Take another mendicant who says: ‘I’ve developed the heart’s release by rejoicing. … Yet somehow discontent still occupies my mind.’ They should be told, ‘Not so, venerable! … For it is the heart’s release by rejoicing that is the escape from discontent.’
Idha panāvuso, bhikkhu evaṁ vadeyya: ‘muditā hi kho me cetovimutti bhāvitā …pe… atha ca pana me arati cittaṁ pariyādāya tiṭṭhatī’ti. So: ‘mā hevan’tissa vacanīyo ‘māyasmā evaṁ avaca …pe… nissaraṇaṁ hetaṁ, āvuso, aratiyā, yadidaṁ muditācetovimuttī’ti.
Take another mendicant who says: ‘I’ve developed the heart’s release by equanimity. … Yet somehow desire still occupies my mind.’ They should be told, ‘Not so, venerable! … For it is the heart’s release by equanimity that is the escape from desire.’
Idha panāvuso, bhikkhu evaṁ vadeyya: ‘upekkhā hi kho me cetovimutti bhāvitā …pe… atha ca pana me rāgo cittaṁ pariyādāya tiṭṭhatī’ti. So: ‘mā hevan’tissa vacanīyo ‘māyasmā evaṁ avaca …pe… nissaraṇaṁ hetaṁ, āvuso, rāgassa yadidaṁ upekkhācetovimuttī’ti.
Take another mendicant who says: ‘I’ve developed the signless release of the heart. … Yet somehow my consciousness still follows after signs.’ They should be told, ‘Not so, venerable! … For it is the signless release of the heart that is the escape from all signs.’
Idha panāvuso, bhikkhu evaṁ vadeyya: ‘animittā hi kho me cetovimutti bhāvitā …pe… atha ca pana me nimittānusāri viññāṇaṁ hotī’ti. So: ‘mā hevan’tissa vacanīyo ‘māyasmā evaṁ avaca …pe… nissaraṇaṁ hetaṁ, āvuso, sabbanimittānaṁ yadidaṁ animittā cetovimuttī’ti.
Take another mendicant who says: ‘I’m rid of the conceit “I am”. And I don’t regard anything as “I am this”. Yet somehow the dart of doubt and indecision still occupies my mind.’ They should be told, ‘Not so, venerable! Don’t say that. Don’t misrepresent the Buddha, for misrepresentation of the Buddha is not good. And the Buddha would not say that. It’s impossible, reverend, it cannot happen that the conceit “I am” has been done away with, and nothing is regarded as “I am this”, yet somehow the dart of doubt and indecision still occupy the mind. For it is the uprooting of the conceit “I am” that is the escape from the dart of doubt and indecision.’
Idha panāvuso, bhikkhu evaṁ vadeyya: ‘asmīti kho me vigataṁ, ayamahamasmīti na samanupassāmi, atha ca pana me vicikicchākathaṅkathāsallaṁ cittaṁ pariyādāya tiṭṭhatī’ti. So: ‘mā hevan’tissa vacanīyo ‘māyasmā evaṁ avaca, mā bhagavantaṁ abbhācikkhi, na hi sādhu bhagavato abbhakkhānaṁ, na hi bhagavā evaṁ vadeyya. Aṭṭhānametaṁ, āvuso, anavakāso yaṁ asmīti vigate ayamahamasmīti asamanupassato. Atha ca panassa vicikicchākathaṅkathāsallaṁ cittaṁ pariyādāya ṭhassati, netaṁ ṭhānaṁ vijjati. Nissaraṇaṁ hetaṁ, āvuso, vicikicchākathaṅkathāsallassa, yadidaṁ asmimānasamugghāto’ti. Ime cha dhammā duppaṭivijjhā.
<b>What six things should be produced?</b> Six consistent responses. A mendicant, seeing a sight with their eyes, is neither happy nor sad. They remain equanimous, mindful and aware. Hearing a sound with their ears … Smelling an odor with their nose … Tasting a flavor with their tongue …
Katame cha dhammā uppādetabbā? Cha satatavihārā. Idhāvuso, bhikkhu cakkhunā rūpaṁ disvā neva sumano hoti na dummano, upekkhako viharati sato sampajāno. Sotena saddaṁ sutvā …pe… ghānena gandhaṁ ghāyitvā … jivhāya rasaṁ sāyitvā …
Encountering a touch with their body … Knowing an idea with their mind, they’re neither happy nor sad. They remain equanimous, mindful and aware.
kāyena phoṭṭhabbaṁ phusitvā … manasā dhammaṁ viññāya neva sumano hoti na dummano, upekkhako viharati sato sampajāno. Ime cha dhammā uppādetabbā.
