At Uruvelā · AN 4.21–4.30

AN 4.21 · At Uruvelā (1st)

AN 4.21 · Paṭhamauruvelasutta

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!”

Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi: “bhikkhavo”ti.

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

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

“Mendicants, this one time, when I was first awakened, I was staying in Uruvelā at the goatherd’s banyan tree on the bank of the Nerañjarā River. As I was in private retreat this thought came to mind: ‘One without respect and reverence lives in suffering. What ascetic or brahmin should I honor and respect and rely on?’

“Ekamidāhaṁ, bhikkhave, samayaṁ uruvelāyaṁ viharāmi najjā nerañjarāya tīre ajapālanigrodhe paṭhamābhisambuddho. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhave, rahogatassa paṭisallīnassa evaṁ cetaso parivitakko udapādi: ‘dukkhaṁ kho agāravo viharati appatisso. Kiṁ nu kho ahaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyan’ti?

Then it occurred to me: ‘I would honor and respect and rely on another ascetic or brahmin so as to complete the entire spectrum of ethics, if it were incomplete. But I don’t see any other ascetic or brahmin in this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, its gods and humans—who is more accomplished than myself in ethics, who I should honor and respect and rely on.

Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhave, etadahosi: ‘aparipūrassa kho ahaṁ sīlakkhandhassa pāripūriyā aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ. Na kho panāhaṁ passāmi sadevake loke samārake sabrahmake sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā attanā sīlasampannataraṁ, yamahaṁ sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ.

I would honor and respect and rely on another ascetic or brahmin so as to complete the entire spectrum of immersion, if it were incomplete. But I don’t see any other ascetic or brahmin … who is more accomplished than myself in immersion …

Aparipūrassa kho ahaṁ samādhikkhandhassa pāripūriyā aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ. Na kho panāhaṁ passāmi sadevake loke samārake sabrahmake sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā attanā samādhisampannataraṁ, yamahaṁ sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ.

I would honor and respect and rely on another ascetic or brahmin so as to complete the entire spectrum of wisdom, if it were incomplete. But I don’t see any other ascetic or brahmin in this world … who is more accomplished than myself in wisdom …

Aparipūrassa kho ahaṁ paññākkhandhassa pāripūriyā aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ. Na kho panāhaṁ passāmi sadevake loke samārake sabrahmake sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā attanā paññāsampannataraṁ, yamahaṁ sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ.

I would honor and respect and rely on another ascetic or brahmin so as to complete the entire spectrum of freedom, if it were incomplete. But I don’t see any other ascetic or brahmin in this world … who is more accomplished than myself in freedom …’

Aparipūrassa kho ahaṁ vimuttikkhandhassa pāripūriyā aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyaṁ. Na kho panāhaṁ passāmi sadevake loke samārake sabrahmake sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya aññaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā attanā vimuttisampannataraṁ, yamahaṁ sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyan’ti.

Then it occurred to me: ‘Why don’t I honor and respect and rely on the same teaching to which I was awakened?’

Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhave, etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ yvāyaṁ dhammo mayā abhisambuddho tameva dhammaṁ sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihareyyan’ti.

And then the divinity Sahampati, knowing my train of thought, vanished from the realm of divinity and appeared in front of me, as easily as a strong man would extend or contract his arm. He arranged his robe over one shoulder, knelt on his right knee, raised his cupped palms toward me, and said: ‘That’s so true, Blessed One! That’s so true, Holy One! All the perfected ones, the fully awakened Buddhas who lived in the past honored and respected and relied on this same teaching. All the perfected ones, the fully awakened Buddhas who will live in the future will honor and respect and rely on this same teaching. May the Blessed One, who is the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha at present, also honor and respect and rely on this same teaching.’

Atha kho, bhikkhave, brahmā sahampati mama cetasā cetoparivitakkamaññāya—seyyathāpi nāma balavā puriso samiñjitaṁ vā bāhaṁ pasāreyya, pasāritaṁ vā bāhaṁ samiñjeyya; evamevaṁ—brahmaloke antarahito mama purato pāturahosi. Atha kho, bhikkhave, brahmā sahampati ekaṁsaṁ uttarāsaṅgaṁ karitvā dakkhiṇaṁ jāṇumaṇḍalaṁ pathaviyaṁ nihantvā yenāhaṁ tenañjaliṁ paṇāmetvā maṁ etadavoca: ‘evametaṁ, bhagavā, evametaṁ, sugata. Yepi te, bhante, ahesuṁ atītamaddhānaṁ arahanto sammāsambuddhā tepi bhagavanto dhammaṁyeva sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihariṁsu; yepi te, bhante, bhavissanti anāgatamaddhānaṁ arahanto sammāsambuddhā tepi bhagavanto dhammaṁyeva sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya viharissanti; bhagavāpi, bhante, etarahi arahaṁ sammāsambuddho dhammaṁyeva sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya viharatū’ti.

That is what the divinity Sahampati said. Then he went on to say:

Idamavoca brahmā sahampati. Idaṁ vatvā athāparaṁ etadavoca:

‘All Buddhas in the past,the Buddhas of the future,and the Buddha at present—destroyer of the sorrows of many—

‘Ye ca atītā sambuddhā,ye ca buddhā anāgatā;Yo cetarahi sambuddho,bahūnaṁ sokanāsano.

respecting the true teachingthey did live, they do live,and they also will live.This is the nature of the Buddhas.

