AN 4.111 · With Kesi
AN 4.111 · Kesisutta
Then Kesi the horse trainer went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him, “Kesi, you’re known as a horse trainer. Just how do you guide a horse in training?”
Atha kho kesi assadammasārathi yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho kesiṁ assadammasārathiṁ bhagavā etadavoca: “tvaṁ khosi, kesi, paññāto assadammasārathīti. Kathaṁ pana tvaṁ, kesi, assadammaṁ vinesī”ti?
“Sir, I guide a horse in training sometimes gently, sometimes harshly, and sometimes both gently and harshly.”
“Ahaṁ kho, bhante, assadammaṁ saṇhenapi vinemi, pharusenapi vinemi, saṇhapharusenapi vinemī”ti.
“Kesi, what do you do with a horse in training that doesn’t follow these forms of training?”
“Sace te, kesi, assadammo saṇhena vinayaṁ na upeti, pharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, saṇhapharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, kinti naṁ karosī”ti?
“In that case, sir, I kill it. Why is that? So that I don’t disgrace my tutor’s community.
“Sace me, bhante, assadammo saṇhena vinayaṁ na upeti, pharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, saṇhapharusena vinayaṁ na upeti; hanāmi naṁ, bhante. Taṁ kissa hetu? ‘Mā me ācariyakulassa avaṇṇo ahosī’ti.
But sir, the Buddha is the supreme guide for those fit for training. Just how do you guide a person in training?”
Bhagavā pana, bhante, anuttaro purisadammasārathi. Kathaṁ pana, bhante, bhagavā purisadammaṁ vinetī”ti?
“Kesi, I guide a person in training sometimes gently, sometimes harshly, and sometimes both gently and harshly.
“Ahaṁ kho, kesi, purisadammaṁ saṇhenapi vinemi, pharusenapi vinemi, saṇhapharusenapi vinemi.
The gentle way is this: ‘This is good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is the result of good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is life as a god. This is life as a human.’
Tatridaṁ, kesi, saṇhasmiṁ— iti kāyasucaritaṁ iti kāyasucaritassa vipāko, iti vacīsucaritaṁ iti vacīsucaritassa vipāko, iti manosucaritaṁ iti manosucaritassa vipāko, iti devā, iti manussāti.
The harsh way is this: ‘This is bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is the result of bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is life in hell. This is life as an animal. This is life as a ghost.’
Tatridaṁ, kesi, pharusasmiṁ— iti kāyaduccaritaṁ iti kāyaduccaritassa vipāko, iti vacīduccaritaṁ iti vacīduccaritassa vipāko, iti manoduccaritaṁ iti manoduccaritassa vipāko, iti nirayo, iti tiracchānayoni, iti pettivisayoti.
The both gentle and harsh way is this: ‘This is good conduct … this is bad conduct …’”
Tatridaṁ, kesi, saṇhapharusasmiṁ— iti kāyasucaritaṁ iti kāyasucaritassa vipāko, iti kāyaduccaritaṁ iti kāyaduccaritassa vipāko, iti vacīsucaritaṁ iti vacīsucaritassa vipāko, iti vacīduccaritaṁ iti vacīduccaritassa vipāko, iti manosucaritaṁ iti manosucaritassa vipāko, iti manoduccaritaṁ iti manoduccaritassa vipāko, iti devā, iti manussā, iti nirayo, iti tiracchānayoni, iti pettivisayo”ti.
“Sir, what do you do with a person in training who doesn’t follow these forms of training?”
“Sace te, bhante, purisadammo saṇhena vinayaṁ na upeti, pharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, saṇhapharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, kinti naṁ bhagavā karotī”ti?
“In that case, Kesi, I kill them.”
“Sace me, kesi, purisadammo saṇhena vinayaṁ na upeti, pharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, saṇhapharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, hanāmi naṁ, kesī”ti.
“Sir, it’s not appropriate for the Buddha to kill living creatures. And yet you say you kill them.”
“Na kho, bhante, bhagavato pāṇātipāto kappati. Atha ca pana bhagavā evamāha: ‘hanāmi naṁ, kesī’”ti.
