a mendicant is beautiful.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti, pātimokkhasaṁvarasaṁvuto viharati ācāragocarasampanno aṇumattesu vajjesu bhayadassāvī, samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vaṇṇasampanno hoti.

And how is a mendicant strong? It’s when a mendicant lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. That’s how a mendicant is strong.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu balasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu āraddhavīriyo viharati akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pahānāya kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ upasampadāya thāmavā daḷhaparakkamo anikkhittadhuro kusalesu dhammesu. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu balasampanno hoti.

And how is a mendicant fast? It’s when a mendicant realizes the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And they live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements. That’s how a mendicant is fast.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu javasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu javasampanno hoti.

A mendicant with these three qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā”ti.

Sattamaṁ.

AN 3.99 · Jute

AN 3.99 · Potthakasutta

“Jute canvas is ugly, unpleasant to touch, and worthless whether it’s new, worn in, or worn out. They use worn out jute canvas for scrubbing cauldrons, or else they just throw it away on the rubbish heap.

“Navopi, bhikkhave, potthako dubbaṇṇo ca hoti dukkhasamphasso ca appaggho ca; majjhimopi, bhikkhave, potthako dubbaṇṇo ca hoti dukkhasamphasso ca appaggho ca; jiṇṇopi, bhikkhave, potthako dubbaṇṇo ca hoti dukkhasamphasso ca appaggho ca. Jiṇṇampi, bhikkhave, potthakaṁ ukkhaliparimajjanaṁ vā karonti saṅkārakūṭe vā naṁ chaḍḍenti.

In the same way, if a junior mendicant is unethical, of bad character, this is how they’re ugly, I say. That individual is just as ugly as jute canvas. If you associate with, accompany, and attend to them, following their example, it’ll be for your lasting harm and suffering. This is how they’re unpleasant to touch, I say. That individual is just as unpleasant to touch as jute canvas. Any robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick that they receive are not very fruitful or beneficial for the donor. This is how they’re worthless, I say. That individual is just as worthless as jute canvas.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, navo cepi bhikkhu hoti dussīlo pāpadhammo. Idamassa dubbaṇṇatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, potthako dubbaṇṇo tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Ye kho panassa sevanti bhajanti payirupāsanti diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjanti, tesaṁ taṁ hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya. Idamassa dukkhasamphassatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, potthako dukkhasamphasso tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Yesaṁ kho pana so paṭiggaṇhāti cīvarapiṇḍapātasenāsanagilānappaccayabhesajjaparikkhāraṁ, tesaṁ taṁ na mahapphalaṁ hoti na mahānisaṁsaṁ. Idamassa appagghatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, potthako appaggho tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi.

If a middle mendicant is unethical, of bad character, this is how they’re ugly, I say. …

Majjhimo cepi, bhikkhave, bhikkhu hoti …pe…

If a senior mendicant is unethical, of bad character, this is how they’re ugly, I say. … If you associate with, accompany, and attend to them, following their example, it’ll be for your lasting harm and suffering. …

thero cepi, bhikkhave, bhikkhu hoti dussīlo pāpadhammo, idamassa dubbaṇṇatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, potthako dubbaṇṇo tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Ye kho panassa sevanti bhajanti payirupāsanti diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjanti, tesaṁ taṁ hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya. Idamassa dukkhasamphassatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, potthako dukkhasamphasso tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Yesaṁ kho pana so paṭiggaṇhāti cīvarapiṇḍapātasenāsanagilānappaccayabhesajjaparikkhāraṁ, tesaṁ taṁ na mahapphalaṁ hoti na mahānisaṁsaṁ. Idamassa appagghatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, potthako appaggho tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi.

If such a senior mendicant speaks among the Saṅgha, the mendicants say: ‘What’s an incompetent fool like you got to say? How on earth could you imagine you’ve got something worth saying!’ They become angry and upset, and blurt out things that make the Saṅgha throw them out, as if they were throwing jute canvas away on the rubbish heap.

Evarūpo cāyaṁ, bhikkhave, thero bhikkhu saṅghamajjhe bhaṇati. Tamenaṁ bhikkhū evamāhaṁsu: ‘kiṁ nu kho tuyhaṁ bālassa abyattassa bhaṇitena, tvampi nāma bhaṇitabbaṁ maññasī’ti. So kupito anattamano tathārūpiṁ vācaṁ nicchāreti yathārūpāya vācāya saṅgho taṁ ukkhipati, saṅkārakūṭeva naṁ potthakaṁ.

