Sattabhū and Brahmadatta,Vessabhū and Bharata,Reṇu and the two Dhataraṭṭhas:these were the seven Bhāratas.
Sattabhū brahmadatto ca,vessabhū bharato saha;Reṇu dve dhataraṭṭhā ca,tadāsuṁ satta bhāradhāti.
The first recitation section is complete.
Paṭhamabhāṇavāro niṭṭhito.
6.2. A Good Reputation
6.2. Kittisaddaabbhuggamana
Then the six aristocrats approached the Great Steward and said, “Steward, just as you are King Reṇu’s friend, dear, beloved, and cherished, you are also our friend. Would you manage our affairs? Please don’t turn us down!”
Atha kho, bho, te cha khattiyā yena mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ etadavocuṁ: “yathā kho bhavaṁ govindo reṇussa rañño sahāyo piyo manāpo appaṭikūlo. Evameva kho bhavaṁ govindo amhākampi sahāyo piyo manāpo appaṭikūlo, anusāsatu no bhavaṁ govindo; mā no bhavaṁ govindo anusāsaniyā paccabyāhāsī”ti.
“Yes, worthy sirs,” replied the Great Steward. Then the Great Steward managed the realms of the seven kings. And he taught seven well-to-do brahmins, and seven hundred bathed initiates to recite the hymns.
“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo tesaṁ channaṁ khattiyānaṁ paccassosi. Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo satta ca rājāno khattiye muddhāvasitte rajje anusāsi, satta ca brāhmaṇamahāsāle satta ca nhātakasatāni mante vācesi.
After some time he got this good reputation, “The Great Steward sees the Divinity in person! The Great Steward discusses, converses, and consults with the Divinity in person!”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa aparena samayena evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggacchi: “sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ passati, sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmunā sākaccheti sallapati mantetī”ti.
The Great Steward thought, “I have the reputation of seeing the Divinity in person, and discussing with him in person. But I don’t. I have heard that brahmins of the past who were elderly and senior, the tutors of tutors, said: ‘Whoever goes on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practices the absorption on compassion sees the Divinity and discusses with him.’ Why don’t I do that?”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa etadahosi: “mayhaṁ kho evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato: ‘sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ passati, sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmunā sākaccheti sallapati mantetī’ti. Na kho panāhaṁ brahmānaṁ passāmi, na brahmunā sākacchemi, na brahmunā sallapāmi, na brahmunā mantemi. Sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ vuddhānaṁ mahallakānaṁ ācariyapācariyānaṁ bhāsamānānaṁ: ‘yo vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyati, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyati, so brahmānaṁ passati brahmunā sākaccheti brahmunā sallapati brahmunā mantetī’ti. Yannūnāhaṁ vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyeyyaṁ, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyeyyan”ti.
So the Great Steward went to King Reṇu and told him of the situation, saying, “Sir, I wish to go on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practice the absorption on compassion. No one should approach me, except the one who serves my meal.”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena reṇu rājā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā reṇuṁ rājānaṁ etadavoca: “mayhaṁ kho, bho, evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato: ‘sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ passati, sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmunā sākaccheti sallapati mantetī’ti. Na kho panāhaṁ, bho, brahmānaṁ passāmi, na brahmunā sākacchemi, na brahmunā sallapāmi, na brahmunā mantemi. Sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ vuddhānaṁ mahallakānaṁ ācariyapācariyānaṁ bhāsamānānaṁ: ‘yo vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyati, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyati, so brahmānaṁ passati, brahmunā sākaccheti brahmunā sallapati brahmunā mantetī’ti. Icchāmahaṁ, bho, vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyituṁ, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyituṁ; namhi kenaci upasaṅkamitabbo aññatra ekena bhattābhihārenā”ti.
“Please do so, Steward, at your convenience.”
“Yassadāni bhavaṁ govindo kālaṁ maññatī”ti.
Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats to put the same proposal, and received the same reply.
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena te cha khattiyā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā te cha khattiye etadavoca: “mayhaṁ kho, bho, evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato: ‘sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ passati, sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmunā sākaccheti sallapati mantetī’ti. Na kho panāhaṁ, bho, brahmānaṁ passāmi, na brahmunā sākacchemi, na brahmunā sallapāmi, na brahmunā mantemi. Sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ vuddhānaṁ mahallakānaṁ ācariyapācariyānaṁ bhāsamānānaṁ, ‘yo vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyati, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyati, so brahmānaṁ passati brahmunā sākaccheti brahmunā sallapati brahmunā mantetī’ti. Icchāmahaṁ, bho, vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyituṁ, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyituṁ; namhi kenaci upasaṅkamitabbo aññatra ekena bhattābhihārenā”ti. “Yassadāni bhavaṁ govindo kālaṁ maññatī”ti.
