Buddha Teachings

The Buddha
The BuddhaThe Buddha and

The BuddhaThe BuddhaHis T
His THis Teachings
eachingseachings
Venerable Narada Mahathera
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Buddha Dhar#a Educati)n Ass)ciati)n Inc&
Buddha Educati)nal *)undati)n Tai+ei, Tai(an& -ul. /001
H)#age t) Hi#, the E2alted, the ')rth., the *ull. Enlightened One
The Buddha and His Teachings
e+rinted 3)r 3ree distributi)n b. The 4)r+)rate B)d. )3 the
Na#) Tassa Bhaga5at) Arahat)
Sa##a"Sa#buddhassa
4)ntents
Intr)ducti)n &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 5ii
The Buddha
4ha+ter /
*r)# Birth t) enunciati)n &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /
4ha+ter 6
His Struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /7
4ha+ter 7
The Buddhah))d &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 68
4ha+ter 9
A3ter the Enlighten#ent &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 77
4ha+ter 8
The In5itati)n t) E2+)und the Dha##a &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 9/
4ha+ter :
Dha##aca;;a++a5attana Sutta &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 89
4ha+ter <
The Teaching )3 the Dha##a &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& <8
4ha+ter 1
The Buddha and His elati5es &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 11
4ha+ter 0
The Buddha and His elati5es &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /=7
iii
4ha+ter 4ha+ter /=
The Buddha>s 4hie3 O++)nents and Su++)rters &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& //1
4ha+ter //
The Buddha>s ).al ?atr)ns &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /9/
4ha+ter /6
The Buddha>s Ministr. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /86
4ha+ter /7
The Buddha>s Dail. )utine &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /:1
4ha+ter /9
The Buddha>s ?arinibbana @DeathA &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& /<7
The Dha##a
4ha+ter /8
The Teachings )3 The Buddha &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 6=/
4ha+ter /:
S)#e Salient 4haracteristics )3 Buddhis# &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 667
4ha+ter /<
The *)ur N)ble Truths &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 69/
4ha+ter /1
Ka##a &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 686
4ha+ter /0
'hat is Ka##aB &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 6:8
4ha+ter 6=
The ')r;ing )3 Ka##a &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 6<8
i5
4ha+ter 4ha+ter 6/
Nature )3 Ka##a &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 607
4ha+ter 66
'hat is the Origin )3 Li3eB &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 7=6
4ha+ter 67
The Buddha )n the s)"called 4reat)r"C)d &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 7/6
4ha+ter 69
eas)ns t) Belie5e in ebirth &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 7/<
4ha+ter 68
The 'heel )3 Li3e D ?aticca"Sa#u++ada &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 76:
4ha+ter 6:
M)des )3 Birth and Death &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 771
4ha+ter 6<
?lanes )3 E2istence &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 79/
4ha+ter 61
H)( ebirth ta;es +lace &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 790
4ha+ter 60
'hat is it that is eb)rnB @N)"s)ulA &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 78:
4ha+ter 7=
M)ral es+)nsibilit. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 7:1
4ha+ter 7/
Ka##ic Descent and Ka##ic Ascent &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 7</
4ha+ter 76
A N)te )n the D)ctrine )3 Ka##a E ebirth in the 'est && 7<<
5
4ha+ter 4ha+ter 77
Nibbana &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 718
4ha+ter 79
4haracteristics )3 Nibbana &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 707
4ha+ter 78
The 'a. t) Nibbana @IA &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 9=9
4ha+ter 7:
The 'a. t) Nibbana @IIA Meditati)n &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 9/=
4ha+ter 7<
Ni5arana )r Hindrances &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 96<
4ha+ter 71
The 'a. t) Nibbana @IIIA &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 97/
4ha+ter 70
The State )3 an Arahant &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 996
4ha+ter 9=
The B)dhisatta Ideal &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 98=
4ha+ter 9/
?ara#i D ?er3ecti)ns &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 980
4ha+ter 96
Brah#a5ihara D The Subli#e States &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 910
4ha+ter 97
Eight ')rldl. 4)nditi)ns &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 8/7
4ha+ter 99
The ?r)ble#s )3 Li3e &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 87=
5i
Intr)ducti)n
Intr)ducti)n
A#)ngst the# )ne )3 the #)st +)+ular ()r;s is still The
Light )3 Asia b. Sir Ed(in Arn)ld& Man. 'estern truth"see;ers
(ere attracted t) Buddhis# b. this ()rld"3a#)us +)e#&
4)ngratulati)ns )3 Eastern and 'estern Buddhists are due
t) the learned (riters )n their laudable e33)rts t) enlighten the
readers )n the Buddha"Dha##a&
This ne( treatise is an)ther hu#ble atte#+t #ade b. a
#e#ber )3 the Order )3 the Sangha, based )n the ?ali Te2ts,
c)##entaries, and traditi)ns +re5ailing in Buddhist c)untries,
es+eciall. in 4e.l)n&
The 3irst +art )3 the b)); deals (ith the Li3e )3 the Buddha,
thc sec)nd (ith the Dha##a, the ?ali ter# 3)r His D)ctrine&
F
The Buddha"Dha##a is a #)ral and +hil)s)+hical s.ste#
(hich e2+)unds a uniGue +ath )3 Enlighten#ent, and is n)t a
subHect t) be studied 3r)# a #ere acade#ic stand+)int&
The D)ctrine is certainl. t) be studied, #)re t) be +ractised,
and ab)5e all t) be realiIed b. )nesel3&
Mere learning is )3 n) a5ail (ith)ut actual +ractice& The
learned #an (h) d)es n)t +ractise the Dha##a, the Buddha
sa.s, is li;e a c)l)ur3ul 3l)(er (ith)ut scent&
He (h) d)es n)t stud. the Dha##a is li;e a blind #an& But,
he (h) d)es n)t +ractise the Dha##a is c)#+arable t) a librar.&
F
There are s)#e hast. critics (h) den)unce Buddhis# as a
+assi5e and inacti5e religi)n& This un(arranted criticis# is 3ar
5ii
3r)# the truth&
3r)# the truth&
JStri5e )n (ith diligenceK (ere the last ()rds )3 the Buddha&
N) e#anci+ati)n )r +uri3icati)n can be gained (ith)ut +ers)nal
stri5ing& As such +etiti)nal )r intercess)r. +ra.ers are den)unced
in Buddhis# and in their stead is #editati)n (hich
leads t) sel3"c)ntr)l, +uri3icati)n, and enlighten#ent& B)th #editati)n
and ser5ice 3)r# salient characteristics )3 Buddhis#& In
3act, all Buddhist nati)ns gre( u+ in the cradle )3 Buddhis#&
JD) n) e5ilK, that is, be n)t a curse t) )nesel3 and )thers, (as
the Buddha>s 3irst ad5ice& This (as 3)ll)(ed b. His sec)nd ad#)niti)n
D JD) g))dK, that is, be a blessing t) )nesel3 and )thers&
His 3inal e2h)rtati)n (as D J?uri3. )ne>s #indK D (hich (as the
#)st i#+)rtant and the #)st essential&
4an such a religi)n be ter#ed inacti5e and +assi5eB
It #a. be #enti)ned that, a#)ngst the thirt."se5en 3act)rs
that lead t) enlighten#ent @B)dhi+a;;hi.a"Dha##aA, 5iri.a )r
energ. )ccurs nine ti#es&
4lari3.ing His relati)nshi+ (ith His 3)ll)(ers, the Buddha
states$
J!)u .)ursel5es sh)uld #a;e the e2erti)n&
The Tathagatas are #ere teachers&K
The Buddhas indicate the +ath and it is le3t 3)r us t) 3)ll)( that
+ath t) )btain )ur +uri3icati)n& Sel3"e2erti)n +la.s an i#+)rtant
+art in Buddhis#&
5iii
JB. )nesel3 is )ne +uri3iedL b. )nesel3 is )ne de3iled&K
F
B)und b. rules and regulati)ns, Bhi;;hus can be acti5e in their
)(n 3ields (ith)ut tres+assing their li#its, (hile la. 3)ll)(ers
can ser5e their religi)n, c)untr. and the ()rld in their )(n
(a., guided b. their Buddhist +rinci+les&
Buddhis# )33ers )ne (a. )3 li3e t) Bhi;;hus and an)ther t)
la. 3)ll)(ers&
In )ne sense all Buddhists are c)urage)us (arri)rs& The.
d) 3ight, but n)t (ith (ea+)ns and b)#bs& The. d) ;ill, but n)t
inn)cent #en, ()#en and children&
'ith (h)# and (ith (hat d) the. 3ightB 'h)# d) the.
#ercilessl. ;illB
The. 3ight (ith the#sel5es, 3)r #an is the ()rst ene#. )3
#an& Mind is his ()rst 3)e and best 3riend& uthlessl. the. ;ill
the +assi)ns )3 lust, hatred and ign)rance that reside in this
#ind b. #)ralit., c)ncentrati)n and (isd)#&
Th)se (h) +re3er t) battle (ith +assi)ns al)ne in s)litude
are +er3ectl. 3ree t) d) s)& Bhi;;hus (h) li5e in seclusi)n are
n)te()rth. e2a#+les& T) th)se c)ntended )nes, s)litude is
ha++iness& Th)se (h) see; delight in battling (ith li3e>s +r)ble#s
li5ing in the ()rld and thus #a;e a ha++. ()rld (here
#en can li5e as ideal citiIens in +er3ect +eace and har#)n., can
ad)+t that res+)nsibilit. and that ardu)us c)urse&
Man is n)t #eant 3)r Buddhis#& But Buddhis# is #eant 3)r
#an&
F
Acc)rding t) Buddhis#, it sh)uld be stated that neither (ealth
n)r +)5ert., i3 rightl. 5ie(ed, can be an )bstacle t)(ards being
an ideal Buddhist& Anatha+indi;a, the Buddha>s best su++)rter,
(as a #illi)naire& Chati;ara, (h) (as regarded e5en better
i2
than a ;ing, (as a +enniless +)tter&
As Buddhis# a++eals t) b)th the rich and the +))r it a++eals
than a ;ing, (as a +enniless +)tter&
As Buddhis# a++eals t) b)th the rich and the +))r it a++eals
The c)##)n 3)l; are attracted b. the de5)ti)nal side )3
Buddhis# and its si#+ler ethics (hile the intellectuals are 3as
cinated b. the dee+er teachings and #ental culture&
A casual 5isit)r t) a Buddhist c)untr., (h) enters a Bud
dhist te#+le 3)r the 3irst ti#e, #ight get the (r)ng i#+ressi)n
that Buddhis# is c)n3ined t) rites and cere#)nies and is a su+erstiti)us
religi)n (hich c)untenances ()rshi+ )3 i#ages and
trees&
Buddhis#, being t)lerant, d)es n)t t)tall. den)unce such
e2ternal 3)r#s )3 re5erence as the. are necessar. 3)r the #asses&
One can see (ith (hat de5)ti)n the. +er3)r# such religi)us cere#)nies&
Their 3aith is increased thereb.& Buddhists ;neel be3)re
the i#age and +a. their res+ects t) (hat that i#age re+resents&
Understanding Buddhists re3lect )n the 5irtues )3 the Buddha&
The. see; n)t ()rldl. )r s+iritual 3a5)urs 3r)# the i#age& The
B)dhi"tree, )n the )ther hand, is the s.#b)l )3 enlighten#ent&
'hat the Buddha e2+ects 3r)# His adherents are n)t these
3)r#s )3 )beisance but the actual )bser5ance )3 His Teachings&
JHe (h) +ractises #. teaching best, re5eres #e #)stK, is the ad5ice
)3 the Buddha&
An understanding Buddhist can +ractise the Dha##a (ith
)ut e2ternal 3)r#s )3 h)#age& T) 3)ll)( the N)ble Eight3)ld
?ath neither te#+les n)r i#ages are abs)lutel. necessar.&
F
Is it c)rrect t) sa. that Buddhis# is abs)lutel. )ther()rldl.
alth)ugh Buddhis# +)sits a series )3 +ast and 3uture li5es and
an inde3inite nu#ber )3 habitable +lanesB
The )bHect )3 the Buddha>s #issi)n (as t) deli5er beings 3r)#
2
su33ering b. eradicating its cause and t) teach a (a. t) +ut an
end t) b)th birth and death i3 )ne (ishes t) d) s)& Inciden
su33ering b. eradicating its cause and t) teach a (a. t) +ut an
end t) b)th birth and death i3 )ne (ishes t) d) s)& Inciden
tend t) ()rldl. +r)gress& B)th #aterial and s+iritual +r)gress
are essential 3)r the de5el)+#ent )3 a nati)n& One sh)uld n)t
be se+arated 3r)# the )ther, n)r sh)uld #aterial +r)gress be
achie5ed b. sacri3icing s+iritual +r)gress as is t) be (itnessed
t)da. a#)ngst #aterialistic"#inded nati)ns in the ()rld& It is
the dut. )3 res+ecti5e C)5ern#ents and +hilanthr)+ic b)dies
t) cater 3)r the #aterial de5el)+#ent )3 the +e)+le and +r)5ide
c)ngenial c)nditi)ns, (hile religi)ns li;e Buddhis#, in +articular,
cater 3)r the #)ral ad5ance#ent t) #a;e +e)+le ideal
citiIens&
Buddhis# g)es c)unter t) #)st religi)ns in stri;ing the
Middle 'a. and in #a;ing its Teaching h)#)centric in c)ntradistincti)n
t) the)centric creeds& As such Buddhis# is intr)5ert
and is c)ncerned (ith indi5idual e#anci+ati)n& The Dha##a
has t) be realiIed b. )nesel3 @sanditthi;)A&
F
As a rule, the e2+ected ulti#ate g)al )3 the #aH)rit. )3 #an;ind
is either nihilis# )r eternalis#& Materialists belie5e in c)#+lete
annihilati)n a3ter death& Acc)rding t) s)#e religi)ns the g)al
is t) be achie5ed in an a3ter"li3e, in eternal uni)n either (ith an
Al#ight. Being )r an ine2+licable 3)rce (hich, in )ther ()rds,
is )ne 3)r# )3 eternalis#&
F
Buddhis# ad5)cates the #iddle +ath& Its g)al is neither nihilis#,
3)r there is n)thing +er#anent t) annihilate n)r eternal"
is#, 3)r there is n) +er#anent s)ul t) eternaliIe& The Buddhist
g)al can be achie5ed in this li3e itsel3&
F
2i
'hat ha++ens t) the Arahant a3ter deathB This is a subtle and
di33icult Guesti)n t) be ans(ered as Nibbana is a su+ra#undane
state that cann)t be e2+ressed b. ()rds and is be.)nd
s+ace and ti#e& Strictl. s+ea;ing, there e2ists a Nibbana but n)
+ers)n t) attain Nibbana& The Buddha sa.s it is n)t right t) state
that an Arahant e2ists n)r d)es n)t e2ist a3ter death& I3, 3)r instance,
a 3ire burns and is e2tinguished, )ne cann)t sa. that it
'hat ha++ens t) the Arahant a3ter deathB This is a subtle and
di33icult Guesti)n t) be ans(ered as Nibbana is a su+ra#undane
state that cann)t be e2+ressed b. ()rds and is be.)nd
s+ace and ti#e& Strictl. s+ea;ing, there e2ists a Nibbana but n)
+ers)n t) attain Nibbana& The Buddha sa.s it is n)t right t) state
that an Arahant e2ists n)r d)es n)t e2ist a3ter death& I3, 3)r instance,
a 3ire burns and is e2tinguished, )ne cann)t sa. that it
it ceases t) burn& The Buddha cites this illustrati)n )3 3ire and
adds that the Guesti)n is (r)ngl. +ut& One #a. be c)n3used&
But, it is n)t sur+rising&
Here is an a++r)+riate illustrati)n b. a #)dern scientist&
)bert O++enhei#er (rites$
JI3 (e as;, 3)r instance, (hether the +)siti)n )3 the electr)n
re#ains the sa#e, (e #ust sa. Mn)>L i3 (e as; (hether the
electr)n>s +)siti)n changes (ith ti#e, (e #ust sa. Mn)>L i3 (e
as; (hether the electr)n is at rest, (e #ust sa. Mn)>L i3 (e as;
(hether it is in acti)n, (e #ust sa. Mn)>&
JThe Buddha had gi5en such ans(ers (hen interr)gated as
t) the c)nditi)n )3 #an>s sel3 a3ter death, but the. are n)t 3a#iliar
ans(ers 3r)# the traditi)n )3 the /<th and /1th centur. science&K
E5identl. the learned (riter is re3erring t) the state )3 an
Arahant a3ter death&
'hat is the use )3 attaining such a stateB 'h. sh)uld (e
negate e2istenceB Sh)uld (e n)t a33ir# e2istence 3)r li3e is 3ull
)3 H).B
These are n)t une2+ected Guesti)ns& The. are the t.+ical
Guesti)ns )3 +ers)ns (h) either desire t) enH). li3e )r t) ()r;
3)r hu#anit., 3acing res+)nsibilities and underg)ing su33ering&
T) the 3)r#er, a Buddhist ()uld sa.$N .)u #a. i3 .)u li;e,
but be n)t sla5es t) ()rldl. +leasures (hich are 3leeting and il
2ii
lus)r.L (hether .)u li;e it )r n)t, .)u (ill ha5e t) rea+ (hat .)u
s)(& T) the latter a Buddhist #ight sa.$N b. all #eans ()r; 3)r
the (eal )3 hu#anit. and see; +leasure in altruistic ser5ice&
lus)r.L (hether .)u li;e it )r n)t, .)u (ill ha5e t) rea+ (hat .)u
s)(& T) the latter a Buddhist #ight sa.$N b. all #eans ()r; 3)r
the (eal )3 hu#anit. and see; +leasure in altruistic ser5ice&
and is n)t 3)rced )n an.& J4)#e and seeK, ad5ises the Buddha&
F
Till the ulti#ate g)al is achie5ed a Buddhist is e2+ected t) lead
a n)ble and use3ul li3e&
Buddhis# +)ssesses an e2cellent c)de )3 #)rals suitable t)
b)th ad5anced and unad5anced t.+es )3 indi5iduals& The. are$
@aA The 3i5e ?rece+ts D n)t t) ;ill, n)t t) steal, n)t t) c)##it
adulter., n)t t) lie, and n)t t) ta;e int)2icating liGu)r&
@bA The 3)ur Subli#e States @Brah#a"ViharaA$ L)5ing"
;indness, c)#+assi)n, a++reciati5e H). and eGuani#it.&
@cAThe ten Transcendental 5irtues @?ara#itaA$N gener)sit.,
#)ralit., renunciati)n, (isd)#, energ., +atience,
truth3ulness, res)luti)n, l)5ing";indness, and eGuani#it.&
@dA The N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath$ ight understanding, right
th)ughts, right s+eech, right acti)n, right li5elih))d, right
e33)rt, right #ind3ulness and right c)ncentrati)n&
Th)se (h) as+ire t) attain Arahantshi+ at the earliest +)ssible
)++)rtunit. #a. c)nte#+late )n the e2h)rtati)n gi5en t) Venerable
ahula b. the Buddha na#el.,
JThis b)d. is n)t #ineL this a# I n)tL this is n)t #. s)ulK
@N>eta# #a#a, n>es)> ha#as#i, na #e s) attaA&
F
2iii
It sh)uld be hu#bl. stated that this b)); is n)t intended 3)r
sch)lars but students (h) (ish t) understand the li3e )3 the
Buddha and His 3unda#ental teachings&
It sh)uld be hu#bl. stated that this b)); is n)t intended 3)r
sch)lars but students (h) (ish t) understand the li3e )3 the
Buddha and His 3unda#ental teachings&
9
(ith
5)luntar. c)ntributi)ns 3r)# #. de5)ut Vietna#ese su++)rters&
In the +resent )ne, I ha5e added t() #)re cha+ters and an
a++endi2 (ith s)#e i#+)rtant Suttas&
It gi5es #e +leasure t) state that a Vietna#ese translati)n
)3 this b)); b. Mr& ?ha# Ki# Khanh @SunandaA (as als) +ublished
in Saig)n&
In +re+aring this 5)lu#e I ha5e #ade use )3 the translati)ns
)3 the ?ali Te2t S)ciet. and se5eral ()r;s (ritten b. Buddhists
and n)n"Buddhists& At ti#es I #a. ha5e #erel. ech)ed
their authentic 5ie(s and e5en used their a++r)+riate ()rding&
'here5er +)ssible I ha5e ac;n)(ledged the s)urce&
I a# e2tre#el. grate3ul t) the late Mr& V& *& Cunaratna (h),
a#idst his #ulti3ari)us duties as ?ublic Trustee )3 4e.l)n, 5er.
care3ull. re5ised and edited the (h)le #anuscri+t (ith ut#)st
+recisi)n and great 3aith& Th)ugh an )ner)us tas;, it (as a
lab)ur )3 l)5e t) hi# since he (as an ideal +ractising Buddhist,
(ell 5ersed in the Buddha"Dha##a&
M. than;s are due t) gener)us de5)tees 3)r their 5)luntar.
c)ntributi)ns, t) Mrs& 4)ralie La Br)). and Miss anHani C))ne
tille;e 3)r c)rrecting the +r))3s and als) t) the Ass)ciated Ne(s
+a+ers )3 4e.l)n Ltd& 3)r +rinting the b)); (ith great care&
Narada&
/9th -ul., 6866D/01=&
VaHirara#a, 4)l)#b) 8&
Sri Lan;a&
2i5
The Buddha
4ha+ter /
*r)# Birth t) enunciati)n
JA uniGue Being, an e2tra)rdinar. Man arises in this ()rld 3)r the
bene3it )3 the #an., 3)r the ha++iness )3 the #an., )ut )3 c)#+assi)n
3)r the ()rld, 3)r the g))d, bene3it, and ha++iness )3 g)ds and #en&
'h) is this UniGue BeingB It is the Tathagata, the E2alted, *ull. Enlightened
One&K D Anguttara Ni;a.a& ?t& I, OIII ?& 66&
Birth
On the 3ull #))n da. )3 Ma.,/ in the .ear :67 b&c&6 there (as
b)rn in the Lu#bini ?ar;7 at Ka+ila5atthu,9 )n the Indian b)rders
)3 +resent Ne+al, a n)ble +rince (h) (as destined t) be
the greatest religi)us teacher )3 the ()rld&
His 3ather8 (as King Suddh)dana )3 the arist)cratic Sa;.a:
/& 4)rres+)nding t) ?ali Vesa;ha, Sa#s;rit D Vaisa;ha, and Si#hala Vesa;&
6& Unli;e the 4hristian Era the Buddha Era is rec;)ned 3r)# the death )3 the
Buddha, (hich )ccurred in 897 b&c& @in His 1=th .earA, and n)t 3r)# His birth&
& A +illar, erected at this sacred s+)t b. King As);a, still stands t) this da. t)
c)##e#)rate the e5ent&
9& The site )3 Ka+ila5atthu has been identi3ied (ith Bhuila @Bhul.aA in the Basti
district, three #iles 3r)# the Bengal and N& '& ail(a. stati)n )3 Babuan&
& See the geneal)gical table&
:& C)ta#a is the 3a#il. na#e, and Sa;.a is the na#e )3 the race t) (hich the
Buddha bel)nged&
Traditi)n h)lds that the s)ns )3 King O;;a;a )3 the Mahasa##ata line, (ere
e2iled thr)ugh the +l)tting )3 their ste+"#)ther& These +rinces, in the c)urse )3
their (anderings, arri5ed at the 3))thills )3 the Hi#ala.as& Here the. #et the
sage Ka+ila, )n (h)se ad5ice, and a3ter (h)#, the. 3)unded the cit. )3 Ka+ila5atthu,
the site )3 Ka+ila&
/
clan and his #)ther (as Pueen Maha Ma.a& As the bel)5ed
#)ther died se5en da.s a3ter his birth, Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i, her
.)unger sister, (h) (as als) #arried t) the King, ad)+ted the
child, entrusting her )(n s)n, Nanda, t) the care )3 the nurses&
clan and his #)ther (as Pueen Maha Ma.a& As the bel)5ed
#)ther died se5en da.s a3ter his birth, Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i, her
.)unger sister, (h) (as als) #arried t) the King, ad)+ted the
child, entrusting her )(n s)n, Nanda, t) the care )3 the nurses&
)
hi# in )rder t) #a;e the child +a. hi# due re5erence, but, t)
the sur+rise )3 all, the child>s legs turned and rested )n the
#atted l)c;s )3 the ascetic& Instantl., the ascetic r)se 3r)# his
seat and, 3)reseeing (ith his su+ern)r#al 5isi)n the child>s
3uture greatness, saluted hi# (ith clas+ed hands&< The ).al
3ather did li;e(ise&
The great ascetic s#iled at 3irst and then (as sad& Puesti)ned
regarding his #ingled 3eelings, he ans(ered that he
s#iled because the +rince ()uld e5entuall. bec)#e a Buddha,
an Enlightened One, and he (as sad because he ()uld n)t
be able t) bene3it b. the su+eri)r (isd)# )3 the Enlightened
One )(ing t) his +ri)r death and rebirth in a *)r#less ?lane
@Aru+al);aA&1
King O;;a;a, hearing )3 the enter+rise )3 the +rinces, e2clai#ed D JSa;.a5ata
bh) raHa;u#ara D 4a+able, indeed, are the n)ble +rinces&K Hence the race
and the ;ingd)# the. )riginated (ere ;n)(n b. the na#e Sa;.a&
The Sa;.a ;ingd)# (as situated in S)uth Ne+al and e2tended )5er #uch
)3 #)dern Oudh& See E& -& Th)#as, Li3e )3 Buddha, +& :&
<& See 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)ns, +& 90 and -ata;a 4)##entar.&
On Asita>s ad5ice his ne+he( Nala;a ren)unced the ()rld and (hen the
+rince, as e2+ected, attained Buddhah))d, he heard His teaching and beca#e
an Arahant& See Nala;a Sutta, Sutta Ni+ata, +& / /&
1& Aru+al);as are i##aterial +lanes (here th)se (h) ha5e de5el)+ed the Aru+a
6
Na#ing 4ere#)n.
Na#ing 4ere#)n.
0
In acc)rdance (ith the ancient Indian cust)# #an. learned
brah#ins (ere in5ited t) the +alace 3)r the na#ing cere#)n.&
A#)ngst the# there (ere eight distinguished #en& E2a#ining
the characteristic #ar;s )3 the child, se5en )3 the# raised
t() 3ingers each, indicati5e )3 t() alternati5e +)ssibilities,
and said that he ()uld either bec)#e a Uni5ersal M)narch )r
a Buddha& But the .)ungest, K)ndaQQa,/= (h) e2celled )thers
in (isd)#, n)ticing the hair )n the 3)rehead turned t) the
right, raised )nl. )ne 3inger and c)n5incingl. declared that
the +rince ()uld de3initel. retire 3r)# the ()rld and bec)#e
a Buddha&
?l)ughing *esti5al
A 5er. re#ar;able incident t)); +lace in his childh))d& It (as
an un+recedented s+iritual e2+erience (hich, later, during
his search a3ter truth, ser5ed as a ;e. t) his Enlighten#ent&//
T) +r)#)te agriculture, the King arranged 3)r a +l)ughing
3esti5al& It (as indeed a 3esti5e )ccasi)n 3)r all, as b)th n)bles
and c)##)ners dec;ed in their best attire, +artici+ated
in the cere#)n.& On the a++)inted da., the King, acc)#+a
nied b. his c)urtiers, (ent t) the 3ield, ta;ing (ith hi# the
.)ung +rince t)gether (ith the nurses& ?lacing the child )n a
-hanas @Abs)r+ti)ns )r EcstasiesA are b)rn&
0&
Sa#s;rit D Siddhartha Cauta#a&
/=&
Hearing that ?rince Siddhattha ren)unced the ()rld, this K)ndaQQa and 3)ur
s)ns )3 the )ther se5en brah#ins retired 3r)# the ()rld and H)ined hi# as his
3)ll)(ers& These (ere the 3irst 3i5e 4hie3 Disci+les )3 the Buddha& See 4h& VI&
//&
See MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Maha Sacca;a Sutta"N)& 7:&
7
screened and can)+ied c)uch under the c))l shade )3 a s)litar.
r)se"a++le tree t) be (atched b. the nurses, the King +artici+ated
in the +l)ughing 3esti5al& 'hen the 3esti5al (as at
its height )3 gaiet. the nurses t)) st)le a(a. 3r)# the +rince>s
+resence t) catch a gli#+se )3 the ()nder3ul s+ectacle&
screened and can)+ied c)uch under the c))l shade )3 a s)litar.
r)se"a++le tree t) be (atched b. the nurses, the King +artici+ated
in the +l)ughing 3esti5al& 'hen the 3esti5al (as at
its height )3 gaiet. the nurses t)) st)le a(a. 3r)# the +rince>s
+resence t) catch a gli#+se )3 the ()nder3ul s+ectacle&
5al it (as all cal# and Guiet under the r)se"a++le tree& All the
c)nditi)ns c)nduci5e t) Guiet #editati)n being there, the +ensi5e
child, .)ung in .ears but )ld in (isd)#, sat cr)ss"legged
and seiIed the )++)rtunit. t) c)##ence that all"i#+)rtant
+ractice )3 intent c)ncentrati)n )n the breath D )n e2halati)ns
and inhalati)ns D (hich gained 3)r hi# then and there that
)ne +)intedness )3 #ind ;n)(n as Sa#adhi and he thus de5el)+ed
the *irst -hana/6
@Ecstas.A& The child>s nurses, (h) had
aband)ned their +reci)us charge t) enH). the#sel5es at the
3esti5al, suddenl. realiIing their dut., hastened t) the child
and (ere a#aIed t) see hi# sitting cr)ss"legged +lunged in
dee+ #editati)n& The King hearing )3 it, hurried t) the s+)t
and, seeing the child in #editati5e +)sture, saluted hi#, sa.ing
D JThis, dear child, is #. sec)nd )beisanceK&
Educati)n
As a ).al child, ?rince Siddhattha #ust ha5e recei5ed an edu
cati)n that beca#e a +rince alth)ugh n) details are gi5en ab)ut
it& As a sci)n )3 the (arri)r race he recei5ed s+ecial training in
the art )3 (ar3are&
Married Li3e
At the earl. age )3 si2teen, he #arried his beauti3ul c)usin
?rincess !as)dhara/
(h) (as )3 eGual age& *)r nearl. thirteen
/6&
-hana D a de5el)+ed state )3 c)nsci)usness gained b. c)ncentrati)n&
/ &
Als) ;n)(n as Bhadda;accana, Bi#ba, ahula#ata&
9
.ears, a3ter his ha++. #arriage, he led a lu2uri)us li3e, bliss3ull.
ign)rant )3 the 5icissitudes )3 li3e )utside the +alace gates&
.ears, a3ter his ha++. #arriage, he led a lu2uri)us li3e, bliss3ull.
ign)rant )3 the 5icissitudes )3 li3e )utside the +alace gates&
JI (as delicate, e2cessi5el. delicate& In #. 3ather>s d(elling three
l)tus+)nds
(ere #ade +ur+)sel. 3)r #e& Blue l)tuses bl))#ed in
)ne, red in an)ther, and (hite in an)ther& I used n) sandal())d
that (as n)t )3 Kasi&/9
M. turban, tunic, dress and cl)a;, (ere all
3r)# Kasi&
JNight and da. a (hite +aras)l (as held )5er #e s) that I #ight
n)t be t)uched b. heat )r c)ld, dust, lea5es )r de(&
JThere (ere three +alaces built 3)r #e D )ne 3)r the c)ld seas)n,
)ne 3)r the h)t seas)n, and )ne 3)r the rain. seas)n& During the
3)ur rain. #)nths, I li5ed in the +alace 3)r the rain. seas)n (ith)ut
e5er c)#ing d)(n 3r)# it, entertained all the (hile b. 3e#ale #usicians&
-ust as, in the h)uses )3 )thers, 3))d 3r)# the hus;s )3 rice
t)gether (ith s)ur gruel is gi5en t) the sla5es and ()r;#en, e5en
s), in #. 3ather>s d(elling, 3))d (ith rice and #eat (as gi5en t)
the sla5es and ()r;#en&K/
'ith the #arch )3 ti#e, truth graduall. da(ned u+)n hi#& His
c)nte#+lati5e nature and b)undless c)#+assi)n did n)t +er#it
hi# t) s+end his ti#e in the #ere enH).#ent )3 the 3leeting
+leasures )3 the ).al +alace& He ;ne( n) +ers)nal grie3
but he 3elt a dee+ +it. 3)r su33ering hu#anit.& A#idst c)#3)rt
and +r)s+erit., he realiIed the uni5ersalit. )3 s)rr)(&
enunciati)n
?rince Siddhattha re3lected thus$
J'h. d) I, being subHect t) birth, deca., disease, death, s)rr)(
and i#+urities, thus search a3ter things )3 li;e nature& H)(, i3 I,
/9&
A +r)5ince in 4entral India n)ted 3)r sil;& M)dern Benares (as its ca+ital&
/ &
Anguttara Ni;a.a, +art I, +& /9 L Cradual Sa.ings, +art I +& /61&
8
(h) a# subHect t) things )3 such nature, realiIe their disad5antages
and see; a3ter the unattained, unsur+assed, +er3ect securit. (hich
is NibbanaRK
(h) a# subHect t) things )3 such nature, realiIe their disad5antages
and see; a3ter the unattained, unsur+assed, +er3ect securit. (hich
is NibbanaRK:
J4ra#+ed and c)n3ined is h)useh)ld li3e, a den )3
dust, but the li3e )3 the h)#eless )ne is as the )+en air )3 hea5enR
Hard is it 3)r hi# (h) bides at h)#e t) li5e )ut as it sh)uld be li5ed
the H)l. Li3e in all its +er3ecti)n, in all its +urit.&K/<
One gl)ri)us da. as he (ent )ut )3 the +alace t) the +leasure
+ar; t) see the ()rld )utside, he ca#e in direct c)ntact
(ith the star; realities )3 li3e& 'ithin the narr)( c)n3ines )3
the +alace he sa( )nl. the r)s. side )3 li3e, but the dar; side,
the c)##)n l)t )3 #an;ind, (as +ur+)sel. 5eiled 3r)# hi#&
'hat (as #entall. c)ncei5ed, he, 3)r the 3irst ti#e, 5i5idl.
sa( in realit.& On his (a. t) the +ar; his )bser5ant e.es #et
the strange sights )3 a decre+it )ld #an, a diseased +ers)n, a
c)r+se and a digni3ied her#it&/1
The 3irst three sights c)n5incingl.
+r)5ed t) hi#, the ine2)rable nature )3 li3e, and the uni5ersal
ail#ent )3 hu#anit.& The 3)urth signi3ied the #eans t)
)5erc)#e the ills )3 li3e and t) attain cal# and +eace& These
3)ur une2+ected sights ser5ed t) increase the urge in hi# t)
l)athe and ren)unce the ()rld&
ealiIing the ()rthlessness )3 sensual +leasures, s) highl.
+riIed b. the ()rldling, and a++reciating the 5alue )3 renunciati)n
in (hich the (ise see; delight, he decided t) lea5e the
()rld in search )3 Truth and Eternal ?eace&
'hen this 3inal decisi)n (as ta;en a3ter #uch deliberati)n,
the ne(s )3 the birth )3 a s)n (as c)n5e.ed t) hi# (hile
he (as ab)ut t) lea5e the +ar;& 4)ntrar. t) e2+ectati)ns, he
(as n)t )5erH).ed, but regarded his 3irst and )nl. )33s+ring as
/:&
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a& ?art /, Ari.a+ari.esana Sutta N)&6:, +& /: &
/<&
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, ?art /, Maha Sacca;a Sutta, N)& 7:
/1&
JSeeing the 3)ur signs, I set )ut )n h)rse"bac;SK Buddha5a#sa, OOVI, +& :8&
:
an i#+edi#ent& An )rdinar. 3ather ()uld ha5e (elc)#ed the
H).3ul tidings, but ?rince Siddhattha, the e2tra)rdinar. 3ather
as he (as, e2clai#ed D JAn i#+edi#ent @rahuA has been b)rnL
a 3etter has arisenK& The in3ant s)n (as acc)rdingl. na#ed
ahulaan i#+edi#ent& An )rdinar. 3ather ()uld ha5e (elc)#ed the
H).3ul tidings, but ?rince Siddhattha, the e2tra)rdinar. 3ather
as he (as, e2clai#ed D JAn i#+edi#ent @rahuA has been b)rnL
a 3etter has arisenK& The in3ant s)n (as acc)rdingl. na#ed
ahula b. his grand3ather&
The +alace (as n) l)nger a c)ngenial +lace t) the c)nte#+lati5e
?rince Siddhattha& Neither his char#ing .)ung (i3e
n)r his l)5able in3ant s)n c)uld deter hi# 3r)# altering the
decisi)n he had ta;en t) ren)unce the ()rld& He (as destined
t) +la. an in3initel. #)re i#+)rtant and bene3icial r)le than a
duti3ul husband and 3ather )r e5en as a ;ing )3 ;ings& The allure#ents
)3 the +alace (ere n) #)re cherished )bHects )3 delight
t) hi#& Ti#e (as ri+e t) de+art&
He )rdered his 3a5)urite chari)teer 4hanna t) saddle the
h)rse Kantha;a, and (ent t) the suite )3 a+art#ents )ccu+ied
b. the +rincess& O+ening the d))r )3 the cha#ber, he st))d
)n the thresh)ld and cast his dis+assi)nate glance )n the (i3e
and child (h) (ere 3ast aslee+&
Creat (as his c)#+assi)n 3)r the t() dear )nes at this
+arting #)#ent& Creater (as his c)#+assi)n 3)r su33ering
hu#anit.& He (as n)t ()rried ab)ut the 3uture ()rldl. ha++iness
and c)#3)rt )3 the #)ther and child as the. had e5er.thing
in abundance and (ere (ell +r)tected& It (as n)t that
he l)5ed the# the less, but he l)5ed hu#anit. #)re&
Lea5ing all behind, he st)le a(a. (ith a light heart 3r)#
the +alace at #idnight, and r)de int) the dar;, attended )nl.
b. his l).al chari)teer& Al)ne and +enniless he set )ut in search
)3 Truth and ?eace& Thus did he ren)unce the ()rld& It (as n)t
the renunciati)n )3 an )ld #an (h) has had his 3ill )3 ()rldl.
li3e& It (as n)t the renunciati)n )3 a +))r #an (h) had n)thing
/0&
Lit&, b)und )r seiIed @laA b. a 3etter @rahuA&
<
t) lea5e behind& It (as the renunciati)n )3 a +rince in the 3ull
bl))# )3 .)uth and in the +lenitude )3 (ealth and +r)s+erit.
t) lea5e behind& It (as the renunciati)n )3 a +rince in the 3ull
bl))# )3 .)uth and in the +lenitude )3 (ealth and +r)s+erit.
a renunciati)n un+aralleled in hist)r.& It (as in his t(ent."
ninth .ear that ?rince Siddhattha #ade this hist)ric H)urne.&
He H)urne.ed 3ar and, cr)ssing the ri5er An)#a, rested )n
its ban;s& Here he sha5ed his hair and beard and handing
)5er his gar#ents and )rna#ents t) 4hanna (ith instructi)ns
t) return t) the +alace, assu#ed the si#+le .ell)( garb )3 an
ascetic and led a li3e )3 5)luntar. +)5ert.&
The ascetic Siddhattha, (h) )nce li5ed in the la+ )3 lu2ur.,
n)( beca#e a +enniless (anderer, li5ing )n (hat little the
charitabl."#inded ga5e )3 their )(n acc)rd&
He had n) +er#anent ab)de& A shad. tree )r a l)nel. ca5e
sheltered hi# b. da. )r night& Bare"3))ted and bare"headed,
he (al;ed in the sc)rching sun and in the +iercing c)ld& 'ith
n) +)ssessi)ns t) call his )(n, but a b)(l t) c)llect his 3))d
and r)bes Hust su33icient t) c)5er the b)d., he c)ncentrated all
his energies )n the Guest )3 Truth&
Search
Thus as a (anderer, a see;er a3ter (hat is g))d, searching 3)r
the unsur+assed ?eace, he a++r)ached Alara Kala#a, a distinguished
ascetic, and said$ JI desire, 3riend Kala#a t) lead the
H)l. Li3e in this Dis+ensati)n )3 .)urs&K
Thereu+)n Alara Kala#a t)ld hi#$ J!)u #a. sta. (ith #e,
O Venerable One& O3 such s)rt is this teaching that an intelligent
#an be3)re l)ng #a. realiIe b. his )(n intuiti5e (isd)#
his #aster>s d)ctrine, and abide in the attain#ent there)3&K
Be3)re l)ng, he learnt his d)ctrine, but it br)ught hi# n)
realiIati)n )3 the highest Truth&
1
Then there ca#e t) hi# the th)ught$ 'hen Alara Kala#a
declared$
Then there ca#e t) hi# the th)ught$ 'hen Alara Kala#a
declared$
S) he (ent t) hi# and said JH)( 3ar, 3riend Kala#a, d)es
this d)ctrine e2tend (hich .)u .)ursel3 ha5e (ith intuiti5e
(isd)# realiIed and attainedBK
U+)n this Alara Kala#a #ade ;n)(n t) hi# the eal#
)3 N)thingness @A;iQcaQQa.atanaA,6= an ad5anced stage )3
4)ncentrati)n&
Then it )ccurred t) hi#$ JN)t )nl. in Alara Kala#a are t)
be 3)und 3aith, energ., #ind3ulness, c)ncentrati)n, and (isd)#&
I t)) +)ssess these 5irtues& H)( n)( i3 I stri5e t) realiIe
that d)ctrine (here)3 Alara Kala#a sa.s that he hi#sel3 has
realiIed and abides in the attain#ent there)3RK
S), be3)re l)ng, he realiIed b. his )(n intuiti5e (isd)#
that d)ctrine and attained t) that state, but it br)ught hi# n)
realiIati)n )3 the highest Truth&
Then he a++r)ached Alara Kala#a and said$ JIs this the
3ull e2tent, 3riend Kala#a, )3 this d)ctrine )3 (hich .)u sa.
that .)u .)ursel3 ha5e realiIed b. .)ur (isd)# and abide in
the attain#ent there)3BK
JBut I als), 3riend, ha5e realiIed thus 3ar in this d)ctrine,
and abide in the attain#ent there)3&K
The unen5i)us teacher (as delighted t) hear )3 the success
)3 his distinguished +u+il& He h)n)ured hi# b. +lacing
hi# )n a +er3ect le5el (ith hi#sel3 and ad#iringl. said$
JHa++., 3riend, are (e, e2tre#el. ha++.L in that (e l));
6=&
The third Aru+a -hana&
0
u+)n such a 5enerable 3ell)("ascetic li;e .)uR That sa#e d)ctrine
(hich I #.sel3 ha5e realiIed b. #. (isd)# and +r)clai#,
ha5ing attained thereunt), ha5e .)u .)ursel3 realiIed
b. .)ur (isd)# and abide in the attain#ent there)3L and
that d)ctrine .)u .)ursel3 ha5e realiIed b. .)ur (isd)# and
abide in the attain#ent there)3, that ha5e I #.sel3 realiIed b.
#. (isd)# and +r)clai#, ha5ing attained thereunt)& Thus
the d)ctrine (hich I ;n)(, and als) d) .)u ;n)(L and, the
d)ctrine (hich .)u ;n)(, that I ;n)( als)& As I a#, s) are
.)uL as .)u are, s) a# I& 4)#e, 3riend, let b)th )3 us lead the
c)#+an. )3 ascetics&K
u+)n such a 5enerable 3ell)("ascetic li;e .)uR That sa#e d)ctrine
(hich I #.sel3 ha5e realiIed b. #. (isd)# and +r)clai#,
ha5ing attained thereunt), ha5e .)u .)ursel3 realiIed
b. .)ur (isd)# and abide in the attain#ent there)3L and
that d)ctrine .)u .)ursel3 ha5e realiIed b. .)ur (isd)# and
abide in the attain#ent there)3, that ha5e I #.sel3 realiIed b.
#. (isd)# and +r)clai#, ha5ing attained thereunt)& Thus
the d)ctrine (hich I ;n)(, and als) d) .)u ;n)(L and, the
d)ctrine (hich .)u ;n)(, that I ;n)( als)& As I a#, s) are
.)uL as .)u are, s) a# I& 4)#e, 3riend, let b)th )3 us lead the
c)#+an. )3 ascetics&K
t
(as, he 3elt, a case )3 the blind leading the blind& Dissatis3ied
(ith his teaching, he +)litel. t)); his lea5e 3r)# hi#&
In th)se ha++. da.s (hen there (ere n) +)litical disturbances
the intellectuals )3 India (ere +re)ccu+ied (ith the
stud. and e2+)siti)n )3 s)#e religi)us s.ste# )r )ther& All
3acilities (ere +r)5ided 3)r th)se #)re s+irituall. inclined t)
lead h)l. li5es in s)litude in acc)rdance (ith their te#+era#ents
and #)st )3 these teachers had large 3)ll)(ings )3 disci
+les& S) it (as n)t di33icult 3)r the ascetic C)ta#a t) 3ind an)ther
religi)us teacher (h) (as #)re c)#+etent than the 3)r#er&
On this )ccasi)n he a++r)ached )ne Udda;a a#a+utta
and e2+ressed his desire t) lead the H)l. Li3e in his Dis+ensati)n&
He (as readil. ad#itted as a +u+il&
/=
Be3)re l)ng the intelligent ascetic C)ta#a #astered his
Be3)re l)ng the intelligent ascetic C)ta#a #astered his
,
the eal# )3 Neither ?erce+ti)n n)r N)n"?erce+ti)n @JN>e5a
saQQa N>asaQQa.atanaA,6/
re5ealed b. his teacher& This (as the
highest stage in ()rldl. c)ncentrati)n (hen c)nsci)usness
bec)#es s) subtle and re3ined that it cann)t be said that a
c)nsci)usness either e2ists )r n)t& Ancient Indian sages c)uld
n)t +r)ceed 3urther in s+iritual de5el)+#ent&
The n)ble teacher (as delighted t) hear )3 the success )3 his
illustri)us r).al +u+il& Unli;e his 3)r#er teacher the +resent
)ne h)n)ured hi# b. in5iting hi# t) ta;e 3ull charge )3 all
the disci+les as their teacher& He said$ JHa++. 3riend, are (eL
.ea, e2tre#el. ha++., in that (e see such a 5enerable 3ell)("
ascetic as .)uR The d)ctrine (hich a#a ;ne(, .)u ;n)(L the
d)ctrine (hich .)u ;n)(, a#a ;ne(& As (as a#a s) are
.)uL as .)u are, s) (as a#a& 4)#e, 3riend, hence3)rth .)u
shall lead this c)#+an. )3 ascetics&K
Still he 3elt that his Guest )3 the highest Truth (as n)t
achie5ed& He had gained c)#+lete #aster. )3 his #ind, but
his ulti#ate g)al (as 3ar ahead& He (as see;ing 3)r the High
est, the Nibbana, the c)#+lete cessati)n )3 su33ering, the
t)tal eradicati)n )3 all 3)r#s )3 cra5ing& JDissatis3ied (ith
this d)ctrine t)), he de+arted thence, c)ntent there(ith n)
l)nger&K
He realiIed that his s+iritual as+irati)ns (ere 3ar higher
than th)se under (h)# he ch)se t) learn& He realiIed that
there (as n)ne ca+able en)ugh t) teach hi# (hat he .earned
3)r D the highest Truth& He als) realiIed that the highest
Truth is t) be 3)und (ithin )nesel3 and ceased t) see; e2ternal
aid&
6/&
The 3)urth Aru+a -hana
//
!
/6
4ha+ter 6
His Struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent
JEas. t) d) are things that are bad and n)t bene3icial t) sel3, But 5er., 5er.
hard t) d) indeed is that (hich is bene3icial and g))dK& D Dha##a+ada
Struggle
Meeting (ith disa++)int#ent, but n)t disc)uraged, the ascetic
C)ta#a see;ing 3)r the inc)#+arable ?eace, the highest Truth,
(andered thr)ugh the district )3 Magadha, and arri5ed in due
c)urse at Uru5ela, the #ar;et t)(n )3 Senani& There he s+ied a
l)5el. s+)t )3 gr)und, a char#ing 3)rest gr)5e, a 3l)(ing ri5er
(ith +leasant sand. 3)rds, and hard b. (as a 5illage (here
he c)uld )btain his 3))d& Then he th)ught thus$
JL)5el., indeed, O Venerable One, is this s+)t )3 gr)und,
char#ing is the 3)rest gr)5e, +leasant is the 3l)(ing ri5er (ith
sand. 3)rds, and hard b. is the 5illage (here I c)uld )btain
3))d& Suitable indeed is this +lace 3)r s+iritual e2erti)n 3)r
th)se n)ble sci)ns (h) desire t) stri5e&K @MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a,
Ari.a"?ari.esana Sutta N)& 6:, V)l& /, +& /:A
The +lace (as c)ngenial 3)r his #editati)n& The at#)s
+here (as +eace3ul& The surr)undings (ere +leasant& The
scener. (as char#ing& Al)ne, he res)l5ed t) settle d)(n there
t) achie5e his desired )bHect&
Hearing )3 his renunciati)n, K)ndaQQa, the .)ungest brah
#in (h) +redicted his 3uture, and 3)ur s)ns )3 the )ther sages
D Bhaddi.a, Va++a, Mahana#a, and AssaHi D als) ren)unced the
()rld and H)ined his c)#+an.&
In the ancient da.s in India, great i#+)rtance (as attached
t) rites, cere#)nies, +enances and sacri3ices& It (as then a
+)+ular belie3 that n) Deli5erance c)uld be gained unless )ne
leads a li3e )3 strict asceticis#& Acc)rdingl., 3)r si2 l)ng .ears
/
the ascetic C)ta#a #ade a su+erhu#an struggle +ractising all
3)r#s )3 se5erest austerit.& His delicate b)d. (as reduced t)
al#)st a s;elet)n& The #)re he t)r#ented his b)d. the 3arther
his g)al receded 3r)# hi#&
the ascetic C)ta#a #ade a su+erhu#an struggle +ractising all
3)r#s )3 se5erest austerit.& His delicate b)d. (as reduced t)
al#)st a s;elet)n& The #)re he t)r#ented his b)d. the 3arther
his g)al receded 3r)# hi#&
Maha Sacca;a Sutta/ describes his +reli#inar. e33)rts thus$
JThen the 3)ll)(ing th)ught )ccurred t) #e$
JH)( i3 I (ere t) clench #. teeth, +ress #. t)ngue against
the +alate, and (ith @#)ralA th)ughts h)ld d)(n, subdue and
destr). #. @i##)ralA th)ughtsR
JS) I clenched #. teeth, +ressed #. t)ngue against the
+alate and str)5e t) h)ld d)(n, subdue, destr). #. @i##)ralA
th)ughts (ith @#)ralA th)ughts& As I struggled thus, +ers+irati)n
strea#ed 3)rth 3r)# #. ar#+its&
JLi;e unt) a str)ng #an (h) #ight seiIe a (ea;er #an b.
head )r sh)ulders and h)ld hi# d)(n, 3)rce hi# d)(n, and
bring int) subHecti)n, e5en s) did I struggle&
JStrenu)us and ind)#itable (as #. energ.& M. #ind3ulness
(as established and un+erturbed& M. b)d. (as, h)(e5er,
3atigued and (as n)t cal#ed as a result )3 that +ain3ul
endea5)ur D being )5er+)(ered b. e2erti)n& E5en th)ugh
such +ain3ul sensati)ns ar)se in #e, the. did n)t at all a33ect
#. #ind&
JThen I th)ught thus$ H)( i3 I (ere t) culti5ate the n)n"
breathing ecstas.R
JAcc)rdingl., I chec;ed inhalati)n and e2halati)n 3r)#
#. #)uth and n)strils& As I chec;ed inhalati)n and e2halati)n
3r)# #)uth and n)strils, the air issuing 3r)# #. ears
/& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& 7:, V)l& /, +& 696&
/9
created an e2ceedingl. great n)ise& -ust as a blac;s#ith>s bell)(s
being bl)(n #a;e an e2ceedingl. great n)ise, e5en s)
(as the n)ise created b. the air issuing 3r)# #. ears (hen I
st)++ed breathing&
JNe5ertheless, #. energ. (as strenu)us and ind)#itable&
Established and un+erturbed (as #. #ind3ulness& !et
#. b)d. (as 3atigued and (as n)t cal#ed as a result )3 that
+ain3ul endea5)ur D being )5er"+)(ered b. e2erti)n&
E5en th)ugh such +ain3ul sensati)ns ar)se in #e, the. did
n)t at all a33ect #. #ind&
JThen I th)ught t) #.sel3$ MH)( i3 I (ere t) culti5ate that
n)n"breathing e2erciseR
#)uth, n)strils, and ears& And as I st)++ed breathing 3r)#
#)uth, n)strils and ears, the @i#+ris)nedA airs beat u+)n #.
s;ull (ith great 5i)lence& -ust as i3 a str)ng #an (ere t) b)re
)ne>s s;ull (ith a shar+ drill, e5en s) did the airs beat #. s;ull
(ithgreat5i)lenceasIst)++edbreathing&E5enth)ughsuch+ain3ul
sensati)ns ar)se in #e, the. did n)t at all a33ect #. #ind&
JThen I th)ught t) #.sel3$ H)( i3 I (ere t) culti5ate that
n)n"breathing ecstas. againR
#)uth, n)strils, and ears& And as I st)++ed breathing thus,
terrible +ains ar)se in #. head& As ()uld be the +ains i3 a
str)ng #an (ere t) bind )ne>s head tightl. (ith a hard leathern
th)ng, e5en s) (ere the terrible +ains that ar)se in #.
head& JNe5ertheless, #. energ. (as strenu)us& Such +ain3ul
sensati)ns did n)t a33ect #. #ind&
JThen I th)ught t) #.sel3$ H)( i3 I (ere t) culti5ate that
JAcc)rdingl., I st)++ed breathing 3r)# #)uth, n)strils,
/
and ears& As I chec;ed breathing thus, +lenti3ul airs +ierced
#. bell.& -ust as i3 a s;il3ul butcher )r a butcher>s a++rentice
(ere t) ri+ u+ the bell. (ith a shar+ butcher>s ;ni3e, e5en s)
+lenti3ul airs +ierced #. bell.&
and ears& As I chec;ed breathing thus, +lenti3ul airs +ierced
#. bell.& -ust as i3 a s;il3ul butcher )r a butcher>s a++rentice
(ere t) ri+ u+ the bell. (ith a shar+ butcher>s ;ni3e, e5en s)
+lenti3ul airs +ierced #. bell.&
sati)ns did n)t a33ect #. #ind&
JAgain I th)ught t) #.sel3$ H)( i3 I (ere t) culti5ate that
#)uth, n)strils, and ears& As I su++ressed #. breathing thus,
a tre#end)us burning +er5aded #. b)d.& -ust as i3 t() str)ng
#en (ere each t) seiIe a (ea;er #an b. his ar#s and sc)rch
and th)r)ughl. burn hi# in a +it )3 gl)(ing charc)al, e5en s)
did a se5ere burning +er5ade #. b)d.&
JNe5ertheless, #. energ. (as strenu)us& Such +ain3ul sen
sati)ns did n)t a33ect #. #ind&
JThereu+)n the deities (h) sa( #e thus said$ MThe ascetic
C)ta#a is dead&> S)#e re#ar;ed$ MThe ascetic C)ta#a is n)t
dead .et, but is d.ing>& 'hile s)#e )thers said$ MThe ascetic
C)ta#a is neither dead n)r is d.ing but an Arahant is the
ascetic C)ta#a& Such is the (a. in (hich an Arahant abides&K
4hange )3 Meth)d$ Abstinence 3r)# *))d
JThen I th)ught t) #.sel3$ H)( i3 I (ere t) +ractise c)#+lete
abstinence 3r)# 3))dR
JThen deities a++r)ached #e and said$ MD) n)t, g))d sir,
+ractise t)tal abstinence 3r)# 3))d& I3 .)u d) +ractise it, (e
(ill +)ur celestial essence thr)ugh .)ur b)d.>s +)resL (ith
that .)u (ill be sustained&K
JAnd I th)ught$ MI3 I clai# t) be +ractising star5ati)n, and
i3 these deities +)ur celestial essence thr)ugh #. b)d.>s +)res
/:
and I a# sustained thereb., it ()uld be a 3raud )n #. +art&>
S) I re3used the#, sa.ing MThere is n) need>&
JThen the 3)ll)(ing th)ught )ccurred t) #e$ H)( i3 I ta;e
and I a# sustained thereb., it ()uld be a 3raud )n #. +art&>
S) I re3used the#, sa.ing MThere is n) need>&
JThen the 3)ll)(ing th)ught )ccurred t) #e$ H)( i3 I ta;e
,
)r 5etch, )r lentils, )r +easR
JAs I t)); such s#all Guantit. )3 s)lid and liGuid 3))d,
#. b)d. beca#e e2tre#el. e#aciated& -ust as are the H)ints
)3 ;n)t"grasses )r bulrushes, e5en s) (ere the #aH)r and
#in)r +arts )3 #. b)d. )(ing t) lac; )3 3))d& -ust as is the
ca#el>s h))3, e5en s) (ere #. hi+s 3)r (ant )3 3))d& -ust
as is a string )3 beads, e5en s) did #. bac;b)ne stand )ut
and bend in, 3)r lac; )3 3))d& -ust as the ra3ters )3 a dila+idated
hall 3all this (a. and that, e5en s) a++eared #. ribs
thr)ugh lac; )3 sustenance& -ust as in a dee+ (ell #a. be
seen stars sun; dee+ in the (ater, e5en s) did #. e.e"balls
a++ear dee+ sun; in their s)c;ets, being de5)id )3 3))d& -ust
as a bitter +u#+;in, (hen cut (hile ra(, (ill b. (ind and
sun get shri5elled and (ithered, e5en s) did the s;in )3 #.
head get shri5elled and (ithered, due t) lac; )3 sustenance&
JAnd I, intending t) t)uch #. bell.>s s;in, ()uld instead
seiIe #. bac;b)ne& 'hen I intended t) t)uch #. bac;b)ne,
I ()uld seiIe #. bell.>s s;in& S) (as I that, )(ing t) lac; )3
su33icient 3))d, #. bell.>s s;in clung t) the bac;b)ne, and
I, )n g)ing t) +ass e2creta )r urine, ()uld in that 5er. s+)t
stu#ble and 3all d)(n, 3)r (ant )3 3))d& And I str);ed #.
li#bs in )rder t) re5i5e #. b)d.& L), as I did s), the r)tten
r))ts )3 #. b)d.>s hairs 3ell 3r)# #. b)d. )(ing t) lac; )3
sustenance& The +e)+le (h) sa( #e said$ MThe ascetic C)ta#a
is blac;&> S)#e said, MThe ascetic C)ta#a is n)t blac; but blue&>
S)#e )thers said$ MThe ascetic C)ta#a is neither blac; n)r
blue but ta(n.&> T) such an e2tent (as the +ure c)l)ur )3 #.
/<
s;in i#+aired )(ing t) lac; )3 3))d&
s;in i#+aired )(ing t) lac; )3 3))d&
the# t) such a high degree as this and n)t be.)nd& 'hats)
e5er ascetics and brah#ins )3 the 3uture (ill e2+erience acute,
+ain3ul, shar+ and +iercing sensati)ns the. t)) (ill e2+erience
the# t) such a high degree and n)t be.)nd& !et b. all
these bitter and di33icult austerities I shall n)t attain t) e2cellence,
()rth. )3 su+re#e ;n)(ledge and insight, transcending
th)se )3 hu#an states& Might there be an)ther +ath 3)r
Enlighten#entRK
Te#+tati)n )3 Mara the E5il One
His +r)l)nged +ain3ul austerities +r)5ed utterl. 3utile& The.
)nl. resulted in the e2hausti)n )3 his 5aluable energ.& Th)ugh
+h.sicall. a su+er#an his delicatel. nurtured b)d. c)uld n)t
+)ssibl. stand the great strain& His grace3ul 3)r# c)#+letel.
3aded al#)st be.)nd rec)gniti)n& His g)lden c)l)ured s;in
turned +ale, his bl))d dried u+, his sine(s and #uscles shri5elled
u+, his e.es (ere sun; and blurred& T) all a++earance he
(as a li5ing s;elet)n& He (as al#)st )n the 5erge )3 death&
At this critical stage, (hile he (as still intent )n the Highest
@?adhanaA, abiding )n the ban;s )3 the NeraQHara ri5er, stri5ing
and c)nte#+lating in )rder t) attain t) that state )3 ?er3ect
Securit., ca#e Na#uci,6 uttering ;ind ()rds thus$7
JM!)u are lean and de3)r#ed& Near t) .)u is death&
6& An)ther na#e 3)r Mara& Acc)rding t) the B));s there are 3i5e ;inds )3 Maras
D na#el., i& Deit. Mara @De5a+uttaA, ii& ?assi)n @KilesaA, iii& Ka##ic Acti5ities
@Abhisa#;haraA, i5& Aggregates @KhandhaA and 5& Death @MaccuA&
& Sutta Ni+ata D ?adhana Sutta, +& <9&
/1
JA th)usand +arts @)3 .)u bel)ngA t) deathL t) li3e @there
JA th)usand +arts @)3 .)u bel)ngA t) deathL t) li3e @there
u
c)uld +er3)r# #erit&
JB. leading a li3e )3 celibac. and #a;ing 3ire sacri3ices,
#uch #erit c)uld be acGuired& 'hat (ill .)u d) (ith this
stri5ingB Hard is the +ath )3 stri5ing, di33icult and n)t easil.
acc)#+lished&K
Mara reciting these ()rds st))d in the +resence )3 the E2alted
One&
T) Mara (h) s+);e thus, the E2alted One re+lied$
JO E5il One, ;ins#an )3 the heedlessR !)u ha5e c)#e here
3)r .)ur )(n sa;e&
JE5en an i)ta )3 #erit is )3 n) a5ail& T) the# (h) are in
need )3 #erit it beh)5es .)u, Mara, t) s+ea; thus&
J4)n3idence @SaddhaA, sel3"c)ntr)l @Ta+)A,9 +erse5erance
@Viri.aA, and (isd)# @?aQQaA are #ine& Me (h) a# thus in
tent, (h. d) .)u Guesti)n ab)ut li3eB
JE5en the strea#s )3 ri5ers (ill this (ind dr. u+& 'h.
sh)uld n)t the bl))d )3 #e (h) a# thus stri5ing dr. u+B
J'hen bl))d dries u+, the bile and +hleg# als) dr. u+&
'hen #. 3lesh (astes a(a., #)re and #)re d)es #. #ind
get clari3ied& Still #)re d) #. #ind3ulness, (isd)#, and c)ncentrati)n
bec)#e 3ir#&
J'hile I li5e thus, e2+eriencing the ut#)st +ain, #. #ind
d)es n)t l)ng 3)r lustR Beh)ld the +urit. )3 a beingR
JSense"desires @Ka#aA, are .)ur 3irst ar#.& The sec)nd is
called A5ersi)n 3)r the H)l. Li3e @AratiA& The third is Hunger
and Thirst8 @Khu++i+asaA& The 3)urth is called 4ra5ing @TanhaA&
The 3i3th is Sl)th and T)r+)r @ThinaMiddhaA&
The si2th is called
9& Tat) D ?ali Te2t S)ciet.>s editi)n&
& esulting 3r)# 5)luntar. +)5ert.&
/0
*ear @BhiruA& The se5enth is D)ubt*ear @BhiruA& The se5enth is D)ubt@Vici;icchaA, and the eighth
is Detracti)n and Obstinac. @Ma;;haTha#bhaA&
The ninth is
Cain @L)bhaA, ?raise @Sil);aA and H)n)ur @Sa;;araA, and that ill"
g)tten *a#e @!asaA& The tenth is the e2t)lling )3 )nesel3 and
c)nte#+t 3)r )thers @Attu;;a#sana+ara5a#bhanaA&
JThis, Na#uci, is .)ur ar#., the )++)sing h)st )3 the E5il
One& That ar#. the c)(ard d)es n)t )5erc)#e, but he (h)
)5erc)#es )btains ha++iness&
JThis MuQHa< d) I dis+la.R 'hat b))ts li3e in this ()rldR
Better 3)r #e is death in the battle than that )ne sh)uld li5e
)n, 5anGuishedR1
JS)#e ascetics and brah#ins are n)t seen +lunged in
this battle& The. ;n)( n)t n)r d) the. tread the +ath )3 the
5irtu)us&
JSeeing the ar#. )n all sides (ith Mara arra.ed )n ele+hant,
I g) 3)r(ard t) battle& Mara shall n)t dri5e #e 3r)# #.