<b>What six things should be directly known?</b> Six unsurpassable things: the unsurpassable seeing, listening, acquisition, training, service, and recollection.
Katame cha dhammā abhiññeyyā? Cha anuttariyāni— dassanānuttariyaṁ, savanānuttariyaṁ, lābhānuttariyaṁ, sikkhānuttariyaṁ, pāricariyānuttariyaṁ, anussatānuttariyaṁ. Ime cha dhammā abhiññeyyā.
<b>What six things should be realized?</b> Six direct knowledges. A mendicant wields the many kinds of psychic power: multiplying themselves and becoming one again; materializing and dematerializing; going unobstructed through a wall, a rampart, or a mountain as if through space; diving in and out of the earth as if it were water; walking on water as if it were earth; flying cross-legged through the sky like a bird; touching and stroking with the hand the sun and moon, so mighty and powerful; controlling the body as far as the realm of divinity.
Katame cha dhammā sacchikātabbā? Cha abhiññā— idhāvuso, bhikkhu anekavihitaṁ iddhividhaṁ paccanubhoti—ekopi hutvā bahudhā hoti, bahudhāpi hutvā eko hoti; āvibhāvaṁ tirobhāvaṁ; tirokuṭṭaṁ tiropākāraṁ tiropabbataṁ asajjamāno gacchati seyyathāpi ākāse; pathaviyāpi ummujjanimujjaṁ karoti seyyathāpi udake; udakepi abhijjamāne gacchati seyyathāpi pathaviyaṁ; ākāsepi pallaṅkena kamati seyyathāpi pakkhī sakuṇo; imepi candimasūriye evaṁmahiddhike evaṁmahānubhāve pāṇinā parāmasati parimajjati; yāva brahmalokāpi kāyena vasaṁ vatteti.
With clairaudience that is purified and superhuman, they hear both kinds of sounds, human and heavenly, whether near or far.
Dibbāya sotadhātuyā visuddhāya atikkantamānusikāya ubho sadde suṇāti dibbe ca mānuse ca, ye dūre santike ca.
They understand the minds of other beings and individuals, having encompassed them with their own mind.
Parasattānaṁ parapuggalānaṁ cetasā ceto paricca pajānāti, sarāgaṁ vā cittaṁ sarāgaṁ cittanti pajānāti …pe… avimuttaṁ vā cittaṁ avimuttaṁ cittanti pajānāti.
They recollect many kinds of past lives, with features and details.
So anekavihitaṁ pubbenivāsaṁ anussarati, seyyathidaṁ—ekampi jātiṁ …pe… iti sākāraṁ sauddesaṁ anekavihitaṁ pubbenivāsaṁ anussarati.
With clairvoyance that is purified and superhuman, they see sentient beings passing away and being reborn—inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, in a good place or a bad place. They understand how sentient beings pass on according to their deeds.
Dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkantamānusakena satte passati cavamāne upapajjamāne hīne paṇīte suvaṇṇe dubbaṇṇe sugate duggate yathākammūpage satte pajānāti …pe…
They realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And they live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.
Āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati. Ime cha dhammā sacchikātabbā.
So these sixty things that are true, real, and accurate, not unreal, not otherwise were rightly understood by the Realized One.
Iti ime saṭṭhi dhammā bhūtā tacchā tathā avitathā anaññathā sammā tathāgatena abhisambuddhā.
7. Groups of Seven
7. Satta dhammā
Seven things are helpful, etc.
Satta dhammā bahukārā …pe… satta dhammā sacchikātabbā.
<b>What seven things are helpful?</b> Seven riches of the noble ones: the riches of faith, ethics, conscience, prudence, learning, generosity, and wisdom.
Katame satta dhammā bahukārā? Satta ariyadhanāni— saddhādhanaṁ, sīladhanaṁ, hiridhanaṁ, ottappadhanaṁ, sutadhanaṁ, cāgadhanaṁ, paññādhanaṁ. Ime satta dhammā bahukārā.
<b>What seven things should be developed?</b> Seven awakening factors: mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity.
Katame satta dhammā bhāvetabbā? Satta sambojjhaṅgā— satisambojjhaṅgo, dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgo, vīriyasambojjhaṅgo, pītisambojjhaṅgo, passaddhisambojjhaṅgo, samādhisambojjhaṅgo, upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo. Ime satta dhammā bhāvetabbā.
