6:6 Mahavaggo - English

Aṅguttara Nikāya
006. Mahavagga. –– The longer section

1. Soṇasuttaṃ –– Venerabe Sona

006.01. I heard thus. At one time The Blessed One was living among the Gijja peaks in Rajagaha. At that time venerable Sona lived in the cool forest in Rajagaha. This thought and discursive thought arose to venerable Sona in his seclusion. ‘I am one of the disciples of The Blessed One who abide with aroused effort. Yet my mind is not released from desires without a hold. There is wealth in my family. I could partake that wealth, do merit . What if I give up the holy life and come to the lower life, partake my wealth and do merit.’ The Blessed One knowing the discursive thought in venerable Sona’s mind, as a strong man would stretch his bent arm or bend his stretched arm, disappeared from the peaks of Gijja and appeared before venerable Sona in the cool forest. The Blessed One sat on the prepared seat and venerable Sona worshipped The Blessed One and sat on a side. The Blessed One said: Sona, did this discursive thought arise to you in your seclusion ‘I am one of the disciples of The Blessed One who abide with aroused effort. Yet my mind is not released from desires without a hold. There is wealth in my family. I could partake that wealth, do merit . What if I give up the holy life and come to the lower life, partake my wealth and do merit.’? Yes, venerable sir.

When you were a householder, were you clever at the violin to arouse music? Yes, venerable sir.

Sona, when the strings of the violin were too tight, was it workable and did it produce the right music? No, venerable sir.

Sona, when the strings of the violin were too loose, was it workable and did it produce the right music? No, venerable sir.

Sona, when the strings of the violin were not too tight, nor too loose, and adjusted accordingly, was it workable and did it produce the right music? Yes, venerable sir.

Sona, in the same manner too much aroused effort conduces to distraction, too little aroused effort conduces to laziness. Therefore Sona intend an evenness in arousing effort and an evenness of the mental faculties to penetrate and take up the sign. Venerable Sona accepted that advice and The Blessed One having advised venerable Sona left the cool forest as a strong man would stretch his bent arm or bend his stretched arm and appeared among the peaks of Gijja.

Then venerable Sona intended an evenness in arousing effort and an evenness of the mental faculties to penetrate and took up the sign. Then venerable Sona withdrawing from the crowd and abiding diligent to dispel before long here and now by himself realized and abode, the noble end of the holy life for which sons of clansmen rightfully leave the household and become homeless. He knew, birth is destroyed, the holy life is lived, what should be done is done, there is nothing more to wish. Venerable Sona became one of the arahants. Then it occured to venerable Sona: What if I approach The Blessed One and declare my attainment. Venerable Sona approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on side and said:

Venerable sir, a worthy one, who has destroyed desires, has lived the holy life, done what should be done, put down the weight, come to the highest good, has destroyed the bond to be and is released rightfully knowing, is inclined to six things: He is inclined to non-sensuality, to seclusion, to non-oppression, to destruction of craving, to destruction of holdings and non-delusion.

It might occur to a certain venerable one, that the venerable one is inclined to non-sensuality completely founded on faith. Venerable sir, it should not be known in that manner. Venerable sir, the bhikkhu has destroyed desires, has lived the holy life, has done what should be done, has made it such that the self is not seen. Much is done for the destruction of greed and on account of freedom from greed, is inclined to non-sensuality Much is done for the destruction of hate and on account of freedom from hate, is inclined to non-sensuality. Much is done for the destruction of delusion and on account of freedom from delusion, is inclined to non-sensuality.

It might occur to a certain venerable one, that the venerable one does not desire gain honour and fame inclined to seclusion. Venerable sir, it should not be known in that manner. Venerable sir, the bhikkhu has destroyed desires, has lived the holy life, has done what should be done, has made it such that the self is not seen. Much is done for the destruction of greed and on account of freedom from greed, is inclined to seclusion Much is done for the destruction of hate and on account of freedom from hate, is inclined to seclusion. Much is done for the destruction of delusion and on account of freedom from delusion, is inclined to seclusion.

