AN 8.13 · A Thoroughbred
AN 8.13 · Assājānīyasutta
“Mendicants, a fine royal thoroughbred with eight factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and reckoned a factor of kingship. What eight?
“Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhaddo assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhaṁ gacchati. Katamehi aṭṭhahi?
It’s when a fine royal thoroughbred is well born on both the mother’s and the father’s sides.
Idha, bhikkhave, rañño bhaddo assājānīyo ubhato sujāto hoti— mātito ca pitito ca.
He’s bred in the region fine thoroughbreds come from.
Yassaṁ disāyaṁ aññepi bhaddā assājānīyā jāyanti, tassaṁ disāyaṁ jāto hoti.
Whatever food he’s given, fresh or dry, he eats carefully, without making a mess.
Yaṁ kho panassa bhojanaṁ denti— allaṁ vā sukkhaṁ vā— taṁ sakkaccaṁyeva paribhuñjati avikiranto.
He’s disgusted by sitting or lying down in excrement or urine.
Jegucchī hoti uccāraṁ vā passāvaṁ vā abhinisīdituṁ vā abhinipajjituṁ vā.
He’s gentle and pleasant to live with, and he doesn’t upset the other horses.
Sorato hoti sukhasaṁvāso, na ca aññe asse ubbejetā.
He openly shows his tricks, bluffs, ruses, and feints to his trainer, so the trainer can try to subdue them.
Yāni kho panassa honti sāṭheyyāni kūṭeyyāni jimheyyāni vaṅkeyyāni, tāni yathābhūtaṁ sārathissa āvikattā hoti. Tesamassa sārathi abhinimmadanāya vāyamati.
He carries his load, determining: ‘Whether or not the other horses carry their loads, I’ll carry mine.’
Vāhī kho pana hoti. ‘Kāmaññe assā vahantu vā mā vā, ahamettha vahissāmī’ti cittaṁ uppādeti.
He always walks in a straight path. He’s strong, and stays strong even until death.
Gacchanto kho pana ujumaggeneva gacchati. Thāmavā hoti yāva jīvitamaraṇapariyādānā thāmaṁ upadaṁsetā.
A fine royal thoroughbred with these eight factors is worthy of a king. …
Imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahi aṅgehi samannāgato rañño bhaddo assājānīyo rājāraho hoti rājabhoggo, rañño aṅganteva saṅkhaṁ gacchati.
In the same way, a mendicant with eight qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of greeting with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world. What eight?
Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa. Katamehi aṭṭhahi?
It’s when a mendicant is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and resorting for alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken.
Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti, pātimokkhasaṁvarasaṁvuto viharati ācāragocarasampanno aṇumattesu vajjesu bhayadassāvī, samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu.
Whatever food they’re given, coarse or fine, they eat carefully, without bother.
Yaṁ kho panassa bhojanaṁ denti— lūkhaṁ vā paṇītaṁ vā— taṁ sakkaccaṁyeva paribhuñjati avihaññamāno.
They’re disgusted with bad conduct by way of body, speech, or mind, and by attainment of the many kinds of unskillful things.
Jegucchī hoti kāyaduccaritena vacīduccaritena manoduccaritena; jegucchī hoti anekavihitānaṁ pāpakānaṁ akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ samāpattiyā.
They’re gentle and pleasant to live with, and they don’t upset the other mendicants.
Sorato hoti sukhasaṁvāso, na aññe bhikkhū ubbejetā.
They openly show their tricks, bluffs, ruses, and feints to their sensible spiritual companions, so they can try to subdue them.
Yāni kho panassa honti sāṭheyyāni kūṭeyyāni jimheyyāni vaṅkeyyāni, tāni yathābhūtaṁ āvikattā hoti satthari vā viññūsu vā sabrahmacārīsu. Tesamassa satthā vā viññū vā sabrahmacārī abhinimmadanāya vāyamati.
They do their training, determining: ‘Whether or not the other mendicants do their training, I’ll do mine.’
Sikkhitā kho pana hoti. ‘Kāmaññe bhikkhū sikkhantu vā mā vā, ahamettha sikkhissāmī’ti cittaṁ uppādeti.
They always walk in a straight path. And here the straight path is right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion.
