AN 8.41 · The Sabbath With Eight Factors, In Brief
AN 8.41 · Saṅkhittūposathasutta
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, the observance of the sabbath with its eight factors is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful. And how should it be observed? It’s when a noble disciple reflects: ‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. They are scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. I’ll be scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its first factor.
“Aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato, bhikkhave, uposatho upavuttho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro. Kathaṁ upavuttho ca, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro? Idha, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘yāvajīvaṁ arahanto pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā nihitadaṇḍā nihitasatthā lajjī dayāpannā, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampino viharanti. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharāmi. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā paṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up stealing. They take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given. They keep themselves clean by not thieving. I, too, for this day and night will give up stealing. I’ll take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given. I’ll keep myself clean by not thieving. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its second factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto adinnādānaṁ pahāya adinnādānā paṭiviratā dinnādāyī dinnapāṭikaṅkhī, athenena sucibhūtena attanā viharanti. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ adinnādānaṁ pahāya adinnādānā paṭivirato dinnādāyī dinnapāṭikaṅkhī, athenena sucibhūtena attanā viharāmi. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā dutiyena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up unchastity. They are chaste, set apart, refraining from the vulgar act of sex. I, too, for this day and night will give up unchastity. I will be chaste, set apart, refraining from the vulgar act of sex. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its third factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto abrahmacariyaṁ pahāya brahmacārino ārācārino viratā methunā gāmadhammā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ abrahmacariyaṁ pahāya brahmacārī ārācārī virato methunā gāmadhammā. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā tatiyena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up lying. They speak the truth and stick to the truth. They’re honest and dependable, and don’t trick the world with their words. I, too, for this day and night will give up lying. I’ll speak the truth and stick to the truth. I’ll be honest and dependable, and won’t trick the world with my words. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its fourth factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto musāvādaṁ pahāya musāvādā paṭiviratā saccavādino saccasandhā thetā paccayikā avisaṁvādako lokassa. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ musāvādaṁ pahāya musāvādā paṭivirato saccavādī saccasandho theto paccayiko avisaṁvādako lokassa. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā catutthena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. I, too, for this day and night will give up intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its fifth factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā pañcamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones eat in one part of the day, abstaining from eating at night and from food at the wrong time. I, too, for this day and night will eat in one part of the day, abstaining from eating at night and food at the wrong time. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its sixth factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto ekabhattikā rattūparatā viratā vikālabhojanā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ ekabhattiko rattūparato virato vikālabhojanā. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā chaṭṭhena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up seeing shows of dancing, singing, and music; and attiring and adorning themselves with garlands, fragrance, and makeup. I, too, for this day and night will give up seeing shows of dancing, singing, and music; and attiring and adorning myself with garlands, fragrance, and makeup. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its seventh factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto naccagītavāditavisūkadassanamālāgandhavilepanadhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya naccagītavāditavisūkadassanamālāgandhavilepanadhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ naccagītavāditavisūkadassanamālāgandhavilepanadhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya naccagītavāditavisūkadassanamālāgandhavilepanadhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānā paṭivirato. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā sattamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up high and luxurious beds. They sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I, too, for this day and night will give up high and luxurious beds. I’ll sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its eighth factor.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭiviratā nīcaseyyaṁ kappenti—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭivirato nīcaseyyaṁ kappemi—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā aṭṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti.
The observance of the sabbath with its eight factors in this way is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful.”
Evaṁ upavuttho kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro”ti.
Paṭhamaṁ.
AN 8.42 · The Sabbath With Eight Factors, In Detail
AN 8.42 · Vitthatūposathasutta
“Mendicants, the observance of the sabbath with its eight factors is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful. And how should it be observed?
“Aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato, bhikkhave, uposatho upavuttho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro. Kathaṁ upavuttho ca, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro?
It’s when a noble disciple reflects: ‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. They are scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. I’ll be scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its first factor. …
Idha, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘yāvajīvaṁ arahanto pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā nihitadaṇḍā nihitasatthā lajjī dayāpannā, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampino viharanti. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharāmi. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā paṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti …pe….
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up high and luxurious beds. They sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I, too, for this day and night will give up high and luxurious beds. I’ll sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its eighth factor. The observance of the sabbath with its eight factors in this way is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭiviratā nīcaseyyaṁ kappenti—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭivirato nīcaseyyaṁ kappemi—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā aṭṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti. Evaṁ upavuttho kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro.