Sabbe saddhammagaruno,vihaṁsu viharanti ca;Athopi viharissanti,esā buddhāna dhammatā.

Therefore someone who desires self-knowledge,and aspires to greatness themselves,should respect the true teaching,remembering the instructions of the Buddhas.’

Tasmā hi attakāmena,mahattamabhikaṅkhatā;Saddhammo garukātabbo,saraṁ buddhāna sāsanan’ti.

That is what the divinity Sahampati said. Then he bowed and respectfully circled me, keeping me on his right side, before vanishing right there. Then, knowing the request of the Divinity and what was suitable for myself, I honored and respected and relied on the same teaching to which I was awakened. And since the Saṅgha has also achieved greatness, I also respect the Saṅgha.”

Idamavoca, bhikkhave, brahmā sahampati. Idaṁ vatvā maṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā tatthevantaradhāyi. Atha khvāhaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmuno ca ajjhesanaṁ viditvā attano ca patirūpaṁ yvāyaṁ dhammo mayā abhisambuddho tameva dhammaṁ sakkatvā garuṁ katvā upanissāya vihāsiṁ. Yato ca kho, bhikkhave, saṅghopi mahattena samannāgato, atha me saṅghepi gāravo”ti.

AN 4.22 · At Uruvelā (2nd)

AN 4.22 · Dutiyauruvelasutta

“Mendicants, this one time, when I was first awakened, I was staying in Uruvelā at the goatherd’s banyan tree on the bank of the Nerañjarā River. Then several old brahmins—elderly and senior, who were advanced in years and had reached the final stage of life—came up to me, and exchanged greetings with me.

“Ekamidāhaṁ, bhikkhave, samayaṁ uruvelāyaṁ viharāmi najjā nerañjarāya tīre ajapālanigrodhe paṭhamābhisambuddho. Atha kho, bhikkhave, sambahulā brāhmaṇā jiṇṇā vuddhā mahallakā addhagatā vayoanuppattā yenāhaṁ tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā mayā saddhiṁ sammodiṁsu.

When the greetings and polite conversation were over, they sat down to one side, and said to me: ‘Worthy Gotama, we have heard this:

Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu. Ekamantaṁ nisinnā kho, bhikkhave, te brāhmaṇā maṁ etadavocuṁ: ‘sutaṁ netaṁ, bho gotama:

“The ascetic Gotama does not bow to old brahmins, elderly and senior, who are advanced in years and have reached the final stage of life; nor does he rise in their presence or offer them a seat.” And this is indeed the case, for the worthy Gotama does not bow to old brahmins, elderly and senior, who are advanced in years and have reached the final stage of life; nor does he rise in their presence or offer them a seat. This is not appropriate, worthy Gotama.’

“na samaṇo gotamo brāhmaṇe jiṇṇe vuddhe mahallake addhagate vayoanuppatte abhivādeti vā paccuṭṭheti vā āsanena vā nimantetī”ti. Tayidaṁ, bho gotama, tatheva. Na hi bhavaṁ gotamo brāhmaṇe jiṇṇe vuddhe mahallake addhagate vayoanuppatte abhivādeti vā paccuṭṭheti vā āsanena vā nimanteti. Tayidaṁ, bho gotama, na sampannamevā’ti.

Then it occurred to me, ‘These venerables don’t know what a senior is, or what qualities make you a senior.’

Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhave, etadahosi: ‘nayime āyasmanto jānanti theraṁ vā therakaraṇe vā dhamme’ti.

Mendicants, suppose you’re eighty, ninety, or a hundred years old. But your speech is untimely, false, meaningless, and against the teaching or training. You say things at the wrong time which are worthless, unreasonable, rambling, and unbeneficial. Then you’ll be reckoned a ‘childish senior’.

Vuddho cepi, bhikkhave, hoti āsītiko vā nāvutiko vā vassasatiko vā jātiyā. So ca hoti akālavādī abhūtavādī anatthavādī adhammavādī avinayavādī, anidhānavatiṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā akālena anapadesaṁ apariyantavatiṁ anatthasaṁhitaṁ. Atha kho so ‘bālo thero’tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchati.

Now suppose you’re a youth, young, with pristine black hair, blessed with youth, in the prime of life. But your speech is timely, true, meaningful, and in line with the teaching and training. You say things at the right time which are valuable, reasonable, succinct, and beneficial. Then you’ll be reckoned an ‘astute senior’.

Daharo cepi, bhikkhave, hoti yuvā susukāḷakeso bhadrena yobbanena samannāgato paṭhamena vayasā. So ca hoti kālavādī bhūtavādī atthavādī dhammavādī vinayavādī nidhānavatiṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā kālena sāpadesaṁ pariyantavatiṁ atthasaṁhitaṁ. Atha kho so ‘paṇḍito thero’tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchati.

There are these four qualities that make a senior. What four? 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.

Cattārome, bhikkhave, therakaraṇā dhammā. Katame cattāro? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti, pātimokkhasaṁvarasaṁvuto viharati ācāragocarasampanno aṇumattesu vajjesu bhayadassāvī, samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu

They’re very learned, remembering and keeping what they’ve learned. These teachings are good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased, describing a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. They are very learned in such teachings, remembering them, rehearsing them, mentally scrutinizing them, and penetrating them theoretically.

