1 TheFruitsoftheContemplativeLife SamaaphalaSutta(DighaNikaya2) INTRODUCTION ThisdiscourseisoneofthemasterpiecesofthePaliCanon.Atheart,itisa comprehensiveportraitoftheBuddhistpathoftraining,illustratingeachstageofthe trainingwithvividsimiles.ThisportraitisplacedinjuxtapositiontotheBuddhistview oftheteachingsofrivalphilosophicalteachersofthetime,showinghowtheBuddhain contradistinctiontotheinflexible,partylineapproachofhiscontemporariespresented histeachinginawaythatwaspertinentandsensitivetotheneedsofhislisteners.This largerportraitoftheintellectuallandscapeofearlyBuddhistIndiaisthenpresentedina movingnarrativeframe:thesadstoryofKingAjatasattu. AjatasattuwasthesonofKingBimbisaraofMagadha,oneoftheBuddhasearliest followers.

llowers.UrgedonbyDevadattatheBuddhascousin,whowishedtouse AjatasattussupportinhisbidtotakeovertheBuddhaspositionasheadofthe SanghaAjatasattuarrangedforhisfathersdeathsothathecouldsecurehisown positiononthethrone.Asaresultofthisevildeed,hewasdestinednotonlytobekilled byhisownsonUdayibhadda(mentionedinthediscourse)butalsototakeimmediate rebirthinoneofthelowestregionsofhell. Inthisdiscourse,AjatasattuvisitstheBuddhainhopesthatthelatterwillbring somepeacetohismind.ThequestionheputstotheBuddhashowsthelimitedlevelofhis ownunderstanding,sotheBuddhapatientlydescribesthestepsofthetraining, beginningataverybasiclevelandgraduallymovingup,asawayofraisingthekings spiritualhorizons.Attheendofthetalk,AjatasattutakesrefugeintheTripleGem. Althoughhisearlierdeedsweresoheavythatthisexpressionoffaithcouldhaveonly limitedconsequencesintheimmediatepresent,theCommentaryassuresusthatthe kingsstorywouldultimatelyhaveahappyending.AftertheBuddhasdeath,he sponsoredtheFirstCouncil,atwhichacongressofarahantdisciplesproducedthefirst standardizedaccountoftheBuddhasteachings.Asaresultofthemeritcomingfrom thisdeed,AjatasattuisdestinedafterhisreleasefromhelltoattainAwakeningasa PrivateBuddha. ***

IhaveheardthatononeoccasiontheBlessedOnewasstayingatRajagaha,in JivakaKomarabhaccasmangogrove,withalargecommunityofmonks1,250 monksinall.Nowatthattimeitbeingtheobservanceday,thefullmoonnight ofthewaterlilyseason,thefourthmonthoftherainsKingAjatasattuof Magadha,thesonofQueenVideha,wassittingontheroofterraceofhispalace surroundbyhisministers.Thenhefeltinspiredtoexclaim:Howwonderfulis thismoonlitnight!Howbeautiful...Howlovely...Howinspiring...How auspiciousisthismoonlitnight!Whatpriestorcontemplativeshouldwevisit tonightwhomightenlightenandbringpeacetoourmind? Whenthiswassaid,oneoftheministerssaidtotheking:Yourmajesty, thereisPuranaKassapa,theleaderofacommunity,theleaderofagroup,the teacherofagroup,honoredandfamous,esteemedasholybythemassofpeople. Heisaged,longgoneforth,advancedinyears,inthelastphaseoflife.Your majestyshouldvisithim.Perhaps,ifyouvisitedhim,hewouldenlightenand bringpeacetoyourmind. Whenthiswassaid,thekingremainedsilent. Thenanotherministersaidtotheking:Yourmajesty,thereisMakkhali Gosala......Yourmajesty,thereisAjitaKesakambalin......Yourmajesty, thereisPakudhaKaccayana......Yourmajesty,thereisSajayaBelatthaputta ......Yourmajesty,thereisNiganthaNataputta,theleaderofacommunity, theleaderofagroup,theteacherofagroup,honoredandfamous,esteemedas holybythemassofpeople.Heisaged,longgoneforth,advancedinyears,inthe lastphaseoflife.Yourmajestyshouldvisithim.Perhaps,ifyouvisitedhim,he wouldenlightenandbringpeacetoyourmind. Whenthiswassaid,thekingremainedsilent. AllthistimeJivakaKomarabhaccawassittingsilentlynotfarfromtheking. Sothekingsaidtohim,FriendJivaka,whyareyousilent? Yourmajesty,thereistheBlessedOne,worthyandrightlyselfawakened, stayinginmymangogrovewithalargecommunityofmonks1,250monksin all.ConcerningthisBlessedOne,thisadmirablereporthasbeenspread:Surely, theBlessedOneisworthyandrightlyselfawakened,consummateinclear knowingandconduct,wellgone,anexpertwithregardtothecosmos, unexcelledtraineroftamablepeople,teacherofbeingshumananddivine, awakened,blessed.Yourmajestyshouldvisithim.Perhaps,ifyouvisitedhim, hewouldenlightenandbringpeacetoyourmind. Theninthatcase,friendJivaka,havetheridingelephantsprepared.

3 Havingreplied,Asyousay,yourmajesty,havinghadfivehundred femaleelephantspreparedaswellasthekingspersonaltusker,Jivaka announcedtotheking:Yourmajesty,yourridingelephantsareprepared.Do whatyouthinkitisnowtimetodo. Thentheking,havinghadfivehundredofhiswomenmountedonthefive hundredfemaleelephantsoneoneachandhavingmountedhisownpersonal tusker,setoutfromthecapitalinfullroyalstate,withattendantscarrying torches,headedforJivakaKomarabhaccasmangogrove.Butwhentheking wasnotfarfromthemangogrove,hewasgrippedwithfear,trepidation,hishair standingonend.Fearful,agitated,hishairstandingonend,hesaidtoJivaka Komarabhacca:FriendJivaka,youarentdeceivingme,areyou?Youarent betrayingme,areyou?Youarentturningmeovertomyenemies,areyou? Howcantherebesuchalargecommunityofmonks1,250inallwithnosound ofsneezing,nosoundofcoughing,novoicesatall? Dontbeafraid,greatking.Dontbeafraid.Imnotdeceivingyouor betrayingyouorturningyouovertoyourenemies.Goforward,greatking,go forward!Thosearelampsburninginthepavilionhall. Thentheking,goingasfaronhistuskerasthegroundwouldpermit, dismountedandapproachedthedoorofthepaviliononfoot.Onarrival,he askedJivaka:Where,friendJivaka,istheBlessedOne? ThatistheBlessedOne,greatking,sittingagainstthemiddlepillar,facing east,surroundedbythecommunityofmonks. ThenthekingapproachedtheBlessedOneand,onreachinghim,stoodto oneside.Ashewasstandingtheresurveyingthecommunityofmonkssitting inabsolutesilence,ascalmasalakehefeltinspiredtoexclaim:Maymyson, PrinceUdayibhadda,enjoythesamepeacethatthiscommunityofmonksnow enjoys! [TheBlessedOnesaid:]Haveyoucome,greatking,togetherwithyour affections? Venerablesir,myson,PrinceUdayibhadda,isverydeartome.Mayhe enjoythesamepeacethatthiscommunityofmonksnowenjoys! Then,bowingdowntotheBlessedOne,andsalutingthecommunityof monkswithhishandspalmtopalmoverhisheart,hesattooneside.Ashewas sittingthere,hesaidtotheBlessedOne:IwouldliketoasktheBlessedOne aboutacertainissue,ifhewouldgivemetheopportunitytoexplainmy question. Ask,greatking,whateveryoulike.

