The Chariot-Maker · AN 3.11–3.20

AN 3.11 · Well-known

AN 3.11 · Ñātasutta

“Mendicants, a well-known mendicant with three qualities is acting for the detriment and unhappiness of the people, against the people, for the harm, detriment, and suffering of gods and humans. What three? They encourage deeds of body and speech, as well as principles, that aren’t in line with good qualities.

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato ñāto bhikkhu bahujanaahitāya paṭipanno hoti bahujanadukkhāya, bahuno janassa anatthāya ahitāya dukkhāya devamanussānaṁ. Katamehi tīhi? Ananulomike kāyakamme samādapeti, ananulomike vacīkamme samādapeti, ananulomikesu dhammesu samādapeti.

A well-known mendicant who possesses these three qualities is acting for the detriment and unhappiness of the people, against the people, for the harm, detriment, and suffering of gods and humans.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato ñāto bhikkhu bahujanaahitāya paṭipanno hoti bahujanadukkhāya, bahuno janassa anatthāya ahitāya dukkhāya devamanussānaṁ.

A well-known mendicant with three qualities is acting for the welfare and happiness of the people, for the people, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans. What three? They encourage deeds of body and speech, as well as principles, that are in line with good qualities.

Tīhi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato ñāto bhikkhu bahujanahitāya paṭipanno hoti bahujanasukhāya, bahuno janassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ. Katamehi tīhi? Anulomike kāyakamme samādapeti, anulomike vacīkamme samādapeti, anulomikesu dhammesu samādapeti.

A well-known mendicant who possesses these three qualities is acting for the welfare and happiness of the people, for the people, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato ñāto bhikkhu bahujanahitāya paṭipanno hoti bahujanasukhāya, bahuno janassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānan”ti.

AN 3.12 · Commemoration

AN 3.12 · Sāraṇīyasutta

“An anointed aristocratic king should commemorate three places as long as he lives. What three? The place he was born. This is the first place.

“Tīṇimāni, bhikkhave, rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyāni bhavanti. Katamāni tīṇi? Yasmiṁ, bhikkhave, padese rājā khattiyo muddhāvasitto jāto hoti. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamaṁ rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ hoti.

The place he was anointed as king. This is the second place.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ padese rājā khattiyo muddhāvasitto hoti. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyaṁ rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ hoti.

The place where he won victory in battle, establishing himself as foremost in battle. This is the third place. These are the three places an anointed king should commemorate as long as he lives.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ padese rājā khattiyo muddhāvasitto saṅgāmaṁ abhivijinitvā vijitasaṅgāmo tameva saṅgāmasīsaṁ ajjhāvasati. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyaṁ rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ hoti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyāni bhavanti.

In the same way, a mendicant should commemorate three places as long as they live. What three? The place where the mendicant shaved off their hair and beard, dressed in ocher robes, and went forth from the lay life to homelessness. This is the first place.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīṇimāni bhikkhussa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyāni bhavanti. Katamāni tīṇi? Yasmiṁ, bhikkhave, padese bhikkhu kesamassuṁ ohāretvā kāsāyāni vatthāni acchādetvā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajito hoti. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamaṁ bhikkhussa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ hoti.

The place where the 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’. This is the second place.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ padese bhikkhu ‘idaṁ dukkhan’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, ‘ayaṁ dukkhasamudayo’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, ‘ayaṁ dukkhanirodho’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, ‘ayaṁ dukkhanirodhagāminī paṭipadā’ti yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyaṁ bhikkhussa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ hoti.

The place where the 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. This is the third place. These are the three places a mendicant should commemorate as long as they live.”

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ padese bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyaṁ bhikkhussa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ hoti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi bhikkhussa yāvajīvaṁ sāraṇīyāni bhavantī”ti.

AN 3.13 · Hopes

AN 3.13 · Āsaṁsasutta

“These three individuals are found in the world. What three? The hopeless, the hopeful, and the one who has done away with hope. And what, mendicants, is a hopeless individual? It’s when an individual is reborn in a low family—a family of corpse-workers, bamboo-workers, hunters, chariot-makers, or scavengers—poor, with little to eat or drink, where life is tough, and food and shelter are hard to find. And they’re ugly, unsightly, deformed, sickly—one-eyed, crippled, lame, or half-paralyzed. They don’t get to have food, drink, clothes, and vehicles; garlands, fragrances, and makeup; or bed, house, and lighting. They hear this: ‘They say the aristocrats have anointed the aristocrat named so-and-so as king.’ It never occurs to them: ‘Oh, when will the aristocrats anoint me too as king?’ This is called a hopeless individual.