How much so? Suppose you were to rule as sovereign lord over these sixteen great countries—Aṅga, Magadha, Kāsi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Cetī, Vaccha, Kuru, Pañcāla, Maccha, Sūrasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhāra, and Persia—full of the seven treasures. This wouldn’t be worth a sixteenth part of the sabbath with its eight factors. Why is that? Because human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.
Kīvamahapphalo hoti kīvamahānisaṁso kīvamahājutiko kīvamahāvipphāro? Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, yo imesaṁ soḷasannaṁ mahājanapadānaṁ pahūtarattaratanānaṁ issariyādhipaccaṁ rajjaṁ kāreyya, seyyathidaṁ— aṅgānaṁ magadhānaṁ kāsīnaṁ kosalānaṁ vajjīnaṁ mallānaṁ cetīnaṁ vaṅgānaṁ kurūnaṁ pañcālānaṁ macchānaṁ sūrasenānaṁ assakānaṁ avantīnaṁ gandhārānaṁ kambojānaṁ, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatassa uposathassa etaṁ kalaṁ nāgghati soḷasiṁ. Taṁ kissa hetu? Kapaṇaṁ, bhikkhave, mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya.
Fifty years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of the four great kings. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods of the four great kings is five hundred of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of the four great kings. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bhikkhave, mānusakāni paññāsa vassāni, cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni pañca vassasatāni cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
A hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of the thirty-three. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods of the thirty-three is a thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bhikkhave, mānusakāni vassasatāni, tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbaṁ vassasahassaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
Two hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of Yama. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods of Yama is two thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of Yama. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bhikkhave, mānusakāni dve vassasatāni, yāmānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni dve vassasahassāni yāmānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā yāmānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
Four hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the joyful gods. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the joyful gods is four thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the joyful gods. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bhikkhave, mānusakāni cattāri vassasatāni, tusitānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni cattāri vassasahassāni tusitānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tusitānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
Eight hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods who love to create. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods who love to create is eight thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods who love to create. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bhikkhave, mānusakāni aṭṭha vassasatāni, nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni aṭṭha vassasahassāni nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
Sixteen hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods who control what is created by others. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods who control what is created by others is sixteen thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bhikkhave, mānusakāni soḷasa vassasatāni, paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni soḷasa vassasahassāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bhikkhave, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāyā’ti.
You shouldn’t kill living creatures, or steal,or lie, or drink liquor.Be chaste, refraining from sex,and don’t eat at night, the wrong time.
Pāṇaṁ na haññe na cadinnamādiye,Musā na bhāse na ca majjapo siyā;Abrahmacariyā virameyya methunā,Rattiṁ na bhuñjeyya vikālabhojanaṁ.
Not wearing garlands or applying fragrance,you should sleep on a low bed, <j>or a mat on the ground.This is the eight-factored sabbath, they say,revealed by the Buddha, <j>who has gone to suffering’s end.
Mālaṁ na dhāre na ca gandhamācare,Mañce chamāyaṁ va sayetha santhate;Etañhi aṭṭhaṅgikamāhuposathaṁ,Buddhena dukkhantagunā pakāsitaṁ.
The moon and sun are both fair to see,radiating as far as they revolve.Those dispellers of darkness, travelers in midair,shine in the firmament, dazzling the quarters.
Cando ca suriyo ca ubho sudassanā,Obhāsayaṁ anupariyanti yāvatā;Tamonudā te pana antalikkhagā,Nabhe pabhāsanti disāvirocanā.
All of the wealth that’s found in this realm—pearls, gems, fine beryl too,mountain gold or lustrous gold,or the native gold called ‘coruscant’—
Etasmiṁ yaṁ vijjati antare dhanaṁ,Muttā maṇi veḷuriyañca bhaddakaṁ;Siṅgīsuvaṇṇaṁ atha vāpi kañcanaṁ,Yaṁ jātarūpaṁ haṭakanti vuccati.
they’re not worth a sixteenth partof the sabbath with its eight factors,as starlight cannot rival the moon.
Aṭṭhaṅgupetassa uposathassa,Kalampi te nānubhavanti soḷasiṁ;Candappabhā tāragaṇā ca sabbe.
So an ethical woman or man,who has observed the eight-factored sabbath,having made merit whose outcome is happiness,blameless, they go to a heavenly place.”
Tasmā hi nārī ca naro ca sīlavā,Aṭṭhaṅgupetaṁ upavassuposathaṁ;Puññāni katvāna sukhudrayāni,Aninditā saggamupenti ṭhānan”ti.
Dutiyaṁ.