It might occur to a certain venerable one, that the venerable one is inclined to freedom from oppression hemmed in by the observance of virtues. Venerable sir, it should not be known in that manner. Venerable sir, the bhikkhu has destroyed desires, has lived the holy life, has done what should be done, has made it such that the self is not seen. Much is done for the destruction of greed and on account of freedom from greed, is inclined to freedom from oppression Much is done for the destruction of hate and on account of freedom from hate, is inclined to freedom from oppression. Much is done for the destruction of delusion and on account of freedom from delusion, is inclined to freedom from oppression. Much is done for the destruction of greed and on account of freedom from greed, is inclined to destruction of craving Much is done for the destruction of hate and on account of freedom from hate, is inclined to the destruction of craving. Much is done for the destruction of delusion and on account of freedom from delusion, is inclined to the destruction of craving..

Much is done for the destruction of greed and on account of freedom from greed, is inclined to destruction of holding Much is done for the destruction of hate and on account of freedom from hate, is inclined to the destruction of holding. Much is done for the destruction of delusion and on account of freedom from delusion, is inclined to the destruction of holding.

Much is done for the destruction of greed and on account of freedom from greed, is inclined to destruction of delusion Much is done for the destruction of hate and on account of freedom from hate, is inclined to the destruction of delusion. Much is done for the destruction of delusion and on account of freedom from delusion, is inclined to the destruction of delusion.

Venerable sir, to the bhikkhu with a mind thus rightfully released, even if a lot of forms come to the purview of the eye, they do not take hold of the mind and stay. They do not get mixed up and the mind stays unmoved and sees how they fade. Even if a lot of sounds come to the sphere of the ear, ... re ... even if a lot of smells come to the sphere of the nose, ... re ... even if a lot of tastes come to the range of the tongue, ... re ... even if a lot of touches come to the range of the body, ... re ... even if a lot of ideas come to the purview of the mind, they do not take hold of the mind and stay. They do not get mixed up and the mind stays unmoved and sees how they fade.

Venerble sir, like a huge storm with rain coming from the east, to a rock not broken or fissured of equal thickness everywhere, would not shake or move ... re ... coming from the west, ... re ... from the north, ... re ... from the south. Likewise venerable sir, to the bhikkhu with a mind thus rightfully released, even if a lot of forms come to the purview of the eye, they do not take hold of the mind and stay. They do not get mixed up and the mind stays unmoved and sees how they fade. Even if a lot of sounds come to the sphere of the ear, ... re ... even if a lot of smells come to the sphere of the nose, ... re ... even if a lot of tastes come to the range of the tongue, ... re ... even if a lot of touches come to the range of the body, ... re ... even if a lot of ideas come to the purview of the mind, they do not take hold of the mind and stay. They do not get mixed up and the mind stays unmoved and sees how they fade.

The secluded mind inclined to non-sensuality and non-oppression,
The not deluded mind inclined to destruction of holding and craving.
Seeing the non arising of the mental faculties, is released rightfully.
Such a rightfully released bhikkhu has no duties to do or to be done.
A rock of equal thickness would not move with the wind
Likewise forms, tastes, sounds, scents, touches or anything
Agreeable or disagreeable would not change him
The steady released mind, reflects the fading.

2. Paggunasuttaṃ –– Venerable Pagguna

006.02. At that time venerable Pagguna was gravely ill and venerable Ānanda approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on a side and said:

Venerable sir, venerable Pagguna is gravely ill, it’s good if The Blessed One would approach him out of compassion. The Blessed One accepted in silence. The Blessed One getting up from his evening seclusion, approached venerable Pagguna. Venerable Pagguna seeing The Blessed One coming in the distance, tried to get down from the bed, and The Blessed One said, do not move from the bed, there are seats prepared in front, I will sit there. The Blessed One sat on the prepared seat and said to venerable Pagguna: Pagguna, how are you, are things agreeable, would you survive. Are unpleasant feelings receding or proceeding? Is the receding end or the proceed end that is evident?