+)siti)n& That ar#. )3 .)urs, (hich the ()rld t)gether (ith
g)ds c)nGuers n)t, b. #. (isd)# I g) t) destr). as I ()uld
an unba;ed b)(l (ith a st)ne&
J4)ntr)lling #. th)ughts, and (ith #ind3ulness (ell"
established, I shall (ander 3r)# c)untr. t) c)untr., training
#an. a disci+le&
JDiligent, intent, and +ractising #. teaching, the., disregarding
.)u, (ill g) (here ha5ing g)ne the. grie5e n)t&K
The Middle ?ath
The ascetic C)ta#a (as n)( 3ull. c)n5inced 3r)# +ers)nal
:& That is, indecisi)n as t) the certaint. )3 the C)al&
<& 'arri)rs (ear MuQHa grass crest )n their heads )r )n their banners t) indicate
that the. (ill n)t retreat 3r)# the battle"3ield
1& Sanga#e #e #ata# se..) D !aQce Hi5e +araHit)
6=
e2+erience )3 the utter 3utilit. )3 sel3"#)rti3icati)n (hich,
th)ugh c)nsidered indis+ensable 3)r Deli5erance b. the
ascetic +hil)s)+hers )3 the da., actuall. (ea;ened )ne>s intel
lect, and resulted in lassitude )3 s+irit& He aband)ned 3)r e5er
this +ain3ul e2tre#e as did he the )ther e2tre#e )3 sel3"indul
gence (hich tends t) retard #)ral +r)gress& He c)ncei5ed the
idea )3 ad)+ting the C)lden Mean (hich later beca#e )ne )3
the salient 3eatures )3 his teaching&
He recalled h)( (hen his 3ather (as engaged in +l)ugh
ing, he sat in the c))l shade )3 the r)se"a++le tree, abs)rbed in
the c)nte#+lati)n )3 his )(n breath, (hich resulted in the at
tain#ent )3 the *irst -hana @Ecstas.A&0 Thereu+)n he th)ught$
J'ell, this is the +ath t) Enlighten#ent&K
He realiIed that Enlighten#ent c)uld n)t be gained (ith
such an utterl. e2hausted b)d.$ ?h.sical 3itness (as essential
3)r s+iritual +r)gress& S) he decided t) n)urish the b)d. s+aringl.
and t)); s)#e c)arse 3))d b)th hard and s)3t&
The 3i5e 3a5)urite disci+les (h) (ere attending )n hi#
(ith great h)+es thin;ing that (hate5er truth the ascetic
C)ta#a ()uld c)#+rehend, that ()uld he i#+art t) the#, 3elt
disa++)inted at this une2+ected change )3 #eth)d& and lea5ing
hi# and the +lace t)), (ent t) Isi+atana, sa.ing that Jthe
ascetic C)ta#a had bec)#e lu2uri)us, had ceased 3r)# stri5ing,
and had returned t) a li3e )3 c)#3)rt&K
At a crucial ti#e (hen hel+ (as #)st (elc)#e his c)#
+ani)ns deserted hi# lea5ing hi# al)ne& He (as n)t disc)ur
aged, but their 5)luntar. se+arati)n (as ad5antage)us t) hi#
th)ugh their +resence during his great struggle (as hel+3ul t)
hi#& Al)ne, in s.l5an s)litudes, great #en )3ten realiIe dee+
truths and s)l5e intricate +r)ble#s&
0& See 4h& I&
6/
Da(n )3 Truth
Da(n )3 Truth
B. de5el)+ing the -hanas he gained +er3ect )ne"+)intedness
)3 the #ind& His #ind (as n)( li;e a +)lished #irr)r
(here e5er.thing is re3lected in its true +ers+ecti5e&
Thus (ith th)ughts tranGuilliIed, +uri3ied, cleansed, 3ree
3r)# lust and i#+urit., +liable, alert, stead., and unsha;able,
he directed his #ind t) the ;n)(ledge as regards JThe e#iniscence
)3 ?ast BirthsK @?ubbeni5asanussati
#anaA&
He recalled his 5aried l)ts in 3)r#er e2istences as 3)ll)(s$
3irst )ne li3e, then t() li5es, then three, 3)ur, 3i5e, ten, t(ent.,
u+ t) 3i3t. li5esL then a hundred, a th)usand, a hundred th)usandL
then the diss)luti)n )3 #an. ()rld c.cles, then the e5)luti)n
)3 #an. ()rld c.cles, then b)th the diss)luti)n and
e5)luti)n )3 #an. ()rld c.cles& In that +lace he (as )3 such
a na#e, such a 3a#il., such a caste, such a dietar., such the
+leasure and +ain he e2+erienced, such his li3e>s end& De+arting
3r)# there, he ca#e int) e2istence else(here& Then such
(as his na#e, such his 3a#il., such his caste, such his dietar.,
such the +leasure and +ain he did e2+erience, such li3e>s end&
Thence de+arting, he ca#e int) e2istence here&
Thus he recalled the #)de and details )3 his 5aried l)ts in
his 3)r#er births&
This, indeed, as the *irst Kn)(ledge that he realiIed in the 3irst
(atch )3 the night&
Dis+elling thus the ign)rance (ith regard t) the +ast, he
directed his +uri3ied #ind t) JThe ?erce+ti)n )3 the Disa++earing
and ea++earing )3 BeingsK @4utu+a+ata #anaA& 'ith
66
clair5).ant 5isi)n, +uri3ied and su+ern)r#al, he +ercei5ed be
clair5).ant 5isi)n, +uri3ied and su+ern)r#al, he +ercei5ed be
ing in an)therL he beheld the base and the n)ble, the beauti
3ul and the ugl., the ha++. and the #iserable, all +assing ac
c)rding t) their deeds& He ;ne( that these g))d indi5idu
als, b. e5il deeds, ()rds, and th)ughts, b. re5iling the N)ble
Ones, b. being #isbelie5ers, and b. c)n3)r#ing the#sel5es
t) the acti)ns )3 the #isbelie5ers, a3ter the diss)luti)n )3 their
b)dies and a3ter death, had been b)rn in s)rr)(3ul states& He
;ne( that these g))d indi5iduals, b. g))d deeds, ()rds, and
th)ughts, b. n)t re5iling the N)ble Ones, b. being right be
lie5ers, and b. c)n3)r#ing the#sel5es t) the acti)ns )3 the
right belie5ers, a3ter the diss)luti)n )3 their b)dies and a3ter
death, had been b)rn in ha++. celestial ()rlds&
Thus (ith clair5).ant su+ern)r#al 5isi)n he beheld the
disa++earing and the rea++earing )3 beings&
This, indeed, (as the Sec)nd Kn)(ledge that he realiIed in the
#iddle (atch )3 the night&
Dis+elling thus the ign)rance (ith regard t) the 3uture,
he directed his +uri3ied #ind t) JThe 4)#+rehensi)n )3 the
4essati)n )3 4)rru+ti)nsK/=
@Asa5a;;ha.a #anaA&
He realiIed in acc)rdance (ith 3act$ JThis is S)rr)(K,
JThis, the Arising )3 S)rr)(K, JThis, the 4essati)n )3 S)rr)(K,
JThis, the ?ath leading t) the 4essati)n )3 S)rr)(K& Li;e(ise
in acc)rdance (ith 3act he realiIed$ JThese are the 4)rru+ti)nsK,
JThis, the Arising )3 4)rru+ti)nsK, JThis, the 4essati)n
/=&
Asa5as @De3ile#entsA D are th)se (hich 3l)( right u+ t) the t)+"#)st +lane )3 e2istence
(ith res+ect t) s+heres, )r right u+ t) the C)trabhustate, (ith res+ect t)
#ind"3lu2& There are 3)ur Asa5as, 5iI$ Sense"desires @Ka#aA, Bec)#ing @Bha5aA,
*alse Vie(s @DitthiA and Ign)rance @A5iHHaA& In this +articular te2t )nl. three are
#enti)ned& Here Bha5a #eans the desire t) be b)rn in the real#s )3 3)r# and
3)r#less real#s @u+a and Aru+a Bha5aA&
67
)3 4)rru+ti)nsK, JThis, the ?ath leading t) the 4essati)n )3
4)rru+ti)nsK& Thus c)gniIing, thus +ercei5ing, his #ind (as
deli5ered 3r)# the 4)rru+ti)n )3 Sensual 4ra5ingL 3r)# the
)3 4)rru+ti)nsK, JThis, the ?ath leading t) the 4essati)n )3
4)rru+ti)nsK& Thus c)gniIing, thus +ercei5ing, his #ind (as
deli5ered 3r)# the 4)rru+ti)n )3 Sensual 4ra5ingL 3r)# the
3
Ign)rance&
Being deli5ered, He ;ne(, JDeli5ered a# I//
and He realiIed,
Jebirth is endedL 3ul3illed the H)l. Li3eL d)ne (hat (as t) be
d)neL there is n) #)re )3 this state again&K/6
This (as the Third Kn)(ledge that He ealiIed in the last
(atch )3 the night&
Ign)rance (as dis+elled, and (isd)# ar)seL dar;ness 5anished,
and light ar)se&
!
//&
Vi#utt)>s#i&
/6&
Khina Hati, 5usita# brah#acari.a#, ;ata# ;arani.a# na+ara# itthatta.a&
69
4ha+ter 7
The Buddhah))d
JThe Tathagatas are )nl. teachersK& D Dha##a+ada
4haracteristics )3 the Buddha
A3ter a stu+end)us struggle )3 si2 strenu)us .ears, in His 78th
.ear the ascetic C)ta#a, unaided and unguided b. an. su+er
natural agenc., and s)lel. rel.ing )n His )(n e33)rts and (is
d)#, eradicated all de3ile#ents, ended the +r)cess )3 gras+
ing, and, realiIing things as the. trul. are b. His )(n intui
ti5e ;n)(ledge, beca#e a Buddha D an Enlightened )r A(a;
ened One&
Therea3ter he (as ;n)(n as Buddha C)ta#a,/ )ne )3 a l)ng
series )3 Buddhas that a++eared in the +ast and (ill a++ear in
the 3uture&
He (as n)t b)rn a Buddha, but beca#e a Buddha b. His
)(n e33)rts&
The ?ali ter# Buddha is deri5ed 3r)# JbudhK, t) under
stand, )r t) be a(a;ened& As He 3ull. c)#+rehended the 3)ur
N)ble Truths and as He ar)se 3r)# the slu#bers )3 ign)rance
He is called a Buddha& Since He n)t )nl. c)#+rehends but als)
e2+)unds the d)ctrine and enlightens )thers, He is called a
Sa##a Sa#buddha D a *ull. Enlightened One D t) distinguish
Hi# 3r)# ?acce;a @Indi5idualA Buddhas (h) )nl. c)#+rehend
the d)ctrine but are inca+able )3 enlightening )thers&
/&
His disci+les addressed Hi# as Buddha, Bhaga5a @E2alted OneA, Sugata @'ellg)ne
OneA etc, (hile alien 3)ll)(ers addressed Hi# as Bh) C)ta#a, @Venerable
C)ta#aA, Sa#ana C)ta#a @Ascetic C)ta#aA, etc&, e3erring t) Hi#sel3 the
Buddha used the ter# JTathagataK #eaning JHe (h) hath thus c)#eK, JHe
(h) hath thus g)ne&K
68
Be3)re His Enlighten#ent He (as called B)dhisattaBe3)re His Enlighten#ent He (as called
B)dhisatta(hich #eans )ne (h) is as+iring t) attain Buddhah))d&
E5er. as+irant t) Buddhah))d +asses thr)ugh the B)dhi
satta ?eri)d D a +eri)d )3 intensi5e e2ercise and de5el)+#ent
)3 the Gualities )3 gener)sit., disci+line, renunciati)n, (isd)#,
energ., endurance, truth3ulness, deter#inati)n, bene5)lence
and +er3ect eGuani#it.&
In a +articular era there arises )nl. )ne Sa##a Sa#
buddha& -ust as certain +lants and trees can bear )nl. )ne
3l)(er e5en s) )ne ()rld"s.ste# @l);adhatuA can bear )nl.
)ne Sa##a Sa#buddha&
The Buddha (as a uniGue being& Such a being arises but
rarel. in this ()rld, and is b)rn )ut )3 c)#+assi)n 3)r the
()rld, 3)r the g))d, bene3it, and ha++iness )3 g)ds and #en&
The Buddha is called Jacchari.a #anussaK as He (as a ()nder3ul
#an& He is called Ja#atassa dataK as He is the gi5er
)3 Deathlessness& He is called J5arad)K as He is the Ci5er )3
the +urest l)5e, the +r)3)undest (isd)#, and the Highest
Truth& He is als) called Dha##assa#i as He is the L)rd )3 the
Dha##a @D)ctrineA&
As the Buddha Hi#sel3 sa.s, JHe is the Acc)#+lished One
@TathagataA, the ')rth. One @Araha#A, the *ull. Enlightened
One @Sa##a Sa#buddhaA, the creat)r )3 the unarisen (a., the
+r)ducer )3 the un+r)duced (a., the +r)clai#er )3 the un+r)clai#ed
(a., the ;n)(er )3 the (a., the beh)lder )3 the (a.,
the c)gniIer )3 the (a.&K7
The Buddha had n) teacher 3)r His Enlighten#ent& JNa #e
acari.) atthiK9 D A teacher ha5e I n)t D are His )(n ()rds& He
6& Sa#s;rit D B)dhisatt5a&
& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a +art iii, +& ::L Kindred Sa.ings, +art iii, +& 1&
9& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Ari.a+ari.esana Sutta N& 6:&
6:
did recei5e His #undane ;n)(ledge 3r)# His la. teachers,did recei5e His #undane ;n)(ledge 3r)#
His la. teachers,
but teachers He had n)ne 3)r His su+ra#undane ;n)(ledge
(hich He hi#sel3 realiIed b. His )(n intuiti5e (isd)#&
I3 He had recei5ed His ;n)(ledge 3r)# an)ther teacher )r
3r)# an)ther religi)us s.ste# such as Hinduis# in (hich He
(as nurtured, He c)uld n)t ha5e said )3 Hi#sel3 as being the
inc)#+arable teacher @aha# satthaanuttar)A&: In His 3irst disc)urse
He declared that light ar)se in things n)t heard be3)re&
During the earl. +eri)d )3 His renunciati)n He s)ught
the ad5ice )3 the distinguished religi)us teachers )3 the da.,
but He c)uld n)t 3ind (hat He s)ught in their teachings& 4ircu#stances
c)#+elled Hi# t) thin; 3)r Hi#sel3 and see; the
Truth& He s)ught the Truth (ithin Hi#sel3& He +lunged int)
the dee+est +r)3undities )3 th)ught, and He realiIed the ulti#ate
Truth (hich He had n)t heard )r ;n)(n be3)re& Illu#inati)n
ca#e 3r)# (ithin and shed light )n things (hich He
had ne5er seen be3)re&
As He ;ne( e5er.thing that )ught t) be ;n)(n and as He
)btained the ;e. t) all ;n)(ledge, He is called Sabbannu D the
O#niscient One& This su+ern)r#al ;n)(ledge He acGuired
b. His )(n e33)rts c)ntinued thr)ugh a c)untless series )3
births&
'h) is the BuddhaB
Once a certain brah#in na#ed D)na, n)ticing the characteristic
#ar;s )3 the 3))t+rint )3 the Buddha, a++r)ached Hi#
and Guesti)ned Hi#&
J!)ur e5erence (ill be a De5aBK<
& Such as K)ndaQQa, Alara Kala#a, Udda;;a a#a+utta etc&
:& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Ari.a+ari.esana Sutta, N& 6:&
<& A celestial being (h) resides in hea5enl. +lanes&
6<
JN), indeed, brah#in, a De5a a# I n)t,K re+lied the Buddha&
JN), indeed, brah#in, a De5a a# I n)t,K re+lied the Buddha&
1
JN), indeed, brah#in, a Candhabba a# I n)t&K JA !a;;ha
thenBK0 JN), indeed, brah#in, n)t a !a;;ha&K JThen !)ur
e5erence (ill be a hu#an beingBK JN), indeed, brah#in, a
hu#an being a# I n)t&K J'h), then, +ra., (ill !)ur e5erence
beBK The Buddha re+lied that He had destr).ed De3ile#ents
(hich c)nditi)n rebirth as a De5a, Candhabba, !a;;ha,
)r a hu#an being and added$
JAs a l)tus, 3air and l)5el.,
B. the (ater is n)t s)iled,
B. the ()rld a# I n)t s)iledL
There3)re, brah#in, a# I Buddha&K/=
The Buddha d)es n)t clai# t) be an incarnati)n @A5ataraA )3
Hindu C)d Vishnu, (h), as the Bhaga5adgita// char#ingl.
sings, is b)rn again and again in di33erent +eri)ds t) +r)tect
the righte)us, t) destr). the (ic;ed, and t) establish the
Dhar#a @rightA&
Acc)rding t) the Buddha c)untless are the g)ds @De5asA
(h) are als) a class )3 beings subHect t) birth and deathL but
there is n) )ne Su+re#e C)d, (h) c)ntr)ls the destinies )3
hu#an beings and (h) +)ssesses a di5ine +)(er t) a++ear
)n earth at di33erent inter5als, e#+l).ing a hu#an 3)r# as a
5ehicle&/6
1&
A hea5enl. #usician&
0&
A de#)n&
/=&
Cradual Sa.ings, ?t& ii, ++& 99D98, Anguttara Ni;a.a ?t& ii D +&7<&
//&
?aritrana.a sadhuna# 5inasa.a ca dus;rta#& Dhar#sa#stha +anartha.a sa#bha5a#i
.uge .uge&
/6&
Hindu teachers, h)(e5er, (ith the )bHect )3 bringing (ithin the 3)ld )3 Hinduis#
the increasing adherents )3 Buddhis#, ha5e unHustl. called the Buddha
61
N)r d)es the Buddha call Hi#sel3 a JSa5i)urK (h) 3reel.
N)r d)es the Buddha call Hi#sel3 a JSa5i)urK (h) 3reel.
s
3)ll)(ers t) de+end )n the#sel5es 3)r their deli5erance, since
b)th de3ile#ent and +urit. de+end )n )nesel3& One cann)t directl.
+uri3. )r de3ile an)ther&/
4lari3.ing His relati)nshi+
(ith His 3)ll)(ers and e#+hasiIing the i#+)rtance )3 sel3"reliance
and indi5idual stri5ing, the Buddha +lainl. states$
J!)u .)ursel5es sh)uld #a;e an e2erti)n& The Tathagatas
are )nl. teachers&K/9
The Buddha )nl. indicates the +ath and #eth)d (hereb.
He deli5ered Hi#sel3 3r)# su33ering and death and achie5ed
His ulti#ate g)al& It is le3t 3)r His 3aith3ul adherents (h) (ish
their release 3r)# the ills )3 li3e t) 3)ll)( the +ath&
JT) de+end )n )thers 3)r sal5ati)n is negati5e, but t) de+end
)n )nesel3 is +)siti5e&K De+endence )n )thers #eans a
surrender )3 )ne>s e33)rt&
JBe .e isles unt) .)ursel5esL be .e a re3uge unt) .)ursel5esL
see; n) re3uge in )thers&K/
These signi3icant ()rds uttered b. the Buddha in His last
da.s are 5er. stri;ing and ins+iring& The. re5eal h)( 5ital
is sel3"e2erti)n t) acc)#+lish )ne>s ends, and h)( su+er3icial
and 3utile it is t) see; rede#+ti)n thr)ugh benignant sa5i)urs,
and cra5e 3)r illus)r. ha++iness in an a3terli3e thr)ugh the
+r)+itiati)n )3 i#aginar. g)ds b. 3ruitless +ra.ers and #ean
ingless sacri3ices&
The Buddha (as a hu#an being& As a #an He (as b)rn,
C)d>s incarnati)n @A5ataraA D an idea (hich He re+udiated in His )(n ti#e&
/ &
Suddhi asuddhi +accatta# n>aQQ) aQQa# 5is)dha.e& Dha##a+ada 5& /: &
/9&
Tu#hehi ;icca# ata++a# a;;hatar) tathagataS Dha##a+ada 5& 6<:
/ &
Attadi+a5iharatha, atta+atisaranaanaQQasarana& Digha Ni;a.a, Maha+arinibbana
Sutta V)l& 6, +& /==&
60
as a Buddha He li5ed, and as a Buddha His li3e ca#e t) an
as a Buddha He li5ed, and as a Buddha His li3e ca#e t) an
g
t) His uniGue characteristics& The Buddha laid stress )n this
i#+)rtant +)int, and le3t n) r))# 3)r an. )ne t) 3all int) the
err)r )3 thin;ing that He (as an i##)rtal being& It has been
said )3 Hi# that there (as n) religi)us teacher (h) (as Je5er
s) g)dless as the Buddha, .et n)ne (as s) g)d"li;e&K/:
In His
)(n ti#e the Buddha (as n) d)ubt highl. 5enerated b. His
3)ll)(ers, but He ne5er arr)gated t) Hi#sel3 an. di5init.&
The Buddha>s Creatness
B)rn a #an, li5ing as a #)rtal, b. His )(n e2erti)n He attained
that su+re#e state )3 +er3ecti)n called Buddhah))d, and (ith)ut
;ee+ing His Enlighten#ent t) Hi#sel3, He +r)clai#ed t)
the ()rld the latent +)ssibilities and the in5incible +)(er )3
the hu#an #ind& Instead )3 +lacing an unseen Al#ight. C)d
)5er #an, and gi5ing #an a subser5ient +)siti)n in relati)n t)
such a c)nce+ti)n )3 di5ine +)(er, He de#)nstrated h)( #an
c)uld attain the highest ;n)(ledge and Su+re#e Enlighten#ent
b. his )(n e33)rts& He thus raised the ()rth )3 #an& He
taught that #an can gain his deli5erance 3r)# the ills )3 li3e
and realiIe the eternal bliss )3 Nibbana (ith)ut de+ending
)n an e2ternal C)d )r #ediating +riests& He taught the eg)centric,
+)(er"see;ing ()rld the n)ble ideal )3 sel3less ser5ice&
He +r)tested against the e5ils )3 caste"s.ste# that ha#+ered
the +r)gress )3 #an;ind and ad5)cated eGual )++)rtunities
3)r all& He declared that the gates )3 deli5erance (ere )+en
t) all, in e5er. c)nditi)n )3 li3e, high )r l)(, saint )r sinner,
(h) ()uld care t) turn a ne( lea3 and as+ire t) +er3ecti)n&
He raised the status )3 d)(n"tr)dden ()#en, and n)t )nl.
/:&
D(ight C)ddard D Buddhist Bible, +& 6=&
7=
br)ught the# t) a realiIati)n )3 their i#+)rtance t) s)ciet.
br)ught the# t) a realiIati)n )3 their i#+)rtance t) s)ciet.
e
3irst ti#e in the hist)r. )3 the ()rld He atte#+ted t) ab)lish
sla5er.& He banned the sacri3ice )3 un3)rtunate ani#als and
br)ught the# (ithin His c)#+ass )3 l)5ing ;indness& He did
n)t 3)rce His 3)ll)(ers t) be sla5es either t) His teachings )r
t) Hi#sel3, but granted c)#+lete 3reed)# )3 th)ught and ad#)nished
His 3)ll)(ers t) acce+t His ()rds n)t #erel. )ut
)3 regard 3)r Hi# but a3ter subHecting the# t) a th)r)ugh e2a#inati)n
Je5en as the (ise ()uld test g)ld b. burning, cutting,
and rubbing it )n a +iece )3 t)uchst)ne&K He c)#3)rted
the berea5ed #)thers li;e ?atacara and Kisag)ta#i b. His
c)ns)ling ()rds& He #inistered t) the deserted sic; li;e ?utigatta
Tissa Thera (ith His )(n hands& He hel+ed the +))r
and the neglected li;e aHHu#ala and S)+a;a and sa5ed the#
3r)# an unti#el. and tragic death& He enn)bled the li5es )3
cri#inals li;e Anguli#ala and c)urtesans li;e A#ba+ali& He
enc)uraged the 3eeble, united the di5ided, enlightened the ig
n)rant, clari3ied the #.stic, guided the deluded, ele5ated the
base, and digni3ied the n)ble& The rich and the +))r, the saint
and the cri#inal, l)5ed Hi# ali;e& His n)ble e2a#+le (as a
s)urce )3 ins+irati)n t) all& He (as the #)st c)#+assi)nate
and t)lerant )3 teachers&
His (ill, (isd)#, c)#+assi)n, ser5ice, renunciati)n, +er
3ect +urit., e2e#+lar. +ers)nal li3e, the bla#eless #eth)ds
that (ere e#+l).ed t) +r)+agate the Dha##a and His 3inal
success D all these 3act)rs ha5e c)#+elled ab)ut )ne 3i3th )3
the +)+ulati)n )3 the ()rld t) hail the Buddha as the greatest
religi)us teacher that e5er li5ed )n earth&
?a.ing a gl)(ing tribute t) the Buddha, Sri adha;rishnan
(rites$
/
JIn Cauta#a the Buddha (e ha5e a #aster #ind 3r)# the East sec)nd
t) n)ne s) 3ar as the in3luence )n the th)ught and li3e )3 the
hu#an race is c)ncerned, and sacred t) all as the 3)under )3 a religi)us
traditi)n (h)se h)ld is hardl. less (ide and dee+ than an.
)ther& He bel)ngs t) the hist)r. )3 the ()rld>s th)ught, t) the general
inheritance )3 all culti5ated #en, 3)r, Hudged b. intellectual integrit.,
#)ral earnestness, and s+iritual insight, he is und)ubtedl.
)ne )3 the greatest 3igures in hist)r.&K
JIn Cauta#a the Buddha (e ha5e a #aster #ind 3r)# the East sec)nd
t) n)ne s) 3ar as the in3luence )n the th)ught and li3e )3 the
hu#an race is c)ncerned, and sacred t) all as the 3)under )3 a religi)us
traditi)n (h)se h)ld is hardl. less (ide and dee+ than an.
)ther& He bel)ngs t) the hist)r. )3 the ()rld>s th)ught, t) the general
inheritance )3 all culti5ated #en, 3)r, Hudged b. intellectual integrit.,
#)ral earnestness, and s+iritual insight, he is und)ubtedl.
)ne )3 the greatest 3igures in hist)r.&K<
In the Three Createst Men in Hist)r. H& C& 'ells states$
JIn the Buddha .)u see clearl. a #an, si#+le, de5)ut, l)nel., battling
3)r light, a 5i5id hu#an +ers)nalit., n)t a #.th& He t)) ga5e a
#essage t) #an;ind uni5ersal in character& Man. )3 )ur best #)dern
ideas are in cl)sest har#)n. (ith it& All the #iseries and dis
c)ntents )3 li3e are due, he taught, t) sel3ishness& Be3)re a #an can
bec)#e serene he #ust cease t) li5e 3)r his senses )r hi#sel3& Then
he #erges int) a greater being& Buddhis# in di33erent language
called #en t) sel3"3)rget3ulness 8== .ears be3)re 4hrist& In s)#e
(a.s he (as nearer t) us and )ur needs& He (as #)re lucid u+)n
)ur indi5idual i#+)rtance in ser5ice than 4hrist and less a#bigu)us
u+)n the Guesti)n )3 +ers)nal i##)rtalit.&K
The ?)et Tag)re calls Hi# the Createst Man e5er b)rn&
In ad#irati)n )3 the Buddha, *ausb)ll, a Danish sch)lar
sa.s D JThe #)re I ;n)( Hi#, the #)re I l)5e Hi#&K
A hu#ble 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha ()uld #)destl. sa.$ The
#)re I ;n)( Hi#, the #)re I l)5e Hi#L the #)re I l)5e Hi#,
the #)re I ;n)( Hi#&
!
/<&
@Cauta#a the Buddha, +& /&A
76
4ha+ter 9
A3ter the Enlighten#ent
JHa++. in this ()rld is n)n"attach#entK& D Udana
In the #e#)rable 3)ren))n, i##ediatel. +receding the #)rn
)3 His Enlighten#ent, as the B)dhisatta (as seated under the
AHa+ala ban.an tree in cl)se +r)2i#it. t) the B)dhi tree,/ a
gener)us lad., na#ed SuHata, une2+ectedl. )33ered Hi# s)#e
rich #il;rice, s+eciall. +re+ared b. her (ith great care&
This substantial #eal He ate, and a3ter His Enlighten#ent
the Buddha 3asted 3)r se5en (ee;s, and s+ent a Guiet ti#e,
in dee+ c)nte#+lati)n, under the B)dhi tree and in its neighb)urh))d&
The Se5en 'ee;s
*irst 'ee;
Thr)ugh)ut the 3irst (ee; the Buddha sat under the B)dhi
tree in )ne +)sture, e2+eriencing the Bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n
@Vi#utti Su;ha, i&e& The *ruit )3 Arahantshi+A&
A3ter th)se se5en da.s had ela+sed, the Buddha e#erged
3r)# the state )3 c)ncentrati)n, and in the 3irst (atch )3 the
night, th)r)ughl. re3lected )n JThe De+endent ArisingK
@?aticca Sa#u++adaA in direct )rder thus$ J'hen this @causeA
e2ists, this @e33ectA isL (ith the arising )3 this @causeA, this e33ect
arises&K6
De+endent )n Ign)rance @a5iHHaA arise #)ral and i##)ral
4)nditi)ning Acti5ities @sa#;haraA&
/& The 3a#)us ?i+al tree at Buddha Ca.a in n)rthern India (hich sheltered Hi#
during His struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent&
6& Sea 4ha+ter 68
77
De+endent )n 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities arises @elin;ingA
4)nsci)usness @5iQQanaA&
De+endent )n @elin;ingA 4)nsci)usness arise Mind and
Matter @na#aru+aA&
De+endent )n Mind and Matter arise the Si2 S+heres )3
Sense @sala.atanaA&
De+endent )n the Si2 S+heres )3 Sense arises 4)ntact
@+hassaA& De+endent )n 4)ntact arises *eeling @5edanaA&
De+endent )n *eeling arises 4ra5ing @tanhaA&
De+endent )n 4ra5ing arises Cras+ing @u+adanaA&
De+endent )n Cras+ing arises Bec)#ing @bha5aA&
De+endent )n Bec)#ing arises Birth @HatiA&
De+endent )n Birth arise Deca. @HaraA, Death @#aranaA, S)rr)(
@s);aA, La#entati)n @+aride5aA, ?ain @du;;haA, Crie3
@d)#anassaA, and Des+air @u+a.asaA&
Thus d)es this (h)le #ass )3 su33ering )riginate&
Thereu+)n the E2alted One, ;n)(ing the #eaning )3 this, uttered,
at that ti#e, this +aean )3 H).$
J'hen, indeed, the Truths bec)#e #ani3est unt) the strenu)us,
#editati5e Brah#ana,7 then d) all his d)ubts 5anish
a(a., since he ;n)(s the truth t)gether (ith its cause&K
In the #iddle (atch )3 the night the E2alted One th)r)ughl.
re3lected )n JThe De+endent ArisingK in re5erse )rder
thus$ J'hen this cause d)es n)t e2ist, this e33ect is n)tL (ith
the cessati)n )3 this cause, this e33ect ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 Ign)rance, 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities cease&
'ith the cessati)n )3 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities @elin;ingA
& Brah#in is a racial ter# (hich #eans J)ne (h) studies the VedasK, generall.
a++lied t) the +riestl. caste& S)#eti#es the Buddha uses this ter# in the sense
)3 J)ne (h) has discarded e5ilK D a Saint&
In this b)); JBrah#anaK is used t) den)te a Saint, and JBrah#inK, t) den)te
a #e#ber )3 that +articular caste&
79
4)nsci)usness ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 @elin;ingA 4)nsci)usness, Mind and
Matter cease&
'ith the cessati)n )3 Mind and Matter, the si2 S+heres )3
Sense cease&
'ith the cessati)n )3 the Si2 S+heres )3 Sense, 4)ntact ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 4)ntact, *eeling ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 *eeling, 4ra5ing ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 4ra5ing, Cras+ing ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 Cras+ing, Bec)#ing ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 Bec)#ing, Birth ceases&
'ith the cessati)n )3 Birth, Deca., Death, S)rr)(, La#entati)n,
?ain, Crie3, and Des+air cease&
Thus d)es this (h)le #ass )3 su33ering cease&
Thereu+)n the E2alted One, ;n)(ing the #eaning )3 this, uttered,
at that ti#e, this +aean )3 H).$
J'hen, indeed, the Truths bec)#e #ani3est unt) the strenu)us
and #editati5e Brah#ana, then all his d)ubts 5anish
a(a. since he has underst))d the destructi)n )3 the causes&K
In the third (atch )3 the night, the E2alted One re3lected
)n JThe De+endent ArisingK in direct and re5erse )rder thus&
J'hen this cause e2ists, this e33ect isL (ith the arising )3 this
cause, this e33ect arises& 'hen this cause d)es n)t e2ist, this e33ect
is n)tL (ith the cessati)n )3 this cause, this e33ect ceases&K
De+endent )n Ign)rance arise 4)nditi)ning Acti5itiesS
and s) 3)rth&
Thus d)es this (h)le #ass )3 su33ering arises&
'ith the cessati)n )3 Ign)rance, 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities
ceaseS and s) 3)rth&
Thus d)es this (h)le #ass )3 su33ering ceases&
78
Thereu+)n the Blessed One, ;n)(ing the #eaning )3 this,
uttered, at that ti#e, this +aean )3 H).$
Thereu+)n the Blessed One, ;n)(ing the #eaning )3 this,
uttered, at that ti#e, this +aean )3 H).$
Sec)nd 'ee;
The sec)nd (ee; (as une5ent3ul, but He silentl. taught a
great #)ral less)n t) the ()rld& As a #ar; )3 +r)3)und gratitude
t) the inani#ate B)dhi tree that sheltered hi# during
His struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent, He st))d at a certain distance
gaIing at the tree (ith #)ti)nless e.es 3)r )ne (h)le (ee;&9
*)ll)(ing His n)ble e2a#+le, His 3)ll)(ers, in #e#)r. )3
His Enlighten#ent, still 5enerate n)t )nl. the )riginal B)dbi
tree but als) its descendants&8
Third (ee;
As the Buddha had n)t gi5en u+ His te#+)rar. residence at
the B)dhi tree the De5as d)ubted His attain#ent t) Buddha"
h))d& The Buddha read their th)ughts, and in )rder t) clear
their d)ubts He created b. His +s.chic +)(ers a He(elled a#bulat)r.
@ratana ca#;a#anaA and +aced u+ and d)(n 3)r an)ther
(ee;&
*)urth 'ee;
The 3)urth (ee; He s+ent in a He(elled cha#ber @ratanagharaA:
c)nte#+lating the intricacies )3 the Abhidha##a @Higher
9&
On the s+)t (here the Buddha st))d, a 4eti.a has been erected b. King As);a&
This (as na#ed Ani#isal)cana 4eti.a and is still t) be seen&
&
The right"hand branch )3 the )riginal B)dhi tree (hich (as br)ught t) 4e.
l)n b. Sangha#itta Theri and +lanted b. King De5ana#+i.atissa at Anuradha+ura,
the ancient ca+ital )3 4e.l)n, still e2ists in a 3l)urishing c)nditi)n,
th)ugh #)re than 6,6== .ears )ld&
:&
S) called because the Buddha re3lected )n the He(els )3 the Abhidha##a&
7:
TeachingA& B));s state that His #ind and b)d. (ere s) +u
TeachingA& B));s state that His #ind and b)d. (ere s) +u,
the se5enth treatise )3 the Abhidba##a, that si2 c)l)ured ra.s
e#itted 3r)# His b)d.&<
*i3th (ee;
During the 3i3th (ee; t)) the Buddha enH).ed the Bliss )3
E#anci+ati)n @Vi#uttisu;haA, seated in )ne +)sture Munder
the 3a#)us AHa+ala ban.an tree in the 5icinit. )3 the B)dhi
tree& 'hen He ar)se 3r)# that transcendental state a c)nceited
@huhun;aHati;aA brah#in a++r)ached Hi# and a3ter
the cust)#ar. salutati)ns and 3riendl. greetings, Guesti)ned
Hi# thus$ JIn (hat res+ect, O Venerable C)ta#a, d)es )ne
bec)#e a Brah#ana and (hat are the c)nditi)ns that #a;e a
Brah#anaBK
The Buddha uttered this +aean )3 H). in re+l.$
JThat brah#in (h) has discarded e5il, (ith)ut c)nceit
@huhu#;aA, 3ree 3r)# De3ile#ents, sel3"c)ntr)lled, 5ersed in
;n)(ledge and (h) has led the H)l. Li3e rightl., ()uld call
hi#sel3 a Brah#ana& *)r hi# there is n) elati)n an.(here in
this ()rld&K1
Acc)rding t) the -ata;a c)##entar. it (as during this
(ee; that the daughters )3 Mara D Tanha, Arati and aga0 D
#ade a 5ain atte#+t t) te#+t the Buddha b. their char#s&
Si2th (ee;
*r)# the AHa+ala ban.an tree the Buddha +r)ceeded t) the
<&
Na#el., blue @nilaA, .ell)( @+itaA, red @l)hitaA, (hite @)dataA, )range @#aQHetthaA
and a #i2ture )3 these 3i5e c)l)urs @+abhassaraA&
1&
Uddana, +& i&
0&
These three cann)t be +ers)ni3ied +assi)ns as the incident t)); +lace a3ter the
Enlighten#ent&
7<
Mucalinda tree, (here he s+ent the si2th (ee;, again enH).ing
the Bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n& At that ti#e there ar)se an un
Mucalinda tree, (here he s+ent the si2th (ee;, again enH).ing
the Bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n& At that ti#e there ar)se an unh
c)ld (inds +re5ailed 3)r se5eral da.s&
Thereu+)n Mucalinda, the ser+ent";ing,/=
ca#e )ut )3 his
ab)de, and c)iling r)und the b)d. )3 the Buddha se5en ti#es,
re#ained ;ee+ing his large h))d )5er the head )3 the Buddha
s) that He #a. n)t be a33ected b. the ele#ents&
At the cl)se )3 se5en da.s Mucalinda, seeing the clear, cl)udless
s;., unc)iled hi#sel3 3r)# ar)und the b)d. )3 the Buddha,
and, lea5ing his )(n 3)r#, t)); the guise )3 a .)ung #an, and
st))d in 3r)nt )3 the E2alted One (ith clas+ed hands&
Thereu+)n the Buddha uttered this +aean )3 H).$
JHa++. is seclusi)n t) hi# (h) is c)ntented, t) hi# (h)
has heard the truth, and t) hi# (h) sees& Ha++. is g))d(ill
in this ()rld, and s) is restraint t)(ards all beings& Ha++. in
this ()rld is n)n"attach#ent, the +assing be.)nd )3 sense desires&
The su++ressi)n )3 the MI a#> c)nceit is indeed the highest
ha++iness&//
Se5enth (ee;
The se5enth (ee; the Buddha +eace3ull. +assed at the aHa
.atana tree, e2+eriencing the Bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n&
One )3 the *irst Utterances )3 the Buddha
Thr)> #an. a birth in e2istence (andered I,
See;ing, but n)t 3inding, the builder )3 this h)use&
/=&
This Naga King cann)t be a hu#an being& The Vina.a te2ts als) cite an interesting
st)r. )3 a ser+ent (h), assu#ing the 3)r# )3 a hu#an being, li5ed 3)r
s)#e ti#e as a Bhi;;hu in r)bes&
//&
Su;h) 5i5e;) tutthassa sutadha##assa +assat) Ab.a+aHHha# su;ha# l);e +anabhutesu
sa#.a#) Su;ha 5iragatal);e ;a#ana# sa#ati;;a#) As#i#anassa .) 5ina.) eta# 5e
+ara#a# su;ha#& Uddana +& /=&
1
S)rr)(3ul is re+eated birth&
S)rr)(3ul is re+eated birth&
/6
th)u art seen& Th)u shall build n) h)use/
again&
All th. ra3ters/9
are br);en& Th. ridge+)le/
is shattered&
Mind attains the Unc)nditi)ned&/:
Achie5ed is the End )3 4ra5ing&
At da(n )n the 5er. da. )3 His Enlighten#ent the Buddha uttered
this +aean )3 H). @UdanaA (hich 5i5idl. describes His tran
scendental #)ral 5ict)r. and His inner s+iritual e2+erience&
The Buddha ad#its His +ast (anderings in e2istence
(hich entailed su33ering, a 3act that e5identl. +r)5es the be
lie3 in rebirth& He (as c)#+elled t) (ander and c)nseGuentl.
t) su33er, as He c)uld n)t disc)5er the architect that built this
h)use, the b)d.& In His 3inal birth, (hile engaged in s)litar.
#editati)n (hich He had highl. de5el)+ed in the c)urse )3
His (anderings, a3ter a relentless search He disc)5ered b.
His )(n intuiti5e (isd)# the elusi5e architect, residing n)t
)utside but (ithin the recesses )3 His )(n heart& It (as cra5
ing )r attach#ent, a sel3"creati)n, a #ental ele#ent latent in
all& H)( and (hen this cra5ing )riginated is inc)#+rehen
sible& 'hat is created b. )nesel3 can be destr).ed b. )nesel3&
The disc)5er. )3 the architect is the eradicati)n )3 cra5ing b.
attaining Arhantshi+, (hich in these 5erses is alluded t) as
Jend )3 cra5ing&K
The ra3ters )3 this sel3"created h)use are the +assi)ns @;ilesaA
such as attach#ent @l)bhaA a5ersi)n @d)saA, illusi)n @#)haA, c)n
/6&
i&e&, 4ra5ing @tanhaA&
/ &
B)d.&
/9&
?assi)ns @;ilesaA
/ &
Ign)rance @a5iHHaA&
/:&
Nibbana
0
ceit @#anaA, 3alse 5ie(s @ditthiA, d)ubt @5ici;icchaA, sl)th @thinaA,
restlessness @uddhaccaA, #)ral sha#elessness @ahiri;aA, #)ral
3earlessness @an)tta++aA& The ridge+)le that su++)rts the ra3ters
re+resents ign)rance, the r))t cause )3 all +assi)ns& The
shattering )3 the ridge"+)le )3 ign)rance b. (isd)# results
in the c)#+lete de#)liti)n )3 the h)use& The ridge"+)le and
ra3ters are the #aterial (ith (hich the architect builds this undesired
h)use& 'ith their destructi)n the architect is de+ri5ed
)3 the #aterial t) rebuild the h)use (hich is n)t (anted&
ceit @#anaA, 3alse 5ie(s @ditthiA, d)ubt @5ici;icchaA, sl)th @thinaA,
restlessness @uddhaccaA, #)ral sha#elessness @ahiri;aA, #)ral
3earlessness @an)tta++aA& The ridge+)le that su++)rts the ra3ters
re+resents ign)rance, the r))t cause )3 all +assi)ns& The
shattering )3 the ridge"+)le )3 ign)rance b. (isd)# results
in the c)#+lete de#)liti)n )3 the h)use& The ridge"+)le and
ra3ters are the #aterial (ith (hich the architect builds this undesired
h)use& 'ith their destructi)n the architect is de+ri5ed
)3 the #aterial t) rebuild the h)use (hich is n)t (anted&
!
9=
4ha+ter 8
The In5itati)n t) E2+)und the Dha##a
JHe (h) i#bibes the Dha##a abides in ha++iness (ith #ind +aci3ied&
The (ise #an e5er delights in the Dha##a re5ealed b. the Ari.asK&
D Dha##a+ada
The Dha##a as the Teacher
On )ne )ccasi)n s))n a3ter the Enlighten#ent, the Buddha
(as d(elling at the 3))t )3 the AHa+ala ban.an tree b. the ban;
)3 the NeraQHara ri5er& As He (as engaged in s)litar. #edi
tati)n the 3)ll)(ing th)ught ar)se in His #ind$
J?ain3ul indeed is it t) li5e (ith)ut s)#e)ne t) +a. re5er
ence and sh)( de3erence& H)( i3 I sh)uld li5e near an ascetic
)r brah#in res+ecting and re5erencing hi#BK/
Then it )ccurred t) Hi#$
JSh)uld I li5e near an)ther ascetic )r brah#in, res+ecting
and re5erencing hi#, in )rder t) bring #)ralit. @Sila;;handhaA
t) +er3ecti)nB But I d) n)t see in this ()rld including g)ds,
Maras, and Brah#as, and a#)ngst beings including ascetics,
brah#ins, g)ds and #en, an)ther ascetic )r brah#in (h) is
su+eri)r t) #e in #)ralit. and (ith (h)# I c)uld ass)ciate,
res+ecting and re5erencing hi#&
and re5erencing hi#, in )rder t) bring c)ncentrati)n @sa#adhi
;;handhaA t) +er3ecti)nB But I d) n)t see in this ()rld an.
ascetic )r brah#in (h) is su+eri)r t) #e in c)ncentrati)n and
(ith (h)# I sh)uld ass)ciate, res+ecting and re5erencing
hi#&
/& Anguttara Ni;a.a$ +art ii, +& 6=L Cradual Sa.ings, +art ii, +& 6=&
9/
and re5erencing hi#, in )rder t) bring (isd)# @+aQQa;;handhaA
t) +er3ecti)nB But I d) n)t see in this ()rld an. ascetic )r
brah#in (h) is su+eri)r t) #e in (isd)# and (ith (h)# I
sh)uld ass)ciate, res+ecting and re5erencing hi#&
and re5erencing hi#, in )rder t) bring (isd)# @+aQQa;;handhaA
t) +er3ecti)nB But I d) n)t see in this ()rld an. ascetic )r
brah#in (h) is su+eri)r t) #e in (isd)# and (ith (h)# I
sh)uld ass)ciate, res+ecting and re5erencing hi#&
Then it )ccurred t) Hi#$ JH)( i3 I sh)uld li5e res+ecting
and re5erencing this 5er. Dha##a (hich I #.sel3 ha5e
realiIedBK
Thereu+)n Brah#a Saha#+ati, understanding (ith his
)(n #ind the Buddha>s th)ught, Hust as a str)ng #an ()uld
stretch his bent ar# )r bend his stretched ar# e5en s) did
he 5anish 3r)# the Brah#a real# and a++eared be3)re the
Buddha& And, c)5ering )ne sh)ulder (ith his u++er r)be and
+lacing his right ;nee )n the gr)und, he saluted the Buddha
(ith clas+ed hands and said thus$
JIt is s), O E2alted OneR It is s), O Acc)#+lished OneR O
L)rd, the ()rth., su+re#el. Enlightened Ones, (h) (ere
in the +ast, did li5e res+ecting and re5erencing this 5er.
Dha##a&
JThe ()rth., su+re#el. Enlightened Ones, (h) (ill be in
the 3uture, (ill als) li5e res+ecting and re5erencing this 5er.
Dha##a&
JO L)rd, #a. the E2alted One, the ()rth., su+re#el. Enlightened
One )3 the +resent age als) li5e res+ecting and re5erencing
this 5er. Dha##aRK
96
This the Brah#a Saha#+ati said, and uttering (hich, 3urther#)re
he s+);e as 3)ll)(s$
This the Brah#a Saha#+ati said, and uttering (hich, 3urther#)re
he s+);e as 3)ll)(s$
JThere3)re he (h) desires his (el3are and e2+ects his greatness
sh)uld certainl. res+ect the n)ble Dha##a, re#e#bering
the #essage )3 the Buddhas&K
This the Brah#a Saha#+ati said, and a3ter (hich, he res+ect3ull.
saluted the Buddha and +assing r)und Hi# t) the
right, disa++eared i##ediatel.&
As the Sangha is als) end)(ed (ith greatness there is als)
His re5erence t)(ards the Sangha&6
The In5itati)n t) E2+)und the Dha##a
*r)# the 3))t )3 the aHa.atana tree the Buddha +r)ceeded t)
the AHa+ala ban.an tree and as He (as abs)rbed in s)litar.
#editati)n the 3)ll)(ing th)ught )ccurred t) Hi#&
JThis Dha##a (hich I ha5e realiIed is indeed +r)3)und,
di33icult t) +ercei5e, di33icult t) c)#+rehend, tranGuil, e2alted,
n)t (ithin the s+here )3 l)gic, subtle, and is t) be underst))d
b. the (ise& These beings are attached t) #aterial +leasures&
This causall. c)nnected MDe+endent Arising> is a subHect (hich
is di33icult t) c)#+rehend&
And this Nibbana D the cessati)n )3 the c)nditi)ned, the
aband)ning )3 all +assi)ns, the destructi)n )3 cra5ing, the
n)n"attach#ent, and the cessati)n D is als) a #atter n)t eas
6& This disc)urse (as deli5ered b. the Buddha (hile residing at -eta5ana, Sa5atthi,
l)ng a3ter the establish#ent )3 the Order )3 the Sangha& He sh)(ed His re5er
ence t)(ards the Sangha b. reGuesting the Pueen Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i t)
)33er t) the Sangha the r)be s+eciall. +re+ared 3)r Hi#&
97
il. c)#+rehensible& I3 I t)) (ere t) teach this Dha##a, the
)thers ()uld n)t understand #e& That (ill be (earis)#e t)
#e, that (ill be tires)#e t) #e&K
il. c)#+rehensible& I3 I t)) (ere t) teach this Dha##a, the
)thers ()uld n)t understand #e& That (ill be (earis)#e t)
#e, that (ill be tires)#e t) #e&K
J'ith di33icult. ha5e I c)#+rehended the Dha##a& There
is n) need t) +r)clai# it n)(& This Dha##a is n)t easil.
underst))d b. th)se (h) are d)#inated b. lust and hatred&
The lust"ridden, shr)uded in dar;ness, d) n)t see this
Dha##a, (hich g)es against the strea#, (hich is abstruse,
+r)3)und, di33icult t) +ercei5e and subtle&K
As the Buddha re3lected thus, he (as n)t dis+)sed t) e2+)und
the Dha##a&
Thereu+)n Brah#a Saha#+ati read the th)ughts )3 the
Buddha, and, 3earing that the ()rld #ight +erish thr)ugh n)t
hearing the Dha##a, a++r)ached Hi# and in5ited Hi# t)
teach the Dha##a thus$
JO L)rd, #a. the E2alted One e2+)und the Dha##aR
Ma. the Acc)#+lished One e2+)und the Dha##aR There
are beings (ith little dust in their e.es, (h), n)t hearing the
Dha##a, (ill 3all a(a.& There (ill be th)se (h) understand
the Dha##a&K
*urther#)re he re#ar;ed$
JIn ancient ti#es there ar)se in Magadha a Dha##a, i#+ure,
th)ught )ut b. the c)rru+ted& O+en this d))r t) the
Deathless State& Ma. the. hear the Dha##a underst))d b.
the Stainless OneR -ust as )ne standing )n the su##it )3 a
r)c;. #)untain ()uld beh)ld the +e)+le ar)und, e5en s) #a.
the All"Seeing, 'ise One ascend this +alace )3 Dha##aR Ma.
the S)rr)(less One l)); u+)n the +e)+le (h) are +lunged in
grie3 and are )5erc)#e b. birth and deca.R
99
Jise, O Her), 5ict)r in battle, cara5an leader, debt"3ree
Jise, O Her), 5ict)r in battle, cara5an leader, debt"3ree
h
the Dha##aR There (ill be th)se (h) (ill understand the
Dha##a&K
'hen he said s) the E2alted One s+);e t) hi# thus$
JThe 3)ll)(ing th)ught, O Brah#a, )ccurred t) #e D MThis
Dha##a (hich I ha5e c)#+rehended is n)t easil. underst))d
b. th)se (h) are d)#inated b. lust and hatred& The
lust"ridden, shr)uded in dar;ness, d) n)t see this Dha##a,
(hich g)es against the strea#, (hich is abstruse, +r)3)und,
di33icult t) +ercei5e, and subtle>& As I re3lected thus, #. #ind
turned int) inacti)n and n)t t) the teaching )3 the Dba##a&K
Brah#a Saha#+ati a++ealed t) the Buddha 3)r the sec)nd
ti#e and He #ade the sa#e re+l.&
'hen he a++ealed t) the Buddha 3)r the third ti#e, the
E2alted One, )ut )3 +it. 3)r beings, sur5e.ed the ()rld (ith
His Buddha"Visi)n&
As He sur5e.ed thus He sa( beings (ith little and #uch
dust in their e.es, (ith ;een and dull intellect, (ith g))d and
bad characteristics, beings (h) are eas. and beings (h) are
di33icult t) be taught, and 3e( )thers (h), (ith 3ear, 5ie( e5il
and a li3e be.)nd&7
JAs in the case )3 a blue, red )r (hite l)tus +)nd, s)#e
l)tuses are b)rn in the (ater, gr)( in the (ater, re#ain i##ersed
in the (ater, and thri5e +lunged in the (aterL s)#e are
b)rn in the (ater, gr)( in the (ater and re#ain )n the sur3ace
)3 the (aterL s)#e )thers are b)rn in the (ater, gr)( in
the (ater and re#ain e#erging )ut )3 the (ater, unstained b.
the (ater& E5en s), as the E2alted One sur5e.ed the ()rld (ith
His Buddha"Visi)n, He sa( beings (ith little and #uch dust
& ?aral);a5aHHabha.adassa5in)&
98
in their e.es, (ith ;een and dull intellect, (ith g))d and bad
in their e.es, (ith ;een and dull intellect, (ith g))d and bad
,
and 3e( )thers (h), (ith 3ear, 5ie( e5il and a li3e be.)nd&
And He addressed the Brah#a Saha#+ati in a 5erse thus$
JO+ened t) the# are the D))rs t) the Deathless State& Let th)se
(h) ha5e ears re+)se c)n3idence&9 Being a(are )3 the (eariness, O
Brah#a, I did n)t teach a#)ngst #en this gl)ri)us and e2cellent
Dha##a&K
The delighted Brah#a, thin;ing that he #ade hi#sel3
the )ccasi)n 3)r the E2alted One t) e2+)und the Dha##a
res+ect3ull. saluted Hi# and, +assing r)und Hi# t) the right,
disa++eared i##ediatel.&8
The *irst T() 4)n5erts
A3ter His #e#)rable 3ast 3)r 3)rt."nine da.s, as the Buddha sat
under the aHa.atana tree, t() #erchants, Ta+assu and Bhalli;a,
3r)# U;;ala @OrissaA ha++ened t) +ass that (a.& Then
a certain deit.,: (h) (as a bl))d relati5e )3 theirs in a +ast
birth, s+);e t) the# as 3)ll)(s$
JThe E2alted One, g))d sirs, is d(elling at the 3))t )3 the
aHa.atana tree, s))n a3ter His Enlighten#ent& C) and ser5e
the E2alted One (ith 3l)ur and h)ne."c)#b&< It (ill c)nduce
t) .)ur (ell"being and ha++iness 3)r a l)ng ti#e&K
A5ailing the#sel5es )3 this g)lden )++)rtunit., the t()
9& A+arutatesa# a#atassa d5ara".e s)ta5anta +a#uQcantu saddha#
& See MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Ari.a+ari.esana Sutta, N)& 6:
:&
De5atas @?aliA are terrestrial )r celestial deities, a class )3 beings, (h), as a rule,
are in5isible t) the +h.sical e.e& This +articular 3e#inine deit. had been related
t) the #erchants in a +re5i)us birth& It is interesting t) n)te the n)n"hu#an
ele#ent a++earing in 5ari)us +laces c)nnected (ith the li3e )3 the Buddha&
<&
Sattu, 3ried 3l)ur, and Madhu, h)ne., (ere a regular diet )3 tra5ellers in India in
the ancient da.s&
9:
delighted #erchants (ent t) the E2alted One, and, res+ect3ull.
saluting Hi#, i#+l)red Hi# t) acce+t their hu#ble al#s
s) that it #a. res)und t) their ha++iness and (ell"being&
delighted #erchants (ent t) the E2alted One, and, res+ect3ull.
saluting Hi#, i#+l)red Hi# t) acce+t their hu#ble al#s
s) that it #a. res)und t) their ha++iness and (ell"being&
*)rth(ith the 3)ur Creat Kings1 underst))d the th)ughts
)3 the E2alted One (ith their #inds and 3r)# the 3)ur directi)ns
)33ered Hi# 3)ur granite b)(ls,0 sa.ing D JO L)rd, #a.
the E2alted One acce+t here(ith this 3l)ur and h)ne."c)#bRK
The Buddha graci)usl. acce+ted the ti#el. gi3t (ith (hich
He recei5ed the hu#ble )33ering )3 the #erchants, and ate His
3))d a3ter His l)ng 3ast&
A3ter the #eal (as )5er the #erchants +r)strated the#sel5es
be3)re the 3eet )3 the Buddha and said$ J'e, O L)rd, see;
re3uge in the E2alted One and the Dha##a& Ma. the E2alted
One treat us as la. disci+les (h) ha5e s)ught re3uge 3r)# t)da.
till death&K/=
These (ere the 3irst la. disci+les// )3 the Buddha (h)
e#braced Buddhis# b. see;ing re3uge in the Buddha and
1&
4atu##aharaHi;as, the Cuardian Deities )3 the 3)ur Guarters&
0&
The c)##entar. states that the Buddha (ished that the 3)ur b)(ls be a#alga#ated
int) )ne
/=&
Buddha# sarana# gaccha#i @I see; re3uge in the BuddhaA, Dha##a# sarana#
gaccha#i @I see; re3uge in the Dha##aA, is the t()3)ld 3)r#ula& As the Sangha
)r the N)ble Order (as n)t in e2istence then the. did n)t recite the third
D Sangha# sarana# gaccha#i @I see; re3uge in the SanghaA& One bec)#es a Buddhist
b. intelligentl. reciting the Three e3uges&
//& The -ata;a c)##entar. relates that (hen these t() 3irst c)n5erts begged )3
the Buddha t) gi5e the# an )bHect )3 ()rshi+ the Buddha t)uched His head
and +resented the# s)#e hair relics&
It is belie5ed that these relics ha5e been enshrined in the #)dern S(e
Dag)n ?ag)da in ang))n, the +ride and gl)r. )3 Bur#ese Buddhists& This
bell"sha+ed #assi5e 4eti.a a++ears li;e a g)lden #)untain 3r)# a distance&
9<
the Dha##a, reciting the t()3)ld 3)r#ula&
the Dha##a, reciting the t()3)ld 3)r#ula&
On acce+ting the in5itati)n t) teach the Dha##a, the 3irst
th)ught that )ccurred t) the Buddha be3)re He e#bar;ed )n
His great #issi)n (as D JT) (h)# shall I teach the Dha##a
3irstB 'h) (ill understand the Dha##a Guic;l.B 'ell, there
is Alara Kala#a/6
(h) is learned, cle5er, (ise and has 3)r
l)ng been (ith little dust in his e.es& H)( i3 I (ere t) teach
the Dha##a t) hi# 3irstB He (ill understand the Dha##a
Guic;l.&K
Then a deit. a++eared be3)re the Buddha and said$ JL)rdR
Alara Kala#a died a (ee; ag)&K
'ith His su+ern)r#al 5isi)n He +ercei5ed that it (as s)&
Then He th)ught )3 Udda;a a#a+utta&/
Instantl. a deit.
in3)r#ed Hi# that he died the e5ening be3)re&
'ith His su+ern)r#al 5isi)n He +ercei5ed this t) be s)&
Ulti#atel. the Buddha th)ught )3 the 3i5e energetic ascetics
(h) attended )n Hi# during His struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent&
'ith His su+ern)r#al 5isi)n He +ercei5ed that the.
(ere residing in the Deer ?ar; at Isi+atana near Benares& S)
the Buddha sta.ed at Uru5ela till such ti#e as He (as +leased
t) set )ut 3)r Benares&
The Buddha (as tra5elling )n the high(a., (hen bet(een
Ca.a and the B)dhi tree, beneath (h)se shade He attained Enlighten#ent,
a (andering ascetic na#ed U+a;a sa( Hi# and
addressed Hi# thus$ JE2tre#el. clear are .)ur senses, 3riendR
/6&
The 3irst religi)us teacher (h) taught the B)dhisatta the -hanas e2tending u+
t) the eal# )3 N)thingness @A;iQcaQQa.atanaA&
/ &
The sec)nd religi)us teacher (h) taught the B)dhisatta the highest state )3
#undane #ental de5el)+#ent, The eal# )3 Neither ?erce+ti)n n)r N)n"?erce+ti)n
@N>e5a saQQan> asaQQa.atanaA&
91
?ure and clean is .)ur c)#+le2i)n& On acc)unt )3 (h)# has
.)ur renunciati)n been #ade, 3riendB 'h) is .)ur teacherB
'h)se d)ctrine d) .)u +r)3essBK
The Buddha re+lied$
JAll ha5e I )5erc)#e, all d) I ;n)(&
*r)# all a# I detached, all ha5e I ren)unced&
'h)ll. abs)rbed a# I in the destructi)n )3 cra5ing @Arahantshi+A&
Ha5ing c)#+rehended all b. #.sel3 (h)# shall I call #. teacherB
N) teacher ha5e I&/9
An eGual t) #e there is n)t&
In the ()rld including g)ds there is n) ri5al t) #e&
Indeed an Arahant a# I in this ()rld&
An unsur+assed teacher a# IL
Al)ne a# I the AllEnlightened&
4))l and a++eased a# I&
T) establish the (heel )3 Dha##a t) the cit. )3 Kasi I g)&
In this blind ()rld I shall beat the dru# )3 Deathlessness&/
JThen, 3riend, d) .)u ad#it that .)u are an Arahant, a li#it
less 4)nGuer)rBK Gueried U+a;a&
JLi;e #e are c)nGuer)rs (h) ha5e attained t) the destruc
ti)n )3 de3ile#ents& All the e5il c)nditi)ns ha5e I c)nGuered&
Hence, U+a;a, I a# called a c)nGuer)r,K re+lied the Buddha&
JIt #a. be s), 3riendRK U+a;a curtl. re#ar;ed, and, n)dding
his head, turned int) a b."r)ad and de+arted&
Un+erturbed b. the 3irst rebu33, the Buddha H)urne.ed
3r)# +lace t) +lace, and arri5ed in due c)urse at the Deer ?ar;
in Benares&
/9&
The Buddha uttered these ()rds because He attained Enlighten#ent b. Hi#sel3
(ith)ut the aid )3 a teacher& He had teachers be3)re His Enlighten#ent,
but n)b)d. taught Hi# the (a. t) attain Buddhah))d& It is there3)re n)t c)rrect
t) sa. that Buddhis# is a natural )utgr)(th )3 Hinduis#&
/ &
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Ari.a+ari.esana Sutta, N, 6:&
90
Meeting the *i5e M)n;s
Meeting the *i5e M)n;s
t
t) +a. Hi# due res+ect as the. #isc)nstrued His disc)ntinuance
)3 rigid ascetic +ractices (hich +r)5ed abs)lutel. 3utile
during His struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent&
The. re#ar;ed$
J*riends, this ascetic C)ta#a is c)#ing& He is lu2uri)us&
He has gi5en u+ stri5ing and has turned int) a li3e )3 abundance&
He sh)uld n)t be greeted and (aited u+)n& His b)(l
and r)be sh)uld n)t be ta;en& Ne5ertheless, a seat sh)uld be
+re+ared& I3 he (ishes, let hi# sit d)(n&K
H)(e5er, as the Buddha c)ntinued t) dra( near, His august
+ers)nalit. (as such that the. (ere c)#+elled t) recei5e
Hi# (ith due h)n)ur& One ca#e 3)r(ard and t)); His b)(l
and r)be, an)ther +re+ared a seat, and .et an)ther ;e+t (ater
3)r His 3eet& Ne5ertheless, the. addressed Hi# b. na#e and
called Hi# 3riend @a5us)A, a 3)r# )3 address a++lied generall.
t) Huni)rs and eGuals&
At this the Buddha addressed the# thus$
JD) n)t, O Bhi;;hus, address the Tathagata b. na#e )r b.
the title Ma5us)>& An E2alted One, O Bhi;;hus, is the Tathagata&
A *ull. Enlightened One is He& Ci5e ear, O Bhi;;husR Deathlessness
@A#ataA has been attained& I shall instruct and teach
the Dha##a& I3 .)u act acc)rding t) #. instructi)ns, .)u (ill
be3)re l)ng realiIe, b. .)ur )(n intuiti5e (isd)#, and li5e,
attaining in this li3e itsel3, that su+re#e c)nsu##ati)n )3 the
H)l. Li3e, 3)r the sa;e )3 (hich s)ns )3 n)ble 3a#ilies rightl.
lea5e the h)useh)ld 3)r h)#elessness&K
Thereu+)n the 3i5e ascetics re+lied$
JB. that de#ean)ur )3 .)urs, a5us) C)ta#a, b. that disci+line,
b. th)se +ain3ul austerities, .)u did n)t attain t) an.