TheKingsQuestion Venerablesir,therearethesecommoncraftsmen:elephanttrainers,horse trainers,charioteers,archers,standardbearers,campmarshals,supplycorps officers,highroyalofficers,commandos,militaryheroes,armorcladwarriors, leathercladwarriors,domesticslaves,confectioners,barbers,bathattendants, cooks,garlandmakers,laundrymen,weavers,basketmakers,potters, calculators,accountants,andanyothercraftsmenofasimilarsort.Theyliveoff thefruitsoftheircrafts,visibleinthehereandnow.Theygivehappinessand pleasuretothemselves,totheirparents,wives,andchildren,totheirfriendsand colleagues.Theyputinplaceanexcellentpresentationofofferingstopriestsand contemplatives,leadingtoheaven,resultinginhappiness,conducivetoa heavenlyrebirth.Isitpossible,venerablesir,topointoutasimilarfruitofthe contemplativelife,visibleinthehereandnow? Doyouremember,greatking,everhavingaskedthisquestionofother priestsandcontemplatives? Yes,Ido. Ifitisnttroublesomeforyou,howdidtheyanswer? No,itsnottroublesomeformewherevertheBlessedOneorsomeone liketheBlessedOneissitting. Thenspeak,greatking. Nonaction Once,venerablesir,IapproachedPuranaKassapaand,onarrival, exchangedcourteousgreetingswithhim.Afteranexchangeoffriendlygreetings andcourtesies,Isatdowntooneside.AsIwassittingthereIaskedhim: VenerableKassapa,therearethesecommoncraftsmen....Theyliveoffthe fruitsoftheircrafts,visibleinthehereandnow....Isitpossible,venerablesir,to pointoutasimilarfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleintherehereandnow? Whenthiswassaid,PuranaKassapasaidtome,Greatking,inactingor gettingotherstoact,inmutilatingorgettingotherstomutilate,intorturingor gettingotherstotorture,ininflictingsorroworingettingotherstoinflictsorrow, intormentingorgettingotherstotorment,inintimidatingorgettingothersto intimidate,intakinglife,takingwhatisnotgiven,breakingintohouses, plunderingwealth,committingburglary,ambushinghighways,committing adultery,speakingfalsehoodonedoesnoevil.Ifwitharazoredgeddiskone

5 weretoturnallthelivingbeingsonthisearthtoasingleheapofflesh,asingle pileofflesh,therewouldbenoevilfromthatcause,nocomingofevil.Evenif oneweretogoalongtherightbankoftheGanges,killingandgettingothersto kill,mutilatingandgettingotherstomutilate,torturingandgettingothersto torture,therewouldbenoevilfromthatcause,nocomingofevil.Evenifone weretogoalongtheleftbankoftheGanges,givingandgettingotherstogive, makingsacrificesandgettingotherstomakesacrifices,therewouldbenomerit fromthatcause,nocomingofmerit.Throughgenerosity,selfcontrol,restraint, andtruthfulspeechthereisnomeritfromthatcause,nocomingofmerit. Thus,whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,PuranaKassapaansweredwithnonaction.Justasifaperson,whenasked aboutamango,weretoanswerwithabreadfruit;or,whenaskedabouta breadfruit,weretoanswerwithamango:Inthesameway,whenaskedabouta fruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,PuranaKassapaanswered withnonaction.Thethoughtoccurredtome:Howcananyonelikemethinkof disparagingapriestorcontemplativelivinginhisrealm?YetIneither delightedinPuranaKassapaswordsnordidIprotestagainstthem.Neither delightingnorprotesting,Iwasdissatisfied.Withoutexpressingdissatisfaction, withoutacceptinghisteaching,withoutadoptingit,Igotupfrommyseatand left. PurificationthroughWanderingon AnothertimeIapproachedMakkhaliGosalaand,onarrival,exchanged courteousgreetingswithhim.Afteranexchangeoffriendlygreetingsand courtesies,Isatdowntooneside.AsIwassittingthereIaskedhim:Venerable Gosala,therearethesecommoncraftsmen....Theyliveoffthefruitsoftheir crafts,visibleinthehereandnow....Isitpossible,venerablesir,topointouta similarfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleintherehereandnow? Whenthiswassaid,MakkhaliGosalasaidtome,Greatking,thereisno cause,norequisitecondition,forthedefilementofbeings.Beingsaredefiled withoutcause,withoutrequisitecondition.Thereisnocause,norequisite condition,forthepurificationofbeings.Beingsarepurifiedwithoutcause, withoutrequisitecondition.Thereisnothingselfcaused,nothingothercaused, nothinghumancaused.Thereisnostrength,noeffort,nohumanenergy,no humanendeavor.Alllivingbeings,alllife,allbeings,allsoulsarepowerless, devoidofstrength,devoidofeffort.Subjecttothechangesoffate,serendipity,

6 andnature,theyaresensitivetopleasureandpaininthesixgreatclassesof birth. Thereare1,406,600principlemodesoforigin.Thereare500kindsof kamma,fivekinds,andthreekinds;fullkammaandhalfkamma.Thereare62 pathways,62subeons,sixgreatclassesofbirth,eightclassesofmen,4,900 modesoflivelihood,4,900kindsofwanderers,4,900Nagaabodes,2,000 faculties,3,000hells,36dustrealms,sevenspheresofpercipientbeings,seven spheresofnonpercipientbeings,sevenkindsofjointedplants,sevenkindsof deities,sevenkindsofhumanbeings,sevenkindsofdemons,sevengreatlakes, sevenmajorknots,sevenminorknots,700majorprecipices,700minor precipices,700majordreams,700minordreams,84,000greataeons.Having transmigratedandwanderedonthroughthese,thewiseandthefoolishalike willputanendtopain. Thoughonemightthink,Throughthismorality,thispractice,this austerity,orthisholylifeIwillripenunripenedkammaandeliminateripened kammawhenevertouchedbyitthatisimpossible.Pleasureandpainare measuredout,thewanderingonisfixedinitslimits.Thereisnoshorteningor lengthening,noacceleratingordecelerating.Justasaballofstring,when thrown,comestoitsendsimplybyunwinding,inthesameway,having transmigratedandwanderedon,thewiseandthefoolishalikewillputanendto pain. Thus,whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,MakkhaliGosalaansweredwithpurificationthroughwanderingon.Justas ifaperson,whenaskedaboutamango,weretoanswerwithabreadfruit;or, whenaskedaboutabreadfruit,weretoanswerwithamango.Inthesameway, whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow, MakkhaliGosalaansweredwithpurificationthroughwanderingon.The thoughtoccurredtome:Howcananyonelikemethinkofdisparagingapriest orcontemplativelivinginhisrealm?YetIneitherdelightedinMakkhali GosalaswordsnordidIprotestagainstthem.Neitherdelightingnor protesting,Iwasdissatisfied.Withoutexpressingdissatisfaction,without acceptinghisteaching,withoutadoptingit,Igotupfrommyseatandleft. Annihilation AnothertimeIapproachedAjitaKesakambalinand,onarrival,exchanged courteousgreetingswithhim.Afteranexchangeoffriendlygreetingsand courtesies,Isatdowntooneside.AsIwassittingthereIaskedhim:Venerable

7 Ajita,therearethesecommoncraftsmen....Theyliveoffthefruitsoftheircrafts, visibleinthehereandnow....Isitpossible,venerablesir,topointoutasimilar fruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleintherehereandnow? Whenthiswassaid,AjitaKesakambalinsaidtome,Greatking,thereis nothinggiven,nothingoffered,nothingsacrificed.Thereisnofruitorresultof goodorbadactions.Thereisnothisworld,nonextworld,nomother,nofather, nospontaneouslyrebornbeings;nopriestsorcontemplativeswho,faringrightly andpracticingrightly,proclaimthisworldandthenextafterhavingdirectly knownandrealizeditforthemselves.Apersonisacompositeoffourprimary elements.Atdeath,theearth(inthebody)returnstoandmergeswiththe (external)earthsubstance.Thefirereturnstoandmergeswiththeexternalfire substance.Theliquidreturnstoandmergeswiththeexternalliquidsubstance. Thewindreturnstoandmergeswiththeexternalwindsubstance.Thesense facultiesscatterintospace.Fourmen,withthebierasthefifth,carrythecorpse. Itseulogiesaresoundedonlyasfarasthecharnelground.Thebonesturn pigeoncolored.Theofferingsendinashes.Generosityistaughtbyidiots.The wordsofthosewhospeakofexistenceafterdeatharefalse,emptychatter.With thebreakupofthebody,thewiseandthefoolishalikeareannihilated, destroyed.Theydonotexistafterdeath. Thus,whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,AjitaKesakambalinansweredwithannihilation.Justasifaperson,when askedaboutamango,weretoanswerwithabreadfruit;or,whenaskedabouta breadfruit,weretoanswerwithamango.Inthesameway,whenaskedabouta fruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,AjitaKesakambalin answeredwithannihilation.Thethoughtoccurredtome:Howcananyonelike methinkofdisparagingapriestorcontemplativelivinginhisrealm?YetI neitherdelightedinAjitaKesakambalinswordsnordidIprotestagainstthem. Neitherdelightingnorprotesting,Iwasdissatisfied.Withoutexpressing dissatisfaction,withoutacceptinghisteaching,withoutadoptingit,Igotupfrom myseatandleft. Nonrelatedness AnothertimeIapproachedPakudhaKaccayanaand,onarrival,exchanged courteousgreetingswithhim.Afteranexchangeoffriendlygreetingsand courtesies,Isatdowntooneside.AsIwassittingthereIaskedhim:Venerable Kaccayana,therearethesecommoncraftsmen....Theyliveoffthefruitsoftheir