Venerable sir, things are not agreeable, I would not survive. I feel grave unpleasant feelings proceeding not receding. The proceeding end is evident not the receding end. Venerable sir, it is like a strong man cleaving my top with the edge of a sharp knife. In like manner, venerable sir, my top is crushed with a lot of air.

Venerable sir, things are not agreeable, I would not survive. I feel grave unpleasant feelings proceeding not receding. The proceeding end is evident not the receding end. Venerable sir, it is like a strong man giving a tight head wrap. In like manner, venerable sir, there is a lot of pain in my head.

Venerable sir, things are not agreeable, I would not survive. I feel grave unpleasant feelings proceeding not receding. The proceeding end is evident not the receding end. Venerable sir, it is like a butcher were cleaving my stomach with a butcher’s cleaving knife. In like manner, venerable sir, my stomach is crushed with a lot of air.

Venerable sir, things are not agreeable, I would not survive. I feel grave unpleasant feelings proceeding not receding. The proceeding end is evident not the receding end. Venerable sir, it is like two strong men taking a weaker one by his limbs and scorching him in a pit of charcoal. In like manner, venerable sir, there is a lot of burning in my body.

Venerable sir, things are not agreeable, I would not survive. I feel grave unpleasant feelings proceeding not receding. The proceeding end is evident not the receding end. Then The Blessed One advising, inciting and making the heart light of venerable Pagguna, got up from his seat and went away,

Soon after The Blessed One was gone, venerable Pagguna passed away. At the time of his passing away his faculties became bright. Then venerable Ānanda approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on side and said. Venerable sir, soon after The Blessed One had gone, venerable Pagguna passed away. At the time of his passing away his faculties became bright.

Ānanda, why shouldn’t the bhikkhu Pagguna’s faculties not brighten up. The bhikkhu Pagguna’s mind was not released from the five bonds that bound him to the sensual world, hearing the Teaching his mind was released from the bonds that bound him to the sensual world. Ānanda, there are six benefits for hearing the Teaching at the correct time, and investigating the meaning. What six?

Here, Ānanda the bhikkhu’s mind is not released from the five bonds binding him to the sensual world. He gets a chance at the time of death to see the Thus Gone One. The Thus Gone One teaches him the Teaching good at the beginning, middle and end, full of meanings in words and letters, completly stating the holy life. Hearing that Teaching his mind is released from the bonds binding him to the sensual world. Ānanda, this is the first benefit for hearing the Teaching at the correct time.

Again, Ānanda the bhikkhu’s mind is not released from the five bonds binding him to the sensual world. He does not get a chance, at the time of death to see the Thus Gone One. Yet he sees a disciple of The Thus Gone One who teaches him the Teaching good at the beginning, middle and end, full of meanings in words and letters, completly stating the holy life. Hearing that Teaching his mind is released from the bonds binding him to the sensual world. Ānanda, this is the second benefit for hearing the Teaching at the correct time.

Ānanda the bhikkhu’s mind is not released from the five bonds binding him to the sensual world. He does not get a chance at the time of death to see the Thus Gone One, or a disciple of the Thus Gone One. Yet he discursively thinks about the Teaching, he had heard and learnt and touches the meanings When he touches the meanings his mind is released from the bonds binding him to the sensual world. Ānanda, this is the third benefit for hearing the Teaching and investigating the Teaching at the correct time.

Ānanda the bhikkhu’s mind is released from the five bonds binding him to the sensual world. His mind is not released with the noble destruction of substratum. He gets a chance at the time of death to see the Thus Gone OneṬhe Thus Gone One teaches him the Teaching good at the beginning, middle and end, full of meanings in words and letters, completly stating the holy life. Hearing that Teaching his mind is released, with the noble destruction of substratum. Ānanda, this is the fourth benefit for hearing the Teaching at the correct time.