He also went to the seven well-to-do brahmins and seven hundred bathed initiates and put to them the same proposal, adding, “Sirs, rehearse the hymns in detail as you have learned and memorized them, and teach each other how to recite.”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena te satta ca brāhmaṇamahāsālā satta ca nhātakasatāni tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā te satta ca brāhmaṇamahāsāle satta ca nhātakasatāni etadavoca: “mayhaṁ kho, bho, evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato: ‘sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ passati, sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmunā sākaccheti sallapati mantetī’ti. Na kho panāhaṁ, bho, brahmānaṁ passāmi, na brahmunā sākacchemi, na brahmunā sallapāmi, na brahmunā mantemi. Sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ vuddhānaṁ mahallakānaṁ ācariyapācariyānaṁ bhāsamānānaṁ: ‘yo vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyati, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyati, so brahmānaṁ passati, brahmunā sākaccheti, brahmunā sallapati, brahmunā mantetī’ti. Tena hi, bho, yathāsute yathāpariyatte mante vitthārena sajjhāyaṁ karotha, aññamaññañca mante vācetha; icchāmahaṁ, bho, vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyituṁ, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyituṁ;
And they too said, “Please do so, Steward, at your convenience.”
namhi kenaci upasaṅkamitabbo aññatra ekena bhattābhihārenā”ti. “Yassadāni bhavaṁ govindo kālaṁ maññatī”ti.
Then the Great Steward went to his forty equal wives to put the same proposal to them, and received the same reply.
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena cattārīsā bhariyā sādisiyo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā cattārīsā bhariyā sādisiyo etadavoca: “mayhaṁ kho, bhotī, evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato: ‘sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ passati, sakkhi mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmunā sākaccheti sallapati mantetī’ti. Na kho panāhaṁ, bhotī, brahmānaṁ passāmi, na brahmunā sākacchemi, na brahmunā sallapāmi, na brahmunā mantemi. Sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ vuddhānaṁ mahallakānaṁ ācariyapācariyānaṁ bhāsamānānaṁ ‘yo vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyati, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyati, so brahmānaṁ passati, brahmunā sākaccheti, brahmunā sallapati, brahmunā mantetī’ti, icchāmahaṁ, bhotī, vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyituṁ, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyituṁ; namhi kenaci upasaṅkamitabbo aññatra ekena bhattābhihārenā”ti. “Yassadāni bhavaṁ govindo kālaṁ maññatī”ti.
Then the Great Steward had a new ceremonial hall built to the east of his citadel, where he went on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practiced the absorption on compassion. And no one approached him except the one who served his meals.
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo puratthimena nagarassa navaṁ sandhāgāraṁ kārāpetvā vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyi, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyi; nāssudha koci upasaṅkamati aññatra ekena bhattābhihārena.
But then, when the four months had passed, the Great Steward became dissatisfied and anxious, “I have heard that brahmins of the past said that whoever goes on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practices the absorption on compassion sees the Divinity and discusses with him. But I neither see the Divinity nor discuss with him.”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa catunnaṁ māsānaṁ accayena ahudeva ukkaṇṭhanā ahu paritassanā: “sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ vuddhānaṁ mahallakānaṁ ācariyapācariyānaṁ bhāsamānānaṁ: ‘yo vassike cattāro māse paṭisallīyati, karuṇaṁ jhānaṁ jhāyati, so brahmānaṁ passati, brahmunā sākaccheti brahmunā sallapati brahmunā mantetī’ti. Na kho panāhaṁ brahmānaṁ passāmi, na brahmunā sākacchemi na brahmunā sallapāmi na brahmunā mantemī”ti.
6.3. A Discussion With the Divinity
6.3. Brahmunāsākacchā
And then the divinity Sanaṅkumāra, knowing the Great Steward’s train of thought, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, vanished from the realm of divinity and reappeared in the Great Steward’s presence. At that, the Great Steward became frightened, scared, his hair standing on end, as he had never seen such a sight before. So he addressed the divinity Sanaṅkumāra in verse:
Atha kho, bho, brahmā sanaṅkumāro mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa cetasā cetoparivitakkamaññāya—seyyathāpi nāma balavā puriso samiñjitaṁ vā bāhaṁ pasāreyya, pasāritaṁ vā bāhaṁ samiñjeyya; evameva—brahmaloke antarahito mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa sammukhe pāturahosi. Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa ahudeva bhayaṁ ahu chambhitattaṁ ahu lomahaṁso yathā taṁ adiṭṭhapubbaṁ rūpaṁ disvā. Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo bhīto saṁviggo lomahaṭṭhajāto brahmānaṁ sanaṅkumāraṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
“Who might you be, sir,so beautiful, glorious, majestic?Not knowing, I ask—how am I to know who you are?”