“Tayome, bhikkhave, puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame tayo? Nirāso, āsaṁso, vigatāso. Katamo ca, bhikkhave puggalo nirāso? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo nīce kule paccājāto hoti, caṇḍālakule vā venakule vā nesādakule vā rathakārakule vā pukkusakule vā dalidde appannapānabhojane kasiravuttike, yattha kasirena ghāsacchādo labbhati. So ca hoti dubbaṇṇo duddasiko okoṭimako bavhābādho kāṇo vā kuṇī vā khañjo vā pakkhahato vā, na lābhī annassa pānassa vatthassa yānassa mālāgandhavilepanassa seyyāvasathapadīpeyyassa. So suṇāti: ‘itthannāmo kira khattiyo khattiyehi khattiyābhisekena abhisitto’ti. Tassa na evaṁ hoti: ‘kudāssu nāma mampi khattiyā khattiyābhisekena abhisiñcissantī’ti. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, puggalo nirāso.

And what, mendicants, is a hopeful individual? It’s when someone is the eldest son of an anointed aristocratic king. He has not yet been anointed, but is eligible, and has been confirmed in the succession. He hears this: ‘They say that the aristocrats have anointed the aristocrat named so-and-so as king.’ It occurs to him: ‘Oh, when will the aristocrats anoint me too as king?’ This is called a hopeful individual.

Katamo ca, bhikkhave, puggalo āsaṁso? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa jeṭṭho putto hoti ābhiseko anabhisitto acalappatto. So suṇāti: ‘itthannāmo kira khattiyo khattiyehi khattiyābhisekena abhisitto’ti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘kudāssu nāma mampi khattiyā khattiyābhisekena abhisiñcissantī’ti. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, puggalo āsaṁso.

And what, mendicants, is an individual who has done away with hope? It’s when a king has been anointed. He hears this: ‘They say that the aristocrats have anointed the aristocrat named so-and-so as king.’ It never occurs to him: ‘Oh, when will the aristocrats anoint me too as king?’ Why is that? Because the former hope he had to be anointed has now died down. This is called an individual who has done away with hope.

Katamo ca, bhikkhave, puggalo vigatāso? Idha, bhikkhave, rājā hoti khattiyo muddhāvasitto. So suṇāti: ‘itthannāmo kira khattiyo khattiyehi khattiyābhisekena abhisitto’ti. Tassa na evaṁ hoti: ‘kudāssu nāma mampi khattiyā khattiyābhisekena abhisiñcissantī’ti. Taṁ kissa hetu? Yā hissa, bhikkhave, pubbe anabhisittassa abhisekāsā sā paṭippassaddhā. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, puggalo vigatāso.

These are the three individuals found in the world.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ.

In the same way, these three individuals are found among the mendicants. What three? The hopeless, the hopeful, and the one who has done away with hope. And what, mendicants, is a hopeless individual? It’s when an individual is unethical, of bad qualities, filthy, with suspicious behavior, underhand, no true ascetic or spiritual practitioner—though claiming to be one—rotten inside, festering, and depraved. They hear this: ‘They say that the mendicant named so-and-so has realized 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.’ It never occurs to them: ‘Oh, when will I too realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom, and live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.’ This is called a hopeless individual.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tayo puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā bhikkhūsu. Katame tayo? Nirāso, āsaṁso, vigatāso. Katamo ca, bhikkhave, puggalo nirāso? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo dussīlo hoti pāpadhammo asuci saṅkassarasamācāro paṭicchannakammanto assamaṇo samaṇapaṭiñño abrahmacārī brahmacāripaṭiñño antopūti avassuto kasambujāto. So suṇāti: ‘itthannāmo kira bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharatī’ti. Tassa na evaṁ hoti: ‘kudāssu nāma ahampi āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharissāmī’ti. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, puggalo nirāso.

And what, mendicants, is a hopeful individual? It’s when a mendicant is ethical, of good character. They hear this: ‘They say that the mendicant named so-and-so has realized 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.’ It occurs to them: ‘Oh, when will I too realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom, and live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.’ This is called a hopeful individual.

Katamo ca, bhikkhave, puggalo āsaṁso? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti kalyāṇadhammo. So suṇāti: ‘itthannāmo kira bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharatī’ti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘kudāssu nāma ahampi āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharissāmī’ti. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, puggalo āsaṁso.

And what, mendicants, is an individual who has done away with hope? It’s when a mendicant is a perfected one, who has ended all defilements. They hear this: ‘They say that the mendicant named so-and-so has realized 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.’ It never occurs to them: ‘Oh, when will I too realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom, and live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.’ Why is that? Because the former hope they had to be freed has now died down. This is called an individual who has done away with hope.

Katamo ca, bhikkhave, puggalo vigatāso? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu arahaṁ hoti khīṇāsavo. So suṇāti: ‘itthannāmo kira bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharatī’ti. Tassa na evaṁ hoti: ‘kudāssu nāma ahampi āsavānaṁ khayā …pe… sacchikatvā upasampajja viharissāmī’ti. Taṁ kissa hetu? Yā hissa, bhikkhave, pubbe avimuttassa vimuttāsā sā paṭippassaddhā. Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, puggalo vigatāso.