8 crafts,visibleinthehereandnow....Isitpossible,venerablesir,topointouta similarfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleintherehereandnow? Whenthiswassaid,PakudhaKaccayanasaidtome,Greatking,thereare thesesevensubstancesunmade,irreducible,uncreated,withoutacreator, barren,stableasamountainpeak,standingfirmlikeapillarthatdonotalter, donotchange,donotinterferewithoneanother,areincapableofcausingone anotherpleasure,pain,orbothpleasureandpain.Whichseven?Theearth substance,theliquidsubstance,thefiresubstance,thewindsubstance,pleasure, pain,andthesoulastheseventh.Thesearethesevensubstancesunmade, irreducible,uncreated,withoutacreator,barren,stableasamountainpeak, standingfirmlikeapillarthatdonotalter,donotchange,donotinterferewith oneanother,andareincapableofcausingoneanotherpleasure,pain,orboth pleasureandpain. Andamongthemthereisnokillernoronewhocauseskilling,nohearer noronewhocauseshearing,nocognizernoronewhocausescognition.When onecutsoff[anotherpersons]head,thereisnoonetakinganyoneslife.Itis simplybetweenthesevensubstancesthattheswordpasses. Thus,whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,PakudhaKaccayanaansweredwithnonrelatedness.Justasifaperson, whenaskedaboutamango,weretoanswerwithabreadfruit;or,whenasked aboutabreadfruit,weretoanswerwithamango.Inthesameway,whenasked aboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,PakudhaKaccayana answeredwithnonrelatedness.Thethoughtoccurredtome:Howcananyone likemethinkofdisparagingapriestorcontemplativelivinginhisrealm?YetI neitherdelightedinPakudhaKaccayanaswordsnordidIprotestagainstthem. Neitherdelightingnorprotesting,Iwasdissatisfied.Withoutexpressing dissatisfaction,withoutacceptinghisteaching,withoutadoptingit,Igotupfrom myseatandleft. FourfoldRestraint AnothertimeIapproachedNiganthaNataputtaand,onarrival,exchanged courteousgreetingswithhim.Afteranexchangeoffriendlygreetingsand courtesies,Isatdowntooneside.AsIwassittingthereIaskedhim:Venerable Aggivessana,therearethesecommoncraftsmen....Theyliveoffthefruitsof theircrafts,visibleinthehereandnow....Isitpossible,venerablesir,topoint outasimilarfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleintherehereandnow?

9 Whenthiswassaid,NiganthaNataputtasaidtome,Greatking,thereis thecasewheretheNiganthatheknotlessoneisrestrainedwiththefourfold restraint.AndhowistheNigantharestrainedwiththefourfoldrestraint?There isthecasewheretheNiganthaisobstructedbyallwaters,conjoinedwithall waters,cleansedwithallwaters,suffusedwithallwaters.Thisishowthe Niganthaisrestrainedwiththefourfoldrestraint.WhentheNiganthaa knotlessoneisrestrainedwithsuchafourfoldrestraint,heissaidtobea KnotlessOne(Nigantha),asonofNata(Nataputta),withhisselfperfected,his selfcontrolled,hisselfestablished. Thus,whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,NiganthaNataputtaansweredwithfourfoldrestraint.Justasifaperson, whenaskedaboutamango,weretoanswerwithabreadfruit;or,whenasked aboutabreadfruit,weretoanswerwithamango:Inthesameway,whenasked aboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,NiganthaNataputta answeredwithfourfoldrestraint.Thethoughtoccurredtome:Howcan anyonelikemethinkofdisparagingapriestorcontemplativelivinginhis realm?YetIneitherdelightedinNiganthaNataputtaswordsnordidIprotest againstthem.Neitherdelightingnorprotesting,Iwasdissatisfied.Without expressingdissatisfaction,withoutacceptinghisteaching,withoutadoptingit,I gotupfrommyseatandleft. Evasion AnothertimeIapproachedSajayaBelatthaputtaand,onarrival, exchangedcourteousgreetingswithhim.Afteranexchangeoffriendlygreetings andcourtesies,Isatdowntooneside.AsIwassittingthereIaskedhim: VenerableSajaya,therearethesecommoncraftsmen....Theyliveoffthefruits oftheircrafts,visibleinthehereandnow....Isitpossible,venerablesir,topoint outasimilarfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleintherehereandnow? Whenthiswassaid,SajayaBelatthaputtasaidtome,Ifyouaskmeif thereexistsanotherworld[afterdeath],ifIthoughtthatthereexistsanother world,wouldIdeclarethattoyou?Idontthinkso.Idontthinkinthatway.I dontthinkotherwise.Idontthinknot.Idontthinknotnot.Ifyouaskedme ifthereisntanotherworld...bothisandisnt...neitherisnorisnt...ifthere arebeingswhotransmigrate...iftherearent...bothareandarent...neither arenorarent...iftheTathagataexistsafterdeath...doesnt...both...neither existsnorexistsafterdeath,wouldIdeclarethattoyou?Idontthinkso.I

10 dontthinkinthatway.Idontthinkotherwise.Idontthinknot.Idont thinknotnot. Thus,whenaskedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,SajayaBelatthaputtaansweredwithevasion.Justasifaperson,when askedaboutamango,weretoanswerwithabreadfruit;or,whenaskedabouta breadfruit,weretoanswerwithamango:Inthesameway,whenaskedabouta fruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,SajayaBelatthaputta answeredwithevasion.Thethoughtoccurredtome:Thisamongthesepriests andcontemplativesisthemostfoolishandconfusedofall.Howcanhe,when askedaboutafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,answerwith evasion?Stillthethoughtoccurredtome:Howcananyonelikemethinkof disparagingapriestorcontemplativelivinginhisrealm?YetIneither delightedinSajayaBelatthaputtaswordsnordidIprotestagainstthem. Neitherdelightingnorprotesting,Iwasdissatisfied.Withoutexpressing dissatisfaction,withoutacceptinghisteaching,withoutadoptingit,Igotupfrom myseatandleft. TheFirstVisibleFruitoftheContemplativeLife So,venerablesir,IasktheBlessedOneaswell:Therearethesecommon craftsmen:elephanttrainers,horsetrainers,charioteers,archers,standard bearers,campmarshals,supplycorpsofficers,highroyalofficers,commandos, militaryheroes,armorcladwarriors,leathercladwarriors,domesticslaves, confectioners,barbers,bathattendants,cooks,garlandmakers,laundrymen, weavers,basketmakers,potters,calculators,accountants,andanyother craftsmenofasimilarsort.Theyliveoffthefruitsoftheircrafts,visibleinthe hereandnow.Theygivehappinessandpleasuretothemselves,totheirparents, wives,andchildren,totheirfriendsandcolleagues.Theyputinplacean excellentpresentationofofferingstopriestsandcontemplatives,leadingto heaven,resultinginhappiness,conducivetoaheavenlyrebirth.Isitpossible, venerablesir,topointoutasimilarfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleinthe hereandnow? Yes,itis,greatking.Butfirst,withregardtothat,Iwillaskyouacounter question.Answerhoweveryouplease.Supposetherewereamanofyours:your slave,yourworkman,risinginthemorningbeforeyou,goingtobedinthe eveningonlyafteryou,doingwhateveryouorder,alwaysactingtopleaseyou, speakingpolitelytoyou,alwayswatchingforthelookonyourface.Thethought wouldoccurtohim:Isntitamazing?Isntitastounding?thedestination,