Bahussuto hoti sutadharo sutasannicayo, ye te dhammā ādikalyāṇā majjhekalyāṇā pariyosānakalyāṇā sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ abhivadanti, tathārūpāssa dhammā bahussutā honti dhātā vacasā paricitā manasānupekkhitā, diṭṭhiyā suppaṭividdhā.

They get the four absorptions—blissful meditations in this life that belong to the higher mind—when they want, without trouble or difficulty.

Catunnaṁ jhānānaṁ ābhicetasikānaṁ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṁ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī.

They realize 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.

Āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati.

These are the four qualities that make a senior.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro therakaraṇā dhammāti.

The creature with a restless mindspeaks a lot of nonsense.Their thoughts are unsettled,and they don’t like the true teaching.They’re far from seniority, with their bad viewsand their lack of regard for others.

Yo uddhatena cittena,samphañca bahu bhāsati;Asamāhitasaṅkappo,asaddhammarato mago;Ārā so thāvareyyamhā,pāpadiṭṭhi anādaro.

But one accomplished in ethics,learned and eloquent, that attentive oneis restrained when experiencing phenomena,discerning the meaning with wisdom.

Yo ca sīlena sampanno,sutavā paṭibhānavā;Saññato dhīro dhammesu,paññāyatthaṁ vipassati.

Gone beyond all things,kind, eloquent,they’ve given up birth and death,and have completed the spiritual journey.

Pāragū sabbadhammānaṁ,akhilo paṭibhānavā;Pahīnajātimaraṇo,brahmacariyassa kevalī.

That’s who I call a senior,who has no defilements.With the ending of defilements, a mendicantis declared a ‘senior’.”

Tamahaṁ vadāmi theroti,yassa no santi āsavā;Āsavānaṁ khayā bhikkhu,so theroti pavuccatī”ti.

AN 4.23 · The World

AN 4.23 · Lokasutta

“Mendicants, the world has been understood by the Realized One; and he is detached from the world. The origin of the world has been understood by the Realized One; and he has given up the origin of the world. The cessation of the world has been understood by the Realized One; and he has realized the cessation of the world. The practice that leads to the cessation of the world has been understood by the Realized One; and he has developed the practice that leads to the cessation of the world.

“Loko, bhikkhave, tathāgatena abhisambuddho. Lokasmā tathāgato visaṁyutto. Lokasamudayo, bhikkhave, tathāgatena abhisambuddho. Lokasamudayo tathāgatassa pahīno. Lokanirodho, bhikkhave, tathāgatena abhisambuddho. Lokanirodho tathāgatassa sacchikato. Lokanirodhagāminī paṭipadā, bhikkhave, tathāgatena abhisambuddhā. Lokanirodhagāminī paṭipadā tathāgatassa bhāvitā.

In this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, its gods and humans—whatever is seen, heard, thought, known, attained, sought, and explored by the mind, all that has been understood by the Realized One. That’s why he’s called the ‘Realized One’.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya diṭṭhaṁ sutaṁ mutaṁ viññātaṁ pattaṁ pariyesitaṁ anuvicaritaṁ manasā, sabbaṁ taṁ tathāgatena abhisambuddhaṁ. Tasmā ‘tathāgato’ti vuccati.

From the night when the Realized One awakens to the supreme perfect awakening until the night he becomes fully extinguished—in the element of extinguishment with no residue—everything he speaks, says, and expresses is real, not otherwise. That’s why he’s called the ‘Realized One’.

Yañca, bhikkhave, rattiṁ tathāgato anuttaraṁ sammāsambodhiṁ abhisambujjhati yañca rattiṁ anupādisesāya nibbānadhātuyā parinibbāyati, yaṁ etasmiṁ antare bhāsati lapati niddisati sabbaṁ taṁ tatheva hoti, no aññathā. Tasmā ‘tathāgato’ti vuccati.

The Realized One does as he says, and says as he does. Since this is so, that’s why he’s called the ‘Realized One’.

Yathāvādī, bhikkhave, tathāgato tathākārī, yathākārī tathāvādī. Iti yathāvādī tathākārī, yathākārī tathāvādī. Tasmā ‘tathāgato’ti vuccati.

In this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, gods and humans—the Realized One is the vanquisher, the unvanquished, the universal seer, the wielder of power. That’s why he’s called the ‘Realized One’.

Sadevake, bhikkhave, loke samārake sabrahmake sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya tathāgato abhibhū anabhibhūto aññadatthu daso vasavattī. Tasmā ‘tathāgato’ti vuccati.

Directly knowing the whole world as it is,and everything in it,he is detached from the whole world,uninvolved with the whole world.

Sabbaṁ lokaṁ abhiññāya,sabbaṁ loke yathātathaṁ;Sabbaṁ lokaṁ visaṁyutto,sabbaloke anūpayo.

That attentive one is the vanquisher of allwho is released from all ties.He has reached ultimate peace:extinguishment, fearing nothing from any quarter.

Sa ve sabbābhibhū dhīro,sabbaganthappamocano;Phuṭṭha’ssa paramā santi,nibbānaṁ akutobhayaṁ.