“It’s true, Kesi, it’s not appropriate for a Realized One to kill living creatures. But when a person in training doesn’t follow any of these forms of training, the Realized One doesn’t think they’re worth advising or instructing, and neither do their sensible spiritual companions. For it is killing in the training of the Noble One when the Realized One doesn’t think they’re worth advising or instructing, and neither do their sensible spiritual companions.”
“Saccaṁ, kesi. Na tathāgatassa pāṇātipāto kappati. Api ca yo purisadammo saṇhena vinayaṁ na upeti, pharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, saṇhapharusena vinayaṁ na upeti, na taṁ tathāgato vattabbaṁ anusāsitabbaṁ maññati, nāpi viññū sabrahmacārī vattabbaṁ anusāsitabbaṁ maññanti. Vadho heso, kesi, ariyassa vinaye— yaṁ na tathāgato vattabbaṁ anusāsitabbaṁ maññati, nāpi viññū sabrahmacārī vattabbaṁ anusāsitabbaṁ maññantī”ti.
“Well, they’re definitely dead when the Realized One doesn’t think they’re worth advising or instructing, and neither do their sensible spiritual companions. Excellent, sir! … From this day forth, may the Buddha remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”
“So hi nūna, bhante, suhato hoti— yaṁ na tathāgato vattabbaṁ anusāsitabbaṁ maññati, nāpi viññū sabrahmacārī vattabbaṁ anusāsitabbaṁ maññantīti. Abhikkantaṁ, bhante, abhikkantaṁ, bhante …pe… upāsakaṁ maṁ, bhante, bhagavā dhāretu ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gatan”ti.
Paṭhamaṁ.
AN 4.112 · Speed
AN 4.112 · Javasutta
“Mendicants, a fine royal thoroughbred with four factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and reckoned a factor of kingship. What four? Integrity, speed, patience, and gentleness. A fine royal thoroughbred with these four factors is worthy of a king. …
“Catūhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhaṁ gacchati. Katamehi catūhi? Ajjavena, javena, khantiyā, soraccena— imehi kho, bhikkhave, catūhi aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhadro assājānīyo rājāraho hoti, rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhaṁ gacchati.
In the same way, a mendicant with four 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 four? Integrity, speed, patience, and gentleness. A mendicant with these four qualities … is the supreme field of merit for the world.”
Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, catūhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa. Katamehi catūhi? Ajjavena, javena, khantiyā, soraccena— imehi kho, bhikkhave, catūhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā”ti.
Dutiyaṁ.
AN 4.113 · The Goad
AN 4.113 · Patodasutta
“Mendicants, these four fine thoroughbreds are found in the world. What four?
“Cattārome, bhikkhave, bhadrā assājānīyā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame cattāro?
One fine thoroughbred is moved to act when it sees the shadow of the goad, thinking: ‘What task will the horse trainer have me do today? How should I respond?’ Some fine thoroughbreds are like that. This is the first fine thoroughbred found in the world.
Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco bhadro assājānīyo patodacchāyaṁ disvā saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati: ‘kiṁ nu kho maṁ ajja assadammasārathi kāraṇaṁ kāressati, kimassāhaṁ paṭikaromī’ti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo bhadro assājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
Furthermore, one fine thoroughbred isn’t moved to act when it sees the shadow of the goad, but only when its hairs are struck, thinking: ‘What task will the horse trainer have me do today? How should I respond?’ Some fine thoroughbreds are like that. This is the second fine thoroughbred found in the world.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo na heva kho patodacchāyaṁ disvā saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati, api ca kho lomavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati: ‘kiṁ nu kho maṁ ajja assadammasārathi kāraṇaṁ kāressati, kimassāhaṁ paṭikaromī’ti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo bhadro assājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
Furthermore, one fine thoroughbred isn’t moved to act when it sees the shadow of the goad, nor when its hairs are struck, but only when its hide is struck, thinking: ‘What task will the horse trainer have me do today? How should I respond?’ Some fine thoroughbreds are like that. This is the third fine thoroughbred found in the world.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo na heva kho patodacchāyaṁ disvā saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati nāpi lomavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati, api ca kho cammavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati: ‘kiṁ nu kho maṁ ajja assadammasārathi kāraṇaṁ kāressati, kimassāhaṁ paṭikaromī’ti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo bhadro assājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
Furthermore, one fine thoroughbred isn’t moved to act when it sees the shadow of the goad, nor when its hairs are struck, nor when its hide is struck, but only when its bone is struck, thinking: ‘What task will the horse trainer have me do today? How should I respond?’ Some fine thoroughbreds are like that. This is the fourth fine thoroughbred found in the world.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo na heva kho patodacchāyaṁ disvā saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati nāpi lomavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati nāpi cammavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati, api ca kho aṭṭhivedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati: ‘kiṁ nu kho maṁ ajja assadammasārathi kāraṇaṁ kāressati, kimassāhaṁ paṭikaromī’ti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro assājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, catuttho bhadro assājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
These are the four fine thoroughbreds found in the world.
Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro bhadrā assājānīyā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ.
In the same way, these four fine thoroughbred people are found in the world. What four?
Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, cattārome bhadrā purisājānīyā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame cattāro?
One fine thoroughbred person hears about the suffering or death of a woman or man in such-and-such village or town. They’re moved to act by this, and strive effectively. Applying themselves, they directly realize the ultimate truth, and see it with penetrating wisdom. This individual is like the fine thoroughbred that’s shaken when it sees the shadow of the goad. Some fine thoroughbred people are like that. This is the first fine thoroughbred person found in the world.
Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco bhadro purisājānīyo suṇāti: ‘amukasmiṁ nāma gāme vā nigame vā itthī vā puriso vā dukkhito vā kālaṅkato vā’ti. So tena saṁvijjati, saṁvegaṁ āpajjati. Saṁviggo yoniso padahati. Pahitatto kāyena ceva paramasaccaṁ sacchikaroti, paññāya ca ativijjha passati. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, bhadro assājānīyo patodacchāyaṁ disvā saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ bhadraṁ purisājānīyaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo bhadro purisājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
Furthermore, one fine thoroughbred person doesn’t hear about the suffering or death of a woman or man in such-and-such village or town, but they see it themselves. They’re moved to act by this, and strive effectively. Applying themselves, they directly realize the ultimate truth, and see it with penetrating wisdom. This person is like the fine thoroughbred that’s moved to act when its hairs are struck. Some fine thoroughbred people are like that. This is the second fine thoroughbred person found in the world.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo na heva kho suṇāti: ‘amukasmiṁ nāma gāme vā nigame vā itthī vā puriso vā dukkhito vā kālaṅkato vā’ti, api ca kho sāmaṁ passati itthiṁ vā purisaṁ vā dukkhitaṁ vā kālaṅkataṁ vā. So tena saṁvijjati, saṁvegaṁ āpajjati. Saṁviggo yoniso padahati. Pahitatto kāyena ceva paramasaccaṁ sacchikaroti, paññāya ca ativijjha passati. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, bhadro assājānīyo lomavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ bhadraṁ purisājānīyaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo bhadro purisājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
Furthermore, one fine thoroughbred person doesn’t hear about the suffering or death of a woman or man in such-and-such village or town, nor do they see it themselves, but it happens to their own relative or family member. They’re moved to act by this, and strive effectively. Applying themselves, they directly realize the ultimate truth, and see it with penetrating wisdom. This person is like the fine thoroughbred that’s moved to act when its skin is struck. Some fine thoroughbred people are like that. This is the third fine thoroughbred person found in the world.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo na heva kho suṇāti: ‘amukasmiṁ nāma gāme vā nigame vā itthī vā puriso vā dukkhito vā kālaṅkato vā’ti, nāpi sāmaṁ passati itthiṁ vā purisaṁ vā dukkhitaṁ vā kālaṅkataṁ vā, api ca khvassa ñāti vā sālohito vā dukkhito vā hoti kālaṅkato vā. So tena saṁvijjati, saṁvegaṁ āpajjati. Saṁviggo yoniso padahati. Pahitatto kāyena ceva paramasaccaṁ sacchikaroti, paññāya ca ativijjha passati. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, bhadro assājānīyo cammavedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ bhadraṁ purisājānīyaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo bhadro purisājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