These are the three individuals found among the mendicants.”

Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā bhikkhūsū”ti.

AN 3.14 · The Wheel-Turning Monarch

AN 3.14 · Cakkavattisutta

“Mendicants, even a wheel-turning monarch, a just and principled king, does not wield power without having their own king.” When he said this, one of the mendicants said to the Buddha:

“Yopi so, bhikkhave, rājā cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā sopi na arājakaṁ cakkaṁ vattetī”ti. Evaṁ vutte, aññataro bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

“But who is the king of the wheel-turning monarch, the just and principled king?”

“ko pana, bhante, rañño cakkavattissa dhammikassa dhammarañño rājā”ti?

“It is principle, monk,” said the Buddha.

“Dhammo, bhikkhū”ti bhagavā avoca:

“Monk, a wheel-turning monarch provides just protection and security for his court, relying only on principle—honoring, respecting, and venerating principle, having principle as his flag, banner, and authority.

“idha, bhikkhu, rājā cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā dhammaṁyeva nissāya dhammaṁ sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ apacāyamāno dhammaddhajo dhammaketu dhammādhipateyyo dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahati antojanasmiṁ.

He provides just protection and security for his aristocrats, vassals, troops, brahmins and householders, people of town and country, ascetics and brahmins, beasts and birds. When he has done this, he wields power only in a principled manner. And this power cannot be undermined by any human enemy.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhu, rājā cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā dhammaṁyeva nissāya dhammaṁ sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ apacāyamāno dhammaddhajo dhammaketu dhammādhipateyyo dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahati khattiyesu, anuyantesu, balakāyasmiṁ, brāhmaṇagahapatikesu, negamajānapadesu, samaṇabrāhmaṇesu, migapakkhīsu. Sa kho so bhikkhu rājā cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā dhammaṁyeva nissāya dhammaṁ sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ apacāyamāno dhammaddhajo dhammaketu dhammādhipateyyo dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahitvā antojanasmiṁ, dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahitvā khattiyesu …pe… anuyantesu, balakāyasmiṁ, brāhmaṇagahapatikesu, negamajānapadesu, samaṇabrāhmaṇesu, migapakkhīsu, dhammeneva cakkaṁ vatteti. Taṁ hoti cakkaṁ appaṭivattiyaṁ kenaci manussabhūtena paccatthikena pāṇinā.

In the same way, monk, a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, a just and principled king, provides just protection and security regarding bodily actions, relying only on principle—honoring, respecting, and venerating principle, having principle as his flag, banner, and authority. ‘This kind of bodily action should be cultivated. This kind of bodily action should not be cultivated.’

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhu, tathāgato arahaṁ sammāsambuddho dhammiko dhammarājā dhammaṁyeva nissāya dhammaṁ sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ apacāyamāno dhammaddhajo dhammaketu dhammādhipateyyo dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahati kāyakammasmiṁ: ‘evarūpaṁ kāyakammaṁ sevitabbaṁ, evarūpaṁ kāyakammaṁ na sevitabban’ti.

Furthermore, a Realized One … provides just protection and security regarding verbal actions, saying: ‘This kind of verbal action should be cultivated. This kind of verbal action should not be cultivated.’ … And regarding mental actions: ‘This kind of mental action should be cultivated. This kind of mental action should not be cultivated.’

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhu, tathāgato arahaṁ sammāsambuddho dhammiko dhammarājā dhammaṁyeva nissāya dhammaṁ sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ apacāyamāno dhammaddhajo dhammaketu dhammādhipateyyo dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahati vacīkammasmiṁ: ‘evarūpaṁ vacīkammaṁ sevitabbaṁ, evarūpaṁ vacīkammaṁ na sevitabban’ti …pe… manokammasmiṁ: ‘evarūpaṁ manokammaṁ sevitabbaṁ, evarūpaṁ manokammaṁ na sevitabban’ti.

And when a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha has provided just protection and security regarding actions of body, speech, and mind, he rolls forth the supreme Wheel of Dhamma. And that wheel cannot be rolled back by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or divinity or by anyone in the world.”

Sa kho so, bhikkhu, tathāgato arahaṁ sammāsambuddho dhammiko dhammarājā dhammaṁyeva nissāya dhammaṁ sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ apacāyamāno dhammaddhajo dhammaketu dhammādhipateyyo dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahitvā kāyakammasmiṁ, dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahitvā vacīkammasmiṁ, dhammikaṁ rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidahitvā manokammasmiṁ, dhammeneva anuttaraṁ dhammacakkaṁ pavatteti. Taṁ hoti cakkaṁ appaṭivattiyaṁ samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmin”ti.