<b>What seven things should be completely understood?</b> Seven planes of consciousness. There are sentient beings that are diverse in body and diverse in perception, such as human beings, some gods, and some beings in the underworld. This is the first plane of consciousness.
Katame satta dhammā pariññeyyā? Satta viññāṇaṭṭhitiyo— santāvuso, sattā nānattakāyā nānattasaññino, seyyathāpi manussā ekacce ca devā ekacce ca vinipātikā. Ayaṁ paṭhamā viññāṇaṭṭhiti.
There are sentient beings that are diverse in body and unified in perception, such as the gods reborn in the Divinity’s host through the first absorption. This is the second plane of consciousness.
Santāvuso, sattā nānattakāyā ekattasaññino, seyyathāpi devā brahmakāyikā paṭhamābhinibbattā. Ayaṁ dutiyā viññāṇaṭṭhiti.
There are sentient beings that are unified in body and diverse in perception, such as the gods of sublime luminosity. This is the third plane of consciousness.
Santāvuso, sattā ekattakāyā nānattasaññino, seyyathāpi devā ābhassarā. Ayaṁ tatiyā viññāṇaṭṭhiti.
There are sentient beings that are unified in body and unified in perception, such as the gods of universal beauty. This is the fourth plane of consciousness.
Santāvuso, sattā ekattakāyā ekattasaññino, seyyathāpi devā subhakiṇhā. Ayaṁ catutthī viññāṇaṭṭhiti.
There are sentient beings that have gone totally beyond perceptions of form. With the disappearance of perceptions of impingement, not focusing on perceptions of diversity, aware that ‘space is infinite’, they have been reborn in the dimension of infinite space. This is the fifth plane of consciousness.
Santāvuso, sattā sabbaso rūpasaññānaṁ samatikkamā …pe… ‘ananto ākāso’ti ākāsānañcāyatanūpagā. Ayaṁ pañcamī viññāṇaṭṭhiti.
There are sentient beings that have gone totally beyond the dimension of infinite space. Aware that ‘consciousness is infinite’, they have been reborn in the dimension of infinite consciousness. This is the sixth plane of consciousness.
Santāvuso, sattā sabbaso ākāsānañcāyatanaṁ samatikkamma ‘anantaṁ viññāṇan’ti viññāṇañcāyatanūpagā. Ayaṁ chaṭṭhī viññāṇaṭṭhiti.
There are sentient beings that have gone totally beyond the dimension of infinite consciousness. Aware that ‘there is nothing at all’, they have been reborn in the dimension of nothingness. This is the seventh plane of consciousness.
Santāvuso, sattā sabbaso viññāṇañcāyatanaṁ samatikkamma ‘natthi kiñcī’ti ākiñcaññāyatanūpagā. Ayaṁ sattamī viññāṇaṭṭhiti. Ime satta dhammā pariññeyyā.
<b>What seven things should be given up?</b> Seven underlying tendencies: sensual desire, aversion, views, doubt, conceit, desire for continued existence, and ignorance.
Katame satta dhammā pahātabbā? Sattānusayā— kāmarāgānusayo, paṭighānusayo, diṭṭhānusayo, vicikicchānusayo, mānānusayo, bhavarāgānusayo, avijjānusayo. Ime satta dhammā pahātabbā.
<b>What seven things make things worse?</b> Seven bad qualities: a mendicant is faithless, shameless, imprudent, unlearned, lazy, unmindful, and witless.
Katame satta dhammā hānabhāgiyā? Satta asaddhammā— idhāvuso, bhikkhu assaddho hoti, ahiriko hoti, anottappī hoti, appassuto hoti, kusīto hoti, muṭṭhassati hoti, duppañño hoti. Ime satta dhammā hānabhāgiyā.
<b>What seven things lead to distinction?</b> Seven good qualities: a mendicant is faithful, conscientious, prudent, learned, energetic, mindful, and wise.
Katame satta dhammā visesabhāgiyā? Satta saddhammā— idhāvuso, bhikkhu saddho hoti, hirimā hoti, ottappī hoti, bahussuto hoti, āraddhavīriyo hoti, upaṭṭhitassati hoti, paññavā hoti. Ime satta dhammā visesabhāgiyā.
<b>What seven things are hard to comprehend?</b> Seven aspects of the teachings of the true persons: a mendicant knows the teachings, knows the meaning, knows themselves, knows moderation, knows the right time, knows assemblies, and knows individuals.