11 theresults,ofmeritoriousdeeds.ForthisKingAjatasattuisahumanbeing,and I,too,amahumanbeing,yetKingAjatasattuenjoyshimselfsuppliedand repletewiththefivestrandsofsensualpleasurelikeadeity,asitwerewhileI amhisslave,hisworkman...alwayswatchingforthelookonhisface.I,too, shoulddomeritoriousdeeds.WhatifIweretoshaveoffmyhairandbeard,put ontheochrerobes,andgoforthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness? Soaftersometimeheshavesoffhishairandbeard,putsontheochrerobes, andgoesforthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness.Havingthusgone forthhelivesrestrainedinbody,speech,andmind,contentwiththesimplest foodandshelter,delightinginsolitude.Thensupposeoneofyourmenwereto informyou:Youshouldknow,yourmajesty,thatthatmanofyoursyour slave,yourworkman...alwayswatchingforthelookonyourface...hasgone forthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness...contentwiththesimplestfood andshelter,delightinginsolitude.Wouldyou,thusinformed,say,Bringthat manbacktome.Makehimagainbemyslave,myworkman...alwayswatching forthelookonmyface!? Notatall,venerablesir.Rather,Iamtheonewhoshouldbowdowntohim, riseupoutofrespectforhim,invitehimtoaseat,invitehimtoacceptgiftsof robes,almsfood,lodgings,andmedicinalrequisitesforthesick.AndIwould providehimwithrighteoussafety,defense,andprotection. Sowhatdoyouthink,greatking.Withthatbeingthecase,isthereavisible fruitofthecontemplativelife,oristherenot? Yes,venerablesir.Withthatbeingthecase,therecertainlyisavisiblefruitof thecontemplativelife. This,greatking,isthefirstfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleinthehere andnow,thatIpointouttoyou. TheSecondVisibleFruitoftheContemplativeLife Butisitpossible,venerablesir,topointoutyetanotherfruitofthe contemplativelife,visibleinthehereandnow? Yes,itis,greatking.Butfirst,withregardtothat,Iwillaskyouacounter question.Answerhoweveryouplease.Supposetherewereamanofyours:a farmer,ahouseholder,ataxpayerswellingtheroyaltreasury.Thethought wouldoccurtohim:Isntitamazing?Isntitastounding?thedestination, theresults,ofmeritoriousdeeds!ForthisKingAjatasattuisahumanbeing,and I,too,amahumanbeing,yetKingAjatasattuenjoyshimselfsuppliedand repletewiththefivestrandsofsensualpleasurelikeadeity,asitwerewhileI

12 amafarmer,ahouseholder,ataxpayerswellingtheroyaltreasury.I,too,should domeritoriousdeeds.WhatifIweretoshaveoffmyhairandbeard,putonthe ochrerobes,andgoforthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness? Soaftersometimeheabandonshismassofwealth,largeorsmall;leaveshis circleofrelatives,largeorsmall;shavesoffhishairandbeard,putsontheochre robes,andgoesforthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness.Havingthus goneforthhelivesrestrainedinbody,speech,andmind,contentwiththe simplestfoodandshelter,delightinginsolitude.Thensupposeoneofyourmen weretoinformyou:Youshouldknow,yourmajesty,thatthatmanof yoursthefarmer,thehouseholder,thetaxpayerswellingtheroyaltreasury... hasgoneforthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness...contentwiththe simplestfoodandshelter,delightinginsolitude.Wouldyou,thusinformed, say,Bringthatmanbacktome.Makehimagainbeafarmer,ahouseholder,a taxpayerswellingtheroyaltreasury!? Notatall,venerablesir.Rather,Iamtheonewhoshouldbowdowntohim, riseupoutofrespectforhim,invitehimtoaseat,invitehimtoacceptgiftsof robes,almsfood,lodgings,andmedicinalrequisitesforthesick.AndIwould providehimwithrighteoussafety,defense,andprotection. Sowhatdoyouthink,greatking.Withthatbeingthecase,isthereavisible fruitofthecontemplativelife,oristherenot? Yes,venerablesir.Withthatbeingthecase,therecertainlyisavisiblefruitof thecontemplativelife. This,greatking,isthesecondfruitofthecontemplativelife,visibleinthe hereandnow,thatIpointouttoyou. HigherFruitsoftheContemplativeLife Butisitpossible,venerablesir,topointoutyetanotherfruitofthe contemplativelife,visibleinthehereandnow? Yes,itis,greatking.Listenandpaycloseattention.Iwillspeak. Thereisthecase,greatking,whereaTathagataappearsintheworld, worthyandrightlyselfawakened.HeteachestheDhammaadmirableinits beginning,admirableinitsmiddle,admirableinitsend.Heproclaimstheholy lifebothinitsparticularsandinitsessence,entirelyperfect,surpassinglypure. Ahouseholderorhouseholdersson,hearingtheDhamma,gains convictionintheTathagataandreflects:Householdlifeisconfining,adusty path.Lifegoneforthistheopenair.Itisnteasy,livingathome,topracticethe holylifetotallyperfect,totallypure,apolishedshell.WhatifI,havingshavedoff

13 myhair&beardandputtingontheochrerobe,weretogoforthfromthe householdlifeintohomelessness? Soaftersometimeheabandonshismassofwealth,largeorsmall;leaveshis circleofrelatives,largeorsmall;shavesoffhishairandbeard,putsontheochre robes,andgoesforthfromthehouseholdlifeintohomelessness. Whenhehasthusgoneforth,helivesrestrainedbytherulesofthemonastic code,seeingdangerintheslightestfaults.Consummateinhisvirtue,heguards thedoorsofhissenses,ispossessedofmindfulnessandalertness,andiscontent. TheLesserSectiononVirtue Andhowisamonkconsummateinvirtue?Abandoningthetakingoflife, heabstainsfromthetakingoflife.Hedwellswithhisrodlaiddown,hisknife laiddown,scrupulous,merciful,compassionateforthewelfareofallliving beings.Thisispartofhisvirtue. Abandoningthetakingofwhatisnotgiven,heabstainsfromtakingwhatis notgiven.Hetakesonlywhatisgiven,acceptsonlywhatisgiven,livesnotby stealthbutbymeansofaselfthathasbecomepure.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Abandoninguncelibacy,helivesacelibatelife,aloof,refrainingfromthe sexualactthatisthevillagersway.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Abandoningfalsespeech,heabstainsfromfalsespeech.Hespeaksthe truth,holdstothetruth,isfirm,reliable,nodeceiveroftheworld.This,too,is partofhisvirtue. Abandoningdivisivespeechheabstainsfromdivisivespeech.Whathehas heardherehedoesnottelltheretobreakthosepeopleapartfromthesepeople here.Whathehasheardtherehedoesnottellheretobreakthesepeopleapart fromthosepeoplethere.Thusreconcilingthosewhohavebrokenapartor cementingthosewhoareunited,helovesconcord,delightsinconcord,enjoys concord,speaksthingsthatcreateconcord.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Abandoningabusivespeech,heabstainsfromabusivespeech.Hespeaks wordsthataresoothingtotheear,thatareaffectionate,thatgototheheart,that arepolite,appealingandpleasingtopeopleatlarge.This,too,ispartofhis virtue. Abandoningidlechatter,heabstainsfromidlechatter.Hespeaksinseason, speakswhatisfactual,whatisinaccordancewiththegoal,theDhamma,andthe Vinaya.Hespeakswordsworthtreasuring,seasonable,reasonable, circumscribed,connectedwiththegoal.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Heabstainsfromdamagingseedandplantlife.