Again, Ānanda the bhikkhu’s mind is released from the five bonds binding him to the sensual world. Hlis mind is not released with the noble destruction of substrutum. He does not get a chance at the time of death to see the Thus Gone One. Yet he gets a chance to see a disciple of the Thus Gone One, who teaches him the Teaching good at the beginning, middle and end, full of meanings in words and letters, completly stating the holy life. Hearing that Teaching his mind is released with the noble destruction of substrutum. Ānanda, this is the fifth benefit for hearing the Teaching at the correct time.

Ānanda the bhikkhu’s mind is released from the five bonds binding him to the sensual world. He does not get a chance at the time of death to see the Thus Gone One, or a disciple of the Thus Gone One. Yet he discursively thinks about the Teaching, he had heard and learnt and touches the meanings When he touches the meanings his mind is released with the noble destruction of substrutum. Ānanda, this is the sixth benefit for hearing the Teaching and investigating the Teaching at the correct time.

Ānanda, these six are the benefits for hearing the Teaching at the correct time, and investigating the meaning.

3. Chalabhijātisuttaṃ –– The six species

006.03. At one time The Blessed One was living among the Gijja peaks in Rajagaha. Venerable Ānanda approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on a side and said:

Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa appoints six species, such as the dark species, the blue species, the red species, the turmeric species, the pleasant species and the highly pleasant species. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa’s dark species are the slaughterers of sheep, pigs, killers of birds, hunters, rough fishermen, killers of robbers keepers of prisons and any others doing fierce activities. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa’s blue species are the bhikkhus inconsistent in observing virtues and others with the view of actions and results. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa’s red species are the Niganthas and those wearing a single robe. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa’s yellow species are the lay disciples wearing white clothes and the disciples who do not wear clothes. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa’s pure species are the ascetics male and female who make a living in a peculiar way. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa’s highest pure species are Nanda Vaccha, Kisa Sankicca, Makkhali Gosala. Venerable sir, these are the six species appointed by Purana Kassapa.

Ānanda, are the six species appointed by Purana Kassapa accepted by the whole world? No, venerable sir.

Ānanda, like a poor incapable man against his wish is made to observe saying ‘Good man, you should eat flesh and not earn money for it. In the same manner, Purana Kassapa without the acknowledgement of these recluses and Brahmins has appointed these six species foolishly, not knowing the manner to do it. Ānanda, I too appoint the six species. Listen carefully and attend to it Yes venerable sir. Ānanda, what are the six species?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one of dark species produces dark things Here, Ānanda, a certain one of dark species produces pure things. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of dark species produces the not dark, not pure extinction. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of pure species produces dark things. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of pure species produces pure things. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of pure species produces the not dark, not pure extinction.

Ānanda, how does the dark species, produce dark things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a low family, in the family of, an outcaste, or a hunter, or a basket weaver, or a chariot maker, or a rubbish collector, not easily provided with eatables and drinks and nourishments. Is not attractive, not with pleasant looks, is ugly and out of shape, with many ailments, blind, lame, or with disabled limbs. He is not a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He misbehaves by body, words and mind. Having misbehaved by body, words and mind, after death he goes to decrease to hell. Thus Ānanda, the dark species produces dark things.

Ānanda, how does the dark species, produce pure things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a low family, in the family of, an outcaste, or a hunter, or a basket weaver, or a chariot maker, or a rubbish collector, not easily provided with eatables and drinks and nourishments. Is not attractive, not with pleasant looks, is ugly and out of shape, with many ailments, blind, lame, or with disabled limbs. Not a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights, he develops the right conduct by body, words and mind. Having developed the right conduct by body, words and mind, after death he goes to increase to heaven. Thus Ānanda, the dark species produces pure things.

Ānanda, how does the dark species, produce neither dark nor pure things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a low family, in the family of, an outcaste, or a hunter, or a basket weaver, or a chariot maker, or a rubbish collector, he is not easily provided with eatables and drinks and nourishments. Is not attractive, not with pleasant looks, is ugly and out of shape, with many ailments, blind, lame, or with disabled limbs. He is not a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He shaves head and beard wears yellow clothes leaves the household and becomes homeless. Dispelling the five obstructions he wisely makes the minor defilements of the mind weak. Establishes himself thoroughly in the four establishments of mindfulness. Develops the enlightenment factors as they really should be. Thus Ānanda, the dark species produce the neither dark nor pure extinction.