Gacchanto kho pana ujumaggeneva gacchati; tatrāyaṁ ujumaggo, seyyathidaṁ— sammādiṭṭhi …pe… sammāsamādhi.
They’re energetic: ‘Gladly, let my skin, sinews, and bones remain! Let the blood and flesh waste away in my body! I will not stop trying until I have achieved what is possible by human strength, energy, and vigor.’
Āraddhavīriyo viharati: ‘kāmaṁ taco ca nhāru ca aṭṭhi ca avasissatu, sarīre upassussatu maṁsalohitaṁ; yaṁ taṁ purisathāmena purisavīriyena purisaparakkamena pattabbaṁ, na taṁ apāpuṇitvā vīriyassa saṇṭhānaṁ bhavissatī’ti.
A mendicant with these eight qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world.”
Imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu āhuneyyo hoti …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā”ti.
Tatiyaṁ.
AN 8.14 · A Wild Colt
AN 8.14 · Assakhaḷuṅkasutta
“Mendicants, I will teach you about eight wild colts and eight defects in horses, and about eight wild people and eight defects in people. Listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”
“Aṭṭha ca, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅke desessāmi aṭṭha ca assadose, aṭṭha ca purisakhaḷuṅke aṭṭha ca purisadose. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha, bhāsissāmī”ti.
“Yes, sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:
“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ. Bhagavā etadavoca:
“And what, mendicants, are the eight wild colts and eight defects in horses?
“Katame ca, bhikkhave, aṭṭha assakhaḷuṅkā aṭṭha ca assadosā?
Firstly, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts back right up and spin the chariot behind them. Some wild colts are like that. This is the first defect of a horse.
Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā pacchato paṭikkamati, piṭṭhito rathaṁ pavatteti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts jump back, wreck the hub, and break the triple rod. Some wild colts are like that. This is the second defect of a horse.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā pacchā laṅghati, kubbaraṁ hanati, tidaṇḍaṁ bhañjati. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts shake the draft-pole off their thigh and trample it. Some wild colts are like that. This is the third defect of a horse.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā rathīsāya satthiṁ ussajjitvā rathīsaṁyeva ajjhomaddati. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts take a wrong turn, sending the chariot off track. Some wild colts are like that. This is the fourth defect of a horse.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā ummaggaṁ gaṇhati, ubbaṭumaṁ rathaṁ karoti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, catuttho assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts rear up and strike out with their fore-legs. Some wild colts are like that. This is the fifth defect of a horse.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā laṅghati purimakāyaṁ paggaṇhati purime pāde. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, pañcamo assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts ignore the trainer and the goad, spit out the bit, and go wherever they want. Some wild colts are like that. This is the sixth defect of a horse.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā anādiyitvā sārathiṁ anādiyitvā patodalaṭṭhiṁ dantehi mukhādhānaṁ vidhaṁsitvā yena kāmaṁ pakkamati. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, chaṭṭho assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts don’t step forward or turn back but stand right there still as a post. Some wild colts are like that. This is the seventh defect of a horse.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā neva abhikkamati no paṭikkamati tattheva khīlaṭṭhāyī ṭhito hoti. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, sattamo assadoso.
Furthermore, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, some wild colts tuck in their fore-legs and hind-legs, and sit right down on their four legs. Some wild colts are like that. This is the eighth defect of a horse. These are the eight wild colts and the eight defects in horses.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā purime ca pāde saṁharitvā pacchime ca pāde saṁharitvā tattheva cattāro pāde abhinisīdati. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco assakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, aṭṭhamo assadoso. Ime kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha assakhaḷuṅkā aṭṭha ca assadosā.
And what are the eight wild people and eight defects in people?
Katame ca, bhikkhave, aṭṭha purisakhaḷuṅkā aṭṭha ca purisadosā?
Firstly, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant evades it by saying they don’t remember. I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, back right up and spin the chariot behind them. Some wild people are like that. This is the first defect of a person.
Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno ‘na sarāmī’ti asatiyā nibbeṭheti. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā pacchato paṭikkamati, piṭṭhito rathaṁ vatteti; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant objects to the accuser: ‘What has an incompetent fool like you got to say? How on earth could you imagine you’ve got something worth saying!’ I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, jump back, wreck the hub, and break the triple rod. Some wild people are like that. This is the second defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno codakaṁyeva paṭippharati: ‘kiṁ nu kho tuyhaṁ bālassa abyattassa bhaṇitena. Tvampi nāma bhaṇitabbaṁ maññasī’ti. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā pacchā laṅghati, kubbaraṁ hanati, tidaṇḍaṁ bhañjati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant retorts to the accuser: ‘Well, you’ve fallen into an offense named such-and-such. You should deal with that first.’ I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, shake the draft-pole off their thigh and trample it. Some wild people are like that. This is the third defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno codakasseva paccāropeti: ‘tvaṁ khosi itthannāmaṁ āpattiṁ āpanno, tvaṁ tāva paṭhamaṁ paṭikarohī’ti. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā rathīsāya satthiṁ ussajjitvā rathīsaṁyeva ajjhomaddati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant dodges the issue, distracts the discussion with irrelevant points, and displays annoyance, hate, and bitterness. I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, take a wrong turn, sending the chariot off track. Some wild people are like that. This is the fourth defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno aññenāññaṁ paṭicarati, bahiddhā kathaṁ apanāmeti, kopañca dosañca appaccayañca pātukaroti. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā ummaggaṁ gaṇhati, ubbaṭumaṁ rathaṁ karoti; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, catuttho purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant gesticulates while speaking in the middle of the Saṅgha. I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, rear up and strike out with their fore-legs. Some wild people are like that. This is the fifth defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno saṅghamajjhe bāhuvikkhepaṁ karoti. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā laṅghati, purimakāyaṁ paggaṇhati purime pāde; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, pañcamo purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant ignores the Saṅgha and the accusation and, though still guilty of the offense, they go wherever they want. I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, ignore the trainer and the goad, spit out the bit, and go wherever they want. Some wild people are like that. This is the sixth defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno anādiyitvā saṅghaṁ anādiyitvā codakaṁ sāpattikova yena kāmaṁ pakkamati. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā anādiyitvā sārathiṁ anādiyitvā patodalaṭṭhiṁ dantehi mukhādhānaṁ vidhaṁsitvā yena kāmaṁ pakkamati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, chaṭṭho purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant neither confesses to the offense nor denies it, but frustrates the Saṅgha by staying silent. I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, don’t step forward or turn back but stand right there still as a post. Some wild people are like that. This is the seventh defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno ‘nevāhaṁ āpannomhi, na panāhaṁ āpannomhī’ti so tuṇhībhāvena saṅghaṁ viheṭheti. Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā neva abhikkamati no paṭikkamati tattheva khīlaṭṭhāyī ṭhito hoti; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, sattamo purisadoso.
Furthermore, the mendicants accuse a mendicant of an offense. But the accused mendicant says this: ‘Why are you venerables making so much of an issue over me? Now I’ll resign the training and return to a lesser life.’ When they have resigned the training, they say: ‘Well, venerables, are you happy now?’ I say that this individual is comparable to the wild colts who, when the trainer says ‘giddyup!’ and spurs and goads them on, tuck in their fore-legs and hind-legs, and sit right down on their four legs. Some wild people are like that. This is the eighth defect of a person.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhū bhikkhuṁ āpattiyā codenti. So bhikkhu bhikkhūhi āpattiyā codiyamāno evamāha: ‘kiṁ nu kho tumhe āyasmanto atibāḷhaṁ mayi byāvaṭā yāva idānāhaṁ sikkhaṁ paccakkhāya hīnāyāvattissāmī’ti. So sikkhaṁ paccakkhāya hīnāyāvattitvā evamāha: ‘idāni kho tumhe āyasmanto attamanā hothā’ti? Seyyathāpi so, bhikkhave, assakhaḷuṅko ‘pehī’ti vutto, viddho samāno codito sārathinā purime ca pāde saṁharitvā pacchime ca pāde saṁharitvā tattheva cattāro pāde abhinisīdati; tathūpamāhaṁ, bhikkhave, imaṁ puggalaṁ vadāmi. Evarūpopi, bhikkhave, idhekacco purisakhaḷuṅko hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, aṭṭhamo purisadoso.