He is the Buddha, with defilements ended,untroubled, with doubts cut off.He has attained the end of all deeds,freed with the ending of attachments.

Esa khīṇāsavo buddho,anīgho chinnasaṁsayo;Sabbakammakkhayaṁ patto,vimutto upadhisaṅkhaye.

That Blessed One is the Buddha,he is the supreme lion,in all the world with its gods,he turns the divine wheel.

Esa so bhagavā buddho,esa sīho anuttaro;Sadevakassa lokassa,brahmacakkaṁ pavattayī.

And so those gods and humans,who have gone to the Buddha for refuge,come together and revere him,great of heart and intrepid:

Iti devā manussā ca,ye buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā;Saṅgamma taṁ namassanti,mahantaṁ vītasāradaṁ.

‘Tamed, he is the best of tamers,peaceful, he is the seer among the peaceful,liberated, he is the foremost of liberators,crossed over, he is the most excellent of guides across.’

Danto damayataṁ seṭṭho,santo samayataṁ isi;Mutto mocayataṁ aggo,tiṇṇo tārayataṁ varo.

And so they revere him,great of heart and intrepid.In the world with its gods,he has no rival.”

Iti hetaṁ namassanti,mahantaṁ vītasāradaṁ;Sadevakasmiṁ lokasmiṁ,natthi me paṭipuggalo”ti.

AN 4.24 · At Kāḷaka’s Monastery

AN 4.24 · Kāḷakārāmasutta

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāketa in Kāḷaka’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!”

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sākete viharati kāḷakārāme. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi: “bhikkhavo”ti.

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

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

“In this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, its gods and humans—whatever is seen, heard, thought, known, attained, sought, and explored by the mind: that I know.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya diṭṭhaṁ sutaṁ mutaṁ viññātaṁ pattaṁ pariyesitaṁ anuvicaritaṁ manasā, tamahaṁ jānāmi.

In this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, its gods and humans—whatever is seen, heard, thought, known, attained, sought, and explored by the mind: that I have insight into. That has been known by a Realized One, but a Realized One is not subject to it.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya diṭṭhaṁ sutaṁ mutaṁ viññātaṁ pattaṁ pariyesitaṁ anuvicaritaṁ manasā, tamahaṁ abbhaññāsiṁ. Taṁ tathāgatassa viditaṁ, taṁ tathāgato na upaṭṭhāsi.

If I were to say that ‘I do not know … the world with its gods’, I would be lying.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya diṭṭhaṁ sutaṁ mutaṁ viññātaṁ pattaṁ pariyesitaṁ anuvicaritaṁ manasā, tamahaṁ na jānāmīti vadeyyaṁ, taṁ mamassa musā.

If I were to say that ‘I both know and do not know … the world with its gods’, that would be just the same.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave …pe… tamahaṁ jānāmi ca na ca jānāmīti vadeyyaṁ, tampassa tādisameva.

If I were to say that ‘I neither know nor do not know … the world with its gods’, that would be my fault.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave …pe… tamahaṁ neva jānāmi na na jānāmīti vadeyyaṁ, taṁ mamassa kali.

So a Realized One sees what is to be seen, but does not conceive what is seen, does not conceive what is unseen, does not conceive what is to be seen, and does not conceive a seer. He hears what is to be heard, but does not conceive what is heard, does not conceive what is unheard, does not conceive what is to be heard, and does not conceive a hearer. He thinks what is to be thought, but does not conceive what is thought, does not conceive what is not thought, does not conceive what is to be thought, and does not conceive a thinker. He knows what is to be known, but does not conceive what is known, does not conceive what is unknown, does not conceive what is to be known, and does not conceive a knower.

Iti kho, bhikkhave, tathāgato daṭṭhā daṭṭhabbaṁ, diṭṭhaṁ na maññati, adiṭṭhaṁ na maññati, daṭṭhabbaṁ na maññati, daṭṭhāraṁ na maññati; sutvā sotabbaṁ, sutaṁ na maññati, asutaṁ na maññati, sotabbaṁ na maññati, sotāraṁ na maññati; mutvā motabbaṁ, mutaṁ na maññati, amutaṁ na maññati, motabbaṁ na maññati, motāraṁ na maññati; viññatvā viññātabbaṁ, viññātaṁ na maññati, aviññātaṁ na maññati, viññātabbaṁ na maññati, viññātāraṁ na maññati.

Since a Realized One is unaffected in the midst of things that ought be seen, heard, thought, and known, he is the unaffected one. And I say that there is no better or finer poise than this.

Iti kho, bhikkhave, tathāgato diṭṭhasutamutaviññātabbesu dhammesu tādīyeva tādī. ‘Tamhā ca pana tādimhā añño tādī uttaritaro vā paṇītataro vā natthī’ti vadāmīti.

Such a one does not take anythingseen, heard, or thought to be ultimately true or false.But others get attached, thinking it’s the truth,limited by their preconceptions.

Yaṁ kiñci diṭṭhaṁva sutaṁ mutaṁ vā,Ajjhositaṁ saccamutaṁ paresaṁ;Na tesu tādī sayasaṁvutesu,Saccaṁ musā vāpi paraṁ daheyya.