AN 3.15 · About Pacetana

AN 3.15 · Sacetanasutta

At one time the Buddha was staying near Varanasi in the deer park at Isipatana. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!”

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā bārāṇasiyaṁ viharati isipatane migadāye. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi: “bhikkhavo”ti.

“Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

“Bhadante”ti te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ. Bhagavā etadavoca:

“Once upon a time, there was a king named Pacetana. Then King Pacetana addressed his chariot-maker, ‘In six months’ time, my good chariot-maker, there will be a battle. Are you able to make me a new pair of wheels?’

“Bhūtapubbaṁ, bhikkhave, rājā ahosi sacetano nāma. Atha kho, bhikkhave, rājā sacetano rathakāraṁ āmantesi: ‘ito me, samma rathakāra, channaṁ māsānaṁ accayena saṅgāmo bhavissati. Sakkhissasi me, samma rathakāra, navaṁ cakkayugaṁ kātun’ti?

‘I can, Your Majesty,’ replied the chariot-maker. Then, when it was six days less than six months later, the chariot-maker had finished one wheel.

‘Sakkomi, devā’ti kho, bhikkhave, rathakāro rañño sacetanassa paccassosi. Atha kho, bhikkhave, rathakāro chahi māsehi chārattūnehi ekaṁ cakkaṁ niṭṭhāpesi.

Then King Pacetana addressed his chariot-maker, ‘In six days’ time there will be a battle. Is my new pair of wheels finished?’

Atha kho, bhikkhave, rājā sacetano rathakāraṁ āmantesi: ‘ito me, samma rathakāra, channaṁ divasānaṁ accayena saṅgāmo bhavissati, niṭṭhitaṁ navaṁ cakkayugan’ti?

‘Now that it is six days less than six months, Your Majesty, I have finished one wheel.’

‘Imehi kho, deva, chahi māsehi chārattūnehi ekaṁ cakkaṁ niṭṭhitan’ti.

‘Are you able to finish the second wheel in these six days?’

‘Sakkhissasi pana me, samma rathakāra, imehi chahi divasehi dutiyaṁ cakkaṁ niṭṭhāpetun’ti?

Saying, ‘I can, Your Majesty,’ the chariot-maker finished the second wheel in six days. Taking the pair of wheels he went up to King Pacetana, and said this to the king, ‘Your Majesty, these are your two new wheels, finished.’

‘Sakkomi, devā’ti kho, bhikkhave, rathakāro chahi divasehi dutiyaṁ cakkaṁ niṭṭhāpetvā navaṁ cakkayugaṁ ādāya yena rājā sacetano tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā rājānaṁ sacetanaṁ etadavoca: ‘idaṁ te, deva, navaṁ cakkayugaṁ niṭṭhitan’ti.

‘But, my good chariot-maker, what is the difference between the wheel that was finished in six days less than six months, and the wheel finished in just six days? Because I can’t see any difference between them.’

‘Yañca te idaṁ, samma rathakāra, cakkaṁ chahi māsehi niṭṭhitaṁ chārattūnehi yañca te idaṁ cakkaṁ chahi divasehi niṭṭhitaṁ, imesaṁ kiṁ nānākaraṇaṁ? Nesāhaṁ kiñci nānākaraṇaṁ passāmī’ti.

‘But, Your Majesty, there is a difference. See now what it is.’

‘Atthesaṁ, deva, nānākaraṇaṁ. Passatu devo nānākaraṇan’ti.

Then the chariot-maker rolled forth the wheel that had been finished in six days. It rolled as far as the original impetus took it, then wobbled and fell down. Then he rolled forth the wheel that had been finished in six days less than six months. It rolled as far as the original impetus took it, then stood still as if fixed to an axle.

Atha kho, bhikkhave, rathakāro yaṁ taṁ cakkaṁ chahi divasehi niṭṭhitaṁ taṁ pavattesi. Taṁ pavattitaṁ samānaṁ yāvatikā abhisaṅkhārassa gati tāvatikaṁ gantvā ciṅgulāyitvā bhūmiyaṁ papati. Yaṁ pana taṁ cakkaṁ chahi māsehi niṭṭhitaṁ chārattūnehi taṁ pavattesi. Taṁ pavattitaṁ samānaṁ yāvatikā abhisaṅkhārassa gati tāvatikaṁ gantvā akkhāhataṁ maññe aṭṭhāsi.

‘But what is the cause, my good chariot-maker, what is the reason why the wheel that was finished in six days wobbled and fell, while the one that was finished in six days less than six months stood still as if fixed to an axle?’