14 Heeatsonlyonceaday,refrainingfromtheeveningmealandfromfoodat thewrongtimeofday. Heabstainsfromdancing,singing,instrumentalmusic,andfromwatching shows. Heabstainsfromwearinggarlandsandfrombeautifyinghimselfwith scentsandcosmetics. Heabstainsfromhighandluxuriousbedsandseats. Heabstainsfromacceptinggoldandmoney. Heabstainsfromacceptinguncookedgrain...rawmeat...womenand girls...maleandfemaleslaves...goatsandsheep...fowlandpigs...elephants, cattle,steeds,andmares...fieldsandproperty. Heabstainsfromrunningmessages...frombuyingandselling...from dealingwithfalsescales,falsemetals,andfalsemeasures...frombribery, deception,andfraud. Heabstainsfrommutilating,executing,imprisoning,highwayrobbery, plunder,andviolence. This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. TheIntermediateSectiononVirtue Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtodamagingseedandplantlifesuchastheseplantspropagatedfrom roots,stems,joints,buddings,andseedsheabstainsfromdamagingseedand plantlifesuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtoconsumingstoredupgoodssuchasthesestoredupfood,storedup drinks,storedupclothing,storedupvehicles,storedupbedding,storedup scents,andstoredupmeatheabstainsfromconsumingstoredupgoodssuch asthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtowatchingshowssuchasthesedancing,singing,instrumentalmusic, plays,balladrecitations,handclapping,cymbalsanddrums,magiclantern scenes,acrobaticandconjuringtricks,elephantfights,horsefights,buffalofights, bullfights,goatfights,ramfights,cockfights,quailfights;fightingwithstaves, boxing,wrestling,wargames,rollcalls,battlearrays,andregimental reviewsheabstainsfromwatchingshowssuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhis virtue.

15 Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtoheedlessandidlegamessuchastheseeightrowchess,tenrow chess,chessintheair,hopscotch,spillikins,dice,stickgames,handpictures, ballgames,blowingthroughtoypipes,playingwithtoyplows,turning somersaults,playingwithtoywindmills,toymeasures,toychariots,toybows, guessinglettersdrawnintheair,guessingthoughts,mimickingdeformitieshe abstainsfromheedlessandidlegamessuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhis virtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtohighandluxuriousfurnishingssuchastheseoversizedcouches, couchesadornedwithcarvedanimals,longhairedcoverlets,multicolored patchworkcoverlets,whitewoolencoverlets,woolencoverletsembroideredwith flowersoranimalfigures,stuffedquilts,coverletswithfringe,silkcoverlets embroideredwithgems;largewoolencarpets;elephant,horse,andchariotrugs, antelopehiderugs,deerhiderugs;coucheswithcanopies,coucheswithred cushionsfortheheadandfeetheabstainsfromusinghighandluxurious furnishingssuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtoscents,cosmetics,andmeansofbeautificationsuchastheserubbing powdersintothebody,massagingwithoils,bathinginperfumedwater, kneadingthelimbs,usingmirrors,ointments,garlands,scents,creams,face powders,mascara,bracelets,headbands,decoratedwalkingsticks,ornamented waterbottles,swords,fancysunshades,decoratedsandals,turbans,gems,yak tailwhisks,longfringedwhiterobesheabstainsfromusingscents,cosmetics, andmeansofbeautificationsuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtotalkingaboutlowlytopicssuchasthesetalkingaboutkings, robbers,ministersofstate;armies,alarms,andbattles;foodanddrink;clothing, furniture,garlands,andscents;relatives;vehicles;villages,towns,cities,the countryside;womenandheroes;thegossipofthestreetandthewell;talesofthe dead;talesofdiversity[philosophicaldiscussionsofthepastandfuture],the creationoftheworldandofthesea,andtalkofwhetherthingsexistornothe abstainsfromtalkingaboutlowlytopicssuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhis virtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtodebatessuchastheseYouunderstandthisdoctrineand discipline?Imtheonewhounderstandsthisdoctrineanddiscipline.How

16 couldyouunderstandthisdoctrineanddiscipline?Yourepracticingwrongly. Impracticingrightly.Imbeingconsistent.Yourenot.Whatshouldbesaid firstyousaidlast.Whatshouldbesaidlastyousaidfirst.Whatyoutooksolong tothinkouthasbeenrefuted.Yourdoctrinehasbeenoverthrown.Youre defeated.Goandtrytosalvageyourdoctrine;extricateyourselfifyoucan!he abstainsfromdebatessuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith,are addictedtorunningmessagesanderrandsforpeoplesuchasthesekings, ministersofstate,noblewarriors,priests,householders,oryouths[whosay], Gohere,gothere,takethisthere,fetchthathereheabstainsfromrunning messagesanderrandsforpeoplesuchasthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, engageinscheming,persuading,hinting,belittling,andpursuinggainwithgain, heabstainsfromformsofschemingandpersuading[improperwaysoftryingto gainmaterialsupportfromdonors]suchasthese.This,too,ispartofhisvirtue. TheGreatSectiononVirtue Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsas: readingmarksonthelimbs[e.g.,palmistry]; readingomensandsigns; interpretingcelestialevents[fallingstars,comets]; interpretingdreams; readingmarksonthebody[e.g.,phrenology]; readingmarksonclothgnawedbymice; offeringfireoblations,oblationsfromaladle,oblationsofhusks,ricepowder, ricegrains,ghee,andoil; offeringoblationsfromthemouth; offeringbloodsacrifices; makingpredictionsbasedonthefingertips; geomancy; layingdemonsinacemetery; placingspellsonspirits; recitinghouseprotectioncharms; snakecharming,poisonlore,scorpionlore,ratlore,birdlore,crowlore; fortunetellingbasedonvisions;

17 givingprotectivecharms; interpretingthecallsofbirdsandanimals heabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyartssuchasthese. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsas:determining luckyandunluckygems,garments,staffs,swords,spears,arrows,bows,and otherweapons;women,boys,girls,maleslaves,femaleslaves;elephants,horses, buffaloes,bulls,cows,goats,rams,fowl,quails,lizards,longearedrodents, tortoises,andotheranimalsheabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyarts suchasthese. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsasforecasting: therulerswillmarchforth; therulerswillmarchforthandreturn; ourrulerswillattack,andtheirrulerswillretreat; theirrulerswillattack,andourrulerswillretreat; therewillbetriumphforourrulersanddefeatfortheirrulers; therewillbetriumphfortheirrulersanddefeatforourrulers; thustherewillbetriumph,thustherewillbedefeat heabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyartssuchasthese. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsasforecasting: therewillbealunareclipse; therewillbeasolareclipse; therewillbeanoccultationofanasterism; thesunandmoonwillgotheirnormalcourses; thesunandmoonwillgoastray; theasterismswillgotheirnormalcourses; theasterismswillgoastray; therewillbeameteorshower; therewillbeadarkeningofthesky; therewillbeanearthquake; therewillbethundercomingfromaclearsky; therewillbearising,asetting,adarkening,abrighteningofthesun,moon, andasterisms;

18 suchwillbetheresultofthelunareclipse...therising,setting,darkening, brighteningofthesun,moon,andasterisms heabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyartssuchasthese. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsasforecasting: therewillbeabundantrain;therewillbeadrought; therewillbeplenty;therewillbefamine; therewillberestandsecurity;therewillbedanger; therewillbedisease;therewillbefreedomfromdisease; ortheyearntheirlivingbycounting,accounting,calculation,composing poetry,orteachinghedonisticartsanddoctrines heabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyartssuchasthese. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsas: calculatingauspiciousdatesformarriages,betrothals,divorces;forcollecting debtsormakinginvestmentsandloans;forbeingattractiveorunattractive; curingwomenwhohaveundergonemiscarriagesorabortions; recitingspellstobindamanstongue,toparalyzehisjaws,tomakehimlose controloverhishands,ortobringondeafness; gettingoracularanswerstoquestionsaddressedtoamirror,toayounggirl,or toaspiritmedium; worshippingthesun,worshippingtheGreatBrahma,bringingforthflames fromthemouth,invokingthegoddessofluck heabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyartssuchasthese. Whereassomepriestsandcontemplatives,livingofffoodgiveninfaith, maintainthemselvesbywronglivelihood,bysuchlowlyartsas: promisinggiftstodeitiesinreturnforfavors;fulfillingsuchpromises; demonology; teachinghouseprotectionspells; inducingvirilityandimpotence; consecratingsitesforconstruction; givingceremonialmouthwashesandceremonialbathing; offeringsacrificialfires; preparingemetics,purgatives,expectorants,diuretics,headachecures; preparingearoil,eyedrops,oilfortreatmentthroughthenose,collyrium,and countermedicines;curingcataracts,practicingsurgery,practicingasa