Since they’ve seen this dartto which people are attached and cling,saying, ‘I know, I see, that’s how it is’,the Realized Ones have no attachments.”

Etañca sallaṁ paṭikacca disvā,Ajjhositā yattha pajā visattā;Jānāmi passāmi tatheva etaṁ,Ajjhositaṁ natthi tathāgatānan”ti.

AN 4.25 · The Spiritual Life

AN 4.25 · Brahmacariyasutta

“Mendicants, this spiritual life is not lived for the sake of fawning or flattering people, nor for the benefit of possessions, honor, or popularity, nor for the benefit of winning debates, nor thinking, ‘So let people know about me!’ This spiritual life is lived for the sake of restraint, giving up, fading away, and cessation.

“Nayidaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmacariyaṁ vussati janakuhanatthaṁ, na janalapanatthaṁ, na lābhasakkārasilokānisaṁsatthaṁ, na itivādappamokkhānisaṁsatthaṁ, na ‘iti maṁ jano jānātū’ti. Atha kho idaṁ, bhikkhave, brahmacariyaṁ vussati saṁvaratthaṁ pahānatthaṁ virāgatthaṁ nirodhatthanti.

The Buddha taught the spiritual lifenot because of legends,but for the sake of restraint and giving up,and because its objective is extinguishment.This is the path followed by the big-hearted,the great seers.

Saṁvaratthaṁ pahānatthaṁ,brahmacariyaṁ anītihaṁ;Adesayi so bhagavā,nibbānogadhagāminaṁ;Esa maggo mahantehi,anuyāto mahesibhi.

Those who practice itas it was taught by the Buddha,doing the Teacher’s bidding,make an end of suffering.”

Ye ca taṁ paṭipajjanti,yathā buddhena desitaṁ;Dukkhassantaṁ karissanti,satthusāsanakārino”ti.

AN 4.26 · Deceivers

AN 4.26 · Kuhasutta

“Mendicants, those mendicants who are deceivers and flatterers, pompous and fake, insolent, and scattered: those mendicants are no followers of mine. They’ve left this teaching and training, and they don’t achieve growth, improvement, or maturity in this teaching and training.

“Ye te, bhikkhave, bhikkhū kuhā thaddhā lapā siṅgī unnaḷā asamāhitā, na me te, bhikkhave, bhikkhū māmakā. Apagatā ca te, bhikkhave, bhikkhū imasmā dhammavinayā, na ca te imasmiṁ dhammavinaye vuddhiṁ viruḷhiṁ vepullaṁ āpajjanti.

But those mendicants who are genuine, not flatterers, attentive, amenable, and serene: those mendicants are followers of mine. They haven’t left this teaching and training, and they achieve growth, improvement, or maturity in this teaching and training.

Ye ca kho te, bhikkhave, bhikkhū nikkuhā nillapā dhīrā atthaddhā susamāhitā, te kho me, bhikkhave, bhikkhū māmakā. Anapagatā ca te, bhikkhave, bhikkhū imasmā dhammavinayā. Te ca imasmiṁ dhammavinaye vuddhiṁ viruḷhiṁ vepullaṁ āpajjantīti.

Those who are deceivers and flatterers, <j>pompous and fake,insolent and scattered:these don’t grow in the teachingthat was taught by the perfected Buddha.

Kuhā thaddhā lapā siṅgī,unnaḷā asamāhitā;Na te dhamme virūhanti,sammāsambuddhadesite.

But those who are genuine, not flatterers, attentive,amenable, and serene:these do grow in the teachingthat was taught by the perfected Buddha.”

Nikkuhā nillapā dhīrā,atthaddhā susamāhitā;Te ve dhamme virūhanti,sammāsambuddhadesite”ti.

AN 4.27 · Contentment

AN 4.27 · Santuṭṭhisutta

“Mendicants, these four trifles are easy to find and are blameless. What four? Rag-robes … A lump of almsfood … Lodgings at the root of a tree … Rancid urine as medicine …

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, appāni ca sulabhāni ca, tāni ca anavajjāni. Katamāni cattāri? Paṁsukūlaṁ, bhikkhave, cīvarānaṁ appañca sulabhañca, tañca anavajjaṁ. Piṇḍiyālopo, bhikkhave, bhojanānaṁ appañca sulabhañca, tañca anavajjaṁ. Rukkhamūlaṁ, bhikkhave, senāsanānaṁ appañca sulabhañca, tañca anavajjaṁ. Pūtimuttaṁ, bhikkhave, bhesajjānaṁ appañca sulabhañca, tañca anavajjaṁ.

These four trifles are easy to find and are blameless. When a mendicant is content with trifles that are easy to find, they have one of the factors of the ascetic life, I say.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri appāni ca sulabhāni ca, tāni ca anavajjāni. Yato kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu appena ca tuṭṭho hoti sulabhena ca, idamassāhaṁ aññataraṁ sāmaññaṅganti vadāmīti.

When you’re content with what’s blameless,trifling, and easy to find,you don’t get upsetabout lodgings, robes,food, and drink,and you’re not obstructed anywhere.

Anavajjena tuṭṭhassa,appena sulabhena ca;Na senāsanamārabbha,cīvaraṁ pānabhojanaṁ;Vighāto hoti cittassa,disā nappaṭihaññati.

These qualities are said to beintegral to the ascetic life.They’re mastered by one who trains,content and diligent.”