8=
su+erhu#an s+eci3ic ;n)(ledge and insight ()rth. )3 an
Ari.a& H)( (ill .)u, (hen .)u ha5e bec)#e lu2uri)us, ha5e
gi5en u+ stri5ing, and ha5e turned int) a li3e )3 abundance,
gain an. such su+erhu#an s+eci3ic ;n)(ledge and insight
()rth. )3 an Ari.aBK
In e2+lanati)n the Buddha said$ JThe Tathagata, O Bhi;;hus,
is n)t lu2uri)us, has n)t gi5en u+ stri5ing, and has n)t turned
int) a li3e )3 abundance& An E2alted One is the Tathagata& A
*ull. Enlightened One is He& Ci5e ear, O Bhi;;husR Deathlessness
has been attained& I shall instruct and teach the Dha##a&
I3 .)u act acc)rding t) #. instructi)ns, .)u (ill be3)re l)ng
realiIe, b. .)ur )(n intuiti5e (isd)#, and li5e, attaining in
this li3e itsel3, that su+re#e c)nsu##ati)n )3 the H)l. Li3e,
3)r the sa;e )3 (hich s)ns )3 n)ble 3a#ilies rightl. lea5e the
h)useh)ld 3)r h)#elessness&K
*)r the sec)nd ti#e the +reHudiced ascetics e2+ressed their
disa++)int#ent in the sa#e #anner&
*)r the sec)nd ti#e the Buddha reassured the# )3 His attain#ent
t) Enlighten#ent&
'hen the ada#ant ascetics re3using t) belie5e Hi#, e2+ressed
their 5ie( 3)r the third ti#e, the Buddha Guesti)ned
the# thus$ JD) .)u ;n)(, O Bhi;;hus, )3 an )ccasi)n (hen I
e5er s+);e t) .)u thus be3)reBK
JNa., indeed, L)rdRK
The Buddha re+eated 3)r the third ti#e that He had gained
Enlighten#ent and that the. als) c)uld realiIe the Truth i3
the. ()uld act acc)rding t) His instructi)ns&
It (as indeed a 3ran; utterance, issuing 3r)# the sacred
li+s )3 the Buddha& The cultured ascetics, th)ugh ada#ant in
their 5ie(s, (ere then 3ull. c)n5inced )3 the great achie5e#ent
)3 the Buddha and )3 His c)#+etence t) act as their
/
#)ral guide and teacher&
The. belie5ed His ()rd and sat in silence t) listen t) His
N)ble Teaching&
T() )3 the ascetics the Buddha instructed, (hile three
(ent )ut 3)r al#s& 'ith (hat the three ascetics br)ught 3r)#
#)ral guide and teacher&
The. belie5ed His ()rd and sat in silence t) listen t) His
N)ble Teaching&
T() )3 the ascetics the Buddha instructed, (hile three
(ent )ut 3)r al#s& 'ith (hat the three ascetics br)ught 3r)#
e
ascetics He instructed, (hile t() ascetics (ent )ut 3)r al#s&
'ith (hat the t() br)ught si2 sustained the#sel5es&
And th)se 3i5e ascetics thus ad#)nished and instructed
b. the Buddha, being the#sel5es subHect t) birth, deca., death,
s)rr)(, and +assi)ns, realiIed the real nature )3 li3e and, see;ing
)ut the birthless, deca.less, diseaseless, deathless, s)rr)("
less, +assi)nless, inc)#+arable Su+re#e ?eace, Nibbana, attained
the inc)#+arable Securit., Nibbana, (hich is 3ree 3r)#
birth, deca., disease, death, s)rr)(, and +assi)ns, The ;n)(ledge
ar)se in the# that their Deli5erance (as unsha;able,
that it (as their last birth and that there ()uld be n) #)re )3
this state again&
Dha##aca;;a++a5attana Sutta,/:
(hich deals, (ith the 3)ur
N)ble Truths, (as the 3irst disc)urse deli5ered b. the Buddha
t) the#& Hearing it, K)ndaQQa, the eldest, attained the 3irst
stage )3 Sainth))d& A3ter recei5ing 3urther instructi)ns, the
)ther 3)ur attained S)ta+atti/<
later& On hearing the Anattala;;hana
Sutta,/1
(hich deals (ith s)ul"lessness, all the 3i5e
attained Arahantshi+, the 3inal stage )3 Sainth))d&
The *irst *i5e Disci+les
The 3i5e learned #)n;s (h) thus attained Arahantshi+ and
/:&
See cha+ter :&
/<&
Lit& Strea#"'inner&
/1&
See cha+ter :&
86
beca#e the Buddha>s 3irst disci+les (ere K)ndaQQa, Bhaddi.a,
Va++a, Mahana#a, and AssaHi )3 the brah#in clan&
beca#e the Buddha>s 3irst disci+les (ere K)ndaQQa, Bhaddi.a,
Va++a, Mahana#a, and AssaHi )3 the brah#in clan&
The 5enerable K)ndaQQa beca#e the 3irst Arahant and the
#)st seni)r #e#ber )3 the Sangha& It (as AssaHi, )ne )3 the
3i5e, (h) c)n5erted the great Sari+utta, the chie3 disci+le )3
the Buddha&
!
87
4ha+ter : 4ha+ter :
Dha##aca;;a++a5attana Sutta
The *irst Disc)urse
JThe best )3 ?aths is the Eight3)ld ?ath& The best )3 Truths are the 3)ur Sa.ings&
N)nattach#ent
is the best )3 states& The best )3 bi+eds is the Seeing One&K
D Dha##a+ada
Intr)ducti)n
Ancient India (as n)ted 3)r distinguished +hil)s)+hers and
religi)us teachers (h) held di5erse 5ie(s (ith regard t) li3e
and its g)al& Brah#aHala Sutta )3 the Digha Ni;a.a #enti)ns
si2t. t() 5arieties )3 +hil)s)+hical the)ries that +re5ailed in
the ti#e )3 the Buddha&
One e2tre#e 5ie( that (as dia#etricall. )++)sed t) all
current religi)us belie3s (as the nihilistic teaching )3 the
#aterialists (h) (ere als) ter#ed 4ar5a;as a3ter the na#e )3
the 3)under&
Acc)rding t) ancient #aterialis# (hich, in ?ali and Sa#s;rit,
(as ;n)(n as L);a.ata, #an is annihilated a3ter death,
lea5ing behind hi# (hate5er 3)rce generated b. hi#& In their
)+ini)n death is the end )3 all& This +resent ()rld al)ne is
real& JEat, drin;, and be #err., 3)r death c)#es t) all,K a++ears
t) be the ideal )3 their s.ste#& JVirtueK, the. sa., Jis a
delusi)n and enH).#ent is the )nl. realit.& eligi)n is a 3))lish
aberrati)n, a #ental disease& There (as a distrust )3 e5er.thing
g))d, high, +ure and c)#+assi)nate& Their the)r.
stands 3)r sensualis# and sel3ishness and the gr)ss a33ir#ati)n
)3 the l)ud (ill& There is n) need t) c)ntr)l +assi)n and
instinct, since the. are the nature>s legac. t) #en&/
/& Sri adha;rishnan, Indian ?hil)s)+h., 5)l& /, ++& 61/D616&
89
An)ther e2tre#e 5ie( (as that e#anci+ati)n (as +)ssible
An)ther e2tre#e 5ie( (as that e#anci+ati)n (as +)ssible
ligi)us d)ctrine 3ir#l. held b. the ascetics )3 the highest )rder&
The 3i5e #)n;s that attended )n the B)dhisatta, during His
struggle 3)r Enlighten#ent, tenaci)usl. adhered t) this belie3&
In acc)rdance (ith this 5ie( the Buddha, t)), be3)re His
Enlighten#ent subHected Hi#sel3 t) all 3)r#s )3 austerit.&
A3ter an e2tra)rdinar. struggle 3)r si2 .ears He realiIed the
utter 3utilit. )3 sel3"#)rti3icati)n& 4)nseGuentl., He changed
His unsuccess3ul hard c)urse and ad)+ted a #iddle (a.& His
3a5)urite disci+les thus l)st c)n3idence in Hi# and deserted
Hi#, sa.ing D JThe ascetic C)ta#a had bec)#e lu2uri)us, had
ceased 3r)# stri5ing, and had returned t) a li3e )3 c)#3)rt&K
Their une2+ected deserti)n (as de3initel. a #aterial l)ss
t) Hi# as the. #inistered t) all His needs& Ne5ertheless, He
(as n)t disc)uraged& The ir)n"(illed B)dhisatta #ust ha5e
+r)babl. 3elt ha++. 3)r being le3t al)ne& 'ith unabated enthusias#
and (ith rest)red energ. He +ersistentl. str)5e until
He attained Enlighten#ent, the )bHect )3 His li3e&
?recisel. t() #)nths a3ter His Enlighten#ent )n the
Asalha @-ul.A 3ull #))n da. the Buddha deli5ered His 3irst disc)urse
t) the 3i5e #)n;s that attended )n Hi#&
The 3irst Disc)urse )3 the Buddha
Dha##aca;;a is the na#e gi5en t) this 3irst disc)urse )3 the
Buddha& It is 3reGuentl. re+resented as #eaning JThe Kingd)#
)3 Truth&K JThe Kingd)# )3 ighte)us"ness&K JThe 'heel
)3 Truth&K Acc)rding t) the c)##entat)rs Dha##a here
#eans (isd)# )r ;n)(ledge, and 4a;;a #eans 3)unding )r
establish#ent& Dha##aca;;a there3)re #eans the 3)unding )r
establish#ent )3 (isd)#& Dha##aca;;a++a5attana #eans The
88
E2+)sit)n )3 the Establish#ent )3 'isd)#& Dha##a #a. als)
be inter+reted as Truth, and ca;;a as (heel& Dha##aca;;a++a5attana
()uld there3)re #ean D The Turning )r The Establish#ent
)3 the 'heel )3 Truth&
E2+)sit)n )3 the Establish#ent )3 'isd)#& Dha##a #a. als)
be inter+reted as Truth, and ca;;a as (heel& Dha##aca;;a++a5attana
()uld there3)re #ean D The Turning )r The Establish#ent
)3 the 'heel )3 Truth&
)
a5)id the e2tre#es )3 sel3"indulgence and sel3"#)rti3icati)n
as b)th d) n)t lead t) +er3ect ?eace and Enlighten#ent& The
3)r#er retards )ne>s s+iritual +r)gress, the latter (ea;ens
)ne>s intellect& He criticiIed b)th 5ie(s as He realiIed b. +ers)nal
e2+erience their 3utilit. and enunciated the #)st +racticable,
rati)nal and bene3icial +ath, (hich al)ne leads t) +er3ect
+urit. and abs)lute Deli5erance&
This disc)urse (as e2+)unded b. the Buddha (hile He
(as residing at the Deer ?ar; in Isi+atana near Benares&
The intellectual 3i5e #)n;s (h) (ere cl)sel. ass)ciated
(ith the Buddha 3)r si2 .ears (ere the )nl. hu#an beings
that (ere +resent t) hear the ser#)n& B));s state that #an.
in5isible beings such as De5as and Brah#as als) t)); ad5antage
)3 the g)lden )++)rtunit. )3 listening t) the ser#)n& As
Buddhists belie5e in the e2istence )3 real#s )ther than this
()rld, inhabited b. beings (ith subtle b)dies i#+erce+tible
t) the +h.sical e.e, +)ssibl. #an. De5as and Brah#as (ere
als) +resent )n this great )ccasi)n& Ne5ertheless, it is clear
that the Buddha (as directl. addressing the 3i5e #)n;s and
the disc)urse (as intended #ainl. 3)r the#&
At the )utset the Buddha cauti)ned the# t) a5)id the t()
e2tre#es& His actual ()rds (ere$ JThere are t() e2tre#es
@antaA (hich sh)uld n)t be res)rted t) b. a recluse @+abbaHitenaA&K
8:
S+ecial e#+hasis (as laid )n the t() ter#s JantaK (hich
#eans end )r e2tre#e and J+abbaHitaK (hich #eans )ne (h)
has ren)unced the ()rld&
S+ecial e#+hasis (as laid )n the t() ter#s JantaK (hich
#eans end )r e2tre#e and J+abbaHitaK (hich #eans )ne (h)
has ren)unced the ()rld&
The Buddha described this e2tre#e as base, 5ulgar, ()rldl.,
ign)ble, and +r)3itless& This sh)uld n)t be #isunderst))d t)
#ean that the Buddha e2+ects all His 3)ll)(ers t) gi5e u+ #aterial
+leasures and retire t) a 3)rest (ith)ut enH).ing this li3e&
The Buddha (as n)t s) narr)("#inded&
'hate5er the deluded sensualist #a. 3eel ab)ut it, t) the
dis+assi)nate thin;er the enH).#ent )3 sensual +leasures is
distinctl. sh)rt"li5ed, ne5er c)#+letel. satis3.ing, and results
in un+leasant reacti)ns& S+ea;ing )3 ()rldl. ha++iness, the
Buddha sa.s that the acGuisiti)n )3 (ealth and the enH).#ent
)3 +)ssessi)ns are t() s)urces )3 +leasure 3)r a la.#an& An
understanding recluse ()uld n)t h)(e5er see; delight in the
+ursuit )3 these 3leeting +leasures& T) the sur+rise )3 the a5erage
#an he #ight shun the#& 'hat c)nstitutes +leasure t)
the 3)r#er is a s)urce )3 alar# t) the latter t) (h)# renunciati)n
al)ne is +leasure&
The )ther e2tre#e is the c)nstant addicti)n t) sel3"
#)rti3icati)n @atta;ila#athanu.)gaA& 4)##enting )n this e2tre#e,
(hich is n)t +ractised b. the )rdinar. #an, the Buddha
re#ar;s that it is +ain3ul, ign)ble, and +r)3itless& Unli;e the
3irst e2tre#e this is n)t described as base, ()rldl., and 5ulgar&
The selecti)n )3 these three ter#s is 5er. stri;ing& As a rule
it is the sincere recluse (h) has ren)unced his attach#ent t)
sensual +leasures that res)rts t) this +ain3ul #eth)d, #ainl.
(ith the )bHect )3 gaining his deli5erance 3r)# the ills )3 li3e&
The Buddha, (h) has had +ain3ul e2+erience )3 this +r)3itless
8<
c)urse, describes it as useless& It )nl. #ulti+lies su33ering instead
)3 di#inishing it&
c)urse, describes it as useless& It )nl. #ulti+lies su33ering instead
)3 di#inishing it&
The Buddha at 3irst cleared the issues and re#)5ed the
3alse n)ti)ns )3 His hearers&
'hen their tr)ubled #inds beca#e +liable and rece+ti5e
the Buddha related His +ers)nal e2+erience (ith regard t)
these t() e2tre#es&
The Buddha sa.s that He @the TathagataA, realiIing the err)r
)3 b)th these t() e2tre#es, 3)ll)(ed a #iddle +ath& This ne(
+ath )r (a. (as disc)5ered b. Hi#sel3& The Buddha ter#ed
His ne( s.ste# MaHHhi#a ?ati+ada D the Middle 'a.& T) +ersuade
His disci+les t) gi5e heed t) His ne( +ath He s+);e )3
its 5ari)us blessings& Unli;e the t() dia#etricall. )++)site
e2tre#es this #iddle +ath +r)duces s+iritual insight and intellectual
(isd)# t) see things as the. trul. are& 'hen the in
sight is clari3ied and the intellect is shar+ened e5er.thing is
seen in its true +ers+ecti5e&
*urther#)re, unli;e the 3irst e2tre#e (hich sti#ulates
+assi)ns, this Middle 'a. leads t) the subHugati)n )3 +assi)ns
(hich results in ?eace& Ab)5e all it leads t) the attain#ent
)3 the 3)ur su+ra#undane ?aths )3 Sainth))d, t) the understanding
)3 the 3)ur N)ble Truths, and 3inall. t) the realiIati)n
)3 the ulti#ate C)al, Nibbana&
N)(, (hat is the Middle 'a.B The Buddha re+lies$ It is
1
the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath& The eight 3act)rs are then enu#erated
in the disc)urse&
the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath& The eight 3act)rs are then enu#erated
in the disc)urse&
ight Understanding deals (ith the ;n)(ledge )3 )nesel3
as )ne reall. isL it leads t) ight Th)ughts )3 n)n"attach#ent
)r renunciati)n @ne;;ha##a sa#;a++aA, l)5ing";indness
@a5.a+ada sa#;a++aA, and har#lessness @a5ihi#sasa#;a++aA,
(hich are )++)sed t) sel3ishness, ill(ill, and cruelt. res+ecti5el.&
ight Th)ughts result in ight S+eech, ight Acti)n,
and ight Li5elih))d, (hich three 3act)rs +er3ect )ne>s #)ralit.&
The si2th 3act)r is ight E33)rt (hich deals (ith the eli#inati)n
)3 e5il states and the de5el)+#ent )3 g))d states in
)nesel3& This sel3"+uri3icati)n is best d)ne b. a care3ul intr)s+ecti)n,
3)r (hich ight Mind3ulness, the se5enth 3act)r, is
essential& E33)rt, c)#bined (ith Mind3ulness, +r)duces ight
4)ncentrati)n )r )ne"+)intedness )3 the #ind, the eighth 3act)r&
A )ne"+)inted #ind rese#bles a +)lished #irr)r (here
e5er.thing is clearl. re3lected (ith n) dist)rti)n&
?re3acing the disc)urse (ith the t() e2tre#es and His
ne(l. disc)5ered Middle 'a., the Buddha e2+)unded the
*)ur N)ble Truths in detail&
Sacca is the ?ali ter# 3)r Truth (hich #eans that (hich is&
Its Sa#s;rit eGui5alent is sat.a (hich den)tes an inc)ntr)5ertible
3act& The Buddha enunciates 3)ur such Truths, the 3)undati)ns
)3 His teaching, (hich are ass)ciated (ith the s)"called
being& Hence His d)ctrine is h)#)centric, )++)sed t) the)centric
religi)ns& It is intr)5ert and n)t e2tr)5ert& 'hether the
Buddha arises )r n)t these Truths e2ist, and it is a Buddha
0
that re5eals the# t) the deluded ()rld& The. d) n)t and cann)t
change (ith ti#e, because the. are eternal truths& The
Buddha (as n)t indebted t) an.)ne 3)r His realiIati)n )3 the#,
as He Hi#sel3 re#ar;ed in this disc)urse thus$ J'ith regard
t) things unheard be3)re, there ar)se in #e the e.e, the ;n)(ledge,
the (isd)#, the insight and the light&K These ()rds are
that re5eals the# t) the deluded ()rld& The. d) n)t and cann)t
change (ith ti#e, because the. are eternal truths& The
Buddha (as n)t indebted t) an.)ne 3)r His realiIati)n )3 the#,
as He Hi#sel3 re#ar;ed in this disc)urse thus$ J'ith regard
t) things unheard be3)re, there ar)se in #e the e.e, the ;n)(ledge,
the (isd)#, the insight and the light&K These ()rds are
s
ne( Teaching& Hence there is n) Husti3icati)n in the state#ent
that Buddhis# is a natural )utgr)(th )3 Hinduis#, alth)ugh
it is true that there are s)#e 3unda#ental d)ctrines c)##)n
t) b)th s.ste#s&
These Truths are in ?ali ter#ed Ari.a Saccani& The. are
s) called because the. (ere disc)5ered b. the Createst Ari.a,
that is, )ne (h) is 3ar re#)5ed 3r)# +assi)ns&
The *irst N)ble Truth deals (ith du;;ha (hich, 3)r need
)3 a better English eGui5alent, is ina++r)+riatel. rendered b.
su33ering )r s)rr)(& As a 3eeling du;;ha #eans that (hich is
di33icult t) be endured& As an abstract truth du;;ha is used
in the sense )3 c)nte#+tible @duA e#+tiness @;haA& The ()rld
rests )n su33ering D hence it is c)nte#+tible& It is de5)id )3 an.
realit. D hence it is e#+t. )r 5)id& Du;;ha there3)re #eans
c)nte#+tible 5)id&
A5erage #en are )nl. sur3ace"seers& An Ari.a sees things
as the. trul. are&
T) an Ari.a all li3e is su33ering and he 3inds n) real ha++iness
in this ()rld (hich decei5es #an;ind (ith illus)r.
+leasures& Material ha++iness is #erel. the grati3icati)n )3
s)#e desire&
All are subHect t) birth @HatiA and c)nseGuentl. t) deca.
@HaraA, disease @5.adhiA and 3inall. t) death @#aranaA& N) )ne is
e2e#+t 3r)# these 3)ur causes )3 su33ering&
:=
'ish un3ul3illed is als) su33ering& As a rule )ne d)es n)t
(ish t) be ass)ciated (ith things )r +ers)ns )ne detests n)r
d)es )ne (ish t) be se+arated 3r)# things )r +ers)ns )ne
li;es& One>s cherished desires are n)t h)(e5er al(a.s grati3ied&
At ti#es (hat )ne least e2+ects )r (hat )ne least desires
is thrust )n )nesel3& Such une2+ected un+leasant circu#stances
bec)#e s) int)lerable and +ain3ul that (ea; ign)rant
+e)+le are c)#+elled t) c)##it suicide as i3 such an
act ()uld s)l5e the +r)ble#&
'ish un3ul3illed is als) su33ering& As a rule )ne d)es n)t
(ish t) be ass)ciated (ith things )r +ers)ns )ne detests n)r
d)es )ne (ish t) be se+arated 3r)# things )r +ers)ns )ne
li;es& One>s cherished desires are n)t h)(e5er al(a.s grati3ied&
At ti#es (hat )ne least e2+ects )r (hat )ne least desires
is thrust )n )nesel3& Such une2+ected un+leasant circu#stances
bec)#e s) int)lerable and +ain3ul that (ea; ign)rant
+e)+le are c)#+elled t) c)##it suicide as i3 such an
act ()uld s)l5e the +r)ble#&
N)r#all. the enH).#ent )3 sensual +leasures is the highest
and )nl. ha++iness )3 the a5erage +ers)n& There is n) d)ubt
s)#e #)#entar. ha++iness in the antici+ati)n, grati3icati)n,
and retr)s+ecti)n )3 such 3leeting #aterial +leasures, but the.
are illus)r. and te#+)rar.& Acc)rding t) the Buddha n)n"attach#ent
@5iragattaA )r the transcending )3 #aterial +leasures
is a greater bliss&
In brie3 this c)#+)site b)d. @+aQcu+adana;;handhaA itsel3
is a cause )3 su33ering&
There are three ;inds )3 cra5ing& The 3irst is the gr)ssest
3)r# )3 cra5ing, (hich is si#+le attach#ent t) all sensual
+leasures @;a#atanhaA& The sec)nd is attach#ent t) e2istence
@bha5atanhaA& The third is attach#ent t) n)n"e2istence
@5ibha5atanhaA& Acc)rding t) the c)##entaries the last
t() ;inds )3 cra5ing are attach#ent t) sensual +leasures c)nnected
(ith the belie3 )3 Eternalis# @sassataditthiA and that
(hich is c)nnected (ith the belie3 )3 Nihilis# @ucchedaditthiA&
:/
Bha5atanha #a. als) be inter+reted as attach#ent t) eal#s
)3 *)r# and 5ibha5atanha, as attach#ent t)
*)r#less eal#s since u+araga and Aru+araga are treated
as t() *etters @sa#.)HanasA&
Bha5atanha #a. als) be inter+reted as attach#ent t) eal#s
)3 *)r# and 5ibha5atanha, as attach#ent t)
*)r#less eal#s since u+araga and Aru+araga are treated
as t() *etters @sa#.)HanasA&
t
(hich #a;es )ne cling t) all 3)r#s )3 li3e&
The gr)ssest 3)r#s )3 cra5ing are attenuated )n attaining
Sa;adaga#i, the sec)nd stage )3 Sainth))d, and are eradicated
)n attaining Anaga#i, the third stage )3 Sainth))d& The subtle
3)r#s )3 cra5ing are eradicated )n attaining Arahantshi+&
ight Understanding )3 the *irst N)ble Truth leads t) the
eradicati)n @+ahatabbaA )3 cra5ing& The Sec)nd N)ble Truth
thus deals (ith the #ental attitude )3 the )rdinar. #an t)(ards
the e2ternal )bHects )3 sense&
The Third N)ble Truth is that there is a c)#+lete cessati)n
)3 su33ering (hich is Nibbana, the ulti#ate g)al )3 Buddhists&
It can be achie5ed in this li3e itsel3 b. the t)tal eradicati)n )3
all 3)r#s )3 cra5ing&
This Nibbana is t) be c)#+rehended @sacchi;atabbaA b. the
#ental e.e b. ren)uncing all attach#ent t) the e2ternal ()rld&
This *irst Truth )3 su33ering (hich de+ends )n this s)"
called being and 5ari)us as+ects )3 li3e, is t) be care3ull. +er
cei5ed, anal.sed and e2a#ined @+ariQQe..aA& This e2a#inati)n
leads t) a +r)+er understanding )3 )nesel3 as )ne reall. is&
The cause )3 this su33ering is cra5ing )r attach#ent @tanhaA&
This is the Sec)nd N)ble Truth&
The Dha##a+ada states$
J*r)# cra5ing s+rings grie3, 3r)# cra5ing s+rings 3earL *)r
hi# (h) is (h)ll. 3ree 3r)# cra5ing, there is n) grie3, #uch
:6
less 3ear&K @V 6/:A&
4ra5ing, the Buddha sa.s, leads t) re+eated births @+)n)
less 3ear&K @V 6/:A&
4ra5ing, the Buddha sa.s, leads t) re+eated births @+)n)e
sch)lars (h) state that the Buddha did n)t teach the d)ctrine
)3 rebirth& This Sec)nd Truth indirectl. deals (ith the +ast,
+resent and 3uture births&
This Third N)ble Truth has t) be realiIed b. de5el)+ing
@bha5etabbaA the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath @ari.atthangi;a #aggaA&
This uniGue +ath is the )nl. straight (a. t) Nibbana& This is
the *)urth N)ble Truth&
E2+)unding the *)ur Truths in 5ari)us (a.s, the Buddha
c)ncluded the disc)urse (ith the 3)rcible ()rds$
JAs l)ng, O Bhi;;hus, as the abs)lute true intuiti5e ;n)(ledge
regarding these *)ur N)ble Truths under their three as+ects
and t(el5e #)des (as n)t +er3ectl. clear t) #e, s) l)ng
I did n)t ac;n)(ledge that I had gained the inc)#+arable Su+re#e
Enlighten#ent&
J'hen the abs)lute true intuiti5e ;n)(ledge regarding these
Truths beca#e +er3ectl. clear t) #e, then )nl. did I ac;n)(ledge
that I had gained the inc)#+arable Su+re#e Enlighten#ent @anuttara
sa##asa#b)dhiA&
JAnd there ar)se in #e the ;n)(ledge and insight$ Unsha;able
is the deli5erance )3 #. #ind, this is #. last birth, and n)( there
is n) e2istence again&K
At the end )3 the disc)urse K)ndaQQa, the seni)r )3 the 3i5e
disci+les, underst))d the Dha##a and, attaining the 3irst
stage )3 Sainth))d, realiIed that (hate5er is subHect t) )riginati)n
all that is subHect t) cessati)n D !a# ;iQci sa#uda.ad
ha##a# sabba# ta# nir)dhadha##a#&
'hen the Buddha e2+)unded the disc)urse )3 the Dha##aca;;a,
the earth"b)und deities e2clai#ed$ JThis e2cellent
:7
Dha##aca;;a, (hich c)uld n)t be e2+)unded b. an. ascetic,
+riest, g)d, Mara )r Brah#a in this ()rld, has been e2+)unded
b. the E2alted One at the Deer ?ar;, in Isi+atana,
near Benares&K
Hearing this, De5as and Brah#as )3 all the )ther +lanes
als) raised the sa#e H).)us cr.&
A radiant light, sur+assing the e33ulgence )3 the g)ds, a++eared
in the ()rld&
The light )3 the Dha##a illu#ined the (h)le ()rld, and
br)ught +eace and ha++iness t) all beings&
F
The *irst Disc)urse )3 The Buddha
Dha##aca;;a++a5attana Sutta
Thus ha5e I heard$
On )ne )ccasi)n the E2alted One (as residing at the Deer
?ar;,6 in Isi+atana,7 near Benares& Thereu+)n the E2alted One
addressed the gr)u+ )3 3i5e Bhi;;hus as 3)ll)(s$
JThere are these t() e2tre#es @antaA, O Bhi;;hus, (hich
sh)uld be a5)ided b. )ne (h) has ren)unced @+abbaHitenaA D
@iA Indulgence in sensual +leasures9 D this is base, 5ulgar,
()rldl., ign)ble and +r)3itlessL and,
@iiA Addicti)n t) sel3"#)rti3icati)n8 D this is +ain3ul, ign)ble
and +r)3itless&
Aband)ning b)th these e2tre#es the Tathagata: has c)#
6& Maha5agga +& /=, Sa#.utta Ni;a.a V)l& V, +& 96=&
& M)dern Saranath (here, in a 3)r#er e2istence, the Master sacri3iced His li3e
t) sa5e a hel+less d)e and her unb)rn little )ne& The l)calit. ta;es its #)dern
na#e 3r)# the B)dhisatta (h), in that ancient birth, (as Saranganatha, +r)tect)r
)3 the deer&
9& Ka#asu;halli;anu.)ga&
& Atta;ila#athanu.)ga&
:& Lit& D JThus (h) hath c)#eK )r JThus (h) hath g)ne&K 'hen the Buddha re
:9
+rehended the Middle ?ath @MaHHhi#a ?ati+adaA (hich +r)#)tes
sight @ca;;huA and ;n)(ledge @QanaA, and (hich tends
t) +eace @5u+asa#a.aA,
+rehended the Middle ?ath @MaHHhi#a ?ati+adaA (hich +r)#)tes
sight @ca;;huA and ;n)(ledge @QanaA, and (hich tends
t) +eace @5u+asa#a.aA,higher (isd)# @abhiQQa.aA,1 enlighten#ent
@sa#b)dha.aA,0 and Nibbana&
'hat, O Bhi;;hus, is that Middle ?ath the Tathagata has
c)#+rehended (hich +r)#)tes sight and ;n)(ledge, and
(hich tends t) +eace, higher (isd)#, enlighten#ent, and
NibbanaB
The 5er. N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath D na#el., ight Understanding
@sa##a ditthiA, ight Th)ughts @sa##a sa#;a++aA, ight
S+eech @sa##a 5acaA, ight Acti)n @sa##a ;a##antaA, ight
Li5elih))d @sa##a aHi5aA, ight E33)rt @sa##a 5a.a#aA, ight
Mind3ulness @sa##a satiA, and ight 4)ncentrati)n @sa##a
sa#adhiA, D This, O Bhi;;hus is the Middle ?ath (hich the
Tathagata has c)#+rehended&K @The Buddha c)ntinuedA$
N)(, this, O Bhi;;hus, is the N)ble Truth )3 Su33ering
@du;;haari.asaccaAR
Birth is su33ering, deca. is su33ering, disease is su33ering,
death is su33ering, t) be united (ith the un+leasant is su33ering,
t) be se+arated 3r)# the +leasant is su33ering, n)t t) get
(hat )ne desires is su33ering& In brie3 the 3i5e aggregates/= )3
attach#ent are su33ering&
3ers t) Hi#sel3 He usuall. uses this e+ithet&
<&
SubHugati)n )3 +assi)ns&
1&
ealiIati)n )3 the *)ur N)ble Truths&
0&
Attain#ent )3 the 3)ur ?aths and 3)ur *ruits )3 Saintshi+&
/=&
?aQca+adana;;handha D Acc)rding t) Buddhis# this s)"called being is c)#+)sed
)3 3i5e gr)u+s, 5iI$ u+a, #atter, Vedana, 3eeling, SaQQa, +erce+ti)n, Sa#;hara,
#ental states and ViQQana, c)nsci)usness& These are the 3i5e +s.ch)"+h.sical
c)#+)nent +arts that c)nstitute an indi5idual& Matter is c)#+)sed )3 3)rces
and Gualities& Mind t)) is c)#+)sed )3 #ental states @cetasi;asA& The. are 3i3t."
t() in nu#ber& )3 the# Vedana, and SaQQa are treated as t() distinct gr)u+s&
The re#aining 3i3t. are c)llecti5el. called Sa#;hara&
:8
N)(, this, O Bhi;;hus, is the N)ble Truth )3 the 4ause )3
Su33ering @du;;hasa#uda.aari.asaccaA$
N)(, this, O Bhi;;hus, is the N)ble Truth )3 the 4ause )3
Su33ering @du;;hasa#uda.aari.asaccaA$
N)(, this, O Bhi;;hus, is the N)ble Truth )3 the 4essati)n
)3 Su33ering @du;;ha nir)dhaari.asacca$A
It is the c)#+lete se+arati)n 3r)#, and destructi)n )3, this
5er. cra5ing, its 3)rsa;ing, renunciati)n, the liberati)n there3r)#,
and n)n"attach#ent theret)&
N)(, this, O Bhi;;hus, is the N)ble Truth )3 the ?ath
leading t) the 4essati)n )3 Su33ering @du;;hanir)dhaga#ini+ati+adaari.asaccaA&
It is this N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath, na#el.$
ight Understanding, ight Th)ughts, ight S+eech, ight
Acti)n, ight Li5elih))d, ight E33)rt, ight Mind3ulness and
ight 4)ncentrati)n&
/&
@iA JThis is the N)ble Truth )3 Su33ering&K
@iiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 Su33ering sh)uld be +ercei5ed
@+ariQQe..aA&K
Thus, O Bhi;;hus, (ith res+ect t) things unheard be3)re,
there ar)se in #e the e.e, the ;n)(ledge, the (isd)#, the insight,
and the light&
and the light&
@iiiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 Su33ering has been +ercei5ed
@+ariQQataA&K
::
and the light&
and the light&
@iA JThis is the N)ble Truth )3 the 4ause )3 Su33ering&K
and the light&
@iiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 the 4ause )3 Su33ering sh)uld be
eradicated @+ahatabbaA&K
and the light&
@iiiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 the 4ause )3 Su33ering has been
eradicated @+ahina#A&K
and the light&
7&
@iA JThis is the N)ble Truth )3 4essati)n )3 Su33ering&K
and the light&
@iiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 the 4essati)n )3 Su33ering sh)uld
be realiIed @sacchi;atabbaA&K
and the light&
@iiiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 the 4essati)n )3 Su33ering has
been realiIed @sacchi;ata#A&K
:<
and the light&
and the light&
@iA JThis is the N)ble Truth )3 the ?ath leading t) the 4essati)n
)3 Su33ering&K
and the light&
@iiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 the ?ath leading t) the 4essati)n
)3 Su33ering sh)uld be de5el)+ed @bha5etabba#A&K
and the light&
@iiiA JThis N)ble Truth )3 the ?ath leading t) the 4essati)n
)3 Su33ering has been de5el)+ed @bha5ita#A&K
and the light&
@4)ncluding His Disc)urse, the Buddha saidA$
As l)ng, O bhi;;hus, as the abs)lute true intuiti5e ;n)(ledge
regarding these *)ur N)ble Truths under their three as+ects//
and t(el5e #)des/6
(as n)t +er3ectl. clear t) #e, s)
l)ng I did n)t ac;n)(ledge in this ()rld inclusi5e )3 g)ds,
Maras and Brah#as and a#)ngst the h)sts )3 ascetics and
+riests, g)ds and #en, that I had gained the Inc)#+arable Su+re#e
Enlighten#ent @anuttara#sa##asa#b)dhi#A&
//&
The. are$ @iA the ;n)(ledge )3 the *)ur Truths @saccaQanaAL @iiA the ;n)(ledge
as regards the res+ecti5e 3uncti)n )3 the *)ur Truths @;iccaQanaAL and @iiiA the
;n)(ledge that the res+ecti5e 3uncti)n )3 each Truth has been acc)#+lished
@;ata QanaA&
/6&
Each Truth c)nsists )3 three as+ects& Thus 3)ur Truths c)nsist )3 t(el5e #)des&
:1
'hen, O Bhi;;hus, the abs)lute true intuiti5e ;n)(ledge
'hen, O Bhi;;hus, the abs)lute true intuiti5e ;n)(ledge
s
and t(el5e #)des, beca#e +er3ectl. clear t) #e, then )nl. did
I ac;n)(ledge in this ()rld inclusi5e )3 g)ds, Maras, Brah#as,
a#)ngst the h)sts )3 ascetics and +riests, g)ds and #en,
that I had gained the Inc)#+arable Su+re#e Enlighten#ent&
And there ar)se in #e the ;n)(ledge and insight
@QanadassanaA D JUnsha;able is the deli5erance )3 #. #ind&/
This is #. last birth, and n)( there is n) e2istence again&K
Thus the E2alted One disc)ursed, and the delighted
Bhi;;hus a++lauded the ()rds )3 the E2alted One&
'hen this d)ctrine (as being e2+)unded there ar)se in
the Venerable K)ndaQQa the dustless, stainless, Truth"seeing
E.e @Dha##aca;;huA/9
and he sa( that J(hate5er is subHect t)
)riginati)n all that is subHect t) cessati)n&K/
'hen the Buddha e2+)unded the disc)urse )3 the
Dha##aca;;a, the earth"b)und deities e2clai#ed$N JThis
e2cellent Dha##aca;;a (hich c)uld n)t be e2+)unded b.
an. ascetic, +riest, g)d, Mara )r Brah#a in this ()rld has
been e2+)unded b. the E2alted One at the Deer ?ar;, in Isi+atana,
near Benares&K
Hearing this, the De5as/:4atu##aharaHi;a, Ta5ati#sa, !a#a,
Tusita, Ni##anarati, ?arani##ita5asa5atti, and the Brah#as )3
Brah#a ?arisaHHa, Brah#a ?ur)hita, Maha Brah#a, ?arittabha,
A++a#anabha, Abhassara, ?arittasubha, A++a#anasubha,
/ &
The re3erence is t) the 3ruit )3 Arahantshi+ @Arahatta+halaA
/9&
Dha##aca;;hu signi3ies an. )3 the l)(er three ?aths S)ta+atti, Sa;adaga#i, and
Anaga#i& K)ndaQQa attained the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d @S)ta+attiA& The )ther
Bhi;;hus attained S)ta+atti later&
/ &
!a# ;iQci sa#uda.adha##a# sabba# ta# nir)dha"dha##a#&
/:&
4elestial beings )3 De5a and Brah#a +lanes&
:0
Subha;inna, Veha++hala, A5iha, Ata++a, Sudassa, Sudassi, and
A;anittha, als) raised the sa#e H).)us cr.&
Thus at that 5er. #)#ent, at that 5er. instant, this cr. e2tended
as 3ar as the Brah#a real#& These ten th)usand ()rld
Subha;inna, Veha++hala, A5iha, Ata++a, Sudassa, Sudassi, and
A;anittha, als) raised the sa#e H).)us cr.&
Thus at that 5er. #)#ent, at that 5er. instant, this cr. e2tended
as 3ar as the Brah#a real#& These ten th)usand ()rld
A radiant light, sur+assing the e33ulgence )3 the g)ds, a+
+eared in the ()rld& Then the E2alted One said, J*riends,
K)ndaQQa has indeed underst))d& *riends, K)ndaQQa has indeed
underst))d&K
There3)re the Venerable K)ndaQQa (as na#ed AQQata
K)ndaQQa&
S)#e e3lecti)ns )n the Dha##aca;;a Sutta
/
Buddhis# is based )n +ers)nal e2+erience& As such it is
rati)nal and n)t s+eculati5e&
6 The Buddha discarded all auth)rit. and e5)l5ed a C)lden
Mean (hich (as +urel. His )(n&
7 Buddhis# is a (a. )r a ?ath D Magga&
9 ati)nal understanding is the ;e.n)te )3 Buddhis#&
8 Blind belie3s are dethr)ned&
: Instead )3 belie3s and d)g#as the i#+)rtance )3 +ractice
is e#+hasiIed& Mere belie3s and d)g#as cann)t e#anci+ate
a +ers)n&
< ites and cere#)nies s) greatl. e#+hasiIed in the Vedas
+la. n) +art in Buddhis#&
1
There are n) g)ds t) be +r)+itiated&
0
There is n) +riestl. class t) #ediate&
/=
M)ralit. @silaA, 4)ncentrati)n @sa#adhiA, and'isd)# @+aQQaA,
are essential t) achie5e the g)al D Nibbana&
//
The 3)undati)ns )3 Buddhis# are the *)ur Truths that can
be 5eri3ied b. e2+erience&
<=
/6
The *)ur Truths are ass)ciated (ith )ne>s +ers)n D Hence
Buddhis# is h)#)centric and intr)5ert&
/
The. (ere disc)5ered b. the Buddha and He is n)t indebted
t) an.)ne 3)r the#& In His )(n ()rds D JThe.
(ere unheard )3 be3)re&K
/9
Being truths, the. cann)t change (ith ti#e&
/
The 3irst Truth )3 su33ering, (hich deals (ith the c)nstituents
)3 sel3 )r s)"called indi5idualit. and the di33erent
+hases )3 li3e, is t) be anal.sed, scrutinised and e2a#ined&
This e2a#inati)n leads t) a +r)+er understanding
)3 )nesel3&
/:
ati)nal understanding )3 the 3irst Truth leads t) the eradicati)n
)3 the cause )3 su33ering D the sec)nd Truth (hich
deals (ith the +s.ch)l)gical attitude )3 the )rdinar. #an
t)(ards the e2ternal )bHects )3 sense&
/<
The sec)nd Truth )3 su33ering is c)ncerned (ith a +)(er3ul
3)rce latent in us all&
/1
It is this +)(er3ul in5isible #ental 3)rce D cra5ing D the
cause )3 the ills )3 li3e&
/0
The sec)nd Truth indirectl. deals (ith the +ast, +resent
and 3uture births&
6=
The e2istence )3 a series )3 births is there3)re ad5)cated b.
the Buddha&
6/
The d)ctrine )3 Ka##a, its c)r)llar., is thereb. i#+lied&
66
The third Truth )3 the destructi)n )3 su33ering, th)ugh de+endent
)n )nesel3, is be.)nd l)gical reas)ning and su+ra"
#undane @l);uttaraA unli;e the 3irst t() (hich are #undane
@l);i.aA&
67
The third Truth is +urel. a sel3"realiIati)n D a Dha##a t)
be c)#+rehended b. the #ental e.e @sacchi;atabbaA&
69
This Truth is t) be realiIed b. c)#+lete renunciati)n& It
</
is n)t a case )3 ren)uncing e2ternal )bHects but internal
is n)t a case )3 ren)uncing e2ternal )bHects but internal
68
'ith the c)#+lete eradicati)n )3 this attach#ent is the
third Truth realiIed& It sh)uld be n)ted that #ere c)#+lete
destructi)n )3 this 3)rce is n)t the third Truth D Nibbana&
Then it ()uld be tanta#)unt t) annihilati)n& Nibbana has
t) be realiIed b. eradicating this 3)rce (hich binds )nesel3
t) the #undane&
6:
It sh)uld als) be underst))d that Nibbana is n)t +r)duced
@u++adetabbaA but is attained @+attabbaA& It c)uld be attained
in this li3e itsel3& It there3)re 3)ll)(s that th)ugh rebirth is
)ne )3 the chie3 d)ctrines )3 Buddhis# the g)al )3 Buddhis#
d)es n)t de+end )n a 3uture birth&
6<
The third Truth has t) be realiIed b. de5el)+ing the 3)urth
Truth&
61
T) eradicate )ne #ight. 3)rce eight +)(er3ul 3act)rs ha5e
t) be de5el)+ed&
60
All these eight 3act)rs are +urel. #ental&
7=
Eight +)(er3ul g))d #ental 3)rces are su##)ned t) attac;
)ne latent e5il 3)rce&
/
Abs)lute +urit., a c)#+lete deli5erance 3r)# all re+eated
births, a #ind released 3r)# all +assi)ns, i##)rtalit.
@a#ataA are the attendant blessings )3 this great 5ict)r.&
76
Is this deli5erance a +er3ecti)n )r abs)lute +urit.B The latter
is +re3erable&
77
In each case )ne #ight raise the Guesti)n D 'hat is being
+er3ectedB 'hat is being +uri3iedB
There is n) being )r +er#anent entit. in Buddhis#, but there
is a strea# )3 c)nsci)usness&
It is #)re c)rrect t) sa. that this strea# )3 c)nsci)usness
is +uri3ied b. )5erthr)(ing all de3ile#ents&
<6
The Sec)nd Disc)urse
Anattala;;hana Sutta/<
On )ne )ccasi)n the E2alted One (as d(elling at the Deer
?ar;, in Isi+atana, near Benares& Then the E2alted One addressed
the Band )3 3i5e Bhi;;hus, sa.ing, JO Bhi;;husRK
JL)rd,K the. re+lied& Thereu+)n the E2alted One s+);e as
3)ll)(s$ JThe b)d. @ru+aA, O Bhi;;hus, is s)ulless @anattaA& I3,
O Bhi;;hus, there (ere in this a s)ul/1
then this b)d. ()uld
n)t be subHect t) su33ering& JLet this b)d. be thus, let this b)d.
be n)t thus,K such +)ssibilities ()uld als) e2ist& But inas#uch
as this b)d. is s)ulless, it is subHect t) su33ering, and n) +)ssibilit.
e2ists 3)r @)rderingA$ MLet this be s), let this be n)t s)>&K
In li;e #anner 3eelings @5edanaA, +erce+ti)ns @saQQaA, #ental
states @sa#;haraA, and c)nsci)usness @5iQQanaA,/0
are s)ulless&
6= J'hat thin; .e, O Bhi;;hus, is this b)d. +er#anent )r
i#+er#anentBK JI#+er#anent @aniccaA, L)rd&K JIs that (hich
is i#+er#anent ha++. )r +ain3ulBK
JIt is +ain3ul @du;;haA, L)rd&K JIs it Husti3iable, then, t) thin;
)3 that (hich is i#+er#anent, +ain3ul and transit)r.$ JThis is
#ineL this a# IL this is #. s)ulBK
J4ertainl. n)t, L)rd&K
Si#ilarl., O Bhi;;hus, 3eelings, +erce+ti)ns, #ental states
and c)nsci)usness are i#+er#anent and +ain3ul& JIs it Husti
/<&
Maha5agga, +& / L Sa#.utta Ni;a.a +t& iii, +& ::&
/1&
A +er#anent unchanging entit., created b. a C)d )r e#anating 3r)# a
?ara#at#a @Di5ine EssenceA&
/0&
The s)"called being is c)#+)sed )3 these 3i5e aggregates& Outside these 3i5e there
is n) being& I3 )ne re#)5es the aggregates, n)thing re#ains& A s)ul abides neither
in an. )ne gr)u+ )r aggregate n)r in all )3 the# n)r )utside the#&
6=&
The Buddha #a;es the sa#e asserti)n as ab)5e in c)nnecti)n (ith each )3
the re#aining 3)ur c)#+)nent +arts )3 the s)"called being& The Buddha raises
si#ilar Gueries (ith regard t) each )3 the )ther c)nstituents )3 being& The
translati)n is abridged here&
<7
3iable t) thin; )3 these (hich are i#+er#anent, +ain3ul and
transit)r.$ MThis is #ineL this a# IL this is #. s)ul>BK6/
J4er
tainl. n)t, L)rd&K JThen, O Bhi;;hus, all b)d., (hether +ast,
+resent )r 3uture, +ers)nal )r e2ternal, c)arse )r subtle, l)(
)r high, 3ar )r near, sh)uld be underst))d b. right ;n)(ledge
in its real nature MThis is n)t #ine @n>eta# #a#aAL this a# I n)t
@n>es) h>a#as#iAL this is n)t #. s)ul @na #e s) attaA&K
JAll 3eelings, +erce+ti)ns, #ental states and c)nsci)usness
(hether +ast, +resent )r 3uture, +ers)nal )r e2ternal, c)arse )r
subtle, l)( )r high, 3ar )r near, sh)uld be underst))d b. right
;n)(ledge in their real nature as$ JThese are n)t #ineL these
a# I n)tL these are n)t #. s)ul&K
JThe learned Ari.an disci+le (h) sees thus gets a disgust
3)r b)d., 3)r 3eelings, 3)r +erce+ti)ns, 3)r #ental states, 3)r
c)nsci)usnessL is detached 3r)# the abh)rrent thing and is
e#anci+ated thr)ugh detach#ent& Then da(ns )n hi# the
;n)(ledge ME#anci+ated a# I>& He understands that rebirth is
ended, li5ed is the H)l. Li3e, d)ne (hat sh)uld be d)ne, there
is n) #)re )3 this state again&K
JThis the E2alted One said, and the delighted Bhi;;hus
a++lauded the ()rds )3 the E2alted One&K
'hen the Buddha e2+)unded this teaching the #inds )3
the Cr)u+ )3 3i5e Bhi;;hus (ere 3reed )3 de3ile#ents (ith)ut
an. attach#ent&66
!
6/&
'ith cra5ing @tanhaA )ne err)ne)usl. thin;s D This is #ine& 'ith +ride @#anaA
)ne thin;s D This a# I& 'ith 3alse 5ie( )ne thin;s D This is #. s)ul& These are
the three #isc)nce+ti)ns @#aQQanaA&
66&
That is, the. all attained Arahantshi+&
<9
4ha+ter < 4ha+ter <
The Teaching )3 the Dha##a
JHa++. is the birth )3 Buddhas& Ha++. is the teaching )3 the sub
li#e Dha##a& Ha++. is the unit. )3 the Sangha& Ha++. is the dis
ci+line )3 the united )nes&K D Dha##a+ada
The 4)n5ersi)n )3 !asa and His *riends
In Benares there (as a #illi)naire>s s)n, na#ed !asa, (h)
led a lu2uri)us li3e& One #)rning he r)se earl. and, t) his
utter disgust, sa( his 3e#ale attendants and #usicians aslee+
in re+ulsi5e attitudes& The (h)le s+ectacle (as s) disgusting
that the +alace +resented the gl))#. a++earance )3 a charnel
h)use& ealiIing the 5anities )3 ()rldl. li3e, he st)le a(a.
3r)# h)#e, sa.ing JDistressed a# I, )++ressed a# I,K and
(ent in the directi)n )3 Isi+atana (here the Buddha (as te#
+)raril. residing a3ter ha5ing #ade the 3i5e Bhi;;hus attain
Arahantshi+&/
At that +articular ti#e the Buddha, as usual, (as +acing
u+ and d)(n in an )+en s+ace& Seeing hi# c)#ing 3r)# a3ar,
the Buddha ca#e )ut )3 His a#bulat)r. and sat )n a +re+ared
seat& N)t 3ar 3r)# Hi# st))d !asa, cr.ing D JO distressed a# IR
O++ressed a# IRK
Thereu+)n the Buddha said D JHere there is n) distress,
O !asaR Here there is n) )++ressi)n, O !asaR 4)#e hither, !asaR
Ta;e a seat& I shall e2+)und the Dha##a t) .)u&K
The distressed !asa (as +leased t) hear the enc)uraging
()rds )3 the Buddha& e#)5ing his g)lden sandals, he a++r)ached
the Buddha, res+ect3ull. saluted Hi# and sat )n
)ne side&
/& This e5ent t)); +lace )n the 3i3th da. a3ter the deli5er. )3 the 3irst ser#)n
(hen all the 3i5e Bhi;;hus had attained Arahantshi+&
<8
The Buddha e2+)unded the d)ctrine t) hi#, and he attained
the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d @S)ta+attiA&
The Buddha e2+)unded the d)ctrine t) hi#, and he attained
r
N)ble Truths&
!asa>s #)ther (as the 3irst t) n)tice the absence )3 her s)n
and she re+)rted the #atter t) her husband& The #illi)naire
i##ediatel. dis+atched h)rse#en in 3)ur directi)ns and he
hi#sel3 (ent t)(ards Isi+atana, 3)ll)(ing the i#+rint )3 the
g)lden sli++ers& The Buddha sa( hi# c)#ing 3r)# a3ar and,
b. His +s.chic +)(ers, (illed that he sh)uld n)t be able t)
see his s)n&
The #illi)naire a++r)ached the Buddha and res+ect3ull.
inGuired (hether He had seen his s)n !asa&
J'ell, then, sit d)(n here +lease& !)u ()uld be able t) see
.)ur s)n,K said the Buddha& ?leased (ith the ha++. ne(s, he
sat d)(n& The Buddha deli5ered a disc)urse t) hi#, and he
(as s) delighted that he e2clai#ed$
JE2cellent, O L)rd, e2cellentR It is as i3, L)rd, a #an (ere t)
set u+right that (hich (as )5erturned, )r (ere t) re5eal that
(hich (as hidden, )r (ere t) +)int )ut the (a. t) )ne (h)
had g)ne astra., )r (ere t) h)ld a la#+ a#idst the dar;ness,
s) that th)se (h) ha5e e.es #a. seeR E5en s) has the d)ctrine
been e2+)unded in 5ari)us (a.s b. the E2alted One&
JI, L)rd, ta;e re3uge in the Buddha, the D)ctrine and the
Order& Ma. the L)rd recei5e #e as a 3)ll)(er, (h) has ta;en
re3uge 3r)# this 5er. da. t) li3e>s endRK
He (as the 3irst la. 3)ll)(er t) see; re3uge (ith the three
<:
3)ld 3)r#ula&
3)ld 3)r#ula&
A3ter the de+arture )3 the #illi)naire !asa begged the
Buddha t) grant hi# the Lesser6 and the Higher Ordinati)n&
J4)#e, O Bhi;;husR 'ell taught is the D)ctrine& Lead the
H)l. Li3e t) #a;e a c)#+lete end )3 su33ering&K 'ith these
()rds the Buddha c)n3erred )n hi# the Higher Ordinati)n&7
'ith the Venerable !asa the nu#ber )3 Arahants increased
t) si2&
As in5ited, the Buddha 5isited the #illi)naire>s h)use (ith
His si2 disci+les&
Venerable !asa>s #)ther and his 3)r#er (i3e heard the
d)ctrine e2+)unded b. the Buddha and, ha5ing attained
the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d, beca#e His 3irst t() la. 3e#ale
3)ll)(ers&9
Venerable !asa had 3)ur distinguished 3riends na#ed
Vi#ala, Subahu, ?unnaHi and Ca5a#+ati& 'hen the. heard that
6&
B. ?abbaHHa, lit&, g)ing 3)rth )r renunciati)n, is #eant the #ere ad#issi)n int)
the H)l. Order b. see;ing re3uge in the Buddha, Dha##a and the Sangha&
&
In the earl. da.s )3 the Order the Higher Ordinati)n D U+asa#+ada D lit&, re+lete
(ith a higher #)ralit., (as granted (ith these ()rds& See ch& /9
9& U+asa;a @#A u+asi;a @3&A lit&, )ne (h) cl)sel. ass)ciates (ith the Tri+le Ce#&
These t() ter#s are a++lied t) #ale and 3e#ale la. 3)ll)(ers )3 the Buddha&
One bec)#es an U+asa;a )r U+asi;a i##ediatel. a3ter ta;ing the three e3uges,
5iI$
Buddha# sarana# gaccha#i D I see; re3uge in the Buddha& Dha##a# sarana#
gaccha#i D I see; re3uge in the D)ctrine& Sangha# sarana# gaccha#i D I see; re3uge
in the Order&
This is the three3)ld 3)r#ula @Te5aci;aA&
<<
their n)ble 3riend sha5ed his hair and beard, and, d)nning
the .ell)( r)be, entered the h)#eless li3e, the. a++r)ached
Venerable !asa and e2+ressed their desire t) 3)ll)( his e2a#+le&
Venerable !asa intr)duced the# t) the Buddha, and, )n
hearing the Dha##a, the. als) attained Arahantshi+&
their n)ble 3riend sha5ed his hair and beard, and, d)nning
the .ell)( r)be, entered the h)#eless li3e, the. a++r)ached
Venerable !asa and e2+ressed their desire t) 3)ll)( his e2a#+le&
Venerable !asa intr)duced the# t) the Buddha, and, )n
hearing the Dha##a, the. als) attained Arahantshi+&
Hardl. t() #)nths had ela+sed since His Enlighten#ent
(hen the nu#ber )3 Arahants graduall. r)se t) si2t.& All )3
the# ca#e 3r)# distinguished 3a#ilies and (ere ()rth. s)ns
)3 ()rth. 3athers&
The *irst Messengers )3 Truth @Dha##adutaA
The Buddha (h), be3)re l)ng, succeeded in enlightening si2t.
disci+les, decided t) send the# as #essengers )3 Truth t)
teach His ne( Dha##a t) all (ith)ut an. distincti)n& Be3)re
dis+atching the# in 5ari)us directi)ns He e2h)rted the# as
3)ll)(s$8
J*reed a# I, O Bhi;;hus, 3r)# all b)nds, (hether di5ine
)r hu#an&
J!)u, t)), O Bhi;;hus, are 3reed 3r)# all b)nds, (hether
di5ine )r hu#an&
JC) 3)rth, O Bhi;;hus, 3)r the g))d )3 the #an., 3)r the
ha++iness )3 the #an., )ut )3 c)#+assi)n 3)r the ()rld, 3)r
the g))d, bene3it, and ha++iness )3 g)ds: and #en&
Let n)t t() g) b. )ne (a.$ ?reach, O Bhi;;hus, the
Dha##a, e2cellent in the beginning, e2cellent in the #iddle,
e2cellent in the end, b)th in the s+irit and in the letter& ?r)
& Maha5agga, ++&/0, 6=&
:& N)te the re3erence t) g)ds @De5asA&
<1
clai# the H)l. Li3e,clai# the H)l. Li3e, alt)gether +er3ect and +ure&
JThere are beings (ith little dust in their e.es, (h), n)t
hearing the Dha##a, (ill 3all a(a.& There (ill be th)se (h)
understand the Dha##a&K
JI t)), O Bhi;;hus, (ill g) t) Uru5ela in Senaniga#a, in
)rder t) +reach the Dha##a&K
JH)ist the *lag )3 the Sage& ?reach the Subli#e Dha##a&
')r; 3)r the g))d )3 )thers, .)u (h) ha5e d)ne .)ur duties&K1
The Buddha (as thus the 3irst religi)us teacher t) send
His enlightened )rdained disci+les t) +r)+agate the d)ctrine
)ut )3 c)#+assi)n 3)r )thers& 'ith n) +er#anent ab)de, al)ne
and +enniless, these 3irst #issi)ners (ere e2+ected t) (ander
3r)# +lace t) +lace t) teach the subli#e Dha##a& The. had n)
)ther #aterial +)ssessi)ns but their r)bes t) c)5er the#sel5es
and an al#s"b)(l t) c)llect 3))d& As the 3ield (as e2tensi5e
and the ()r;ers (ere c)#+arati5el. 3e( the. (ere ad5ised
t) underta;e their #issi)nar. H)urne.s al)ne& As the. (ere
Arahants (h) (ere 3reed 3r)# all sensual b)nds their chie3
and )nl. )bHect (as t) teach the Dha##a and +r)clai# the
H)l. Li3e @Brah#acari.aA& The )riginal r)le )3 Arahants, (h)
achie5ed their li3e>s g)al, (as t) ()r; 3)r the #)ral u+li3t#ent
)3 the +e)+le b)th b. e2a#+le and b. +rece+t& Material de5el
)+#ent, th)ugh essential, (as n)t their c)ncern&
*)unding )3 the Order )3 the Sangha
At that ti#e there (ere si2t. Arahant disci+les in the ()rld&
'ith these ?ure Ones as the nucleus the Buddha 3)unded a
celibate Order (hich J(as de#)cratic in c)nstituti)n and
<&
The ?ali ter# Brah#acari.a has n) c)nnecti)n (hate5er (ith a C)d )r Brah#a&
It is used in the sense )3 n)ble )r h)l.&
1&
Sa#ussa.atha saddha##a# D desa.antaisiddhaHa# Kata;attabba;a##anta D +arattha#
+ati+aHHatha&
<0
c)##unistic in distributi)n&K The )riginal #e#bers (ere
dra(n 3r)# the highest status )3 s)ciet. and (ere all educated
and rich #en, but the Order (as )+en t) all ()rth. )nes, irres+ecti5e
)3 caste, class )r ran;& B)th .)ung and )ld bel)nging
t) all the castes, (ere 3reel. ad#itted int) the Order and li5ed
li;e br)thers )3 the sa#e 3a#il. (ith)ut an. distincti)n& This
N)ble Order )3 Bhi;;hus, (hich stands t) this da., is the )ldest
hist)ric b)d. )3 celibates in the ()rld&
c)##unistic in distributi)n&K The )riginal #e#bers (ere
dra(n 3r)# the highest status )3 s)ciet. and (ere all educated
and rich #en, but the Order (as )+en t) all ()rth. )nes, irres+ecti5e
)3 caste, class )r ran;& B)th .)ung and )ld bel)nging
t) all the castes, (ere 3reel. ad#itted int) the Order and li5ed
li;e br)thers )3 the sa#e 3a#il. (ith)ut an. distincti)n& This
N)ble Order )3 Bhi;;hus, (hich stands t) this da., is the )ldest
hist)ric b)d. )3 celibates in the ()rld&
the h)#eless li3e& As la. 3)ll)(ers, t)), the. (ere able t) lead
a g))d li3e in acc)rdance (ith the Dha##a and attain Sainth))d&
Venerable !asa>s +arents and his 3)r#er (i3e, 3)r instance,
(ere the 3)re#)st la. 3)ll)(ers )3 the Buddha&
All the three (ere su33icientl. s+irituall. ad5anced t) attain
the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d&
'ith the si2t. Arahants, as ideal #essengers )3 Truth, the
Buddha decided t) +r)+agate His subli#e Dha##a, +urel.
b. e2+)unding the d)ctrine t) th)se (h) (ish t) hear&
4)n5ersi)n )3 Thirt. !)ung Men
The Buddha resided at Isi+atana in Benares as l)ng as He li;ed
and (ent t)(ards Uru5ela& On the (a. He sat at the 3))t )3 a
tree in a gr)5e&
At that ti#e thirt. ha++. .)ung #en (ent (ith their (i5es
t) this +articular gr)5e t) a#use the#sel5es& As )ne )3 the#
had n) (i3e he t)); (ith hi# a c)urtesan& 'hile the. (ere
enH).ing the#sel5es this ()#an absc)nded (ith their 5aluables&
The .)ung #en searched 3)r her in the 3)rest, and, see
ing the Buddha, inGuired )3 Hi# (hether He sa( a ()#an
+assing that (a.&
J'hich d) .)u thin;, .)ung #en, is betterL see;ing a
1=
()#an )r see;ing )nesel3BK()#an )r see;ing )nesel3BK Guesti)ned the Buddha&
JSee;ing )nesel3 is better, O L)rdR re+lied the .)ung #en&
J'ell, then, sit d)(n& I shall +reach the d)ctrine t) .)u,K
said the Buddha&
JVer. (ell, L)rd,K the. re+lied, and res+ect3ull. saluting
the E2alted One, sat e2+ectantl. b.&
The. attenti5el. listened t) Hi# and )btained JThe E.e )3
Truth&K/=
A3ter this the. entered the Order and recei5ed the Higher
Ordinati)n&
4)n5ersi)n )3 the Three Kassa+a Br)thers
'andering 3r)# +lace t) +lace, in due c)urse, the Buddha arri5ed
at Uru5ela& Here li5ed three @-atilaA ascetics (ith #atted
hair ;n)(n as Uru5ela Kassa+a, Nadi Kassa+a, and Ca.a Kassa+a&
The. (ere all br)thers li5ing se+aratel. (ith 8==, 7==
and 6== disci+les res+ecti5el.& The eldest (as in3atuated b.
his )(n s+iritual attain#ents and (as lab)uring under a #isc)nce+ti)n
that he (as an Arahant& The Buddha a++r)ached
hi# 3irst and s)ught his +er#issi)n t) s+end the night in his
3ire"cha#ber (here d(elt a 3ierce ser+ent";ing& B. His +s.chic
+)(ers the Buddha subdued the ser+ent& This +leased
Uru5ela Kassa+a and he in5ited the Buddha t) sta. there as
his guest& The Buddha (as c)#+elled t) e2hibit His +s.chic
+)(ers )n se5eral )ther )ccasi)ns t) i#+ress the ascetic, but
0&
See;ing )nesel3& This +hrase is 5er. signi3icant& Attana# is the accusati5e )3
atta (hich #eans sel3& Here the Buddha (as n)t re3erring t) an. s)ul )r s+irit
latent in #an as s)#e sch)lars atte#+t t) sh)(& H)( c)uld the Buddha a33ir#
the e2istence )3 a s)ul (hen He had clearl. denied its e2istence in His sec)nd
disc)urseB The Buddha has used this +hrase e2actl. in the sense )3 Jsee; th.sel3K
)r Jl)); (ithin&K
/=&
Dha##aca;;hu D This re3ers t) an. )3 the three l)(er ?aths D S)ta+atti, Sa;adaga#i,
and Anaga#i&
1/
still he adhered t) the belie3, that the Buddha (as n)t an Ara
still he adhered t) the belie3, that the Buddha (as n)t an Ara#
that he (as an Arahant& Thereu+)n he and his 3)ll)(ers entered
the Order and )btained the Higher Ordinati)n&
His br)thers and their 3)ll)(ers als) 3)ll)(ed his e2a#+le&
Acc)#+anied b. the three Kassa+a br)thers and their th)u
sand 3)ll)(ers, the Buddha re+aired t) Ca.a Sisa, n)t 3ar 3r)#
Uru5ela& Here He +reached the Aditta?ari.a.a
Sutta, hearing
(hich all attained Arahantshi+&
F
Aditta"?ari.a.a Sutta D Disc)urse )n JAll in *la#esK
JAll in 3la#es, O Bhi;;husR 'hat, O Bhi;;hus, is all in 3la#esB
E.e is in 3la#es& *)r#s are in 3la#es& E.e"c)nsci)usness is
in 3la#es& E.e"c)ntact is in 3la#es& *eeling (hich is +leasurable
)r +ain3ul, )r neither +leasurable n)r +ain3ul, arising 3r)#
e.e"c)ntact is in 3la#es& B. (hat is it ;indledB B. the 3la#es
)3 lust, hatred, ign)rance, birth, deca., death, s)rr)(, la#entati)n,
+ain, grie3, and des+air is it ;indled, I declare&
e3lecting thus, O Bhi;;hus, the learned Ari.a disci+le gets
disgusted (ith the e.e, the 3)r#s, the e.e"c)nsci)usness, the
e.e"c)ntact, (hate5er 3eeling D +leasurable, +ain3ul, )r neither
+leasurable n)r +ain3ul D that arises 3r)# c)ntact (ith the e.e&
He gets disgusted (ith the ear, s)unds, n)se, )d)urs, t)ngue,
tastes, b)d., c)ntact, #ind, #ental )bHects, #ind"c)nsci)usness,
#ind c)ntacts, (hate5er 3eeling D +leasurable, +ain3ul )r neither
+leasurable n)r +ain3ul D that arises 3r)# c)ntact (ith the
#ind& 'ith disgust he gets detachedL (ith detach#ent he is
deli5ered& He understands that birth is ended, li5ed the H)l.