Ānanda, how does the pure species, produce dark things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a wealthy family, of the warriors, or brhmins, or householders with much resources of gold, silver, wealth, grains. He is handsome and attractive endowed with the highest beauty. He is a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He misbehaves by body, words and mind. Having misbehaved by body, words and mind, after death he goes to decrease to hell. Thus Ānanda, the pure species produces dark things.

Ānanda, how does the pure species, produce pure things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a wealthy family, of the warriors, or brhmins, or householders with much resources of gold, silver, wealth, grains. He is handsome and attractive endowed with the highest beauty. He is a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He develops the correct conduct by body, words and mind. Having developed the right conduct by body, words and mind, after death he goes to increase to heaven. Thus Ānanda, the pure species produces pure things.

Ānanda, how does the pure species, produce the neither dark nor pure extinction?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a wealthy family, of the warriors, or brhmins, or householders with much resources of gold, silver, wealth, grains. He is handsome and attractive endowed with the highest beauty. He is a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He shaves head and beard wears yellow clothes leaves the household and becomes homeless. Dispelling the five obstructions he wisely makes the minor defilements of the mind weak. Establishes himself thoroughly in the four establishments of mindfulness. Develops the enlightenment factors as they really should be. Thus Ānanda, the pure species produce the neither dark nor pure extinction.

Ānanda, these six are the species.

4. Aasavasuttaṃ –– Desires

006.04. Bhikkhus, the bhikkhu endowed with six things becomes suitable for reverence, hospitality, gifts and for paying homage with clasped hands, the incomparable field of merit for the world. What six?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu has dispelled those desires that have to be dispelled by restraining by restraining. Has dispelled those desires that have to be dispelled by indulging by indulging. Has dispelled those desires that have to be dispelled by enduring by enduring. Has dispelled those desires that have to be dispelled by avoiding by avoiding. Has dispelled those desires that have to be dispelled by removing by removing and the bhikkhu has dispelled those desires that have to be dispelled by developing by developing. Bhikkhus, what are the desires that have to be dispelled by restraining, which when restraining gets dispelled?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu wisely thinking abides restrained in the faculty of the eye. To the bhikkhu abiding with the faculty of the eye not restrained, vexation and trouble may arise. That vexation and trouble does not arise to him abiding with the faculty of the eye retrained. The bhikkhu wisely thinking abides restrained in the faculty of the ear, ... re ... ose, ... re.. the tongue, ... re.. the body, ... re ... and the mind.. To the bhikkhu abiding with the faculty of the mind not restrained, vexation and trouble may arise. That vexation and trouble does not arise to him abiding with the faculty of the mind retrained. Bhikkhus, these are the desires that have to be dispelled by restraining, which when restraining gets dispelled. Bhikkhus, what are the desires that have to be dispelled by indulging, which when indulging gets dispelled?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu wisely thinking partakes robes, for the purpose of dispelling cold, heat, the sting of gadflies and yellow flies, to ward off the heated air, to ward off the touch of creeping things, as a covering to ward off shame. Partakes morsel food wisely thinking, it is not for play, not for intoxication, not for decoration nor to look beautiful. For the upkeep of this body, without attachment for soups, as a help for maintaining the holy life. Thus I give up the earlier feelings and do not arouse new. It will be for my pleasant abiding without faults. Partakes dwellings wisely thinking, it is for the purpose of dispelling cold, heat, the sting of gadflies and yellow flies, to ward off the heated air, to ward off the touch of creeping things, to remove the disturbances of the seasons and for the purpose of seclusions. Wisely thinking partakes requisites for the sick, to repulse arisen feelings for the purpose of non-oppression. If the bhikkhu did not indulge in them vexation and trouble may arise to him. To him indulging in them that vexation and trouble does not arise. Bhikkhus, these are the desires that have to be dispelled by induling, which when indulging gets dispelled. Bhikkhus, what are the desires that have to be dispelled by enduring, which when endured gets dispelled?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu wisely thinking becomes patient to cold, heat, hunger, thirst, the heated air, the touch of creeping things, badly inunciated words which go a long way. And arisen sharp, rough, unpleasant feelings that would end life. To the bhikkhu not enduring these, vexation and trouble might come. To one enduring these, vexation and trouble would not be. Bhikkhus, these are the desires that have to be dispelled by enduring, which when endured gets dispelled. Bhikkhus, what are the desires that have to be dispelled by avoiding, which when avoiding gets dispelled?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu wisely thinking avoids a rough elephant, a rough horse, a rough bull, a rough dog, a serpent, an uneven road, a hedge of thorns, a pit, a precipice, the pool at the entrance of the village, a dirty pool, sitting in unsuitable seats, wandering unsuitably, associating evil friends, and putting wise co-associates in the holy life in difficult situations. He should wisely thinking avoid such unsuitable seats, unsuitable wanderings, association with evil friends and putting co-associates in the holy life into difficult situations. To the bhikkhu not avoiding these, vexation and trouble might arise, to one avoiding these, such vexation and trouble does not arise.