‘Ko nu kho, samma rathakāra, hetu ko paccayo yamidaṁ cakkaṁ chahi divasehi niṭṭhitaṁ taṁ pavattitaṁ samānaṁ yāvatikā abhisaṅkhārassa gati tāvatikaṁ gantvā ciṅgulāyitvā bhūmiyaṁ papati? Ko pana, samma rathakāra, hetu ko paccayo yamidaṁ cakkaṁ chahi māsehi niṭṭhitaṁ chārattūnehi taṁ pavattitaṁ samānaṁ yāvatikā abhisaṅkhārassa gati tāvatikaṁ gantvā akkhāhataṁ maññe aṭṭhāsī’ti?

‘The wheel that was finished in six days, Your Majesty, is crooked, flawed, and defective in rim, spoke, and hub. That’s why it wobbled and fell. The wheel that was finished in six days less than six months, Your Majesty, is not crooked, flawed, and defective in rim, spoke, and hub. That’s why it stood still as if fixed to an axle.’

‘Yamidaṁ, deva, cakkaṁ chahi divasehi niṭṭhitaṁ tassa nemipi savaṅkā sadosā sakasāvā, arāpi savaṅkā sadosā sakasāvā, nābhipi savaṅkā sadosā sakasāvā. Taṁ nemiyāpi savaṅkattā sadosattā sakasāvattā, arānampi savaṅkattā sadosattā sakasāvattā, nābhiyāpi savaṅkattā sadosattā sakasāvattā pavattitaṁ samānaṁ yāvatikā abhisaṅkhārassa gati tāvatikaṁ gantvā ciṅgulāyitvā bhūmiyaṁ papati. Yaṁ pana taṁ, deva, cakkaṁ chahi māsehi niṭṭhitaṁ chārattūnehi tassa nemipi avaṅkā adosā akasāvā, arāpi avaṅkā adosā akasāvā, nābhipi avaṅkā adosā akasāvā. Taṁ nemiyāpi avaṅkattā adosattā akasāvattā, arānampi avaṅkattā adosattā akasāvattā, nābhiyāpi avaṅkattā adosattā akasāvattā pavattitaṁ samānaṁ yāvatikā abhisaṅkhārassa gati tāvatikaṁ gantvā akkhāhataṁ maññe aṭṭhāsī’ti.

Now, mendicants, you might think: ‘Surely that chariot-maker must have been someone else at that time?’ But you should not see it like that. I myself was the chariot-maker at that time. Then I was skilled in the crooks, flaws, and defects of wood.

Siyā kho pana, bhikkhave, tumhākaṁ evamassa: ‘añño nūna tena samayena so rathakāro ahosī’ti. Na kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, evaṁ daṭṭhabbaṁ. Ahaṁ tena samayena so rathakāro ahosiṁ. Tadāhaṁ, bhikkhave, kusalo dāruvaṅkānaṁ dārudosānaṁ dārukasāvānaṁ.

Now that I am a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, I am skilled in the crooks, flaws, and defects of actions by body, speech, and mind. Whatever monk or nun has not given up the crooks, flaws, and defects of body, speech, and mind has fallen from the teaching and training, just like the wheel that was finished in six days.

Etarahi kho panāhaṁ, bhikkhave, arahaṁ sammāsambuddho kusalo kāyavaṅkānaṁ kāyadosānaṁ kāyakasāvānaṁ, kusalo vacīvaṅkānaṁ vacīdosānaṁ vacīkasāvānaṁ, kusalo manovaṅkānaṁ manodosānaṁ manokasāvānaṁ. Yassa kassaci, bhikkhave, bhikkhussa vā bhikkhuniyā vā kāyavaṅko appahīno kāyadoso kāyakasāvo, vacīvaṅko appahīno vacīdoso vacīkasāvo, manovaṅko appahīno manodoso manokasāvo, evaṁ papatitā te, bhikkhave, imasmā dhammavinayā, seyyathāpi taṁ cakkaṁ chahi divasehi niṭṭhitaṁ.

Whatever monk or nun has given up the crooks, flaws, and defects of body, speech, and mind is established in the teaching and training, just like the wheel that was finished in six days less than six months.

Yassa kassaci, bhikkhave, bhikkhussa vā bhikkhuniyā vā kāyavaṅko pahīno kāyadoso kāyakasāvo, vacīvaṅko pahīno vacīdoso vacīkasāvo, manovaṅko pahīno manodoso manokasāvo, evaṁ patiṭṭhitā te, bhikkhave, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye, seyyathāpi taṁ cakkaṁ chahi māsehi niṭṭhitaṁ chārattūnehi.

So you should train like this: ‘We will give up the crooks, flaws, and defects of body, speech, and mind.’ That’s how you should train.”

Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, evaṁ sikkhitabbaṁ: ‘kāyavaṅkaṁ pajahissāma kāyadosaṁ kāyakasāvaṁ, vacīvaṅkaṁ pajahissāma vacīdosaṁ vacīkasāvaṁ, manovaṅkaṁ pajahissāma manodosaṁ manokasāvan’ti. Evañhi vo, bhikkhave, sikkhitabban”ti.