These are the eight wild people and eight defects in people.”
Ime kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha purisakhaḷuṅkā aṭṭha ca purisadosā”ti.
Catutthaṁ.
AN 8.15 · Stains
AN 8.15 · Malasutta
“Mendicants, there are these eight stains. What eight? Not rehearsing is the stain of hymns. Neglect is the stain of houses. Laziness is the stain of beauty. Negligence is a guard’s stain. Misconduct is a woman’s stain. Stinginess is a giver’s stain. Bad, unskillful qualities are a stain in this world and the next. Worse than any of these is ignorance, the worst stain of all. These are the eight stains.
“Aṭṭhimāni, bhikkhave, malāni. Katamāni aṭṭha? Asajjhāyamalā, bhikkhave, mantā; anuṭṭhānamalā, bhikkhave, gharā; malaṁ, bhikkhave, vaṇṇassa kosajjaṁ; pamādo, bhikkhave, rakkhato malaṁ; malaṁ, bhikkhave, itthiyā duccaritaṁ; maccheraṁ, bhikkhave, dadato malaṁ; malā, bhikkhave, pāpakā akusalā dhammā asmiṁ loke paramhi ca; tato, bhikkhave, malā malataraṁ avijjā paramaṁ malaṁ. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha malānīti.
Not rehearsing is the stain of hymns.The stain of houses is neglect.Laziness is the stain of beauty.A guard’s stain is negligence.
Asajjhāyamalā mantā,anuṭṭhānamalā gharā;Malaṁ vaṇṇassa kosajjaṁ,pamādo rakkhato malaṁ.
Misconduct is a woman’s stain.A giver’s stain is stinginess.Bad qualities are a stainin this world and the next.But a worse stain than theseis ignorance, the worst stain of all.”
Malitthiyā duccaritaṁ,maccheraṁ dadato malaṁ;Malā ve pāpakā dhammā,asmiṁ loke paramhi ca;Tato malā malataraṁ,avijjā paramaṁ malan”ti.
Pañcamaṁ.
AN 8.16 · Going on a Mission
AN 8.16 · Dūteyyasutta
“Mendicants, a mendicant with eight qualities is worthy of going on a mission. What eight? It’s a mendicant who learns and educates others. They memorize and remember. They understand and help others understand. They’re skilled at knowing what’s on topic and what isn’t. And they don’t cause quarrels. A mendicant with these eight qualities is worthy of going on a mission.
“Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu dūteyyaṁ gantumarahati. Katamehi aṭṭhahi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sotā ca hoti, sāvetā ca, uggahetā ca, dhāretā ca, viññātā ca, viññāpetā ca, kusalo ca sahitāsahitassa, no ca kalahakārako— imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu dūteyyaṁ gantumarahati.
Having eight qualities Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission. What eight? He learns and educates others. He memorizes and remembers. He understands and helps others understand. He’s skilled at knowing what’s on topic and what isn’t. And he doesn’t cause quarrels. Having these eight qualities Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission.
Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato sāriputto dūteyyaṁ gantumarahati. Katamehi aṭṭhahi? Idha, bhikkhave, sāriputto sotā ca hoti, sāvetā ca, uggahetā ca, dhāretā ca, viññātā ca, viññāpetā ca, kusalo ca sahitāsahitassa, no ca kalahakārako. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahi dhammehi samannāgato sāriputto dūteyyaṁ gantumarahatīti.
They don’t tremble when arrivingat an assembly of fierce debaters.They don’t miss out any words,or conceal the instructions.
Yo ve na byathati patvā,parisaṁ uggavādiniṁ;Na ca hāpeti vacanaṁ,na ca chādeti sāsanaṁ.
Their words aren’t poisoned,and they don’t tremble when questioned.Such a mendicantis worthy of going on a mission.”
Asandiddhañca bhaṇati,Pucchito na ca kuppati;Sa ve tādisako bhikkhu,Dūteyyaṁ gantumarahatī”ti.
Chaṭṭhaṁ.