“Vaṇṇavā yasavā sirimā,ko nu tvamasi mārisa;Ajānantā taṁ pucchāma,kathaṁ jānemu taṁ mayan”ti.
“In the realm of divinity they know meas ‘The Eternal Youth’.All the gods know me thus,and so you should know me, Steward.”
“Maṁ ve kumāraṁ jānanti,brahmaloke sanantanaṁ;Sabbe jānanti maṁ devā,evaṁ govinda jānahi”.
“A Divinity deserves a seat and water,foot-salve, and sweet cakes.Sir, I ask you to please acceptthese gifts of hospitality.”
“Āsanaṁ udakaṁ pajjaṁ,madhusākañca brahmuno;Agghe bhavantaṁ pucchāma,agghaṁ kurutu no bhavaṁ”.
“I accept the gifts of hospitalityof which you speak.I grant you the opportunityto ask whatever you desire—about welfare and benefit in this life,or happiness in lives to come.”
“Paṭiggaṇhāma te agghaṁ,yaṁ tvaṁ govinda bhāsasi;Diṭṭhadhammahitatthāya,samparāya sukhāya ca;Katāvakāso pucchassu,yaṁ kiñci abhipatthitan”ti.
Then the Great Steward thought, “the divinity Sanaṅkumāra has granted me an opportunity. Should I ask him about what is beneficial for this life or lives to come?”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa etadahosi: “katāvakāso khomhi brahmunā sanaṅkumārena. Kiṁ nu kho ahaṁ brahmānaṁ sanaṅkumāraṁ puccheyyaṁ diṭṭhadhammikaṁ vā atthaṁ samparāyikaṁ vā”ti?
Then he thought, “I’m skilled in what is beneficial for this life, and others even ask me about it. Why don’t I ask the Divinity about the benefit that specifically applies to lives to come?” So he addressed the divinity Sanaṅkumāra in verse:
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa etadahosi: “kusalo kho ahaṁ diṭṭhadhammikānaṁ atthānaṁ, aññepi maṁ diṭṭhadhammikaṁ atthaṁ pucchanti. Yannūnāhaṁ brahmānaṁ sanaṅkumāraṁ samparāyikaññeva atthaṁ puccheyyan”ti. Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo brahmānaṁ sanaṅkumāraṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
“I’m in doubt, so I ask the Divinity—<j>who is free of doubt—about things one may learn from another.Standing on what, training in whatmay a mortal reach the deathless realm of divinity?”
“Pucchāmi brahmānaṁ sanaṅkumāraṁ,Kaṅkhī akaṅkhiṁ paravediyesu;Katthaṭṭhito kimhi ca sikkhamāno,Pappoti macco amataṁ brahmalokan”ti.
“He among mankind, O brahmin, <j>has given up possessiveness,at one, compassionate,free of putrefaction, and refraining from sex.Standing on that, training in thata mortal may reach the deathless realm of divinity.”
“Hitvā mamattaṁ manujesu brahme,Ekodibhūto karuṇedhimutto;Nirāmagandho virato methunasmā,Etthaṭṭhito ettha ca sikkhamāno;Pappoti macco amataṁ brahmalokan”ti.
“Sir, I understand what ‘giving up possessiveness’ means. It’s when someone gives up a large or small fortune, and a large or small family circle. They shave off hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from the lay life to homelessness. That’s how I understand ‘giving up possessiveness’.
“‘Hitvā mamattan’ti ahaṁ, bhoto, ājānāmi. Idhekacco appaṁ vā bhogakkhandhaṁ pahāya mahantaṁ vā bhogakkhandhaṁ pahāya appaṁ vā ñātiparivaṭṭaṁ pahāya mahantaṁ vā ñātiparivaṭṭaṁ pahāya kesamassuṁ ohāretvā kāsāyāni vatthāni acchādetvā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, iti ‘hitvā mamattan’ti ahaṁ, bhoto, ājānāmi.
Sir, I understand what ‘at one’ means. It’s when someone frequents a secluded lodging—a wilderness, the root of a tree, a hill, a ravine, a mountain cave, a charnel ground, a forest, the open air, a heap of straw. That’s how I understand ‘at one’.