Cloth from Kāsi is beautiful, pleasant to touch, and valuable whether it’s new, worn in, or worn out. They use worn out cloth from Kāsi for wrapping, or else they place it in a fragrant casket.

Navampi, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ vaṇṇavantañceva hoti sukhasamphassañca mahagghañca; majjhimampi, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ vaṇṇavantañceva hoti sukhasamphassañca mahagghañca; jiṇṇampi, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ vaṇṇavantañceva hoti sukhasamphassañca mahagghañca. Jiṇṇampi, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ ratanapaliveṭhanaṁ vā karoti gandhakaraṇḍake vā naṁ pakkhipanti.

In the same way, if a junior mendicant is ethical, of good character, this is how they’re beautiful, I say. That individual is just as beautiful as cloth from Kāsi. If you associate with, accompany, and attend to such an individual, following their example, it will be for your lasting welfare and happiness. This is how they’re pleasant to touch, I say. That individual is just as pleasant to touch as cloth from Kāsi. Any robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick that they receive are very fruitful and beneficial for the donor. This is how they’re valuable, I say. That individual is just as valuable as cloth from Kāsi.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, navo cepi bhikkhu hoti sīlavā kalyāṇadhammo, idamassa suvaṇṇatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi taṁ, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ vaṇṇavantaṁ tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Ye kho panassa sevanti bhajanti payirupāsanti diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjanti, tesaṁ taṁ hoti dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya. Idamassa sukhasamphassatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi taṁ, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ sukhasamphassaṁ tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Yesaṁ kho pana so paṭiggaṇhāti cīvarapiṇḍapātasenāsanagilānappaccayabhesajjaparikkhāraṁ, tesaṁ taṁ mahapphalaṁ hoti mahānisaṁsaṁ. Idamassa mahagghatāya vadāmi. Seyyathāpi taṁ, bhikkhave, kāsikaṁ vatthaṁ mahagghaṁ tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi.

If a middle mendicant is ethical, of good character, this is how they’re beautiful, I say. …

Majjhimo cepi, bhikkhave, bhikkhu hoti …pe…

If a senior mendicant is ethical, of good character, this is how they’re beautiful, I say. …

thero cepi, bhikkhave, bhikkhu hoti …pe… puggalaṁ vadāmi.

If such a senior mendicant speaks in the midst of the Saṅgha, the mendicants say: ‘Venerables, be quiet! The senior mendicant is speaking on the teaching and training.’

Evarūpo cāyaṁ, bhikkhave, thero bhikkhu saṅghamajjhe bhaṇati. Tamenaṁ bhikkhū evamāhaṁsu: ‘appasaddā āyasmanto hotha, thero bhikkhu dhammañca vinayañca bhaṇatī’ti.

So you should train like this: ‘We will be like cloth from Kāsi, not like jute canvas.’ That’s how you should train.”

Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, evaṁ sikkhitabbaṁ: ‘kāsikavatthūpamā bhavissāma, na potthakūpamā’ti. Evañhi vo, bhikkhave, sikkhitabban”ti.

Aṭṭhamaṁ.

AN 3.100 · A Lump of Salt

AN 3.100 · Loṇakapallasutta

“Mendicants, suppose you say: ‘No matter how this person performs a deed, they experience it the same way.’ This being so, the spiritual life could not be lived, and there’d be no chance of making a complete end of suffering.

“Yo, bhikkhave, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘yathā yathāyaṁ puriso kammaṁ karoti tathā tathā taṁ paṭisaṁvediyatī’ti, evaṁ santaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmacariyavāso na hoti, okāso na paññāyati sammā dukkhassa antakiriyāya.

Suppose you say: ‘No matter how this person performs a deed, they experience the result as it should be experienced.’ This being so, the spiritual life can be lived, and there is a chance of making a complete end of suffering.

Yo ca kho, bhikkhave, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘yathā yathā vedanīyaṁ ayaṁ puriso kammaṁ karoti tathā tathāssa vipākaṁ paṭisaṁvediyatī’ti, evaṁ santaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmacariyavāso hoti, okāso paññāyati sammā dukkhassa antakiriyāya.

Take the case of the individual who does a trivial bad deed, but it lands them in hell. Meanwhile, another individual does the same trivial bad deed, but experiences it in this life, so that not even a little remains, let alone a lot.