Katame satta dhammā duppaṭivijjhā? Satta sappurisadhammā— idhāvuso, bhikkhu dhammaññū ca hoti atthaññū ca attaññū ca mattaññū ca kālaññū ca parisaññū ca puggalaññū ca. Ime satta dhammā duppaṭivijjhā.
<b>What seven things should be produced?</b> Seven perceptions: the perception of impermanence, the perception of not-self, the perception of ugliness, the perception of drawbacks, the perception of giving up, the perception of fading away, and the perception of cessation.
Katame satta dhammā uppādetabbā? Satta saññā— aniccasaññā, anattasaññā, asubhasaññā, ādīnavasaññā, pahānasaññā, virāgasaññā, nirodhasaññā. Ime satta dhammā uppādetabbā.
<b>What seven things should be directly known?</b> Seven qualifications for graduation. A mendicant has a keen enthusiasm to undertake the training … to examine the teachings … to get rid of desires … for retreat … to rouse up energy … for mindfulness and alertness … to penetrate theoretically. And they don’t lose these desires in the future.
Katame satta dhammā abhiññeyyā? Satta niddasavatthūni— idhāvuso, bhikkhu sikkhāsamādāne tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca sikkhāsamādāne avigatapemo. Dhammanisantiyā tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca dhammanisantiyā avigatapemo. Icchāvinaye tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca icchāvinaye avigatapemo. Paṭisallāne tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca paṭisallāne avigatapemo. Vīriyārambhe tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca vīriyārambhe avigatapemo. Satinepakke tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca satinepakke avigatapemo. Diṭṭhipaṭivedhe tibbacchando hoti, āyatiñca diṭṭhipaṭivedhe avigatapemo. Ime satta dhammā abhiññeyyā.
<b>What seven things should be realized?</b> Seven powers of one who has ended the defilements. Firstly, a mendicant with defilements ended has clearly seen with right wisdom all conditions as truly impermanent. This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim: ‘My defilements have ended.’
Katame satta dhammā sacchikātabbā? Satta khīṇāsavabalāni— idhāvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno aniccato sabbe saṅkhārā yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhā honti. Yaṁpāvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno aniccato sabbe saṅkhārā yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhā honti, idampi khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno balaṁ hoti, yaṁ balaṁ āgamma khīṇāsavo bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayaṁ paṭijānāti: ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti.
Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has clearly seen with right wisdom that sensual pleasures are truly like a pit of glowing coals. …
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno aṅgārakāsūpamā kāmā yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhā honti. Yaṁpāvuso …pe… ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti.
Furthermore, the mind of a mendicant with defilements ended slants, slopes, and inclines to seclusion. They’re withdrawn, loving renunciation, and have totally eliminated defiling influences. …
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno vivekaninnaṁ cittaṁ hoti vivekapoṇaṁ vivekapabbhāraṁ vivekaṭṭhaṁ nekkhammābhirataṁ byantībhūtaṁ sabbaso āsavaṭṭhāniyehi dhammehi. Yaṁpāvuso …pe… ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti.
Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has well developed the four kinds of mindfulness meditation. …
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno cattāro satipaṭṭhānā bhāvitā honti subhāvitā. Yaṁpāvuso …pe… ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti.
Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has well developed the five faculties. …
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno pañcindriyāni bhāvitāni honti subhāvitāni. Yaṁpāvuso …pe… ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti.
Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has well developed the seven awakening factors. …
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno satta bojjhaṅgā bhāvitā honti subhāvitā. Yaṁpāvuso …pe… ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti.
Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has well developed the noble eightfold path. … This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim: ‘My defilements have ended.’
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo bhāvito hoti subhāvito. Yaṁpāvuso, khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo bhāvito hoti subhāvito, idampi khīṇāsavassa bhikkhuno balaṁ hoti, yaṁ balaṁ āgamma khīṇāsavo bhikkhu āsavānaṁ khayaṁ paṭijānāti: ‘khīṇā me āsavā’ti. Ime satta dhammā sacchikātabbā.
So these seventy things that are true, real, and accurate, not unreal, not otherwise were rightly understood by the Realized One.
Itime sattati dhammā bhūtā tacchā tathā avitathā anaññathā sammā tathāgatena abhisambuddhā.
The first recitation section is complete.
Paṭhamabhāṇavāro niṭṭhito.
8. Groups of Eight
8. Aṭṭha dhammā
Eight things are helpful, etc.