19 childrensdoctor,administeringmedicinesandtreatmentstocuretheirafter effects heabstainsfromwronglivelihood,fromlowlyartssuchasthese.This,too,is partofhisvirtue. Amonkthusconsummateinvirtueseesnodangeranywherefromhis restraintthroughvirtue.Justasaheadanointednoblewarriorkingwhohas defeatedhisenemiesseesnodangeranywherefromhisenemies,inthesame waythemonkthusconsummateinvirtueseesnodangeranywherefromhis restraintthroughvirtue.Endowedwiththisnobleaggregateofvirtue,heis inwardlysensitivetothepleasureofbeingblameless.Thisishowamonkis consummateinvirtue. SenseRestraint Andhowdoesamonkguardthedoorsofhissenses?Onseeingaformwith theeye,hedoesnotgraspatanythemeordetailsbywhichifheweretodwell withoutrestraintoverthefacultyoftheeyeevil,unskillfulqualitiessuchas greedordistressmightassailhim.Onhearingasoundwiththeear....On smellinganodorwiththenose....Onetastingaflavorwiththetongue....On touchingatactilesensationwiththebody....Oncognizinganideawiththe intellect,hedoesnotgraspatanythemeordetailsbywhichifheweretodwell withoutrestraintoverthefacultyoftheintellectevil,unskillfulqualitiessuchas greedordistressmightassailhim.Endowedwiththisnoblerestraintoverthe sensefaculties,heisinwardlysensitivetothepleasureofbeingblameless.Thisis howamonkguardsthedoorsofhissenses. Mindfulness&Alertness Andhowisamonkpossessedofmindfulnessandalertness?Whengoing forwardandreturning,heactswithalertness.Whenlookingtowardandlooking away...whenbendingandextendinghislimbs...whencarryinghisoutercloak, hisupperrobe,andhisbowl...wheneating,drinking,chewing,andtasting... whenurinatinganddefecating...whenwalking,standing,sitting,fallingasleep, wakingup,talking,andremainingsilent,heactswithalertness.Thisishowa monkispossessedofmindfulnessandalertness. Contentedness

20 Andhowisamonkcontent?Justasabird,whereveritgoes,flieswithits wingsasitsonlyburden;sotooishecontentwithasetofrobestoprovidefor hisbodyandalmsfoodtoprovideforhishunger.Whereverhegoes,hetakes onlyhisbarestnecessitiesalong.Thisishowamonkiscontent. AbandoningtheHindrances Endowedwiththisnobleaggregateofvirtue,thisnoblerestraintoverthe sensefaculties,thisnoblemindfulnessandalertness,andthisnoblecontentment, heseeksoutasecludeddwelling:awilderness,theshadeofatree,amountain,a glen,ahillsidecave,acharnelground,aforestgrove,theopenair,aheapof straw.Afterhismeal,returningfromhisalmsround,hesitsdown,crosseshis legs,holdshisbodyerect,andbringsmindfulnesstothefore. Abandoningcovetousnesswithregardtotheworld,hedwellswithan awarenessdevoidofcovetousness.Hecleanseshismindofcovetousness. Abandoningillwillandanger,hedwellswithanawarenessdevoidofillwill, sympatheticwiththewelfareofalllivingbeings.Hecleanseshismindofillwill andanger.Abandoningslothanddrowsiness,hedwellswithanawareness devoidofslothanddrowsiness,mindful,alert,percipientoflight.Hecleanses hismindofslothanddrowsiness.Abandoningrestlessnessandanxiety,he dwellsundisturbed,hismindinwardlystilled.Hecleanseshismindof restlessnessandanxiety.Abandoninguncertainty,hedwellshavingcrossedover uncertainty,withnoperplexitywithregardtoskillfulmentalqualities.He cleanseshismindofuncertainty. Supposethataman,takingaloan,investsitinhisbusinessaffairs.His businessaffairssucceed.Herepayshisolddebtsandthereisextraleftoverfor maintaininghiswife.Thethoughtwouldoccurtohim,Before,takingaloan,I investeditinmybusinessaffairs.Nowmybusinessaffairshavesucceeded.I haverepaidmyolddebtsandthereisextraleftoverformaintainingmywife. Becauseofthathewouldexperiencejoyandhappiness. Nowsupposethatamanfallssickinpainandseriouslyill.Hedoesnot enjoyhismeals,andthereisnostrengthinhisbody.Astimepasses,he eventuallyrecoversfromthatsickness.Heenjoyshismealsandthereisstrength inhisbody.Thethoughtwouldoccurtohim,Before,Iwassick....NowIam recoveredfromthatsickness.Ienjoymymealsandthereisstrengthinmy body.Becauseofthathewouldexperiencejoyandhappiness. Nowsupposethatamanisboundinprison.Astimepasses,heeventually isreleasedfromthatbondage,safeandsound,withnolossofproperty.The

21 thoughtwouldoccurtohim,Before,Iwasboundinprison.NowIamreleased fromthatbondage,safeandsound,withnolossofmyproperty.Becauseof thathewouldexperiencejoyandhappiness. Nowsupposethatamanisaslave,subjecttoothers,notsubjecttohimself, unabletogowherehelikes.Astimepasses,heeventuallyisreleasedfromthat slavery,subjecttohimself,notsubjecttoothers,freed,abletogowherehelikes. Thethoughtwouldoccurtohim,Before,Iwasaslave....NowIamreleased fromthatslavery,subjecttomyself,notsubjecttoothers,freed,abletogowhere Ilike.Becauseofthathewouldexperiencejoyandhappiness. Nowsupposethataman,carryingmoneyandgoods,istravelingbyaroad throughdesolatecountry.Astimepasses,heeventuallyemergesfromthat desolatecountry,safeandsound,withnolossofproperty.Thethoughtwould occurtohim,Before,carryingmoneyandgoods,Iwastravelingbyaroad throughdesolatecountry.NowIhaveemergedfromthatdesolatecountry,safe andsound,withnolossofmyproperty.Becauseofthathewouldexperience joyandhappiness. Inthesameway,whenthesefivehindrancesarenotabandonedinhimself, themonkregardsitasadebt,asickness,aprison,slavery,aroadthrough desolatecountry.Butwhenthesefivehindrancesareabandonedinhimself,he regardsitasunindebtedness,goodhealth,releasefromprison,freedom,aplace ofsecurity.Seeingthattheyhavebeenabandonedwithinhim,hebecomesglad. Glad,hebecomesenraptured.Enraptured,hisbodygrowstranquil.Hisbody tranquil,heissensitivetopleasure.Feelingpleasure,hismindbecomes concentrated. TheFourJhanas Quitewithdrawnfromsensualpleasures,withdrawnfromunskillfulmental qualities,heentersandremainsinthefirstjhana:raptureandpleasurebornfrom withdrawal,accompaniedbydirectedthoughtandevaluation.Hepermeates andpervades,suffusesandfillsthisverybodywiththeraptureandpleasure bornfromwithdrawal.Justasifaskilledbathmanorbathmansapprentice wouldpourbathpowderintoabrassbasinandkneadittogether,sprinklingit againandagainwithwater,sothathisballofbathpowdersaturated,moisture laden,permeatedwithinandwithoutwouldneverthelessnotdrip;evenso,the monkpermeates...thisverybodywiththeraptureandpleasurebornof withdrawal.Thereisnothingofhisentirebodyunpervadedbyraptureand