Idha, bhikkhave, ekaccassa puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti. Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

What kind of individual does a trivial bad deed, but it lands them in hell? An individual who hasn’t developed their physical endurance, ethics, mind, or wisdom. They’re small-minded and mean-spirited, living in suffering. That kind of individual does a trivial bad deed, but it lands them in hell.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti? Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo abhāvitakāyo hoti abhāvitasīlo abhāvitacitto abhāvitapañño paritto appātumo appadukkhavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti.

What kind of individual does the same trivial bad deed, but experiences it in this life, so that not even a little remains, let alone a lot? An individual who has developed their physical endurance, ethics, mind, and wisdom. They’re not small-minded, but are big-hearted, meditating on the immeasurables. That kind of individual does the same trivial bad deed, but experiences it in this life, so that not even a little remains, let alone a lot.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo bhāvitakāyo hoti bhāvitasīlo bhāvitacitto bhāvitapañño aparitto mahatto appamāṇavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Suppose a person was to drop a lump of salt into a mug of water. What do you think, mendicants? Would that mug of water become salty and undrinkable?”

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, puriso loṇakapallaṁ paritte udakamallake pakkhipeyya. Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave, api nu taṁ parittaṁ udakaṁ amunā loṇakapallena loṇaṁ assa apeyyan”ti?

“Yes, sir. Why is that? Because there is only a little water in the bowl.”

“Evaṁ, bhante”. “Taṁ kissa hetu”? “Aduñhi, bhante, parittaṁ udakakapallake udakaṁ, taṁ amunā loṇakapallena loṇaṁ assa apeyyan”ti.

“Suppose a person was to drop a lump of salt into the Ganges River. What do you think, mendicants? Would the Ganges River become salty and undrinkable?”

“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, puriso loṇakapallakaṁ gaṅgāya nadiyā pakkhipeyya. Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave, api nu sā gaṅgā nadī amunā loṇakapallena loṇaṁ assa apeyyā”ti?

“No, sir. Why is that? Because the Ganges River is a vast mass of water.”

“No hetaṁ, bhante”. “Taṁ kissa hetu”? “Asu hi, bhante, gaṅgāya nadiyā mahā udakakkhandho so amunā loṇakapallena loṇo na assa apeyyo”ti.

“This is how it is in the case of an individual who does a trivial bad deed, but it lands them in hell. Meanwhile, another individual does the same trivial bad deed, but experiences it in this life, so that not even a little remains, let alone a lot. …

“Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, idhekaccassa puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti. Idha, bhikkhave, ekaccassa puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo abhāvitakāyo hoti abhāvitasīlo abhāvitacitto abhāvitapañño paritto appātumo appadukkhavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo bhāvitakāyo hoti bhāvitasīlo bhāvitacitto bhāvitapañño aparitto mahatto appamāṇavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Take the case of someone who is thrown in jail for stealing half a dollar, a dollar, or a hundred dollars. While someone else isn’t thrown in jail for stealing half a dollar, a dollar, or a hundred dollars.

Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco aḍḍhakahāpaṇenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇasatenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati. Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco aḍḍhakahāpaṇenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇasatenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati.

What sort of person is thrown in jail for stealing half a dollar, a dollar, or a hundred dollars? Someone who is poor, with few possessions and little wealth. That kind of person is thrown in jail for stealing half a dollar, a dollar, or a hundred dollars.

Kathaṁrūpo, bhikkhave, aḍḍhakahāpaṇenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇasatenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco daliddo hoti appassako appabhogo. Evarūpo, bhikkhave, aḍḍhakahāpaṇenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇasatenapi bandhanaṁ nigacchati.

What sort of person isn’t thrown in jail for stealing half a dollar, a dollar, or a hundred dollars? Someone who is rich, affluent, and wealthy. That kind of person isn’t thrown in jail for stealing half a dollar, a dollar, or a hundred dollars.

Kathaṁrūpo, bhikkhave, aḍḍhakahāpaṇenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇasatenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco aḍḍho hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo. Evarūpo, bhikkhave, aḍḍhakahāpaṇenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati, kahāpaṇasatenapi na bandhanaṁ nigacchati.