Aṭṭha dhammā bahukārā …pe… aṭṭha dhammā sacchikātabbā.
<b>What eight things are helpful?</b> There are eight causes and reasons that lead to acquiring the wisdom fundamental to the spiritual life, and to its increase, growth, development, and fulfillment once it has been acquired. What eight? It’s when a mendicant lives relying on the Teacher or a spiritual companion in a teacher’s role. And they set up a keen sense of conscience and prudence for them, with warmth and respect. This is the first cause.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā bahukārā? Aṭṭha hetū aṭṭha paccayā ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattanti. Katame aṭṭha? Idhāvuso, bhikkhu satthāraṁ upanissāya viharati aññataraṁ vā garuṭṭhāniyaṁ sabrahmacāriṁ, yatthassa tibbaṁ hirottappaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ hoti pemañca gāravo ca. Ayaṁ paṭhamo hetu paṭhamo paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
When a mendicant lives relying on the Teacher or a spiritual companion in a teacher’s role—with a keen sense of conscience and prudence for them, with warmth and respect—from time to time they go and ask them questions: ‘Why, sir, does it say this? What does that mean?’ Those venerables clarify what is unclear, reveal what is obscure, and dispel doubt regarding the many doubtful matters. This is the second cause.
Taṁ kho pana satthāraṁ upanissāya viharati aññataraṁ vā garuṭṭhāniyaṁ sabrahmacāriṁ, yatthassa tibbaṁ hirottappaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ hoti pemañca gāravo ca. Te kālena kālaṁ upasaṅkamitvā paripucchati paripañhati: ‘idaṁ, bhante, kathaṁ? Imassa ko attho’ti? Tassa te āyasmanto avivaṭañceva vivaranti, anuttānīkatañca uttānīkaronti, anekavihitesu ca kaṅkhāṭṭhāniyesu dhammesu kaṅkhaṁ paṭivinodenti. Ayaṁ dutiyo hetu dutiyo paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya, vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
After hearing that teaching they perfect withdrawal of both body and mind. This is the third cause.
Taṁ kho pana dhammaṁ sutvā dvayena vūpakāsena sampādeti—kāyavūpakāsena ca cittavūpakāsena ca. Ayaṁ tatiyo hetu tatiyo paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
Furthermore, 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. This is the fourth cause.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu sīlavā hoti, pātimokkhasaṁvarasaṁvuto viharati ācāragocarasampanno, aṇumattesu vajjesu bhayadassāvī samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu. Ayaṁ catuttho hetu catuttho paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
Furthermore, a mendicant is very learned, remembering and keeping what they’ve learned. These teachings are good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased, describing a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. They are very learned in such teachings, remembering them, rehearsing them, mentally scrutinizing them, and penetrating them theoretically. This is the fifth cause.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu bahussuto hoti sutadharo sutasannicayo. Ye te dhammā ādikalyāṇā majjhekalyāṇā pariyosānakalyāṇā sātthā sabyañjanā kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ abhivadanti, tathārūpāssa dhammā bahussutā honti dhātā vacasā paricitā manasānupekkhitā diṭṭhiyā suppaṭividdhā. Ayaṁ pañcamo hetu pañcamo paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
Furthermore, a mendicant lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. This is the sixth cause.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu āraddhavīriyo viharati akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pahānāya, kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ upasampadāya, thāmavā daḷhaparakkamo anikkhittadhuro kusalesu dhammesu. Ayaṁ chaṭṭho hetu chaṭṭho paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
Furthermore, a mendicant is mindful. They have utmost mindfulness and alertness, and can remember and recall what was said and done long ago. This is the seventh cause.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu satimā hoti paramena satinepakkena samannāgato. Cirakatampi cirabhāsitampi saritā anussaritā. Ayaṁ sattamo hetu sattamo paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati.