22 pleasurebornfromwithdrawal.Thisisafruitofthecontemplativelife,visible hereandnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousonesandmoresublime. Then,withthestillingofdirectedthoughtandevaluation,heentersand remainsinthesecondjhana:raptureandpleasurebornofcomposure,one pointednessofawarenessfreefromdirectedthoughtandevaluationinternal assurance.Hepermeatesandpervades,suffusesandfillsthisverybodywiththe raptureandpleasurebornofcomposure.Justlikealakewithspringwater wellingupfromwithin,havingnoinflowfromtheeast,west,north,orsouth, andwiththeskiessupplyingabundantshowerstimeandagain,sothatthecool fountofwaterwellingupfromwithinthelakewouldpermeateandpervade, suffuseandfillitwithcoolwaters,therebeingnopartofthelakeunpervadedby thecoolwaters;evenso,themonkpermeates...thisverybodywiththerapture andpleasurebornofcomposure.Thereisnothingofhisentirebodyunpervaded byraptureandpleasurebornofcomposure.This,too,isafruitofthe contemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousones andmoresublime. Andthen,withthefadingofrapture,heremainsinequanimity,mindfuland alert,andphysicallysensitiveofpleasure.Heentersandremainsinthethird jhana,ofwhichthenobleonesdeclare,Equanimousandmindful,hehasa pleasurableabiding.Hepermeatesandpervades,suffusesandfillsthisvery bodywiththepleasuredivestedofrapture.Justasinalotuspond,someofthe lotuses,bornandgrowinginthewater,stayimmersedinthewaterandflourish withoutstandingupoutofthewater,sothattheyarepermeatedandpervaded, suffusedandfilledwithcoolwaterfromtheirrootstotheirtips,andnothingof thoselotuseswouldbeunpervadedwithcoolwater;evenso,themonk permeates...thisverybodywiththepleasuredivestedofrapture.Thereis nothingofhisentirebodyunpervadedwithpleasuredivestedofrapture.This, too,isafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthan thepreviousonesandmoresublime. Andthen,withtheabandoningofpleasureandpainaswiththeearlier disappearanceofelationanddistressheentersandremainsinthefourthjhana: purityofequanimityandmindfulness,neitherpleasurenorpain.Hesits, permeatingthebodywithapure,brightawareness.Justasifamanweresitting coveredfromheadtofootwithawhiteclothsothattherewouldbenopartofhis bodytowhichthewhiteclothdidnotextend;evenso,themonksits,permeating thebodywithapure,brightawareness.Thereisnothingofhisentirebody unpervadedbypure,brightawareness.This,too,greatking,isafruitofthe

23 contemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousones andmoresublime. InsightKnowledge Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittoknowledgeandvision.Hediscerns:Thisbodyofmine isendowedwithform,composedofthefourprimaryelements,bornfrom motherandfather,nourishedwithriceandporridge,subjecttoinconstancy, rubbing,pressing,dissolution,anddispersion.Andthisconsciousnessofmineis supportedhereandbounduphere.Justasiftherewereabeautifulberylgem ofthepurestwatereightfaceted,wellpolished,clear,limpid,consummatein allitsaspects,andgoingthroughthemiddleofitwasablue,yellow,red,white, orbrownthreadandamanwithgoodeyesight,takingitinhishand,wereto reflectonitthus:Thisisabeautifulberylgemofthepurestwater,eight faceted,wellpolished,clear,limpid,consummateinallitsaspects.Andthis, goingthroughthemiddleofit,isablue,yellow,red,white,orbrownthread. Inthesamewaywithhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright, unblemished,freefromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedto imperturbabilitythemonkdirectsandinclinesittoknowledgeandvision.He discerns:Thisbodyofmineisendowedwithform,composedofthefour primaryelements,bornfrommotherandfather,nourishedwithriceand porridge,subjecttoinconstancy,rubbing,pressing,dissolution,anddispersion. Andthisconsciousnessofmineissupportedhereandbounduphere.This,too, greatking,isafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,more excellentthanthepreviousonesandmoresublime. TheMindmadeBody Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittocreatingamindmadebody.Fromthisbodyhecreates anotherbody,endowedwithform,madeofthemind,completeinallitsparts, notinferiorinitsfaculties.Justasifamanweretodrawareedfromitssheath. Thethoughtwouldoccurtohim:Thisisthesheath,thisisthereed.Thesheath isonething,thereedanother,butthereedhasbeendrawnoutfromthesheath. Orasifamanweretodrawaswordfromitsscabbard.Thethoughtwouldoccur

24 tohim:Thisisthesword,thisisthescabbard.Theswordisonething,the scabbardanother,buttheswordhasbeendrawnoutfromthescabbard.Oras ifamanweretopullasnakeoutfromitsslough.Thethoughtwouldoccurto him:Thisisthesnake,thisistheslough.Thesnakeisonething,theslough another,butthesnakehasbeenpulledoutfromtheslough.Inthesame waywithhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,the monkdirectsandinclinesittocreatingamindmadebody.Fromthisbodyhe createsanotherbody,endowedwithform,madeofthemind,completeinallits parts,notinferiorinitsfaculties.This,too,greatking,isafruitofthe contemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousones andmoresublime. SupranormalPowers Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittothemodesofsupranormalpowers.Hewieldsmanifold supranormalpowers.Havingbeenonehebecomesmany;havingbeenmanyhe becomesone.Heappears.Hevanishes.Hegoesunimpededthroughwalls, ramparts,andmountainsasifthroughspace.Hedivesinandoutoftheearthas ifitwerewater.Hewalksonwaterwithoutsinkingasifitweredryland.Sitting crossleggedhefliesthroughtheairlikeawingedbird.Withhishandhetouches andstrokeseventhesunandmoon,somightyandpowerful.Heexercises influencewithhisbodyevenasfarastheBrahmaworlds.Justasaskilledpotter orhisassistantcouldcraftfromwellpreparedclaywhateverkindofpottery vesselhelikes,orasaskilledivorycarverorhisassistantcouldcraftfromwell preparedivoryanykindofivoryworkhelikes,orasaskilledgoldsmithorhis assistantcouldcraftfromwellpreparedgoldanykindofgoldarticlehelikes;in thesamewaywithhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright, unblemished,freefromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedto imperturbabilitythemonkdirectsandinclinesittothemodesofsupranormal powers....HeexercisesinfluencewithhisbodyevenasfarastheBrahma worlds.This,too,greatking,isafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereand now,moreexcellentthanthepreviousonesandmoresublime. Clairaudience

25 Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittothedivineearelement.Hehearsbymeansofthe divineearelement,purifiedandsurpassingthehumanbothkindsofsounds: divineandhuman,whethernearorfar.Justasifamantravelingalonga highwayweretohearthesoundsofkettledrums,smalldrums,conchs,cymbals, andtomtoms.Hewouldknow,Thatisthesoundofkettledrums,thatisthe soundofsmalldrums,thatisthesoundofconchs,thatisthesoundofcymbals, andthatisthesoundoftomtoms.Inthesamewaywithhismindthus concentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,freefromdefects,pliant, malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbabilitythemonkdirectsand inclinesittothedivineearelement.Hehearsbymeansofthedivineear element,purifiedandsurpassingthehumanbothkindsofsounds:divineand human,whethernearorfar.This,too,greatking,isafruitofthecontemplative life,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousonesandmore sublime. MindReading Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittoknowledgeoftheawarenessofotherbeings.Heknows theawarenessofotherbeings,otherindividuals,havingencompasseditwithhis ownawareness.Hediscernsamindwithpassionasamindwithpassion,anda mindwithoutpassionasamindwithoutpassion.Hediscernsamindwith aversionasamindwithaversion,andamindwithoutaversionasamind withoutaversion.Hediscernsamindwithdelusionasamindwithdelusion, andamindwithoutdelusionasamindwithoutdelusion.Hediscernsa restrictedmindasarestrictedmind,andascatteredmindasascatteredmind. Hediscernsanenlargedmindasanenlargedmind,andanunenlargedmindas anunenlargedmind.Hediscernsanexcelledmind[onethatisnotatthemost excellentlevel]asanexcelledmind,andanunexcelledmindasanunexcelled mind.Hediscernsaconcentratedmindasaconcentratedmind,andan unconcentratedmindasanunconcentratedmind.Hediscernsareleasedmindas areleasedmind,andanunreleasedmindasanunreleasedmind.Justasifa youngwomanormanfondofornaments,examiningthereflectionofherown faceinabrightmirrororabowlofclearwaterwouldknowblemishedifit wereblemished,orunblemishedifitwerenot.Inthesamewaywithhis