AN 8.43 · With Visākhā on the Sabbath
AN 8.43 · Visākhāsutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother in the Eastern Monastery. Then Visākhā, Migāra’s mother, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to her:
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati pubbārāme migāramātupāsāde. Atha kho visākhā migāramātā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho visākhaṁ migāramātaraṁ bhagavā etadavoca:
“Visākhā, the observance of the sabbath with its eight factors is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful. And how should it be observed? It’s when a noble disciple reflects: ‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. They are scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. I’ll be scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its first factor. …
“aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato kho, visākhe, uposatho upavuttho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro. Kathaṁ upavuttho ca, visākhe, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro? Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘yāvajīvaṁ arahanto pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā nihitadaṇḍā nihitasatthā lajjī dayāpannā, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampino viharanti. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharāmi. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā paṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti …pe….
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up high and luxurious beds. They sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I, too, for this day and night will give up high and luxurious beds. I’ll sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its eighth factor. The observance of the sabbath with its eight factors in this way is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭiviratā nīcaseyyaṁ kappenti—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭivirato nīcaseyyaṁ kappemi—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā aṭṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti. Evaṁ upavuttho kho, visākhe, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro.
How much so? Suppose you were to rule as sovereign lord over these sixteen great countries—Aṅga, Magadha, Kāsi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Cetī, Vaccha, Kuru, Pañcāla, Maccha, Sūrasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhāra, and Persia—full of the seven treasures. This wouldn’t be worth a sixteenth part of the sabbath with its eight factors. Why is that? Because human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.
Kīvamahapphalo hoti, kīvamahānisaṁso, kīvamahājutiko, kīvamahāvipphāro? Seyyathāpi, visākhe, yo imesaṁ soḷasannaṁ mahājanapadānaṁ pahūtarattaratanānaṁ issariyādhipaccaṁ rajjaṁ kāreyya, seyyathidaṁ— aṅgānaṁ magadhānaṁ kāsīnaṁ kosalānaṁ vajjīnaṁ mallānaṁ cetīnaṁ vaṅgānaṁ kurūnaṁ pañcālānaṁ macchānaṁ sūrasenānaṁ assakānaṁ avantīnaṁ gandhārānaṁ kambojānaṁ, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatassa uposathassa etaṁ kalaṁ nāgghati soḷasiṁ. Taṁ kissa hetu? Kapaṇaṁ, visākhe, mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya.
Fifty years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of the four great kings. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods of the four great kings is five hundred of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of the four great kings. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni paññāsa vassāni, cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni pañca vassasatāni cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
A hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of the thirty-three. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The life span of the gods of the thirty-three is a thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yaṁ, visākhe, mānusakaṁ vassasataṁ, tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena vassasahassaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
Two hundred years in the human realm …
Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni dve vassasatāni …pe…
Four hundred years in the human realm …
cattāri vassasatāni …pe…
Eight hundred years in the human realm …
aṭṭha vassasatāni …pe…
Sixteen hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods who control what is created by others. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods who control what is created by others is sixteen thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
soḷasa vassasatāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni soḷasa vassasahassāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāyā’ti.
You shouldn’t kill living creatures, or steal,or lie, or drink liquor.Be chaste, refraining from sex,and don’t eat at night, the wrong time.
Pāṇaṁ na haññe na cadinnamādiye,Musā na bhāse na ca majjapo siyā;Abrahmacariyā virameyya methunā,Rattiṁ na bhuñjeyya vikālabhojanaṁ.
Not wearing garlands or applying fragrance,you should sleep on a low bed, <j>or a mat on the ground.This is the eight-factored sabbath, they say,revealed by the Buddha, <j>who has gone to suffering’s end.
Mālaṁ na dhāre na ca gandhamācare,Mañce chamāyaṁ va sayetha santhate;Etañhi aṭṭhaṅgikamāhuposathaṁ,Buddhena dukkhantagunā pakāsitaṁ.
The moon and sun are both fair to see,radiating as far as they revolve.Those dispellers of darkness, travelers in midair,shine in the firmament, dazzling the quarters.
Cando ca suriyo ca ubho sudassanā,Obhāsayaṁ anupariyanti yāvatā;Tamonudā te pana antalikkhagā,Nabhe pabhāsanti disāvirocanā.
All of the wealth that’s found in this realm—pearls, gems, fine beryl too,mountain gold or lustrous gold,or the native gold called ‘coruscant’—
Etasmiṁ yaṁ vijjati antare dhanaṁ,Muttā maṇi veḷuriyañca bhaddakaṁ;Siṅgīsuvaṇṇaṁ atha vāpi kañcanaṁ,Yaṁ jātarūpaṁ haṭakanti vuccati.
they’re not worth a sixteenth partof the sabbath with its eight factors,as starlight cannot rival the moon.