Li3e, d)ne (hat sh)uld be d)ne, and that there is n) #)re )3
this state again&K
16
'hen the Buddha c)ncluded this disc)urse all the
'hen the Buddha c)ncluded this disc)urse all the
&
F
4)n5ersi)n )3 Sari+utta and M)ggallana, the t() 4hie3
Disci+les
N)t 3ar 3r)# aHagaha in the 5illage U+atissa, als) ;n)(n as
Nala;a, there li5ed a 5er. intelligent .)uth na#ed Sari+utta @
D s)n )3 SariA&
Since he bel)nged t) the leading 3a#il. )3 the 5illage, he
(as als) called U+atissa&
Th)ugh nurtured in Brah#anis#, his br)ad )utl)); )n
li3e and #atured (isd)# c)#+elled hi# t) ren)unce his an
cestral religi)n 3)r the #)re t)lerant and scienti3ic teachings
)3 the Buddha C)ta#a& His br)thers and sisters 3)ll)(ed his
n)ble e2a#+le& His 3ather, Vanganta, a++arentl. adhered t) the
Brah#in 3aith& His #)ther, (h) (as dis+leased (ith the s)n
3)r ha5ing bec)#e a Buddhist, (as c)n5erted t) Buddhis# b.
hi#sel3 at the #)#ent )3 his death&
U+atissa (as br)ught u+ in the la+ )3 lu2ur.& He 3)und
a 5er. inti#ate 3riend in K)lita, als) ;n)(n as M)ggallana,
(ith (h)# he (as cl)sel. ass)ciated 3r)# a re#)te +ast& One
da. as b)th )3 the# (ere enH).ing a hill"t)+ 3esti5al the. realiIed
h)( 5ain, h)( transient, (ere all sensual +leasures& Instantl.
the. decided t) lea5e the ()rld and see; the ?ath )3
elease& The. (andered 3r)# +lace t) +lace in Guest )3 ?eace&
The t() .)ung see;ers (ent at 3irst t) SaQHa.a, (h) had
a large 3)ll)(ing, and s)ught )rdinati)n under hi#& Be3)re
l)ng the. acGuired the #eager ;n)(ledge (hich their #aster
i#+arted t) the#, but dissatis3ied (ith his teachings D as
the. c)uld n)t 3ind a re#ed. 3)r that uni5ersal ail#ent (ith
1
(hich hu#anit. is assailed D the. le3t hi# and (andered
hither and thither in search )3 ?eace& The. a++r)ached #an.
a 3a#)us brah#in and ascetic, but disa++)int#ent #et the#
e5er.(here& Ulti#atel. the. returned t) their )(n 5illage
and agreed a#)ngst the#sel5es that (h)e5er ()uld 3irst disc)5er
the ?ath sh)uld in3)r# the )ther&
(hich hu#anit. is assailed D the. le3t hi# and (andered
hither and thither in search )3 ?eace& The. a++r)ached #an.
a 3a#)us brah#in and ascetic, but disa++)int#ent #et the#
e5er.(here& Ulti#atel. the. returned t) their )(n 5illage
and agreed a#)ngst the#sel5es that (h)e5er ()uld 3irst disc)5er
the ?ath sh)uld in3)r# the )ther&
The g))d Ka##a )3 the see;ers n)( inter5ened, as i3
(atching (ith s.#+athetic e.es their s+iritual +r)gress& *)r
U+atissa, (hile (andering in the cit. )3 aHagaha, casuall.
#et an ascetic (h)se 5enerable a++earance and saintl. de+)rt#ent
at )nce arrested his attenti)n& This ascetic>s e.es
(ere l)(l. 3i2ed a .);e>s distance 3r)# hi#, and his cal#
3ace bet);ened dee+ +eace (ithin hi#& 'ith b)d. (ell c)#
+)sed, r)bes neatl. arranged, this 5enerable 3igure +assed
(ith #easured ste+s 3r)# d))r t) d))r, acce+ting the #)rsels
)3 3))d (hich the charitable +laced in his b)(l& Ne5er be3)re
ha5e I seen, he th)ught t) hi#sel3, an ascetic li;e this& Surel.
he #ust be )ne )3 th)se (h) ha5e attained Arahantshi+ )r
)ne (h) is +ractising the +ath leading t) Arahantshi+& H)(
i3 I (ere t) a++r)ach hi# and Guesti)n, J*)r (h)se sa;e, Sire,
ha5e .)u retired 3r)# the ()rldB 'h) is .)ur teacherB 'h)se
d)ctrine d) .)u +r)3essBK
U+atissa, h)(e5er, re3rained 3r)# Guesti)ning hi# as he
th)ught he ()uld thereb. inter3ere (ith his silent begging
t)ur&
The Arahant AssaHi, ha5ing )btained (hat little he needed,
19
(as see;ing a suitable +lace t) eat his #eal& U+atissa seeing
this, gladl. a5ailed hi#sel3 )3 the )++)rtunit. t) )33er hi#
(as see;ing a suitable +lace t) eat his #eal& U+atissa seeing
this, gladl. a5ailed hi#sel3 )3 the )++)rtunit. t) )33er hi#
JVenerable Sir, cal# and serene are .)ur )rgans )3 sense,
clean and clear is the hue )3 .)ur s;in& *)r (h)se sa;e ha5e
.)u retired 3r)# the ()rldB 'h) is .)ur teacherB 'h)se d)ctrine
d) .)u +r)3essBK
The unassu#ing Arahant AssaHi #)destl. re+lied, as is the
characteristic )3 all great #en D JI a# still .)ung in the Order,
br)ther, and I a# n)t able t) e2+)und the Dha##a t) .)u at
length&K
JI a# U+atissa, Venerable Sir& Sa. #uch )r little acc)rding
t) .)ur abilit., and it is le3t t) #e t) understand it in a hundred
)r th)usand (a.sK&
JSa. little )r #uch,K U+atissa c)ntinued, Jtell #e Hust the
substance& The substance )nl. d) I reGuire& A #ere Hu#ble )3
()rds is )3 n) a5ail&K
The Venerable AssaHi uttered a 3)ur line stanIa, thus s;il3ull.
su##ing u+ the +r)3)und +hil)s)+h. )3 the Master, )n
the truth )3 the la( )3 cause and e33ect&
!e dha##a, hetu++abha5a D
tesa# hetu# tathagat)
Aha tesaQca .) nir)dh) D
e5a# 5adi#ahasa#an)&
O3 things that +r)ceed 3r)# a cause,
Their cause the Tathagata has t)ld,
And als) their cessati)n$
Thus teaches the Creat Ascetic&
1
U+atissa (as su33icientl. enlightened t) c)#+rehend such a
l)3t. teaching th)ugh succinctl. e2+ressed& He (as )nl. in
U+atissa (as su33icientl. enlightened t) c)#+rehend such a
l)3t. teaching th)ugh succinctl. e2+ressed& He (as )nl. in
#ediatel. )n hearing the 3irst t() lines, he attained the 3irst
stage )3 Sainth))d, S)ta+atti&
The ne( c)n5ert U+atissa #ust ha5e been, n) d)ubt, destitute
)3 ()rds t) than; t) his heart>s c)ntent his 5enerable
teacher 3)r intr)ducing hi# t) the subli#e teachings )3 the
Buddha& He e2+ressed his dee+ indebted"ness 3)r his brilliant
e2+)siti)n )3 the truth, and )btaining 3r)# hi# the necessar.
+articulars (ith regard t) the Master, t)); his lea5e&
Later, the de5)ti)n he sh)(ed t)(ards his teacher (as
such that since he heard the Dha##a 3r)# the Venerable
AssaHi, in (hate5er Guarter he heard that his teacher (as residing,
in that directi)n he ()uld e2tend his clas+ed hands
in an attitude )3 re5erent )beisance and in that directi)n he
()uld turn his head (hen he la. d)(n t) slee+&
N)(, in acc)rdance (ith the agree#ent, he returned t)
his c)#+ani)n K)lita t) c)n5e. the H).3ul tidings& K)lita, (h)
(as as enlightened as his 3riend, als) attained the 3irst stage )3
Sainth))d )n hearing the (h)le stanIa& O5er(hel#ed (ith
H). at their success3ul search a3ter ?eace, as in dut. b)und,
the. (ent t) #eet their teacher SaQHa.a (ith the )bHect )3 c)n
5erting hi# t) the ne( d)ctrine& *rustrated in their atte#+t
U+atissa and K)lita, acc)#+anied b. #an. 3)ll)(ers )3 SaQHa.a,
(h) readil. H)ined the#, re+aired t) the Velu5ana #)naster.
t) 5isit their illustri)us Teacher, the Buddha&
In c)#+liance (ith their reGuest, the Buddha ad#itted
b)th )3 the# int) the Order b. the #ere utterance )3 the ()rds
D Etha Bhi;;ha5eR @4)#e, O Bhi;;husRA&
1:
A 3)rtnight later, the Venerable Sari+utta, attained Arahantshi+
)n hearing the Buddha e2+)und the Vedana ?ariggaha
Sutta t) the (andering ascetic Dighana;ha& On the 5er.
sa#e da. in the e5ening the Buddha gathered r)und Hi#
A 3)rtnight later, the Venerable Sari+utta, attained Arahantshi+
)n hearing the Buddha e2+)und the Vedana ?ariggaha
Sutta t) the (andering ascetic Dighana;ha& On the 5er.
sa#e da. in the e5ening the Buddha gathered r)und Hi#
d
disci+les in the Sangha (ere res+ecti5el. c)n3erred u+)n the
Theras U+atissa @Sari+uttaA and K)lita @M)ggallanaA, (h) als)
had attained Arahantshi+ a (ee; earlier&
!
1<
4ha+ter 1
The Buddha and His elati5es
JSer5ice t) relati5es is a blessing&K
D Mangala Sutta
King Suddh)dana desires t) see the Buddha
Ne(s that the Buddha (as residing at aHagaha and (as
+reaching His Dha##a reached the ears )3 the aged King
Suddh)dana and his an2iet. t) see his enlightened s)n gre(
str)nger and str)nger& On nine successi5e )ccasi)ns he sent
nine c)urtiers, each (ith a large 3)ll)(ing, t) in5ite the Buddha
t) Ka+ila5atthu& 4)ntrar. t) his e2+ectati)ns, the. all heard
the Dha##a and, attaining Arahantshi+, entered the Order&
Since Arahants (ere indi33erent t) ()rldl. things the. did
n)t c)n5e. the #essage t) the Buddha&
The disa++)inted King 3inall. dis+atched an)ther 3aith
3ul c)urtier, Kaluda.i, (h) (as a +la.#ate )3 the Buddha& He
agreed t) g) as he (as granted +er#issi)n t) enter the Order&
Li;e the rest he als) had the 3)rtune t) attain Arahant
shi+ and H)in the Order& But, unli;e the )thers, he c)n5e.ed
the #essage t) the Buddha, and +ersuaded Hi# t) 5isit His
aged r).al 3ather& As the seas)n (as #)st suitable 3)r tra5el
ling, the Buddha, attended b. a large retinue )3 His disci+les,
H)urne.ed the (h)le distance b. sl)( stages +reaching the
Dha##a )n the (a., and in due c)urse arri5ed at Ka+ila5at
thu in t() #)nths&
Arrange#ents (ere #ade 3)r Hi# t) reside at the ?ar;
)3 Nigr)dha, a Sa;.a& The c)nceited elderl. Sa;.as, thin;ing
(ithinthe#sel5es,JHeis)ur.)ungerbr)ther,)urne+he(,)ur
grands)n,K said t) the .)ung +rinces D J!)u d) hi# )beisanceL
11
(e (ill sit behind .)u&K As the. sat (ith)ut +a.ing Hi# due
re5erence He subdued their +ride b. rising int) the air and
e2hibiting the JT(in ')nderK&
(e (ill sit behind .)u&K As the. sat (ith)ut +a.ing Hi# due
re5erence He subdued their +ride b. rising int) the air and
e2hibiting the JT(in ')nderK&The King, seeing this ()nder3ul
+hen)#en)n, saluted Hi# i##ediatel., sa.ing that it
(as his third salutati)n&6 All Sa;.as (ere then c)#+elled t)
+a. Hi# due re5erence& Thereu+)n the Buddha ca#e d)(n
3r)# the s;. and sat )n the seat +re+ared 3)r Hi#& The hu#bled
relati5es t)); their seats eager t) listen t) His Teaching&
At this #)#ent an une2+ected sh)(er )3 rain 3ell u+)n
the Sa;.a ;ins3)l;& The )ccurrence )3 this strange +hen)#en)n
resulted in a discussi)n a#)ngst the#sel5es& Then the
Buddha +reached the Vessantara -ata;a7 t) sh)( that a si#ilar
incident t)); +lace in the +resence )3 His relati5es in a +re5i)us
birth&
The Sa;.as (ere delighted (ith the disc)urse, and the.
de+arted, n)t ;n)(ing that it (as their dut. t) in5ite the
Buddha and His disci+les 3)r the n))n #eal& It did n)t )ccur
t) the King t)) t) in5ite the Buddha, alth)ugh he th)ught t)
hi#sel3 D JI3 #. s)n d)es n)t c)#e t) #. h)use, (here (ill he
g)BK eaching h)#e, he, h)(e5er, #ade read. se5eral ;inds
)3 3))d e2+ecting their arri5al in the +alace&
The Buddha g)es r)und 3)r Al#s
/&
!a#a;a ?atihari.a, )3ten translated as JThe T(in MiracleK is a +s.chic
+hen)#en)n (hich )nl. a Buddha c)uld +er3)r#& B. his +s.chic +)(ers
He #a;es 3ire and (ater issue 3r)# the +)res )3 the b)d. si#ultane)usl.&
?atisa#bhida#agga c)##entar. states that b. 3ire and (ater are #eant red and
blue ra.s&
6&
He saluted Hi# 3)r the 3irst ti#e (hen he sa( the in3ant +rince>s 3eet rest )n
the head )3 Ascetic Asita (h)# he (anted the child t) re5ere& His sec)nd
salutati)n t)); +lace at the ?l)ughing *esti5al (hen he sa( the in3ant +rince
seated cr)ss"legged )n the c)uch, abs)rbed in #editati)n&
&
See -ata;a V)l& 5i, +& 9<0 D N)& 89<& Dha##a+adattha;atha, 5)l& iii, ++& /: D/:9&
This interesting st)r., (hich is the l)ngest in the -ata;a c)##entar., illustrates
his unri5alled gener)sit.&
10
King Suddh)dana>s 4)n5ersi)n
King Suddh)dana>s 4)n5ersi)n
On hearing )3 this see#ingl. disgrace3ul c)nduct )3 the
Buddha 3r)# his daughter"inla(, !as)dhara, the King, greatl.
+erturbed in #ind, hurried t) the scene, and saluting Hi#,
said D JS)n, (h. d) .)u ruin #eB I a# )5er(hel#ed (ith
sha#e t) see .)u begging al#s& Is it +r)+er 3)r .)u, (h) used
t) tra5el in a g)lden +alanGuin, t) see; al#s in this 5er. cit.B
'h. d) .)u +ut #e t) sha#eBK9 JI a# n)t +utting .)u t)
sha#e, O great KingR I a# 3)ll)(ing the cust)# )3 #. lineage,K
re+lied the Buddha, t) the King>s ast)nish#ent&
JBut, dear s)n, is it the cust)# )3 #. lineage t) gain a li5elih))d
b. see;ing al#sB Surel., L)rd& )urs is the (arri)r lineage
)3 Mahasa##ata, and n)t a single (arri)r has g)ne see;ing
al#s&K
JO great King, that is n)t the cust)# )3 .)ur r).al lineage&
But it is the cust)# )3 #. Buddha lineage& Se5eral th)usands
)3 Buddhas ha5e li5ed b. see;ing al#s&K
Standing )n the street, the Buddha then ad5ised the King
thus$
JBe n)t heedless in standing @at d))rs 3)r al#sA& Lead a
righte)us li3e& The righte)us li5e ha++il. b)th in this ()rld
9& See Dha##a+adattha;atha, 5)l, iii, +& /:9, Buddhist Legends, 5)l& 7, +& 7&
0=
and in the ne2t&Kand in the ne2t&K
Hearing it, the King realiIed the Truth and attained the 3irst
stage )3 Sainth))d& I##ediatel. a3ter, he t)); the Buddha>s
b)(l and, c)nducting Hi# and His disci+les t) the +alace,
ser5ed the# (ith ch)ice 3))d& At the cl)se )3 the #eal the
Buddha again e2h)rted hi# thus$
JLead a righte)us li3e, and n)t )ne that is c)rru+t& The righte)us
li5e ha++il. b)th in this ()rld and in the ne2t&K:
Thereu+)n the King attained the sec)nd stage )3 Sainth))d
@Sa;adaga#iA and ?aHa+ati C)ta#i attained the 3irst stage
)3 Sainth))d @S)ta+attiA&
On a later )ccasi)n (hen it (as related t) the Buddha that
the King re3used t) belie5e that his s)n had died )(ing t)
his se5ere austerities (ith)ut achie5ing his g)al, the Buddha
+reached the Dha##a+ala -ata;a< t) sh)( that in a +re5i)us
birth t)) he re3used t) belie5e that his s)n had died alth)ugh
he (as sh)(n a hea+ )3 b)nes& This ti#e he attained the third
stage )3 Sainth))d @Anaga#iA&
On his death"bed, the King heard the Dha##a 3r)# the
Buddha 3)r the last ti#e and attained Arahantshi+& A3ter
e2+eriencing the bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n 3)r se5en da.s, he
+assed a(a. as a la. Arahant (hen the Buddha (as ab)ut
3)rt. .ears )ld&
The Buddha and !as)dhara
?rincess !as)dhara, als) ;n)(n as ahula#ata, Bi#ba and
Bhadda;accana, (as the daughter )3 King Su++abuddha, (h)
reigned )5er the K)li.a race, and ?a#ita, sister )3 King
& Dha##a+ada, 5& /:1&
:& Dha##a+ada, 5& /:0&
<& N)& 99<&
0/
Suddh)dana& She (as )3 the sa#e age as ?rince Siddhattha,
Suddh)dana& She (as )3 the sa#e age as ?rince Siddhattha,
th .ear, )n the 5er. da. she
ga5e birth t) her )nl. s)n, ahula, her (ise and c)nte#+lati5e
husband, (h)# she l)5ed (ith all her heart, res)l5ed t) ren)unce
the ()rld t) see; deli5erance 3r)# the ills )3 li3e& 'ith)ut
e5en bidding 3are(ell t) his 3aith3ul and char#ing (i3e,
he le3t the +alace at night, lea5ing .)ung !as)dhara t) l));
a3ter the child b. hersel3& She a();e as usual t) greet her bel)5ed
husband, but, t) her sur+rise, she 3)und hi# #issing&
'hen she realiIed that her ideal ?rince had le3t her and the
ne("b)rn babe, she (as )5erc)#e (ith indescribable grie3&
Her dearest +)ssessi)n (as l)st 3)r e5er& The +alace (ith all its
allure#ents (as n)( a dunge)n t) her& The (h)le ()rld a++eared
t) be blan;& Her )nl. c)ns)lati)n (as her in3ant s)n&
Th)ugh se5eral Kshatri.a +rinces s)ught her hand, she
reHected all th)se +r)+)sals, and li5ed e5er 3aith3ul t) her bel)5ed
husband& Hearing that her husband (as leading a her#it>s
li3e, she re#)5ed all her He(eller. and ()re a +lain .ell)(
garb& Thr)ugh)ut the si2 .ears during (hich the ascetic
C)ta#a struggled 3)r Enlighten#ent ?rincess !as)dhara
(atched his acti)ns cl)sel. and did li;e(ise&
'hen the Buddha 5isited Ka+ila5atthu a3ter His Enlighten#ent
and (as being entertained b. the King in the +alace
)n the 3)ll)(ing da. all but the ?rincess !as)dhara ca#e t)
+a. their re5erence t) Hi#& She th)ught$
J4ertainl. i3 there is an. 5irtue in #e, the n)ble L)rd Hi#sel3
(ill c)#e t) #. +resence& Then (ill I re5erence Hi#&K
A3ter the #eal (as )5er the Buddha handed )5er the
b)(l t) the King, and acc)#+anied b. His t() chie3 disci+les,
06
entered the cha#ber )3 !as)dhara and sat )n a seat +re+ared
entered the cha#ber )3 !as)dhara and sat )n a seat +re+ared
e
li;es& Sa. n)thing&K
Hearing )3 the Buddha>s 5isit, she bade the ladies in the
c)urt (ear .ell)( gar#ents& 'hen the Buddha t)); His seat,
!as)dhara ca#e s(i3tl. t) Hi# and clas+ing His an;les, +laced
her head )n His 3eet and re5erenced Hi# as she li;ed&
De#)nstrating her a33ecti)n and res+ect thus, she sat d)(n
(ith due re5erence&
Then the King +raised her 5irtues and, c)##enting )n
her l)5e and l).alt., said$
JL)rd, (hen #. daughter heard that .)u (ere (earing
.ell)( r)bes, she als) r)bed hersel3 in .ell)(L (hen she heard
that .)u (ere ta;ing )ne #eal a da., she als) did the sa#eL
(hen she heard that .)u had gi5en u+ l)3t. c)uches, she la.
)n a l)( c)uchL (hen she heard that .)u had gi5en u+ garlands
and scents, she als) ga5e the# u+L (hen her relati5es
sent #essages t) sa. that the. ()uld #aintain her, she did
n)t e5en l)); at a single )ne& S) 5irtu)us (as #. daughter&K
JN)t )nl. in this last birth, O King, but in a +re5i)us birth,
t)), she +r)tected #e and (as de5)ted and 3aith3ul t) #e,K re
#ar;ed the Buddha and cited the 4anda;innara -ata;a&1
ecalling this +ast ass)ciati)n (ith her, He c)ns)led her
and le3t the +alace&
A3ter the death )3 King Suddh)dana, (hen ?aHa+ati C)ta#i
beca#e a nun @Bhi;;huniA !as)dhara als) entered the Order
and attained Arahantshi+&
A#)ngst ()#en disci+les she (as the chie3 )3 th)se (h)
attained great su+ern)r#al +)(ers @Maha AbhiQQaA&0 At the
1& -ata;a Translati)n V)l& IV& +& /<0 @N)& 91 A&
0&
Anguttara Ni;a.a c)##entar. states$ JO3 )ne Buddha 3)ur disci+les )nl. ha5e
0
age )3 <1 she +assed a(a.&
Her na#e d)es n)t a++ear in the Therigatha but her interesting
5erses are 3)und in the A+adana&
age )3 <1 she +assed a(a.&
Her na#e d)es n)t a++ear in the Therigatha but her interesting
5erses are 3)und in the A+adana&=
The Buddha and ahula
ahula (as the )nl. s)n )3 ?rince Siddhattha and ?rincess
!as)dhara& He (as b)rn )n the da. (hen ?rince Siddhattha
decided t) ren)unce the ()rld& The ha++. ne(s )3 the birth
)3 his in3ant s)n (as c)n5e.ed t) hi# (hen he (as in the
+ar; in a c)nte#+lati5e #))d& 4)ntrar. t) )rdinar. e2+ectati)ns,
instead )3 reH)icing )5er the ne(s, he e2clai#ed Mahu
Hat), bandhana# Hata# D A ahu is b)rn, a 3etter has arisenR>
Acc)rdingl. the child (as na#ed ahula//
b. King Suddh)dana,
his grand3ather&
ahula (as br)ught u+ as a 3atherless child b. his #)ther
and grand3ather& 'hen he (as se5en .ears )ld, the Buddha
5isited Ka+ila5atthu 3)r the 3irst ti#e a3ter His Enlighten#ent&
On the se5enth da. a3ter His arri5al ?rincess !as)dhara gail.
dressed u+ .)ung ahula and +)inting t) the Buddha, said D
JBeh)ld, s)n, that g)lden c)l)ured ascetic, l));ing li;e Brah#a,
surr)unded b. t(ent. th)usand asceticsR He is .)ur 3ather,
and He had great treasures& Since His renunciati)n (e d) n)t
see the#& C) u+ t) hi# and as; 3)r .)ur inheritance, and sa. D
J*ather, I a# the +rince& A3ter #. c)nsecrati)n I (ill be a uni5ersal
#)narch& I a# in need )3 (ealth& ?lease gi5e #e (ealth,
great su+ern)r#al +)(ers$ The rest can recall /==,=== Kal+as, n)t be.)nd thatL
but th)se recall incalculable eras& Under )ur Teacher>s Order the t() great
disci+les and the elder Ba;;ula and Bhadda Kaccana, Hust these 3)ur, had this
+)(er&K Cradual Sa.ings, V)l& /, +& 66&
/=&
++& 19D 00& Here she relates her ass)ciati)n (ith the B)dhisatta (hen he #et
the Buddha Di+a#;ara and res)l5ed t) bec)#e a Buddha&
//&
Lit&, b)und )r seiIed @laA b. a 3etter @rahuA
09
3)r the s)n is the )(ner )3 (hat bel)ngs t) the 3ather&K
3)r the s)n is the )(ner )3 (hat bel)ngs t) the 3ather&K
/6
A3ter the #eal the Buddha le3t the +alace and ahula 3)ll)(ed
Hi#, sa.ing D JCi5e #e #. inheritanceK and uttering
#uch else that (as bec)#ing& N)b)d. atte#+ted t) st)+ hi#&
N)r did the Buddha +re5ent hi# 3r)# 3)ll)(ing Hi#& eaching
the +ar; the Buddha th)ught$ JHe desires his 3ather>s
(ealth, but it g)es (ith the ()rld and is 3ull )3 tr)uble& I shall
gi5e hi# the se5en3)ld n)ble (ealth (hich I recei5ed at the
3))t )3 the B)dhi tree, and #a;e hi# an )(ner )3 a transcendental
inheritance& He called Venerable Sari+utta and as;ed
hi# t) )rdain little ahula&
ahula, (h) (as then )nl. se5en .ears )3 age, (as ad#itted
int) the N)ble Order&
King Suddh)dana (as dee+l. grie5ed t) hear )3 the une2+ected
)rdinati)n )3 his bel)5ed grands)n& He a++r)ached
the Buddha and, in hu#bl. reGuesting Hi# n)t t) )rdain an.
)ne (ith)ut the +ri)r c)nsent )3 the +arents, said J'hen the
L)rd ren)unced the ()rld it (as a cause )3 great +ain t) #e&
It (as s) (hen Nanda ren)unced and es+eciall. s) in the case
)3 ahula& The l)5e )3 a 3ather t)(ards a s)n cuts thr)ugh the
s;in, @the hideA, the 3lesh, the sine(, the b)ne and the #arr)(&
Crant, L)rd, the reGuest that the N)ble Ones #a. n)t c)n3er
)rdinati)n )n a s)n (ith)ut the +er#issi)n )3 his +arents&K/
The Buddha readil. granted the reGuest, and #ade it a
Vina.a rule&
/6&
Su;ha5ata te cha.a, sa#ana,
/ &
See Buddhist Legends, +art /, +& 6/0&
0
H)( a .)ung b). )3 se5en .ears c)uld lead the H)l. Li3e is
al#)st inc)ncei5able& But Sa#anera @N)5iceA ahula, cultured,
e2ce+ti)nall. )bedient and (ell"disci+lined as he (as, (as
H)( a .)ung b). )3 se5en .ears c)uld lead the H)l. Li3e is
al#)st inc)ncei5able& But Sa#anera @N)5iceA ahula, cultured,
e2ce+ti)nall. )bedient and (ell"disci+lined as he (as, (as
that he ()uld rise earl. in the #)rning and ta;ing a hand3ul
)3 sand thr)( it u+, sa.ing D JT)da. #a. I recei5e 3r)# #.
instruct)rs as #uch c)unsel as these grains )3 sand&K
One )3 the earliest disc)urses +reached t) hi#, i##edi
atel. a3ter his )rdinati)n, (as the A#balatthi;arahul)5ada
Sutta
in (hich He e#+hasiIed the i#+)rtance )3 Truth3ulness&/9
One da. the Buddha 5isited the Venerable ahula (h),
seeing Hi# c)#ing 3r)# a3ar, arranged a seat and su++lied
(ater 3)r (ashing the 3eet&
The Buddha (ashed His 3eet and lea5ing a s#all Guantit.
)3 (ater in the 5essel, said$
JD) .)u see, ahula, this s#all Guantit. )3 (ater le3t in the
5esselBK
J!es, L)rd&K
JSi#ilarl., ahula, insigni3icant, indeed, is the Sa#anashi+
@#)n;h))dA )3 th)se (h) are n)t asha#ed )3 uttering
deliberate lies&K
Then the Buddha thre( a(a. that s#all Guantit. )3 (ater,
and said$
JDiscarded, indeed, is the Sa#anashi+ )3 th)se (h) are
n)t asha#ed )3 deliberate l.ing&K
The Buddha turned the 5essel u+side d)(n, and said D
JO5erturned, indeed, is the Sa#anashi+ )3 th)se (h) are n)t
asha#ed )3 uttering deliberate lies&K
*inall. the Buddha set the 5essel u+right and said D JE#+t.
and 5)id, indeed, is the Sa#anashi+ )3 th)se (h) are n)t
/9&
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& :/& See The Blessing, +& /< &
0:
asha#ed )3 deliberate l.ing&K
asha#ed )3 deliberate l.ing&K
E#+hasiIing the i#+)rtance )3 truth3ulness (ith such
h)#el. illustrati)ns, the Buddha e2+lained t) hi# the 5alue
)3 re3lecti)n and the criteri)n )3 #)ralit. in such a (a. as a
child c)uld understand&
Jahula, 3)r (hat +ur+)se is a #irr)rBK Guesti)ned the
Buddha&
J*)r the +ur+)se )3 re3lecting, L)rd&K
JSi#ilarl., ahula, a3ter re3lecting and re3lecting sh)uld
b)dil. acti)n be d)neL a3ter re3lecting sh)uld 5erbal acti)n be
d)neL a3ter re3lecting sh)uld #ental acti)n be d)ne&
J'hate5er acti)n .)u desire t) d) (ith the b)d., )3 that
+articular b)dil. acti)n .)u sh)uld re3lect$ MN)(, this acti)n
that I desire t) +er3)r# (ith the b)d. D ()uld this, #. b)dil.
acti)n be c)nduci5e t) #. )(n har#, )r t) the har# )3 )thers,
)r t) that )3 b)th #.sel3 and )thersB> Then, uns;il3ul is this
b)dil. acti)n, entailing su33ering and +r)ducing +ain&
JI3, (hen re3lecting, .)u sh)uld realiIe$ MN)(, this b)dil.
acti)n )3 #ine that I a# desir)us )3 +er3)r#ing, ()uld be
c)nduci5e t) #. )(n har# )r t) the har# )3 )thers, )r t)
that )3 b)th #.sel3 and )thers&> Then uns;il3ul is this b)dil.
acti)n, entailing su33ering and +r)ducing +ain& Such an acti)n
(ith the b)d., .)u #ust )n n) acc)unt +er3)r#&
JI3, )n the )ther hand, (hen re3lecting .)u realiIe$ MN)(,
this b)dil. acti)n that I a# desir)us )3 +er3)r#ing, ()uld
c)nduce neither t) the har# )3 #.sel3, n)r t) that )3 )thers,
n)r t) that )3 b)th #.sel3 and )thers&> Then s;il3ul is this
0<
b)dil. acti)n, entailing +leasure and +r)ducing ha++iness&
Such b)dil. acti)n .)u sh)uld +er3)r#&K
b)dil. acti)n, entailing +leasure and +r)ducing ha++iness&
Such b)dil. acti)n .)u sh)uld +er3)r#&K
and a3ter )ne>s acti)ns, the Buddha said$
J'hile .)u are d)ing an acti)n (ith the b)d., )3 that +ar
ticular acti)n sh)uld .)u re3lect$ MN)(, is this acti)n that I a#
d)ing (ith #. b)d. c)nduci5e t) #. )(n har#, )r t) the
har# )3 )thers )r t) that )3 b)th #.sel3 and )thersB> Then uns;il3ul
is this b)dil. acti)n, entailing su33ering and +r)ducing
+ain&K
JI3, (hen re3lecting, .)u realiIe$ MN)(, this acti)n that I
a# d)ing (ith #. b)d. is c)nduci5e t) #. )(n har#, t) the
har# )3 )thers, and t) that )3 b)th #.sel3 and )thers&> Then
uns;il3ul is this b)dil. acti)n, entailing su33ering and +r)duc
ing +ain& *r)# such a b)dil. acti)n .)u #ust desistK&
JI3 (hen re3lecting, .)u sh)uld realiIe$ MN)(, this acti)n
)3 #ine that I a# d)ing (ith the b)d. is c)nduci5e neither t)
#. )(n har#, n)r t) the har# )3 )thers, n)r t) that )3 b)th
#.sel3 and )thers&> Then s;il3ul is this b)dil. acti)n, entailing
+leasure and ha++iness& Such a b)dil. acti)n .)u sh)uld
d) again and again&K
The Buddha adds JI3, (hen re3lecting, .)u sh)uld realiIe$
MN)(, this acti)n that I ha5e d)ne is uns;il3ul&> Such an
acti)n sh)uld be c)n3essed, re5ealed, and #ade #ani3est t)
the Teacher, )r t) the learned, )r t) .)ur brethren )3 the H)l.
Li3e& Ha5ing c)n3essed, .)u sh)uld acGuire restraint in the
3uture&K
The ad#)niti)n (ith regard t) s;il3ul and uns;il3ul 5erbal
and #ental acti)ns (as treated in the sa#e (a.&
Stating that c)nstant re3lecti)n (as essential 3)r +uri3icati)n,
the Buddha ended the disc)urse as 3)ll)(s$
01
JThus #ust .)u train .)ursel3 D B. c)nstantl. re3lecting shall
(e +uri3. )ur b)dil. acti)ns, b. c)nstantl. re3lecting shall (e +uri3.
)ur 5erbal acti)ns, b. c)nstantl. re3lecting, shall (e +uri3. )ur
JThus #ust .)u train .)ursel3 D B. c)nstantl. re3lecting shall
(e +uri3. )ur b)dil. acti)ns, b. c)nstantl. re3lecting shall (e +uri3.
)ur 5erbal acti)ns, b. c)nstantl. re3lecting, shall (e +uri3. )ur
In the Sa#.utta Ni;a.a there is a s+ecial cha+ter (here
the Buddha e2+lains t) Sa#anera ahula, the transit)riness
)3 nature&/
As Venerable ahula entered the Order in his b).h))d the
Buddha a5ailed Hi#sel3 )3 e5er. )++)rtunit. t) ad5ise and
guide hi# )n the right +ath& The Sutta Ni+ata/:
states that
the Buddha re+eatedl. ad#)nished hi# (ith the 3)ll)(ing
stanIas$
JCi5e u+ 3i5e3)ld
sensual +leasures D s) s(eet, s) char#ing&
C)ing 3)rth 3r)# h)#e, (ith 3aith, be )ne (h) has +ut an end
t) su33ering&
See; a re#)te l)dging, secluded and n)iseless&
Be #)derate in 3))d&Ha5e n) attach#ent t) r)bes, al#s, reGuisites
and l)dging&
4)#e n)t t) this ()rld again,&
?ractise restraint (ith regard t) the *unda#ental 4)de and
the 3i5e senses&
4ulti5ate #ind3ulness as regards the b)d. and be 3ull )3
dis+assi)nateness&
A5)id alluring, lust+r)5);ing
)bHects @)3 senseA& De5el)+ .)ur
)ne+)inted,
c)#+)sed #ind t)(ards l)aths)#eness& Thin;
n)t )3 the )ut(ard a++earance )3 sense& Ci5e u+ latent +ride&
Thus eradicating +ride, .)u shall 3are )n in +er3ect +eace&K
/ &
Sa#.utta Ni;a.a ii, ++& 699 "687, Kindred Sa.ings, ii, ++& /:9D/:1&
/:&
Sutta Ni+ata, ahula Sutta& 4hal#ers D Buddha>s
Teachings, +& 1/&
00
In his eighteenth .ear the Buddha +reached a +r)3)und
disc)urse )n #ind"culture, the )ccasi)n 3)r it being a sense"
desire that ar)se in Venerable ahula>s #ind )n acc)unt )3 his
beauti3ul a++earance&
In his eighteenth .ear the Buddha +reached a +r)3)und
disc)urse )n #ind"culture, the )ccasi)n 3)r it being a sense"
desire that ar)se in Venerable ahula>s #ind )n acc)unt )3 his
beauti3ul a++earance&
it see#s that the +air (as li;e an aus+ici)us r).al ele+hant
and his n)ble )33s+ring, a r).al s(an (ith its beaute)us c.gnet,
a regal li)n (ith its statel. cub& B)th (ere g)lden in c)#
+le2i)n, al#)st eGual in beaut.L b)th (ere )3 the (arri)r casteL
b)th had ren)unced a thr)ne& ahula, ad#iring the Teacher,
th)ught$ JI t)) a# hands)#e li;e #. +arent the E2alted One&
Beauti3ul is the Buddha>s 3)r#, and #ine is si#ilar&K/<
The Buddha instantl. read his e5il th)ught, and l));ing
bac; addressed hi# thus$
J'hats)e5er 3)r# there be sh)uld be regarded thus$
JThis is n)t #ine @N>eta# #a#aAL this a# I n)t @N>es) >ha#
>as#iAL this is n)t #. s)ul @Na #e s) attaA&K/1
ahula sub#issi5el. inGuired )3 Hi# (hether he sh)uld
regard )nl. 3)r# as such&
The Buddha re+lied that he sh)uld regard all the 3i5e aggregates
@KhandhasA/0
as such&
The Venerable ahula, ha5ing been thus edi3ied b. the
Buddha Hi#sel3, +re3erred n)t t) enter the 5illage 3)r al#s&
He turned bac; and sat at the 3))t )3 a tree, (ith legs cr)ssed,
the b)d. held erect, intent )n #ind3ulness&
Venerable Sari+utta n)ting the suggesti5e +)sture )3
ahula Sa#anera, ad5ised hi# t) c)ncentrate )n inhaling and
/<&
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& :6& See The Blessing, +& /16&
/1&
See Anattala;;hana Sutta, 4h& :&
/0&
See cha+ter :, +& 19, N& /&
/==
e2haling, n)t ;n)(ing that he (as +ractising an)ther )bHect
)3 #editati)n )n the instructi)n )3 the Buddha&
Venerable ahula (as +er+le2ed because he (as gi5en t()
di33erent )bHects )3 #editati)n D )ne b. the Buddha and the
)ther b. his )(n teacher& In )bedience t) his teacher be c)n
centrated )n JbreathingK and (ent t) the Buddha t) get His
)(n instructi)n )n the subHect& As a (ise +h.sician ()uld
gi5e the needed #edicine, ign)ring the desires, the Buddha
3irst e2+anded His brie3 instructi)n )n #editati)n )n 3)r#
and )ther aggregates and then brie3l. enu#erated certain subHects
)3 #editati)n (ith the s+eci3ic e5il c)nditi)ns te#+)raril.
eli#inated b. each and then e2+lained the #editati)n )n
Jres+irati)nK @Ana+ana SatiA&
Acting acc)rding t) the Buddha>s instructi)ns, he suc
ceeded in his #editati)ns, and, be3)re l)ng, hearing the 4ula
ahul)5ada Sutta,6= he attained Arahantshi+&
In the 3)urteenth .ear a3ter the Enlighten#ent )3 the
Buddha, Sa#anera ahula recei5ed his Higher Ordinati)n&
He +redeceased the Buddha and Venerable Sari+utta&
Venerable ahula (as distinguished 3)r his high standard
)3 disci+line& The 3)ll)(ing 3)ur 5erses are attributed t) hi#
in the Theragatha$
JBeing 3)rtunate 3r)# b)th sides, the. call #e JLuc;. ahulaK&
I (as the s)n )3 the Buddha and that )3 the Seer )3 Truths&
Destr).ed are all #. 4)rru+ti)ns& There is n) #)re rebirth t) #e&
An Arahant a# I, ()rth. )3 )33ering&
?)ssessed )3 three3)ld ;n)(ledge and a seer )3 Deathless a# I,6/
6=&
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& /9<&
6/&
55& 60<, 601& ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, +& /1 &
/=/
JBlinded b. sensedesires,
s+read )5er b. a net, c)5ered b. a
cl)a; )3 cra5ing, b)und b. the M;ins#an )3 heedlessness> (as I
li;e a 3ish caught in the #)uth )3 a 3unnelnet&
JBlinded b. sensedesires,
s+read )5er b. a net, c)5ered b. a
cl)a; )3 cra5ing, b)und b. the M;ins#an )3 heedlessness> (as I
li;e a 3ish caught in the #)uth )3 a 3unnelnet&
&
Eradicating cra5ing, 3r)# its r))t, c))l a# I, +eace3ul a# I n)(&
!
/=6
4ha+ter 0
The Buddha and His elati5es
@4)ntinuedA
JTrust3ul are the best )3 relati5esK&
D Dha##a+ada
The Buddha and His ste+"br)ther Nanda
On the third da. a3ter the arri5al )3 the Buddha at Ka+ila
5atthu, ?rince Nanda, the s)n )3 Pueen Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i,
(as celebrating his c)nsecrati)n cere#)n., #arriage cere
#)n., and the h)use"(ar#ing cere#)n.& It (as )n the )cca
si)n )3 these three 3esti5als (hen c)ngratulati)ns (ere being
)33ered t) the +rince that the Buddha 5isited the +alace& A3ter
the #eal the Buddha handed the b)(l t) the +rince, and ut
tering a Blessing, r)se t) g) (ith)ut ta;ing the b)(l&
The +rince 3)ll)(ed Hi# thin;ing that the Buddha ()uld
ta;e the b)(l 3r)# hi# at an. #)#ent& But the Buddha ()uld
n)t ta;e it, and the +rince )ut )3 re5erence 3)r Hi# c)ntinued
t) 3)ll)( the Teacher&
-ana+ada Kal.ani, t) (h)# he (as betr)thed, hearing that
the +rince (as 3)ll)(ing the Buddha (ith b)(l in hand, (ith
tears strea#ing d)(n her chee;s and hair hal3"c)#bed, ran
a3ter ?rince Nanda as 3ast as she c)uld and said t) hi#$ Je
turn Guic;l., O n)ble L)rdKR These a33ecti)nate ()rds +en
etrated his heart and he (as dee+l. #)5ed, but (ith de3er
ence t) the Buddha he c)uld n)t +)ssibl. return the b)(l t)
Hi#& S) he acc)#+anied the Buddha t) the +ar;, His te#+)
rar. residence& On arri5al there the Buddha Guesti)ned Nanda
(hether he ()uld bec)#e a #)n;& S) great (as his re5erence
3)r Hi# as the Buddha and as an elder br)ther )3 his that,
/=
(ith reluctance, he agreed t) be ad#itted int) the Order&
(ith reluctance, he agreed t) be ad#itted int) the Order&
ing 3r)# renunciati)n& He (as greatl. de+ressed, and (as
c)nstantl. thin;ing )3 his bride& He related his #ental tr)u
bles t) the Bhi;;hus, sa.ing$ JBrethren, I a# dissatis3ied& I a#
n)( li5ing the eligi)us Li3e, but I cann)t endure t) lead the
H)l. Li3e an. l)nger& I intend t) aband)n the higher +rece+ts
and return t) the l)(er li3e, the li3e )3 a la.#anK&
Hearing this, the Buddha Guesti)ned Venerable Nanda
(hether such re+)rt (as true& He ad#itted his (ea;ness, and
stated that he (as ()rried ab)ut his bride&
The Buddha de5ised a #eans t) set hi# )n the right +ath&
'ith the )bHect )3 sh)(ing hi# celestial n.#+hs the Buddha,
using His ?s.chic +)(ers, t)); hi# t) the Ta5ati#sa Hea5en&
On the (a. the Venerable Nanda (as sh)(n a singed she"
#)n;e. (h) had l)st her ears, n)se, and tail in a 3ire, cling
ing t) a burnt"u+ stu#+ in a sc)rched 3ield& eaching hea5en,
the Buddha +)inted t) hi# celestial n.#+hs and as;ed hi#$
JNanda, (hich d) .)u regard as being the #)re beauti3ul and
3air t) l)); u+)n and hands)#e D .)ur n)ble (i3e -ana+ada
Kal.ani )r the celestial n.#+hsBK
JVenerable Sir, -ana+ada Kal.ani is li;e the singed #)n;e.
(hen c)#+ared t) th)se celestial n.#+hs, (h) are in3initel.
#)re beauti3ul and 3air&K
J4heer u+, Nanda& I guarantee that .)u (ill +)ssess the#
i3 .)u +erse5ere as I bid .)u&K
JIn that case I shall ta;e the greatest +leasure in li5ing the
H)l. Li3e,K said Venerable Nanda, childishl.&
Hearing that Venerable Nanda (as li5ing the H)l. Li3e
(ith the )bHect )3 (inning celestial n.#+hs, the Bhi;;hus
ridiculed hi# calling hi# Jhireling&K E5entuall. he beca#e
/=9
asha#ed )3 his base #)ti5e, and stri5ing diligentl., attained
Arahantshi+&
He thereu+)n, a++r)ached the Buddha and said$ JVener
asha#ed )3 his base #)ti5e, and stri5ing diligentl., attained
Arahantshi+&
He thereu+)n, a++r)ached the Buddha and said$ JVenert
He #ade (hen He guaranteed that I sh)uld (in celestial
n.#+hs&K
The Buddha re+lied$ J'hen, Nanda, .)u ceased t) cling
t) the things )3 the ()rld, and .)ur heart (as released 3r)#
the 4)rru+ti)ns, at that #)#ent I (as released 3r)# that
+r)#ise&K
He then uttered the 3)ll)(ing +aean )3 H).$
JHe that has cr)ssed )5er the #ud and crushed the th)rn )3 lustL
He that has destr).ed delusi)n, such a #an is un#)5ed (hether in
+leasure )r in +ain&K
'hen s)#e #)n;s d)ubted his attain#ent )3 Arahantshi+
the Buddha in e2+lanati)n uttered the 3)ll)(ing stanIas$
JE5en as rain +enetrates an illthatched
h)use, s) d)es lust
+enetrate an unde5el)+ed #ind&K
JE5en as rain d)es n)t +enetrate a (ellthatched
h)use, s)
d)es lust n)t +enetrate a (ell"de5el)+ed #ind&K/
EnH).ing the bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n, he +raised the Teacher,
sa.ing$ JO e2cellent is the #eth)d )3 the Master, (hereb. I
(as dra(n )ut )3 the #ire )3 rebirth and set )n Nibbana>s
strandRK
Theragatha attributes the 3)ll)(ing 5erses t) hi#$
JThr)ugh n)t re3lecting rightl. I (as attached t) )ut(ard sh)(&
O5erc)#e b. +assi)nate l)5e, I (as restless and 3ic;le&
Because )3 the s;il3ul #eans de5ised b. the Buddha, the J;ins#an )3
/& Dha##a+ada 5s& / D/9&
/=
the sunK, rightl. I acted and dre( )ut #. #ind 3r)# e2istence&Kthe sunK, rightl. I acted and dre( )ut
#. #ind 3r)# e2istence&K
Venerable Nanda Thera (as +laced chie3 a#)ngst disci+les
in res+ect )3 sel3"c)ntr)l&
The Buddha and Ananda
Ananda, a c)usin )3 ?rince Siddhattha, (as the s)n )3 A#it)dana,
a .)unger br)ther )3 King Suddh)dana& As he (as b)rn
bringing ha++iness t) all his ;ins3)l;, be (as na#ed Ananda&
In the sec)nd .ear )3 the Buddha>s #inistr. Ananda entered
the Order t)gether (ith the Sa;.a N)bles Anuruddha,
Bhaddi.a, Bhagu, Ki#bila, and De5adatta& N)t l)ng a3ter, hearing
a ser#)n 3r)# Venerable ?unna Mantani+utta, he attained
'hen the Buddha (as 3i3t."3i5e .ears )ld Venerable Ananda
beca#e His chie3 attendant&
During the 3irst t(ent. .ears a3ter His Enlighten#ent the
Buddha had n) +er#anent attendant& The 3e( te#+)rar. attendants
(ere n)t 5er. duti3ul and their beha5i)ur (as n)t
highl. c)##endable& One da. (hile residing at -eta5ana the
Buddha addressed the bhi;;hus and said$ JN)( I a# )ld, O
Bhi;;hus& 'hen I sa.$ Let us g) this (a. s)#e g) b. an)ther
(a.L s)#e dr)+ #. b)(l and r)be )n the gr)und& 4h))se )ut
)ne disci+le t) attend al(a.s u+)n #e&K7
*)rth(ith all the Bhi;;hus, 3r)# Venerable Sari+utta
d)(n(ards, 5)lunteered their ser5ices& But the Buddha declined
their ;ind )33er& As the Venerable Ananda (as silent,
he (as ad5ised b. the Bhi;;hus t) )33er his ser5ices& He c)nsented
)n c)nditi)n the Buddha ()uld grant the 3)ll)(ing
eight b))ns$N
& ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, +& /6<
5s& / <, / 1&
& -ata;a N)& 98:, -ata;a Translati)n, 5)l& i5& +& :/
/=:
@iA
The Buddha sh)uld n)t gi5e hi# r)bes (hich He
Hi#sel3 had recei5ed&
@iiA
The Buddha sh)uld n)t gi5e hi# 3))d (hich He had
recei5ed&
@iiiA
The Buddha sh)uld n)t all)( hi# t) d(ell in the
sa#e *ragrant 4ha#ber&
@i5A
The Buddha sh)uld n)t ta;e hi# (ith Hi# (here5er
the Buddha is in5ited&
@5A
The Buddha sh)uld ;indl. g) (ith hi# (here5er He
is in5ited&
@5iA
The Buddha sh)uld ;indl. gi5e hi# +er#issi)n t)
intr)duce 5isit)rs that c)#e 3r)# a3ar t) see the
Buddha&
@5iiA
The Buddha sh)uld ;indl. grant hi# +er#issi)n t)
a++r)ach Hi# (hene5er an. d)ubt sh)uld arise&
@5iiiA The Buddha sh)uld ;indl. re+eat t) hi# the
disc)urses that (ere declared in his absence&
The Buddha granted these 3)ur negati5e and +)siti5e b))ns&
Thence3)rth the Venerable Ananda acted as His 3a5)urite at
tendant 3)r t(ent."3i5e .ears till the Buddha>s last #)#ent&
Li;e a shad)( he 3)ll)(ed Hi# e5er.(here, attending t) all
His needs (ith great l)5e and care& B)th during da. and night
his ser5ices (ere al(a.s at the dis+)sal )3 his Master& At night
it is stated that he used t) g) r)und the *ragrant 4ha#ber
nine ti#es (ith sta33 and t)rch in hand t) ;ee+ hi# a(a;e
and t) +re5ent the Buddha>s slee+ 3r)# being disturbed&
Ananda B)dhi Tree
It (as Venerable Ananda (h) (as res+)nsible 3)r the +lant
ing )3 the Ananda B)dhi Tree& In the absence )3 the Buddha,
de5)ut 3)ll)(ers (h) used t) bring 3l)(ers and garlands, la.
/=<
the# at the entrance t) the *ragrant 4ha#ber and de+art (ith
#uch reH)icing& Anatha+indi;a ca#e t) hear )3 it and reGuested
Venerable Ananda t) inGuire )3 the Buddha (hether there (as
a +)ssibilit. )3 3inding a +lace (here his de5)tees #ight +a.
the# at the entrance t) the *ragrant 4ha#ber and de+art (ith
#uch reH)icing& Anatha+indi;a ca#e t) hear )3 it and reGuested
Venerable Ananda t) inGuire )3 the Buddha (hether there (as
a +)ssibilit. )3 3inding a +lace (here his de5)tees #ight +a.
JThere are three, Ananda& The. are )bHects )3 re5erence a++ertaining
t) the b)d. @Sariri;aA,9 )bHects )3 re5erence a++ertaining
t) +ers)nal use @?aribh)gi;aA and )bHects )3 re5erence
re#iniscent )3 the Buddha @Uddesi;aA&K
JIs it +r)+er, L)rd, t) c)nstruct a 4eti.a (hile .)u are
ali5eBK
JN), n)t an )bHect )3 re5erence a++ertaining t) the b)d.
(hich it is +r)+er t) erect a3ter the +assing a(a. )3 the Buddha&
An )bHect )3 re5erence re#iniscent )3 the Buddha has n) +h.sical
basisL it is +urel. #ental& But the great B)dhi tree, used b.
the Buddha, (hether He is ali5e )r dead, is an )bHect )3 re5erence
@4eti.aA&K
JL)rd (hen .)u g) )n .)ur +reaching t)urs, the great #)naster.
)3 -eta5ana is (ith)ut re3uge, and +e)+le 3ind n) +lace
)3 re5erence& L)rd, #a. I bring a seed 3r)# the great B)dhi
tree and +lant it at the entrance t) -eta5anaBK
JVer. (ell, Ananda, +lant it& It (ill then be as i3 I c)nstantl.
abide in -eta5ana&K
Venerable Ananda #enti)ned this #atter t) Buddha>s +rinci+al
la. attendants D Anatha+indi;a, Visa;ha, and King K)sala
D and reGuested the Venerable M)ggallana t) secure a 3ruit
3r)# the great B)dhi tree& eadil. he c)nsented and )btained
& Such as b)dil. relics )3 the Buddha&
/=1
a 3ruit that (as 3alling 3r)# the tree and deli5ered it t) Venerable
Ananda&
a 3ruit that (as 3alling 3r)# the tree and deli5ered it t) Venerable
Ananda&
8
Ananda and ')#en
It (as als) Venerable Ananda (h) +ersuaded the Buddha
t) ad#it ()#en int) the Order& Had it n)t been 3)r his
inter5enti)n Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i ()uld n)t ha5e succeeded
in bec)#ing a Bhi;;huni @NunA& Bhi;;hunis held hi# in high
estee#, and his ser#)ns (ere greatl. a++reciated b. the#&
On )ne )ccasi)n he a++r)ached the Buddha and as;ed
Hi#$
JH)( are (e t) c)nduct )ursel5es, L)rd, (ith regard t)
()#an;indBK
JAs n)t seeing the#, Ananda&K
JBut i3 (e sh)uld see the#, L)rd, (hat are (e t) d)BK
JD) n)t tal; t) the# Ananda&K
JBut i3 the. sh)uld s+ea; t) us, L)rd, (hat are (e t) d)BK
JBe (atch3ul, Ananda&K
This general e2h)rtati)n (as gi5en t) Bhi;;hus s) that the.
#a. c)nstantl. be (atch3ul in their dealings (ith ()#en&
As he +)ssessed a +)(er3ull. retenti5e #e#)r., and
as he had the rare +ri5ilege )3 listening t) all the disc)urses
)3 the Buddha )(ing t) his cl)se ass)ciati)n (ith
Hi#, he (as later a++)inted the 4ust)dian )3 the Dha##a
@Dha##abhanda"
gari;aA&
& This )ldest hist)ric sacred tree is still t) be seen at #)dern Sahet Mahet
@Sa5atthiA in India&
/=0
e3erring t) his )(n ;n)(ledge )3 the Dha##a, in re+l.
e3erring t) his )(n ;n)(ledge )3 the Dha##a, in re+l.
JEight."t() th)usand 3r)# the Buddha and t()
th)usand 3r)# the Bhi;;hus I recei5ed&
There e2ist eight."3)ur th)usand te2ts in all&K:
The Buddha ran;ed hi# 3)re#)st a#)ngst His disci+les in
3i5e res+ects$ eruditi)n @bahussutana#A, retenti5e #e#)r.
@sati#antana#A, g))d beha5i)ur @gati#antana#A, stead3astness
@dhiti#antana#A, and #inistering care @u+attha;ana#A&<
Th)ugh a distinguished disci+le, (ell"5ersed in the
Dha##a, he li5ed as a JlearnerK @se;haA, till the death )3 the
Buddha& The Buddha>s 3inal e2h)rtati)n t) hi# (as D J!)u
ha5e d)ne #erit in the +ast, Ananda& Puic;l. be 3ree 3r)#
4)rru+ti)ns&K1
It (as )nl. a3ter the +assing a(a. )3 the Buddha that he
attained Arahantshi+& As he (as e2+ected t) ta;e a leading
+art in the *irst 4)uncil, (hich (as c)#+)sed )nl. )3 Arahants,
he #ade a strenu)us e33)rt and attained Arahantshi+
)n the night +receding the 4)n5)cati)n (hile he (as ab)ut
t) lie d)(n )n his c)uch& It is stated that he (as the )nl. disci+le
(h) attained Arahantshi+ 3ree 3r)# the +)stures )3 sitting,
standing, (al;ing )r slee+ing&0
Venerable Ananda +assed a(a. at the age )3 )ne hundred
and t(ent.& The Dha##a+ada c)##entar. states that as
+e)+le )3 b)th the sides )3 the ri5er )hini (ere eGuall. ser5iceable
t) hi# and as b)th sides 5ied (ith each )ther t) +)ssess
his relics, he sat cr)ss"legged in the air )5er the #iddle )3
& ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, +& 789& Theragatha 5s& /969&
& Anguttara Ni;a.a, V)l& i, +& 69& Cradual Sa.ings, +art I& +& /0
& Digha Ni;a.a, ?arinibbana Sutta&
& Buddhist Legends, 5)l& iii, +& /:=&
//=
the ri5er, +reached the Dha##a t) the #ultitude and (ished
that his b)d. ()uld s+lit in t() and that )ne +)rti)n ()uld
3all )n the near side and the )ther )n the 3arther side& He then
the ri5er, +reached the Dha##a t) the #ultitude and (ished
that his b)d. ()uld s+lit in t() and that )ne +)rti)n ()uld
3all )n the near side and the )ther )n the 3arther side& He then
;asina
sa#a+attiA& Instantl. 3la#es )3 3ire issued 3r)# his b)d.,
and, as (illed, )ne +)rti)n )3 the b)d. 3ell )n the near side
and the )ther )n the 3arther side&
The Theragatha gi5es se5eral stanIas uttered b. hi# )n
5ari)us )ccasi)ns& The 3)ll)(ing 5erses (hich deal (ith
the 3railt. )3 this s)"called beauti3ul b)d. are +articularl.
interesting$
JBeh)ld this ad)rned b)d., a #ass )3 s)res, a lu#+ in3ir#,
#uch th)ught )3, (here)3 n)thing lasts, n)thing
+ersists&K/=
The Buddha and Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i
Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i, (as the .)ungest sister )3 King Su++abuddha&
Her elder sister (as Pueen Maha Ma.a& B)th (ere
#arried t) King Suddh)dana& She had a daughter na#ed Nanda
and a s)n na#ed Nanda& Later, b)th )3 the# entered the Order&
'hen Maha Ma.a died she ad)+ted her sister>s s)n, ?rince Siddhattha,
entrusting her )(n s)n Nanda t) the charge )3 nurses&
Her 3a#il. na#e (as C)ta#i, and she (as na#ed Maha
?aHa+ati because s))thsa.ers +redicted that she ()uld be the
head )3 a large 3)ll)(ing&
'hen the Buddha 5isited the +alace and +reached the
Dha##a+ala -ata;a t) His 3ather she attained the 3irst stage
)3 Sainth))d&
A3ter the death )3 King Suddh)dana, as b)th ?rinces
Siddhattha and Nanda had ren)unced the ()rld, she als)
/=& ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, +& 787& Theragatha, 5& /=6=& Dha##a+ada 5, /9<&
///
decided t) enter the N)ble Order and lead the H)l. Li3e& 'hen
the Buddha 5isited Ka+ila5atthu t) settle a dis+ute bet(een
the Sa;.as and K)li.as (ith regard t) the irrigati)n )3 channels
3r)# the ri5er )hini and (as residing at the Nigr)dha
+ar;, Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i a++r)ached the Buddha and begging
Hi# t) grant +er#issi)n 3)r ()#en t) enter the Order,
+leaded thus$//
JIt ()uld be (ell, L)rd, i3 ()#en sh)uld be all)(ed t) ren)unce
their h)#es and enter the h)#eless state under the
d)ctrine and disci+line +r)clai#ed b. the Tathagata&K
'ith)ut stating His reas)ns, the Buddha straight(a. re3used,
sa.ing$
JEn)ugh, O C)ta#i, let it n)t +lease .)u that ()#en sh)uld
be all)(ed t) d) s)&K
*)r the sec)nd and third ti#e Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i re+eated
her reGuest, and the Buddha ga5e the sa#e re+l.&
Later, the Buddha ha5ing sta.ed at Ka+ila5atthu as l)ng as
He li;ed H)urne.ed t) Vesali, and arri5ing there in due c)urse,
resided at the Maha5ana in the Kutagara Hall&
es)lute ?aHa+ati C)ta#i, (ith)ut being disc)uraged b.
her disa++)int#ent, g)t her hair cut )33, d)nned .ell)( gar#ents,
and surr)unded b. a great nu#ber )3 Sa;.a ladies,
(al;ed 3r)# Ka+ila5atthu t) Vesali, a distance )3 ab)ut / =
#iles, e2+eriencing #an. a hardshi+& 'ith s()llen 3eet, her
b)d. c)5ered (ith dust, she arri5ed at Vesali and st))d )utside
the +)rch )3 the ?innacled Hall& Venerable Ananda 3)und
her (ee+ing and learning the cause )3 her grie3, a++r)ached
the Buddha and said$
JBeh)ld, L)rd, Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i is standing )utside
the +)rch, (ith s()llen 3eet, b)d. c)5ered (ith dust, and sad&
//& Vina.a Te2ts, +art iii, +& 76=& Anguttara Ni;a.a, ?art i5, 6<9&
//6
?lease +er#it ()#en t) ren)unce h)#e and enter the h)#eless
state under the d)ctrine and disci+line +r)clai#ed b. the
?lease +er#it ()#en t) ren)unce h)#e and enter the h)#eless
state under the d)ctrine and disci+line +r)clai#ed b. the
d
t) ren)unce their h)#es and enter the h)#eless state&K
JEn)ugh, Ananda, let it n)t +lease .)u that ()#en sh)uld
be all)(ed t) d) s)RK (as the Buddha>s re+l.&
*)r the sec)nd and third ti#e he interceded )n their behal3,
but the Buddha ()uld n)t .ield&
S) Venerable Ananda #ade a di33erent a++r)ach and re
s+ect3ull. Guesti)ned the Buddha$ JAre ()#en, L)rd, ca+able
)3 realiIing the state )3 a Strea#"'inner @S)ta+annaA, Once"
eturner @Sa;adaga#i&A Ne5er"eturner @Anaga#iA and an Arahant,
(hen the. ha5e g)ne 3)rth 3r)# h)#e t) the h)#eless
state under the d)ctrine and disci+line +r)clai#ed b. the E2alted
)neBK
The Buddha re+lied that the. (ere ca+able )3 realiIing
Saintshi+&
Enc)uraged b. this 3a5)urable re+l., Venerable Ananda a++ealed
again, sa.ing$ JI3 then L)rd, the. are ca+able )3 attaining
Saintshi+, since Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i had been )3 great
ser5ice t) the E2alted One, (hen as aunt and nurse she n)urished
Hi# and ga5e Hi# #il;, and )n the death )3 His #)ther
suc;led the E2alted One at her )(n breast, it (ere (ell, L)rd,
that ()#en sh)uld be gi5en +er#issi)n t) ren)unce the ()rld
and enter the h)#eless state under the d)ctrine and disci+line
+r)clai#ed b. the Tathagata&K
JI3, Ananda, Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i acce+ts the Eight 4hie3
ules, let that be rec;)ned t) her as the 3)r# )3 her )rdinati)n,K
said the Buddha, 3inall. .ielding t) the entreaties )3 Venerable
Ananda& The Eight 4hie3 ules/6 are as 3)ll)(s$
/ & S)#e )3 these rules (ill n)t be intelligible t) the la. readers as the. +ertain t)
//
/"A Bhi;;huni, e5en )3 a hundred .ears> standing b.
U+asa#+ada,
/"A Bhi;;huni, e5en )3 a hundred .ears> standing b.