26 mindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,freefromdefects, pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbabilitythemonkdirectsand inclinesittoknowledgeoftheawarenessofotherbeings.Heknowsthe awarenessofotherbeings,otherindividuals,havingencompasseditwithhis ownawareness.Hediscernsamindwithpassionasamindwithpassion,anda mindwithoutpassionasamindwithoutpassion...areleasedmindasareleased mind,andanunreleasedmindasanunreleasedmind.This,too,greatking,isa fruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthanthe previousonesandmoresublime. RecollectionofPastLives Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittoknowledgeoftherecollectionofpastlives(lit:previous homes).Herecollectshismanifoldpastlives,i.e.,onebirth,twobirths,three births,four,five,ten,twenty,thirty,forty,fifty,onehundred,onethousand,one hundredthousand,manyaeonsofcosmiccontraction,manyaeonsofcosmic expansion,manyaeonsofcosmiccontractionandexpansion,[recollecting], ThereIhadsuchaname,belongedtosuchaclan,hadsuchanappearance. Suchwasmyfood,suchmyexperienceofpleasureandpain,suchtheendofmy life.Passingawayfromthatstate,Irearosethere.TheretooIhadsuchaname, belongedtosuchaclan,hadsuchanappearance.Suchwasmyfood,suchmy experienceofpleasureandpain,suchtheendofmylife.Passingawayfromthat state,Irearosehere.Thusherecollectshismanifoldpastlivesintheirmodes anddetails.Justasifamanweretogofromhishomevillagetoanothervillage, andthenfromthatvillagetoyetanothervillage,andthenfromthatvillageback tohishomevillage.Thethoughtwouldoccurtohim,Iwentfrommyhome villagetothatvillageoverthere.ThereIstoodinsuchaway,satinsuchaway, talkedinsuchaway,andremainedsilentinsuchaway.FromthatvillageIwent tothatvillageoverthere,andthereIstoodinsuchaway,satinsuchaway, talkedinsuchaway,andremainedsilentinsuchaway.FromthatvillageIcame backhome.Inthesamewaywithhismindthusconcentrated,purified,and bright,unblemished,freefromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedto imperturbabilitythemonkdirectsandinclinesittoknowledgeofthe recollectionofpastlives.Herecollectshismanifoldpastlives...intheirmodes anddetails.This,too,greatking,isafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehere andnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousonesandmoresublime.

27

ThePassingAway&ReappearanceofBeings Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,he directsandinclinesittoknowledgeofthepassingawayandreappearanceof beings.Heseesbymeansofthedivineeye,purifiedandsurpassingthe humanbeingspassingawayandreappearing,andhediscernshowtheyare inferiorandsuperior,beautifulandugly,fortunateandunfortunatein accordancewiththeirkamma:Thesebeingswhowereendowedwithbad conductofbody,speech,andmind,whoreviledthenobleones,heldwrong viewsandundertookactionsundertheinfluenceofwrongviewswiththe breakupofthebody,afterdeath,havereappearedintheplaneofdeprivation, thebaddestination,thelowerrealms,inhell.Butthesebeingswhowere endowedwithgoodconductofbody,speech,andmind,whodidnotrevilethe nobleones,whoheldrightviewsandundertookactionsundertheinfluenceof rightviewswiththebreakupofthebody,afterdeath,havereappearedinthe gooddestinations,intheheavenlyworld.Thusbymeansofthedivineeye, purifiedandsurpassingthehumanheseesbeingspassingawayandre appearing,andhediscernshowtheyareinferiorandsuperior,beautifuland ugly,fortunateandunfortunateinaccordancewiththeirkamma.Justasifthere wereatallbuildinginthecentralsquare[ofatown],andamanwithgood eyesightstandingontopofitweretoseepeopleenteringahouse,leavingit, walkingalongthestreet,andsittinginthecentralsquare.Thethoughtwould occurtohim,Thesepeopleareenteringahouse,leavingit,walkingalongthe streets,andsittinginthecentralsquare.Inthesamewaywithhismindthus concentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,freefromdefects,pliant, malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbabilitythemonkdirectsand inclinesittoknowledgeofthepassingawayandreappearanceofbeings.He seesbymeansofthedivineeye,purifiedandsurpassingthehumanbeings passingawayandreappearing,andhediscernshowtheyareinferiorand superior,beautifulandugly,fortunateandunfortunateinaccordancewiththeir kamma....This,too,greatking,isafruitofthecontemplativelife,visiblehere andnow,moreexcellentthanthepreviousonesandmoresublime. TheEndingofMentalFermentations

28 Withhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbability,the monkdirectsandinclinesittotheknowledgeoftheendingofthemental fermentations.Hediscerns,asitisactuallypresent,thatThisisstress...Thisis theoriginationofstress...Thisisthecessationofstress...Thisisthewayleading tothecessationofstress...Thesearementalfermentations...Thisisthe originationoffermentations...Thisisthecessationoffermentations...Thisisthe wayleadingtothecessationoffermentations.Hisheart,thusknowing,thus seeing,isreleasedfromthefermentationofsensuality,thefermentationof becoming,thefermentationofignorance.Withrelease,thereistheknowledge, Released.HediscernsthatBirthisended,theholylifefulfilled,thetask done.Thereisnothingfurtherforthisworld.Justasiftherewereapoolof waterinamountainglenclear,limpid,andunsulliedwhereamanwithgood eyesightstandingonthebankcouldseeshells,gravel,andpebbles,andalso shoalsoffishswimmingaboutandresting,anditwouldoccurtohim,This poolofwaterisclear,limpid,andunsullied.Herearetheseshells,gravel,and pebbles,andalsotheseshoalsoffishswimmingaboutandresting.Inthesame waywithhismindthusconcentrated,purified,andbright,unblemished,free fromdefects,pliant,malleable,steady,andattainedtoimperturbabilitythe monkdirectsandinclinesittotheknowledgeoftheendingofthemental fermentations.Hediscerns,asitisactuallypresent,thatThisisstress...Thisis theoriginationofstress...Thisisthecessationofstress...Thisisthewayleading tothecessationofstress...Thesearementalfermentations...Thisisthe originationoffermentations...Thisisthecessationoffermentations...Thisisthe wayleadingtothecessationoffermentations.Hisheart,thusknowing,thus seeing,isreleasedfromthefermentationofsensuality,thefermentationof becoming,thefermentationofignorance.Withrelease,thereistheknowledge, Released.HediscernsthatBirthisended,theholylifefulfilled,thetask done.Thereisnothingfurtherforthisworld.This,too,greatking,isafruitof thecontemplativelife,visiblehereandnow,moreexcellentthantheprevious onesandmoresublime.Andasforanothervisiblefruitofthecontemplativelife, higherandmoresublimethanthis,thereisnone.

29 Whenthiswassaid,KingAjatasattusaidtotheBlessedOne:Magnificent, venerablesir!Magnificent!Justasifheweretoplaceuprightwhatwas overturned,torevealwhatwashidden,toshowthewaytoonewhowaslost,or tocarryalampintothedarksothatthosewitheyescouldseeforms,inthesame wayhastheBlessedOnethroughmanylinesofreasoningmadetheDhamma clear.IgototheBlessedOneforrefuge,totheDhamma,andtothecommunity ofmonks.MaytheBlessedOneremembermeasalayfollowerwhohasgoneto himforrefuge,fromthisdayforward,forlife. Atransgressionhasovercomeme,venerablesir,inthatIwassofoolish,so muddleheaded,andsounskilledastokillmyfatherarighteousman,a righteouskingforthesakeofsovereignrulership.MaytheBlessedOneplease acceptthisconfessionofmytransgressionassuch,sothatImayrestrainmyself inthefuture. Yes,greatking,atransgressionovercameyouinthatyouweresofoolish,so muddleheaded,andsounskilledastokillyourfatherarighteousman,a righteouskingforthesakeofsovereignrulership.Butbecauseyouseeyour transgressionassuchandmakeamendsinaccordancewiththeDhamma,we acceptyourconfession.ForitisacauseofgrowthintheDhammaanddiscipline ofthenobleoneswhen,seeingatransgressionassuch,onemakesamendsin accordancewiththeDhammaandexercisesrestraintinthefuture. Whenthiswassaid,KingAjatasattusaidtotheBlessedOne:Well,then, venerablesir,Iamnowtakingleave.Manyaremyduties,manymy responsibilities. Thendo,greatking,whatyouthinkitisnowtimetodo. SoKingAjatasattu,delightingandrejoicingintheBlessedOneswords,rose fromhisseat,boweddowntohim,andaftercircumambulatinghimleft.Not longafterKingAjatasattuhadleft,theBlessedOneaddressedthemonks:The kingiswounded,monks.Thekingisincapacitated.Hadhenotkilledhis fatherthatrighteousman,thatrighteouskingthedustless,stainlessDhamma eyewouldhavearisentohimashesatinthisveryseat. ThatiswhattheBlessedOnesaid.Gratified,themonksdelightedinthe BlessedOneswords.