Aṭṭhaṅgupetassa uposathassa,Kalampi te nānubhavanti soḷasiṁ;Candappabhā tāragaṇā ca sabbe.
So an ethical woman or man,who has observed the eight-factored sabbath,having made merit whose outcome is happiness,blameless, they go to a heavenly place.”
Tasmā hi nārī ca naro ca sīlavā,Aṭṭhaṅgupetaṁ upavassuposathaṁ;Puññāni katvāna sukhudrayāni,Aninditā saggamupenti ṭhānan”ti.
Tatiyaṁ.
AN 8.44 · With Vāseṭṭha on the Sabbath
AN 8.44 · Vāseṭṭhasutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, at the Great Wood, in the hall with the peaked roof. Then the layman Vāseṭṭha went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him:
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā vesāliyaṁ viharati mahāvane kūṭāgārasālāyaṁ. Atha kho vāseṭṭho upāsako yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho vāseṭṭhaṁ upāsakaṁ bhagavā etadavoca:
“Vāseṭṭha, the observance of the sabbath with its eight factors is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful … blameless, they go to a heavenly place.”
“aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato, vāseṭṭha, uposatho upavuttho mahapphalo hoti …pe… aninditā saggamupenti ṭhānan”ti.
When he said this, Vāseṭṭha said to the Buddha:
Evaṁ vutte, vāseṭṭho upāsako bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
“If my loved ones—relatives and kin—were to observe this sabbath with its eight factors, it would be for their lasting welfare and happiness. If all the aristocrats, brahmins, peasants, and menials were to observe this sabbath with its eight factors, it would be for their lasting welfare and happiness.”
“piyā me, bhante, ñātisālohitā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, piyānampi me assa ñātisālohitānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya. Sabbe cepi, bhante, khattiyā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, sabbesampissa khattiyānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya. Sabbe cepi, bhante, brāhmaṇā …pe… vessā … suddā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, sabbesampissa suddānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāyā”ti.
“That’s so true, Vāseṭṭha! That’s so true, Vāseṭṭha! If all the aristocrats, brahmins, peasants, and menials were to observe this sabbath with its eight factors, it would be for their lasting welfare and happiness. If the whole world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, gods and humans—were to observe this sabbath with its eight factors, it would be for their lasting welfare and happiness. If these great sal trees were to observe this sabbath with its eight factors, it would be for their lasting welfare and happiness—if they were sentient. How much more then a human being!”
“Evametaṁ, vāseṭṭha, evametaṁ, vāseṭṭha. Sabbe cepi, vāseṭṭha, khattiyā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, sabbesampissa khattiyānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya. Sabbe cepi, vāseṭṭha, brāhmaṇā …pe… vessā … suddā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, sabbesampissa suddānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya. Sadevako cepi, vāseṭṭha, loko samārako sabrahmako sassamaṇabrāhmaṇī pajā sadevamanussā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, sadevakassapissa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya. Ime cepi, vāseṭṭha, mahāsālā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavaseyyuṁ, imesampissa mahāsālānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya (…). Ko pana vādo manussabhūtassā”ti.
Catutthaṁ.
AN 8.45 · With Bojjhā on the Sabbath
AN 8.45 · Bojjhasutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then the laywoman Bojjhā went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to her:
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme. Atha kho bojjhā upāsikā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho bojjhaṁ upāsikaṁ bhagavā etadavoca:
“Bojjhā, the observance of the sabbath with its eight factors is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful. And how should it be observed?
“Aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato, bojjhe, uposatho upavuttho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro. Kathaṁ upavuttho ca, bojjhe, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro?
It’s when a noble disciple reflects: ‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. They are scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. I’ll be scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its first factor. …
Idha, bojjhe, ariyasāvako iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘yāvajīvaṁ arahanto pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā nihitadaṇḍā nihitasatthā lajjī dayāpannā sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampino viharanti. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharāmi. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā paṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti …pe….
‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up high and luxurious beds. They sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I, too, for this day and night will give up high and luxurious beds. I’ll sleep in a low place, either a cot or a grass mat. I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’ This is its eighth factor. The observance of the sabbath with its eight factors in this way is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful.
‘Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭiviratā nīcaseyyaṁ kappenti—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭivirato nīcaseyyaṁ kappemi—mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. Imināpaṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti. Iminā aṭṭhamena aṅgena samannāgato hoti. Evaṁ upavuttho kho, bojjhe, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgato uposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro.