Furthermore, a mendicant meditates observing rise and fall in the five grasping aggregates. ‘Such is form, such is the origin of form, such is the disappearance of form. Such is feeling, such is the origin of feeling, such is the disappearance of feeling. Such is perception, such is the origin of perception, such is the disappearance of perception. Such are choices, such is the origin of choices, such is the disappearance of choices. Such is consciousness, such is the origin of consciousness, such is the disappearance of consciousness.’ This is the eighth cause.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu pañcasu upādānakkhandhesu, udayabbayānupassī viharati: ‘iti rūpaṁ iti rūpassa samudayo iti rūpassa atthaṅgamo; iti vedanā iti vedanāya samudayo iti vedanāya atthaṅgamo; iti saññā iti saññāya samudayo iti saññāya atthaṅgamo; iti saṅkhārā iti saṅkhārānaṁ samudayo iti saṅkhārānaṁ atthaṅgamo; iti viññāṇaṁ iti viññāṇassa samudayo iti viññāṇassa atthaṅgamo’ti. Ayaṁ aṭṭhamo hetu aṭṭhamo paccayo ādibrahmacariyikāya paññāya appaṭiladdhāya paṭilābhāya, paṭiladdhāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā saṁvattati. Ime aṭṭha dhammā bahukārā.
<b>What eight things should be developed?</b> The noble eightfold path, that is: right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā bhāvetabbā? Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo seyyathidaṁ— sammādiṭṭhi, sammāsaṅkappo, sammāvācā, sammākammanto, sammāājīvo, sammāvāyāmo, sammāsati, sammāsamādhi. Ime aṭṭha dhammā bhāvetabbā.
<b>What eight things should be completely understood?</b> Eight worldly conditions: gain and loss, fame and disgrace, blame and praise, pleasure and pain.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā pariññeyyā? Aṭṭha lokadhammā— lābho ca, alābho ca, yaso ca, ayaso ca, nindā ca, pasaṁsā ca, sukhañca, dukkhañca. Ime aṭṭha dhammā pariññeyyā.
<b>What eight things should be given up?</b> Eight wrong ways: wrong view, wrong purpose, wrong speech, wrong action, wrong livelihood, wrong effort, wrong mindfulness, and wrong immersion.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā pahātabbā? Aṭṭha micchattā— micchādiṭṭhi, micchāsaṅkappo, micchāvācā, micchākammanto, micchāājīvo, micchāvāyāmo, micchāsati, micchāsamādhi. Ime aṭṭha dhammā pahātabbā.
<b>What eight things make things worse?</b> Eight grounds for laziness. Firstly, a mendicant has some work to do. They think: ‘I have some work to do. But while doing it my body will get tired. I’d better have a lie down.’ They lie down, and don’t rouse energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized. This is the first ground for laziness.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā hānabhāgiyā? Aṭṭha kusītavatthūni. Idhāvuso, bhikkhunā kammaṁ kātabbaṁ hoti, tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘kammaṁ kho me kātabbaṁ bhavissati, kammaṁ kho pana me karontassa kāyo kilamissati, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati, na vīriyaṁ ārabhati appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāya. Idaṁ paṭhamaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has done some work. They think: ‘I’ve done some work. But while working my body got tired. I’d better have a lie down.’ They lie down, and don’t rouse energy … This is the second ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhunā kammaṁ kataṁ hoti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho kammaṁ akāsiṁ, kammaṁ kho pana me karontassa kāyo kilanto, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati, na vīriyaṁ ārabhati …pe… idaṁ dutiyaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has to go on a journey. They think: ‘I have to go on a journey. But while walking my body will get tired. I’d better have a lie down.’ They lie down, and don’t rouse energy … This is the third ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhunā maggo gantabbo hoti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘maggo kho me gantabbo bhavissati, maggaṁ kho pana me gacchantassa kāyo kilamissati, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati, na vīriyaṁ ārabhati …pe… idaṁ tatiyaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has gone on a journey. They think: ‘I’ve gone on a journey. But while walking my body got tired. I’d better have a lie down.’ They lie down, and don’t rouse energy … This is the fourth ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhunā maggo gato hoti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho maggaṁ agamāsiṁ, maggaṁ kho pana me gacchantassa kāyo kilanto, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati, na vīriyaṁ ārabhati …pe… idaṁ catutthaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has wandered for alms, but they didn’t get to fill up on as much food as they like, coarse or fine. They think: ‘I’ve wandered for alms, but I didn’t get to fill up on as much food as I like, coarse or fine. My body is tired and unfit for work. I’d better have a lie down.’… This is the fifth ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto na labhati lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto nālatthaṁ lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ, tassa me kāyo kilanto akammañño, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti …pe… idaṁ pañcamaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has wandered for alms, and they got to fill up on as much food as they like, coarse or fine. They think: ‘I’ve wandered for alms, and I got to fill up on as much food as I like, coarse or fine. My body is heavy, unfit for work, like I’ve just eaten a load of beans. I’d better have a lie down.’… They lie down, and don’t rouse energy … This is the sixth ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto labhati lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto alatthaṁ lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ, tassa me kāyo garuko akammañño, māsācitaṁ maññe, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati …pe… idaṁ chaṭṭhaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant feels a little sick. They think: ‘I feel a little sick. Lying down would be good for me. I’d better have a lie down.’ They lie down, and don’t rouse energy … This is the seventh ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhuno uppanno hoti appamattako ābādho, tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘uppanno kho me ayaṁ appamattako ābādho atthi kappo nipajjituṁ, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati …pe… idaṁ sattamaṁ kusītavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has recently recovered from illness. They think: ‘I’ve recently recovered from illness. My body is weak and unfit for work. I’d better have a lie down.’ They lie down, and don’t rouse energy … This is the eighth ground for laziness.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu gilānāvuṭṭhito hoti aciravuṭṭhito gelaññā. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho gilānāvuṭṭhito aciravuṭṭhito gelaññā. Tassa me kāyo dubbalo akammañño, handāhaṁ nipajjāmī’ti. So nipajjati …pe… idaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ kusītavatthu. Ime aṭṭha dhammā hānabhāgiyā.