Ye cassa dhammā akkhātā,sāmaññassānulomikā;Adhiggahitā tuṭṭhassa,appamattassa sikkhato”ti.

AN 4.28 · The Noble Customs

AN 4.28 · Ariyavaṁsasutta

“Mendicants, these four noble customs are primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now, nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them. What four?

“Cattārome, bhikkhave, ariyavaṁsā aggaññā rattaññā vaṁsaññā porāṇā asaṅkiṇṇā asaṅkiṇṇapubbā, na saṅkīyanti na saṅkīyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhā samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Katame cattāro?

Firstly, a mendicant is content with any kind of robe, and praises such contentment. They don’t employ improper solicitation for the sake of a robe. They don’t worry if they don’t get a robe. And if they do get a robe, they use it untied, uninfatuated, unattached, seeing the drawback, and understanding the escape. But they don’t glorify themselves or put others down on account of their contentment. A mendicant who is deft, tireless, aware, and mindful in this is said to stand in the ancient, primordial noble custom.

Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu santuṭṭho hoti itarītarena cīvarena, itarītaracīvarasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī, na ca cīvarahetu anesanaṁ appatirūpaṁ āpajjati, aladdhā ca cīvaraṁ na paritassati, laddhā ca cīvaraṁ agadhito amucchito anajjhosanno ādīnavadassāvī nissaraṇapañño paribhuñjati; tāya ca pana itarītaracīvarasantuṭṭhiyā nevattānukkaṁseti, no paraṁ vambheti. Yo hi tattha dakkho analaso sampajāno patissato, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhikkhu porāṇe aggaññe ariyavaṁse ṭhito.

Furthermore, a mendicant is content with any kind of almsfood …

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu santuṭṭho hoti itarītarena piṇḍapātena, itarītarapiṇḍapātasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī, na ca piṇḍapātahetu anesanaṁ appatirūpaṁ āpajjati, aladdhā ca piṇḍapātaṁ na paritassati, laddhā ca piṇḍapātaṁ agadhito amucchito anajjhosanno ādīnavadassāvī nissaraṇapañño paribhuñjati; tāya ca pana itarītarapiṇḍapātasantuṭṭhiyā nevattānukkaṁseti, no paraṁ vambheti. Yo hi tattha dakkho analaso sampajāno patissato, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhikkhu porāṇe aggaññe ariyavaṁse ṭhito.

Furthermore, a mendicant is content with any kind of lodgings …

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu santuṭṭho hoti itarītarena senāsanena, itarītarasenāsanasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī, na ca senāsanahetu anesanaṁ appatirūpaṁ āpajjati, aladdhā ca senāsanaṁ na paritassati, laddhā ca senāsanaṁ agadhito amucchito anajjhosanno ādīnavadassāvī nissaraṇapañño paribhuñjati; tāya ca pana itarītarasenāsanasantuṭṭhiyā nevattānukkaṁseti, no paraṁ vambheti. Yo hi tattha dakkho analaso sampajāno patissato, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhikkhu porāṇe aggaññe ariyavaṁse ṭhito.

Furthermore, a mendicant enjoys meditation and loves to meditate. They enjoy giving up and love to give up. But they don’t glorify themselves or put down others on account of their love for meditation and giving up. A mendicant who is deft, tireless, aware, and mindful in this is said to stand in the ancient, primordial noble custom.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu bhāvanārāmo hoti bhāvanārato, pahānārāmo hoti pahānarato; tāya ca pana bhāvanārāmatāya bhāvanāratiyā pahānārāmatāya pahānaratiyā nevattānukkaṁseti, no paraṁ vambheti. Yo hi tattha dakkho analaso sampajāno patissato, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhikkhu porāṇe aggaññe ariyavaṁse ṭhito.

These four noble customs are primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro ariyavaṁsā aggaññā rattaññā vaṁsaññā porāṇā asaṅkiṇṇā asaṅkiṇṇapubbā, na saṅkīyanti na saṅkīyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhā samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi.

When a mendicant possesses these four noble customs, if they live in the east they prevail over discontent, and discontent doesn’t prevail over them. If they live in the west … the north … the south, they prevail over discontent, and discontent doesn’t prevail over them. Why is that? Because the attentive prevail over desire and discontent.

Imehi ca pana, bhikkhave, catūhi ariyavaṁsehi samannāgato bhikkhu puratthimāya cepi disāya viharati sveva aratiṁ sahati, na taṁ arati sahati; pacchimāya cepi disāya viharati sveva aratiṁ sahati, na taṁ arati sahati; uttarāya cepi disāya viharati sveva aratiṁ sahati, na taṁ arati sahati; dakkhiṇāya cepi disāya viharati sveva aratiṁ sahati, na taṁ arati sahati. Taṁ kissa hetu? Aratiratisaho hi, bhikkhave, dhīroti.

Discontent cannot prevail over the attentive;the attentive are not prevailed over by discontent.The attentive can prevail over discontent,for the attentive are those who prevail over discontent.

Nārati sahati dhīraṁ,nārati dhīraṁ sahati;Dhīrova aratiṁ sahati,dhīro hi aratissaho.