Bhikkhus, these are the desires that have to be dispelled by avoiding, which when avoiding gets dispelled. Bhikkhus, what are the desires that have to be dispelled by removal, which when removed gets dispelled?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu wisely thinking removes arisen sensual thoughts, destroys them, makes them not arise again. The bhikkhu wisely thinking removes arisen angry thoughts, destroys them, makes them not arise again. The bhikkhu wisely thinking removes arisen hurting thoughts, destroys them, makes them not arise again and the bhikkhu wisely thinking removes arisen evil thoughts, destroys them, makes them not arise again. To the bhikkhu not removing these, desires, vexation and trouble might arise, to one removing these, such vexation and trouble does not arise.

Bhikkhus, these are the desires that have to be dispelled by removing, which when removed gets dispelled. Bhikkhus, what are the desires that have to be dispelled by developing, which when developed gets dispelled?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu wisely thinking develops the enlightenment factor mindfulness, supported by, seclusion, disenchantment, cessation and maturing in surrender.

The bhikkhu wisely thinking develops the enlightenment factor investigating the Teaching, supported by, seclusion, disenchantment, cessation and maturing in surrender.

Wisely thinking develops the enlightenment factor effort, ... re ... joy, ... re ... delight, ... re ... concentration ... re ... and equanimity supported by, seclusion, disenchantment, cessation and maturing in surrender.

To the bhikkhu not developing these, desires, vexation and trouble might arise, to one developing these, such vexation and trouble does not arise.

Bhikkhus, these are the desires that have to be dispelled by development.

Bhikkhus, the bhikkhu endowed with these six things becomes suitable for reverence, hospitality, gifts and for paying homage with clasped hands, the incomparable field of merit for the world.

5. Dhārukammikasuttaṃ –– The Woodcutter, a householder

006.05. I heard thus. At one time The Blessed One lived in a dwelling of bricks in Nadika. Then a householder a wood cutter approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on a side and The Blessed One said to him:

So then householder, does your family give gifts? Venerable sir, my family gives gifts to forest bhikkhus, who are worthy, or those on the way to worthiness, they beg for morsel food and wear rag robes.

Householder, it is not possible for you, who live a household life, bearing the troubles of wife and children, partaking Kashmire clothes, bearing flowers, scents and ointments and earning gold and silver, to know these are the noble ones or these are the ones fallen to that path. Householder, there may be forest bhikkhus who are unbalanced, sportive, wavering, talkative with loose talk without mindful awareness, not concentrated with a scattered mind, with disturbed mental faculties, by which they are to be blamed. Householder, there may be forest bhikkhus who are balanced, not sportive, unwavering, not talkative without loose talk with mindful awareness, concentrated with the mind in one point, with restrained mental faculties, on account of which they are to be praised..