<b>What eight things lead to distinction?</b> Eight grounds for arousing energy. Firstly, a mendicant has some work to do. They think: ‘I have some work to do. While working it’s not easy to focus on the instructions of the Buddhas. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized.’ They rouse energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized. This is the first ground for arousing energy.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā visesabhāgiyā? Aṭṭha ārambhavatthūni. Idhāvuso, bhikkhunā kammaṁ kātabbaṁ hoti, tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘kammaṁ kho me kātabbaṁ bhavissati, kammaṁ kho pana me karontena na sukaraṁ buddhānaṁ sāsanaṁ manasikātuṁ, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāyā’ti. So vīriyaṁ ārabhati appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāya. Idaṁ paṭhamaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has done some work. They think: ‘I’ve done some work. While I was working I wasn’t able to focus on the instructions of the Buddhas. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy.’… This is the second ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhunā kammaṁ kataṁ hoti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho kammaṁ akāsiṁ, kammaṁ kho panāhaṁ karonto nāsakkhiṁ buddhānaṁ sāsanaṁ manasikātuṁ, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi …pe… idaṁ dutiyaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has to go on a journey. They think: ‘I have to go on a journey. While walking it’s not easy to focus on the instructions of the Buddhas. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy.’… This is the third ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhunā maggo gantabbo hoti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘maggo kho me gantabbo bhavissati, maggaṁ kho pana me gacchantena na sukaraṁ buddhānaṁ sāsanaṁ manasikātuṁ, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi …pe… idaṁ tatiyaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has gone on a journey. They think: ‘I’ve gone on a journey. While I was walking I wasn’t able to focus on the instructions of the Buddhas. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy.’… This is the fourth ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhunā maggo gato hoti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho maggaṁ agamāsiṁ, maggaṁ kho panāhaṁ gacchanto nāsakkhiṁ buddhānaṁ sāsanaṁ manasikātuṁ, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi …pe… idaṁ catutthaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has wandered for alms, but they didn’t get to fill up on as much food as they like, coarse or fine. They think: ‘I’ve wandered for alms, but I didn’t get to fill up on as much food as I like, coarse or fine. My body is light and fit for work. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy.’… This is the fifth ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto na labhati lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto nālatthaṁ lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ, tassa me kāyo lahuko kammañño, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi …pe… idaṁ pañcamaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has wandered for alms, and they got to fill up on as much food as they like, coarse or fine. They think: ‘I’ve wandered for alms, and I got to fill up on as much food as I like, coarse or fine. My body is strong and fit for work. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy.’… This is the sixth ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto labhati lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā piṇḍāya caranto alatthaṁ lūkhassa vā paṇītassa vā bhojanassa yāvadatthaṁ pāripūriṁ. Tassa me kāyo balavā kammañño, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi …pe… idaṁ chaṭṭhaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant feels a little sick. They think: ‘I feel a little sick. It’s possible this illness will worsen. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy.’… This is the seventh ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhuno uppanno hoti appamattako ābādho. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘uppanno kho me ayaṁ appamattako ābādho ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ vijjati, yaṁ me ābādho pavaḍḍheyya, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi …pe… idaṁ sattamaṁ ārambhavatthu.