‘Ekodibhūto’ti ahaṁ, bhoto, ājānāmi. Idhekacco vivittaṁ senāsanaṁ bhajati araññaṁ rukkhamūlaṁ pabbataṁ kandaraṁ giriguhaṁ susānaṁ vanapatthaṁ abbhokāsaṁ palālapuñjaṁ, iti ‘ekodibhūto’ti ahaṁ, bhoto, ājānāmi.
Sir, I understand what ‘compassionate’ means. It’s when someone meditates spreading a heart full of compassion to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, they spread a heart full of compassion to the whole world—abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. That’s how I understand ‘compassionate’.
‘Karuṇedhimutto’ti ahaṁ, bhoto, ājānāmi. Idhekacco karuṇāsahagatena cetasā ekaṁ disaṁ pharitvā viharati, tathā dutiyaṁ, tathā tatiyaṁ, tathā catutthaṁ. Iti uddhamadhotiriyaṁ sabbadhi sabbattatāya sabbāvantaṁ lokaṁ karuṇāsahagatena cetasā vipulena mahaggatena appamāṇena averena abyāpajjena pharitvā viharati. Iti ‘karuṇedhimutto’ti ahaṁ, bhoto, ājānāmi.
But I don’t understand what you say about putrefaction.
Āmagandhe ca kho ahaṁ, bhoto, bhāsamānassa na ājānāmi.
What among mankind, O the Divinity, is putrefaction?I don’t understand, so tell me, attentive one:wrapped in what do people stink,headed for hell, shut out of the realm of divinity?”
Ke āmagandhā manujesu brahme,Ete avidvā idha brūhi dhīra;Kenāvaṭā vāti pajā kurutu,Āpāyikā nivutabrahmalokā”ti.
“Anger, lies, cheating, and treachery,miserliness, vanity, jealousy,desire, stinginess, harassing others,greed, hate, vanity, and delusion—those bound to such things <j>are not devoid of putrefaction;they’re headed for hell, <j>shut out of the realm of divinity.”
“Kodho mosavajjaṁ nikati ca dubbho,Kadariyatā atimāno usūyā;Icchā vivicchā paraheṭhanā ca,Lobho ca doso ca mado ca moho;Etesu yuttā anirāmagandhā,Āpāyikā nivutabrahmalokā”ti.
“As I understand what you say about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness!”
“Yathā kho ahaṁ, bhoto, āmagandhe bhāsamānassa ājānāmi. Te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā. Pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
“Please do so, Steward, at your convenience.”
“Yassadāni bhavaṁ govindo kālaṁ maññatī”ti.
6.4. Informing King Reṇu
6.4. Reṇurājaāmantanā
So the Great Steward went to King Reṇu and said, “Worthy sir, please now find another high priest to manage the affairs of state for you. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena reṇu rājā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā reṇuṁ rājānaṁ etadavoca: “aññaṁ dāni bhavaṁ purohitaṁ pariyesatu, yo bhoto rajjaṁ anusāsissati. Icchāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajituṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā. Pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
I announce to King Reṇu,the lord of the land:you must learn how to rule,for I no longer care for my ministry.”
“Āmantayāmi rājānaṁ,reṇuṁ bhūmipatiṁ ahaṁ;Tvaṁ pajānassu rajjena,nāhaṁ porohicce rame”.
“If you’re lacking any pleasures,I’ll supply them for you.I’ll protect you from any harm,for I command the nation’s army.You are my father, I am your son!O Steward, please don’t leave!”
“Sace te ūnaṁ kāmehi,ahaṁ paripūrayāmi te;Yo taṁ hiṁsati vāremi,bhūmisenāpati ahaṁ;Tuvaṁ pitā ahaṁ putto,mā no govinda pājahi”.
“I’m lacking no pleasures,and no one is harming me.I’ve heard a non-human voice,so I no longer care for lay life.”
“Namatthi ūnaṁ kāmehi,hiṁsitā me na vijjati;Amanussavaco sutvā,tasmāhaṁ na gahe rame”.
“What was that non-human like?What did he say to you,hearing which you would abandonour house and all our people?”
“Amanusso kathaṁvaṇṇo,kiṁ te atthaṁ abhāsatha;Yañca sutvā jahāsi no,gehe amhe ca kevalī”.
“Before entering this retreat,I only liked to sacrifice.I kindled the sacred flame,strewn about with kusa grass.
“Upavutthassa me pubbe,yiṭṭhukāmassa me sato;Aggi pajjalito āsi,kusapattaparitthato.
But then the Divinity the Eternal Youthappeared to me from the realm of divinity.He answered my question,hearing which I no longer care for lay life.”