Householder, there may be bhikkhus living in the outskirts of the village, unbalanced, ... re ... by which they are to be blamed. Householder, there may be bhikkhus living in the outskirts of the village, balanced, ... re ... by which they are to be praised.

Householder, there may be bhikkhus living on morsel food, unbalanced, ... re ... by which they are to be blamed. Householder, there may be bhikkhus living on morsel food balanced, ... re ... by which they are to be praised. Householder, there may be bhikkhus living invited for food, unbalanced, ... re ... by which they are to be blamed. Householder, there may be bhikkhus living invited for food, balanced, ... re ... by which they are to be praised. Householder, there may be bhikkhus wearing rag robes, unbalanced, ... re ... by which they are to be blamed. Householder, there may be bhikkhus wearing rag robes, balanced, ... re ... by which they are to be praised. Householder, there may be bhikkhus wearing robes offered by householders, unbalanced, ... re ... by which they are to be blamed. Householder, there may be bhikkhus wearing robes offered by householders, balanced, ... re ... by which they are to be praised. Householder, give gifts to the Community of bhikkhus and make your mind pleasant. With a pleasant mind after death you will be born in increase, in heaven. So then venerable sir, from today I will give gifts to the Community.

6. Hatthisariputtasuttaṃ –– Venerable Hatthisariputta

006.06. At one time The Blessed One was living in the deer park in Isipatana in Benares. At that time, many elder bhikkhus were assembled in the circular hall after returning from the alms round and discussing the deeper aspects of the Teaching. At that time venerable Citta Hatthisariputta was disturbing the conversation of the elder bhikkhus with this and other conversation. Then venerable MahaKoṭṭhita said to Citta Hatthisariputta: Venerable Citta Hatthisariputta you should not disturb the elder bhikkhus discussing the deeper aspects of the Teaching, with this and other conversation. You should wait until the conversation finishes and then talk.

Then the co-associates of venerable Citta Hatthisaraputta said to venerable MahaKoṭṭhita: : Venerāble MahaKoṭṭhita, do not depreciate venerable Citta Hatthisariputta, he is wise, it is possible for him to converse on the deeper aspects of the Teaching with the elder bhikkhus.

Friend, it is difficult to be known by those who do not know the range of thoughts of others.

Here, friend, a certain person would be gentle, obedient and appeased as long as under the protection of the Teacher or under the protection of an eminent teacher. Withdrawn from the Teacher or an eminent teacher he mixes up with the bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, lay disciples male and female. kings and the ministers of kings, with those of other faiths and their disciples. Abiding with that association, diffused and engaged in talk, the mind touched with greed and corrupted he would give up the holy life and come to low life. Like a bull that eats the thriving corn, is bound or put in the cattle fold and someone was to say, now the bull will not eat the thriving corn. Is it right when you say, now the bull will not come to eat the thriving corn? No, venerable sir. There is a possibility for the bull to break the bonds, or break the cattlefold and descend to eat the thriving corn. In like manner, a certain person would be gentle, obedient and appeased as long as under the protection of the Teacher or under the protection of an eminent teacher. Withdrawn from the Teacher or an eminent teacher he mixes up with the bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, lay disciples male and female. kings and the ministers of kings, with those of other faiths and their disciples. Abiding with that association, diffused and engaged in talk, the mind touched with greed and corrupted he would give up the holy life and come to low life.