Furthermore, one fine thoroughbred person doesn’t hear about the suffering or death of a woman or man in such-and-such village or town, nor do they see it themselves, nor does it happen to their own relative or family member, but they themselves are afflicted with physical pain—sharp, severe, acute, unpleasant, disagreeable, and life-threatening. They’re moved to act by this, and strive effectively. Applying themselves, they directly realize the ultimate truth, and see it with penetrating wisdom. This person is like the fine thoroughbred that’s moved to act when its bone is struck. Some fine thoroughbred people are like that. This is the fourth fine thoroughbred person found in the world.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo na heva kho suṇāti: ‘amukasmiṁ nāma gāme vā nigame vā itthī vā puriso vā dukkhito vā kālaṅkato vā’ti, nāpi sāmaṁ passati itthiṁ vā purisaṁ vā dukkhitaṁ vā kālaṅkataṁ vā, nāpissa ñāti vā sālohito vā dukkhito vā hoti kālaṅkato vā, api ca kho sāmaññeva phuṭṭho hoti sārīrikāhi vedanāhi dukkhāhi tibbāhi kharāhi kaṭukāhi asātāhi amanāpāhi pāṇaharāhi. So tena saṁvijjati, saṁvegaṁ āpajjati. Saṁviggo yoniso padahati. Pahitatto kāyena ceva paramasaccaṁ sacchikaroti, paññāya ca ativijjha passati. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, bhadro assājānīyo aṭṭhivedhaviddho saṁvijjati saṁvegaṁ āpajjati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ bhadraṁ purisājānīyaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco bhadro purisājānīyo hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, catuttho bhadro purisājānīyo santo saṁvijjamāno lokasmiṁ.
These are the four fine thoroughbred people found in the world.”
Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro bhadrā purisājānīyā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmin”ti.
Tatiyaṁ.
AN 4.114 · A Royal Elephant
AN 4.114 · Nāgasutta
“Mendicants, a royal bull elephant with four factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and is reckoned a factor of kingship. What four? A royal bull elephant listens, destroys, endures, and goes fast.
“Catūhi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato rañño nāgo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhaṁ gacchati. Katamehi catūhi? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo sotā ca hoti, hantā ca, khantā ca, gantā ca.
And how does a royal bull elephant listen? It’s when a royal bull elephant pays attention, applies the mind, concentrates wholeheartedly, and actively listens to whatever task the elephant trainer has it do, whether or not it has done it before. That’s how a royal bull elephant listens.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo sotā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo yamenaṁ hatthidammasārathi kāraṇaṁ kāreti— yadi vā katapubbaṁ yadi vā akatapubbaṁ— taṁ aṭṭhiṁ katvā manasi katvā sabbacetasā samannāharitvā ohitasoto suṇāti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo sotā hoti.
And how does a royal bull elephant destroy? It’s when a royal bull elephant in battle destroys elephants with their riders, horses with their riders, chariots and charioteers, and foot soldiers. That’s how a royal bull elephant destroys.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo hantā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo saṅgāmagato hatthimpi hanati, hatthāruhampi hanati, assampi hanati, assāruhampi hanati, rathampi hanati, rathikampi hanati, pattikampi hanati. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo hantā hoti.
And how does a royal bull elephant endure? It’s when a royal bull elephant in battle endures being struck by spears, swords, arrows, and axes; it endures the thunder of the drums, kettledrums, horns, and cymbals. That’s how a royal bull elephant endures.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo khantā hoti? Idha bhikkhave, rañño nāgo saṅgāmagato khamo hoti sattippahārānaṁ asippahārānaṁ usuppahārānaṁ pharasuppahārānaṁ bheripaṇavasaṅkhatiṇavaninnādasaddānaṁ. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo khantā hoti.
And how does a royal bull elephant go fast? It’s when a royal bull elephant swiftly goes in whatever direction the elephant trainer sends it, whether or not it has been there before. That’s how a royal bull elephant goes fast. A royal bull elephant with four factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and is reckoned a factor of kingship.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo gantā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo yamenaṁ hatthidammasārathi disaṁ peseti— yadi vā gatapubbaṁ yadi vā agatapubbaṁ— taṁ khippameva gantā hoti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, rañño nāgo gantā hoti. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, catūhi aṅgehi samannāgato rañño nāgo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhaṁ gacchati.