Tato me brahmā pāturahu,brahmalokā sanantano;So me pañhaṁ viyākāsi,taṁ sutvā na gahe rame”.
“I have faith, O Steward,in that of which you speak.Having heard a non-human voice,what else could you do?
“Saddahāmi ahaṁ bhoto,yaṁ tvaṁ govinda bhāsasi;Amanussavaco sutvā,kathaṁ vattetha aññathā.
We will follow your example,Steward, be my Teacher!Like a gem of beryl—flawless, immaculate, beautiful—that’s how pure we shall live,in the Steward’s dispensation.
Te taṁ anuvattissāma,satthā govinda no bhavaṁ;Maṇi yathā veḷuriyo,akāco vimalo subho;Evaṁ suddhā carissāma,govindassānusāsaneti.
If the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.”
Sace bhavaṁ govindo agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissati, mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma. Atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
6.5. Informing the Six Aristocrats
6.5. Chakhattiyaāmantanā
Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats and said, “Good fellows, please now find another high priest to manage the affairs of state for you. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness!”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena te cha khattiyā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā te cha khattiye etadavoca: “aññaṁ dāni bhavanto purohitaṁ pariyesantu, yo bhavantānaṁ rajje anusāsissati. Icchāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajituṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā. Pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
Then the six aristocrats withdrew to one side and thought up a plan, “These brahmins are greedy for wealth. Why don’t we bestow him with wealth?”
Atha kho, bho, te cha khattiyā ekamantaṁ apakkamma evaṁ samacintesuṁ: “ime kho brāhmaṇā nāma dhanaluddhā; yannūna mayaṁ mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ dhanena sikkheyyāmā”ti.
They returned to the Great Steward and said, “In these seven kingdoms there is abundant wealth. We’ll get you as much as you want.”
Te mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: “saṁvijjati kho, bho, imesu sattasu rajjesu pahūtaṁ sāpateyyaṁ, tato bhoto yāvatakena attho, tāvatakaṁ āharīyatan”ti.
“Enough, sirs. I already have abundant wealth, owing to my lords. Giving up all that, I shall go forth.”
“Alaṁ, bho, mamapidaṁ pahūtaṁ sāpateyyaṁ bhavantānaṁyeva vāhasā. Tamahaṁ sabbaṁ pahāya agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāmi. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
Then the six aristocrats withdrew to one side and thought up a plan, “These brahmins are greedy for women. Why don’t we bestow him with women?”
Atha kho, bho, te cha khattiyā ekamantaṁ apakkamma evaṁ samacintesuṁ: “ime kho brāhmaṇā nāma itthiluddhā; yannūna mayaṁ mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ itthīhi sikkheyyāmā”ti.
They returned to the Great Steward and said, “In these seven kingdoms there are many women. We’ll get you as many as you want.”
Te mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: “saṁvijjanti kho, bho, imesu sattasu rajjesu pahūtā itthiyo, tato bhoto yāvatikāhi attho, tāvatikā ānīyatan”ti.
“Enough, sirs. I already have forty equal wives. Giving up all them, I shall go forth.”
“Alaṁ, bho, mamapimā cattārīsā bhariyā sādisiyo. Tāpāhaṁ sabbā pahāya agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāmi. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyanti”.
“If the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.”
“Sace bhavaṁ govindo agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissati, mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
“If you all give up sensual pleasures,to which ordinary people are attached,exert yourselves, being strong,and possessing the power of patience.
“Sace jahatha kāmāni,yattha satto puthujjano;Ārambhavho daḷhā hotha,khantībalasamāhitā.
This path is the straight path,this path is supreme.Guarded by the good, the true teachingleads to rebirth in the realm of divinity.”
Esa maggo ujumaggo,esa maggo anuttaro;Saddhammo sabbhi rakkhito,brahmalokūpapattiyā”ti.
“Well then, sir, please wait for seven years. When seven years have passed, we shall go forth with you. Your destiny shall be ours.”
“Tena hi bhavaṁ govindo satta vassāni āgametu. Sattannaṁ vassānaṁ accayena mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
“Seven years is too long, sirs. I cannot wait that long. Who knows what will happen to the living? We are headed for lives to come. We must be thoughtful and wake up! We must do what’s good and lead the spiritual life, for no one born can escape death. I shall go forth.”
“Aticiraṁ kho, bho, satta vassāni, nāhaṁ sakkomi, bhavante, satta vassāni āgametuṁ. Ko nu kho pana, bho, jānāti jīvitānaṁ. Gamanīyo samparāyo, mantāyaṁ boddhabbaṁ, kattabbaṁ kusalaṁ, caritabbaṁ brahmacariyaṁ, natthi jātassa amaraṇaṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
“Well then, sir, please wait for six years, five years, four years, three years, two years, one year, seven months, six months, five months, four months, three months, two months, one month, or even a fortnight. When a fortnight has passed, we shall go forth. Your destiny shall be ours.”