Here, friend, a certain person secluded from sensual desires ... re ... attains to the first higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the first higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Like huge rain drops falling on the four crossroads, would make the mud to disappear and someone saying,. now these crossroads would not be muddy any more. Is it correctly said? No, venerable sir. There is a possibility that it would be made muddy by people passing by, or when cattle and other four-footed pass by, or by the blowing of the hot wind or with snot it would be made muddy again. In like manner, a certain person secluded from sensual desires ... re ... attains to the first higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the first higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Here, friend, a certain person overcoming thoughts and discursive thoughts ... re ... attains to the second higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the second higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Like a huge flat land close to a village or hamlet, in which the heavy rain has made the stones and pebbles to disappear and someone saying,ṇow this flat land would not be with stones and pebbles any more. Is it correctly said? No, venerable sir. There is a possibility that people should come to drink in this flat land and cattle and other four-footed should come to drink in it, or by the blowing of the hot wind or with snot it would be with stone and pebbles again. In like manner, a certain person secluded from sensual desires ... re ... attains to the second higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the second higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Again, a certain person with equanimity to joy and detachment ... re ... attains to the third higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the third higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Like a man partaking exalted food would not desire stale food, and someone saying,. now this man will not like any other food Is it correctly said? No, venerable sir. There is a possibility that when the nourishment of the exalted food is absorbed and when it is no more in his body he would like food again. In like manner, a certain person with equanimity to joy and detachment ... re ... attains to the third higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the third higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Here, friend, a certain person dispelling both pleasantness and unpleasantnes ... re ... attains to the fourth higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the fourth higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

In the declivity of a huge rock there is a pond free of winds and waves and someone saying,. now there will be no more waves in the pond. Is it correctly said? No, venerable sir. There is a possibility that a huge storm with rain should come from the east, from the west, ... re ... from the north, ... re ... from the south. They will arouse waves in the pond. In like manner, a certain person secluded from sensual desires ... re ... attains to the fourth higher state of mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the fourth higher state of mind he mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Here, friend, a certain person not attending to any sign, attains to the signless concentration of the mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the signless concentrātion of the mind, mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to the low life.

Like the king or the king’s chief minister who has come on the highway with the fourfold army, stays in the forest for one night and on account of the sounds of elephants, horses, chariots, the foot soldiers, the sound of drums small and large and the sound of conches. the sound of the crickets have vanished. Now the sound of crickets will not be heard in this forest stretch. Is it correctly said? No, venerable sir. There is a possibility that when that king or the king’s chief minister goes away from that forest stretch the sounds of the crickets will appear again. In like manner, a certain person not attending to any sign, attains to the signless concentration of the mind. Thinking I am the gainer of the signless concentrātion of the mind, mixes up with the bhikkhus, ... re ... he would give up the holy life and come to low life.

After that Citta Hatthisariputta giving up the holy life came to the lower life. The co-associates of Citta Hatthisariputta approached venerable Mahakottita, and asked Did venerable Mahakottita penetratingly know the mind of Citta Hatthisariputta, that although Citta Hatthisariputta is a gainer of these abidings and attainments, yet he will give up the holy life and come to lay life? Friend, I penetratingly saw the mind of Citta Hatthisariputta, as a gainer of these abidings and attainments and knew he would give up the holy life and come to lower life. Even the gods informed me about this. Then the co-associates of Citta Hatthisariputta approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on a side and said to The Blessed One: Venerable sir, Citta Hatthisariputta is a gainer of these abidings and attainnments, yet he gave up the holy life and came to the lower life. Bhikkhus, before long Citta will come to the non-sensual sphere.

Then before long Citta Hatthisariputta shaved his head and beard and wearing yellow clothes left the household and went forth. Then Citta Hatthisariputta withdrawing from the crowd and abiding diligent to dispel, before long, in this very life by himsself realizing attained the noble end of the holy life, for which sons of clansmen rightfully leave the household and become homeless. He knew, birth is destroyed, the holy life is lived, what should be done is done, there is nothing more to wish. Venerable Citta Hatthisariputta became one of the noble ones.

7. Majjhesuttaṃ –– In the middle

006.07. At one time The Blessed One was living in the deer park in Isipatana in Benares. At that time many elder bhikkhus after the meal and returning from the alms round were seated and conversing in the circular hall about this answer given by The Blessed One to Metteyya’s question in the Parayana Vagga:

‘He who knows both ends and has no secret plans in the middle,
Is a Great Man. He has gone beyond the seamstress.’

Friends, what is one end, what is the second end, what is the middle and who is the seamstress?