In the same way, a mendicant with four 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 four? A mendicant listens, destroys, endures, and goes fast.
Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, catūhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa. Katamehi catūhi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sotā ca hoti, hantā ca, khantā ca, gantā ca.
And how does a mendicant listen? It’s when a mendicant pays attention, applies the mind, concentrates wholeheartedly, and actively listens when the teaching and training proclaimed by a Realized One is being taught. That’s how a mendicant listens.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sotā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye desiyamāne aṭṭhiṁ katvā manasi katvā sabbacetasā samannāharitvā ohitasoto dhammaṁ suṇāti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sotā hoti.
And how does a mendicant destroy? It’s when a mendicant doesn’t tolerate a sensual, malicious, or cruel thought. They don’t tolerate any bad, unskillful qualities that have arisen, but give them up, dispel them, eliminate them, and obliterate them. That’s how a mendicant destroys.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu hantā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu uppannaṁ kāmavitakkaṁ nādhivāseti pajahati vinodeti hanati byantīkaroti anabhāvaṁ gameti, uppannaṁ byāpādavitakkaṁ …pe… uppannaṁ vihiṁsāvitakkaṁ …pe… uppannuppanne pāpake akusale dhamme nādhivāseti pajahati vinodeti hanati byantīkaroti anabhāvaṁ gameti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu hantā hoti.
And how does a mendicant endure? It’s when a mendicant endures cold, heat, hunger, and thirst; the touch of flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun, and reptiles; rude and unwelcome criticism; and they put up with physical pain—sharp, severe, acute, unpleasant, disagreeable, and life-threatening. That’s how a mendicant endures.
Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu khantā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu khamo hoti sītassa uṇhassa jighacchāya pipāsāya, ḍaṁsamakasavātātapasarīsapasamphassānaṁ duruttānaṁ durāgatānaṁ vacanapathānaṁ uppannānaṁ sārīrikānaṁ vedanānaṁ dukkhānaṁ tibbānaṁ kharānaṁ kaṭukānaṁ asātānaṁ amanāpānaṁ pāṇaharānaṁ adhivāsakajātiko hoti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu khantā hoti.
And how does a mendicant go fast? It’s when a mendicant swiftly goes in the direction they’ve never gone before in all this long time; that is, the stilling of all activities, the letting go of all attachments, the ending of craving, fading away, cessation, extinguishment. That’s how a mendicant goes fast. A mendicant with these four qualities … is the supreme field of merit for the world.”
Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu gantā hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu yāyaṁ disā agatapubbā iminā dīghena addhunā yadidaṁ sabbasaṅkhārasamatho sabbūpadhipaṭinissaggo taṇhākkhayo virāgo nirodho nibbānaṁ, taṁ khippaññeva gantā hoti. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu gantā hoti. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, catūhi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā”ti.
Catutthaṁ.
AN 4.115 · Things
AN 4.115 · Ṭhānasutta
“Mendicants, there are these four things. What four?
“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, ṭhānāni. Katamāni cattāri?
There is a thing that’s unpleasant to do, and doing it proves harmful.
Atthi, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati.
There is a thing that’s unpleasant to do, but doing it proves beneficial.
Atthi, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati.
There is a thing that’s pleasant to do, but doing it proves harmful.
Atthi, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati.
There is a thing that’s pleasant to do, and doing it proves beneficial.
Atthi, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati.
Take the thing that’s unpleasant to do, and doing it proves harmful. This is regarded as a thing that shouldn’t be done on both grounds: because it’s unpleasant, and because doing it proves harmful. This is regarded as a thing that shouldn’t be done on both grounds.
Tatra, bhikkhave, yamidaṁ ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati— idaṁ, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ ubhayeneva na kattabbaṁ maññati. Yampidaṁ ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; imināpi naṁ na kattabbaṁ maññati. Yampidaṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati; imināpi naṁ na kattabbaṁ maññati. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ ubhayeneva na kattabbaṁ maññati.