“Tena hi bhavaṁ govindo chabbassāni āgametu …pe… pañca vassāni āgametu … cattāri vassāni āgametu … tīṇi vassāni āgametu … dve vassāni āgametu … ekaṁ vassaṁ āgametu, ekassa vassassa accayena mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti. “Aticiraṁ kho, bho, ekaṁ vassaṁ, nāhaṁ sakkomi bhavante ekaṁ vassaṁ āgametuṁ. Ko nu kho pana, bho, jānāti jīvitānaṁ. Gamanīyo samparāyo, mantāyaṁ boddhabbaṁ, kattabbaṁ kusalaṁ, caritabbaṁ brahmacariyaṁ, natthi jātassa amaraṇaṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti. “Tena hi bhavaṁ govindo satta māsāni āgametu, sattannaṁ māsānaṁ accayena mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti. “Aticiraṁ kho, bho, satta māsāni, nāhaṁ sakkomi bhavante satta māsāni āgametuṁ. Ko nu kho pana, bho, jānāti jīvitānaṁ. Gamanīyo samparāyo, mantāyaṁ boddhabbaṁ, kattabbaṁ kusalaṁ, caritabbaṁ brahmacariyaṁ, natthi jātassa amaraṇaṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti. “Tena hi bhavaṁ govindo cha māsāni āgametu …pe… pañca māsāni āgametu … cattāri māsāni āgametu … tīṇi māsāni āgametu … dve māsāni āgametu … ekaṁ māsaṁ āgametu … addhamāsaṁ āgametu, addhamāsassa accayena mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
“A fortnight is too long, sirs. I cannot wait that long. Who knows what will happen to the living? We are headed for lives to come. We must be thoughtful and wake up! We must do what’s good and lead the spiritual life, for no one born can escape death. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.”
“Aticiraṁ kho, bho, addhamāso, nāhaṁ sakkomi bhavante addhamāsaṁ āgametuṁ. Ko nu kho pana, bho, jānāti jīvitānaṁ. Gamanīyo samparāyo, mantāyaṁ boddhabbaṁ, kattabbaṁ kusalaṁ, caritabbaṁ brahmacariyaṁ, natthi jātassa amaraṇaṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
“Well then, sir, please wait for a week, so that we can instruct our sons and brothers in kingship. When a week has passed, we shall go forth. Your destiny shall be ours.”
“Tena hi bhavaṁ govindo sattāhaṁ āgametu, yāva mayaṁ sake puttabhātaro rajjena anusāsissāma, sattāhassa accayena mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
“A week is not too long, sirs. I will wait that long.”
“Na ciraṁ kho, bho, sattāhaṁ, āgamessāmahaṁ bhavante sattāhan”ti.
6.6. Informing the Brahmins
6.6. Brāhmaṇamahāsālādīnaṁāmantanā
Then the Great Steward also went to the seven well-to-do brahmins and seven hundred bathed initiates and said, “Good fellows, please now find another tutor to teach you to recite the hymns. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena te satta ca brāhmaṇamahāsālā satta ca nhātakasatāni tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā te satta ca brāhmaṇamahāsāle satta ca nhātakasatāni etadavoca: “aññaṁ dāni bhavanto ācariyaṁ pariyesantu, yo bhavantānaṁ mante vācessati. Icchāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajituṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa. Te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā, pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
“Please don’t go forth from the lay life to homelessness! The life of one gone forth is of little influence or profit, whereas the life of a brahmin is of great influence and profit.”
“Mā bhavaṁ govindo agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbaji. Pabbajjā, bho, appesakkhā ca appalābhā ca; brahmaññaṁ mahesakkhañca mahālābhañcā”ti.
“Please, good fellows, don’t say that. Who has greater influence and profit than myself? For now I am like a king to kings, like the Divinity to brahmins, like a deity to householders. Giving up all that, I shall go forth. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.”
“Mā bhavanto evaṁ avacuttha: ‘pabbajjā appesakkhā ca appalābhā ca, brahmaññaṁ mahesakkhañca mahālābhañcā’ti. Ko nu kho, bho, aññatra mayā mahesakkhataro vā mahālābhataro vā. Ahañhi, bho, etarahi rājāva raññaṁ brahmāva brāhmaṇānaṁ devatāva gahapatikānaṁ. Tamahaṁ sabbaṁ pahāya agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāmi. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā. Pabbajissāmahaṁ, bho, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
“If the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.”