U+asa#+ada,
sh)uld salute a Bhi;;hu, rise u+ be3)re hi#,
re5erence hi#, and +er3)r# all +r)+er duties t)(ards hi#
th)ugh he had recei5ed the Higher Ordinati)n that 5er. da.&
6"A Bhi;;huni sh)uld n)t s+end a etreat @VassaA in a +lace
(here there is n) Bhi;;hu&
7" E5er. 3)rtnight a Bhi;;huni sh)uld as; 3r)# the Order
)3 Bhi;;hus the ti#e )3 U+)satha/9
#eeting and (hen a
Bhi;;hu ()uld c)#e t) ad#)nish the#&
9" The ?a5arana/
cere#)n. a3ter the etreat sh)uld be held
b. a Bhi;;huni in the +resence )3 b)th Bhi;;hus and Bhi;;hunis
@t) inGuire (hether thr)ugh an. )3 the three (a.s )3
seeing, hearing, )r sus+ici)n a (r)ng has been d)ne&A
8"A Bhi;;huni (h) has c)##itted a #aH)r )33ence sh)uld
underg) Manatta/:
disci+line in the +resence )3 the Order )3
b)th Bhi;;hus and Bhi;;hunis&
:"A 3e#ale n)5ice @Si;;a#anaA, (h) is trained in the Si2
ules 3)r t() .ears, sh)uld recei5e the Higher Ordinati)n
3r)# the Order )3 Bhi;;hus and Bhi;;hunis&
<"A Bhi;;huni sh)uld )n n) acc)unt rebu;e )r abuse a
bhi;;hu&
1"Hence3)rth Bhi;;hunis sh)uld n)t gi5e ad#)niti)n t)
Bhi;;hus, but Bhi;;hus sh)uld ad#)nish Bhi;;hunis&
These rules are t) be re5ered, re5erenced, h)n)ured and res+ected
as l)ng as li3e lasts and sh)uld n)t be transgressed&
Vina.a Disci+line
/7& The Higher Ordinati)n
/ & The 3ull #))n and ne( #))n da.s (hen Bhi;;hus asse#ble t) recite their
*unda#ental ules&
/ & The 3)r#al ter#inati)n )3 the rain. seas)n&
/ & A 3)r# )3 disci+linar. acti)n&
//9
'hen Venerable Ananda #enti)ned the# t) Maha ?aHa+ati
C)ta#i she gladl. agreed t) abide b. th)se eight 4hie3 ules&
B. their acce+tance she aut)#aticall. recei5ed the Higher
Ordinati)n&
'hen Venerable Ananda #enti)ned the# t) Maha ?aHa+ati
C)ta#i she gladl. agreed t) abide b. th)se eight 4hie3 ules&
B. their acce+tance she aut)#aticall. recei5ed the Higher
Ordinati)n&
d
l)ng and the Subli#e Dha##a ()uld ha5e sur5i5ed 3)r th)usand
.ears& But since ()#en ha5e entered this h)#eless state,
the H)l. Li3e ()uld n)t last l)ng and the Subli#e Dha#rna
()uld n)( re#ain )nl. 3)r 3i5e hundred .ears&K/<
The Buddha added D J-ust as, Ananda, h)uses in (hich
there are #an, ()#en and but 3e( #en are easil. 5i)lated b.
burglars, e5en s), under (hats)e5er d)ctrine and disci+line
()#en are +er#itted t) ren)unce the ()rld and enter the
h)#eless state, that H)l. Li3e (ill n)t last l)ng&
JAnd Hust as a #an ()uld in antici+ati)n build an e#ban;#ent
t) a great reser5)ir be.)nd (hich the (ater sh)uld
n)t )5er+ass, e5en s) ha5e I in antici+ati)n laid d)(n these
eight 4hie3 ules 3)r the Bhi;;hunis, n)t t) be transgressed
thr)ugh)ut their li5es&K/1
In #a;ing these c)##ents, (hich #a. n)t generall. be
5er. +alatable t) ()#an;ind, the Buddha (as n)t in an. (a.
#a;ing a (h)lesale c)nde#nati)n )3 ()#en but (as )nl.
rec;)ning (ith the (ea;nesses )3 their se2&
Alth)ugh 3)r se5eral 5alid reas)ns the Buddha reluctantl.
+er#itted ()#en t) enter the Order, it sh)uld be stated that
/<& See Cradual Sa.ings, i5, +& /19
/1& See Cradual Sa.ings, i5, +, /1
//
it (as the Buddha (h), 3)r the 3irst ti#e in the hist)r. )3 the
()rld, 3)unded an Order 3)r ()#en (ith rules and regulati)ns&
-ust as He a++)inted t() chie3 disci+les, Venerable Sari+utta
and M)gallana 3)r the Order )3 #)n;s, t() chie3 3e#ale disci+les
D Venerable Khe#a and U++ala5anna D (ere a++)inted 3)r
the Order )3 nuns as (ell&
One da. Bhi;;huni Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i a++r)ached the
Buddha and in5ited hi# t) deli5er a disc)urse s) that she
#a. stri5e al)ne and achie5e her g)al&
The Buddha declared D JO3 (hats)e5er d)ctrine th)u
shall be c)nsci)us, C)ta#i, that these things c)nduce t) +assi)n
and n)t t) +eace, t) +ride and n)t t) 5enerati)n, t) (ishing
3)r #uch and n)t t) (ishing 3)r little, t) l)5e )3 s)ciet.
and n)t t) seclusi)n, t) sl)th and n)t t) the e2ercise )3 Ieal,
t) being hard t) satis3. and n)t t) c)ntent#ent, 5eril. #a.est
th)u then, C)ta#i, bear in #ind$ that is n)t Dha##a, that is
n)t Vina.a, that is n)t the teaching )3 the Master&
But )3 (hats)e5er d)ctrine th)u shall be c)nsci)us, C)ta#i,
that these things c)nduce t) +eace and n)t t) +assi)n, t) 5enerati)n
and n)t t) +ride, t) (ishing 3)r little and n)t t) (ishing
3)r #uch, t) seclusi)n and n)t t) l)5e )3 s)ciet., t) the e2ercise
)3 Ieal and n)t t) sl)th, t) c)ntent#ent and n)t t) Guerul)usness,
5eril. #a.est th)u then bear in #ind$ that is Dha##a,
and that is Vina.a, and that is the teaching )3 the Master&/0
Be3)re l)ng she attained Arahantshi+, acc)#+anied b. intuiti5e
and anal.tical ;n)(ledge @?atisa#bhidaA&6=
The )ther Sa;.a ladies, (h) recei5ed their )rdinati)n (ith
her, als) attained Arahantshi+&
/ &
Vina.a Te2ts +art III, ++& 60D77=& See Cradual Sa.ings, i5, ++& /1:, /1<&
=&
Anal.tical Kn)(ledge (ith regard t) the #eaning @AtthaA, Te2ts @Dha##aA
Et.#)l)g. @NiruttiA, and the Understanding )3 these three @?atibhanaA&
//:
A#)ngst the 3e#ale disci+les Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i (as
A#)ngst the 3e#ale disci+les Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i (as
e
@attaQQuA&
In the Therigatha a++ear se5eral 5erses uttered b. her a3ter
attaining Arahantshi+&
!
//<
=
The Buddha>s 4hie3 O++)nents and Su++)rters
JAs a s)lid r)c; is n)t sha;en b. the (ind
E5en s) the (ise are n)t ru33led b. +raise )r bla#e&K
D Dha##a+ada
The Buddha ()r;ed disinterestedl. 3)r the (eal )3 #an;ind,
#a;ing n) distincti)n bet(een the rich and the +))r, the high
and the l)(& His 3)ll)(ers and su++)rters (ere dra(n b)th
3r)# the highest and l)(est rungs )3 the s)cial ladder& S) s+)n
tane)us (as the l)5e and s) +r)3)und (as the 5enerati)n )3
the +e)+le, that ;ings and n)bles, #illi)naires and +au+ers,
+i)us 3)l; and c)urtesans, #en and ()#en )3 all ran;s, 5ied
(ith )ne an)ther t) be )3 ser5ice t) Hi# and #a;e His n)ble
#issi)n a success& The (ealth. s+ent la5ishl. t) erect suita
ble #)nasteries 3)r Hi#, (hile the +))r, 3ull )3 3aith, de#)n
strated their +iet. in their hu#ble (a.& 'ith +er3ect eGuani#
it. He acce+ted the gi3ts )3 the rich and the +))r, but sh)(ed
n) +artialit. t) an.& Ne5ertheless, He sh)(ed #)re c)#+as
si)n t) the +))r and the l)(l.& Li;e a bee that e2tracts h)ne.
3r)# a 3l)(er (ith)ut hurting it, He li5ed a#)ngst His 3)l
l)(ers and su++)rters (ith)ut causing the slightest inc)n
5enience t) an.& O33erings )3 di5erse ;inds (ere sh)(ered )n
Hi#, and He acce+ted the# all (ith +er3ect n)n"attach#ent&
Th)ugh abs)lutel. +ure in #)ti5e and +er3ectl. sel3less in
His ser5ice t) hu#anit., .et, in +reaching and s+reading His
teaching, the Buddha had t) c)ntend against str)ng )++)siti)n&
He (as se5erel. criticised, r)undl. abused, insulted and
ruthlessl. attac;ed, as n) )ther religi)us teacher had been&
His chie3 )++)nents (ere )rdinar. teachers )3 ri5al sects and
//1
3)ll)(ers )3 heretical sch))ls (h)se traditi)nal teachings and
su+erstiti)us rites and cere#)nies He Hustl. criticised& His
greatest +ers)nal ene#., (h) #ade a 5ain atte#+t t) ;ill
Hi#, (as His )(n br)tber"in"la( and an erst(hile disci+le
3)ll)(ers )3 heretical sch))ls (h)se traditi)nal teachings and
su+erstiti)us rites and cere#)nies He Hustl. criticised& His
greatest +ers)nal ene#., (h) #ade a 5ain atte#+t t) ;ill
Hi#, (as His )(n br)tber"in"la( and an erst(hile disci+le
De5adatta&
The Buddha and De5adatta
De5adatta (as the s)n )3 King Su++abuddha and ?a#ita an aunt
)3 the Buddha& !as)dhara (as his sister& He (as thus a c)usin
and br)ther"in"la( )3 the Buddha& He entered the Order in
the earl. +art )3 the Buddha>s #inistr. t)gether (ith Ananda
and )ther Sa;.a +rinces& He c)uld n)t attain an. )3 the stages
)3 Sainth))d, but (as distinguished 3)r ()rldl. +s.chic +)(
ers @+)thuHHani;aiddhiA&
One )3 his chie3 su++)rters (as King
AHatasattu (h) built a #)naster. 3)r hi#&
During the earl. +art )3 his career he led such an e2e#+lar.
li3e that e5en Venerable Sari+utta (ent ab)ut aHagaha
e2t)lling hi#& Later, )5erc)#e b. ()rldl. gain and h)n)ur,
and gr)(ing Heal)us )3 the Buddha, De5adatta beca#e s) radicall.
changed in his character that he +r)5ed t) be the greatest
+ers)nal ene#. )3 the Buddha& Si#ultane)us (ith the
arising )3 ill"(ill in his heart t)(ards the Buddha his +s.chic
+)(ers aut)#aticall. ceased&
Des+ite his e5il (a.s and c)rru+t li3e, he had a large 3)ll)(ing
and #an. ad#irers, and s)#e e5en +re3erred hi# t)
Venerable Sari+utta&
On )ne )ccasi)n he a++r)ached the Buddha and reGuested
Hi# t) hand )5er the leadershi+ )3 the Sangha t) hi# as the
Buddha (as ad5anced in age& The Buddha straight(a. re3used,
sa.ing$ JN)t e5en t) Sari+utta )r M)ggallana ()uld I hand
)5er the Sangha& ')uld I then hand it )5er t) theeBK He (as
//0
enraged at this re3usal and 5)(ed 5engeance& T) sa3eguard
and #aintain the dignit. )3 the Sangha the Buddha caused a
+r)cla#ati)n t) be #ade that De5adatta al)ne (as res+)nsible
3)r an.thing d)ne b. hi# in the na#e )3 the Buddha, the
Dha##a, )r the Sangha&
enraged at this re3usal and 5)(ed 5engeance& T) sa3eguard
and #aintain the dignit. )3 the Sangha the Buddha caused a
+r)cla#ati)n t) be #ade that De5adatta al)ne (as res+)nsible
3)r an.thing d)ne b. hi# in the na#e )3 the Buddha, the
Dha##a, )r the Sangha&
Ungrate3ul AHatasattu succeeded in ;illing his de5)ut 3ather,
and De5adatta hired b)(#en t) #urder the Buddha but, c)ntrar.
t) his e2+ectati)ns, all the hirelings beca#e the Buddha>s
3)ll)(ers& *)iled in his atte#+t, he hi#sel3 res)l5ed t) ;ill
the Buddha& 'hen the Buddha (as (al;ing )n the sl)+es )3
CiHHha;uta he cli#bed the ?ea; and #ercilessl. hurled a r)c;
at the Buddha& *)rtunatel. it struc; an)ther +iece )3 r)c; and
a s+linter slightl. ()unded His 3))t, causing the bl))d t) 3l)(&
-i5a;a the +h.sician attended )n Hi# and cured Hi#&
De5adatta #ade an)ther unsuccess3ul atte#+t t) ;ill the
Buddha b. dis+atching the ele+hant Nalagiri, a3ter in3uriating
hi# (ith liGu)r, against the Teacher& 'hen the 3er)ci)us ele+hant
a++r)ached the Buddha the Venerable Ananda ste++ed
3)r(ard t) sacri3ice his li3e 3)r the sa;e )3 his Master, but the
Buddha subdued the beast b. His l)5ing";indness @MettaA&
B. this last (ic;ed act De5adatta beca#e e2tre#el. un+)+ular,
and +ublic )+ini)n (as s) #uch against hi# that the
King (as c)#+elled t) (ithdra( his +atr)nage& De5adatta 3ell
int) disre+ute and all his 3a5)urs decreased&
He n)( decided t) li5e b. deceit& His 3ertile brain de5ised
an)ther see#ingl. +eace3ul +lan&
'ith the hel+ )3 eGuall. e5il"#inded Bhi;;hus li;e
/6=
K);ali;a, he th)ught )3 causing a schis# in the Order& He re
K);ali;a, he th)ught )3 causing a schis# in the Order& He reg
the Bhi;;hus$
iA That #)n;s sh)uld d(ell all their li5es in the 3)rest&
iiA That the. sh)uld li5e )n al#s begged&
iiiA That the. sh)uld (ear ?a#sa;ula r)bes @i&e&, r)bes #ade
3r)# rags c)llected 3r)# the dust"hea+ and ce#eteries&A
i5A That the. sh)uld li5e at the 3))t )3 a tree&
5A That the. sh)uld n)t eat 3ish )r 3lesh thr)ugh)ut li3e&
This he did, ;n)(ing 3ull. (ell that the Buddha ()uld n)t
assent theret)& He desired t) #a;e Buddha>s re3usal a +rete2t
3)r dis+araging the Buddha, and thereb. (inning the su++)rt
)3 the ign)rant #asses&
'hen this reGuest (as #ade the c)#+assi)nate and t)lerant
Buddha declared that His disci+les (ere 3ree t) ad)+t these
rules )r n)t, but ()uld n)t #a;e the# c)#+uls)r. 3)r all&
De5adatta #ade this re3usal a cause 3)r a schis# in the
Order& He a++ealed t) the Bhi;;hus, sa.ing$ JBrethren, (h)se
()rds are the n)bler, the ()rds )3 the Tathagata )r the ()rds
(hich I #.sel3 ha5e utteredB 'h)e5er desires release 3r)#
su33ering, let hi# c)#e (ith #e&K
Ne(l. )rdained #)n;s, (h) (ere n)t c)n5ersant (ith
the Dha##a, a++arentl. a++r)5ed )3 his de#ands and (ent
)5er t) hi#& Acc)#+anied b. the#, he (ent t) Ca.asisa& But
Venerable Sari+utta and M)gallana, )n the ad5ice )3 the Buddha,
(ent there and succeeded in (inning the# bac; a3ter e2+laining
the Dha##a t) the#&
Therea3ter e5il da.s 3ell u+)n De5adatta& He 3ell grie5)usl.
ill, and be3)re his death he sincerel. re+ented and desired t)
see the Buddha& But his bad Ka##a inter3ered and he had t)
/6/
die a #iserable death (ith)ut seeing the Buddha& H)(e5er,
he s)ught re3uge in the Buddha at the last #)#ent&
Alth)ugh he su33ers in a ()e3ul state 3)r his hein)us cri#es,
die a #iserable death (ith)ut seeing the Buddha& H)(e5er,
he s)ught re3uge in the Buddha at the last #)#ent&
Alth)ugh he su33ers in a ()e3ul state 3)r his hein)us cri#es,
3
his career, it is stated that he ()uld bec)#e a ?acce;a Buddha
na#ed Atthissara in the distant 3uture&
Anatha+indi;a
The chie3 su++)rter )3 the Buddha (as Anatha+indi;a the #il
li)naire& A#)ngst His la."3)ll)(ers he (as regarded as the
3)re#)st al#s"gi5er @da.a;aA&
The )riginal na#e )3 Anatha+indi;a, (hich #eans the
J*eeder )3 the Hel+lessK, (as Sudatta& O(ing t) his un+aralleled
gener)sit. he (as latterl. ;n)(n b. his ne( na#e& His
birth+lace (as Sa5atthi&
One da. he 5isited his br)ther"in"la( in aHagaha t) transact
s)#e business& He did n)t c)#e 3)r(ard as usual t) (elc)#e
hi# but Sudatta 3)und hi# in the bac;.ard #a;ing
+re+arati)ns 3)r a 3east& On inGuir., t) his indescribable H).,
he underst))d that th)se arrange#ents (ere being #ade t)
entertain the Buddha )n the 3)ll)(ing da.& The utterance )3
the #ere ()rd JBuddhaK r)used his interest and he l)nged
t) see Hi#& As he (as t)ld that the Buddha (as li5ing in
the Sita5ana 3)rest in the neighb)urh))d and that he c)uld
see Hi# )n the 3)ll)(ing #)rning, he (ent t) slee+& His desire
t) 5isit the Buddha (as s) intense that he had a slee+less
night and he ar)se at an unusual h)ur in the #)rning t)
start 3)r the Sita5ana& It a++ears that, )(ing t) his great 3aith
in the Buddha, a light e#anated 3r)# his b)d.& He +r)ceeded
t) the s+)t +assing thr)ugh a ce#eter.& It (as +itch dar; and
a 3ear ar)se in hi#& He th)ught )3 turning bac;& Then Si5a;a,
/66
a !a;;ha, hi#sel3 in5isible, enc)uraged hi#, sa.ing$
a !a;;ha, hi#sel3 in5isible, enc)uraged hi#, sa.ing$
,
A., and a hundred chari)ts dra(n b. #ules,
A hundred th)usand #aidens, in their ears
BeHe(elled rings$N all are n)t ()rth
The si2teenth 3racti)n )3 a single stride&
Ad5ance, O citiIen, g) 3)r(ard th)uR
Ad5ance 3)r thee is better than retreat&K/
His 3ear 5anished and 3aith in the Buddha ar)se in its +lace&
Light a++eared again, and he c)urage)usl. s+ed 3)r(ard&
Ne5ertheless, all this ha++ened a sec)nd ti#e and .et a third
ti#e&
Ulti#atel. He reached Sita5ana (here the Buddha (as
+acing u+ and d)(n in the )+en air antici+ating his 5isit& The
Buddha addressed hi# b. his 3a#il. na#e, Sudatta, and called
hi# t) His +resence&
Anatha+indi;a (as +leased t) hear the Buddha address hi#
thus and res+ect3ull. inGuired (hether the Buddha rested
ha++il.&
The Buddha re+lied$
JSurel. at all ti#es ha++il. d)th rest
The Arahant in (h)# all 3ire>s e2tinct&
'h) clea5eth n)t t) sensu)us desires,
4))l all his being, rid )3 all the ger#s
That bring ne( li3e, all cu#brances cut )ut,
Subdued the +ain and +ining )3 the heart,
4al# and serene he resteth ha++il.
*)r in his #ind he hath attained t) ?eace&K6
/& Kindred Sa.ings, ?art /, +& 6<6
& Kindred Sa.ings, ?art /, +& 6<7
/6
Hearing the Dha##a, he beca#e a S)ta+anna @Strea#"'innerA,
Hearing the Dha##a, he beca#e a S)ta+anna @Strea#"'innerA,
&
The Buddha acce+ted the in5itati)n suggesting that Buddhas
ta;e +leasure in s)litude& Anatha+indi;a returning t) Sa5atthi,
b)ught the +ar; bel)nging t) ?rince -eta at a +rice deter#ined
b. c)5ering, s) the st)r. g)es, the (h)le site (ith g)ld c)ins,
and erected the 3a#)us -eta5ana M)naster. at a great c)st&
Here the Buddha s+ent nineteen rain. seas)ns& This #)naster.
(here the Buddha s+ent the #aH)r +art )3 His li3e (as the
+lace (here He deli5ered #an. )3 His ser#)ns&
Se5eral disc)urses (hich (ere )3 +articular interest t) la.#en
(ere deli5ered t) Anatha+indi;a, alth)ugh he re3rained
3r)# as;ing an. Guesti)n 3r)# the Buddha, lest he sh)uld
(ear. Hi#&
Once the Buddha disc)ursing )n gener)sit. re#inded
Anatha+indi;a that al#s gi5en t) the Order )3 #)n;s t)gether
(ith the Buddha is 5er. #erit)ri)usL but #)re #erit)ri)us
than such al#s is the building )3 a #)naster. 3)r the use )3
the OrderL #)re #erit)ri)us than such #)nasteries is see;ing
re3uge in the Buddha, the Dha##a, and the SanghaL #)re
#erit)ri)us than see;ing re3uge in the Buddha, the Dha##a
and the Sangha is the )bser5ance )3 the 3i5e +rece+tsL #)re
#erit)ri)us than such )bser5ance is #editati)n )n l)5ing"
;indness @MettaA 3)r a #)#entL and #)st #erit)ri)us )3 all is
the de5el)+#ent )3 Insight as t) the 3leeting nature )3 things
@Vi+assanaA&7
It is e5ident 3r)# this disc)urse that gener)sit. is the 3irst
stage )n the (a. )3 Buddhist li3e& M)re i#+)rtant than gen
er)sit. is the )bser5ance )3 at least the 3i5e rules )3 regulated
beha5i)ur (hich tend t) the disci+lining )3 ()rds and deeds&
7& See Cradual Sa.ings, 5)l& i5, ++& 6:9D6:8&
/69
Still #)re i#+)rtant and #)re bene3icial is the culti5ati)n )3
such enn)bling 5irtues li;e l)5ing";indness (hich lead t) sel3"
de5el)+#ent& M)st i#+)rtant and #)st bene3icial )3 all sel3"
disci+line is the sincere e33)rt t) understand things as the.
trul. are&
4)##enting )n the 3)ur ;inds )3 bliss a la.#an #a. enH).,
the Buddha declared$
JThere are these 3)ur ;inds )3 bliss t) be ()n b. the h)useh)lder
(h) enH).s the +leasures )3 sense 3r)# ti#e t) ti#e
and (hen )ccasi)n )33ers D the bliss )3 )(nershi+ @atthisu;haA,
the bliss )3 (ealth @bh)gasu;haA, the bliss )3 debtlessness @ananasu;haA,
and the bliss )3 bla#elessness @ana5aHHasu;haA&9
J'hat is the bliss )3 )(nershi+BK
Herein a clans#an has (ealth acGuired b. energetic stri5ing,
a#assed b. strength )3 ar#, ()n b. s(eat, la(3ul, and
la(3ull. g)tten& At the th)ught, (ealth is #ine, acGuired b.
energetic stri5ing, la(3ull. g)tten, bliss c)#es t) hi#, satis3acti)n
c)#es t) hi#& This is called the bliss )3 )(nershi+&
J'hat is the bliss )3 (ealthBK
Herein a clans#an b. #eans )3 (ealth acGuired b. energetic
stri5ing, b)th enH).s his (ealth and d)es #erit)ri)us
deeds there(ith& At the th)ught, b. #eans )3 (ealth acGuired,
I b)th enH). #. (ealth and d) #erit)ri)us deeds, bliss c)#es
t) hi#, satis3acti)n c)#es t) hi#& This is called the bliss )3
(ealth&
J'hat is the bliss )3 debtlessnessBK
Herein a clans#an )(es n) debt, great )r s#all, t) an.)ne&
At the th)ught, I )(e n) debt, great )r s#all, t) an.)ne,
bliss c)#es t) hi#, satis3acti)n c)#es t) hi#& This is called
the bliss )3 debtlessness&
& Cradual Sa.ings, 5)l& ii, ++& <<D<1& Anguttara Ni;a.a, 5)l ii, ++& :<D:1&
/6
J'hat is the bliss )3 bla#elessnessBK
J'hat is the bliss )3 bla#elessnessBK
J'inning the bliss )3 debtlessness a #an
Ma. then recall the bliss )3 reall. ha5ing&
'hen he enH).s the bliss )3 (ealth, he sees
MTis such b. (isd)#& 'hen he sees he ;n)(s&
Thus is he (ise indeed in b)th res+ects&
But these ha5e n)t )nesi2teenth
)3 the bliss
@That c)#eth t) a #anA )3 bla#elessness&K
On an)ther )ccasi)n (hen the Buddha 5isited the h)use )3
Anatha+indi;a, he heard an unusual u+r)ar inside the h)use
and inGuired (hat it (as&
JL)rd, it is SuHata, #. daughter"in"la(, (h) li5es (ith us&
She is rich and has been br)ught here 3r)# a (ealth. 3a#il.&
She +a.s n) heed t) her #)ther"in"la(, n)r t) her 3ather"in"la(,
n)r t) her husbandL neither d)es she 5enerate, h)n)ur, re5er
ence n)r res+ect the E2alted One,K re+lied Anatha+indi;a&
The Buddha called her t) His +resence and +reached an il
lu#inati5e disc)urse )n se5en ;inds )3 (i5es that e2ist e5en
in #)dern s)ciet. as it (as in the da.s )3 )ld&
J'h)s) is (ic;ed in #ind, illdis+)sed,
+itiless, 3)nd )3 )ther
@#enA neglecting husband, a +r)stitute, bent )n harassing D such a
)ne is called Ja tr)ubles)#e (i3e&K
@Vadha;abhari.aA
'h)s) (ishes t) sGuander (hate5er +r)3its, th)ugh little, that the
/6:
husband gains (hether b. cra3ts, trade, )r +l)ugh D such a )ne is
called Ja thie5ish (i3e&K
@4)rabhari.aA
'h)s) is n)t inclined t) d) an.thing, laI., glutt)n)us, harsh, cruel,
3)nd )3 bad s+eech, li5es d)#ineering the industri)us D such a )ne
is called Ja l)rdl. (i3e&K
@A..abhari.aA
'h)s) is e5er ;ind and c)#+assi)nate, +r)tects her husband li;e
a #)ther, her s)n, guards the accu#ulated (ealth )3 her husband D
such a )ne is called Ja #)therl. (i3e&K
@Matubhari.aA
'h)s) is res+ect3ul t)(ards her husband Hust as a .)unger sister
t)(ards her elder br)ther, #)dest, li5es in acc)rdance (ith her husband>s
(ishes D such a )ne is called Ja sisterl. (i3e&K
@Bhaginibhari.aA
'h)s) reH)ices at the sight )3 her husband e5en as a 3riend )n seeing
a c)#+ani)n (h) has c)#e a3ter a l)ng ti#e, is )3 n)ble birth,
5irtu)us and chaste D such a )ne is called Ja 3riendl. (i3e&K
@Sa;hibhari.aA
'h)s), (hen threatened (ith har# and +unish#ent, is n)t angr.
but cal#, endures all things )3 her husband (ith n) (ic;ed heart,
3ree 3r)# hatred, li5es in acc)rdance (ith her husband>s (ishes D
such a )ne is called Ja hand#aid (i3e&K8
@Dasibhari.aA
The Buddha describing the characteristics )3 the se5en
;inds )3 (i5es re#ar;ed that )3 the# the tr)ubles)#e (i3e
@5adha;abhari.aA, the thie5ish (i3e @c)rabhari.aA, and the l)rdl.
(i3e @a..abhari.aA, are bad and undesirable )nes, (hile the
& Cradual Sa.ings, 5)l& i5, ++& 8:D 1& Anguttara Ni;a.a, 5)l& i5, ++& 06D0 &
/6<
#)therl. (i3e @#atubhari.aA, sisterl. (i3e @bha"ginibhari.a,
3riendl. (i3e @sa;hibhari.aA, and hand#aid (i3e @dasibhari.aA,
are g))d and +raise()rth. )nes&
#)therl. (i3e @#atubhari.aA, sisterl. (i3e @bha"ginibhari.a,
3riendl. (i3e @sa;hibhari.aA, and hand#aid (i3e @dasibhari.aA,
are g))d and +raise()rth. )nes&
JL)rd, let the E2alted One thin; )3 #e as a hand#aid (i3e
@dasibhari.aA 3r)# this da. 3)rth&K
Anatha+indi;a used t) 5isit the Buddha dail. and, 3inding
that +e)+le g) disa++)inted in the absence )3 the Buddha,
(ished t) ;n)( 3r)# the Venerable Ananda (hether there
(as a +)ssibilit. 3)r the de5)ut 3)ll)(ers t) +a. their res+ects
(hen the Buddha g)es )ut )n His +reaching t)urs& This #atter
(as re+)rted t) the Buddha (ith the result that the AnandaB)dhi
Tree,: (hich stands t) this da., (as +lanted at the entrance
t) the #)naster.&
?unnala;;hana, a 5er. 5irtu)us lad., (as his (i3e& Maha
Subhadda, 4uta Subhadda, and Su#ana (ere his three de5)ut
daughters& The elder t() had attained S)ta+atti, (hile the
.)ungest (as a Sa;adaga#i& His )nl. s)n Kala, (h) (as at
3irst irreligi)us, later beca#e a S)ta+anna b. the s;il3ullness
)3 the 3ather&
Anatha+indi;a breathed his last a3ter hearing a +r)3)und
disc)urse 3r)# Venerable Sari+utta&<
As he (as ab)ut t) die he sent a #essenger t) in3)r# the
Buddha that he (as seri)usl. ill and that he +aid His h)#age
t) Hi# and then t) reGuest the Venerable Sari+utta t) ha5e
c)#+assi)n )n hi# and 5isit hi# in his h)use& As in5ited, the
Venerable Sari+utta, acc)#+anied b. Venerable Ananda, +r)
ceeded t) his h)use and inGuired ab)ut his health& He re+lied
& See cha+ter 0, +age / &
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a iii, 6:6L *urther Dial)gues )3 the Buddha, 5)l& ii, ++& 7=6D7=8&
/61
that he (as su33ering 3r)# an acute +ain and that he sa( n)
that he (as su33ering 3r)# an acute +ain and that he sa( n)
The Venerable Sari+utta then +reached a +r)3)und disc)urse&
Tears ca#e t) his e.es at the cl)se )3 the ser#)n& Venerable
Ananda seeing hi# in tears as;ed hi# (hether he (as
sin;ing, Anatha+indi;a ans(ered$ JN)t at all, Venerable Sir&
Th)ugh I ha5e l)ng attended )n the Master and His disci+les,
ne5er did I hear such a disc)urse&K
MSuch +r)3)und disc)urses are n)t taught t) the (hite"r)bed
la.#en as the. cann)t c)#+rehend their #eaning but are reser5ed
3)r ad5anced disci+les,K re+lied Venerable Sari+utta&
But Anatha+indi;a begged Venerable Sari+utta t) e2+)und
such intricate Dha##a t) the lait. as (ell 3)r there ()uld be
s)#e (h) c)uld understand&
N)t l)ng be3)re the de+arture )3 these t() great disci+les
Anatha+indi;a +assed a(a. and (as i##ediatel. reb)rn in
Tusita hea5en&
At night De5a Anatha+indi;a, illu#inating the (h)le -eta
Cr)5e, ca#e u+ t) the Buddha, saluted Hi#, and e2t)lling the
5irtues )3 Venerable Sari+utta, e2+ressed his +leasure )n seeing
the Buddha and His disci+les residing in his #)naster.,
and said$
JC))d(ill and (isd)#, #ind b. #eth)d trained, The highest
c)nduct )n g))d #)rals based, This #a;eth #)rtals +ure, n)t ran;
n)r (ealth&K1
Visa;ha
Visa;ha (as the de5)ut and gener)us daughter )3 #illi)naire
DhanaQHa.a& Her #)ther (as Su#ana De5i, and her bel)5ed
grand"3ather (as #illi)naire Menda;a&
1& Kindred Sa.ings, ?art i, +& 1=&
/60
'hen she (as )nl. se5en .ears )ld, the Buddha ha++ened
t) 5isit her birth +lace, Bhaddi.a, in the ;ingd)# )3 Anga& Her
grand"3ather, hearing )3 Buddha>s 5isit, said t) her$ JDear girl,
this is a ha++. da. 3)r .)u and a ha++. da. 3)r #e& Su##)n
the 3i5e hundred #aidens (h) are .)ur attendants, #)unt
3i5e hundred chari)ts, and acc)#+anied b. .)ur 3i5e hundred
sla5e"#aidens, g) 3)rth t) (elc)#e the Buddha&K
eadil. she agreed and, as ad5ised, (ent u+ t) the Buddha,
saluted Hi# and sat res+ect3ull. at a side& The Buddha (as
+leased (ith her re3ined #anners and He +reached the
Dha##a t) her and )thers& Th)ugh .)ung in age, she (as
c)#+arati5el. 3ar ad5anced 3r)# a #)ral stand+)int& As such,
i##ediatel. a3ter hearing the Dha##a, she attained the 3irst
stage )3 sainth))d @S)ta+attiA in her earl. age&
B));s state that e5en in the +ri#e )3 her .)uth she +)ssessed
#asculine strength and (as gi3ted (ith all ()#anl.
char#s&0
Her hair (as li;e a +eac)c;>s tail and (hen l))sened
it reached the he# )3 her s;irt and then the ends )3 the
hair curled and turned u+(ards& Her li+s (ere )3 a bright red
c)l)ur and (ere s#))th and s)3t t) the t)uch& Her teeth (ere
(hite and (ere e5enl. set (ith)ut interstices and sh)ne li;e
a r)( )3 dia#)nds& Her s;in, (ith)ut the use )3 an. c)s#etic,
(as as s#))th as a blue l)tus"(reath and (as )3 a g)lden c)l"
)ur& She retained her .)uth3ul a++earance alth)ugh she b)re
se5eral children&
End)(ed (ith these 3i5e ;inds )3 3e#inine beaut. D hair,
3lesh, b)ne, s;in and .)uth D .)ung Visa;ha e2celled b)th in
()rldl. (isd)# and s+iritual insight&
'hen she (as ab)ut 3i3teen )r si2teen .ears )ld, )n a certain
*esti5al Da., she (ent )n 3))t (ith her retinue in a h)lida.
& Kesa;al.ana, #a#sa;al.ana, atthi;al.ana, cha5i;al.ana and 5a.a;al.ana&
/ =
s+irit t) the ri5er t) bathe& Suddenl. there ar)se an une2+ected
sh)(er, and all but .)ung Visa;ha ungraci)usl. ran as 3ast as
the. c)uld and entered a hall (here there (ere s)#e brah#ins
(h) had c)#e in search )3 a suitable #aiden +)ssessed
)3 the 3i5e ;inds )3 beaut. 3)r their .)ung #aster& 4ultured
Visa;ha, (ith)ut an. +articular haste, grace3ull. +r)ceeded at
her usual gait and entered the hall (ith gar#ents and )rna
#ents all (et& The inGuisiti5e brah#ins criticised her 3)r n)t
Guic;ening u+ her +ace as )thers had d)ne and thus esca+ing
being drenched in the rain&
Talented Visa;ha r)se t) the )ccasi)n and ga5e an e2te#+)re
disc)urse )n de+)rt#ent acc)rding t) her 5ie(& She said
that she c)uld ha5e run e5en 3aster but she re3rained 3r)#
d)ing s) +ur+)sel.& Then she e2+lained that it (as n)t bec)#ing
3)r a King, ad)rned (ith all He(els, t) gird u+ his l)ins and
run in the +alace"c)urt& Li;e(ise it is n)t bec)#ing 3)r a 3ull.
ca+aris)ned state ele+hant t) runL it sh)uld #)5e ab)ut (ith
the natural grace )3 an ele+hant& M)n;s als) incur criticis#
(hen the. run ab)ut li;e )rdinar. la.#en& Li;e(ise it is n)t a
digni3ied s+ectacle t) see a ()#an running ab)ut li;e a #an&
Brah#ins (ere +leased (ith her instructi5e tal; and th)ught
that she (as an ideal (i3e 3)r their #aster& Acc)rdingl., arrange#ents
(ere #ade t) gi5e her in #arriage t) their #aster,
?unna5addhana, hi#sel3 the s)n )3 a #illi)naire na#ed
Migara, (h) (as n)t a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha&
The #arriage 3esti5al (as c)nducted )n an elab)rate scale&
On the (edding da., in additi)n t) a large d)(r. and an e2Guisitel.
rich )rna#ent @#ahalata+ilandhanaA, her (ise 3ather
ga5e her the 3)ll)(ing ad#)niti)ns$
/&"D) n)t carr. )utside the ind))r 3ire&/=
/=& Here 3ire signi3ies slandering&
/ /
6&"D) n)t ta;e inside the )utd))r 3ire&
7&"Ci5e )nl. t) th)se that gi5e&
9&"D) n)t gi5e t) th)se that d) n)t gi5e&
8&"Ci5e b)th t) th)se that gi5e and d) n)t gi5e&
:&"Sit ha++il.&
<&"Eat ha++il.&
1&"Slee+ ha++il.&
0&"Tend the 3ire&
/=&"H)n)ur the h)useh)ld di5inities&
Their i#+lied #eaning is as 3)ll)(s$
/
The (i3e sh)uld n)t s+ea; ill )3 her husband and +arentsin"
la( t) )thers& Neither sh)uld their sh)rtc)#ings n)r
h)useh)ld Guarrels be re+)rted else(here&
6 A (i3e sh)uld n)t listen t) the re+)rts and st)ries )3
)ther h)useh)lds&
7 Things sh)uld be lent t) th)se (h) d) return the#&
9 N) article sh)uld be lent t) th)se (h) d) n)t return
the#&
8 ?))r ;ins3)l; and 3riends sh)uld be hel+ed e5en i3 the.
d) n)t re+a.&
:
A (i3e sh)uld sit in a bec)#ing (a.& On seeing her
+arents"in"la( )r her husband, she sh)uld ;ee+ standing
and n)t sit&
<
Be3)re +arta;ing )3 her #eals, a (i3e sh)uld 3irst see that
her +arents"in"la( and husband are ser5ed& She sh)uld
als) see that her ser5ants are (ell cared 3)r&
/ 6
1
1
0
?arents"in"la( and husband sh)uld be regarded as 3ire&
One sh)uld deal care3ull. (ith the# as )ne ()uld deal
(ith 3ire&
/=
?arents"in"la( and husband sh)uld be regarded as
di5inities& It is n)te()rth. that the Buddha Hi#sel3
re3ers t) +arents"in"la( as di5inities @sassude5aA&
On the da. she arri5ed in Sa5atthi, the cit. )3 her husband,
she (as sh)(ered (ith 5ari)us +resents sent 3r)# +e)+le )3
all ran;s acc)rding t) their status and abilit.& But s) ;ind and
gener)us (as she that she distributed the# a#)ngst the d)n)rs
the#sel5es (ith a ;ind #essage, and treated all the residents
)3 the cit. as her )(n ;ins3)l;& B. this n)ble gesture
)n the 5er. 3irst da. she ca#e t) her husband>s h)#e, she beca#e
endeared t) all the +e)+le )3 the cit.&
There is an incident in her li3e (hich re5eals her duti3ul
;indness e5en t)(ards ani#als& Hearing that her (ell"bred
#are ga5e birth t) a 3)al in the #iddle )3 the night, i##ediatel.
she re+aired t) the stable (ith her 3e#ale attendants
bearing t)rches in their hands, and attended t) all the #are>s
needs (ith the greatest care and attenti)n&
As her 3ather"in"la( (as a staunch 3)ll)(er )3 Nigantha
Nata+utta, he in5ited a large nu#ber )3 na;ed ascetics t) his
h)use 3)r al#s& On their arri5al Visa;ha (as reGuested t) c)#e
and render h)#age t) these s)"called Arahants& She (as delighted
t) hear the ()rd Arahant and hurried t) the hall )nl.
/
t) see na;ed ascetics de5)id )3 all #)dest.& The sight (as t))
unbearable 3)r a re3ined lad. li;e Visa;ha& She re+r)ached her
3ather"in"la( and retired t) her Guarters (ith)ut entertaining
t) see na;ed ascetics de5)id )3 all #)dest.& The sight (as t))
unbearable 3)r a re3ined lad. li;e Visa;ha& She re+r)ached her
3ather"in"la( and retired t) her Guarters (ith)ut entertaining
One da. he sat )n a c)stl. seat and began t) eat s)#e
s(eet rice +)rridge 3r)# a g)lden b)(l& At that #)#ent a
Bhi;;hu entered the h)use 3)r al#s& Visa;ha (as 3anning her
3ather"in"la( and (ith)ut in3)r#ing hi# )3 his +resence she
#)5ed aside s) that he #ight see hi#& Alth)ugh he sa( hi#
he c)ntinued eating as i3 he had n)t seen hi#&
Visa;ha +)litel. t)ld the Bhi;;hu$ J?ass )n, Venerable Sir,
#. 3ather"in"la( is eating stale 3are @+urana#A&K
The ign)rant #illi)naire, #isc)nstruing her ()rds, (as s)
+r)5);ed that he )rdered the b)(l t) be re#)5ed and Visa;ha
t) be e2+elled 3r)# the h)use&
Visa;ha (as the 3a5)urite )3 all the in#ates )3 the h)use,
and s) n)b)d. dared t) t)uch her&
But Visa;ha, disci+lined as she (as, ()uld n)t acce+t
(ith)ut +r)test such treat#ent e5en 3r)# her 3ather"in"la(&
She +)litel. said$ J*ather, this is n) su33icient reas)n (h. I
sh)uld lea5e .)ur h)use& I (as n)t br)ught here b. .)u li;e a
sla5e girl 3r)# s)#e 3)rd& Daughters, (h)se +arents are ali5e,
d) n)t lea5e li;e this& It is 3)r this 5er. reas)n that #. 3ather,
(hen I set )ut t) c)#e here, su##)ned eight clans#en
and entrusted #e t) the#, sa.ing$ MI3 there be an. 3ault in #.
daughter, in5estigate it&> Send ()rd t) the# and let the# in5estigate
#. guilt )r inn)cence&K
The #illi)naire agreed t) her reas)nable +r)+)sal and
/ 9
su##)ning the# said$ JAt a ti#e )3 3esti5it., (hile I (as sitting
and eating s(eet #il; rice"+)rridge 3r)# a g)lden b)(l,
this girl said that I (as eating (hat (as unclean& 4)n5ict her
su##)ning the# said$ JAt a ti#e )3 3esti5it., (hile I (as sitting
and eating s(eet #il; rice"+)rridge 3r)# a g)lden b)(l,
this girl said that I (as eating (hat (as unclean& 4)n5ict her
Visa;ha +r)5ed her inn)cence stating D JThat is n)t +recisel.
(hat I said& 'hen a certain Bhi;;hu (as standing at
the d))r 3)r al#s, #. 3ather"in"la( (as eating s(eet #il;
rice"+)rridge, ign)ring hi#& Thin;ing t) #.sel3 that #. 3ather
(ith)ut +er3)r#ing an. g))d deed in this li3e, is )nl.
c)nsu#ing the #erits )3 +ast deeds, I t)ld the Bhi;;hu$ M?ass
)n, Venerable Sir, #. 3ather"in"la( is eating stale 3are&> 'hat
3ault )3 #ine is there in thisBK
She (as acGuitted )3 the charge, and the 3ather"in"la( hi#sel3
agreed she (as n)t guilt.&
But the s+ite3ul #illi)naire charged her again 3)r ha5ing
g)ne behind the h)use (ith #ale and 3e#ale attendants in
the #iddle (atch )3 the night&
'hen she e2+lained that she actuall. did s) in )rder t) attend
)n a #are in tra5ail, the clans#en re#ar;ed that their
n)ble daughter had d)ne an e2e#+lar. act (hich e5en a sla5e"
girl ()uld n)t d)& She (as thus acGuitted )3 the sec)nd charge
t))&
But the re5enge3ul #illi)naire ()uld n)t rest until she
(as 3)und guilt.& Ne2t ti#e he 3)und 3ault (ith her 3)r n)
(r)ng )3 hers& He said that be3)re her de+arture 3r)# h)#e
her 3ather ga5e her ten ad#)niti)ns& *)r instance, he said t)
her$ JThe ind))r 3ire is n)t t) be ta;en )ut )3 d))rs& Is it reall.
+)ssible t) li5e (ith)ut gi5ing 3ire e5en t) )ur neighb)urs )n
b)th sides )3 usBK Guesti)ned the #illi)naire&
She a5ailed hersel3 )3 the )++)rtunit. t) e2+lain all the
ten ad#)niti)ns in detail t) his entire satis3acti)n&
/
The #illi)naire (as silenced and he had n) )ther charges
t) #a;e&
The #illi)naire (as silenced and he had n) )ther charges
t) #a;e&
&
The #illi)naire>s attitude t)(ards Visa;ha (as c)#+letel.
changed, and he (as c)#+elled t) see; +ard)n 3r)# his
daughter"in"la( 3)r (hat he had uttered thr)ugh ign)rance&
*)rbearing Visa;ha, in acc)rdance (ith her true Buddhist
s+irit, granted hi# +ard)n )n c)nditi)n that he ()uld gi5e
c)#+lete 3reed)# t) her t) carr. )n her religi)us acti5ities
as she desired& Her 3ather"in"la( readil. agreed t) this and
granted her 3ull 3reed)# t) +er3)r# her religi)us acti5ities&
N)( Visa;ha, l)st n) ti#e in in5iting the Buddha t) the
h)use 3)r al#s& The Buddha ca#e and had His #eal& A3ter
the #eal (as )5er the Buddha e2+)unded a ser#)n& The #illi)naire
sat behind a curtain and listened t) the ser#)n& At
the end )3 the disc)urse he beca#e S)ta+anna and ac;n)(ledged
his b)undless gratitude t) his daughter"in"la( 3)r ha5ing
initiated hi# int) the True ?ath )3 Deli5erance and e#)ti)nall.
re#ar;ed that he ()uld herea3ter regard Visa;ha as
his #)ther&
Later )n (hen she b)re a s)n she called hi# Migara&
On the 3)ll)(ing da. the Buddha 5isited her h)use, and
)n that )ccasi)n her #)ther"in"la( heard the Dha##a and
beca#e a S)ta+anna @Strea#"(innerA&
B. her tact, (isd)#, and +atience she graduall. succeeded
in c)n5erting her husband>s h)useh)ld t) a ha++. Buddhist
h)#e&
Dail. Visa;ha used t) gi5e al#s t) the Sangha at her )(n
h)use& B)th in the 3)ren))n and a3tern))n she used t) 5isit
the #)naster. t) #inister t) the needs )3 the Sangha and hear
/ :
ser#)ns 3r)# the Buddha& Su++i.a, an)ther de5)ut Buddhist
lad., usuall. acc)#+anied her during her 5isits&
ser#)ns 3r)# the Buddha& Su++i.a, an)ther de5)ut Buddhist
lad., usuall. acc)#+anied her during her 5isits&
/
T) gi5e r)bes t) the Sangha during the rain. seas)n as
l)ng as she li5ed&
6 T) +r)5ide al#s 3)r the Bhi;;hus c)#ing t) Sa5atthi&
7 T) +r)5ide al#s 3)r th)se g)ing )ut )3 Sa5atthi&
9 T) gi5e 3))d 3)r sic; Bhi;;hus&
8 T) gi5e 3))d 3)r th)se (h) attend )n the sic;&
: T) gi5e #edicine 3)r the sic; Bhi;;hus&
< T) gi5e rice"gruel 3)r Bhi;;hus&
1
T) gi5e bathing gar#ents 3)r nuns&
The Buddha granted these b))ns t) her&
One da. Visa;ha ha++ened t) 5isit the #)naster., dec;ed
in her best gar#ent, +resented t) her b. her 3ather as a d)(r.&
But as she th)ught it (as unsee#l. t) see the Buddha, s) gail.
dec;ed, she #ade a bundle )3 it ga5e it t) the sla5e"girl and
(ent t) the Buddha, dressed in an)ther gar#ent gi5en t) her
b. her 3ather"in"la(& A3ter the ser#)n she le3t the #)naster.
acc)#+anied b. the sla5e"girl (h) 3)rg)t t) ta;e the bundle
(hich (as +laced in her cust)d.& Venerable Ananda sa( it and,
as instructed b. the Buddha, ;e+t it in a sa3e +lace t) be returned
t) the )(ner& Visa;a, )n hearing that the bundle (as
inad5ertentl. le3t b. the #aid, as;ed her t) bring it bac; unless
Venerable Ananda had t)uched it& 'hen (hat had ha++ened
(as re+)rted t) Visa;ha, she (ent t) the Buddha and e2+ressed
her desire t) d) s)#ething bene3icial (ith the #)ne.,
realiIed b. selling the gar#ent& The Buddha ad5ised her t)
/ <
erect a #)naster. at the East gate 3)r the use )3 the Sangha
As n) )ne had the #eans t) bu. the c)stl. gar#ent, she hersel3,
b)ught it bac; and erected a #)naster. at a great c)st and
na#ed it ?ubbara#a& As in5ited b. Visa;ha, the Buddha and
erect a #)naster. at the East gate 3)r the use )3 the Sangha
As n) )ne had the #eans t) bu. the c)stl. gar#ent, she hersel3,
b)ught it bac; and erected a #)naster. at a great c)st and
na#ed it ?ubbara#a& As in5ited b. Visa;ha, the Buddha and
s
#)naster.& Creat (as Visa;ha>s H). (hen the Buddha s+ent
si2 rain. seas)ns there&
B));s state that the ;ind Visa;ha, instead )3 chastising
the sla5e"girl 3)r her a++arent negligence, trans3erred t) her a
share )3 the #erit acGuired b. erecting the #)naster., because
the sla5e"girl had gi5en the )ccasi)n 3)r this g))d deed&
On 5ari)us )ccasi)ns se5eral disc)urses (ere deli5ered t)
Visa;ha b. the Buddha& In )ne disc)urse the Buddha s+);e
)n the )bser5ance )3 the Eight ?rece+ts b. la.#en )n U+)satha
Da.s,//
(hich )bser5ance +re5ails in al#)st all Buddhist
c)untries in Asia u+ t) this da.&
Dealing (ith the eight Gualities that #a;e a ()#an see;
birth in ha++. states, the Buddha said$
JActi5e, alert t) cherish hi# al(a.s,
N)t t) that #an (h) brings her e5er. H).
She )33ers slight, n)r (ill a g))d (i3e #)5e
T) (rath her husband b. s)#e s+ite3ul ()rdL
And she re5eres all (h)# her l)rd d)th h)n)ur
*)r she is (ise& De3t, ni#ble, u+ beti#es,
, 1th
//& Usuall. the /st, / th, and 67rd )3 the lunar #)nth are regarded as the U+)satha
)r H)l. Da.s (hen la. 3)ll)(ers )bser5e the 3)ll)(ing Eight ?rece+ts @atthasilaA
"na#el., abstinence 3r)# /& ;illing, 6& stealing, 7& incelibac., 9& l.ing, 8& liGu)r,
:& eating 3))d a3ter #idda., <& dancing, singing, #usic, unsee#l. sh)(s, using
garlands, +er3u#es, unguents, )rna#ents, and 1& using high and lu2uri)us
seats&
Th)ugh, as a rule, the. are s)#eti#es )bser5ed )n U+)satha Da.s, there
is n) )bHecti)n t) +ractising the# )n an. c)n5enient da. D the )bHect being t)
c)ntr)l deeds, ()rds, and 3i5e senses&
/ 1
She #inds his (ealth a#id his 3)l; at ()r;
She #inds his (ealth a#id his 3)l; at ()r;
'h) (ith her husband>s (ish and (ill c)#+lies
Is b)rn again (here l)5el. de5as d(ell&/6
In an)ther disc)urse the Buddha re3erring t) the eight Gualities
in a ()#an that tend t) (eal and ha++iness in this ()rld
and in the ne2t s+);e as 3)ll)(s$
JHerein, Visa;ha, a ()#an is ca+able at her ()r;, she #anages
the ser5ants, in her (a.s she is l)5el. t) her l)rd, she
guards his (ealth&
JHerein, Visa;ha, a ()#an is acc)#+lished in trust3ul
c)n3idence @SaddhaA, 5irtue @SilaA, charit. @4agaA and (isd)#
@?aQQaA&K/
Being a lad. )3 #an. +arts, she +la.ed an i#+)rtant r)le
in 5ari)us acti5ities c)nnected (ith the Sasana& At ti#es
she (as de+uted b. the Buddha t) settle dis+utes that ar)se
a#)ngst Bhi;hunis& S)#e Vina.a rules (ere als) laid d)(n
3)r Bhi;;hus )(ing t) her inter5enti)n&
O(ing t) her #agnani#it. she (as regarded as the chie3
bene3actress )3 the Sasana and the greatest 3e#ale su++)rter
)3 the Buddha&
B. her digni3ied c)nduct, grace3ul de+)rt#ent, re3ined
#anners, c)urte)us s+eech, )bedience and re5erence t) elders,
c)#+assi)n t) th)se (h) are less 3)rtunate, ;ind h)s+italit.,
and religi)us Ieal, she ()n the hearts )3 all (h) ;ne( her&
B));s state that she had the g))d 3)rtune t) be the ha++.
#)ther )3 ten 3)rtunate s)ns and ten 3)rtunate daughters& She
died at the ri+e age )3 )ne hundred and t(ent.&
/ & Cradual Sa.ings, i5& ++& /<1D/<0&
/7& Cradual Sa.ings, i5& ++& /<<D/<1&
/ 0
-i5a;a the *)sterling
-i5a;a the *)sterling
I##ediatel. a3ter his birth he (as +laced in a cas;et and
(as cast a(a. b. his #)ther, a c)urtesan, )n a dust hea+ b.
the r)ad side&
?rince Abha.a, a s)n )3 King Bi#bisara, (h) ha++ened t)
+ass that (a., sa( the hel+less in3ant surr)unded b. cr)(s,
and disc)5ering that he (as ali5e @-i5atiA, caused hi# t) be
gi5en t) the care )3 the nurses&
As he (as 3)und ali5e he (as na#ed -i5a;a& Being ad)+ted
b. a +rince, he (as called K)#arabhacca&
Cr)(ing u+, he beca#e a s;il3ul +h.sician and surge)n&
B));s state that he #ade t() success3ul )+erati)ns )n a #illi)naire
(h) (as su33ering 3r)# a se5ere headache&
He used t) attend )n the Buddha three ti#es a da.&
'hen the Buddha>s 3))t (as ()unded b. a s+linter caused
b. the hurling )3 a r)c; b. De5adatta, it (as -i5a;a (h) attended
)n Hi# and healed Hi#&/9
ealiIing the #ani3)ld ad5antages )3 ha5ing a #)naster.
cl)se t) his residence, he erected )ne in his #ang) +ar;&
A3ter the c)nsecrati)n cere#)n. )3 this #)naster., he beca#e
a Strea#"'inner @S)ta+annaA&
-i5a;a Sutta,/
(hich deals (ith the Guesti)n )3 eating 3lesh,
(as deli5ered b. the Buddha t) -i5a;a&
It (as -i5a;a (h) induced King AHatasattu t) 5isit the
Buddha a3ter his +arricide&
At his reGuest the Buddha enH)ined u+)n His disci+les t)
ta;e +h.sical e2ercise such as s(ee+ing etc&
!
/ & See +& / =&
/ & MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& 88&
/9=
/
The Buddha>s ).al ?atr)ns
JA treacher)us b)g it is, this +atr)nage
O3 b)(s and gi3ts and treats 3r)# (ealth. 3)l;&
MTis li;e a 3ine dart, bedded in the 3lesh&
*)r erring hu#an hard t) e2tricate&K
D Maha;assa+a Thera Catha @/= A
King Bi#bisara
King Bi#bisara, (h) ruled in Magadha (ith its ca+ital at
aHagaha, (as the Buddha>s 3irst r).al +atr)n& Ascending the
thr)ne at the age )3 3i3teen, he reigned 3)r 3i3t."t() .ears&
'hen ?rince Siddhattha ren)unced the ()rld and (as
see;ing al#s in the streets )3 aHagaha as a hu#ble ascetic,
the King sa( hi# 3r)# his +alace and (as highl. i#+ressed
b. his #aHestic a++earance and digni3ied de+)rt#ent& I##ediatel.
he sent #essengers t) ascertain (h) he (as& On learning
that he (as resting a3ter his #eal under the ?anda5a+abbata,
the King, acc)#+anied b. his retinue, (ent u+ t) the
r).al ascetic and inGuired ab)ut his birth+lace and ancestr.&
The ascetic C)ta#a re+lied$
J-ust straight, O King, u+)n the Hi#ala.a, there is, in the
district )3 K)sala )3 ancient 3a#ilies, a c)untr. end)(ed (ith
(ealth and energ.& I a# s+rung 3r)# that 3a#il. (hich b. clan
bel)ngs t) the S)lar d.nast., b. birth t) the Sa;.as& I cra5e n)t
3)r +leasures )3 the senses& ealiIing the e5il )3 sensual +leas
ures and seeing renunciati)n as sa3e, I +r)ceeded t) see; the
Highest, 3)r in that #. #ind reH)ices&/
Thereu+)n the King in5ited hi# t) 5isit his ;ingd)# a3ter
his Enlighten#ent&
& Sutta Ni+ata, ?abbaHHa Sutta&
/9/
The Buddha #eets King Bi#bisara
The Buddha #eets King Bi#bisara
inue )3 Arahant disci+les, (ent 3r)# Ca.a t) aHagaha, the
ca+ital )3 the district )3 Magadha& Here He sta.ed at the Su++atittha
Shrine in a ?al# Cr)5e&
This ha++. ne(s )3 the Buddha>s arri5al in the ;ingd)#
and His high re+utati)n as an un+aralleled religi)us
teacher s))n s+read in the cit.& The King, hearing )3 His arri5al,
ca#e (ith a large nu#ber )3 his subHects t) (elc)#e
the Buddha& He a++r)ached the Buddha, res+ect3ull. saluted
Hi# and sat at a side& O3 his subHects s)#e res+ect3ull. sa
luted Hi#, s)#e l));ed t)(ards hi# (ith e2+ressi)n )3
3riendl. greetings, s)#e saluted Hi# (ith clas+ed hands,
s)#e intr)duced the#sel5es, (hile )thers in +er3ect silence
t)); their seats& As b)th the Buddha C)ta#a and Venerable
Kassa+a (ere held in high estee# b. the #ultitude the. (ere
n)t certain (hether the Buddha (as leading the H)l. Li3e
under Venerable Kassa+a )r the latter under the 3)r#er& The
Buddha read their th)ughts and Guesti)ned Venerable Kassa+a
as t) (h. he had gi5en u+ his 3ire"sacri3ice& Understanding
the #)ti5e )3 the Buddha>s Guesti)n, he e2+lained that
he aband)ned 3ire"sacri3ice because he +re3erred the +assi)nless
and +eace3ul state )3 Nibbana t) ()rthless sensual +leasures&
A3ter this he 3ell at the 3eet )3 the Buddha and ac;n)(l
edging his su+eri)rit. said$ JM. teacher, L)rd, is the E2alted
One$ I a# the disci+le& M. teacher, L)rd, is the E2alted One$
I a# the disci+le&K
The de5)ut +e)+le (ere delighted t) hear )3 the c)n5ersi)n&6
The Buddha thereu+)n +reached the Maha Narada Kassa+a
& See cha+ter <&
/96
-ata;a-ata;at) sh)( h)( in a +re5i)us birth (hen He (as b)rn as
Narada, still subHect t) +assi)n, He c)n5erted Kassa+a in a si#ilar
(a.&
Hearing the Dha##a e2+)unded b. the Buddha, the JE.e
)3 TruthK9 ar)se in the# all& King Bi#bisara attained S)ta+atti,
and see;ing re3uge in the Buddha, the Dha##a, and the
Sangha, in5ited the Buddha and His disci+les t) his +alace
3)r the #eal )n the 3)ll)(ing da.& A3ter the #eal the King
(ished t) ;n)( (here the Buddha ()uld reside& The Buddha
re+lied that a secluded +lace, neither t)) 3ar n)r t)) cl)se t)
the cit., accessible t) th)se (h) desire t) 5isit Hi#, +leasant,
n)t cr)(ded during the da., n)t t)) n)is. at night, (ith as
3e( s)unds as +)ssible, air. and 3it 3)r the +ri5ac. )3 #en,
()uld be suitable&
The King th)ught that his Ba#b)) Cr)5e ()uld #eet all
such reGuire#ents& There3)re in return 3)r the transcendental
gi3t the Buddha had best)(ed u+)n hi#, he gi3ted 3)r the
use )3 the Buddha and the Sangha the +ar; (ith this ideall.
secluded ba#b)) gr)5e, als) ;n)(n as MThe Sanctuar. )3 the
SGuirrels&> It ()uld a++ear that this +ar; had n) building 3)r
the use )3 Bhi;;hus but (as 3illed (ith #an. shad. trees and
secluded s+)ts& H)(e5er, this (as the 3irst gi3t )3 a +lace )3
residence 3)r the Buddha and His disci+les& The Buddha s+ent
three successi5e rain. seas)ns and three )ther rain. seas)ns
in this Guiet Velu5anara#a&8
A3ter his c)n5ersi)n the King led the li3e )3 an e2e#+lar.
#)narch )bser5ing U+)satha regularl. )n si2 da.s )3 the #)nth&
7&
&
&
N)& 899&
See +& /= , n)te /&
The ?ali Ara#a #eans a #ere +ar;& There (ere n) buildings (hen the Buddha
acce+ted this gener)us gi3t& At +resent the ter# Ara#a is used in the sense )3
a #)naster. (ith necessar. buildings 3)r #)n;s&
/9
K)sala De5i, daughter )3 King Maha K)sala, and sister )3
King ?asenadi K)sala, (as his chie3 l).al Gueen& AHatasattu
(as her s)n& Khe#a (h), thr)ugh the ingenuit. )3 the King,
beca#e a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha and (h) later r)se t) the
+)siti)n )3 the 3irst 3e#ale disci+le )3 the Order )3 Nuns, (as
an)ther Gueen&
K)sala De5i, daughter )3 King Maha K)sala, and sister )3
King ?asenadi K)sala, (as his chie3 l).al Gueen& AHatasattu
(as her s)n& Khe#a (h), thr)ugh the ingenuit. )3 the King,
beca#e a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha and (h) later r)se t) the
+)siti)n )3 the 3irst 3e#ale disci+le )3 the Order )3 Nuns, (as
an)ther Gueen&
?rince AHatasattu, success)r t) the thr)ne, instigated b.