Next, take the thing that’s unpleasant to do, but doing it proves beneficial. It is here that you can tell who is foolish and who is astute in regard to human strength, energy, and vigor. A fool doesn’t reflect: ‘Despite the fact that this thing is unpleasant to do, doing it still proves beneficial.’ They don’t do that thing, so that proves harmful. An astute person does reflect: ‘Even though this thing is unpleasant to do, doing it still proves beneficial.’ They do that thing, so that proves beneficial.
Tatra, bhikkhave, yamidaṁ ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati— imasmiṁ, bhikkhave, ṭhāne bālo ca paṇḍito ca veditabbo purisathāme purisavīriye purisaparakkame. Na, bhikkhave, bālo iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘kiñcāpi kho idaṁ ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; atha carahidaṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattatī’ti. So taṁ ṭhānaṁ na karoti. Tassa taṁ ṭhānaṁ akayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati. Paṇḍito ca kho, bhikkhave, iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘kiñcāpi kho idaṁ ṭhānaṁ amanāpaṁ kātuṁ; atha carahidaṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattatī’ti. So taṁ ṭhānaṁ karoti. Tassa taṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati.
Next, take the thing that’s pleasant to do, but doing it proves harmful. It is here that you can tell who is foolish and who is astute in regard to human strength, energy, and vigor. A fool doesn’t reflect: ‘Even though this thing is pleasant to do, doing it still proves harmful.’ They do that thing, and so that proves harmful. An astute person does reflect: ‘Despite the fact that this thing is pleasant to do, doing it still proves harmful.’ They don’t do that thing, so that proves beneficial.
Tatra, bhikkhave, yamidaṁ ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ; tañca kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati— imasmimpi, bhikkhave, ṭhāne bālo ca paṇḍito ca veditabbo purisathāme purisavīriye purisaparakkame. Na, bhikkhave, bālo iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘kiñcāpi kho idaṁ ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ; atha carahidaṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattatī’ti. So taṁ ṭhānaṁ karoti. Tassa taṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattati. Paṇḍito ca kho, bhikkhave, iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘kiñcāpi kho idaṁ ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ; atha carahidaṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ anatthāya saṁvattatī’ti. So taṁ ṭhānaṁ na karoti. Tassa taṁ ṭhānaṁ akayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati.
Next, take the thing that’s pleasant to do, and doing it proves beneficial. This is regarded as a thing that should be done on both grounds: because it’s pleasant, and because doing it proves beneficial. This is regarded as a thing that should be done on both grounds.
Tatra, bhikkhave, yamidaṁ ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ, tañca kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati— idaṁ, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ ubhayeneva kattabbaṁ maññati. Yampidaṁ ṭhānaṁ manāpaṁ kātuṁ, imināpi naṁ kattabbaṁ maññati; yampidaṁ ṭhānaṁ kayiramānaṁ atthāya saṁvattati, imināpi naṁ kattabbaṁ maññati. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, ṭhānaṁ ubhayeneva kattabbaṁ maññati.
These are the four things.”
Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri ṭhānānī”ti.
Pañcamaṁ.
AN 4.116 · Diligence
AN 4.116 · Appamādasutta
“Mendicants, you should be diligent in four situations. What four? Give up bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind; and develop good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. Don’t neglect these things. Give up wrong view; and develop right view. Don’t neglect this.
“Catūhi, bhikkhave, ṭhānehi appamādo karaṇīyo. Katamehi catūhi? Kāyaduccaritaṁ, bhikkhave, pajahatha, kāyasucaritaṁ bhāvetha; tattha ca mā pamādattha. Vacīduccaritaṁ, bhikkhave, pajahatha, vacīsucaritaṁ bhāvetha; tattha ca mā pamādattha. Manoduccaritaṁ, bhikkhave, pajahatha, manosucaritaṁ bhāvetha; tattha ca mā pamādattha. Micchādiṭṭhiṁ, bhikkhave, pajahatha, sammādiṭṭhiṁ bhāvetha; tattha ca mā pamādattha.
A mendicant who has done these things does not fear death in lives to come.”