“Sace bhavaṁ govindo agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissati, mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
6.7. Informing the Wives
6.7. Bhariyānaṁāmantanā
Then the Great Steward went to his forty equal wives and said, “Ladies, please do whatever you wish, whether returning to your own families, or finding another husband. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.”
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo yena cattārīsā bhariyā sādisiyo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā cattārīsā bhariyā sādisiyo etadavoca: “yā bhotīnaṁ icchati, sakāni vā ñātikulāni gacchatu aññaṁ vā bhattāraṁ pariyesatu. Icchāmahaṁ, bhotī, agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajituṁ. Yathā kho pana me sutaṁ brahmuno āmagandhe bhāsamānassa, te na sunimmadayā agāraṁ ajjhāvasatā. Pabbajissāmahaṁ, bhotī, agārasmā anagāriyan”ti.
“You are the only family we want! You are the only husband we want! If you are going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.”
“Tvaññeva no ñāti ñātikāmānaṁ, tvaṁ pana bhattā bhattukāmānaṁ. Sace bhavaṁ govindo agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissati, mayampi agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāma, atha yā te gati, sā no gati bhavissatī”ti.
6.8. The Great Steward Goes Forth
6.8. Mahāgovindapabbajjā
When a week had passed, the Great Steward shaved off his hair and beard, dressed in ocher robes, and went forth from the lay life to homelessness. And when he had gone forth, the seven anointed aristocrat kings, the seven brahmins with seven hundred initiates, the forty equal wives, and many thousands of aristocrats, brahmins, householders, and many harem women shaved off their hair and beards, dressed in ocher robes, and went forth from the lay life to homelessness.
Atha kho, bho, mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo tassa sattāhassa accayena kesamassuṁ ohāretvā kāsāyāni vatthāni acchādetvā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbaji. Pabbajitaṁ pana mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ satta ca rājāno khattiyā muddhāvasittā satta ca brāhmaṇamahāsālā satta ca nhātakasatāni cattārīsā ca bhariyā sādisiyo anekāni ca khattiyasahassāni anekāni ca brāhmaṇasahassāni anekāni ca gahapatisahassāni anekehi ca itthāgārehi itthiyo kesamassuṁ ohāretvā kāsāyāni vatthāni acchādetvā mahāgovindaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajitaṁ anupabbajiṁsu.
Escorted by that assembly, the Great Steward wandered on tour among the villages, towns, and capital cities. And at that time, whenever he arrived at a village or town, he was like a king to kings, like the Divinity to brahmins, like a deity to householders. And whenever people sneezed or tripped over they’d say: “Homage to the Great Steward! Homage to the high priest for the seven!”
Tāya sudaṁ, bho, parisāya parivuto mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo gāmanigamarājadhānīsu cārikaṁ carati. Yaṁ kho pana, bho, tena samayena mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā upasaṅkamati, tattha rājāva hoti raññaṁ, brahmāva brāhmaṇānaṁ, devatāva gahapatikānaṁ. Tena kho pana samayena manussā khipanti vā upakkhalanti vā. Te evamāhaṁsu: “namatthu mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa, namatthu satta purohitassā”ti.
And the Great Steward meditated spreading a heart full of love to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, he spread a heart full of love to the whole world—abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. He meditated spreading a heart full of compassion … rejoicing … equanimity to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, he spread a heart full of equanimity to the whole world—abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. And he taught his disciples the path to rebirth in the company of Divinity.
Mahāgovindo, bho, brāhmaṇo mettāsahagatena cetasā ekaṁ disaṁ pharitvā vihāsi, tathā dutiyaṁ, tathā tatiyaṁ, tathā catutthaṁ. Iti uddhamadho tiriyaṁ sabbadhi sabbattatāya sabbāvantaṁ lokaṁ mettāsahagatena cetasā vipulena mahaggatena appamāṇena averena abyāpajjena pharitvā vihāsi. Karuṇāsahagatena cetasā …pe… muditāsahagatena cetasā …pe… upekkhāsahagatena cetasā …pe… abyāpajjena pharitvā vihāsi. Sāvakānañca brahmalokasahabyatāya maggaṁ desesi.
Those of his disciples who completely understood the Great Steward’s instructions, at the breaking up of the body, after death, were reborn in the realm of divinity. Of those disciples who only partly understood the Great Steward’s instructions, some were reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others, while some were reborn in the company of the gods who love to create, or the joyful gods, or the gods of Yama, or the gods of the thirty-three, or the gods of the four great kings. And at the very least they swelled the hosts of the centaurs.