(ic;ed De5adatta Thera, atte#+ted t) ;ill hi# and usur+ the
thr)ne& The un3)rtunate +rince (as caught red"handed, and
the c)#+assi)nate 3ather, instead )3 +unishing hi# 3)r his
brutal act, re(arded hi# (ith the c)5eted 4r)(n&
The ungrate3ul s)n sh)(ed his gratitude t) his 3ather
b. casting hi# int) +ris)n in )rder t) star5e hi# t) death&
His #)ther al)ne had 3ree access t) the King dail.& The l).al
Gueen carried 3))d c)ncealed in her (aist"+)uch& T) this the
+rince )bHected& Then she carried 3))d c)ncealed in her hair"
;n)t& The +rince resented this t))& Later she bathed hersel3
in scented (ater and bes#eared her b)d. (ith a #i2ture )3
h)ne., butter, ghee, and #)lasses& The King lic;ed her b)d.
and sustained hi#sel3& The )5er"5igilant +rince detected this
and )rdered his #)ther n)t t) 5isit his 3ather&
King Bi#bisara (as (ith)ut an. #eans )3 sustenance, but
he +aced u+ and d)(n enH).ing s+iritual ha++iness as he (as
a S)ta+anna& Ulti#atel. the (ic;ed s)n decided t) +ut an end
t) the li3e )3 his n)ble 3ather& uthlessl. he )rdered his barber
t) cut )+en his s)les and +ut salt and )il there)n and #a;e
hi# (al; )n burning charc)al&
The King, (h) sa( the barber a++r)aching, th)ught that
the s)n, realiIing his 3)ll., (as sending the barber t) sha5e
/99
his gr)(n beard and hair and release hi# 3r)# +ris)n& 4)n
his gr)(n beard and hair and release hi# 3r)# +ris)n& 4)n&
The barber #ercilessl. e2ecuted the inhu#an )rders )3 the
barbar)us +rince& The g))d King died in great ag)n.& On that
5er. da. a s)n (as b)rn unt) AHatasattu& Letters c)n5e.ing
the ne(s )3 birth and death reached the +alace at the sa#e
ti#e&
The letter c)n5e.ing the ha++. ne(s (as 3irst read& L), the
l)5e he cherished t)(ards his 3irst"b)rn s)n (as indescribableR
His b)d. (as thrilled (ith H). and the +aternal l)5e +enetrated
u+ t) the 5er. #arr)( )3 his b)nes&
I##ediatel. he rushed t) his bel)5ed #)ther and Guesti)ned$
JM)ther dear, did #. 3ather l)5e #e (hen I (as a
childBK
J'hat sa. .)u, s)nR 'hen .)u (ere c)ncei5ed in #. ()#b,
I de5el)+ed a cra5ing t) si+ s)#e bl))d 3r)# the right hand )3
.)ur 3ather& This I dare n)t sa.& 4)nseGuentl. I gre( +ale and
thin& I (as 3inall. +ersuaded t) discl)se #. inhu#an desire&
-).3ull. .)ur 3ather 3ul3illed #. (ish, and I dran; that abh)rrent
+)ti)n& The s))thsa.ers +redicted that .)u ()uld be an
ene#. )3 .)ur 3ather& Acc)rdingl. .)u (ere na#ed AHatasattu
@unb)rn ene#.A&
I atte#+ted t) e33ect a #iscarriage, but .)ur 3ather +re5ented
it& A3ter .)u (ere b)rn, again I (anted t) ;ill .)u&
Again .)ur 3ather inter3ered& On )ne )ccasi)n .)u (ere su3
3ering 3r)# a b)il in .)ur 3inger, and n)b)d. (as able t) lull
.)u int) slee+& But .)ur 3ather, (h) (as ad#inistering Hustice
in his r).al c)urt, t)); .)u int) his la+ and caressing .)u
suc;ed the b)il& L), inside the #)uth it burst )+en& O, #. dear
s)n, that +us and bl))dR !es, .)ur a33ecti)nate 3ather s(all)(ed
it )ut )3 l)5e 3)r .)u&K
/9
Instantl. he cried, Jun and release, release #. bel)5ed
Instantl. he cried, Jun and release, release #. bel)5ed
His 3ather had cl)sed his e.es 3)r e5er&
The )ther letter (as then +laced in his hand&
AHatasattu shed h)t tears& He realiIed (hat +aternal l)5e
(as )nl. a3ter he beca#e a 3ather hi#sel3&
King Bi#bisara died and (as i##ediatel. a3ter b)rn as a
De5a na#ed -ana5asabha in the 4atu##aharaHi;a Hea5en&
Later, AHatasattu, #et the Buddha and beca#e )ne )3 His
distinguished la. 3)ll)(ers and t)); a leading +art in the
h)lding )3 the 3irst 4)n5)cati)n&
King ?asenadi K)sala
King ?asenadi K)sala, the s)n )3 King Maha K)sala, (h)
reigned in the ;ingd)# )3 K)sala (ith its ca+ital at Sa5atthi,
(as an)ther r).al +atr)n )3 the Buddha& He (as a c)nte#+)
rar. )3 the Buddha, and )(ing t) his +r)3icienc. in 5ari)us
arts, he had the g))d 3)rtune t) be #ade King b. his 3ather
(hile he (as ali5e&
His c)n5ersi)n #ust +r)babl. ha5e ta;en +lace during
the 5er. earl. +art )3 the Buddha>s #inistr.& In the Sa#.utta
Ni;a.a it is stated that )nce he a++r)ached the Buddha and
Guesti)ning Hi# ab)ut His +er3ect Enlighten#ent re3erred t)
Hi# as being .)ung in .ears and .)ung in )rdinati)n& @Sa#.utta
Ni;a.a& /&:9$ Kindred Sa.ings, /, +& 09&A
The Buddha re+lied D JThere are 3)ur )bHects, O MaharaHa,
that sh)uld n)t be disregarded )r des+ised& The. are a Khatti.a
@a (arri)r +rinceA, a sna;e, 3ire, and a Bhi;;hu @#endicant #)n;A&:
&
An enraged (arri)r +rince, th)ugh .)ung, #a. ruthlessl. cause har# t) )thers&
The bite )3 e5en a s#all sna;e #a. +r)5e 3atal& A little 3ire #a. +r)duce a c)n3lagrati)n&
E5en a .)ung #)n; #a. be a Saint )r a Dha##a sch)lar&
/9:
Then He deli5ered an interesting ser#)n )n this subHect
Then He deli5ered an interesting ser#)n )n this subHect
s
great +leasure and instantl. beca#e a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha&
Since then till his death he (as dee+l. attached t) the Buddha&
It is said that )n )ne )ccasi)n the King +r)strated hi#sel3 be3)re
the Buddha and str);ed His 3eet c)5ering the# (ith ;isses&<
His chie3 Gueen, Malli;a a 5er. de5)ut and (ise lad., (ell
5ersed in the dha##a, (as greatl. res+)nsible 3)r his religi)us
enthusias#& Li;e a true 3riend, she had t) act as his religi)us
guide )n se5eral )ccasi)ns&
One da. the King drea#t si2teen unusual drea#s and (as
greatl. +erturbed in #ind, n)t ;n)(ing their true signi3icance&
His brah#in ad5isers inter+reted the# t) be drea#s +)rtending
e5il and instructed hi# t) #a;e an elab)rate ani#al sacri3ice
t) (ard )33 the dangers resulting there3r)#& As ad5ised
he #ade all necessar. arrange#ents 3)r this inhu#an sacri3ice
(hich ()uld ha5e resulted in the l)ss )3 th)usands )3 hel+less
creatures& Pueen Malli;a, hearing )3 this barbar)us act ab)ut
t) be +er+etrated, +ersuaded the King t) get the drea#s inter+reted
b. the Buddha (h)se understanding in3initel. sur+assed
that )3 th)se ()rldl. brah#ins& The King a++r)ached
the Buddha and #enti)ned the )bHect )3 his 5isit& elating the
si2teen drea#s1
he (ished t) ;n)( their signi3icance, and the
Buddha e2+lained their signi3icance 3ull. t) hi#&
Unli;e King Bi#bisara King K)sala had the g))d 3)rtune
t) hear se5eral edi3.ing and instructi5e disc)urses 3r)# the
Buddha& In the Sa#.utta Ni;a.a there a++ears a s+ecial secti)n
called the K)sala Sa#.utta0
in (hich are rec)rded #)st
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a ii, N)& /6=
& See Maha Su+ina -ata;a& -ata;a Translati)n D B)); /, ++& /11D/06
N)& <<&
& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a /, :1, Kindred Sa.ings, i, +& 09&
/9<
)3 the disc)urses and tal;s gi5en b. the Buddha t) the King&
)3 the disc)urses and tal;s gi5en b. the Buddha t) the King&
JIt is b. ass)ciati)n @sa#5asenaA that )ne>s c)nduct @silaA is
t) be underst))d, and that, t)), a3ter a l)ng ti#e and n)t in a
sh)rt ti#e, b. )ne (h) is (atch3ul and n)t b. a heedless +ers)n,
b. an intelligent +ers)n and n)t b. an unintelligent )ne&
It is b. c)n5erse @sa#5)harenaA that )ne>s +urit. @s)ce..a#A is
t) be underst))d& It is in ti#e )3 tr)uble that )ne>s 3)rtitude
is t) be underst))d& It is b. discussi)n that )ne>s (isd)# is
t) be underst))d, and that, t)), a3ter a l)ng ti#e and n)t in
a sh)rt ti#e, b. )ne (h) is (atch3ul and n)t b. a heedless
+ers)n, b. an intelligent +ers)n and n)t b. an unintelligent
)ne&K
Su##ing u+ the ab)5e, the Buddha uttered the 3)ll)(ing
5erses$
JN)t b. his )ut(ard guise is #an (ell ;n)(n&
In 3leeting glance let n)ne +lace c)n3idence&
In garb )3 decent (ellc)nducted
3)l;
The unrestrained li5e in the ()rld at large&
As a cla. earring #ade t) c)unter3eit&
Or br)nIe hal3 +enn. c)ated )5er (ith g)ld,
S)#e 3are at large hidden beneath disguise,
/91
'ith)ut, c)#el. and 3airL (ithin, i#+ure&K'ith)ut, c)#el. and 3airL (ithin, i#+ure&K=
King K)sala, as ruler )3 a great ;ingd)#, c)uld n)t +)ssibl.
ha5e a5)ided (ar3are, es+eciall. (ith Kings )3 neighb)ur
ing c)untries& Once he (as c)#+elled t) 3ight (ith his )(n
ne+he(, King AHatasattu, and (as de3eated& Hearing it, the
Buddha re#ar;ed$
JVict)r. breeds hatred& The de3eated li5e in +ain& Ha++il. the
+eace3ul li5e, gi5ing u+ 5ict)r. and de3eat&K//
On an)ther )ccasi)n King K)sala (as 5ict)ri)us and he
c)n3iscated the (h)le ar#. )3 King AHatasattu, sa5ing )nl.
hi#& 'hen the Buddha heard ab)ut this ne( 5ict)r., He ut
tered the 3)ll)(ing 5erse, the truth )3 (hich a++lies (ith eGual
3)rce t) this #)dern (ar"(ear. ()rld as (ell$
JA #an #a. s+)il an)ther, Hust s) 3ar
As it #a. ser5e his ends, but (hen he>s s+)iled
B. )thers he, des+)iled, s+)ils .et again&
S) l)ng as e5il>s 3ruit is n)t #atured,
The 3))l d)th 3anc. Mn)(>s the h)ur, the chanceR>
But (hen the deed bears 3ruit, he 3areth ill&
The sla.er gets a sla.er in his turnL
The c)nGuer)r gets )ne (h) c)nGuers hi#L
Th>abuser (ins abuse, th>ann).er, 3ret&
Thus b. the e5)luti)n )3 the deed,
A #an (h) s+)ils is s+)iled in his turn&K/6
'hat the Buddha has said t) King K)sala ab)ut ()#en is
eGuall. interesting and e2tre#el. enc)uraging t) ()#an;ind&
Once (hile the King (as engaged in a +i)us c)n5ersati)n (ith
/=& Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, ++& /=9D/=:&
//& Kindred Sa.ings, +art /& ++& /=0, //=& Dha##a+ada 5& 6=/&
/ & Ibid& +& //=
/90
the Buddha, a #essenger ca#e and (his+ered int) his ear that
the Buddha, a #essenger ca#e and (his+ered int) his ear that
n)t +leased at this un(elc)#e ne(s& In ancient India, as it is
t) a great e2tent t)da., a daughter is n)t c)nsidered a ha++.
additi)n t) a 3a#il. 3)r se5eral sel3ish reas)ns as, 3)r instance,
the +r)ble# )3 +r)5iding a d)(r.$ The Buddha, unli;e an.
)ther religi)us teacher, +aid a gl)(ing tribute t) ()#en and
#enti)ned 3)ur chie3 characteristics that ad)rn a ()#an in
the 3)ll)(ing ()rds$
JS)#e ()#en are indeed better @than #enA&
Bring her u+, O L)rd )3 #en&
There are ()#en (h) are (ise, 5irtu)us, (h) regard #)therinla(
as
a g)ddess, and (h) are chaste&
T) such a n)ble (i3e #a. be b)rn a 5aliant s)n,
a l)rd )3 real#s, (h) ()uld rule a ;ingd)#K&/
S)#e ()#en are e5en better than #en& JItthi hi +i e;acci.ase..aK
(ere the actual ()rds used b. the Buddha& N) religi)us
teacher has #ade such a b)ld and n)ble utterance es+eciall.
in India, (here ()#en (ere n)t held in high estee#&
Dee+l. grie5ed )5er the death )3 his )ld grand#)ther,
aged )ne hundred and t(ent. .ears, King K)sala a++r)ached
the Buddha and said that he ()uld ha5e gi5en e5er.thing
(ithin his #eans t) sa5e his grand#)ther (h) had been as a
#)ther t) hi#& The Buddha c)ns)led hi#, sa.ing$
JAll beings are #)rtalL the. end (ith death, the. ha5e death
in +r)s+ect& All the 5essels (r)ught b. the +)tter, (hether
the. are ba;ed )r unba;ed, are brea;ableL the. 3inish br);en,
the. ha5e brea;age in +r)s+ect&K/9
/7& Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, +& ///& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a, +art /, +& 1:&
/ & See Kindred Sa.ings, +art I, +& /66
/ =
The King (as s) desir)us )3 hearing the Dha##a that
e5en i3 a33airs )3 state de#anded his +resence in )ther +arts
)3 the ;ingd)#, he ()uld a5ail hi#sel3 )3 e5er. +)ssible )++)rtunit.
t) 5isit the Buddha and engage in a +i)us c)n5ersati)n&
The Dha##aceti.aThe King (as s) desir)us )3 hearing the Dha##a that
e5en i3 a33airs )3 state de#anded his +resence in )ther +arts
)3 the ;ingd)#, he ()uld a5ail hi#sel3 )3 e5er. +)ssible )++)rtunit.
t) 5isit the Buddha and engage in a +i)us c)n5ersati)n&
The Dha##aceti.a
and Kanna;atthala/:
Suttas (ere
+reached )n such )ccasi)ns&
King K)sala>s chie3 c)ns)rt, the daughter )3 a garland"
#a;er, +redeceased hi#& A sister )3 King Bi#bisara (as )ne
)3 his (i5es& One )3 his sisters (as #arried t) King Bi#bisara
and AHatasattu (as her s)n&
King K)sala had a s)n na#ed Vidudabha (h) re5)lted
against hi# in his )ld age& This s)n>s #)ther (as the daughter
)3 Mahana#a the Sa;.a, (h) (as related t) the Buddha,
and his grand#)ther (as a sla5e"girl& This 3act the King did
n)t ;n)( (hen he t)); her as )ne )3 his c)ns)rts& Hearing
a der)gat)r. re#ar; #ade b. Sa;.as ab)ut his ign)ble lineage,
Vidudabha t)); 5engeance b. atte#+ting t) destr). the
Sa;.a race& Un3)rtunatel. it (as due t) Vidudabha that the
King had t) die a +athetic death in a hall )utside the cit. (ith
)nl. a ser5ant as his c)#+ani)n& King K)sala +redeceased the
Buddha&
!
/ & MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& 10&
/ & Ibid& N)& 0=&
/ /
6
The Buddha>s Ministr.
J*reed a# I 3r)# all b)nds, (hether di5ine )r hu#an& !)u, t)),
O Bhi;;hus, are 3reed 3r)# all b)nds&K D Maha5agga
The Buddha>s bene3icent and success3ul #inistr. lasted 3)rt."
3i5e .ears& *r)# His 78th .ear, the .ear )3 His Enlighten#ent,
till His death in His 1=th .ear, He ser5ed hu#anit. b)th b.
e2a#+le and b. +rece+t& Thr)ugh)ut the .ear He (andered
3r)# +lace t) +lace, at ti#es al)ne, s)#eti#es acc)#+anied
b. His disci+les, e2+)unding the Dha##a t) the +e)+le and
liberating the# 3r)# the b)nds )3 Sa#sara& During the rain.
seas)n @5assanaA 3r)# -ul. t) N)5e#ber, )(ing t) incessant
rains, He li5ed in retire#ent as (as cust)#ar. (ith all ascet
ics in India in His ti#e&
In ancient ti#es, as t)da., three regular seas)ns +re5ailed
in India, na#el., 5assana, @rain.A he#anta @(interA and gi#hana
@h)tA& The 5assana )r rain. seas)n starts in Asalha and e2tends
u+ t) Assa.uga, that is a++r)2i#atel. 3r)# the #iddle )3 -ul.
t) the #iddle )3 N)5e#ber&
During the 5assana +eri)d, due t) t)rrential rains, ri5ers
and strea#s usuall. get 3l))ded, r)ads get inundated, c)##unicati)ns
get interru+ted and +e)+le as a rule are c)n3ined
t) their h)#es and 5illages and li5e )n (hat +r)5isi)ns the.
ha5e c)llected during the +re5i)us seas)ns& During this ti#e
the ascetics 3ind it di33icult t) engage in their +reaching t)urs,
(andering 3r)# +lace t) +lace& An in3inite 5ariet. )3 5egetable
and ani#al li3e als) a++ears t) such an e2tent that +e)+le
c)uld n)t #)5e ab)ut (ith)ut unc)nsci)usl. destr).ing the#&
Acc)rdingl. all ascetics including the disci+les )3 the Buddha,
used t) sus+end their itinerant acti5ities and li5e in retire#ent
/ 6
in s)litar. +laces& As a rule the Buddha and His disci+les (ere
in5ited t) s+end their rain. seas)ns either in a #)naster. )r
in a secluded +ar;& S)#eti#es, h)(e5er, the. used t) retire
in s)litar. +laces& As a rule the Buddha and His disci+les (ere
in5ited t) s+end their rain. seas)ns either in a #)naster. )r
in a secluded +ar;& S)#eti#es, h)(e5er, the. used t) retire
e
Buddha t) hear the Dha##a and thus a5ailed the#sel5es )3
His +resence in their 5icinit. t) their best ad5antage&
The *irst T(ent. !ears
/st !ear at Benares&
A3ter e2+)unding the Dha##aca;;a Sutta t) His 3irst 3i5e disci+les
)n the Asalha 3ull #))n da., He s+ent the 3irst rain.
seas)n in the Deer ?ar; at Isi+atana, near Benares& Here there
(as n) s+ecial building (here he c)uld reside& !asa>s c)n5ersi)n
t)); +lace during this etreat&
6nd, 7rd
, 9th !ears at aHagaha&
aHagaha (as the ca+ital )3 the Kingd)# )3 Magadha (here
ruled King Bi#bisara& 'hen the Buddha 5isited the King, in
acc)rdance (ith a +r)#ise #ade b. Hi# be3)re His Enlighten#ent,
he )33ered his Ba#b)) Cr)5e @Velu5anaA t) the Buddha
and His disci+les& This (as an ideal s)litar. +lace 3)r #)n;s
as it (as neither t)) 3ar n)r t)) near t) the cit.& Three rain.
seas)ns (ere s+ent b. the Buddha in this Guiet gr)5e&
8th !ear at Vesali&
During this .ear (hile He (as residing in the ?innacle
Hall at Maha5ana near Vesali, He heard )3 the i#+ending
death )3 King Suddh)dana and, re+airing t) his death cha#ber,
+reached the Dha##a t) hi#& I##ediatel. the King at
tained Arahantshi+& *)r se5en da.s therea3ter he e2+erienced
the bliss )3 E#anci+ati)n and +assed a(a.&
It (as in this .ear that the Bhi;;huni Order (as 3)unded
/
at the reGuest )3 Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i&
at the reGuest )3 Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i&
te#+)raril. residing at Nigr)dhara#a, Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i
a++r)ached the Buddha and begged +er#issi)n 3)r ()#en
t) enter the Order& But the Buddha re3used and returned t)
the ?innacle Hall at aHagaha& Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i (as s) intent
)n ren)uncing the ()rld that she, acc)#+anied b. #an.
Sa;.a and K)li.a ladies, (al;ed all the (a. 3r)# Ka+ila5atthu
t) aHagaha and, thr)ugh the inter5enti)n )3 Venerable
Ananda, succeeded in entering the Order&/
:th !ear at Man;ula Hill in K)sa#bi, near Allahabad&
-ust as He +er3)r#ed the JT(in ')nderK @!a#a;a ?atihari.aA6
t) )5erc)#e the +ride )3 His relati5es at Ka+ila5atthu, e5en s)
did He +er3)r# it 3)r the sec)nd ti#e at Man;ula Hill t) c)n5ert
His alien 3)ll)(ers&
<th
!ear at Ta5ati#sa Hea5en&
A 3e( da.s a3ter the birth )3 ?rince Siddhattha Pueen Maha
Ma.a died and (as b)rn as a De5a @g)dA in the Tusita Hea5en&
In this se5enth .ear, during the three rain. #)nths, the Buddha
+reached the Abhidha##a7 t) the De5as )3 the Ta5ati#sa
Hea5en (here the #)ther"De5a re+aired t) hear hi#& Dail.
He ca#e t) earth and ga5e a su##ar. )3 His ser#)n t) the
Venerable Sari+utta (h) in turn e2+)unded the sa#e d)ctrine
in detail t) his disci+les& 'hat is e#b)died in the +resent
Abhidha##a ?ita;a is su++)sed t) be this detailed e2+)si
/& See cha+ter 0&
& See +& // &
7&
Abhidha##a is the Higher D)ctrine (hich deals (ith Buddhist ?hil)s)+h.&
See cha+ter / &
/ 9
ti)n )3 the Dha##a b. hi#&
It is stated that, )n hearing these disc)urses, the De5a (h)
ti)n )3 the Dha##a b. hi#&
It is stated that, )n hearing these disc)urses, the De5a (h)
1th !ear at Bhesa;ala *)rest, near Su#su#ara )c;, in
the Bhagga District&
0th !ear at K)sa#bi&
It (as in this .ear that Magandi.a harb)ured a grudge against
the Buddha and s)ught an )++)rtunit. t) dish)n)ur hi#&
Magandi.a (as a beauti3ul #aiden& Her +arents ()uld n)t
gi5e her in #arriage as the +r)s+ecti5e suit)rs, in their )+ini)n,
(ere n)t ()rth. )3 their daughter& One da. as the Buddha
(as sur5e.ing the ()rld, He +ercei5ed the s+iritual de5el)+#ent
)3 the +arents& Out )3 c)#+assi)n 3)r the# He 5isited
the +lace (here the 3ather )3 the girl (as tending the sacred
3ire& The brah#in, 3ascinated b. His +h.sical beaut., th)ught
that He (as the best +ers)n t) (h)# he c)uld gi5e his daughter
in #arriage and reGuesting Hi# t) sta. there until his arri5al,
hurried h)#e t) bring his daughter& The Buddha in the
#eanti#e sta#+ed His 3))t+rint )n that s+)t and #)5ed t)
a di33erent +lace& The brah#in and his (i3e, acc)#+anied b.
their daughter (h) (as dressed in her best gar#ents, ca#e t)
that s+)t and )bser5ed the 3))t+rint& The (i3e (h) (as c)n5ersant
(ith signs said that it (as n)t the 3))t+rint )3 an )rdinar.
#an but )3 a +ure +ers)n (h) had eradicated all +assi)ns&
The Brah#in ridiculed the idea, and, n)ticing the Buddha at a
distance )33ered his daughter unt) Hi#& The Buddha describing
h)( He )5erca#e His +assi)ns said$
JHa5ing seen Tanha, Arati and aga,9
I had n) +leasure 3)r the +leasures )3 l)5e&
& The three daughters )3 Mara
/
'hat is this b)d., 3illed (ith urine and dungB
'hat is this b)d., 3illed (ith urine and dungB
8
Hearing His Dha##a, the brah#in and his (i3e attained
Anaga#i, the third stage )3 Sainth))d& But +r)ud Magandi.a
3elt insulted and she th)ught t) hersel3 D JI3 this #an has n)
need )3 #e, it is +er3ectl. +r)+er 3)r hi# t) sa. s), but he
declares #e t) be 3ull )3 urine and dung& Ver. (ell, b. 5irtue
)3 birth, lineage, s)cial +)siti)n, (ealth, and the char# )3
.)uth that I +)ssess I shall )btain a husband (h) is #. eGual,
and then I shall ;n)( (hat )ught t) be d)ne t) the #)n;
C)ta#a&K
Enraged b. the ()rds )3 the Buddha, she c)ncei5ed a ha
tred t)(ards Hi#& Later she (as gi5en as a c)ns)rt t) the
King )3 Udena& Ta;ing ad5antage )3 her +)siti)n as )ne )3 the
).al c)ns)rts, she bribed +e)+le and instigated the# t) re5ile
and dri5e the Buddha )ut )3 the cit.& 'hen the Buddha
entered the cit., the. sh)uted at hi#, sa.ing$ J!)u are a thie3,
a si#+let)n, a 3))l, a ca#el, an )2, an ass, a deniIen )3 hell, a
beast& !)u ha5e n) h)+e )3 sal5ati)n& A state )3 +unish#ent is
all that .)u can l)); 3)r(ard t)&K
Venerable Ananda, unable t) hear this 3ilth. abuse, a++r)ached
the Buddha and said "KL)rd, these citiIens are re5iling
and abusing us& Let us g) else(here&K
J'here shall (e g), AnandaBK as;ed the Buddha&
JT) s)#e )ther cit., L)rd,K said Ananda&
JI3 #en re5ile us there, (here shall (e g) thenBK inGuired
the Buddha&
JT) still an)ther cit., L)rd,K said Ananda&
JAnanda, )ne sh)uld n)t s+ea; thus& 'here a di33icult.
arises, right there sh)uld it be settled& Onl. under th)se cir
& Buddhist Legends, +art i, +& 6<9&
/ :
cu#stances is it +er#issible t) g) else(here& But (h) are re5iling
.)u, AnandaBK Guesti)ned the Buddha&
JL)rd, e5er.)ne is re5iling us, sla5es and all,K re+lied
cu#stances is it +er#issible t) g) else(here& But (h) are re5iling
.)u, AnandaBK Guesti)ned the Buddha&
JL)rd, e5er.)ne is re5iling us, sla5es and all,K re+lied
iA JAs an ele+hant in the battle"3ield (ithstands the arr)(s
sh)t 3r)# a b)(, e5en s) (ill I endure abuse& Veril.,
#)st +e)+le are undisci+lined&K
iiA JThe. lead the trained h)rses )r ele+hants t) an
asse#bl.& The King #)unts the trained ani#al& The best
a#)ng #en are the disci+lined (h) endure abuse&K
iiiA JE2cellent are trained #ules, s) are th)r)ugh"bred h)rses
)3 Sindh and n)ble tus;ed ele+hantsL but the #an (h)
is disci+lined sur+asses the# all&K: Again He addressed
Venerable Ananda and said D JBe n)t disturbed& These
#en (ill re5ile .)u )nl. 3)r se5en da.s, and, )n the
eighth da. the. (ill bec)#e silent& A di33icult. enc)untered
b. the Buddhas lasts n) l)nger than se5en da.s&K<
/=th !ear at ?arile..a;a *)rest&
'hile the Buddha (as residing at K)sa#bi, a dis+ute ar)se
bet(een t() +arties )3 Bhi;;hus D )ne 5ersed in the Dha##a,
the )ther in the Vina.a D (ith res+ect t) the transgressi)n )3
a #in)r rule )3 etiGuette in the la5at)r.& Their res+ecti5e su++)rters
als) (ere di5ided int) t() secti)ns&
E5en the Buddha c)uld n)t settle the di33erences )3 these
Guarrels)#e #)n;s& The. (ere ada#ant and ()uld n)t listen
t) His ad5ice& The Buddha th)ught$N JUnder +resent
c)nditi)ns the H)stling cr)(d in (hich I li5e #a;es #. li3e
& Dha##a+ada 55& 76=, 6/, 766&
& See Buddhist Legends, 5)l& /, +& /<:&
/ <
)ne )3 disc)#3)rt& M)re)5er these #)n;s +a. n) attenti)n
t) (hat I sa.& Su++)se I (ere t) retire 3r)# the haunts )3
#en and li5e a li3e )3 s)litude& In +ursuance )3 this th)ught,
(ith)ut e5en in3)r#ing the Sangha, al)ne He retired t) the
)ne )3 disc)#3)rt& M)re)5er these #)n;s +a. n) attenti)n
t) (hat I sa.& Su++)se I (ere t) retire 3r)# the haunts )3
#en and li5e a li3e )3 s)litude& In +ursuance )3 this th)ught,
(ith)ut e5en in3)r#ing the Sangha, al)ne He retired t) the
a
beauti3ul Sal"tree&
It (as )n this )ccasi)n, acc)rding t) the st)r., that an ele+hant
and a #)n;e. #inistered t) His needs&1
//th !ear at E;anala, brah#in 5illage&
The 3)ll)(ing Kasibharad5aHa Sutta0
(as deli5ered here$
On )ne )ccasi)n the Buddha (as residing at E;analain
Da;;hinagiri, the brah#in 5illage in Magadha& At that ti#e
ab)ut 3i5e"hundred +l)ughs bel)nging t) Kasibharad5aHa brah#in
(ere harnessed 3)r the s)(ing& Thereu+)n the E2alted
One, in the 3)ren))n, dressed Hi#sel3 and ta;ing b)(l and
r)be (ent t) the ()r;ing +lace )3 the brah#in& At that ti#e
the distributi)n )3 3))d b. the brah#in (as ta;ing +lace& The
Buddha (ent t) the +lace (here 3))d (as being distributed
and st))d aside& The brah#in Kasibharad5aHa sa( the Buddha
(aiting 3)r al#s& Seeing Hi#, he s+);e thus D JI, O ascetic,
+l)ugh and s)(L and ha5ing +l)ughed and s)(n, I eat& !)u
als), O ascetic, sh)uld +l)ugh and s)(L and ha5ing +l)ughed
and s)(n, .)u sh)uld eat&K
JI, t)), O brah#in, +l)ugh and s)(L ha5ing +l)ughed and
s)(n, I eat&K said the Buddha&
JBut (e see n)t the Venerable C)ta#a>s .);e, )r +l)ugh,
)r +l)ughshare, )r g)ad, )r )2en, albeit the Venerable C)ta#a
sa.s D JI t)) +l)ugh and s)(L and ha5ing +l)ughed and s)(n,
& Dha##a+adattha;atha, K)sa#ba;a Vatthu&
& Sutta Ni+ata, +& /6,
/ 1
I eat,K re#ar;ed the brah#in&
Then the brah#in Bharad5aHa addressed the E2alted One
thus$
JA 3ar#er .)u clai# t) be, but (e see n)ne )3 .)ur tillage&
I eat,K re#ar;ed the brah#in&
Then the brah#in Bharad5aHa addressed the E2alted One
thus$
JA 3ar#er .)u clai# t) be, but (e see n)ne )3 .)ur tillage&
t
(e #a. ;n)( .)ur +l)ughing&K
The Buddha ans(ered$ J4)n3idence @saddhaA is the seed,
disci+line @ta+)A is the rain, (isd)# @+aQQaA #. .);e and
+l)ugh, #)dest. @hiriA the +)le )3 #. +l)ugh, #ind @#an)A the
rein, and #ind3ulness @satiA #. +l)ughshare and g)ad&
JI a# c)ntr)lled in b)d., c)ntr)lled in s+eech, te#+erate
in 3))d& 'ith truth3ulness I cut a(a. (eeds& Abs)r+ti)n in
the Highest @Arahantshi+A is the release )3 the )2en&
J?erse5erance @5iri.aA is #. beast )3 burden that carries #e
t)(ards the b)nd"3ree state @NibbanaA& 'ith)ut turning it g)es,
and ha5ing g)ne it d)es n)t grie5e&
JThus is the tilling d)ne$ it bears the 3ruit )3 Deathlessness&
Ha5ing d)ne this tilling, )ne is 3reed 3r)# all s)rr)(&K
Thereu+)n the brah#in Kasibharad5aHa, 3illing a large
br)nIe b)(l (ith #il;"rice, )33ered it t) the E2alted One, sa.ing
JMa. the Venerable C)ta#a eat the #il;"riceR The Venerable
C)ta#a is a 3ar#er, since the Venerable C)ta#a tills a cr)+
that bears the 3ruit )3 Deathlessness&K
The E2alted One, h)(e5er, re3used t) acce+t this sa.ing$
J'hat is )btained b. reciting 5erses is n)t 3it t) be eaten
b. #e& This, O brah#in, is n)t the rule )3 seers& The Enlightened
reHect such 3))d& 'hile this +rinci+le lasts, this is the
li5elih))d&
JSer5e the uniGue, can;erless, great sage )3 h)l. cal# (ith
)ther ;ind )3 3))d and drin;, 3)r He is li;e a 3ield t) hi# that
desires t) s)( g))d deeds&K
/ 0
/6/6!ear at VeraQHa&
A brah#in )3 VeraQHa, hearing that the Buddha (as residing at
VeraQHa near Naleru>s Ni#ba tree (ith a large c)#+an. )3 His
disci+les, a++r)ached Hi# and raised se5eral Guesti)ns (ith
regard t) His c)nduct& The brah#in (as s) +leased (ith His
ans(ers that he beca#e a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha and in5ited
Hi# and His disci+les t) s+end the rain. seas)n at VeraQHa&
The Buddha signi3ied His assent as usual b. His silence&
Un3)rtunatel. at this +articular ti#e there (as a 3a#ine at
VeraQHa and the Buddha and His disci+les (ere c)#+elled t)
li5e )n 3))d intended 3)r h)rses& A h)rse"dealer 5er. ;indl.
+r)5ided the# (ith c)arse 3))d a5ailable, and the Buddha
+art)); )3 such 3))d (ith +er3ect eGuani#it.&
One da., during this +eri)d, Venerable Sari+utta, arising
3r)# his s)litar. #editati)n, a++r)ached the Buddha and res+ect3ull.
Guesti)ned Hi# thus$ J'hich Buddha>s Dis+ensati)n
endured l)ng and (hich did n)tBK
The Buddha re+lied that the Dis+ensati)ns )3 the Buddhas
Vi+assi, Si;hi and Vessabhu did n)t endure l)ng& (hile the Dis+ensati)ns
)3 the Buddhas Ka;usandha, K)naga#ana and Kassa+a
endured l)ng&/=
The Buddha attributed this t) the 3act
that s)#e Buddhas did #a;e n) great e33)rt in +reaching the
Dha##a in detail and +r)#ulgated n) rules and regulati)ns
3)r the disci+line )3 the disci+les, (hile )ther Buddhas did s)&
Thereu+)n Venerable Sari+utta res+ect3ull. i#+l)red the
Buddha t) +r)#ulgate the *unda#ental ?rece+ts @?ati#);;haA
3)r the 3uture disci+line )3 the Sangha s) that the H)l. Li3e
#a. endure l)ng&
JBe +atient, Sari+utta, be +atient,K said the Buddha and added$
/=& Vina.a ?ita;a, Sutta5ibhanga @?araHi;aA ++& /D//& Miss I& B& H)rner, B)); )3 the
Disci+line, ?art /, ++&/D67&
/:=
JThe Tathagata al)ne is a(are )3 the ti#e 3)r it& Until certain
de3iling c)nditi)ns arise in the Sangha the Tathagata d)es
JThe Tathagata al)ne is a(are )3 the ti#e 3)r it& Until certain
de3iling c)nditi)ns arise in the Sangha the Tathagata d)es
J'hen, Sari+utta, the Sangha attains l)ng standing @rattaQQu#ahatta#A,
3ull de5el)+#ent @5e+ulla#ahatta#A, great increase
in gains @labhagga#ahatta#A and greatness in eruditi)n
@bahussuta#ahatta#A, de3iling c)nditi)ns arise in the Sangha&
Then d)es the Tathagata +r)#ulgate Means )3 Disci+line and
the *unda#ental ?rece+ts t) +re5ent such de3ile#ents&
JSari+utta, the Order )3 disci+les is 3ree 3r)# tr)ubles, de5)id
)3 e5il tendencies, 3ree 3r)# stain, +ure, and (ell estab
lished in 5irtue& The last )3 #. 3i5e"hundred disci+les is a
S)ta+anna @Strea#'innerA
n)t liable t) 3all, stead3ast and destined
3)r enlighten#ent&K//
@The rain. seas)n at VeraQHa 3)r#s the subHect )3 the Intr)ducti)n
t) the ?araHi;a B)); )3 the Vina.a ?ita;aA&
At the end )3 this rain. seas)n the Buddha (ent )n a +reach
ing t)ur t) S)re..a, Sa#;assa, Kanna;uHHa, ?a.aga, and then,
cr)ssing the ri5er, sta.ed s)#e ti#e in Benares and returned
thence t) Vesali t) reside at the ?innacle Hall in Maha5ana&
/ th !ear (as s+ent at 4ali.a )c;&
/9th !ear at -eta5ana M)naster., Sa5atthi&
The Venerable ahula recei5ed his Higher Ordinati)n at this
ti#e )n the c)#+leti)n )3 his t(entieth .ear&
//& The Buddha (as re3erring t) Venerable Ananda&
/:/
/ / !ear at Ka+ila5atthu&
The +athetic death )3 King Su++abuddha (h) (as angr. (ith
the Buddha 3)r lea5ing his daughter, ?rincess !as)dhara, )ccurred
in this .ear& It #a. be #enti)ned that the Buddha s+ent
)nl. )ne rain. seas)n in his birth+lace&
/:th !ear at the cit. )3 Ala5i&
The c)n5ersi)n )3 Ala5a;a the de#)n,/6
(h) 3easted )n hu#an
3lesh, t)); +lace in this .ear&
Ala5a;a, a 3er)ci)us de#)n, (as enraged t) see the Buddha
in his #ansi)n& He ca#e u+ t) Hi# and as;ed Hi# t) de+art&
JVer. (ell, 3riend,K said the Buddha and (ent )ut& J4)#e in,K
said he& The Buddha ca#e in& *)r the sec)nd and third ti#e
he #ade the sa#e reGuest and the Buddha )be.ed& But (hen
he c)##anded Hi# 3)r the 3)urth ti#e, the Buddha re3used
and as;ed hi# t) d) (hat he c)uld&
J'ell, I (ill as; .)u a Guesti)n,K said Ala5a;a, JI3 .)u (ill
n)t ans(er, I (ill scatter .)ur th)ughts, )r ri5e .)ur heart, )r
ta;e .)u b. .)ur 3eet and 3ling .)u acr)ss the Canges&K
JNa., 3riend,K re+lied the Buddha, JI see n)t in this ()rld
inclusi5e )3 g)ds, brah#as, ascetics, and brah#ins, a#)ngst
the #ultitude )3 g)ds and #en, an. (h) c)uld scatter #.
th)ughts, )r ri5e #. heart, )r ta;e #e b. #. 3eet and 3ling #e
acr)ss the Canges& H)(e5er, 3riend, as; (hat .)u (ish&K
Ala5a;a then as;ed the 3)ll)(ing Guesti)ns$
JHerein, (hich is #an>s best +)ssessi)nB
'hich (ell +ractised .ields ha++inessB
'hich indeed is the s(eetest )3 tastesB
H)( li5ed, d) the. call the best li3eBK
T) these Guesti)ns the Buddha ans(ered thus$
/ & Sutta Ni+ata, Ala5a;a Sutta, +& /, 4hal#ers, Teachings )3 the Buddha, +& 98&
/:6
JHerein c)n3idence is #an>s best +)ssessi)n&
JHerein c)n3idence is #an>s best +)ssessi)n&
&
Truth indeed is the s(eetest )3 tastes&
Li3e li5ed (ith understanding is best, the. sa.&K
Ala5a;a ne2t as;ed the Buddha$
JH)( d)es )ne cr)ss the 3l))dB
H)( d)es )ne cr)ss the seaB
H)( d)es )ne )5erc)#e s)rr)(B
H)( is )ne +uri3iedBK
The E2alted One re+lied$
JB. c)n3idence )ne cr)sses the 3l))d, b. heed3ulness the sea&
B. e33)rt )ne )5erc)#es s)rr)(, b. (isd)# is )ne +uri3ied&K
Ala5a;a then inGuired$
JH)( is (isd)# gainedB H)( are riches 3)undB
H)( is ren)(n gainedB H)( are 3riends b)undB
?assing 3r)# this ()rld t) the ne2t h)( d)es )ne n)t grie5eBK/
In ans(er the Buddha said$
JThe heed3ul, intelligent +ers)n )3 c)n3idence gains (isd)# b.
hearing the dha##a )3 the ?ure Ones that leads t) Nibbana& He
(h) d)es (hat is +r)+er, +erse5ering and strenu)us, gains (ealth&
B. truth )ne attains t) 3a#e& Cener)sit. binds 3riends&
JThat 3aith3ul h)useh)lder (h) +)ssesses these 3)ur 5irtues D
truth3ulness, g))d #)rals, c)urage and liberalit. D grie5es n)t a3ter
+assing a(a.&K
J'ell, as; #an. )ther ascetics and brah#ins (hether there is
3)und an.thing greater than truth3ulness, sel3c)ntr)l,
gener)sit.,
and +atience&K
Understanding (ell the #eaning )3 the Buddha>s ()rds,
/7& See Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, ++& 6<:D6<<&
/:
Ala5a;a said$
Ala5a;a said$
J*)r #. )(n g))d did the Buddha c)#e t) Ala5i& T)"da.
I ;n)( (here gi3ts best)(ed .ield 3ruit in abundance& *r)#
5illage t) 5illage, 3r)# t)(n t) t)(n (ill I (ander h)n)uring
the *ull. Enlightened One and the +er3ecti)n )3 the subli#e
Dha##a&K
/<th !ear (as s+ent at aHagaha&
/1th !ear (as s+ent at 4ali.a )c;&
/0th and 6=th .ears (ere s+ent at aHagaha&
F
Buddha and Anguli#ala
It (as in the 6=th .ear that the Buddha c)n5erted the n)t)ri)us
#urderer Anguli#ala&/9
Ahi#sa;a @Inn)centA (as his )riginal
na#e& His 3ather (as cha+lain t) the King )3 K)sala& He
recei5ed his educati)n at Ta2ila, the 3a#)us educati)nal centre
in the )lden da.s, and beca#e the #)st illustri)us and 3a5)urite
+u+il )3 his ren)(ned teacher& Un3)rtunatel. his c)lleagues
gre( Heal)us )3 hi#, c)nc)cted a 3alse st)r., and succeeded
in +)is)ning the teacher>s #ind against hi#& The enraged
teacher, (ith)ut an. in5estigati)n, c)ntri5ed t) +ut an
end t) his li3e b. )rdering hi# t) 3etch a th)usand hu#an
right"hand 3ingers as teacher>s h)n)rariu#& In )bedience t)
the teacher, th)ugh (ith great reluctance, he re+aired t) the
-alini 3)rest, in K)sala, and started ;illing +e)+le t) c)llect 3ingers
3)r the necessar. )33ering& The 3ingers thus c)llected (ere
hung )n a tree, but as the. (ere destr).ed b. cr)(s and 5ul
tures he later ()re a garland )3 th)se 3ingers t) ascertain the
/ & ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, ++& /1D768& See Anguli#ala Sutta, N)& 1:, MaHHhi#a
Ni;a.a 5)l 6,+& 0<&
/:9
e2act nu#ber& Hence he (as ;n)(n b. the na#e Anguli#ala
@*inger(reathedA&
'hen he had c)llected 000
3ingers, s) the
b));s state, the Buddha a++eared )n the scene& O5erH).ed
at the sight, because he th)ught that he c)uld c)#+lete the
reGuired nu#ber b. ;illing the great ascetic, he stal;ed the
Buddha dra(ing his s()rd& The Buddha b. His +s.chic +)(ers
created )bstacles )n the (a. s) that Anguli#ala ()uld
n)t be able t) get near Hi# alth)ugh He (al;ed at His usual
+ace& Angulirnala ran as 3ast as he c)uld but he c)uld n)t )5erta;e
the Buddha& ?anting and s(eating, he st)++ed and cried$
JSt)+, ascetic&K The Buddha cal#l. said$ JTh)ugh I (al;, .et
ha5e I st)++ed& !)u t)), Anguli#ala st)+&K The bandit th)ught
D JThese ascetics s+ea; the truth, .et He sa.s He has st)++ed,
(hereas it is I (h) ha5e st)++ed& 'hat d)es He #eanBK
Standing, he Guesti)ned Hi#$
JTh)u (h) art (al;ing, 3riar, d)st sa.$ ML) I ha5e st)++edR>
And #e th)u tellest, (h) ha5e st)++ed, I ha5e n)t st)++edR
I as; thee, 3riar, (hat is the #eaning )3 th. ()rdsB
H)( sa.est th)u that th)u hast st)++ed but I ha5e n)tBK
The Buddha s(eetl. re+lied$
J!ea, I ha5e st)++ed, Anguli#ala, e5er#)re&
T)(ards all li5ing things ren)uncing 5i)lenceL
Th)u h)ldest n)t th. hand against th. 3ell)(#en,
There3)re Mtis I ha5e st)++ed, but th)u still g)est )n&K/
Anguli#ala>s g))d Ka##a rushed u+ t) the sur3ace& He th)ught
that the great ascetic (as n)ne )ther but the Buddha C)ta#a
(h) )ut )3 c)#+assi)n had c)#e t) hel+ hi#&
Straight(a. he thre( a(a. his ar#)ur and s()rd and
beca#e a c)n5ert& Later, as reGuested b. hi# he (as ad#itted
/ & ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, ++& 76=, 6/
/:
int) the N)ble Order b. the Buddha (ith the #ere utterance D
M4)#e, O Bhi;;huR> @Ehi Bhi;;huA&
int) the N)ble Order b. the Buddha (ith the #ere utterance D
M4)#e, O Bhi;;huR> @Ehi Bhi;;huA&
But Venerable Anguli#ala had n) +eace )3 #ind, because
e5en in his s)litar. #editati)n he used t) recall #e#)ries )3
his +ast and the +athetic cries )3 his un3)rtunate 5icti#s& As
a result )3 his e5il Ka##a, (hile see;ing al#s in the streets
he ()uld bec)#e a target 3)r stra. st)nes and stic;s and he
()uld return t) the #)naster. M(ith br);en head and 3l)(ing
bl))d, cut and crushed> t) be re#inded b. the Buddha
that he (as #erel. rea+ing the e33ects )3 his )(n Ka##a&
One da. as he (ent )n his r)und 3)r al#s he sa( a ()#an
in tra5ail& M)5ed b. c)#+assi)n, he re+)rted this +athetic
()#an>s su33ering t) the Buddha& He then ad5ised hi# t)
+r)n)unce the 3)ll)(ing ()rds )3 truth, (hich later ca#e t)
be ;n)(n as the Anguli#ala ?aritta&
JSister, since #. birth in the Ar.a clan @i&e& since his )rdinati)nA
I ;n)( n)t that I c)nsci)usl. destr).ed the li3e )3 an.
li5ing being& B. this truth #a. .)u be (h)le, and #a. .)ur
child be (h)le&K/:
He studied this ?aritta/<
and, g)ing t) the +resence )3 the
su33ering sister, sat )n a seat se+arated 3r)# her b. a screen,
and uttered these ()rds& Instantl. she (as deli5ered )3 the
child (ith ease& The e33icac. )3 this ?aritta +ersists t) this da.&
In due c)urse Venerable Anguli#ala attained Arahantshi+&
/ &
!at)> ha# bhagini ari.a.a Hati.a Hat) n>abhiHana#i saQcicca +anna Hi5ita 5)r)+eta& Tena
saccena satthi te h)tu, s)tthi gabbhassa>ti&
/<&
?r)tecti5e Disc)urse&
/::
e3erring t) his #e#)rable c)n5ersi)n b. the Buddha, he
sa.s$
e3erring t) his #e#)rable c)n5ersi)n b. the Buddha, he
sa.s$
,
S)#e b. the h));, and s)#e b. (hi+s,
But I b. such a One (as ta#ed,
'h) needed neither sta33 n)r s()rd&/1
The Buddha s+ent the re#aining t(ent."3i5e .ears )3 His
li3e #)stl. in Sa5atthi at the -eta5ana M)naster. built b.
Anatha+indi;a, the #illi)naire, and +artl. at ?ubbara#a, built
b. Visa;ha, the chie3 bene3actress&
!
/1& ?sal#s )3 the Brethren, +& 61&
/:<
4ha+ter /
The Buddha>s Dail. )utine
JThe L)rd is a(a;ened& He teaches the Dha##a 3)r a(a;ening&K
D MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a
The Buddha can be c)nsidered the #)st energetic and the
#)st acti5e )3 all religi)us teachers that e5er li5ed )n earth&
The (h)le da. He (as )ccu+ied (ith His religi)us acti5i
ties e2ce+t (hen He (as attending t) His +h.sical needs& He
(as #eth)dical and s.ste#atic in the +er3)r#ance )3 His
dail. duties& His inner li3e (as )ne )3 #editati)n and (as
c)ncerned (ith the e2+eriencing )3 Nibbanic Bliss, (hile His
)uter li3e (as )ne )3 sel3less ser5ice 3)r the #)ral u+li3t#ent
)3 the ()rld& Hi#sel3 enlightened, He endea5)ured His best
t) enlighten )thers and liberate the# 3r)# the ills )3 li3e&
His da. (as di5ided int) 3i5e +arts, na#el., @iA The *)re
n))n Sessi)n, @iiA The A3tern))n Sessi)n, @iiiA The *irst 'atch,
@i5A The Middle 'atch and @5A The Last 'atch&
The *)ren))n Sessi)n
Usuall. earl. in the #)rning He sur5e.s the ()rld (ith His
Di5ine E.e t) see (h)# he c)uld hel+& I3 an. +ers)n needs His
s+iritual assistance, unin5ited He g)es, )3ten )n 3))t, s)#e
ti#es b. air using His +s.chic +)(ers, and c)n5erts that +ers)n
t) the right +ath&
As a rule He g)es in search )3 the 5ici)us and the i#+ure, but
the +ure and the 5irtu)us c)#e in search )3 Hi#&
*)r instance, the Buddha (ent )3 His )(n acc)rd t) c)n
5ert the r)bber and #urderer Anguli#ala and the (ic;ed
de#)n Ala5a;a, but +i)us .)ung Visa;ha, gener)us #illi)naire
/:1
Anatha+indi;a, and intellectual Sari+utta and M)ggallana ca#e
u+ t) Hi# 3)r s+iritual guidance&
Anatha+indi;a, and intellectual Sari+utta and M)ggallana ca#e
u+ t) Hi# 3)r s+iritual guidance&
Standing silentl. at the d))r )3 each h)use, (ith)ut uttering
a ()rd, He c)llects (hate5er 3))d is )33ered and +laced in
the b)(l and returns t) the #)naster.&
E5en in His eightieth .ear (hen He (as )ld and in indi3
3erent health, He (ent )n His r)unds 3)r al#s in Vesali&
Be3)re #idda. He 3inishes His #eals& I##ediatel. a3ter
lunch He dail. deli5ers a sh)rt disc)urse t) the +e)+le, estab
lishes the# in the Three e3uges and the *i5e ?rece+ts and
i3 an. +ers)n is s+irituall. ad5anced, he is sh)(n the ?ath t)
Sainth))d&
At ti#es He grants Ordinati)n t) the# i3 the. see; ad#issi)n
t) the Order and then retires t) His cha#ber&
The A3tern))n Sessi)n
A3ter the n))n #eal He ta;es a seat in the #)naster. and the
Bhi;;hus asse#ble t) listen t) His e2+)siti)n )3 the Dha##a&
S)#e a++r)ach Hi# t) recei5e suitable )bHects )3 #editati)n
acc)rding t) their te#+era#entsL )thers +a. their due res+ects
t) Hi# and retire t) their cells t) s+end the a3tern))n&
A3ter His disc)urse )r e2h)rtati)n t) His disci+les, He
Hi#sel3 retires t) His +ri5ate ?er3u#ed 4ha#ber t) rest&
I3 He s) desires, He lies )n His right side and slee+s 3)r a
(hile (ith #ind3ulness& On rising, He attains t) the Ecstas.
/:0
)3 Creat 4)#+assi)n @Maha Karuna Sa#a+attiA and sur5e.s,
(ith His Di5ine E.e, the ()rld, es+eciall. the Bhi;;hus (h)
retired t) s)litude 3)r #editati)n and )ther disci+les in )rder
t) gi5e the# an. s+iritual ad5ice that is needed& I3 the erring
)nes (h) need ad5ice ha++en t) be at a distance, there He
g)es b. +s.chic +)(ers, ad#)nishes the# and retires t) His
cha#ber&
)3 Creat 4)#+assi)n @Maha Karuna Sa#a+attiA and sur5e.s,
(ith His Di5ine E.e, the ()rld, es+eciall. the Bhi;;hus (h)
retired t) s)litude 3)r #editati)n and )ther disci+les in )rder
t) gi5e the# an. s+iritual ad5ice that is needed& I3 the erring
)nes (h) need ad5ice ha++en t) be at a distance, there He
g)es b. +s.chic +)(ers, ad#)nishes the# and retires t) His
cha#ber&
/
He +reaches t) the# 3)r ab)ut
)ne h)ur& Each #e#ber )3 the audience, th)ugh di33erentl.
c)nstituted, thin;s that the Buddha>s ser#)n is directed in
+articular t) hi#& Such (as the Buddha>s #eth)d )3 e2+)unding
the Dha##a& As a rule the Buddha c)n5erts )thers b. e2+laining
His teachings (ith h)#el. illustrati)ns and +arables,
3)r He a++eals #)re t) the intellect than t) e#)ti)n&
T) the a5erage #an the Buddha at 3irst s+ea;s )3 gener)sit.,
disci+line, and hea5enl. bliss& T) the #)re ad5anced He
s+ea;s )n the e5ils )3 #aterial +leasures and )n the blessings
)3 renunciati)n& T) the highl. ad5anced He e2+)unds
the *)ur N)ble Truths&
On rare )ccasi)ns as in the case )3 Anguli#ala and Khe#a
did the Buddha res)rt t) His +s.chic +)(ers t) e33ect a change
)3 heart in His listeners&
The subli#e teachings )3 the Buddha a++ealed t) b)th the
#asses and the intelligentsia ali;e& A Buddhist +)et sings$
JCi5ing H). t) the (ise, +r)#)ting the intelligence )3 the
#iddling, and dis+elling the dar;ness )3 the dull"(itted, this
/&
Buddhaca;;hu c)nstitutes the ;n)(ledge )3 the )ne>s inclinati)ns @asa.aA and
the innate tendencies @asa.anusa.a QanaA and the ;n)(ledge )3 the dullness and
;eenness )3 3aculties such as c)n3idence, #ind3ulness, c)ncentrati)n, energ.
and (isd)# @indri.a+ar)+ar.attanaQanA
/<=
s+eech is 3)r all +e)+le&Ks+eech is 3)r all +e)+le&K
B)th the rich and the +))r, the high and the l)(, ren)unced
their 3)r#er 3aiths and e#braced the ne( Message )3 ?eace&
The in3ant Sasana,7 (hich (as inaugurated (ith a nucleus
)3 3i5e ascetics, s))n de5el)+ed int) #illi)ns and +eace3ull.
s+read thr)ugh)ut 4entral India&
The *irst 'atch
This +eri)d )3 the night e2tends 3r)# : t) /=
+&#& and (as
e2clusi5el. reser5ed 3)r instructi)n t) Bhi;;hus& During this
ti#e the Bhi;;hus (ere 3ree t) a++r)ach the Buddha and get
their d)ubts cleared, Guesti)n Hi# )n the intricacies )3 the
Dha##a, )btain suitable )bHects )3 #editati)n, and hear the
d)ctrine&
The Middle 'atch
During this +eri)d (hich e2tends 3r)# /=
+&#& t) 6 a&#& 4elestial
Beings such as De5as and Brah#as, (h) are in5isible t)
the +h.sical e.e, a++r)ach the Buddha t) Guesti)n Hi# )n
the Dha##a& An )3t"recurring +assage in the Suttas is$ JN)(
(hen the night (as 3ar s+ent a certain De5a )3 sur+assing
s+lend)ur ca#e t) the Buddha, res+ect3ull. saluted Hi# and
st))d at a side&K Se5eral disc)urses and ans(ers gi5en t) their
Gueries a++ear in the Sa#.utta Ni;a.a&
The Last 'atch
The s#all h)urs )3 the #)rning, e2tending 3r)# 6 t) : a&#&
(hich c)#+rise the last (atch, are di5ided int) 3)ur +arts&
The 3irst +art is s+ent in +acing u+ and d)(n @can;a#anaA&
& Sata+aQcasata;a, 5& <1&
7& The Dis+ensati)n )3 the Buddha&
/</
This ser5es as a #ild +h.sical e2ercise t) Hi#& During the
sec)nd +art, that is 3r)# 7 t) 9 a&#& He #ind3ull. slee+s )n
His right side& During the third +art, that is 3r)# 9 t) 8 a&#&,
He attains the state )3 Arahantshi+ and e2+eriences Nibbanic
bliss& *)r )ne 3ull h)ur 3r)# 8 t) : a&#& He attains the Ecstas.
)3 Creat 4)#+assi)n @Maha Karunasa#a+attiA and radiates
th)ughts )3 l)5ing";indness t)(ards all beings and s)3tens
their hearts& At this earl. h)ur He sur5e.s the (h)le ()rld
(ith His Buddha"E.e t) see (hether He c)uld be )3 ser5ice t)
an.& The 5irtu)us and th)se that need His hel+ a++ear 5i5idl.
be3)re Hi# th)ugh the. #a. li5e at a re#)te distance& Out )3
c)#+assi)n 3)r the# He g)es )3 His )(n acc)rd and renders
necessar. s+iritual assistance&
The (h)le da. He is 3ull. )ccu+ied (ith His religi)us
duties& Unli;e an. )ther li5ing being He slee+s )nl. 3)r )ne
h)ur at night& *)r t() 3ull h)urs in the #)rning and at da(n
He +er5ades the (h)le ()rld (ith th)ughts )3 b)undless l)5e
and brings ha++iness t) #illi)ns& Leading a li3e )3 5)luntar.
+)5ert., see;ing His al#s (ith)ut inc)n5eniencing an., (andering
3r)# +lace t) +lace 3)r eight #)nths thr)ugh)ut the
.ear +reaching His subli#e Dha##a, He tirelessl. ()r;ed
3)r the g))d and ha++iness )3 all till His eightieth .ear&
Acc)rding t) the Dhar#a+radi+i;a the last (atch is
di5ided int) these 3)ur +arts&
Acc)rding t) the c)##entaries the last (atch c)nsists
)3 three +arts& During the third +art the Buddha attains the
Ecstas. )3 Creat 4)#+assi)n&
!
/<6
4ha+ter /9
The Buddha>s ?arinibbana @DeathA
JThe sun shines b. da.& The #))n is radiant b. night& Ar#)ured shines
the (arri)r King&
Meditating the brah#ana shines&
But all da. and night the Buddha shines in gl)r.&K
D Dha##a+ada
The Buddha (as an e2tra)rdinar. being& Ne5ertheless He (as
#)rtal, subHect t) disease and deca. as are all beings& He (as
c)nsci)us that He ()uld +ass a(a. in His eightieth .ear& M)d
est as He (as He decided t) breathe His last n)t in ren)(ned
cities li;e Sa5atthi )r aHagaha, (here His acti5ities (ere cen
tred, but in a distant and insigni3icant ha#let li;e Kusinara&
In His )(n ()rds the Buddha (as in His eightieth .ear
li;e Ja ()rn")ut cart&K Th)ugh )ld in age, .et, being str)ng in
(ill& He +re3erred t) tra5erse the l)ng and tard. (a. )n 3))t
acc)#+anied b. His 3a5)urite disci+le, Venerable Ananda& It
#a. be #enti)ned that Venerable Sari+utta and M)ggallana,
His t() chie3 disci+les, +redeceased Hi#& S) did Venerable
ahula and !as)dhara&
aHagaha, the ca+ital )3 Magadha, (as the starting +)int
)3 His last H)urne.&
Be3)re his i#+ending de+arture 3r)# aHagaha King AHata
sattu, the +arricide, c)nte#+lating an un(arranted attac; )n
the +r)s+er)us VaHHian e+ublic, sent his ?ri#e Minister t) the
Buddha t) ;n)( the Buddha>s 5ie( ab)ut his (ic;ed +r)Hect&
4)nditi)ns )3 (el3are
The Buddha declared that @iA as l)ng as the VaHHians #eet
3reGuentl. and h)ld #an. #eetingsL @6A as l)ng as the. #eet
/<
t)gether in unit., rise in unit. and +er3)r# their duties in
unit.L @7A as l)ng as the. enact n)thing n)t enacted, abr)gate
n)thing that has alread. been enacted, act in acc)rdance
(ith the alread. established ancient VaHHian +rinci+lesL @9A as
l)ng as the. su++)rt, res+ect, 5enerate and h)n)ur the VaHHian
elders, and +a. regard t) their ()rth. s+eechL @8A as l)ng as
n) ()#en )r girls )3 their 3a#ilies are detained b. 3)rce )r
abducti)nL @:A as l)ng as the. su++)rt, res+ect, 5enerate, h)n
t)gether in unit., rise in unit. and +er3)r# their duties in
unit.L @7A as l)ng as the. enact n)thing n)t enacted, abr)gate
n)thing that has alread. been enacted, act in acc)rdance
(ith the alread. established ancient VaHHian +rinci+lesL @9A as
l)ng as the. su++)rt, res+ect, 5enerate and h)n)ur the VaHHian
elders, and +a. regard t) their ()rth. s+eechL @8A as l)ng as
n) ()#en )r girls )3 their 3a#ilies are detained b. 3)rce )r
abducti)nL @:A as l)ng as the. su++)rt, res+ect, 5enerate, h)n)
n)t neglect th)se righte)us cere#)nies held be3)reL @<A as l)ng
as the right3ul +r)tecti)n, de3ence and su++)rt 3)r the Arahants
shall be +r)5ided b. the VaHHians s) that Arahants (h)
ha5e n)t c)#e #a. enter the real# and th)se (h) ha5e entered
the real# #a. li5e in +eace D s) l)ng #a. the VaHHians
be e2+ected n)t t) decline, but t) +r)s+er&
Hearing these se5en c)nditi)ns )3 (el3are (hich the
Buddha Hi#sel3 taught the VaHHians, the ?ri#e Minister,
Vassa;ara, t)); lea5e )3 the Buddha, 3ull. c)n5inced that the
VaHHians c)uld n)t be )5erc)#e b. the King )3 Magadha in
battle, (ith)ut di+l)#ac. )r brea;ing u+ their alliance&
The Buddha thereu+)n a5ailed Hi#sel3 )3 this )++)rtunit.
t) teach se5en si#ilar c)nditi)ns )3 (el3are #ainl. 3)r
the bene3it )3 His disci+les& He su##)ned all the Bhi;;hus in
aHagaha and said$
@/A JAs l)ng, O disci+les, as the Bhi;;hus asse#ble 3reGuentl.
and h)ld 3reGuent #eetingsL @6A as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus
#eet t)gether in unit., rise in unit., and +er3)r# the duties
)3 the Sangha in unit.L @7A as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus shall +r)#ulgate
n)thing that has n)t been +r)#ulgated, abr)gate n)t
(hat has been +r)#ulgated, and act in acc)rdance (ith the
alread. +rescribed rulesL @9A as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus su++)rt,
/<9
res+ect, 5enerate and h)n)ur th)se l)ng")rdained Theras )3
res+ect, 5enerate and h)n)ur th)se l)ng")rdained Theras )3
t
their ()rth. s+eechL @8A as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus 3all n)t under
the in3luence )3 u+risen attach#ent that leads t) re+eated
birthsL @:A as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus shall delight in 3)rest retreatsL
@<A as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus de5el)+ #ind3ulness (ithin
the#sel5es s) that disci+lined c)celibates (h) ha5e n)t c)#e
.et #a. d) s) and th)se (h) are alread. +resent #a. li5e in
+eace D s) l)ng #a. the Bhi;;hus be e2+ected n)t t) decline,
but t) +r)s+er&
As l)ng as these se5en c)nditi)ns )3 (el3are shall c)ntinue
t) e2ist a#)ngst the Bhi;;hus, as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus are
(ell"instructed in these c)nditi)ns D s) l)ng #a. the. be e2+ected
n)t t) decline, but t) +r)s+er&
'ith b)undless c)#+assi)n the Buddha enlightened the
Bhi;;hus )n se5en )ther c)nditi)ns )3 (el3are as 3)ll)(s$
JAs l)ng as the Bhi;;hus shall n)t be 3)nd )3, )r delight in,
)r engage in, businessL as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus shall n)t be
3)nd )3, )r delight in, )r engage in, g)ssi+ingL as l)ng as the
Bhi;;hus shall n)t be 3)nd )3, )r delight in slee+ingL as l)ng
as the Bhi;;hus shall n)t be 3)nd )3, )r delight in, )r indulge
in, s)ciet.L as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus shall neither ha5e, n)r 3all
under, the in3luence )3 base desiresL as l)ng as the Bhi;;hus
shall n)t ha5e e5il 3riends )r ass)ciates and shall n)t be +r)ne
t) e5il D s) l)ng the Bhi;;hus shall n)t st)+ at #ere lesser,
s+ecial acGuisiti)n (ith)ut attaining Arahantshi+&K
*urther#)re, the Buddha added that as l)ng as the
Bhi;;hus shall be de5)ut, #)dest, c)nscienti)us, 3ull )3
learning, +ersistentl. energetic, c)nstantl. #ind3ul and 3ull
)3 (isd)# D s) l)ng #a. the Bhi;;hus be e2+ected n)t t)
decline, but t) +r)s+er&
/<
Sari+utta>s ?raise
Sari+utta>s ?raise
One that #ethin;s there ne5er (as, n)r (ill there be, n)r is
there n)(, an. )ther ascetic )r brah#an (h) is greater and
(iser than the Buddha as regards sel3 enlighten#ent&K
The Buddha, (h) did n)t a++r)5e )3 such an enc)#iu#
3r)# a disci+le )3 His, re#inded Venerable Sari+utta that he
had burst int) such a s)ng )3 ecstas. (ith)ut 3ull. a++reciating
the #erits )3 the Buddhas )3 the +ast and )3 the 3uture&
Venerable Sari+utta ac;n)(ledged that he had n) inti#ate
;n)(ledge )3 all the su+re#el. Enlightened Ones, but #aintained
that he (as acGuainted (ith the Dha##a lineage, the
+r)cess thr)ugh (hich all attain su+re#e Buddhah))d, that
is b. )5erc)#ing the 3i5e Hindrances na#el., @iA sense"desires,
@iiA ill"(ill, @iiiA sl)th and t)r+)r, @i5A restlessness and br))ding,
@5A indecisi)nL b. (ea;ening the str)ng +assi)ns )3 the
heart thr)ugh (isd)#L b. th)r)ughl. establishing the #ind
in the 3)ur ;inds )3 Mind3ulnessL and b. rightl. de5el)+ing
the se5en 3act)rs )3 Enlighten#ent&
?atali+utta
*r)# Nalanda the Buddha +r)ceeded t) ?ataliga#a (here
Sunidha and Vassa;ara, the chie3 #inisters )3 Magadha, (ere
building a 3)rtress t) re+el the +)(er3ul VaHHians&
Here the Buddha resided in an e#+t. h)use and, +ercei5ing
(ith His su+ern)r#al 5isi)n th)usands )3 deities haunting
/<:
the di33erent sites, +redicted that ?atali+utta ()uld bec)#e
the chie3 cit. inas#uch as it is a residence 3)r Ari.as, a trading
centre and a +lace 3)r the interchange )3 all ;inds )3 (ares,
but ()uld be subHect t) three dangers arising 3r)# 3ire, (ater
and dissensi)n&
Hearing )3 the Buddha>s arri5al at ?ataliga#a, the #inisters
in5ited the Buddha and His disci+les 3)r a #eal at their
h)use& A3ter the #eal (as )5er the Buddha e2h)rted the# in
these 5erses$
J'heres)e>er the +rudent #an shall ta;e u+ his ab)de&
Let hi# su++)rt the brethren there, g))d #en )3 sel3c)ntr)l,
And gi5e the #erit )3 his gi3ts t) the deities (h) haunt the s+)t&
e5ered, the. (ill re5ere hi#$ h)n)ured, the. h)n)ur hi# again,
Are graci)us t) hi# as a #)ther t) her )(n, her )nl. s)n&
And the #an (h) has the grace )3 the g)ds,
g))d 3)rtune he beh)lds&K/
In h)n)ur )3 His 5isit t) the cit. the. na#ed the gate b. (hich
He le3t JC)ta#a"CateK, and the. desired t) na#e the 3err.
b. (hich He ()uld cr)ss JC)ta#a"*err.K, but the Buddha
cr)ssed the )5er3l)(ing Canges b. His +s.chic +)(ers (hile
the +e)+le (ere bus. #a;ing +re+arati)ns t) cr)ss&
*uture states
*r)# the ban;s )3 the Canges He (ent t) K)tiga#a and thence
t) the 5illage )3 Nadi;a and sta.ed at the Bric; Hall& Thereu+)n
the Venerable Ananda a++r)ached the Buddha and re
s+ect3ull. Guesti)ned Hi# ab)ut the 3uture states )3 se5eral
+ers)ns (h) died in that 5illage& The Buddha +atientl. re5ealed
the destinies )3 the +ers)ns c)ncerned and taught h)(
/& ?r)3& h.s Da5ids D Dial)gues )3 the Buddha "5)l ii +& 0/&
/<<
t) acGuire the Mirr)r )3 Truth s) that an Ar.a disci+le end)(ed
there(ith #a. +redict )3 hi#sel3 thus$ JDestr).ed 3)r
#e is birth in a ()e3ul state, ani#al real#, ?eta real#, s)rr)(3ul,
e5il, and l)( states& A Strea#"'inner a# I, n)t sub
t) acGuire the Mirr)r )3 Truth s) that an Ar.a disci+le end)(ed
there(ith #a. +redict )3 hi#sel3 thus$ JDestr).ed 3)r
#e is birth in a ()e3ul state, ani#al real#, ?eta real#, s)rr)(3ul,
e5il, and l)( states& A Strea#"'inner a# I, n)t sub
The Mirr)r )3 the Dha##a @Dha##adasaA
M'hat, O Ananda, is the Mirr)r )3 the Dha##aB
JHerein a n)ble disci+le re+)ses +er3ect c)n3idence in the
Buddha re3lecting )n His 5irtues thus$
JThus, indeed, is the E2alted One, a ')rth. One, a 3ull.