Who can hold back the dispeller,who’s cast aside all deeds?Like a pendant of Black Plum River gold,who is worthy to criticize them?Even the gods praise them,and by the Divinity, too, they’re praised.”

Sabbakammavihāyīnaṁ,panuṇṇaṁ ko nivāraye;Nekkhaṁ jambonadasseva,ko taṁ ninditumarahati;Devāpi naṁ pasaṁsanti,brahmunāpi pasaṁsito”ti.

AN 4.29 · Footprints of the Dhamma

AN 4.29 · Dhammapadasutta

“Mendicants, these four footprints of the Dhamma are primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them. What four? Contentment, good will, right mindfulness, and right immersion.

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, dhammapadāni aggaññāni rattaññāni vaṁsaññāni porāṇāni asaṅkiṇṇāni asaṅkiṇṇapubbāni, na saṅkīyanti na saṅkīyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhāni samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Katamāni cattāri? Anabhijjhā, bhikkhave, dhammapadaṁ aggaññaṁ rattaññaṁ vaṁsaññaṁ porāṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇapubbaṁ, na saṅkīyati na saṅkīyissati, appaṭikuṭṭhaṁ samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi.

These four footprints of the Dhamma are primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri dhammapadāni aggaññāni rattaññāni vaṁsaññāni porāṇāni asaṅkiṇṇāni asaṅkiṇṇapubbāni, na saṅkīyanti na saṅkīyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhāni samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhīti.

You should live with contentment,and a heart of good will,mindful, with unified mind,serene within.”

Anabhijjhālu vihareyya,abyāpannena cetasā;Sato ekaggacittassa,ajjhattaṁ susamāhito”ti.

AN 4.30 · Wanderers

AN 4.30 · Paribbājakasutta

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain.

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate.

Now at that time several very well-known wanderers were residing in their monastery on the bank of the Serpentine River. They included Annabhāra, Varadhara, Sakuludāyī, and other very well-known wanderers. Then in the late afternoon, the Buddha came out of retreat and went to the wanderer’s monastery on the bank of the Serpentine River. He sat down on the seat spread out and said to the wanderers:

Tena kho pana samayena sambahulā abhiññātā abhiññātā paribbājakā sippinikātīre paribbājakārāme paṭivasanti, seyyathidaṁ annabhāro varadharo sakuludāyī ca paribbājako aññe ca abhiññātā abhiññātā paribbājakā. Atha kho bhagavā sāyanhasamayaṁ paṭisallānā vuṭṭhito yena sippinikātīraṁ paribbājakārāmo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā paññatte āsane nisīdi. Nisajja kho bhagavā te paribbājake etadavoca:

“Wanderers, these four footprints of the Dhamma are primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them. What four? Contentment … Good will … Right mindfulness … Right immersion … These four footprints of the Dhamma are primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them.

“Cattārimāni, paribbājakā, dhammapadāni aggaññāni rattaññāni vaṁsaññāni porāṇāni asaṅkiṇṇāni asaṅkiṇṇapubbāni, na saṅkīyanti na saṅkīyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhāni samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Katamāni cattāri? Anabhijjhā, paribbājakā, dhammapadaṁ aggaññaṁ rattaññaṁ vaṁsaññaṁ porāṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇapubbaṁ, na saṅkīyati na saṅkīyissati, appaṭikuṭṭhaṁ samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Abyāpādo, paribbājakā, dhammapadaṁ …pe… sammāsati, paribbājakā, dhammapadaṁ …pe… sammāsamādhi, paribbājakā, dhammapadaṁ aggaññaṁ rattaññaṁ vaṁsaññaṁ porāṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇapubbaṁ, na saṅkīyati na saṅkīyissati, appaṭikuṭṭhaṁ samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Imāni kho, paribbājakā, cattāri dhammapadāni aggaññāni rattaññāni vaṁsaññāni porāṇāni asaṅkiṇṇāni asaṅkiṇṇapubbāni, na saṅkīyanti na saṅkīyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhāni samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi.

Wanderers, if someone should say: ‘I’ll deny this Dhamma footprint of contentment, and describe a true ascetic or brahmin who covets sensual pleasures with acute lust.’ Then I’d say to them: ‘Let them come, speak, and discuss. We’ll see how powerful they are.’ It is quite impossible to deny this Dhamma footprint of contentment, and point out a true ascetic or brahmin who covets sensual pleasures with acute lust.

Yo kho, paribbājakā, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘ahametaṁ anabhijjhaṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya abhijjhāluṁ kāmesu tibbasārāgaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessāmī’ti, tamahaṁ tattha evaṁ vadeyyaṁ: ‘etu vadatu byāharatu passāmissānubhāvan’ti. So vata, paribbājakā, anabhijjhaṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya abhijjhāluṁ kāmesu tibbasārāgaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessatīti netaṁ ṭhānaṁ vijjati.

If someone should say: ‘I’ll deny this Dhamma footprint of good will, and describe a true ascetic or brahmin who has ill will and malicious intent.’ Then I’d say to them: ‘Let them come, speak, and discuss. We’ll see how powerful they are.’ It is quite impossible to deny this Dhamma footprint of good will, and point out a true ascetic or brahmin who has ill will and malicious intent.