AN 8.17 · Catching (1st)
AN 8.17 · Paṭhamabandhanasutta
“Mendicants, a woman catches a man using eight features. What eight? With weeping, laughing, speaking, appearance, gifts of wildflowers, scents, tastes, and touches. A woman catches a man using these eight features. But those beings who are caught by touch are well and truly caught.”
“Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, ākārehi itthī purisaṁ bandhati. Katamehi aṭṭhahi? Ruṇṇena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; hasitena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; bhaṇitena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; ākappena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; vanabhaṅgena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; gandhena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; rasena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati; phassena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahākārehi itthī purisaṁ bandhati. Te, bhikkhave, sattā subaddhā, ye phassena baddhā”ti.
Sattamaṁ.
AN 8.18 · Catching (2nd)
AN 8.18 · Dutiyabandhanasutta
“Mendicants, a man catches a woman using eight features. What eight? With weeping, laughing, speaking, appearance, gifts of wildflowers, scents, tastes, and touches. A man catches a woman using these eight features. But those beings who are caught by touch are well and truly caught.”
“Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, ākārehi puriso itthiṁ bandhati. Katamehi aṭṭhahi? Ruṇṇena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; hasitena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; bhaṇitena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; ākappena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; vanabhaṅgena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; gandhena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; rasena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati; phassena, bhikkhave, puriso itthiṁ bandhati. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahākārehi puriso itthiṁ bandhati. Te, bhikkhave, sattā subaddhā, ye phassena baddhā”ti.
Aṭṭhamaṁ.
AN 8.19 · With Pahārāda
AN 8.19 · Pahārādasutta
At one time the Buddha was staying in Verañjā at the root of a neem tree dedicated to Naḷeru.
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā verañjāyaṁ viharati naḷerupucimandamūle.
Then Pahārāda, lord of titans, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. The Buddha said to him, “Well, Pahārāda, do the titans love the ocean?”
Atha kho pahārādo asurindo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitaṁ kho pahārādaṁ asurindaṁ bhagavā etadavoca: “Api pana, pahārāda, asurā mahāsamudde abhiramantī”ti?
“Sir, they do indeed.”
“Abhiramanti, bhante, asurā mahāsamudde”ti.
“But seeing what incredible and amazing things do the titans love the ocean?”
“Kati pana, pahārāda, mahāsamudde acchariyā abbhutā dhammā, ye disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramantī”ti?
“Sir, seeing eight incredible and amazing things the titans love the ocean. What eight? The ocean gradually slants, slopes, and inclines, with no abrupt precipice. This is the first thing the titans love about the ocean.
“Aṭṭha, bhante, mahāsamudde acchariyā abbhutā dhammā, ye disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti. Katame aṭṭha? Mahāsamuddo, bhante, anupubbaninno anupubbapoṇo anupubbapabbhāro, na āyatakeneva papāto. Yampi, bhante, mahāsamuddo anupubbaninno anupubbapoṇo anupubbapabbhāro, na āyatakeneva papāto; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde paṭhamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, the ocean is consistent and doesn’t overflow its boundaries. This is the second thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, mahāsamuddo ṭhitadhammo velaṁ nātivattati. Yampi, bhante, mahāsamuddo ṭhitadhammo velaṁ nātivattati; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde dutiyo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, the ocean doesn’t accommodate a carcass, but quickly carries it to the shore and strands it on the beach. This is the third thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, mahāsamuddo na matena kuṇapena saṁvasati. Yaṁ hoti mahāsamudde mataṁ kuṇapaṁ, taṁ khippameva tīraṁ vāheti, thalaṁ ussāreti. Yampi, bhante, mahāsamuddo na matena kuṇapena saṁvasati, yaṁ hoti mahāsamudde mataṁ kuṇapaṁ, taṁ khippameva tīraṁ vāheti, thalaṁ ussāreti; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde tatiyo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, when they reach the ocean, all the great rivers—that is, the Ganges, Yamunā, Aciravatī, Sarabhū, and Mahī—lose their names and clans and are simply reckoned as ‘the ocean’. This is the fourth thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, yā kāci mahānadiyo, seyyathidaṁ— gaṅgā yamunā aciravatī sarabhū mahī, tā mahāsamuddaṁ patvā jahanti purimāni nāmagottāni, ‘mahāsamuddo’ tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchanti. Yampi, bhante, yā kāci mahānadiyo, seyyathidaṁ—gaṅgā yamunā aciravatī sarabhū mahī, tā mahāsamuddaṁ patvā jahanti purimāni nāmagottāni, ‘mahāsamuddo’ tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchanti; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde catuttho acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, for all the world’s streams that reach it, and the showers that fall from the sky, the ocean never empties or fills up. This is the fifth thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, yā ca loke savantiyo mahāsamuddaṁ appenti yā ca antalikkhā dhārā papatanti, na tena mahāsamuddassa ūnattaṁ vā pūrattaṁ vā paññāyati. Yampi, bhante, yā ca loke savantiyo mahāsamuddaṁ appenti yā ca antalikkhā dhārā papatanti, na tena mahāsamuddassa ūnattaṁ vā pūrattaṁ vā paññāyati; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde pañcamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, the ocean has just one taste, the taste of salt. This is the sixth thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, mahāsamuddo ekaraso loṇaraso. Yampi, bhante, mahāsamuddo ekaraso loṇaraso; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde chaṭṭho acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, the ocean is full of many kinds of treasures, such as pearls, gems, beryl, conch, quartz, coral, silver, native gold, rubies, and emeralds. This is the seventh thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, mahāsamuddo bahuratano anekaratano. Tatrimāni ratanāni, seyyathidaṁ—muttā maṇi veḷuriyo saṅkho silā pavāḷaṁ rajataṁ jātarūpaṁ lohitako masāragallaṁ. Yampi, bhante, mahāsamuddo bahuratano anekaratano; tatrimāni ratanāni, seyyathidaṁ—muttā maṇi veḷuriyo saṅkho silā pavāḷaṁ rajataṁ jātarūpaṁ lohitako masāragallaṁ; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde sattamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Furthermore, many great beings live in the ocean, such as leviathans, leviathan-gulpers, leviathan-gulper-gulpers, titans, dragons, and centaurs. In the ocean there are life-forms a hundred leagues long, or even two hundred, three hundred, four hundred, or five hundred leagues long. This is the eighth thing the titans love about the ocean.
Puna caparaṁ, bhante, mahāsamuddo mahataṁ bhūtānaṁ āvāso. Tatrime bhūtā—timi timiṅgalo timirapiṅgalo asurā nāgā gandhabbā. Santi mahāsamudde yojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, dviyojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, tiyojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, catuyojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, pañcayojanasatikāpi attabhāvā. Yampi, bhante, mahāsamuddo mahataṁ bhūtānaṁ āvāso; tatrime bhūtā—timi timiṅgalo timirapiṅgalo asurā nāgā gandhabbā; santi mahāsamudde yojanasatikāpi attabhāvā …pe… tiyojana … catuyojana … pañcayojanasatikāpi attabhāvā; ayaṁ, bhante, mahāsamudde aṭṭhamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramanti.
Seeing these eight incredible and amazing things the titans love the ocean.
Ime kho, bhante, mahāsamudde aṭṭha acchariyā abbhutā dhammā, ye disvā disvā asurā mahāsamudde abhiramantīti.
Well, sir, do the mendicants love this teaching and training?”
Api pana, bhante, bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramantī”ti?
“They do indeed, Pahārāda.”
“Abhiramanti, pahārāda, bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye”ti.
“But seeing how many incredible and amazing things do the mendicants love this teaching and training?”
“Kati pana, bhante, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye acchariyā abbhutā dhammā, ye disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramantī”ti?
“Seeing eight incredible and amazing things, Pahārāda, the mendicants love this teaching and training. What eight?
“Aṭṭha, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye acchariyā abbhutā dhammā, ye disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti. Katame aṭṭha?