How much so? Suppose you were to rule as sovereign lord over these sixteen great countries—Aṅga, Magadha, Kāsi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Cetī, Vaccha, Kuru, Pañcāla, Maccha, Sūrasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhāra, and Persia—full of the seven treasures. This wouldn’t be worth a sixteenth part of the sabbath with its eight factors. Why is that? Because human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.
Kīvamahapphalo hoti, kīvamahānisaṁso, kīvamahājutiko, kīvamahāvipphāro? Seyyathāpi, bojjhe, yo imesaṁ soḷasannaṁ mahājanapadānaṁ pahūtarattaratanānaṁ issariyādhipaccaṁ rajjaṁ kāreyya, seyyathidaṁ— aṅgānaṁ magadhānaṁ kāsīnaṁ kosalānaṁ vajjīnaṁ mallānaṁ cetīnaṁ vaṅgānaṁ kurūnaṁ pañcālānaṁ macchānaṁ sūrasenānaṁ assakānaṁ avantīnaṁ gandhārānaṁ kambojānaṁ, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatassa uposathassa etaṁ kalaṁ nāgghati soḷasiṁ. Taṁ kissa hetu? Kapaṇaṁ, bojjhe, mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya.
Fifty years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of the four great kings. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The lifespan of the gods of the four great kings is five hundred of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of the four great kings. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
Yāni, bojjhe, mānusakāni paññāsa vassāni, cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni pañca vassasatāni cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bojjhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bojjhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.
A hundred years in the human realm …
Yaṁ, bojjhe, mānusakaṁ vassasataṁ …pe…
Two hundred years in the human realm …
tāni, bojjhe, mānusakāni dve vassasatāni …pe…
Four hundred years in the human realm …
cattāri vassasatāni …pe…
Eight hundred years in the human realm …
aṭṭha vassasatāni …pe…
Sixteen hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods who control what is created by others. Thirty such days make up a month. Twelve such months make up a year. The life span of the gods who control what is created by others is sixteen thousand of these heavenly years. It’s possible that some woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others. This is what I was referring to when I said: ‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’
soḷasa vassasatāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo. Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni soḷasa vassasahassāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ. Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, bojjhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya. Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, bojjhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ: ‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāyā’ti.
You shouldn’t kill living creatures, or steal,or lie, or drink liquor.Be chaste, refraining from sex,and don’t eat at night, the wrong time.
Pāṇaṁ na haññe na cadinnamādiye,Musā na bhāse na ca majjapo siyā;Abrahmacariyā virameyya methunā,Rattiṁ na bhuñjeyya vikālabhojanaṁ.
Not wearing garlands or applying fragrance,you should sleep on a low bed, <j>or a mat on the ground.This is the eight-factored sabbath, they say,revealed by the Buddha, <j>who has gone to suffering’s end.
Mālaṁ na dhāre na ca gandhamācare,Mañce chamāyaṁ va sayetha santhate;Etañhi aṭṭhaṅgikamāhuposathaṁ,Buddhena dukkhantagunā pakāsitaṁ.
The moon and sun are both fair to see,radiating as far as they revolve.Those dispellers of darkness, travelers in midair,shine in the firmament, dazzling the quarters.
Cando ca suriyo ca ubho sudassanā,Obhāsayaṁ anupariyanti yāvatā;Tamonudā te pana antalikkhagā,Nabhe pabhāsanti disāvirocanā.
All of the wealth that’s found in this realm—pearls, gems, fine beryl too,mountain gold or lustrous gold,or the native gold called ‘coruscant’—
Etasmiṁ yaṁ vijjati antare dhanaṁ,Muttā maṇi veḷuriyañca bhaddakaṁ;Siṅgīsuvaṇṇaṁ atha vāpi kañcanaṁ,Yaṁ jātarūpaṁ haṭakanti vuccati.
they’re not worth a sixteenth partof the mind developed with love,as starlight cannot rival the moon.
Aṭṭhaṅgupetassa uposathassa,Kalampi te nānubhavanti soḷasiṁ;Candappabhā tāragaṇā ca sabbe.
So an ethical woman or man,who has observed the eight-factored sabbath,having made merit whose outcome is happiness,blameless, they go to a heavenly place.”
Tasmā hi nārī ca naro ca sīlavā,Aṭṭhaṅgupetaṁ upavassuposathaṁ;Puññāni katvāna sukhudrayāni,Aninditā saggamupenti ṭhānan”ti.
Pañcamaṁ.