Ye kho pana, bho, tena samayena mahāgovindassa brāhmaṇassa sāvakā sabbenasabbaṁ sāsanaṁ ājāniṁsu. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ brahmalokaṁ upapajjiṁsu. Ye na sabbenasabbaṁ sāsanaṁ ājāniṁsu, te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā appekacce paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjiṁsu; appekacce nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjiṁsu; appekacce tusitānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjiṁsu; appekacce yāmānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjiṁsu; appekacce tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjiṁsu; appekacce cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjiṁsu; ye sabbanihīnaṁ kāyaṁ paripūresuṁ te gandhabbakāyaṁ paripūresuṁ.
And so the going forth of all those gentlemen was not in vain, was not barren, but was fruitful and fertile.’
Iti kho, bho, sabbesaṁyeva tesaṁ kulaputtānaṁ amoghā pabbajjā ahosi avañjhā saphalā saudrayā’ti.
Do you remember this, Blessed One?”
Sarati taṁ bhagavā”ti?
“I remember, Pañcasikha. I myself was the brahmin Great Steward at that time. And I taught those disciples the path to rebirth in the company of Divinity. But that spiritual path of mine doesn’t lead to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment. It only leads as far as rebirth in the realm of divinity.
“Sarāmahaṁ, pañcasikha. Ahaṁ tena samayena mahāgovindo brāhmaṇo ahosiṁ. Ahaṁ tesaṁ sāvakānaṁ brahmalokasahabyatāya maggaṁ desesiṁ. Taṁ kho pana me, pañcasikha, brahmacariyaṁ na nibbidāya na virāgāya na nirodhāya na upasamāya na abhiññāya na sambodhāya na nibbānāya saṁvattati, yāvadeva brahmalokūpapattiyā.
But this spiritual path does lead to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment. And what is the spiritual path that leads to extinguishment? It is simply this noble eightfold path, that is: right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion. This is the spiritual path that leads to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment.
Idaṁ kho pana me, pañcasikha, brahmacariyaṁ ekantanibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya upasamāya abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṁvattati. Katamañca taṁ, pañcasikha, brahmacariyaṁ ekantanibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya upasamāya abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṁvattati? Ayameva ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo. Seyyathidaṁ—sammādiṭṭhi sammāsaṅkappo sammāvācā sammākammanto sammāājīvo sammāvāyāmo sammāsati sammāsamādhi. Idaṁ kho taṁ, pañcasikha, brahmacariyaṁ ekantanibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya upasamāya abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṁvattati.
Those of my disciples who completely understand my instructions 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.
Ye kho pana me, pañcasikha, sāvakā sabbenasabbaṁ sāsanaṁ ājānanti, te āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharanti;
Of those disciples who only partly understand my instructions, some, with the ending of the five lower fetters, become reborn spontaneously. They are extinguished there, and are not liable to return from that world.
ye na sabbenasabbaṁ sāsanaṁ ājānanti, te pañcannaṁ orambhāgiyānaṁ saṁyojanānaṁ parikkhayā opapātikā honti tattha parinibbāyino anāvattidhammā tasmā lokā.
Some, with the ending of three fetters, and the weakening of greed, hate, and delusion, become once-returners. They come back to this world once only, then make an end of suffering.
Ye na sabbenasabbaṁ sāsanaṁ ājānanti, appekacce tiṇṇaṁ saṁyojanānaṁ parikkhayā rāgadosamohānaṁ tanuttā sakadāgāmino honti sakideva imaṁ lokaṁ āgantvā dukkhassantaṁ karissanti.
And some, with the ending of three fetters, become stream-enterers, not liable to be reborn in the underworld, assured, destined for awakening.
Ye na sabbenasabbaṁ sāsanaṁ ājānanti, appekacce tiṇṇaṁ saṁyojanānaṁ parikkhayā sotāpannā honti avinipātadhammā niyatā sambodhiparāyaṇā.
And so the going forth of all those gentlemen was not in vain, was not barren, but was fruitful and fertile.”
Iti kho, pañcasikha, sabbesaṁyeva imesaṁ kulaputtānaṁ amoghā pabbajjā avañjhā saphalā saudrayā”ti.
That is what the Buddha said. Delighted, the centaur Pañcasikha approved and agreed with what the Buddha said. He bowed and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before vanishing right there.
Idamavoca bhagavā. Attamano pañcasikho gandhabbaputto bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinanditvā anumoditvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā tatthevantaradhāyīti.
Mahāgovindasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ chaṭṭhaṁ.