The ocean gradually slants, slopes, and inclines, with no abrupt precipice. In the same way in this teaching and training the penetration to enlightenment comes from gradual training, progress, and practice, not abruptly. This is the first thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, mahāsamuddo anupubbaninno anupubbapoṇo anupubbapabbhāro, na āyatakeneva papāto; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye anupubbasikkhā anupubbakiriyā anupubbapaṭipadā, na āyatakeneva aññāpaṭivedho. Yampi, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye anupubbasikkhā anupubbakiriyā anupubbapaṭipadā, na āyatakeneva aññāpaṭivedho; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye paṭhamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
The ocean is consistent and doesn’t overflow its boundaries. In the same way, when a training rule is laid down for my disciples they wouldn’t break it even for the sake of their own life. This is the second thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, mahāsamuddo ṭhitadhammo velaṁ nātivattati; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, yaṁ mayā sāvakānaṁ sikkhāpadaṁ paññattaṁ taṁ mama sāvakā jīvitahetupi nātikkamanti. Yampi, pahārāda, mayā sāvakānaṁ sikkhāpadaṁ paññattaṁ taṁ mama sāvakā jīvitahetupi nātikkamanti; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye dutiyo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
The ocean doesn’t accommodate a carcass, but quickly carries it to the shore and strands it on the beach. In the same way, the Saṅgha doesn’t accommodate an individual who 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. But they quickly gather and expel them. Even if they are sitting in the middle of the Saṅgha, they’re far from the Saṅgha, and the Saṅgha is far from them. This is the third thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, mahāsamuddo na matena kuṇapena saṁvasati. Yaṁ hoti mahāsamudde mataṁ kuṇapaṁ, taṁ khippameva tīraṁ vāheti thalaṁ ussāreti; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, yo so puggalo dussīlo pāpadhammo asucisaṅkassarasamācāro paṭicchannakammanto assamaṇo samaṇapaṭiñño abrahmacārī brahmacāripaṭiñño antopūti avassuto kasambujāto, na tena saṅgho saṁvasati; khippameva naṁ sannipatitvā ukkhipati. Kiñcāpi so hoti majjhe bhikkhusaṅghassa sannisinno, atha kho so ārakāva saṅghamhā saṅgho ca tena. Yampi, pahārāda, yo so puggalo dussīlo pāpadhammo asucisaṅkassarasamācāro paṭicchannakammanto assamaṇo samaṇapaṭiñño abrahmacārī brahmacāripaṭiñño antopūti avassuto kasambujāto, na tena saṅgho saṁvasati; khippameva naṁ sannipatitvā ukkhipati; kiñcāpi so hoti majjhe bhikkhusaṅghassa sannisinno, atha kho so ārakāva saṅghamhā saṅgho ca tena; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye tatiyo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
When they reach the ocean, all the great rivers—that is, the Ganges, Yamunā, Aciravatī, Sarabhū, and Mahī—lose their names and clans and are simply reckoned as ‘the ocean’. In the same way, when they go forth from the lay life to homelessness, all four classes—aristocrats, brahmins, peasants, and menials—lose their former names and clans and are simply reckoned as ‘ascetics who follow the Sakyan’. This is the fourth thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, yā kāci mahānadiyo, seyyathidaṁ—gaṅgā yamunā aciravatī sarabhū mahī, tā mahāsamuddaṁ patvā jahanti purimāni nāmagottāni, ‘mahāsamuddo’ tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchanti; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, cattārome vaṇṇā—khattiyā, brāhmaṇā, vessā, suddā, te tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajitvā jahanti purimāni nāmagottāni, ‘samaṇā sakyaputtiyā’ tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchanti. Yampi, pahārāda, cattārome vaṇṇā—khattiyā, brāhmaṇā, vessā, suddā, te tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajitvā jahanti purimāni nāmagottāni, ‘samaṇā sakyaputtiyā’ tveva saṅkhaṁ gacchanti; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye catuttho acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