Enlightened One, End)(ed (ith (isd)# and c)nduct, an
Acc)#+lished One, Kn)(er )3 the ()rlds, an Inc)#+arable
4hari)teer 3)r the training )3 indi5iduals, the Teacher )3 g)ds
and #en, O#niscient, and H)l.&K6
He re+)ses +er3ect c)n3idence in the Dha##a re3lecting
)n the characteristics )3 the Dha##a thus$
J'ell e2+)unded is the Dha##a b. the E2alted One, t)
be sel3"realiIed, i##ediatel. e33ecti5e, in5iting in5estiga"ti)n,
leading )n(ards @t) NibbanaA, t) be underst))d b. the (ise,
each )ne 3)r hi#sel3&K7
He re+)ses +er3ect c)n3idence in the Sangha re3lecting )n
the 5irtues )3 the Sangha thus$
JO3 g))d c)nduct is the Order )3 the disci+les )3 the E2alted
OneL )3 u+right c)nduct is the Order )3 the disci+les )3
the E2alted OneL )3 (ise c)nduct is the Order )3 the disci+les
)3 the E2alted One& These 3)ur +airs )3 +ers)ns c)nstitute
eight indi5iduals& This Order )3 the disci+les )3 the E2alted
&
Iti>+i s) bhaga5a araha#, sa##a sa#buddh), 5iHHa caranasa#+ann), sugat), l);a5idhuanuttar)
+uri sada##asa rathi sattha de5a#anussana#,
buddh), bhaga5a>ti&
7&
S5a;;hat) bhaga5ata dha##), sanditthi;), a;ali;), ehi+assi;), )+ana.i;), +accatta#
5editabb) 5iQQuhi> ti&
/<1
One is ()rth. )3 gi3ts, )3 h)s+italit., )3 )33erings, )3 re5erence,
One is ()rth. )3 gi3ts, )3 h)s+italit., )3 )33erings, )3 re5erence,
9
He bec)#es end)(ed (ith 5irtu)us c)nduct +leasing t)
the Ar.as, unbr);en, intact, uns+)tted, unble#ished, 3ree,
+raised b. the (ise, untarnished b. desires, c)nduci5e t)
c)ncentrati)n&
*r)#Nadi;atheBuddha(entt)the3l)urishingcit.)3Vesali
and sta.ed at the gr)5e )3 A#ba+ali, the beauti3ul c)urtesan&
Antici+ating her 5isit, the Buddha in )rder t) sa3eguard
His disci+les, ad5ised the# t) be #ind3ul and re3lecti5e and
taught the# the (a. )3 #ind3ulness&
A#ba+ali
A#ba+ali, hearing )3 the Buddha>s arri5al at her #ang) gr)5e,
a++r)ached the Buddha and res+ect3ull. in5ited Hi# and
His disci+les 3)r a #eal )n the 3)ll)(ing da.& The Buddha acce+ted
her in5itati)n in +re3erence t) the in5itati)n )3 the Liccha5i
n)bles (hich He recei5ed later& Alth)ugh the Liccha5i
N)bles )33ered a large su# )3 #)ne. t) )btain 3r)# her the
)++)rtunit. )3 +r)5iding this #eal t) the Buddha, she +)litel.
declined this )33er& As in5ited, the Buddha had His #eal at
A#ba+ali>s residence& A3ter the #eal A#ba+ali, the c)urtesan,
(h) (as a +)tential Arahant, 5er. gener)usl. )33ered her s+aci)us
#ang) gr)5e t) the Buddha and His disci+les&8
As it (as the rain. seas)n the Buddha ad5ised His disci
+les t) s+end their etreat in )r ar)und Vesali, and He Hi#sel3
decided t) s+end the etreat, (hich (as His last and 3)rt.
&
Su+ati+ann) bhaga5at) sa5a;asangh), uHu+ati+ann), bhaga5at) sa5a;asangh),
Qa.a+ati+ann) bhaga5at) sa5a;asangh), sa#ici+ati+ann) bhaga5at) sa5a;asang), .adida#
cattari +urisa.ugani attha+urisa+uggala, esa bhaga5at) sa5a;asangh), ahune..),
+ahune..) da;;hine..), aQHali;arani.), anuttara#, +uQQa;;etta# l);assa>ti&
&
Later A#ba+ali entered the Order and attained Arahantshi+&
/<0
3i3th )ne, at Belu5a, a 5illage near Vesali&
3i3th )ne, at Belu5a, a 5illage near Vesali&
In this .ear He had t) su33er 3r)# a se5ere sic;ness, and Jshar+
+ains ca#e u+)n Hi# e5en unt) deathK& 'ith His ir)n (ill,
#ind3ul and re3lecti5e, the Buddha b)re the# (ith)ut an.
c)#+laint&
The Buddha (as n)( c)nsci)us that He ()uld s))n +ass
a(a.& But He th)ught that it ()uld n)t be +r)+er t) +ass a(a.
(ith)ut addressing His attendant disci+les and gi5ing instructi)ns
t) the Order& S) He decided t) subdue His sic;ness
b. His (ill and li5e b. c)nstantl. e2+eriencing the bliss )3
Arahantshi+&:
I##ediatel. a3ter rec)5er., the Venerable Ananda a+
+r)ached the Buddha, and e2+ressing his +leasure )n His re
c)5er., re#ar;ed that he t)); s)#e little c)#3)rt 3r)# the
th)ught that the Buddha ()uld n)t +ass a(a. (ith)ut an. in
structi)n ab)ut the Order&
The Buddha #ade a #e#)rable and signi3icant re+l. (hich
clearl. re5eals the uniGue attitude )3 the Buddha, Dha##a
and the Sangha&
The Buddha>s E2h)rtati)n
J'hat, O Ananda, d)es the Order )3 disci+les e2+ect )3 #eB
I ha5e taught the Dha##a #a;ing n) distincti)n bet(een
es)teric and e2)teric d)ctrine&< In res+ect )3 the truths the
&
-i5itasa#;hara# adhittha.a&
<&
Anantara# abahira# ;arit5a D These t() ter#s re3er t) b)th indi5iduals and
teachings& JThis #uch )3 #. d)ctrine (ill I n)t teach )thersK D such a th)ught
#eans li#iting the Dha##a t) an inner circle& JThis #uch )3 #. d)ctrine (ill
I teach )thersK D such a th)ught #eans barring the Dha##a t) )thers& JT) this
+ers)n I shall teachK D b. such a th)ught a li#itati)n is #ade t) an inner circle&
JT) this +ers)n I shall n)t teachK D such a th)ught i#+lies indi5idual discri#i
/1=
Tathagata has n) cl)sed 3ist )3 a teacher& It #a. )ccur t) an.)ne$
JIt is I (h) (ill lead the Order )3 Bhi;;hus,K )r JThe
Order )3 Bhi;;hus is de+endent u+)n #e,K )r JIt is he (h)
sh)uld instruct an. #atter c)ncerning the Order&K
Tathagata has n) cl)sed 3ist )3 a teacher& It #a. )ccur t) an.)ne$
JIt is I (h) (ill lead the Order )3 Bhi;;hus,K )r JThe
Order )3 Bhi;;hus is de+endent u+)n #e,K )r JIt is he (h)
sh)uld instruct an. #atter c)ncerning the Order&K
JI, t)), Ananda, a# n)( decre+it, aged, )ld, ad5anced in
.ears, and ha5e reached #. end& I a# in #. eightieth .ear&
-ust as a ()rn")ut cart is #ade t) #)5e (ith the aid )3 th)ngs,
e5en s) #ethin;s the b)d. )3 the Tathagata is #)5ed (ith the
aid )3 th)ngs&1
'hene5er, Ananda, the Tathagata li5es +lunged
in signless #ental )ne"+)intedness, b. the cessati)n )3 certain
3eelings and un#ind3ul )3 all )bHects, then )nl. is the b)d. )3
the Tathagata at ease&K0
JThere3)re, Ananda, be .e islands/=
unt) .)ursel5es& Be .e
a re3uge t) .)ursel5es& See; n) e2ternal re3uge& Li5e (ith the
Dha##a as .)ur island, the Dha##a as .)ur re3uge& Beta;e
t) n) e2ternal re3uge&//
JH)(, Ananda, d)es a Bhi;;hu li5e as an island unt) hi#
sel3, as a re3uge unt) hi#sel3, see;ing n) e2ternal re3uge, (ith
the Dha##a as an island, (ith the Dha##a as a re3uge, see;
ing n) e2ternal re3ugeBK
nati)n& The Buddha #a;es n) such distincti)ns b)th (ith regard t) His teaching
)r His disci+les& The Buddha had n)thing es)teric in His Teachings& N)r
had He an inner circle )r )uter circle a#)ngst His disci+les&
1& Vedha#issa;ena
& e3erring t) the bliss )3 Arahantshi+ @+halasa#a+attiA&
/=&
Ha5ens&
//&
Attadi+a5iharatha attasaranaanaQQasaranaL dha##adi+a5iharatha, dha##asarana,
anaQQasarana&
/1/
JHerein, Ananda, a Bhi;;hu li5es strenu)us, re3lecti5e, (atch3ul,
aband)ning c)5et)usness in this ()rld, c)nstantl. de5el)+ing
#ind3ulness (ith res+ect t) b)d., 3eelings, c)nsci)usness,
and Dha##a&K
JHerein, Ananda, a Bhi;;hu li5es strenu)us, re3lecti5e, (atch3ul,
aband)ning c)5et)usness in this ()rld, c)nstantl. de5el)+ing
#ind3ulness (ith res+ect t) b)d., 3eelings, c)nsci)usness,
and Dha##a&K6
J'h)s)e5er shall li5e either n)( )r a3ter #. death as an
island unt) )nesel3, as a re3uge unt) )nesel3, see;ing n) e2ternal
re3uge, (ith the Dha##a as an island, (ith the Dha##a
as a re3uge, see;ing n) e2ternal re3uge, th)se Bhi;;hus shall
be 3)re#)st a#)ngst th)se (h) are intent )n disci+line&K
Here the Buddha la.s s+ecial e#+hasis )n the i#+)rtance
)3 indi5idual stri5ing 3)r +uri3icati)n and deli5erance 3r)#
the ills )3 li3e& There is n) e33icac. in +ra.ing t) )thers )r in de+ending
)n )thers& One #ight Guesti)n (h. Buddhists sh)uld
see; re3uge in the Buddha, Dha##a, and the Sangha (hen
the Buddha had e2+licitl. ad5ised His 3)ll)(ers n)t t) see;
re3uge in )thers& In see;ing re3uge in the Tri+le Ce# @Buddha,
Dha##a and SanghaA Buddhists )nl. regard the Buddha as
an instruct)r (h) #erel. sh)(s the ?ath )3 Deli5erance, the
Dha##a as the )nl. (a. )r #eans, the Sangha as the li5ing
e2a#+les )3 the (a. )3 li3e t) be li5ed& B. #erel. see;ing re3uge
in the# Buddhists d) n)t c)nsider that the. ()uld gain
their deli5erance&
Th)ugh )ld and 3eeble the Buddha n)t )nl. a5ailed Hi#sel3
)3 e5er. )++)rtunit. t) instruct the Bhi;;hus in 5ari)us
(a.s but als) regularl. (ent )n His r)unds 3)r al#s (ith
b)(l in hand (hen there (ere n) +ri5ate in5itati)ns& One
da. as usual He (ent in Guest )3 al#s in Vesali and a3ter His
#eal (ent (ith Venerable Ananda t) the 4a+ala 4eti.a, and,
/ & These are the 3)ur ;inds )3 Sati+atthanas @*)undati)ns )3 Mind3ulnessA& Here
the ter# dha##a is used in a di33erent sense and it cann)t adeGuatel. be rendered
b. )ne English ()rd as it re3ers t) b)th #ental and +h.sical )bHects&
See Sati+atthana Sutta, MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a N)& /=&
/16
s+ea;ing )3 the delight3ulness )3 Vesali and )ther shrines in
the cit., addressed the Venerable Ananda thus$
J'h)s)e5er has culti5ated, de5el)+ed, #astered, #ade a
basis )3, e2+erienced, +ractised, th)r)ughl. acGuired the 3)ur
Means )3 Acc)#+lish#ent @Iddhi+adaA/
c)uld, i3 he s) desires,
li5e 3)r an ae)n @;a++aA/9
)r e5en a little #)re @;a++a5asesa#A&
The Tathagata, O Ananda, has culti5ated, de5el)+ed, #astered,
#ade a basis )3, e2+erienced, +ractised, th)r)ughl. acGuired
the 3)ur Means )3 Acc)#+lish#ent& I3 He s) desires,
the Tathagata c)uld re#ain 3)r an ae)n )r e5en a little #)re&K
The te2t adds that Je5en th)ugh a suggesti)n s) e5ident
and s) clear (as thus gi5en b. the E2alted One, the Venerable
Ananda (as inca+able )3 c)#+rehending it s) as t) in5ite the
Buddha t) re#ain 3)r an ae)n 3)r the g))d, bene3it, and the
ha++iness )3 the #an., )ut )3 c)#+assi)n 3)r the ()rld, 3)r
the g))d, bene3it, and ha++iness )3 g)ds and #enK&
The Sutta attributes the reas)n t) the 3act that the #ind
)3 Venerable Ananda (as, at the #)#ent, d)#inated b. Mara
the E5il One&
The Buddha Ann)unces His Death
The Buddha a++eared )n earth t) teach the see;ers )3 Truth
things as the. trul. are and a uniGue +ath 3)r the deli5erance )3
all ills )3 li3e& During His l)ng and success3ul #inistr. He 3ul
3illed His n)ble #issi)n t) the satis3acti)n )3 b)th Hi#sel3 and
His 3)ll)(ers& In His eightieth .ear He 3elt that His ()r; (as
)5er& He had gi5en all necessar. instructi)ns t) His earnest 3)ll)(ers
D b)th the h)useh)lders and the h)#eless )nes D and
/7&
The 3)ur Iddhi+adas are D 'ill @4handaA, E33)rt @Viri.aA, Th)ught @4ittaA, and
In5estigati)n )r 'isd)# @Vi#a#saA
/ &
Here the ter# ;a++a #eans the n)r#al li3e"ter# (hich (as ab)ut /==
.ears&
Ka++a5asesa# #eans an e2tra 3racti)n )3 a ;a++a D i&e& ab)ut /6=
)r s)&
/1
the. (ere n)t )nl. 3ir#l. established in His Teachings but (ere
als) ca+able )3 e2+)unding the# t) )thers& He there3)re decided
n)t t) c)ntr)l the re#ainder )3 His li3e"s+an b. His (ill+)(er
and b. e2+eriencing the bliss )3 Arahantshi+& 'hile residing
at the 4a+ala 4eti.a the Buddha ann)unced t) Venerable
Ananda that He ()uld +ass a(a. in three #)nths> ti#e&
the. (ere n)t )nl. 3ir#l. established in His Teachings but (ere
als) ca+able )3 e2+)unding the# t) )thers& He there3)re decided
n)t t) c)ntr)l the re#ainder )3 His li3e"s+an b. His (ill+)(er
and b. e2+eriencing the bliss )3 Arahantshi+& 'hile residing
at the 4a+ala 4eti.a the Buddha ann)unced t) Venerable
Ananda that He ()uld +ass a(a. in three #)nths> ti#e&
JEn)ugh Ananda, beseech n)t the Tathagata& The ti#e 3)r
#a;ing such a reGuest is n)( +ast,K (as the Buddha>s re+l.&
He then s+);e )n the 3leeting nature )3 li3e and (ent (ith
Venerable Ananda t) the ?innacled Hall at Maha5ana and reGuested
hi# t) asse#ble all the Bhi;;hus in the neighb)urh))d
)3 Vesali&
T) the asse#bled Bhi;;hus the Buddha s+);e as 3)ll)(s$
J'hate5er truths ha5e been e2+)unded t) .)u b. #e, stud.
the# (ell, +ractise, culti5ate and de5el)+ the# s) that this
H)l. li3e #a. last l)ng and be +er+etuated )ut )3 c)#+assi)n
3)r the ()rld, 3)r the g))d and ha++iness )3 the #an., 3)r the
g))d and ha++iness )3 g)ds and #enK&
J'hat are th)se truthsB The. are$
The *)ur *)undati)ns )3 Mind3ulness,
The *)ur Kinds )3 ight Endea5)ur,
The *)ur Means )3 Acc)#+lish#ent,
The *i5e *aculties,
The *i5e ?)(ers,
The Se5en *act)rs )3 Enlighten#ent, and
The N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath&K/
/ & These are the 7< 4)nstituents )3 Enlighten#ent @B)dhi+a;;hi.adha##aA
/19
He then ga5e the 3)ll)(ing 3inal e2h)rtati)n and +ublicl. ann)unced
the ti#e )3 His death t) the Sangha&
He then ga5e the 3)ll)(ing 3inal e2h)rtati)n and +ublicl. ann)unced
the ti#e )3 His death t) the Sangha&
JBeh)ld, O Bhi;;hus, n)( I s+ea; t) .)u& Transient are all
c)nditi)ned things& Stri5e )n (ith diligence&/:
The +assing
a(a. )3 the Tathagata (ill ta;e +lace be3)re l)ng& At the end
)3 three #)nths 3r)# n)( the Tathagata (ill +ass a(a.&K
Ji+e is #. age& Sh)rt is #. li3e& Lea5ing .)u I shall de+art&
I ha5e #ade #.sel3 #. re3uge& O Bhi;;hus, be diligent,
#ind3ul and 5irtu)us& 'ith (ell"directed th)ughts guard
.)ur #ind& He (h) li5es heed3ull. in this Dis+ensati)n (ill
esca+e li3e>s (andering and +ut an end t) su33ering&K/<
4asting His last glance at Vesali, the Buddha (ent
(ith Venerable Ananda t) Bhandaga#a and addressing the
Bhi;;hus said$
M)ralit., c)ncentrati)n, (isd)# and Deli5erance su+re#e&
These things (ere realiIed b. the ren)(ned C)ta#a&
4)#+rehending the#, the Buddha taught the d)ctrine t) the disci+les&
The Teacher (ith sight has +ut an end t) s)rr)( and has e2tinguished
all +assi)ns&
The *)ur Creat e3erences
?assing thence 3r)# 5illage t) 5illage, the Buddha arri5ed at
Bh)ganagara and there taught the *)ur Creat 4itati)ns )r e3erences
@Maha+adesaA b. #eans )3 (hich the ')rd )3 the Buddha
c)uld be tested and clari3ied in the 3)ll)(ing disc)urse$
/ &
Va.adha##a sa#;hara, a++a#adena sa#+adetha&
/<&
?ari+a;;) 5a.) #a.ha# +aritta# #a#a Hi5ita#& ?aha.a 5) ga#issa#i ;ata# #e sarana
#attan) A++a#atta sati#ant) susila h)tha bhi;;ha5) Susa#ahita sa#;a++a sacitta#anura;;hatha
!) i#as#i# dha##a5ina.e a++a#att) 5ihessati ?aha.a Hatisa#sara#
du;;hasanta# ;arissati&
/1
@/A A Bhi;;hu #a. sa. thus$N *r)# the #)uth )3 the
Buddha Hi#sel3 ha5e I heard, ha5e I recei5ed thus$ MThis is the
D)ctrine, this is the Disci+line, this is the teaching )3 the MasterB>
His ()rds sh)uld neither be acce+ted n)r reHected& 'ith)ut
either acce+ting )r reHecting such ()rds, stud. th)r)ughl.
e5er. ()rd and s.llable and then +ut the# beside the Disc)urses
@SuttaA and c)#+are the# (ith the Disci+linar. ules
@Vina.aA& I3, (hen s) c)#+ared, the. d) n)t har#)nise (ith
the Disc)urses and d) n)t agree (ith the Disci+linar. ules,
then .)u #a. c)#e t) the c)nclusi)n& J4ertainl. this is n)t
the ()rd )3 the E2alted One, this has been (r)ngl. gras+ed
b. the Bhi;;hu&K
There3)re .)u sh)uld reHect it&
I3, (hen c)#+ared and c)ntrasted, the. har#)nise (ith
the Disc)urses and agree (ith the Disci+linar. ules, .)u #a.
c)#e t) the c)nclusi)n$ J4ertainl. this is the ()rd )3 the E2alted
One, this has c)rrectl. been gras+ed b. the Bhi;;huK&
Let this be regarded as the *irst Creat e3erence&
@6A Again a Bhi;;hu #a. sa. thus$D MIn such a #)naster.
li5es the Sangha t)gether (ith leading Theras& *r)# the #)uth
)3 that Sangha ha5e I heard, ha5e I recei5ed thus$ MThis is the
D)ctrine, this is the Disci+line, this is the Master>s Teaching&>
His ()rds sh)uld neither be acce+ted n)r reHected& 'ith)ut
either acce+ting )r reHecting such ()rds, stud. th)r)ughl.
e5er. ()rd and s.llable and then +ut the# beside the Disc)urses
@SuttaA and c)#+are the# (ith the Disci+linar. ules
@Vina.aA& I3, (hen s) c)#+ared, the. d) n)t har#)nise (ith
the Disc)urses and d) n)t agree (ith the Disci+linar. ules,
then .)u #a. c)#e t) the c)nclusi)n$ M4ertainl. this is n)t
the ()rd )3 the E2alted One, this has been (r)ngl. gras+ed
b. the Bhi;;hu&K
/1:
Let this be regarded as the sec)nd Creat e3erence&
@7A Again a Bhi;;hu #a. sa. thus$N MIn such a #)naster.
d(ell #an. Theras and Bhi;;hus )3 great learning, 5ersed in
the teachings, +r)3icient in the D)ctrine, Vina.a, Disci+line,
and Matrices @Mati;aA& *r)# the #)uth )3 th)se Theras ha5e
I heard, ha5e I recei5ed thus$ MThis is the Dha##a, this is the
Vina.a, this is the Teaching )3 the Master& His ()rds sh)uld
neither be acce+ted n)r reHected& 'ith)ut either acce+ting )r
reHecting such ()rds, stud. th)r)ughl. e5er. ()rd and s.llable
and then +ut the# beside the Disc)urses @SuttaA and c)#+are
the# (ith the Disci+linar. ules @Vina.aA& I3, (hen s)
c)#+ared, the. d) n)t har#)nise (ith the Disc)urses and d)
n)t agree (ith the Disci+linar. ules, then .)u #a. c)#e t)
the c)nclusi)n$ J4ertainl. this is n)t the ()rd )3 the E2alted
One, this has been (r)ngl. gras+ed b. the Bhi;;hu&K
the Suttas and agree (ith the Vina.a, then .)u #a. c)#e t)
the c)nclusi)n$ J4ertainl. this is the ()rd )3 the E2alted One,
this has been c)rrectl. gras+ed b. the Bhi;;hu&K
Let this be regarded as the Third Creat e3erence&
@9A Again a Bhi;;hu #a. sa. thus$D MIn such a #)naster.
li5es an elderl. Bhi;;hu )3 great learning, 5ersed in the teachings,
+r)3icient in the Dha##a, Vina.a, and Matrices& *r)#
the #)uth )3 that Thera ha5e I heard, ha5e I recei5ed thus$
MThis is the Dha##a, this is the Vina.a, this is the Master>s
/1<
Teaching&> His ()rds sh)uld neither be acce+ted n)r reHected&
'ith)ut either acce+ting )r reHecting such ()rds, stud. th)r)ughl.
e5er. ()rd and s.llable and then +ut the# beside the
Disc)urses @SuttaA and c)#+are the# (ith the Disci+linar.
ules @Vina.aA& I3, (hen s) c)#+ared, the. d) n)t har#)nise
(ith the Disc)urses and d) n)t agree (ith the Disci+linar.
ules, then .)u #a. c)#e t) the c)nclusi)n$ J4ertainl.
Teaching&> His ()rds sh)uld neither be acce+ted n)r reHected&
'ith)ut either acce+ting )r reHecting such ()rds, stud. th)r)ughl.
e5er. ()rd and s.llable and then +ut the# beside the
Disc)urses @SuttaA and c)#+are the# (ith the Disci+linar.
ules @Vina.aA& I3, (hen s) c)#+ared, the. d) n)t har#)nise
(ith the Disc)urses and d) n)t agree (ith the Disci+linar.
ules, then .)u #a. c)#e t) the c)nclusi)n$ J4ertainl.
.
gras+ed b. the Bhi;;hu&K
the Suttas and agree (ith the Vina.a, then .)u #a. c)#e
t) the c)nclusi)n$ J4ertainl. this is the Dha##a, this is the
Vina.a, this is the Master>s Teachings&K
Let this be regarded as the *)urth Creat e3erence&
These, Bhi;;hus, are the *)ur Creat e3erences&
The Buddha>s Last Meal
Enlightening the disci+les (ith such edi3.ing disc)urses, the
Buddha +r)ceeded t) ?a5a (here the Buddha and His disci+les
(ere entertained b. 4unda the s#ith& 'ith great 3er5)ur 4unda
+re+ared a s+ecial delici)us dish called MSu;ara#adda5a>&/1
As
ad5ised b. the Buddha, 4unda ser5ed )nl. the Buddha (ith
the Su;ara#adda5a and buried the re#ainder in the gr)und&
A3ter the #eal the Buddha su33ered 3r)# an attac; )3 d.senter.
and shar+ +ains ca#e u+)n Hi#& 4al#l. He b)re the#
(ith)ut an. c)#+laint&
/1&
Acc)rding t) the c)##entar. it is 3lesh )3 a b)ar neither t)) .)ung n)r t)) )ld,
but n)t ;illed 3)r His sa;e @+a5atta#a#saA& S)#e sa. it is a ;ind )3 #ushr))#&
It is als) belie5ed t) be a s+ecial ;ind )3 delici)us dish b. that na#e, )r a nutriti)us
che#ical 3))d& See Puesti)ns )3 Milinda D V)l& /, +& 699 and Dial)gues )3 the
Buddha +art 6 +& / :
n& /
/11
Th)ugh e2tre#el. (ea; and se5erel. ill, the Buddha decided
t) (al; t) KusinaraTh)ugh e2tre#el. (ea; and se5erel. ill, the Buddha decided
t) (al; t) Kusinara0
His last resting +lace, a distance
)3 ab)ut three ga5utas6= 3r)# ?a5a& In the c)urse )3 this last
H)urne. it is stated that the Buddha had t) sit d)(n in ab)ut
t(ent."3i5e +laces )(ing t) His (ea;ness and illness&
On the (a. He sat at the 3))t )3 a tree and as;ed Venerable
Ananda t) 3etch s)#e (ater as He (as 3eeling thirst.& 'ith
di33icult. Venerable Ananda secured s)#e +ure (ater 3r)# a
strea#let (hich, a 3e( #)#ents earlier, (as 3l)(ing 3)uled
and turbid, stirred u+ b. the (heels )3 3i5e hundred carts&
At that ti#e a #an na#ed ?u;;usa, a++r)ached the Buddha,
and e2+ressed his ad#irati)n at the serenit. )3 the Buddha,
and, hearing a ser#)n ab)ut His i#+erturbabilit., )33ered
Hi# a +air )3 r)bes )3 g)ld&
As directed b. the Buddha, he r)bed the Buddha (ith )ne
and Venerable Ananda (ith the )ther&
'hen Venerable Ananda +laced the +air )3 r)bes )n the
Buddha, t) his ast)nish#ent, he 3)und the s;in )3 the Buddha
e2ceeding bright, and said JH)( ()nder3ul a thing is it, L)rd
and h)( #ar5ell)us, that the c)l)ur )3 the s;in )3 the E2alted
One sh)uld be s) clear, s) e2ceeding bright& *)r (hen I +laced
e5en this +air )3 r)bes )3 burnished g)ld and read. 3)r (ear
)n the b)d. )3 the E2alted One, it see#ed as i3 it had l)st its
s+lend)ur&K
Thereu+)n the Buddha e2+lained that )n t() )ccasi)ns the
c)l)ur )3 the s;in )3 the Tathagata bec)#es clear and e2ceeding
/ &
Acc)rding t) the c)##entar. the Buddha ch)se Kusinarat) +ass a(a. 3)r three
reas)ns& *irst, t) +reach the Mahasudassana Sutta in )rder t) ins+ire +e)+le t) be
#)re 5irtu)usL sec)ndl. t) c)n5ert Subbadda, His last disci+le, (h) c)uld n)t
ha5e been c)n5erted b. an. )ther but Hi#sel3L thirdl. t) enable D)na, a brah#in,
t) distribute His relics +eace3ull. a#)ngst His 3)ll)(ers&
=&
A little #)re than si2 #iles&
/10
bright D na#el. )n the night )n (hich the Tathagata attains
Buddhah))d and )n the night the Tathagata +asses a(a.&
bright D na#el. )n the night )n (hich the Tathagata attains
Buddhah))d and )n the night the Tathagata +asses a(a.&
4unda>s Merit)ri)us Meal
He t)); His last bath in the ri5er Ku;uttha and resting a (hile
s+);e thus D JN)( it #a. ha++en, Ananda, that s)#e )ne
sh)uld stir u+ re#)rse in 4unda the s#ith, sa.ing$ JThis is
e5il t) thee, 4unda, and l)ss t) thee in that (hen the Tathagata
had eaten His last #eal 3r)# th. +r)5isi)ns, then He died&K
An. such re#)rse in 4unda the s#ith sh)uld be chec;ed b.
sa.ing$ JThis is g))d t) thee, 4unda, and gain t) thee, in that
(hen the Tathagata had eaten His last #eal 3r)# th. +r)5isi)n,
then He died&K *r)# the 5er. #)uth )3 the E2alted One,
4unda, ha5e I heard, 3r)# His 5er. #)uth ha5e I recei5ed this
sa.ing$ JThese t() )33erings )3 3))d are )3 eGual 3ruit, and )3
eGual +r)3it, and )3 #uch greater 3ruit and )3 #uch greater
+r)3it than an. )ther, and (hich are the t()B
The )33ering )3 3))d (hich (hen a Tathagata has eaten He attains
t) su+re#e and +er3ect insight, and the )33ering )3 3))d
(hich (hen a Tathagata has eaten He +asses a(a. b. that
utter cessati)n in (hich n)thing (hate5er re#ains behind
D these t() )33erings )3 3))d are )3 eGual 3ruit and )3 eGual
+r)3it, and )3 #uch greater 3ruit, and )3 #uch greater +r)3it
than an. )ther&
There has been laid u+ b. 4unda the s#ith a Ka##a red)unding
t) length )3 li3e, red)unding t) g))d birth, red)unding
t) g))d 3)rtune, red)unding t) g))d 3a#e, red)unding t)
the inheritance )3 hea5en and )3 s)5ereign +)(er&K
/0=
In this (a., Ananda, sh)uld be chec;ed an. re#)rse in
4unda the s#ith&K
Uttering these ()rds )3 c)ns)lati)n )ut )3 c)#+assi)n
In this (a., Ananda, sh)uld be chec;ed an. re#)rse in
4unda the s#ith&K
Uttering these ()rds )3 c)ns)lati)n )ut )3 c)#+assi)n
a
Cr)5e )3 the Mallas and as;ed Venerable Ananda t) +re+are a
c)uch (ith the head t) the n)rth bet(een the t(in Sala trees&
The Buddha laid Hi#sel3 d)(n )n His right side (ith )ne leg
resting )n the )ther, #ind3ul and sel3"+)ssessed&
H)( the Buddha is H)n)ured
Seeing the Sala trees bl))#ing (ith 3l)(ers )ut )3 seas)n, and
)ther )ut(ard de#)nstrati)ns )3 +iet., the Buddha e2h)rted
His disci+les thus$
JIt is n)t thus, Ananda, that the Tathagata is res+ected, re5erenced,
5enerated, h)n)ured, and re5ered& 'hate5er Bhi;;hu
)r Bhi;;huni, U+asa;a )r U+asi;a li5es in acc)rdance (ith the
Teaching, c)nducts hi#sel3 duti3ull., and acts righte)usl., it is
he (h) res+ects, re5erences, 5enerates, h)n)urs, and re5eres
the Tathagata (ith the highest h)#age& There3)re, Ananda,
sh)uld .)u train .)ursel5es thus D JLet us li5e in acc)rdance
(ith the Teaching, duti3ull. c)nducting )ursel5es, and acting
righte)usl.&K
At this #)#ent the Venerable U+a5ana, (h) (as )nce attendant
)3 the Buddha, (as standing in 3r)nt )3 the Buddha
3anning Hi#& The Buddha as;ed Hi# t) stand aside&
Venerable Ananda (ished t) ;n)( (h. he (as as;ed t)
stand aside as he (as 5er. ser5iceable t) the Buddha&
The Buddha re+lied that De5as had asse#bled in large
nu#bers t) see the Tathagata and the. (ere dis+leased because
he (as standing in their (a. c)ncealing Hi#&
/0/
The *)ur Sacred ?laces
The *)ur Sacred ?laces
/
The birth+lace )3 the Buddha,6/
6 The +lace (here the Buddha attained Enlighten#ent,66
7 The +lace (here the Buddha established the Inc)#+ar
able 'heel )3 Truth67 @Dha##aca;;aA, and
9 The +lace (here the Buddha attained ?arinibbana&69
JAnd the.K, added the Buddha, J(h) shall die (ith a belie5ing
heart, in the c)urse )3 their +ilgri#age, (ill be reb)rn, )n the
diss)luti)n )3 their b)d., a3ter death, in a hea5enl. state&K
4)n5ersi)n )3 Subhadda
At that ti#e a (andering ascetic, na#ed Subhadda,68 (as li5
ing at Kusinara& He heard the ne(s that the Ascetic C)ta#a
()uld attain ?arinibbana in the last (atch )3 the night& And
he th)ught D I ha5e heard gr)(n"u+ and elderl. teachers, and
their teachers, the (andering ascetics, sa. that seld)# and
5er. seld)#, indeed, d) E2alted, *ull. Enlightened Arahants
arise in this ()rld& T)night in the last (atch the Ascetic
C)ta#a (ill attain ?arinibbana& A d)ubt has arisen in #e, and
/& Lu#bini )n the Indian b)rders )3 Ne+al&
& Buddha Ca.a, ab)ut 1
#iles 3r)# the Ca.a stati)n&
7& Saranath&
& Kusinara D #)dern Kasia D ab)ut 76 #iles 3r)# C)ra;h+ur stati)n&
& This Subbadda sh)uld be distinguished 3r)# an)ther Subhadda (h) entered
the Order in his )ld age& It (as the latter (h) re#ar;ed that the death )3 the
Buddha (as n) )ccasi)n 3)r s)rr)( as the Bhi;;hus (ere 3ree t) d) (hate5er
the. li;ed, (ith)ut being b)und b. the inHuncti)ns )3 the Master& This re#ar;
)3 Subhadda +r)#+ted Venerable Kassa+a t) ta;e i##ediate ste+s t) h)ld a
c)n5)cai)n )3 the Dha##a and the Vina.a&
/06
I ha5e c)n3idence in the Ascetic C)ta#a& 4a+able, indeed, is
the Ascetic C)ta#a t) teach the d)ctrine s) that I #a. dis+el
#. d)ubt&
I ha5e c)n3idence in the Ascetic C)ta#a& 4a+able, indeed, is
the Ascetic C)ta#a t) teach the d)ctrine s) that I #a. dis+el
#. d)ubt&
(as, and a++r)aching hi# s+);e as 3)ll)(s$ JI ha5e heard
gr)(n"u+ and elderl. teachers and their teachers, the (andering
ascetics, sa. that seld)#, and 5er. seld)#, indeed, d) E2alted,
*ull. Enlightened Arahants arise in this ()rld& T)night
in the last (atch the Ascetic C)ta#a (ill attain ?arinibbana&
A d)ubt has arisen in #e, and I ha5e c)n3idence in the Ascetic
C)ta#a& 4a+able, indeed, is the Ascetic C)ta#a t) teach the
d)ctrine s) that I #a. dis+el #. d)ubts& Shall I, O Ananda,
)btain a gli#+se )3 the Ascetic C)ta#aBK
JEn)ugh, 3riend Subhadda, d) n)t ()rr. the Acc)#
+lished One& The E2alted One is (earied,K said the Venerable
Ananda&
*)r the sec)nd and third ti#e Subhadda re+eated his reGuest,
and 3)r the sec)nd and third ti#e Venerable Ananda re+lied
in the sa#e #anner&
The Buddha heard the c)n5ersati)n bet(een the Venerable
Ananda and Subhadda, and addressing Ananda, said$
JNa., Ananda, d) n)t +re5ent Subhadda& Let Subhadda,
O Ananda, beh)ld the Acc)#+lished One& 'hats)e5er Subhadda
(ill as; )3 #e, all that (ill be (ith the desire 3)r ;n)(ledge,
and n)t t) ann). #e& And (hate5er I shall sa. in ans(er
he (ill readil. understand&K
Thereu+)n the Venerable Ananda intr)duced Subhadda t)
the Buddha&
Subhadda e2changed 3riendl. greetings (ith the Buddha
and sitting aside said$ JThere are these ascetics and +riests,
/0
O C)ta#a, (h) are leaders )3 c)#+anies and c)ngregati)ns,
(h) are heads )3 sects and are (ell";n)(n, ren)(ned religi)us
teachers, estee#ed as g))d #en b. the #ultitude, as, 3)r
instance, ?urana Kassa+a, Ma;;hali C)sala, AHita Kesa;a#bali,
?a;udha Kacca.ana, SaQHa.a Belatthi+utta, Nigantha Nata+uttaO C)ta#a, (h) are leaders )3
c)#+anies and c)ngregati)ns,
(h) are heads )3 sects and are (ell";n)(n, ren)(ned religi)us
teachers, estee#ed as g))d #en b. the #ultitude, as, 3)r
instance, ?urana Kassa+a, Ma;;hali C)sala, AHita Kesa;a#bali,
?a;udha Kacca.ana, SaQHa.a Belatthi+utta, Nigantha Nata+utta
D ha5e the. all, as the. the#sel5es clai#, th)r)ughl. underst))d
the Truth )r n)t, )r ha5e s)#e )3 the# underst))d& and
s)#e n)tBK
JLet it be, O SubhaddaR Tr)uble n)t .)ursel3 as t) (hether
all )r s)#e ha5e realiIed it )r n)t& I shall teach the d)ctrine t)
.)u& Listen and bear it (ell in #ind& I shall s+ea;&K
JS) be it, L)rdRK re+lied Subhadda&
The Buddha s+);e as 3)ll)(s$
JIn (hate5er Dis+ensati)n there e2ists n)t the N)ble Eight3)ld
?ath, neither is the *irst Sa#ana, n)r the Sec)nd, n)r the
Third, n)r the *)urth t) be 3)und therein& In (hate5er Dis+ensati)n,
O Subhadda, there e2ists the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath,
there als) are t) be 3)und the *irst Sa#ana, the Sec)nd Sa#ana,
the Third Sa#ana, the *)urth Sa#ana& In this Dis+ensati)n,
O Subhadda, there e2ists the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath&
JHere, indeed, are 3)und the *irst Sa#ana,6< the Sec)nd
Sa#ana,61
the Third Sa#ana,60
and the *)urth Sa#ana&7=
The )ther 3)reign sch))ls are e#+t. )3 Sa#anas& I3, O Subhadda,
the disci+les li5e rightl., the ()rld ()uld n)t be 5)id
)3 Arahants& /
& The. all 3l)urished in the ti#e )3 the Buddha&
<& The 3irst Sa#ana is the S)ta+anna, Strea#"'inner&
1& The Sa;adaga#i, Once"eturner&
& The Anaga#i, Ne5er"eturner&
7=& The Arahant, The ')rth. One, (h) is the ?er3ect Saint&
7/& SuQQa+ara++a5adasa#anehi aQQehi& I#e ca Subhadda bhi;;husa##a5ihare..u# as/09
JM. age (as t(ent."nine (hen I (ent 3)rth as a see;er a3ter
(hat is g))d& N)( )ne and 3i3t. .ears are g)ne since I (as )rdained&
Outside this 3)ld there is n)t a single ascetic (h) acts
e5en +artl. in acc)rdance (ith this realiIable d)ctrine&K
JM. age (as t(ent."nine (hen I (ent 3)rth as a see;er a3ter
(hat is g))d& N)( )ne and 3i3t. .ears are g)ne since I (as )rdained&
Outside this 3)ld there is n)t a single ascetic (h) acts
e5en +artl. in acc)rdance (ith this realiIable d)ctrine&K
JE2cellent, L)rd, e2cellentR It is as i3, O L)rd, a #an (ere t)
set u+right that (hich (as )5erturned, )r (ere t) re5eal that
(hich (as hidden, )r (ere t) +)int the (a. t) )ne (h) has
g)ne astra., )r (ere t) h)ld a la#+ a#idst the dar;ness, s)
that (h)e5er has e.es #a. see, e5en s) has the d)ctrine been
e2+)unded in 5ari)us (a.s b. the E2alted One&
JAnd I, L)rd, see; re3uge in the Buddha, the D)ctrine, and
the Order& Ma. I recei5e the Lesser and the Higher Ordinati)n
in the +resence )3 the E2alted OneRK
J'h)e5er, Subhadda,K said the Buddha, Jbeing alread.
c)##itted t) the )ther d)ctrines desires the Lesser76 and the
Higher )rdinati)n,77 re#ains )n +r)bati)n 3)r 3)ur #)nths&79
At the end )3 3)ur #)nths, the disci+les a++r)5ing, he is )rdained
and raised t) the status )3 a Bhi;;hu& Ne5ertheless, )n
understanding, I #a;e indi5idual e2ce+ti)n&K
Then said Subhadda$ JI3, L)rd, th)se alread. c)##itted
uQQ) l);) arahantehi assa>ti&
7 & ?abbaHHa D enunciati)n& This re3ers t) the )rdinati)n as a n)5ice, (hich is d)ne
b. d)nning the .ell)( r)be a3ter ha5ing sha5ed hair and beard and ta;ing
the Three e3uges and the Ten ?rece+ts& The&n)5ice is called a Sa#anera& He
has cut hi#sel3 )33 3r)# the ()rld and its (a.s& Hence3)rth b. hi# e5en his
+arents are addressed Jla."disci+les&K
77& U+asa#+ada D This re3ers t) the Higher Ordinati)n, (hich is best)(ed )nl.
a3ter the c)#+leti)n )3 the 6=th .ear )3 li3e& He (h) recei5es it is a 3ull #e#ber
)3 the Order and is called a Bhi;;hu&
He is b)und t) )bser5e the ?ati#);;ha ?rece+ts, the c)##issi)n )3 an. )3
the #aH)r )33ences )3 (hich in5)l5es Mde3eat> and e2+ulsi)n 3r)# the Order& I3
(illing, he c)uld re#ain as a Sa#anera& See +ages 00D/==, n)te /
and 6&
7 & A +r)bati)n is n)t de#anded )3 the Buddhist as+irant t) )rdinati)n&
/0
t) )ther d)ctrines, (h) desire the Lesser and the Higher Ordinati)n
in this Dis+ensati)n, re#ain )n +r)bati)n 3)r 3)ur
#)nths, I t)) (ill re#ain )n +r)bati)nL and a3ter the la+se )3
that +eri)d, the disci+les a++r)5ing, let #e be recei5ed int)
the Order and raised t) the status )3 a Bhi;;hu&K
t) )ther d)ctrines, (h) desire the Lesser and the Higher Ordinati)n
in this Dis+ensati)n, re#ain )n +r)bati)n 3)r 3)ur
#)nths, I t)) (ill re#ain )n +r)bati)nL and a3ter the la+se )3
that +eri)d, the disci+les a++r)5ing, let #e be recei5ed int)
the Order and raised t) the status )3 a Bhi;;hu&K
JThen, Ananda, .)u #a. )rdain Subhadda&K
JS), be it, L)rdRK re+lied Ananda&
And Subhadda, the (andering ascetic, s+);e t) the Venerable
Ananda as 3)ll)(s$
JIt is a gain t) .)u, O Venerable AnandaR It is indeed a great
gain t) .)u, 3)r .)u ha5e been an)inted b. the an)int#ent )3
disci+leshi+ in the +resence )3 the E2alted One b. Hi#sel3&K
Subhadda recei5ed in the +resence )3 the Buddha the Lesser
and the Higher Ordinati)n&
And in n) l)ng ti#e a3ter his Higher Ordinati)n, the Venerable
Subhadda, li5ing al)ne, re#)te 3r)# #en, strenu)us, energetic,
and res)lute, realiIed, in this li3e itsel3, b. his )(n
intuiti5e ;n)(ledge, the c)nsu##ati)n )3 that inc)#+arable
Li3e )3 H)liness, and li5ed abiding in that state 3)r the sa;e
)3 (hich s)ns )3 n)ble 3a#ilies rightl. lea5e the h)useh)lder>s
li3e 3)r the h)#eless li3e& He +ercei5ed that rebirth (as
ended, c)#+leted (as the H)l. Li3e, that a3ter this li3e there
(as n)ne )ther&
And the Venerable Subhadda beca#e )ne )3 the Arahants&
He (as the last +ers)nal c)n5ert )3 the Buddha&
The Last ')rds t) Ananda
The Venerable Ananda desired t) ;n)( (hat the. sh)uld d)
(ith the b)d. )3 the Tathagata&
The Buddha ans(ered& D) n)t engage .)ursel5es in
/0:
h)n)uring the re#ains )3 the Tathagata& Be c)ncerned ab)ut
.)ur )(n (el3are @i&e& Arahantshi+A& De5)te .)ursel5es t)
.)ur )(n (el3are& Be heed3ul, be strenu)us, and be intent )n
.)ur )(n g))d& There are (ise (arri)rs, (ise brah#ins, (ise
h)useh)lders (h) are 3ir# belie5ers in the Tathagata& The.
(ill d) h)n)ur t) the re#ains )3 the Tathagata&
At the c)nclusi)n )3 these interesting religi)us tal;s Venerable
Ananda (ent aside and st))d (ee+ing at the th)ught$
JAlasR I a# still a learner (ith ()r; .et t) d)& But #. Master
(ill 3inall. +ass a(a. D He (h) is #. s.#+athiserK&
The Buddha, n)ticing his absence, su##)ned hi# t) His
+resence and e2h)rted hi# thus D JEn)ugh, O AnandaR D)
n)t grie5e, d) n)t (ee+& Ha5e I n)t alread. t)ld .)u that (e
ha5e t) se+arate and di5ide and se5er )ursel5es 3r)# e5er.
thing that is dear and +leasant t) usB
JO Ananda, .)u ha5e d)ne #uch #erit& S))n be 3reed 3r)#
De3ile#ents&K
The Buddha then +aid a tribute t) Venerable Ananda, c)##enting
)n his salient 5irtues&
A3ter ad#)nishing Venerable Ananda in 5ari)us (a.s, the
Buddha )rdered hi# t) enter Kusinara and in3)r# the Mallas
)3 the i#+ending death )3 the Tathagata& Mallas (ere dul. in
3)r#ed, and ca#e (ee+ing (ith their (i5es, .)ung #en, and
#aidens, t) +a. their last res+ects t) the Tathagata&
The Last Scene
Then the Blessed One addressed Ananda and said$
JIt #a. be, Ananda, that .)u (ill sa. thus$ M'ith)ut the
Teacher is the Subli#e TeachingR There is n) Teacher 3)r us&>
Na., Ananda, .)u sh)uld n)t thin; thus& 'hate5er D)ctrine
and Disci+line ha5e been taught and +r)#ulgated b. #e,
/0<
Ananda, the. (ill be .)ur Teacher (hen I a# g)ne&KAnanda, the. (ill be .)ur Teacher (hen I a#
g)ne&K
JLet the Sangha, O Ananda, i3 (illing, abr)gate the lesser
and #in)r rules a3ter #. death,K7: re#ar;ed the Buddha&
Instead )3 using the i#+erati5e 3)r# the Buddha has used
the subHuncti5e in this c)nnecti)n& Had it been His (ish that
the lesser rules sh)uld be ab)lished, He c)uld ha5e used the
i#+erati5e& The Buddha 3)resa( that Venerable Kassa+a, +re
siding )5er the *irst 4)uncil, ()uld, (ith the c)nsent )3 the
Sangha, n)t abr)gate an. rule hence His use )3 the subHuncti5e,
states the c)##entat)r&
As the Buddha has n)t clearl. stated (hat these #in)r
rules (ere and as the Arahants c)uld n)t c)#e t) an. decisi)n
ab)ut the#, the. +re3erred n)t t) alter an. rule but t) retain
all intact&
Again the Buddha addressed the disci+les and said$ JI3,
O disci+les, there be an. d)ubt as t) the Buddha, )r the D)c
trine, )r the Order, )r the ?ath, )r the Meth)d, Guesti)n #e,
and re+ent n)t a3ter(ards thin;ing, D (e (ere 3ace t) 3ace
(ith the Teacher, .et (e (ere n)t able t) Guesti)n the E2alted
One in His +resence&K 'hen He s+);e thus the disci+les (ere
silent&
*)r the sec)nd and third ti#e the Buddha addressed the
disci+les in the sa#e (a.& And 3)r the sec)nd and third ti#e
the disci+les (ere silent&
Then the Buddha addressed the disci+les and said$ J?erha+s
it #a. be )ut )3 res+ect 3)r the Teacher that .)u d) n)t
Guesti)n #e& Let a 3riend, O disci+les, inti#ate it t) an)ther&K
Still the disci+les (ere silent&
7 &
!) ca ;h) #a.a dha##) ca 5ina.) ca desit) +aQQatt) s) M5) #a#acca.ena sattha&
7 &
A;a#;ha#an), Ananda, sangh), #a#acca.ena ;hudda nu;hudda;ani si;;ha +adani
sa#uhantuR
/01
Thereu+)n the Venerable Ananda s+);e t) the Buddha
Thereu+)n the Venerable Ananda s+);e t) the Buddha
I
+leased (ith the c)#+an. )3 disci+les& There is n)t a single dis
ci+le (h) entertains a d)ubt )r +er+le2it. (ith regard t) the
Buddha, the D)ctrine, the Order, the ?ath and the Meth)d&K
J!)u s+ea; )ut )3 3aith, Ananda, (ith regard t) this #atter&
There is ;n)(ledge in the Tathagata, that in this c)#+an. )3
disci+les there is n)t a single disci+le (h) entertains a d)ubt
)r +er+le2it. (ith regard t) the D)ctrine, the Order, the ?ath
and the Meth)d& O3 these 3i5e hundred disci+les, Ananda, he
(h) is the last is a Strea# 'inner, n)t subHect t) 3all but certain
and destined 3)r Enlighten#ent&7<
Lastl. the Buddha addressed the disci+les and ga5e His
3inal e2h)rtati)n&
JBeh)ld, O disci+les, I e2h)rt .)u& SubHect t) change are
all c)#+)nent things& Stri5e )n (ith diligence @Va.adha##a
sa#;hara, A++a#adena sa#+adethaA&
These (ere the last ()rds )3 the Blessed One&
The ?assing A(a.
The Buddha attained t) the 3irst Ecstas. @-hanaA& E#erging 3r)#
it, He attained in )rder t) the sec)nd, third, and 3)urth Ecstasies&
E#erging 3r)# the 3)urth Ecstas., He attained t) JThe
eal# )3 the In3init. )3 S+aceK @A;asanaQca.atanaA& E#erging
3r)# it He attained t) JThe eal# )3 the In3init. )3 4)nsci)usnessK
@ViQQanaQQa.atanaA& E#erging 3r)# it, He attained
t) JThe eal# )3 N)thingnessK @A;iQcaQQa.atanaA& E#erging
3r)# it, He attained t) JThe eal# )3 Neither ?erce+ti)n n)r
N)n"+erce+ti)nK @N>e5a saQQa nasaQa.atanaA& E#erging 3r)# it,
7<& The re3erence (as t) the Venerable Ananda, (h) enc)uraged b. th)se ()rds,
attained Arahantshi+ later&
/00
He attained t) JThe cessati)n )3 ?erce+ti)ns and Sensati)nsK&
He attained t) JThe cessati)n )3 ?erce+ti)ns and Sensati)nsK&
Anuruddha, the E2alted One has +assed a(a.&K
JNa., br)ther Ananda, the E2alted One has n)t +assed
a(a. but has attained t) JThe 4essati)n )3 ?erce+ti)ns and
Sensati)nsK&
Then the Buddha, e#erging 3r)# JThe 4essati)n )3 ?erce+ti)ns
and Sensati)nsK, attained t) JThe eal# )3 Neither
?erce+ti)n n)r N)n"+erce+ti)n&K E#erging 3r)# it, He
attained t) JThe eal# )3 N)thingness&K E#erging 3r)# it,
He attained t) JThe eal# )3 the In3init. )3 4)nsci)usness&K
E#erging 3r)# it, He attained t) JThe eal# )3 the In3init.
)3 S+ace&K E#erging 3r)# it& He attained t) the 3)urth Ecstas.&
E#erging 3r)# it, He attained t) the third Ecstas.& E#erging
3r)# it, He attained t) the sec)nd Ecstas.& E#erging 3r)#
it, He attained t) the 3irst Ecstas.& E#erging 3r)# it, He attained
t) the sec)nd Ecstas.& E#erging 3r)# it, He attained t)
the third Ecstas.& E#erging 3r)# it, He attained t) the 3)urth
Ecstas.& E#erging 3r)# it, and i##ediatel. a3ter, the Buddha
3inall. +assed a(a.& 1
!
71& The death )3 the Buddha )ccurred in 897 b&c&
)n a Vesa; 3ull#))n da.&
6==
The Dha##a
4ha+ter /
The Dha##a
4ha+ter /
'hat is Buddhis#B
JThis d)ctrine is +r)3)und, hard t) see, di33icult t) understand,
cal#, subli#e, n)t (ithin the s+here )3 l)gic, subtle, t) be under
st))d b. the (iseK& D MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a
Ti+ita;a
The Buddha has +assed a(a., but the subli#e Teaching, (hich
He e2+)unded during His l)ng and success3ul #inistr. and
(hich He unreser5edl. beGueathed t) hu#anit., still e2ists
in its +ristine +urit.&
Alth)ugh the Master has le3t n) (ritten rec)rds )3 His
Teachings, His disci+les +reser5ed the#, b. c)##itting t)
#e#)r. and trans#itting the# )rall. 3r)# generati)n t)
generati)n&
Three #)nths a3ter the Death )3 the Buddha, in the eighth
.ear )3 King AHatasattu>s reign, 8== +re"e#inent Arahants c)n
cerned (ith +reser5ing the +urit. )3 the D)ctrine held a 4)n
5)cati)n at aHagaha t) rehearse it& The Venerable Ananda Thera,
the Buddha>s bel)5ed attendant (h) had the s+ecial +ri5ilege
and h)n)ur )3 hearing the disc)urses 3r)# the Buddha Hi#
sel3, and the Venerable U+ali Thera (ere ch)sen t) ans(er
Guesti)ns ab)ut the Dha##a @D)ctrineA and the Vina.a @Dis
ci+lineA res+ecti5el.&
This *irst 4)uncil c)#+iled and arranged in its +resent
3)r# the ?ali Ti+ita;a, (hich re+resents the entire b)d. )3 the
6=/
Buddha>s Teaching&
Buddha>s Teaching&
/
)3 Arahants (ere held /==
and 67:
.ears later res+ecti5el., again t) rehearse the ')rd )3 the
Buddha because atte#+ts (ere being #ade t) +)llute the +ure
Teaching&
Ab)ut 1
b&c&, during the reign )3 the +i)us Si#hala King
Vatta Ca#ani Abha.a,6 a 4)uncil )3 Arahants (as held, and
the Ti+ita;a (as, 3)r the 3irst ti#e in the hist)r. )3 Buddhis#,
c)##itted t) (riting at Alu5ihara7 in 4e.l)n&
Than;s t) the inde3atigable e33)rts )3 th)se n)ble and 3)resighted
Arahants, there is n) r))# either n)( )r in the 3uture
3)r higher critics )r +r)gressi5e sch)lars t) adulterate the +ure
Teaching&
The 5)lu#in)us Ti+ita;a, (hich c)ntains the essence )3
the Buddha>s Teaching, is esti#ated t) be ab)ut ele5en ti#es
the siIe )3 the Bible&
The ()rd Ti+ita;a9 #eans three Bas;ets& The. are the Bas;et
)3Disci+line@Vina.a?ita;aA,theBas;et)3Disc)urses@Sutta?ita;aA
and the Bas;et )3 Ulti#ate D)ctrine @Abhidha##a ?ita;aA&
Vina.a ?ita;a
The Vina.a +ita;a, (hich is regarded as the sheet anch)r )3
the H)l. Order, deals #ainl. (ith the rules and regulati)ns
)3 the Order )3 Bhi;;hus @#)n;sA and Bhi;;hunis @nunsA& *)r
nearl. t(ent. .ears a3ter the Enlighten#ent )3 the Buddha, n)
& See Maha5a#sa Translati)n ++& /9D8=&
& Ibid& ++& /0D8=&
7&
A ha#let in the interi)r )3 4e.l)n, ab)ut 69 #iles 3r)# Kand.& This sacred
r)c; te#+le is still a +lace )3 +ilgri#age t) the Buddhists )3 4e.l)n& Buddhagh)su++atti,
a bi)gra+h. )3 the Creat 4)##entat)r Buddhagh)sa, states that
the a#)unt )3 b));s (ritten )n )la lea5es (hen +iled u+ ()uld e2ceed the
height )3 si2 ele+hants&
&
Sa#s;rit D Tri+ita;a&
6=6
de3inite rules (ere laid d)(n 3)r c)ntr)l and disci+line )3 the
Sangha @OrderA& SubseGuentl. as )ccasi)n ar)se, the Buddha
+r)#ulgated rules 3)r the 3uture disci+line )3 the Sangha&
eas)ns 3)r the +r)#ulgati)n )3 rules, their 5ari)us i#+lica
de3inite rules (ere laid d)(n 3)r c)ntr)l and disci+line )3 the
Sangha @OrderA& SubseGuentl. as )ccasi)n ar)se, the Buddha
+r)#ulgated rules 3)r the 3uture disci+line )3 the Sangha&
eas)ns 3)r the +r)#ulgati)n )3 rules, their 5ari)us i#+lica.
described in the Vina.a +ita;a& The hist)r. )3 the gradual de5el)+#ent
)3 Sasana8 3r)# its 5er. ince+ti)n, a brie3 acc)unt
)3 the li3e and #inistr. )3 the Buddha, and details )3 the three
4)uncils are s)#e )ther additi)nal rele5ant c)ntents )3 the Vina.a
?ita;a& Indirectl. it re5eals use3ul in3)r#ati)n ab)ut ancient
hist)r., Indian cust)#s, ancient arts and sciences& One
(h) reads the Vina.a ?ita;a cann)t but be i#+ressed b. the
de#)cratic c)nstituti)n )3 the Sangha, their h)lding )3 +)sses
si)ns in c)##)n, the e2ce+ti)nall. high #)ral standard )3 the
Bhi;;hus, and the unsur+assed ad#inistrati5e abilities )3 the
Buddha, (h) antici+ated e5en the +resent ?arlia#entar. s.s
te#& L)rd Tetland (ritesL JAnd it #a. c)#e as a sur+rise t)
#an. t) learn that in the Asse#blies )3 the Buddhists in India
t() th)usand .ears and #)re ag) are t) be 3)und the rudi#ents
)3 )ur )(n ?arlia#entar. +ractice )3 the +resent da.&K:
The Vina.a ?ita;a c)nsists )3 the 3)ll)(ing 3i5e b));s$
/& ?araHi;a ?ali Vibhanga
@MaH)r O33encesA
6& ?acitti.a ?ali
@Min)r O33encesA
7& Maha5agga ?ali Khanda;a
@Creater Secti)nA
9& 4ulla5agga ?ali
@Lesser Secti)nA
& Dis+ensati)n D Sasana is the ?ali ter# a++lied t) the (h)le Buddhist 4hurch&
& See Legac. )3 India, Edited b. C& T& Carrat, ++, O, OI&
6=7
8& 8&
@E+it)#e )3 the Vina.aA
Sutta ?ita;a
The Sutta ?ita;a c)nsists chie3l. )3 instructi5e disc)urses deli5ered
b. the Buddha t) b)th the Sangha and the lait. )n 5ari
)us )ccasi)ns& A 3e( disc)urses, e2+)unded b. disci+les such
as the Venerables Sari+utta, M)ggallana, and Ananda,, are inc)r+)rated
and are acc)rded as #uch 5enerati)n as the ')rd
)3 the Buddha Hi#sel3, since the. (ere a++r)5ed b. Hi#&
M)st )3 the ser#)ns (ere intended #ainl. 3)r the bene3it )3
Bhi;;hus, and the. deal (ith the H)l. Li3e and (ith the e2+)siti)n
)3 the D)ctrine& There are se5eral )ther disc)urses
(hich deal (ith b)th the #aterial and the #)ral +r)gress )3
His la."3)ll)(ers& The Sigal)5ada Sutta,< 3)r instance, deals
#ainl. (ith the duties )3 a la.#an& There are als) a 3e( interesting
tal;s gi5en t) children&
This ?ita;a #a. be c)#+ared t) a b)); )3 +rescri+ti)ns,
since the disc)urses (ere e2+)unded )n di5erse )ccasi)ns t)
suit the te#+era#ents )3 5ari)us +ers)ns& There #a. be see#ingl.
c)ntradict)r. state#ents, but the. sh)uld n)t be #isc)nstrued
as the. (ere uttered b. the Buddha t) suit a +articular
+ur+)seL 3)r instance, t) the sel3 sa#e Guesti)n He ()uld
#aintain silence, (hen the inGuirer (as #erel. 3))lishl. inGuisiti5e,
)r gi5e a detailed re+l. (hen He ;ne( the inGuirer
t) be an earnest see;er a3ter the Truth&
The Sutta ?ita;a c)nsists )3 the 3)ll)(ing 3i5e Ni;a.as
@4)llecti)nsA$
<&
4)##enting )n this Sutta, Mrs& h.s Da5ids sa.s JHa++. ()uld ha5e been the
5illage )r the clan )n the ban;s )3 the Canges (here the +e)+le (ere 3ull )3 the
;indl. s+irit )3 3ell)("3eeling and the n)ble s+irit )3 Hustice, (hich breathe thr)ugh
these nai5e and si#+le sa.ings&K See Dial)gues )3 the Buddha +art ///& +& /:1&
6=9
/
/A
6 MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a @4)llecti)n )3 Middle"length Disc)ursesA
7 Sa#.utta Ni;a.a @4)llecti)n )3 Kindred Sa.ingsA
9 Anguttara Ni;a.a @4)llecti)n )3 Cradual Sa.ingsA
8 Khudda;a Ni;a.a @S#aller 4)llecti)nA
This 3i3th is subdi5ided int) 3i3teen b));s$
/
Khudda;a ?atha @Sh)rter Te2tsA
6 Dha##a+ada @The 'a. )3 TruthA
7 Udana @?aeans )3 -).A
9 Iti5utta;a @JThus saidK Disc)ursesA
8 Sutta Ni+ata @4)llected Disc)ursesA
: Vi#ana Vatthu @St)ries )3 4elestial Mansi)nsA
< ?eta Vatthu @St)ries )3 ?etasA
1
Theragatha @?sal#s )3 the BrethrenA
0
Therigatha @?sal#s )3 the SistersA
/=
-ata;a @Birth St)ries )3 the B)dhisattaA
//
Niddesa @E2+)siti)nsA
/6
?atisa#bhida @B)); )n Anal.tical Kn)(ledgeA
/
A+adana @Li5es )3 ArahantsA
/9
Buddha5a#sa @Hist)r. )3 the BuddhaA
/
4ari.a ?ita;a @M)des )3 4)nductA
Abhidha##a ?ita;a
The Abhidha##a ?ita;a is the #)st i#+)rtant and #)st interesting
)3 the three c)ntaining as it d)es the +r)3)und +hil)s)+h.