AN 3.16 · A Sure Bet

AN 3.16 · Apaṇṇakasutta

“Mendicants, when a mendicant has three things their practice is a sure bet, and they have laid the groundwork for ending the defilements. What three? It’s when a mendicant guards the sense doors, eats in moderation, and is dedicated to wakefulness.

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu apaṇṇakapaṭipadaṁ paṭipanno hoti, yoni cassa āraddhā hoti āsavānaṁ khayāya. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu indriyesu guttadvāro hoti, bhojane mattaññū hoti, jāgariyaṁ anuyutto hoti.

And how does a mendicant guard the sense doors? When a mendicant sees a sight with their eyes, they don’t get caught up in the features and details. If the faculty of sight were left unrestrained, bad unskillful qualities of covetousness and displeasure would become overwhelming. For this reason, they practice restraint, protecting the faculty of sight, and achieving its restraint. When they hear a sound with their ears … When they smell an odor with their nose … When they taste a flavor with their tongue … When they feel a touch with their body … When they know an idea with their mind, they don’t get caught up in the features and details. If the faculty of mind were left unrestrained, bad unskillful qualities of covetousness and displeasure would become overwhelming. For this reason, they practice restraint, protecting the faculty of mind, and achieving its restraint. That’s how a mendicant guards the sense doors.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu indriyesu guttadvāro hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu cakkhunā rūpaṁ disvā na nimittaggāhī hoti nānubyañjanaggāhī. Yatvādhikaraṇamenaṁ cakkhundriyaṁ asaṁvutaṁ viharantaṁ abhijjhādomanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṁ tassa saṁvarāya paṭipajjati, rakkhati cakkhundriyaṁ, cakkhundriye saṁvaraṁ āpajjati. Sotena saddaṁ sutvā … ghānena gandhaṁ ghāyitvā … jivhāya rasaṁ sāyitvā … kāyena phoṭṭhabbaṁ phusitvā … manasā dhammaṁ viññāya na nimittaggāhī hoti nānubyañjanaggāhī. Yatvādhikaraṇamenaṁ manindriyaṁ asaṁvutaṁ viharantaṁ abhijjhādomanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṁ tassa saṁvarāya paṭipajjati, rakkhati manindriyaṁ, manindriye saṁvaraṁ āpajjati. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu indriyesu guttadvāro hoti.

And how does a mendicant eat in moderation? It’s when a mendicant reflects rationally on the food that they eat: ‘Not for fun, indulgence, adornment, or decoration, but only to sustain this body, to avoid harm, and to support spiritual practice. In this way, I shall put an end to old discomfort and not give rise to new discomfort, and I will have the means to keep going, blamelessness, and a comfortable abiding.’ That’s how a mendicant eats in moderation.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu bhojane mattaññū hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu paṭisaṅkhā yoniso āhāraṁ āhāreti: ‘neva davāya na madāya na maṇḍanāya na vibhūsanāya, yāvadeva imassa kāyassa ṭhitiyā yāpanāya vihiṁsūparatiyā brahmacariyānuggahāya, iti purāṇañca vedanaṁ paṭihaṅkhāmi, navañca vedanaṁ na uppādessāmi, yātrā ca me bhavissati anavajjatā ca phāsuvihāro cā’ti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu bhojane mattaññū hoti.

And how is a mendicant dedicated to wakefulness? It’s when a mendicant practices walking and sitting meditation by day, purifying their mind from obstacles. In the first watch of the night, they continue to practice walking and sitting meditation. In the middle watch, they lie down in the lion’s posture—on the right side, placing one foot on top of the other—mindful and aware, and focused on the time of getting up. In the last watch, they get up and continue to practice walking and sitting meditation, purifying their mind from obstacles. This is how a mendicant is dedicated to wakefulness.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu jāgariyaṁ anuyutto hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu divasaṁ caṅkamena nisajjāya āvaraṇīyehi dhammehi cittaṁ parisodheti, rattiyā paṭhamaṁ yāmaṁ caṅkamena nisajjāya āvaraṇīyehi dhammehi cittaṁ parisodheti, rattiyā majjhimaṁ yāmaṁ dakkhiṇena passena sīhaseyyaṁ kappeti pāde pādaṁ accādhāya sato sampajāno uṭṭhānasaññaṁ manasi karitvā, rattiyā pacchimaṁ yāmaṁ paccuṭṭhāya caṅkamena nisajjāya āvaraṇīyehi dhammehi cittaṁ parisodheti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu jāgariyaṁ anuyutto hoti.

When a mendicant possesses these three things their practice is a sure bet, and they have laid the groundwork for ending the defilements.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu apaṇṇakapaṭipadaṁ paṭipanno hoti, yoni cassa āraddhā hoti āsavānaṁ khayāyā”ti.