Yo kho, paribbājakā, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘ahametaṁ abyāpādaṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya byāpannacittaṁ paduṭṭhamanasaṅkappaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessāmī’ti, tamahaṁ tattha evaṁ vadeyyaṁ: ‘etu vadatu byāharatu passāmissānubhāvan’ti. So vata, paribbājakā, abyāpādaṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya byāpannacittaṁ paduṭṭhamanasaṅkappaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessatīti netaṁ ṭhānaṁ vijjati.

If someone should say: ‘I’ll deny this Dhamma footprint of right mindfulness, and describe a true ascetic or brahmin who is unmindful, with no situational awareness.’ Then I’d say to them: ‘Let them come, speak, and discuss. We’ll see how powerful they are.’ It is quite impossible to deny this Dhamma footprint of right mindfulness, and point out a true ascetic or brahmin who is unmindful, with no situational awareness.

Yo kho, paribbājakā, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘ahametaṁ sammāsatiṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya muṭṭhassatiṁ asampajānaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessāmī’ti, tamahaṁ tattha evaṁ vadeyyaṁ: ‘etu vadatu byāharatu passāmissānubhāvan’ti. So vata, paribbājakā, sammāsatiṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya muṭṭhassatiṁ asampajānaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessatīti netaṁ ṭhānaṁ vijjati.

If someone should say: ‘I’ll deny this Dhamma footprint of right immersion, and describe a true ascetic or brahmin who is scattered, with straying mind.’ Then I’d say to them: ‘Let them come, speak, and discuss. We’ll see how powerful they are.’ It is quite impossible to deny this Dhamma footprint of right immersion, and point out a true ascetic or brahmin who is scattered, with straying mind.

Yo kho, paribbājakā, evaṁ vadeyya: ‘ahametaṁ sammāsamādhiṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya asamāhitaṁ vibbhantacittaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessāmī’ti, tamahaṁ tattha evaṁ vadeyyaṁ: ‘etu vadatu byāharatu passāmissānubhāvan’ti. So vata, paribbājakā, sammāsamādhiṁ dhammapadaṁ paccakkhāya asamāhitaṁ vibbhantacittaṁ samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā paññāpessatīti netaṁ ṭhānaṁ vijjati.

If anyone imagines they can criticize and reject these four footprints of the Dhamma, they deserve rebuttal and criticism on four legitimate grounds in this very life. What four?

Yo kho, paribbājakā, imāni cattāri dhammapadāni garahitabbaṁ paṭikkositabbaṁ maññeyya, tassa diṭṭheva dhamme cattāro sahadhammikā vādānupātā gārayhā ṭhānā āgacchanti. Katame cattāro?

If you reject the Dhamma footprint of contentment, then you must honor and praise those ascetics and brahmins who covet sensual pleasures with acute lust.

Anabhijjhañce bhavaṁ dhammapadaṁ garahati paṭikkosati, ye ca hi abhijjhālū kāmesu tibbasārāgā samaṇabrāhmaṇā te bhoto pujjā te bhoto pāsaṁsā.

If you reject the Dhamma footprint of good will, you must honor and praise those ascetics and brahmins who have ill will and malicious intent.

Abyāpādañce bhavaṁ dhammapadaṁ garahati paṭikkosati, ye ca hi byāpannacittā paduṭṭhamanasaṅkappā samaṇabrāhmaṇā te bhoto pujjā te bhoto pāsaṁsā.

If you reject the Dhamma footprint of right mindfulness, then you must honor and praise those ascetics and brahmins who are unmindful, with no situational awareness.

Sammāsatiñce bhavaṁ dhammapadaṁ garahati paṭikkosati, ye ca hi muṭṭhassatī asampajānā samaṇabrāhmaṇā te bhoto pujjā te bhoto pāsaṁsā.

If you reject the Dhamma footprint of right immersion, you must honor and praise those ascetics and brahmins who are scattered, with straying minds.

Sammāsamādhiñce bhavaṁ dhammapadaṁ garahati paṭikkosati, ye ca hi asamāhitā vibbhantacittā samaṇabrāhmaṇā te bhoto pujjā te bhoto pāsaṁsā.

If anyone imagines they can criticize and reject these four footprints of the Dhamma, they deserve rebuttal and criticism on four legitimate grounds in this very life.

Yo kho, paribbājakā, imāni cattāri dhammapadāni garahitabbaṁ paṭikkositabbaṁ maññeyya, tassa diṭṭheva dhamme ime cattāro sahadhammikā vādānupātā gārayhā ṭhānā āgacchanti.

Even those who were loud and bold advocates of the doctrines of no-cause, inaction, and nihilism didn’t imagine that these four footprints of the Dhamma should be criticized or rejected. Why is that? For fear of being blamed, provoked, and faulted.

Yepi te, paribbājakā, ahesuṁ ukkalā vassabhaññā ahetukavādā akiriyavādā natthikavādā, tepi imāni cattāri dhammapadāni na garahitabbaṁ na paṭikkositabbaṁ amaññiṁsu. Taṁ kissa hetu? Nindābyārosanaupārambhabhayāti.

One who has good will, ever mindful,serene within,training to remove desire,is called ‘a diligent one’.”

Abyāpanno sadā sato,ajjhattaṁ susamāhito;Abhijjhāvinaye sikkhaṁ,appamattoti vuccatī”ti.