Yato kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno kāyaduccaritaṁ pahīnaṁ hoti kāyasucaritaṁ bhāvitaṁ, vacīduccaritaṁ pahīnaṁ hoti vacīsucaritaṁ bhāvitaṁ, manoduccaritaṁ pahīnaṁ hoti manosucaritaṁ bhāvitaṁ, micchādiṭṭhi pahīnā hoti sammādiṭṭhi bhāvitā, so na bhāyati samparāyikassa maraṇassā”ti.
Chaṭṭhaṁ.
AN 4.117 · Guarding
AN 4.117 · Ārakkhasutta
“Mendicants, in your own way you should practice diligence, mindfulness, and guarding of the mind in four situations. What four?
“Catūsu, bhikkhave, ṭhānesu attarūpena appamādo sati cetaso ārakkho karaṇīyo. Katamesu catūsu?
‘May my mind not be aroused by things that arouse greed.’ In your own way you should practice diligence, mindfulness, and guarding of the mind.
‘Mā me rajanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ rajjī’ti attarūpena appamādo sati cetaso ārakkho karaṇīyo;
‘May my mind not be angered by things that provoke hate.’ …
‘mā me dosanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ dussī’ti attarūpena appamādo sati cetaso ārakkho karaṇīyo;
‘May my mind not be deluded by things that promote delusion.’ …
‘mā me mohanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ muyhī’ti attarūpena appamādo sati cetaso ārakkho karaṇīyo;
‘May my mind not be intoxicated by things that intoxicate.’ …
‘mā me madanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ majjī’ti attarūpena appamādo sati cetaso ārakkho karaṇīyo.
When a mendicant’s mind is no longer affected by greed, hate, delusion, or intoxication because they’ve got rid of these things, they don’t shake, tremble, quake, or get nervous, nor are they persuaded by the teachings of other ascetics.”
Yato kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno rajanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ na rajjati vītarāgattā, dosanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ na dussati vītadosattā, mohanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ na muyhati vītamohattā, madanīyesu dhammesu cittaṁ na majjati vītamadattā, so na chambhati na kampati na vedhati na santāsaṁ āpajjati, na ca pana samaṇavacanahetupi gacchatī”ti.
Sattamaṁ.
AN 4.118 · Inspiring
AN 4.118 · Saṁvejanīyasutta
“Mendicants, a faithful gentleman should go to see these four inspiring places. What four?
“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, saddhassa kulaputtassa dassanīyāni saṁvejanīyāni ṭhānāni. Katamāni cattāri?
Thinking: ‘Here the Realized One was born!’—that is an inspiring place.
‘Idha tathāgato jāto’ti, bhikkhave, saddhassa kulaputtassa dassanīyaṁ saṁvejanīyaṁ ṭhānaṁ.
Thinking: ‘Here the Realized One became awakened as a supreme fully awakened Buddha!’—that is an inspiring place.
‘Idha tathāgato anuttaraṁ sammāsambodhiṁ abhisambuddho’ti, bhikkhave, saddhassa kulaputtassa dassanīyaṁ saṁvejanīyaṁ ṭhānaṁ.
Thinking: ‘Here the Realized One rolled forth the supreme Wheel of Dhamma!’—that is an inspiring place.
‘Idha tathāgato anuttaraṁ dhammacakkaṁ pavattesī’ti, bhikkhave, saddhassa kulaputtassa dassanīyaṁ saṁvejanīyaṁ ṭhānaṁ.
Thinking: ‘Here the Realized One was fully quenched in the element of extinguishment, with no residue!’—that is an inspiring place.
‘Idha tathāgato anupādisesāya nibbānadhātuyā parinibbuto’ti, bhikkhave, saddhassa kulaputtassa dassanīyaṁ saṁvejanīyaṁ ṭhānaṁ.
These are the four inspiring places that a faithful gentleman should go to see.”
Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri saddhassa kulaputtassa dassanīyāni saṁvejanīyāni ṭhānānī”ti.
Aṭṭhamaṁ.
AN 4.119 · Perils (1st)
AN 4.119 · Paṭhamabhayasutta
“Mendicants, there are these four perils. What four? The perils of rebirth, old age, sickness, and death.
“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, bhayāni. Katamāni cattāri? Jātibhayaṁ, jarābhayaṁ, byādhibhayaṁ, maraṇabhayaṁ—
These are the four perils.”
Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri bhayānī”ti.
Navamaṁ.