Furthermore, a mendicant has recently recovered from illness. They think: ‘I’ve recently recovered from illness. It’s possible the illness will come back. I’d better preemptively rouse up energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized.’ They rouse energy for attaining the unattained, achieving the unachieved, and realizing the unrealized. This is the eighth ground for arousing energy.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, bhikkhu gilānā vuṭṭhito hoti aciravuṭṭhito gelaññā. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘ahaṁ kho gilānā vuṭṭhito aciravuṭṭhito gelaññā, ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ vijjati, yaṁ me ābādho paccudāvatteyya, handāhaṁ vīriyaṁ ārabhāmi appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāyā’ti. So vīriyaṁ ārabhati appattassa pattiyā anadhigatassa adhigamāya asacchikatassa sacchikiriyāya. Idaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ ārambhavatthu. Ime aṭṭha dhammā visesabhāgiyā.
<b>What eight things are hard to comprehend?</b> Eight lost opportunities for spiritual practice. Firstly, a Realized One has arisen in the world. He teaches the Dhamma leading to peace, extinguishment, awakening, as proclaimed by the Holy One. But that individual has been reborn in hell. This is the first lost opportunity for spiritual practice.
Katame aṭṭha dhammā duppaṭivijjhā? Aṭṭha akkhaṇā asamayā brahmacariyavāsāya. Idhāvuso, tathāgato ca loke uppanno hoti arahaṁ sammāsambuddho, dhammo ca desiyati opasamiko parinibbāniko sambodhagāmī sugatappavedito. Ayañca puggalo nirayaṁ upapanno hoti. Ayaṁ paṭhamo akkhaṇo asamayo brahmacariyavāsāya.
Furthermore, a Realized One has arisen in the world … But that individual has been reborn in the animal realm. This is the second lost opportunity for spiritual practice.
Puna caparaṁ, āvuso, tathāgato ca loke uppanno hoti arahaṁ sammāsambuddho, dhammo ca desiyati opasamiko parinibbāniko sambodhagāmī sugatappavedito. Ayañca puggalo tiracchānayoniṁ upapanno hoti. Ayaṁ dutiyo akkhaṇo asamayo brahmacariyavāsāya.
Furthermore, a Realized One has arisen in the world … But that individual has been reborn in the ghost realm. This is the third lost opportunity for spiritual practice.
Puna caparaṁ …pe… pettivisayaṁ upapanno hoti. Ayaṁ tatiyo akkhaṇo asamayo brahmacariyavāsāya.
Furthermore, a Realized One has arisen in the world … But that individual has been reborn in one of the long-lived orders of gods. This is the fourth lost opportunity for spiritual practice.
Puna caparaṁ …pe… aññataraṁ dīghāyukaṁ devanikāyaṁ upapanno hoti. Ayaṁ catuttho akkhaṇo asamayo brahmacariyavāsāya.
Furthermore, a Realized One has arisen in the world … But that individual has been reborn in the borderlands, among uneducated foreigners, where monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen do not go. This is the fifth lost opportunity for spiritual practice.
Puna caparaṁ …pe… paccantimesu janapadesu paccājāto hoti milakkhesu aviññātāresu, yattha natthi gati bhikkhūnaṁ bhikkhunīnaṁ upāsakānaṁ upāsikānaṁ. Ayaṁ pañcamo akkhaṇo asamayo brahmacariyavāsāya.
Furthermore, a Realized One has arisen in the world … And an individual is reborn in a central country. But they have wrong view and distorted perspective: ‘There’s no meaning in giving, sacrifice, or offerings. There’s no fruit or result of good and bad deeds. There’s no afterlife. There’s no such thing as mother and father, or beings that are reborn spontaneously. And there’s no ascetic or brahmin who is rightly comported and rightly practiced, and who describes the afterlife after realizing it with their own insight.’ This is the sixth lost opportunity for spiritual practice.
Puna caparaṁ …pe… ayañca puggalo majjhimesu janapadesu paccājāto hoti, so ca hoti micchādiṭṭhiko viparītadassano: ‘natthi dinnaṁ, natthi yiṭṭhaṁ, natthi hutaṁ, natthi sukatadukkaṭānaṁ kammānaṁ phalaṁ vipāko, natthi ayaṁ loko, natthi paro loko, natthi mātā, natthi pitā, natthi sattā opapātikā, natthi loke samaṇabrāhmaṇā sammaggatā sammāpaṭipannā ye imañca lokaṁ parañca lokaṁ sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā pavedentī’ti. Ayaṁ chaṭṭho akkhaṇo asamayo brahmacariyavāsāya.