For all the world’s streams that reach it, and the showers that fall from the sky, the ocean never empties or fills up. In the same way, though several mendicants become fully extinguished in the element of extinguishment with no residue, the element of extinguishment never empties or fills up. This is the fifth thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, yā ca loke savantiyo mahāsamuddaṁ appenti yā ca antalikkhā dhārā papatanti, na tena mahāsamuddassa ūnattaṁ vā pūrattaṁ vā paññāyati; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, bahū cepi bhikkhū anupādisesāya nibbānadhātuyā parinibbāyanti, na tena nibbānadhātuyā ūnattaṁ vā pūrattaṁ vā paññāyati. Yampi, pahārāda, bahū cepi bhikkhū anupādisesāya nibbānadhātuyā parinibbāyanti, na tena nibbānadhātuyā ūnattaṁ vā pūrattaṁ vā paññāyati; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye pañcamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
The ocean has just one taste, the taste of salt. In the same way, this teaching and training has one taste, the taste of freedom. This is the sixth thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, mahāsamuddo ekaraso loṇaraso; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, ayaṁ dhammavinayo ekaraso, vimuttiraso. Yampi, pahārāda, ayaṁ dhammavinayo ekaraso, vimuttiraso; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye chaṭṭho acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
The ocean is full of many kinds of treasures, such as pearls, gems, beryl, conch, quartz, coral, silver, native gold, rubies, and emeralds. In the same way, this teaching and training is full of many kinds of treasures, such as the four kinds of mindfulness meditation, the four right efforts, the four bases of psychic power, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven awakening factors, and the noble eightfold path. This is the seventh thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, mahāsamuddo bahuratano anekaratano; tatrimāni ratanāni, seyyathidaṁ—muttā maṇi veḷuriyo saṅkho silā pavāḷaṁ rajataṁ jātarūpaṁ lohitako masāragallaṁ; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, ayaṁ dhammavinayo bahuratano anekaratano. Tatrimāni ratanāni, seyyathidaṁ—cattāro satipaṭṭhānā, cattāro sammappadhānā, cattāro iddhipādā, pañcindriyāni, pañca balāni, satta bojjhaṅgā, ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo. Yampi, pahārāda, ayaṁ dhammavinayo bahuratano anekaratano; tatrimāni ratanāni, seyyathidaṁ—cattāro satipaṭṭhānā, cattāro sammappadhānā, cattāro iddhipādā, pañcindriyāni, pañca balāni, satta bojjhaṅgā, ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye sattamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
Many great beings live in the ocean, such as leviathans, leviathan-gulpers, leviathan-gulper-gulpers, titans, dragons, and centaurs. In the ocean there are life-forms a hundred leagues long, or even two hundred, three hundred, four hundred, or five hundred leagues long. In the same way, great beings live in this teaching and training, and these are those beings. The stream-enterer and the one practicing to realize the fruit of stream-entry. The once-returner and the one practicing to realize the fruit of once-return. The non-returner and the one practicing to realize the fruit of non-return. The perfected one, and the one practicing for perfection. This is the eighth thing the mendicants love about this teaching and training.
Seyyathāpi, pahārāda, mahāsamuddo mahataṁ bhūtānaṁ āvāso; tatrime bhūtā—timi timiṅgalo timirapiṅgalo asurā nāgā gandhabbā; santi mahāsamudde yojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, dviyojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, tiyojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, catuyojanasatikāpi attabhāvā, pañcayojanasatikāpi attabhāvā; evamevaṁ kho, pahārāda, ayaṁ dhammavinayo mahataṁ bhūtānaṁ āvāso; tatrime bhūtā—sotāpanno sotāpattiphalasacchikiriyāya paṭipanno, sakadāgāmī sakadāgāmiphalasacchikiriyāya paṭipanno, anāgāmī anāgāmiphalasacchikiriyāya paṭipanno, arahā arahattāya paṭipanno. Yampi, pahārāda, ayaṁ dhammavinayo mahataṁ bhūtānaṁ āvāso; tatrime bhūtā—sotāpanno sotāpattiphalasacchikiriyāya paṭipanno, sakadāgāmī sakadāgāmiphalasacchikiriyāya paṭipanno, anāgāmī anāgāmiphalasacchikiriyāya paṭipanno, arahā arahattāya paṭipanno; ayaṁ, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye aṭṭhamo acchariyo abbhuto dhammo, yaṁ disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramanti.
Seeing these eight incredible and amazing things, Pahārāda, the mendicants love this teaching and training.”
Ime kho, pahārāda, imasmiṁ dhammavinaye aṭṭha acchariyā abbhutā dhammā, ye disvā disvā bhikkhū imasmiṁ dhammavinaye abhiramantī”ti.
Navamaṁ.