This is how it is in the case of an individual who does a trivial bad deed, but they go to hell. Meanwhile, another individual does the same trivial bad deed, but experiences it in this life, so that not even a little remains, let alone a lot. …

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, idhekaccassa puggalassa appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ. Tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti. Idha, bhikkhave, ekaccassa puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ, tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo abhāvitakāyo hoti abhāvitasīlo abhāvitacitto abhāvitapañño paritto appātumo appadukkhavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo bhāvitakāyo hoti bhāvitasīlo bhāvitacitto bhāvitapañño aparitto mahatto appamāṇavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo bhāvitakāyo hoti bhāvitasīlo bhāvitacitto bhāvitapañño aparitto mahatto appamāṇavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

It’s like a sheep dealer or butcher. They can execute, jail, fine, or otherwise punish one person who steals from them, but not another.

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, orabbhiko vā urabbhaghātako vā appekaccaṁ urabbhaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyamānaṁ pahoti hantuṁ vā bandhituṁ vā jāpetuṁ vā yathāpaccayaṁ vā kātuṁ, appekaccaṁ urabbhaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyamānaṁ nappahoti hantuṁ vā bandhituṁ vā jāpetuṁ vā yathāpaccayaṁ vā kātuṁ.

What sort of person can they punish? Someone who is poor, with few possessions and little wealth. That’s the kind of person they can punish.

Kathaṁrūpaṁ, bhikkhave, orabbhiko vā urabbhaghātako vā urabbhaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyamānaṁ pahoti hantuṁ vā bandhituṁ vā jāpetuṁ vā yathāpaccayaṁ vā kātuṁ? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco daliddo hoti appassako appabhogo. Evarūpaṁ, bhikkhave, orabbhiko vā urabbhaghātako vā urabbhaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyamānaṁ pahoti hantuṁ vā bandhituṁ vā jāpetuṁ vā yathāpaccayaṁ vā kātuṁ.

What sort of person can’t they punish? A ruler or their chief minister who is rich, affluent, and wealthy. That’s the kind of person they can’t punish. In fact, all they can do is raise their cupped palms and ask: ‘Please, good fellow, give me my sheep or pay me for it.’

Kathaṁrūpaṁ, bhikkhave, orabbhiko vā urabbhaghātako vā urabbhaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyamānaṁ nappahoti hantuṁ vā bandhituṁ vā jāpetuṁ vā yathāpaccayaṁ vā kātuṁ. Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco aḍḍho hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo rājā vā rājamahāmatto vā. Evarūpaṁ, bhikkhave, orabbhiko vā urabbhaghātako vā urabbhaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyamānaṁ nappahoti hantuṁ vā bandhituṁ vā jāpetuṁ vā yathāpaccayaṁ vā kātuṁ. Aññadatthu pañjalikova naṁ yācati: ‘dehi me, mārisa, urabbhaṁ vā urabbhadhanaṁ vā’ti.

This is how it is in the case of an individual who does a trivial bad deed, but it lands them in hell. Meanwhile, another individual does the same trivial bad deed, but experiences it in this life, so that not even a little remains, let alone a lot. …

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, idhekaccassa puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti. Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo abhāvitakāyo hoti abhāvitasīlo abhāvitacitto abhāvitapañño paritto appātumo appadukkhavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa appamattakampi pāpakammaṁ kataṁ tamenaṁ nirayaṁ upaneti.

Kathaṁrūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo bhāvitakāyo hoti bhāvitasīlo bhāvitacitto bhāvitapañño aparitto mahatto appamāṇavihārī. Evarūpassa, bhikkhave, puggalassa tādisaṁyeva appamattakaṁ pāpakammaṁ kataṁ diṭṭhadhammavedanīyaṁ hoti, nāṇupi khāyati, kiṁ bahudeva.

Mendicants, suppose you say: ‘No matter how this person performs a deed, they experience it the same way.’ This being so, the spiritual life could not be lived, and there’d be no chance of making a complete end of suffering.

Yo, bhikkhave, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘yathā yathāyaṁ puriso kammaṁ karoti tathā tathā taṁ paṭisaṁvedetī’ti, evaṁ santaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmacariyavāso na hoti, okāso na paññāyati sammā dukkhassa antakiriyāya.

Suppose you say: ‘No matter how this person performs a deed, they experience the result as it should be experienced.’ This being so, the spiritual life can be lived, and there is a chance of making a complete end of suffering.”

Yo ca kho, bhikkhave, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘yathā yathā vedanīyaṁ ayaṁ puriso kammaṁ karoti tathā tathā tassa vipākaṁ paṭisaṁvedetī’ti, evaṁ santaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmacariyavāso hoti, okāso paññāyati sammā dukkhassa antakiriyāyā”ti.

Navamaṁ.