AN 3.17 · Hurting Yourself

AN 3.17 · Attabyābādhasutta

“These three things, mendicants, lead to hurting yourself, hurting others, and hurting both. What three? Bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind.

“Tayome, bhikkhave, dhammā attabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, parabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, ubhayabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti. Katame tayo? Kāyaduccaritaṁ, vacīduccaritaṁ, manoduccaritaṁ.

These are three things that lead to hurting yourself, hurting others, and hurting both.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo dhammā attabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, parabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, ubhayabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti.

These three things, mendicants, don’t lead to hurting yourself, hurting others, or hurting both. What three? Good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind.

Tayome, bhikkhave, dhammā nevattabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, na parabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, na ubhayabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti. Katame tayo? Kāyasucaritaṁ, vacīsucaritaṁ, manosucaritaṁ.

These are three things that don’t lead to hurting yourself, hurting others, or hurting both.”

Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo dhammā nevattabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, na parabyābādhāyapi saṁvattanti, na ubhayabyābādhāyapi saṁvattantī”ti.

AN 3.18 · The Realm of the Gods

AN 3.18 · Devalokasutta

“Mendicants, if wanderers who follow another religion were to ask you: ‘Reverend, do you lead the spiritual life with the ascetic Gotama so that you can be reborn in the realm of the gods?’ Being questioned like this, wouldn’t you be horrified, repelled, and disgusted?”

“Sace vo, bhikkhave, aññatitthiyā paribbājakā evaṁ puccheyyuṁ: ‘devalokūpapattiyā, āvuso, samaṇe gotame brahmacariyaṁ vussathā’ti? Nanu tumhe, bhikkhave, evaṁ puṭṭhā aṭṭīyeyyātha harāyeyyātha jiguccheyyāthā”ti?

“Yes, sir.”

“Evaṁ, bhante”.

“So it seems that you are horrified, repelled, and disgusted by heavenly lifespan, beauty, happiness, glory, and sovereignty. How much more then should you be horrified, embarrassed, and disgusted by bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind.”

“Iti kira tumhe, bhikkhave, dibbena āyunā aṭṭīyatha harāyatha jigucchatha, dibbena vaṇṇena dibbena sukhena dibbena yasena dibbenādhipateyyena aṭṭīyatha harāyatha jigucchatha; pageva kho pana, bhikkhave, tumhehi kāyaduccaritena aṭṭīyitabbaṁ harāyitabbaṁ jigucchitabbaṁ, vacīduccaritena … manoduccaritena aṭṭīyitabbaṁ harāyitabbaṁ jigucchitabban”ti.

AN 3.19 · A Shopkeeper (1st)

AN 3.19 · Paṭhamapāpaṇikasutta

“Mendicants, a shopkeeper who has three factors is unable to acquire more wealth or to increase the wealth they’ve already acquired. What three? It’s when a shopkeeper doesn’t carefully focus on their work in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon. A shopkeeper who has these three factors is unable to acquire more wealth or to increase the wealth they’ve already acquired.

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato pāpaṇiko abhabbo anadhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko pubbaṇhasamayaṁ na sakkaccaṁ kammantaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, majjhanhikasamayaṁ na sakkaccaṁ kammantaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, sāyanhasamayaṁ na sakkaccaṁ kammantaṁ adhiṭṭhāti. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi aṅgehi samannāgato pāpaṇiko abhabbo anadhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ.

In the same way, a mendicant with three qualities is unable to acquire more skillful qualities or to increase the skillful qualities they’ve already acquired. What three? It’s when a mendicant doesn’t carefully focus on a meditation subject as a basis of immersion in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu abhabbo anadhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu pubbaṇhasamayaṁ na sakkaccaṁ samādhinimittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, majjhanhikasamayaṁ na sakkaccaṁ samādhinimittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, sāyanhasamayaṁ na sakkaccaṁ samādhinimittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti.

A mendicant who possesses these three qualities is unable to acquire more skillful qualities or to increase the skillful qualities they’ve already acquired.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu abhabbo anadhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ.

A shopkeeper who has three factors is able to acquire more wealth or to increase the wealth they’ve already acquired. What three? It’s when a shopkeeper carefully focuses on their work in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon. A shopkeeper who has these three factors is able to acquire more wealth or to increase the wealth they’ve already acquired.

Tīhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato pāpaṇiko bhabbo anadhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko pubbaṇhasamayaṁ sakkaccaṁ kammantaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, majjhanhikasamayaṁ …pe… sāyanhasamayaṁ sakkaccaṁ kammantaṁ adhiṭṭhāti. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi aṅgehi samannāgato pāpaṇiko bhabbo anadhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā bhogaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ.

In the same way, a mendicant with three qualities is able to acquire more skillful qualities or to increase the skillful qualities they’ve already acquired. What three? It’s when a mendicant carefully focuses on a meditation subject as a basis of immersion in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu bhabbo anadhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ phātiṁ kātuṁ. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu pubbaṇhasamayaṁ sakkaccaṁ samādhinimittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, majjhanhikasamayaṁ …pe… sāyanhasamayaṁ sakkaccaṁ samādhinimittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti.

A mendicant who possesses these three qualities is able to acquire more skillful qualities or to increase the skillful qualities they’ve already acquired.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu bhabbo anadhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ adhigantuṁ, adhigataṁ vā kusalaṁ dhammaṁ phātiṁ kātun”ti.

AN 3.20 · A Shopkeeper (2nd)

AN 3.20 · Dutiyapāpaṇikasutta

“Mendicants, a shopkeeper who has three factors soon acquires great and abundant wealth. What three? It’s when a shopkeeper sees clearly, is indefatigable, and has supporters.

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato pāpaṇiko nacirasseva mahattaṁ vepullattaṁ pāpuṇāti bhogesu. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko cakkhumā ca hoti vidhuro ca nissayasampanno ca.

And how does a shopkeeper see clearly? It’s when a shopkeeper knows of a product: ‘This product is bought at this price and is selling at this price. With this much investment, it’ll bring this much profit.’ That’s how a shopkeeper sees clearly.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko cakkhumā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko paṇiyaṁ jānāti: ‘idaṁ paṇiyaṁ evaṁ kītaṁ, evaṁ vikkayamānaṁ, ettakaṁ mūlaṁ bhavissati, ettako udayo’ti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko cakkhumā hoti.

And how is a shopkeeper indefatigable? It’s when a shopkeeper is skilled in buying and selling products. That’s how a shopkeeper is indefatigable.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko vidhuro hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko kusalo hoti paṇiyaṁ ketuñca vikketuñca. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko vidhuro hoti.

And how does a shopkeeper have supporters? It’s when rich, affluent, and wealthy householders or householders’ children know of him: ‘This good shopkeeper sees clearly and is indefatigable. They are capable of providing for their wives and children, and paying us back from time to time.’ They deposit money with the shopkeeper, saying: ‘With this, my good shopkeeper, earn money to provide for your wives and children, and pay us back from time to time.’ That’s how a shopkeeper has supporters.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko nissayasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, pāpaṇikaṁ ye te gahapatī vā gahapatiputtā vā aḍḍhā mahaddhanā mahābhogā te evaṁ jānanti: ‘ayaṁ kho bhavaṁ pāpaṇiko cakkhumā vidhuro ca paṭibalo puttadārañca posetuṁ, amhākañca kālena kālaṁ anuppadātun’ti. Te naṁ bhogehi nipatanti: ‘ito, samma pāpaṇika, bhoge karitvā puttadārañca posehi, amhākañca kālena kālaṁ anuppadehī’ti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, pāpaṇiko nissayasampanno hoti.

A shopkeeper who has these three factors soon acquires great and abundant wealth.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi aṅgehi samannāgato pāpaṇiko nacirasseva mahattaṁ vepullattaṁ pāpuṇāti bhogesu.

In the same way, a mendicant with three qualities soon acquires great and abundant skillful qualities. What three? It’s when a mendicant sees clearly, is indefatigable, and has supporters.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu nacirasseva mahattaṁ vepullattaṁ pāpuṇāti kusalesu dhammesu. Katamehi tīhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu cakkhumā ca hoti vidhuro ca nissayasampanno ca.

And how does a mendicant see clearly? 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 sees clearly.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu cakkhumā 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 cakkhumā hoti.

And how is a mendicant indefatigable? 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 indefatigable.

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

And how does a mendicant have supporters? It’s when from time to time a mendicant goes up to those mendicants who are very learned—inheritors of the heritage, who have memorized the teachings, the monastic law, and the outlines—and asks them questions: ‘Why, sir, does it say this? What does that mean?’ Those venerables reveal what is hidden, clarify what is unclear, and dispel doubt regarding the many doubtful matters. That’s how a mendicant has supporters.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu nissayasampanno hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ye te bhikkhū bahussutā āgatāgamā dhammadharā vinayadharā mātikādharā te kālena kālaṁ upasaṅkamitvā paripucchati paripañhati: ‘idaṁ, bhante, kathaṁ, imassa ko attho’ti? Tassa te āyasmanto avivaṭañceva vivaranti, anuttānīkatañca uttānīkaronti, anekavihitesu ca kaṅkhāṭhāniyesu dhammesu kaṅkhaṁ paṭivinodenti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu nissayasampanno hoti.

A mendicant with these three qualities soon acquires great and abundant skillful qualities.”

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu nacirasseva mahattaṁ vepullattaṁ pāpuṇāti kusalesu dhammesū”ti.