)3 the Buddha>s teaching in c)ntrast t) the si#+ler
disc)urses in the Sutta ?ita;a&
Abhidha##a, the Higher D)ctrine )3 the Buddha, e2+)unds
the Guintessence )3 His +r)3)und teachings&1
1& See JThe Manual )3 Abhidha##aK b. the Auth)r&
6=8
Acc)rding t) s)#e sch)lars Abhidha##a is n)t a teaching
)3 the Buddha, but is a later elab)rati)n )3 sch)lastic #)n;s&
Traditi)n, h)(e5er, attributes the nucleus )3 the Abhidha##a
t) the Buddha Hi#sel3& The Mati;a )r Matrices )3 the Abhidha##a,
such as Kusala Dha##a @'h)les)#e StatesA, A;usala
Dha##a @Un(h)les)#e StatesA, and Ab.a;ata Dha##a @Inde
Acc)rding t) s)#e sch)lars Abhidha##a is n)t a teaching
)3 the Buddha, but is a later elab)rati)n )3 sch)lastic #)n;s&
Traditi)n, h)(e5er, attributes the nucleus )3 the Abhidha##a
t) the Buddha Hi#sel3& The Mati;a )r Matrices )3 the Abhidha##a,
such as Kusala Dha##a @'h)les)#e StatesA, A;usala
Dha##a @Un(h)les)#e StatesA, and Ab.a;ata Dha##a @Inde0
being e2cludedA, (ere e2+)unded b. the
Buddha& T) the Venerable Sari+utta is assigned the h)n)ur )3
ha5ing e2+lained all these t)+ics in detail&
'h)e5er the great auth)r )r auth)rs #a. ha5e been, it has
t) be ad#itted that the Abhidha##a #ust be the +r)duct )3
an intellectual genius c)#+arable )nl. t) the Buddha& This is
e5ident, 3r)# the intricate and subtle ?atthana ?a;arana (hich
describes in detail the 5ari)us causal relati)ns&
T) the (ise truth"see;ers, Abhidha##a is an indis+ensable
guide and an intellectual treat& Here is 3)und 3))d 3)r
th)ught t) )riginal thin;ers and t) earnest students (h) (ish
t) de5el)+ (isd)# and lead an ideal Buddhist li3e& Abhi
dha##a is n)t a subHect )3 3leeting interest designed 3)r the
su+er3icial reader&
M)dern ?s.ch)l)g., li#ited as it is, c)#es (ithin the sc)+e
)3 Abhidha##a inas#uch as it deals (ith #ind, th)ughts,
th)ught"+r)cesses, and #ental +r)+ertiesL but it d)es n)t ad#it
)3 a +s.che )r a s)ul& It teaches a +s.ch)l)g. (ith)ut a +s.che&
I3 )ne (ere t) read the Abhidha##a as a #)dern te2t
b)); )n +s.ch)l)g., )ne ()uld be disa++)inted& N) atte#+t
has here been #ade t) s)l5e all the +r)ble#s that c)n3r)nt a
#)dern +s.ch)l)gist&
& ?)ints )3 4)ntr)5ers.$ the auth)rshi+ )3 (hich is attributed t) Venerable M)ggali+utta
Tissa (h) +resided at the Third 4)uncil in the ti#e )3 King As);a&
6=:
4)nsci)usness @4ittaA is de3ined& Th)ughts are anal.sed
and classi3ied chie3l. 3r)# an ethical stand+)int& All #ental
+r)+erties @4etasi;aA are enu#erated& The c)#+)siti)n )3 each
t.+e )3 c)nsci)usness is set 3)rth in detail& H)( th)ughts arise
is #inutel. described& Bha5anga and -a5ana th)ught"#)#ents,
(hich are e2+lained )nl. in the Abhidha##a, and (hich
ha5e n) +arallel in #)dern +s.ch)l)g., are )3 s+ecial interest
t) research students in +s.ch)l)g.& Irrele5ant +r)ble#s that
interest students and sch)lars, but ha5e n) relati)n t) )ne>s
Deli5erance, are deliberatel. set aside&
Matterissu##aril.discussed,butithasn)tbeendescribed
3)r +h.sicists& *unda#ental units )3 #atter, #aterial +r)+erties,
s)urce )3 #atter, relati)nshi+ )3 #ind and #atter are e2+lained&
Abhidha##a d)es n)t atte#+t t) gi5e a s.ste#atised
;n)(ledge )3 #ind and #atter& It in5estigates these t() c)#+)site
3act)rs )3 the s)"called being, t) hel+ the understanding
)3 things as the. trul. are& A +hil)s)+h. has been de5el)+ed
)n th)se lines& Based )n that +hil)s)+h., an ethical s.ste# has
been e5)l5ed t) realiIe the ulti#ate C)al, Nibbana&
As Mrs& h.s Da5ids rightl. sa.s$
JAbhidha##a deals (ith
@iA (hat (e 3ind (ithin us, ar)und usL and )3
@iiA (hat (e as+ire t) 3ind&K
'hile the Sutta ?ita;a c)ntains the c)n5enti)nal teaching
@5)hara desanaA, the Abhidha##a ?ita;a c)ntains the ulti#ate
teaching @+ara#attha desanaA&
It is generall. ad#itted b. #)st e2+)nents )3 the Dha##a
that a ;n)(ledge )3 the Abhidha##a is essential t) c)#+rehend
3ull. the Teachings )3 the Buddha, as it +resents the ;e.
that )+ens the d))r )3 realit.&
6=<
The Abhidha##a ?ita;a is c)#+)sed )3 the 3)ll)(ing se5en
()r;s$
/
Dha##asangani @4lassi3icati)n )3 Dha##aA
6 Vibhanga @Di5isi)nsA
7 Dhatu;atha @Disc)urse )n Ele#entsA
9 ?uggala ?aQQatti @The B)); )n Indi5idualsA
8 Katha5atthu @?)ints )3 4)ntr)5ers.A
: !a#a;a @The B)); )3 ?airsA
< ?atthana @The B)); )3 4ausal elati)nsA
Is Buddhis# a ?hil)s)+h.B
The subli#e Dha##a, enshrined in these sacred te2ts, deals
(ith truths and 3acts that can be tested and 5eri3ied b. +ers)nal
e2+erience and is n)t c)ncerned (ith the)ries and s+eculati)ns,
(hich #a. be acce+ted as +r)3)und truths t)da. and
thr)(n )5erb)ard t)#)rr)(& The Buddha did n)t e2+)und
re5)luti)nar. +hil)s)+hical the)ries, n)r did He atte#+t t)
create a ne( #aterial science& In +lain ter#s He e2+lained
b)th (hat is (ithin and (hat is (ith)ut, s) 3ar as it c)ncerns
e#anci+ati)n 3r)# the ills )3 li3e, and re5ealed the uniGue
?ath )3 Deli5erance&
*urther#)re, the Buddha did n)t teach all that He ;ne(&
On )ne )ccasi)n (hile the Buddha (as sta.ing in a 3)rest, He
t)); a hand3ul )3 lea5es and said$ JO Bhi;;hus, (hat I ha5e
taught .)u is c)#+arable t) the lea5es in #. hand, and (hat
I ha5e n)t taught .)u, t) the lea5es in the 3)rest&K/=
He taught (hat He dee#ed (as abs)lutel. essential 3)r
)ne>s +uri3icati)n, and (as characteristicall. silent )n Guesti)ns
irrele5ant t) His n)ble #issi)n& Incidentall., He 3)restalled
#an. a #)dern scientist and +hil)s)+her&
/=& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a 5)l& 8, ++& 97<D9 1, Kindred Sa.ings, +art 8, +& 7<=&
6=1
Heraclitus @8== b&c&A belie5ed that e5er.thing 3l)(s @+ante
Heraclitus @8== b&c&A belie5ed that e5er.thing 3l)(s @+ante
#itting the e2istence )3 a +er#anent realit., asserted that all
e2istence is transit)r.& In his )+ini)n s)rr)( (as t) be c)nGuered
b. 3inding an )bHect )3 ;n)(ledge (hich is n)t transient,
n)t e+he#eral, but is i##utable, +er#anent, e5erlasting&
Ber;el. @/:1 D/<<:A th)ught that the s)"called at)# (as
a #eta+h.sical 3icti)n& Hu#e @/<//D/<<:A anal.sed the #ind
and c)ncluded that c)nsci)usness c)nsists )3 3leeting #ental
states& In the 5ie( )3 Hegel @/<<=D/1 /A Jthe entire +hen)#en)n
is a bec)#ing&K Sch)+enhauer @/<11D/1:=A in his J')rld
as 'ill and IdeaK has +resented the truth )3 su33ering and its
cause in 'estern garb& Henri Bergs)n @/1 0D/09/A ad5)cated
the d)ctrine )3 change, and e#+hasiIed the 5alue )3 intuiti)n&
'illia# -a#es @/196D/0/=A re3erred t) a strea# )3 c)nsci)us
ness and denied the e2istence )3 a s)ul&
The Buddha e2+)unded these truths )3 transienc. @aniccaA,
s)rr)( @du;;haA, and s)ul"lessness @anattaA #)re than 6,8==
.ears ag)&
The #)ral and +hil)s)+hical teachings )3 the Buddha are
t) be studied, t) be +ractised, and ab)5e all t) be realiIed b.
)ne>s )(n intuiti5e (isd)#& As such the Dha##a is c)#+ared
t) a ra3t (hich enables )ne t) cr)ss the )cean )3 li3e&//
Buddhis#, there3)re, cann)t strictl. be called a +hil)s)+h.
//& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, N)& 66
6=0
because it is n)t #erel. Jthe l)5e )3, inducing the search a3ter,
(isd)#&K
because it is n)t #erel. Jthe l)5e )3, inducing the search a3ter,
(isd)#&K6
N)r is Buddhis# Ja h.+)thetical inter+retati)n )3
the un;n)(n @as in #eta+h.sicsA, )r )3 the ine2actl. ;n)(n
@as in ethics )r +)litical +hil)s)+h.A&K/
I3 b. +hil)s)+h. is #eant Jan inGuir. n)t s) #uch a3ter
certain +articular 3acts as a3ter the 3unda#ental character )3
this ()rld in (hich (e 3ind )ursel5es, and )3 the ;ind )3 li3e
(hich such a ()rld it beh)5es us t) li5e,/9
Buddhis# #a. a++r)2i#ate
t) a +hil)s)+h., but it is 5er. #uch #)re c)#+rehensi5e&
/
?hil)s)+h. deals #ainl. (ith ;n)(ledge and is n)t
c)ncerned (ith +racticeL (hereas Buddhis# la.s s+ecial e#+hasis
)n +ractice and realiIati)n&
Is Buddhis# a eligi)nB
?r)3& h.s Da5ids (rites$
J'hat is #eant b. religi)nB The ()rd, as is (ell;n)(n
is n)t
3)und in languages n)t related t) )ur )(n, and its deri5ati)n is
uncertain& 4icer), in )ne +assage, deri5ed it 3r)# re and leg), and
held that its real #eaning (as the re+etiti)n )3 +ra.ers and incantati)ns&
An)ther inter+retati)n deri5es the ()rd 3r)# re and
l)g), and #a;es its )riginal sense that )3 attach#ent, )3 a c)ntinual
binding @that is, n) d)ubt t) the g)dsA& A third deri5ati)n c)nnects
the ()rd (ith le2, and e2+lains it as a la(abiding,
scru+ul)usl.
c)nscienti)us 3ra#e )3 #ind&K/:
Buddhis# is n)t strictl. a religi)n in the sense in (hich that
/ & 'ebster>s Dicti)nar.
/7& 'illia# Durrant, The Hist)r. )3 ?hil)s)+h., +& 6&
/ & 'ebb, Hist)r. )3 ?hil)s)+h., +& 6&
/ & A +hil)s)+h. in the sense )3 an e+ist)#)l)gical s.ste# (hich 3urnishes a c)#+lete
re+l. t) the Guesti)n )3 the (hat, )3 the (hat is li3eB D this is n)t&K @Dr& Dahl;e,
Buddhis#, +& 68&A
/ & Buddhis#, +& /&
6/=
()rd is c)##)nl. underst))d, 3)r it is n)t Ja s.ste# )3 3aith
and ()rshi+,K )(ing an. allegiance t) a su+ernatural C)d&
Buddhis# d)es n)t de#and blind 3aith 3r)# its adherents&
Hence #ere belie3 is dethr)ned and 3)r it is substituted
()rd is c)##)nl. underst))d, 3)r it is n)t Ja s.ste# )3 3aith
and ()rshi+,K )(ing an. allegiance t) a su+ernatural C)d&
Buddhis# d)es n)t de#and blind 3aith 3r)# its adherents&
Hence #ere belie3 is dethr)ned and 3)r it is substituted
t
t) entertain )ccasi)nal d)ubts until he attains the 3irst stage
)3 Sainth))d @S)ta+attiA (hen all d)ubts ab)ut the Buddha,
Dha##a, and the Sangha are c)#+letel. res)l5ed& One bec)#es
a genuine 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha )nl. a3ter attaining
this stage&/<
The c)n3idence )3 a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha is li;e that )3
a +atient in res+ect )3 a n)ted +h.sician, )r )3 a student re
garding his teacher& Alth)ugh a Buddhist see;s re3uge in the
Buddha as his inc)#+arable guide and teacher (h) indicates
the ?ath )3 ?urit., he #a;es n) ser5ile surrender&
A Buddhist d)es n)t thin; that he can gain +urit. #erel.
b. see;ing re3uge in the Buddha )r b. #ere 3aith in Hi#& It is
n)t (ithin the +)(er e5en )3 a Buddha t) (ash a(a. the i#
+urities )3 )thers& Strictl. s+ea;ing, )ne can neither +uri3. n)r
de3ile an)ther& The Buddha, as Teacher, #a. be instru#ental,
but (e )ursel5es are res+)nsible 3)r )ur +uri3icati)n&
In the Dha##a+ada the Buddha sa.s$
JB., )nesel3 al)ne is e5il d)ne$ b. )nesel3 is )ne de3iled&
B. )nesel3 al)ne is e5il a5)ided$ b. )nesel3 al)ne is )ne +uri3ied&
?urit. and i#+urit. de+end )n )nesel3$ N) )ne can +uri3. an)ther&K
@5&/9 A&
A Buddhist is n)t a sla5e t) a b)); )r t) an. indi5idual& N)r
d)es he sacri3ice his 3reed)# )3 th)ught b. bec)#ing a 3)ll)(er
/<& An )rdinar. adherent #a. be genuine en)ugh as a 3)ll)(er, but he is n)t a
sharer b. realiIati)n )3 the Buddha"Dha##a&
6//
)3 the Buddha& He is at 3ull libert. t) e2ercise his )(n 3ree(ill
and de5el)+ his ;n)(ledge e5en t) the e2tent )3 attaining
Buddhah))d hi#sel3, 3)r all are +)tential Buddhas& Nat
)3 the Buddha& He is at 3ull libert. t) e2ercise his )(n 3ree(ill
and de5el)+ his ;n)(ledge e5en t) the e2tent )3 attaining
Buddhah))d hi#sel3, 3)r all are +)tential Buddhas& Nate
Buddha Hi#sel3 discarded all auth)rit.&
I##ediate realiIati)n is the s)le criteri)n )3 truth in Buddhis#&
Its ;e.n)te is rati)nal understanding @Sa##aditthiA&
The Buddha ad5ises see;ers )3 truth n)t t) acce+t an.thing
#erel. )n the auth)rit. )3 an)ther but t) e2ercise their )(n
reas)ning and Hudge 3)r the#sel5es (hether a thing is right
)r (r)ng&
On )ne )ccasi)n the citiIens )3 Kesa+utta, ;n)(n as Kala#as,
a++r)ached the Buddha and said that #an. ascetics and
brah#ins (h) ca#e t) +reach t) the# used t) e2alt their
)(n d)ctrines and den)unce th)se )3 )thers, and that the.
(ere at a l)ss t) understand (hich )3 th)se ()rthies (ere
right&
J!es, O Kala#as, it is right 3)r .)u t) d)ubt, it is right 3)r .)u
t) (a5er& In a d)ubt3ul #atter, (a5ering has arisen,K/1
re#ar;ed
the Buddha and ga5e the# the 3)ll)(ing ad5ice (hich a++lies (ith
eGual 3)rce t) #)dern rati)nalists as it did t) th)se sce+tic brah#ins
)3 .)re&
J4)#e, O Kala#as, D) n)t acce+t an.thing )n #ere hearsa. @i&e&,
thin;ing that thus ha5e (e heard it 3r)# a l)ng ti#eA& D) n)t acce+t
an.thing b. #ere traditi)n @i&e&, thin;ing that it has thus been
handed d)(n thr)ugh #an. generati)nsA& D) n)t acce+t an.thing
/1& The brac;eted e2+lanat)r. +arts )3 the 3)reg)ing translati)n are in acc)rdance
(ith the inter+retati)ns )3 the c)##entar. and sub"c)##entar.& The ?ali te2t
)3 this i#+)rtant +assage is as 3)ll)(s$
JEtha tu#he Kala#a& Ma anussa5ena, #a +ara#+ara.a, #a iti;ira.a, #a +itasa#+adanena,
#a ta;;ahetu, #a na.ahettu, #a a;ara+ari5ita;;ena, #a ditthiniHHhana;;hanti.a,
#a bhabbarut+ata.a, #a sa#an) n) garuti&
6/6
)n acc)unt )3 ru#)urs @i&e&, b. belie5ing (hat )thers sa. (ith)ut
an. in5estigati)nA& D) n)t acce+t an.thing Hust because it acc)rds
(ith .)ur scri+tures& D) n)t acce+t an.thing b. #ere su++)siti)n&
D) n)t acce+t an.thing b. #ere in3erence& D) n)t acce+t an.thing
b. #erel. c)nsidering the a++earances& D) n)t acce+t an.thing
#erel. because it agrees (ith .)ur +rec)ncei5ed n)ti)ns& D) n)t
acce+t an.thing #erel. because it see#s acce+table @i&e&, sh)uld be
acce+tedA& D) n)t acce+t an.thing thin;ing that the ascetic is res+ected
b. us @and there3)re it is right t) acce+t his ()rd&A
)n acc)unt )3 ru#)urs @i&e&, b. belie5ing (hat )thers sa. (ith)ut
an. in5estigati)nA& D) n)t acce+t an.thing Hust because it acc)rds
(ith .)ur scri+tures& D) n)t acce+t an.thing b. #ere su++)siti)n&
D) n)t acce+t an.thing b. #ere in3erence& D) n)t acce+t an.thing
b. #erel. c)nsidering the a++earances& D) n)t acce+t an.thing
#erel. because it agrees (ith .)ur +rec)ncei5ed n)ti)ns& D) n)t
acce+t an.thing #erel. because it see#s acce+table @i&e&, sh)uld be
acce+tedA& D) n)t acce+t an.thing thin;ing that the ascetic is res+ected
b. us @and there3)re it is right t) acce+t his ()rd&A
J'hen .)u ;n)( 3)r .)ursel5es D these things are #)ral, these
things are bla#eless, these things are +raised b. the (ise, these
things, (hen +er3)r#ed and underta;en, c)nduce t) (ellbeing
and
ha++iness D then d) .)u li5e and act acc)rdingl.&K/0
These (ise sa.ings )3 the Buddha, uttered s)#e 6,8== .ears
ag), still retain their )riginal 3)rce and 3reshness e5en in this
enlightened t(entieth centur.&
'ith a h)#el. illustrati)n -nanasarasa#ucca.a
re+eats the
sa#e c)unsel in di33erent ()rds&
JTa+ac chedac ca ni;asat s5arna# i5a +anditaih
?ari;sh.a bli;sha5) grah.a# #ad5ac) na tu gaura5atK&
JAs the (ise test g)ld b. burning, cutting and rubbing it
@)n a +iece )3 t)uchst)neA, s) are .)u t) acce+t #. ()rds
a3ter e2a#ining the# and n)t #erel. )ut )3 regard 3)r #e&K
The Buddha e2h)rted His disci+les t) see; the truth, and
/ & Anguttara Ni;a.a 5)l& i, +& /10L Kindred Sa.ings, +art i, ++& /</, /<6&
6/
n)t t) heed #ere +ersuasi)n e5en b. su+eri)r auth)rit.&
n)t t) heed #ere +ersuasi)n e5en b. su+eri)r auth)rit.&
Buddhists d) n)t ()rshi+ an i#age e2+ecting ()rldl. )r
s+iritual 3a5)urs, but +a. their h)#age t) (hat it re+resents& A
Buddhist g)es be3)re an i#age and )33ers 3l)(ers and incense
n)t t) the i#age but t) the Buddha& He d)es s) as a #ar; )3
gratitude, re3lecting )n the 5irtues )3 the Buddha and +)ndering
)n the transienc. )3 3l)(ers& An understanding Buddhist
designedl. #a;es hi#sel3 3eel that he is in the n)ble +resence
)3 the Buddha, and thereb. gains ins+irati)n t) e#ulate
Hi#&
e3erring t) i#ages, the great +hil)s)+her 4)unt Kaiser"
ling (rites$
JI ;n)( n)thing #)re grand in this ()rld than the 3igure
)3 the Buddha& It is the +er3ect e#b)di#ent )3 s+iritualit. in
the 5isible d)#ain&K6=
Then again Buddhists d) n)t ()rshi+ the B)dhi"tree, but
c)nsider it a s.#b)l )3 Enlighten#ent, and s), ()rth. )3
re5erence&
Th)ugh such e2ternal 3)r#s )3 h)#age are +re5alent
a#)ngst Buddhists, the Buddha is n)t ()rshi++ed as a C)d&
These e2ternal )bHects )3 h)#age are n)t abs)lutel. necessar.,
but the. are use3ul and the. hel+ )ne t) c)ncentrate
)ne>s attenti)n& An intellectual c)uld dis+ense (ith the# as
he c)uld easil. 3)cus his attenti)n )n the Buddha, and thus
5isualiIe Hi#&
*)r )ur )(n g))d, and )ut )3 gratitude, (e +a. such h)#
=& Tra5el Diar. )3 a ?hil)s)+her&
6/9
age, but (hat the Buddha e2+ects 3r)# His disci+les is n)t
)beisance but the actual )bser5ance )3 His teaching&
-ust be3)re the Buddha +assed a(a., #an. disci+les ca#e
t) +a. their res+ects t) Hi#& One Bhi;;hu, h)(e5er, re#ained
in his cell abs)rbed in #editati)n& This #atter (as re+)rted t)
the Buddha (h) su##)ned hi# and, )n enGuiring the rea
s)n 3)r his absence, (as t)ld$ JL)rd, I ;ne( that !)ur e5er
ence ()uld +ass a(a. three #)nths hence, and I th)ught the
best (a. )3 h)n)uring the Teacher (as b. attaining Arahant
shi+ e5en be3)re the decease )3 !)ur e5erence&K
The Buddha e2t)lled the +raise()rth. c)nduct )3 that
l).al and duti3ul Bhi;;hu, sa.ing$ JE2cellent, e2cellentR He
(h) l)5es #e sh)uld e#ulate this Bhi;;hu& He h)n)urs #e
best (h) +ractises #. teaching best&K6/
On an)ther )ccasi)n the Buddha re#ar;ed$ JHe (h) sees
the Dha##a sees #e&K66
*urther#)re, it #ust be #enti)ned that there are n) +eti
ti)nar. )r intercess)r. +ra.ers in Buddhis#& H)(e5er #uch
)ne #a. +ra. t) the Buddha )ne cann)t be sa5ed& The Buddha
d)es n)t and cann)t grant ()rldl. 3a5)urs t) th)se (h) +ra. t)
Hi#& A Buddhist sh)uld n)t +ra. t) be sa5ed, but sh)uld rel.
)n hi#sel3 and stri5e (ith diligence t) (in his 3reed)# and
gain +urit.& Ad5ising His disci+les n)t t) de+end )n )thers
but t) de+end )n )nesel3 and t) be sel3"reliant, the Buddha
sa.s$
Tu#hehi ;icca# ata++a# a;;hatar) tathagata&67
JStri5ing sh)uld be d)ne b. .)ursel5es& The Tathagatas are teachers&K
/& See Buddhist Legends, 5)l& 7& ++& 690, 68=&
& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a 5)l& 7& +& /60&
7& Dha##a+ada 5& 6<:&
6/
The Buddha n)t )nl. s+ea;s )3 the 3utilit. )3 +ra.ersThe Buddha n)t )nl. s+ea;s )3 the 3utilit. )3
+ra.ersbut als)
dis+arages a sla5e #entalit.& Instead )3 +ra.ers the Buddha
e#+hasiIes the i#+)rtance )3 #editati)n that +r)#)tes sel3"
disci+line, sel3"c)ntr)l, sel3"+uri3icati)n and sel3"enlighten#ent&
It ser5es as a t)nic b)th t) the #ind and heart& Meditati)n
is the essence )3 Buddhis#&
In Buddhis# there is n)t, as in #)st )ther religi)ns, an
Al#ight. C)d t) be )be.ed and 3eared& Buddhis# denies the
e2istence )3 a su+ernatural +)(er, c)ncei5ed as an Al#ight.
Being )r a causeless 3)rce& There are n) Di5ine re5elati)ns n)r
Di5ine #essengers )r +r)+hets& A Buddhist is there3)re n)t
subser5ient t) an. higher su+ernatural +)(er (hich c)ntr)ls
his destinies and (hich arbitraril. re(ards and +unishes&
Since Buddhists d) n)t belie5e in re5elati)ns )3 a Di5ine Being,
Buddhis# d)es n)t clai# the #)n)+)l. )3 truth and d)es n)t
c)nde#n an. )ther religi)n& JInt)lerance is the greatest ene#.
)3 religi)nK& 'ith His characteristic t)lerance, the Buddha
ad5ised His disci+les n)t t) get angr., disc)ntented, )r dis+leased
e5en (hen )thers s+);e ill )3 Hi#, )r )3 His Teaching,
)r )3 His Order& JI3 .)u d) s),K the Buddha said, J.)u (ill
n)t )nl. bring .)ursel5es int) danger )3 s+iritual l)ss, but .)u
(ill n)t be able t) Hudge (hether (hat the. sa. is c)rrect )r
n)t c)rrectK D a #)st enlightened senti#ent& Den)uncing un3air
criticis# )3 )ther 3aiths, the Buddha states$ JIt is as a #an
(h) l));s u+ and s+its at hea5en D the s+ittle d)es n)t s)il the
& 4)#+& J?ra.er is an acti5it. in (hich I 3ran;l. c)n3ess I a# n)t an ade+t&K
4an)n B& H& Streeter in M)dern 4hurch#an D Se+t& /069, +& 79<&
JI d) n)t understand h)( #en c)ntinue t) +ra. unless the. are c)n5inced
there is a listening ear&K @e5& 4& Beard, e3)r#ati)n, +& 9/0&A
Sir adha;rishnan states D J?ra.ers ta;e the character )3 +ri5ate c)##unicati)ns,
sel3ish bargaining (ith C)d& It see;s 3)r )bHects )3 earthl. a#biti)ns
and in3la#es the sense )3 sel3& Meditati)n )n the )ther hand is sel3
change&K
6/:
hea5en, but it c)#es bac; and de3iles his )(n +ers)n&Khea5en, but it c)#es bac; and de3iles his )(n
+ers)n&K
Buddhis# e2+)unds n) d)g#as that )ne #ust blindl. belie5e,
n) creeds that )ne #ust acce+t )n g))d 3aith (ith)ut reas)ning,
n) su+erstiti)us rites and cere#)nies t) be )bser5ed
3)r 3)r#al entr. int) the 3)ld, n) #eaningless sacri3ices and
+enances 3)r )ne>s +uri3icati)n&
Buddhis# cann)t, there3)re, be strictl. called a religi)n,
because it is neither a s.ste# )3 3aith and ()rshi+, n)r Jthe
)ut(ard act )r 3)r# b. (hich #en indicate their rec)gniti)n
)3 the e2istence )3 a C)d )r C)ds ha5ing +)(er )5er their )(n
destin. t) (h)# )bedience, ser5ice, and h)n)ur are due&K6:
Karl Mar2 said$ Jeligi)n is the s)ul )3 s)ulless c)nditi)ns,
the heart )3 a heartless ()rld, the )+iu# )3 the +e)+le&K Buddhis#
is n)t such a religi)n, 3)r all Buddhist nati)ns gre(
u+ in the cradle )3 Buddhis# and their +resent cultural ad5ance#ent
is clearl. due #ainl. t) the benign in3luence )3 the
teachings )3 the Buddha&
H)(e5er, i3, b. religi)n, is #eant Ja teaching (hich ta;es
a 5ie( )3 li3e that is #)re than su+er3icial, a teaching (hich
l));s int) li3e and n)t #erel. at it, a teaching (hich 3urnishes
#en (ith a guide t) c)nduct that is in acc)rd (ith this in"l));,
a teaching (hich enables th)se (h) gi5e it heed t) 3ace li3e
(ith 3)rtitude and death (ith serenit.&K6< )r a s.ste# )3 deli5erance
3r)# the ills )3 li3e, then certainl. Buddhis# is a religi)n
)3 religi)ns&61
&
See Sri adha;rishnan, Cauta#a the Buddha&
&
'ebster>s Dicti)nar.&
<&
E2"Bhi;;hu Silacara& See 4e.l)n Dail. Ne(s D Vesa; Nu#ber Ma. /0 0&
1&
Dr& Dahl;e, in arguing 'hat Buddhis# is, (rites D J'ith this, sentence )3 c)nde#nati)n
is +assed u+)n Buddhis# as a religi)n& eligi)n, in the )rdinar.
sense as that (hich +)ints be.)nd this li3e t) )ne essentiall. di33erent, it cann)t
be&K Buddhis# and its ?lace in the Mental ')rld, +& 6<&
6/<
Is Buddhis# an Ethical S.ste#B
Is Buddhis# an Ethical S.ste#B
r
the #)n;s and an)ther 3)r the lait., but it is #uch #)re than
an )rdinar. #)ral teaching&
M)ralit. @silaA is )nl. the +reli#inar. stage and is a #eans
t) an end, but n)t an end in itsel3& Th)ugh abs)lutel. essential,
it al)ne d)es n)t lead t) )ne>s Deli5erance )r +er3ect +urit.&
It is )nl. the 3irst stage )n the ?ath )3 ?urit.& Be.)nd #)ralit.
is (isd)# @+aQQaA& The base )3 Buddhis# is #)ralit., and
(isd)# is its a+e2& As the +air )3 (ings )3 a bird are these
t() c)#+le#entar. 5irtues& 'isd)# is li;e unt) #an>s e.esL
#)ralit. is li;e unt) his 3eet& One )3 the a++ellati5es )3 the
Buddha is ViHHacaranasa#+anna D end)(ed (ith (isd)# and
c)nduct&
O3 the *)ur N)ble Truths that 3)r# the 3)undati)n )3 Buddhis#,
the 3irst three re+resent the +hil)s)+h. )3 the Buddha>s
teachingL the 3)urth the ethics )3 Buddhis# based )n that
+hil)s)+h.&
M)ralit. in Buddhis# is n)t 3)unded )n an. d)ubt3ul
di5ine re5elati)n, n)r is it the ingeni)us in5enti)n )3 an e2ce+ti)nal
#ind, but it is a rati)nal and +ractical c)de based )n
5eri3iable 3acts and indi5idual e2+erience& In the )+ini)n )3
?r)3& Ma2 Muller the Buddhist #)ral c)de is )ne )3 the #)st
+er3ect (hich the ()rld has e5er ;n)(n&
?r)3& h.s Da5ids sa.s$ JBuddhist )r n) Buddhist I ha5e e2a#ined
e5er. )ne )3 the great religi)us s.ste#s )3 the ()rldL
and in n)ne )3 th)se ha5e I 3)und an.thing t) sur+ass in beaut.
and c)#+rehensi5eness the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath )3 the Buddha&
I a# c)ntent t) sha+e #. li3e acc)rding t) that +ath&K
It is interesting t) n)te that acc)rding t) Buddhis# there
are deeds (hich are ethicall. g))d and bad, deeds (hich are
6/1
neither g))d n)r bad, and deeds (hich tend t) the ceasing
)3 all deeds& C))d deeds are essential 3)r )ne>s e#anci+ati)n,
neither g))d n)r bad, and deeds (hich tend t) the ceasing
)3 all deeds& C))d deeds are essential 3)r )ne>s e#anci+ati)n,
,
)ne transcends b)th g))d and e5il&
The Buddha sa.s$ Jighte)us things @dha##aA .)u ha5e t)
gi5e u+$ h)( #uch #)re the unrighte)us things @adha##aA&K60
The deed (hich is ass)ciated (ith attach#ent @l)bhaA, ill"
(ill @d)saA and delusi)n @#)haA is e5il& That deed (hich is ass)ciated
(ith n)n"attach#ent @al)bhaA, g))d(ill @ad)saA, and
(isd)# @+aQQaA, is g))d&
The deeds )3 an Arahant, a Stainless One, +)ssess n) ethical
5alue as he has g)ne be.)nd b)th g))d and e5il& This
d)es n)t #ean that he is +assi5e& He is acti5e, but his acti5it.
is sel3less and is directed t) hel+ )thers t) tread the +ath he
has tr)dden hi#sel3& His deeds, )rdinaril. acce+ted as g))d,
lac; creati5e +)(er as regards hi#sel3& Unli;e the acti)ns )3
a ()rldling his acti)ns d) n)t react )n hi#sel3 as a Ka##ic
e33ect&
His acti)ns, in ?ali, are called ;iri.a @3uncti)nalA& ?urest
g)ld cann)t 3urther be +uri3ied&
The #ental states )3 the 3)ur t.+es )3 su+ra#undane ?ath
c)nsci)usness, na#el., S)ta+atti @Strea#"'innerA, Sa;adaga#i
@Once"eturnerA, Anaga#i @N)n"eturnerA and Arahatta @')rth.A,
th)ugh (h)les)#e @;usalaA, d) n)t tend t) accu#ulate
3resh Ka##a, but, )n the c)ntrar., tend t) the gradual cessati)n
)3 the indi5idual 3lu2 )3 bec)#ing, and there(ith t) the
gradual cessati)n )3 g))d and e5il deeds& In these t.+es )3 su+ra#undane
c)nsci)usness the (isd)# 3act)r @+aQQaA, (hich
tends t) destr). the r))ts )3 Ka##a, is +red)#inantL (hile
in the #undane t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness 5)liti)n @cetanaA (hich
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Sutta N)& 66&
6/0
+r)duces Ka##ic acti5ities is +red)#inant&
'hat is the criteri)n )3 #)ralit. acc)rding t) Buddhis#B
The ans(er is 3)und in the ad#)niti)n gi5en b. the Buddha
+r)duces Ka##ic acti5ities is +red)#inant&
'hat is the criteri)n )3 #)ralit. acc)rding t) Buddhis#B
The ans(er is 3)und in the ad#)niti)n gi5en b. the Buddha
JI3 there is a deed, ahula, .)u (ish t) d), re3lect thus$ Is this
deed c)nduci5e t) #. har#, )r t) )thers har#, )r t) that )3 b)thB
Then is this a bad deed entailing su33ering& *r)# such a deed .)u
#ust resist&
JI3 there is a deed .)u (ish t) d), re3lect thus$ Is this deed n)t
c)nduci5e t) #. har#, n)r t) )thers> har#, n)r t) that )3 b)thB
Then is this a g))d deed entailing ha++iness& Such a deed .)u #ust
d) again and again&K7=
In assessing #)ralit. a Buddhist ta;es int) c)nsiderati)n
the interests b)th )3 hi#sel3 and )thers D ani#als n)t
e2cluded&
In the Karani.a Metta Sutta the Buddha e2h)rts$
JAs the #)ther +r)tects her )nl. child e5en at the ris; )3 her )(n
li3eL e5en s) let )ne culti5ate b)undless th)ughts )3 l)5ing;indness
t)(ards all being&K /
JAll 3ear +unish#ent, t) all li3e is dear& 4)#+aring )thers (ith
)nesel3, let )ne neither hurt n)r ;ill&K76
T) understand the e2ce+ti)nall. high standard )3 #)ralit.
the Buddha e2+ects 3r)# His ideal 3)ll)(ers, )ne #ust care3ull.
read the Dha##a+ada, Sigal)5ada Sutta, V.aggha+aHHa
Sutta, Mangala Sutta, Metta Sutta, ?arabha5a Sutta, Vasala
Sutta, Dha##i;a Sutta, etc&
7=& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, ahul)5ada Sutta, N)& :/& See ++& / =D/ &
7/& Sutta Ni+ata
7 & V& /60
66=
As a #)ral teaching it e2cels all )ther ethical s.ste#s, but
As a #)ral teaching it e2cels all )ther ethical s.ste#s, but
'hat Buddhis# is
Buddhis# is neither a #eta+h.sical +ath n)r a ritualistic +ath&
It is neither sce+tical n)r d)g#atic&
It is neither eternalis# n)r nihilis#&
It is neither sel3"#)rti3icati)n n)r sel3"indulgence&
It is neither +essi#is# n)r )+ti#is# but realis#&
It is neither abs)lutel. this"()rldl. n)r )ther"()rldl.&
It is n)t e2tra5ert but intr)5ert&
It is n)t the)"centric but h)#)"centric&
It is a uniGue ?ath )3 Enlighten#ent&
The )riginal ?ali ter# 3)r Buddhis# is Dha##a, (hich, literall.,
#eans that (hich u+h)lds )r sustains @hi# (h) acts
in c)n3)r#it. (ith its +rinci+les and thus +re5ents hi# 3r)#
3alling int) ()e3ul statesA& There is n) +r)+er English eGui5alent
that e2actl. c)n5e.s the #eaning )3 the ?ali ter#&
The Dha##a is that (hich reall. is& It is the D)ctrine
)3 ealit.& It is a Means )3 Deli5erance 3r)# su33ering and
Deli5erance itsel3& 'hether the Buddhas arise )r n)t the
Dha##a e2ists 3r)# all eternit.& It is a Buddha that realiIes
this Dha##a, (hich e5er lies hidden 3r)# the ign)rant e.es
)3 #en, till He, an Enlightened One, c)#es and c)#+assi)natel.
re5eals it t) the ()rld&
66/
J'hether the Tathagatas a++ear )r n)t, O Bhi;;hus, it re#ains
a 3act, an established +rinci+le, a natural la( that
all c)nditi)ned things are transient @aniccaA, s)rr)(3ul
@du;;haA and that e5er.thing is s)ulless @anattaA& This 3act
the Tathagata realiIes, understands and (hen He has realiIed
and underst))d it, ann)unces, teaches, +r)clai#s,
establishes, discl)ses, anal.ses, and #a;es it clear, that
all c)nditi)ned things are transient, s)rr)(3ul, and that
J'hether the Tathagatas a++ear )r n)t, O Bhi;;hus, it re#ains
a 3act, an established +rinci+le, a natural la( that
all c)nditi)ned things are transient @aniccaA, s)rr)(3ul
@du;;haA and that e5er.thing is s)ulless @anattaA& This 3act
the Tathagata realiIes, understands and (hen He has realiIed
and underst))d it, ann)unces, teaches, +r)clai#s,
establishes, discl)ses, anal.ses, and #a;es it clear, that
all c)nditi)ned things are transient, s)rr)(3ul, and that
77
IntheMaHHhi#aNi;a.atheBuddhasa.s$JOne thing)nl. d)esthe
Buddha teach, na#el., su33ering and the cessati)n )3 su33ering&K79
This is the D)ctrine )3 ealit.&
Udana states$ J-ust as, O Bhi;;hus, the #ight. )cean is )3 )ne 3la5)ur,
the 3la5)ur )3 salt, e5en s), O Bhi;;hus, this Dha##a is )3
)ne 3la5)ur, the 3la5)ur )3 Deli5erance @Vi#uttiA&78
This is the Means )3 Deli5erance&
This subli#e Dha##a is n)t s)#ething a+art 3r)# )nesel3& It
is +urel. de+endent )n )nesel3 and is t) be realiIed b. )ne
sel3& As such the Buddha e2h)rts$
JAttadi+a 5iharatha atta+atisarana&K7:
D Abide (ith )nesel3 as an island, (ith )nesel3 as a re3uge&
JDha##adi+a5iharatha,dha##a+atisarana,naQQa+atisaranaK
D Abide (ith the Dha##a as an island, (ith the dha##a as a
re3uge& See; n)t 3)r e2ternal re3uge&7<
!
77& Anguttara Ni;a.a ?art /, +& 61:&
7 & MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a V)l& /, +& /9=
N)& 66
7 & +& :<
7 & ?arinibbana SuttaL see cha+ter /9&
7<& Ibid&
666
4ha+ter /:
S)#e Salient 4haracteristics )3 Buddhis#
J'ell e2+)unded is the Dha##a b. the E2alted One
t) be sel3realiIed,
(ith i##ediate 3ruit, in5iting
in5estigati)n, leading )n t) Nibbana, t) be
c)#+rehended b. the (ise, each 3)r hi#sel3&K
D MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a
*)undati)ns )3 Buddhis#
The 3)ur N)ble Truths, (hich the Buddha Hi#sel3 disc)5ered
and re5ealed t) the ()rld, are the chie3 characteristics and the
unsha;able 3)undati)ns )3 Buddhis#&
The. are su33ering @the rais)n d> Utre )3 Buddhis#A, its cause,
i&e&, cra5ing, its end, i&e&, Nibbana @the su##u# b)nu# )3 Bud
dhis#A, and the Middle 'a.&
The 3irst three re+resent the +hil)s)+h. )3 Buddhis#,
(hile the 3)urth re+resents the ethics )3 Buddhis#, in acc)rd
ance (ith that +hil)s)+h.&
All these 3)ur Truths (hich c)#+rise the Dha##a )3 the
Buddha are de+endent )n this b)d. itsel3& The. are inc)ntr)
5ertible 3acts (h)ll. ass)ciated (ith #an and )ther beings&
'hether the Buddhas arise )r n)t these Truths e2ist in the
uni5erse& It is the Buddhas that re5eal the# t) the ()rld&
Buddhis# rests )n the +i5)t )3 su33ering& Alth)ugh Bud
dhis# e#+hasiIes the e2istence )3 su33ering .et it d)es n)t
3)ll)( that Buddhis# is a +essi#istic religi)n& On the c)ntrar.
it is neither t)tall. +essi#istic n)r t)tall. )+ti#istic but
realistic&
One ()uld be Husti3ied in calling the Buddha a +essi#ist i3
He had #erel. e#+hasiIed the truth )3 su33ering (ith)ut sug
667
gesting a #eans t) end su33ering and gain eternal ha++iness&
gesting a #eans t) end su33ering and gain eternal ha++iness&
is Nibbana, (hich is the t)tal e2tincti)n )3 su33ering&
The Auth)r )3 the article )n J?essi#is#K in the Enc.cl)
+aedia Britannica (rites$
J?essi#is# den)tes an attitude )3 h)+elessness t)(ards
li3e, a 5ague general )+ini)n that +ain and e5il +red)#inate
in hu#an a33airs& The )riginal d)ctrine )3 the Buddha is in
3act as )+ti#istic as an. )+ti#is# )3 the 'est& T) call it M+essi#is#>
is #erel. t) a++l. t) it a characteristicall. 'estern
?rinci+le acc)rding t) (hich ha++iness is i#+)ssible (ith)ut
+ers)nalit.& The true Buddhist l));s 3)r(ard (ith enthusias#
t) abs)r+ti)n int) eternal Bliss&K
Ha++iness
The Buddha d)es n)t e2+ect His 3)ll)(ers t) be c)nstantl.
br))ding )n the ills )3 li3e and s) #a;e their li5es unha++.&
-). @+itiA has t) be culti5ated b. e5er. Buddhist as )ne )3
the essentials )r +rereGuisites )3 Enlighten#ent& In the )+in
i)n )3 #an. unbiased (riters, Buddhists are re+uted t) be the
ha++iest +e)+le in the (h)le ()rld& The. ha5e n) in3eri)rit.
c)#+le2 that the. are (retched sinners&
The #e#bers )3 the N)ble Order, (h) lead the H)l. Li3e in
the 3ullest +)ssible #anner, are +erha+s the ha++iest +ers)ns&
JAh) su;ha#, ah) su;ha#K D Oh, ha++. indeedR Oh, ha++. indeedR
J'e shall be li5ing in -).K D are s)#e )3 the )3t"re+eated
3a5)urite sa.ings )3 His 3)ll)(ers&
One da. a certain deit. a++r)ached the Buddha and Guesti)ned
Hi# thus$
669
J'h) in the 3)rest #a;e their ()nted haunt D
The saintl. li5ers )3 the h)l. li3e D
J'h) in the 3)rest #a;e their ()nted haunt D
The saintl. li5ers )3 the h)l. li3e D
Tell #e h)( l)); the. s) serene )3 hueBK/
The Buddha re+liedL
JThe. #a;e n) la#entati)n )>er the +ast,
The. .earn n)t a3ter that (hich is n)t c)#e,
B. (hat n)( is d) the. #aintain the#sel5esL
Hence c)#es it that the. l)); serene )3 hue&K
Ha++il. the Bhi;;hus li5e in the eternal +resent (ith n) ()rries
ab)ut either the +ast )r the 3uture&
4ausal La( in Ter#s )3 Ha++iness
In the Sa#.utta Ni;a.a is 3)und an interesting inter+retati)n
)3 the De+endent Originati)n @?aticca Sa#u++adaA in ter#s )3
ha++iness& The Buddha sa.s$
JSu33ering leads t) 4)n3idence @SaddhaAL 4)n3idence t) a+ture
@?a#)HHaAL a+ture t) -). @?itiAL -). t) TranGuillit. @?assaddhiAL
TranGuillit. t) Ha++iness @Su;haAL Ha++iness t) 4)ncentrati)n
@Sa#adhiAL 4)ncentrati)n t) Kn)(ledge and Visi)n )3 things
as the. trul. are @!athabhuta"QanadassanaAL the Kn)(ledge and
Visi)n )3 things as the. trul. are t) e+ulsi)n @NibbidaAL e+ulsi)n
t) N)n"attach#ent @ViragaAL N)n"attach#ent t) Deli5erance
@Vi#uttiAL Deli5erance t) the E2tincti)n )3 ?assi)ns @Kha.e#anaAL
i& e&, t) Arabantshi+&K6
This i#+)rtant +assage clearl. indicates h)( su33ering can
lead t) ha++iness and ulti#atel. t) Sainth))d&
/& Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, ++& <, 1&
& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a, 5)l& ii, +& 76L Kindred Sa.ings, +art ii, +& 6<&
668
T)lerance )3 Buddhis#
T)lerance )3 Buddhis#
It is )n the bed"r)c; )3 these 3acts, (hich c)uld be 5eri
3ied b. +ers)nal e2+erience and tested b. an.b)d., that the
Buddha"Dha##a is built, and n)t )n the 3ear )3 the un;n)(n&
Buddhis# is there3)re rati)nal and intensel. +ractical&
In the Dha##a there is n)thing that is i#+ractical )r irrati)nal&
The Buddha +ractised (hat He taughtL He taught (hat
He +ractised& 'hat He #)st e#+hasiIes in His teaching is
+ractice, 3)r creeds al)ne cann)t +uri3. a +ers)n&
JTh)ugh #uch he recites the Sacred Te2ts but acts n)t
acc)rdingl., that heedless #an is li;e a c)(herd
(h)
c)unts )thers> ;ineL he has n) share in the blessings )3
a recluse,K @V& /0A&
A rati)nal and +ractical s.ste# cann)t c)ntain an. #.steri
)us )r es)teric d)ctrine& In the ?arinibbana Sutta the Buddha
e#+haticall. declares$
JI ha5e taught the truth (ith)ut #a;ing an. distincti)n
bet(een es)teric and e2)teric d)ctrineL 3)r in res+ect )3
the truth Tathagata has n) such thing as the cl)sed 3ist
)3 teacher (h) ;ee+s s)#ething bac;&K
Anantara# and abahira# are the ()rds used b. the Buddha& I3
the Buddha had th)ught D JThis #uch )3 #. d)ctrine I (ill n)t
teach )thers,K )r JOnl. this #uch )3 #. d)ctrine I (ill teach
)thers,K He ()uld ha5e 3allen int) the categ)r. )3 teachers
66:
(h) ;ee+ a cl)sed 3ist& I3 the Buddha had th)ught D JT) these
+ers)ns I (ill teachK )r JT) these +ers)ns I (ill n)t teachK D
the Buddha ()uld ha5e created an inner circle and )uter circle&
The Buddha #a;es n) such distincti)n&7
'ith res+ect t) secret d)ctrines the Buddha sa.s in the
Anguttara Ni;a.a$9
JO disci+les, there are three t) (h)# secrec. bel)ngs and
n)t )+enness& 'h) are the.B Secrec. bel)ngs t) ()#en,
n)t )+ennessL secrec. bel)ngs t) +riestl. (isd)#, n)t
)+ennessL secrec. bel)ngs t) 3alse d)ctrine n)t )+enness&
The d)ctrines and rules +r)clai#ed b. the +er3ect Buddha
shine be3)re all the ()rld and n)t in secret&K
It is true that the Buddha had n)t e2+ressed His 5ie( ab)ut
s)#e +r)ble#s that +er+le2 #an;ind& He (as characteristicall.
silent )n these c)ntr)5ersial subHects because the.
(ere irrele5ant t) His n)ble #issi)n and unessential t) )ne>s
E#anci+ati)n&
On a certain )ccasi)n a certain Bhi;;hu, na#ed Malun;.a
+utta, a++r)ached the Buddha and i#+atientl. de#anded
an i##ediate s)luti)n )3 s)#e s+eculati5e +r)ble#s )n the
threat )3 discarding the r)be 3)rth(ith&
JL)rd,K he said, Jthese the)ries ha5e n)t been elucidated,
ha5e been set aside, and reHected b. the E2alted One D
(hether the ()rld is eternal )r n)t eternalL (hether the
()rld is 3inite )r in3initeL (hether the li3e+rinci+le
@Hi5aA
is the sa#e as the b)d. )r (hether the li3e+rinci+le
is
)ne and the b)d. is an)therL (hether the Tathagata, a3ter
death, is )r is n)tL (hether the Tathagata, a3ter death b)th
7& See cha+ter /9, +& 667D669&
& ?art /, +& 6:/&
66<
is and is n)tL (hether the Tathagata, a3ter death neither is
is and is n)tL (hether the Tathagata, a3ter death neither is
8
The Buddha ad5ised hi# n)t t) (aste ti#e and energ.
)5er such idle s+eculati)n (hich (as detri#ental t) #)ral
+r)gress&
JIt is as i3 a +ers)n (ere +ierced b. an arr)( thic;l.
s#eared (ith +)is)n and he sh)uld sa. t) the surge)n
(h) (ants t) e2tract it$ I shall n)t all)( the arr)( t)
be e2tracted until I ;n)( the details )3 the +ers)n (h)
()unded #e, the nature )3 the arr)( (ith (hich I (as
+ierced, etc& That +ers)n ()uld die be3)re this ()uld e5er
be ;n)(n b. hi#& In the sa#e (a. that +ers)n ()uld die
be3)re these Guesti)ns had e5er been elucidated&K
The s)l5ing )3 these #eta+h.sical Guesti)ns did n)t lead t)
a5ersi)n, +assi)nlessness, enlighten#ent, )r Nibbana&
On an)ther )ccasi)n (hen His disci+les s)ught in3)r#ati)n
ab)ut these +)ints He silenced the# b. citing the +arable
)3 the ele+hant and blind #en&:
An ele+hant (as +resented t) s)#e blind #en t) describe
(hat it l));ed li;e& Th)se (h) t)uched the di33erent +arts )3
the ele+hant>s b)d. e2+ressed their )(n +eculiar ideas ab)ut
the ele+hant& The. argued a#)ngst the#sel5es and their ar
gu#ents naturall. ended in a Guarrel&
Useless s+eculati)ns that d) n)t tend t) E#anci+ati)n and
that #erel. grati3. curi)sit., the Buddha dis#isses (ith His
characteristic silence&
Buddhis# d)es n)t +r)3ess t) +r)5ide an e2+lanati)n t)
all ethical and +hil)s)+hical +r)ble#s that interest #an;ind&
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, 4uta Malun;.a Sutta, N)& :7&
& See Udana, 5i, +& 9L '))d(ard, S)#e Sa.ings )3 the Buddha, ++& 61<, 611&
661
Neither d)es it deal (ith idle s+eculati)ns and the)risings
Neither d)es it deal (ith idle s+eculati)ns and the)risings
d
s+eci3ic +ur+)se D the cessati)n )3 su33ering D and (ith that
g)al in 5ie( all irrele5ant side issues are c)#+letel. set aside&
Ne5ertheless, e5er. enc)urage#ent is gi5en t) ;een in5estigati)n
int) the real nature )3 li3e&
N) c)erci)ns, +ersecuti)ns, )r 3anaticis#s +la. an. +art in
Buddhis#& T) the uniGue credit )3 Buddhis# it #ust be said
that thr)ugh)ut its +eace3ul #arch )3 6,8== .ears n) dr)+ )3
bl))d has been shed in the na#e )3 the Buddha, n) #ight.
#)narch has (ielded his +)(er3ul s()rd t) +r)+agate the
Dha##a, and n) c)n5ersi)n has been #ade either b. 3)rce
)r b. re+ulsi5e #eth)ds& !et the Buddha (as the 3irst and the
greatest #issi)nar. that li5ed )n earth& Buddhis# has s+read,
and is still s+reading ra+idl. thr)ugh)ut the ()rld, and is
#a;ing +eace3ul +enetrati)n t) all c)untries #ainl. )(ing t)
the intrinsic #erit and unsur+assing beaut. )3 its teachings
and n)t at all (ith the aid )3 I#+erialis#, #ilitaris# )r an.
)ther indirect +r)sel.tising agencies&
Ald)us Hu2le. (rites$N
JAl)ne )3 all the great ()rld religi)ns Buddhis# #ade its
(a. (ith)ut +ersecuti)n, cens)rshi+ )r inGuisiti)n& In all
these res+ects its rec)rd is en)r#)usl. su+eri)r t) that )3
4hristianit., (hich #ade its (a. a#)ng +e)+le (edded t)
#aterialis# and (hich (as able t) Husti3. the bl))dthirst.
tendencies )3 its adherents b. an a++eal t) sa5age br)nIe
age literature )3 the Old Testa#ent&K
L)rd ussell re#ar;s$ JO3 the great religi)ns )3 hist)r., I +re3er
Buddhis#, es+eciall. in its earliest 3)r#sL because it has
had the s#allest ele#ent )3 +ersecuti)n&K
660
In the na#e )3 the Buddha n) sacred +lace (as reddened
(ith the bl))d )3 inn)cent ()#en, n) sincere thin;ers (ere
burnt ali5e, and there (as n) #erciless r)asting )3 heretics&
In the na#e )3 the Buddha n) sacred +lace (as reddened
(ith the bl))d )3 inn)cent ()#en, n) sincere thin;ers (ere
burnt ali5e, and there (as n) #erciless r)asting )3 heretics&
< 3)r instance, err)ne)usl.
rendered JT(in Miracle,K is a +s.chic +hen)#en)n
(hich )nl. a Buddha can +er3)r#& In this +articular case, b.
His +s.chic +)(ers, He #a;es 3ire and (ater issue 3r)# the
+)res )3 the b)d. si#ultane)usl.&
Buddhis# a++eals #)re t) the intellect than t) the e#)ti)n&
It is c)ncerned #)re (ith the character )3 the de5)tees
than (ith their nu#erical strength&
On )ne )ccasi)n U+ali the #illi)naire, a 3)ll)(er )3 Nigantha
Nata+utta, a++r)ached the Buddha and (as s) +leased
(ith the Buddha>s e2+)siti)n )3 the Dha##a that he instantl.
e2+ressed his desire t) bec)#e a 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha& But
the Buddha ad5ised hi#, sa.ing D JO3 a 5erit., O h)useh)lder,
#a;e a th)r)ugh in5estigati)n& It is (ell 3)r a distinguished
#an li;e .)u t) #a;e a th)r)ugh in5estigati)n&K
U+ali, (h) (as )5er(hel#ed (ith H). at this une2+ected
utterance )3 the Buddha, said$
JL)rd, i3 I had bec)#e a 3)ll)(er )3 an)ther teacher, his 3)ll)(ers
()uld ha5e ta;en #e r)und the streets in +r)cessi)n +r)clai#ing
that such and such a #illi)naire had ren)unced his
3)r#er religi)n and had e#braced theirs& But, L)rd, .)u ad5ise
#e t) in5estigate 3urther&
The #)re +leased a# I (ith this salutar. ad5ice )3 .)urs& And
<& See 4ha+ter 1, +& // , n)te /&
67=
he a++reciati5el. re+eated3)r
the sec)nd ti#e I see; re3uge in
the Buddha, the Dha##a, and the Sangha&K
Th)ugh he beca#e a Buddhist b. c)n5icti)n, the Buddha,
Guite in ;ee+ing (ith His b)undless c)#+assi)n and +er3ect
t)lerance, ad5ised hi# t) su++)rt his 3)r#er religi)us teacher
in acc)rdance (ith his +ractice&
E2h)rting all see;ers )3 truth n)t t) be in3luenced b. e2ternal
auth)rities )r b. #ere +ersuasi)ns, the Buddha e5en (ent
t) the e2tent )3 reGuesting His disci+les n)t t) b)( d)(n sub#issi5el.
t) su+eri)r auth)rit.&
Buddhis# is saturated (ith this s+irit )3 3ree inGuir. and
c)#+lete t)lerance& It is the teaching )3 the )+en #ind and the
s.#+athetic heart (hich, lighting and (ar#ing the (h)le
uni5erse (ith its t(in ra.s )3 (isd)# and c)#+assi)n, sheds
its genial gl)( )n e5er. being struggling in the )cean )3 birth
and death&
S) c)#+assi)nate and t)lerant (as the Buddha that He
did n)t e2ercise His +)(er t) gi5e c)##and#ents t) His la."
3)ll)(ers& Instead )3 using the I#+erati5e D Th)u shalt )r th)u
shalt n)t D He sa.s D It beh)5es .)u t) d) this, it beh)5es .)u
n)t t) d) this&
The )rdinar. +rece+ts (hich Buddhists are e2+ected
t) )bser5e are n)t c)##and#ents but #)des )3 disci+line
@si;;ha+adaA (hich the. ta;e )3 their )(n acc)rd&
This t)lerance and s.#+ath. the Buddha e2tended t) #en,
()#en, and all li5ing beings&
Buddhis# and 4aste
It (as the Buddha (h), 3)r the 3irst ti#e in the ;n)(n hist)r.
)3 #an;ind, atte#+ted t) ab)lish sla5er. and Jin5ented the
higher #)ralit. and the idea )3 the br)therh))d )3 the entire
6 /
hu#an race and in stri;ing ter#s c)nde#nedK the degrad
hu#an race and in stri;ing ter#s c)nde#nedK the degradt
that ti#e&
The Buddha declared$
JB. birth is n)t )ne an )utcast,
B. birth is n)t )ne a brah#in&
B. deeds is )ne an )utcast, B. deeds is )ne a brah#in&K1
Vasettha Sutta0
relates that t() .)ung brah#ins had a discussi)n
(ith regard t) (hat c)nstitutes a brah#in& One #aintained
that birth #ade a brah#in, (hile the )ther c)ntended
that c)nduct #ade a brah#in& As neither c)uld c)n5ince the
)ther b)th )3 the# agreed t) re3er the #atter t) the Buddha&
S) the. a++r)ached the Buddha and +resented their case
be3)re Hi#&
The Buddha at 3irst re#inded the Guesti)ners that alth)ugh
in the case )3 +lants, insects, Guadru+eds, ser+ents, 3ishes and
birds there are #an. s+ecies and #ar;s b. (hich the. c)uld
be distinguished, .et in the case )3 #en there are n) such s+e
cies and #ar;s& Then He e2+lained h)( #en di33erentiated
the#sel5es acc)rding t) their 5ari)us )ccu+ati)ns& In c)nclusi)n
the Buddha c)##ented$
JBirth #a;es n) brah#in, n)r n)nbrah#in
#a;esL
MTis li3e and d)ing that #)uld the brah#in true&
Their li5es #)uld 3ar#ers, trades#en, #erchants, ser3sL
Their li5es #)uld r)bbers, s)ldiers, cha+lains, ;ings&K
An)ther interesting dial)gue c)ncerning this +r)ble# )3 caste
a++ears in the Madhura Sutta&/=
& Sutta Ni+ata D Vasala Sutta&
& lbid, +& // &
/=& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, V)l& ii, ++& 1 D0=&
676
The King )3 Madhura #a;es the 3)ll)(ing re+)rt t) the
Venerable Kaccana&
The King )3 Madhura #a;es the 3)ll)(ing re+)rt t) the
Venerable Kaccana&
e
the #)st distinguished )3 the 3)ur di5isi)ns int) (hich
the +e)+le are classi3iedL e5er. )ther di5isi)n is in3eri)r&
The brah#ins al)ne are acc)unted +ure, n)t th)se (h)
are n)t brah#ins& The brah#ins are the legiti#ate s)ns
)3 Brah#a, b)rn 3r)# his #)uth, s+eciall. #ade b. hi#,
heirs )3 Brah#a&> 'hat d) .)u, Sir, sa. t) thisBK
The Venerable Kaccana re+lied that it (as an e#+t. asserti)n
and +)inted )ut h)( a (ealth. +ers)n c)uld e#+l). as his
ser5ant a #e#ber )3 an. class )r caste and h)( a 5ici)us +ers)n
c)uld be b)rn in a ()e3ul state and a 5irtu)us +ers)n in a
bliss3ul state des+ite their +articular castes, adding that a cri#inal,
irres+ecti5e )3 his caste, ()uld be +unished 3)r his cri#e&
He e#+hasiIed the 3act that all H)ining the Order recei5e eGual
h)n)ur and re5erence (ith)ut an. discri#inati)n&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# caste )r c)l)ur d)es n)t +reclude
)ne 3r)# bec)#ing an adherent )3 the Buddha )r 3r)# entering
the n)ble Order )3 the Sangha (here all are treated as
Ari.as& *isher#en, sca5engers, c)urtesans, t)gether (ith (arri)rs
and brah#ins, (ere 3reel. ad#itted int) the Order and
(ere als) gi5en +)siti)ns )3 ran;&
U+ali, the barber, (as #ade, in +re3erence t) all )thers, chie3
disci+le in #atters +ertaining t) the Vina.a disci+line& Sunita,
(h) (as h)n)ured b. Kings and n)bles as an Arahant, (as
a ti#id sca5enger& The +hil)s)+hic Sati (as the s)n )3 a 3isher#an&
The c)urtesan A#ba+ali H)ined the Order and attained
Arahantshi+& aHHu#ala, (h) (as c)n5erted b. the Buddha as
she (as ab)ut t) c)##it suicide, (as a sla5e girl& S) (as ?unna
677
(h)se in5itati)n t) s+end a rain. seas)n (as acce+ted b. the
Buddha in +re3erence t) that )3 the #illi)naire Anatha+indi;a,
her )(n #aster& Subha (as the daughter )3 a s#ith& 4a+a (as
the daughter )3 a deer"stal;er& Such instances c)uld be #ulti+lied
3r)# the b));s t) sh)( that +)rtals )3 Buddhis# (ere
(ide )+en t) all (ith)ut an. distincti)n&
(h)se in5itati)n t) s+end a rain. seas)n (as acce+ted b. the
Buddha in +re3erence t) that )3 the #illi)naire Anatha+indi;a,
her )(n #aster& Subha (as the daughter )3 a s#ith& 4a+a (as
the daughter )3 a deer"stal;er& Such instances c)uld be #ulti+lied
3r)# the b));s t) sh)( that +)rtals )3 Buddhis# (ere
(ide )+en t) all (ith)ut an. distincti)n&
raised, rather than l)(ered, the status )3 +e)+le&
In Buddhis# )ne 3inds #il; 3)r the babe and #eat 3)r the
str)ng, and it a++eals eGuall. t) b)th the rich and the +))r&
Buddhis# and ')#en
It (as als) the Buddha (h) raised the status )3 ()#en and
br)ught the# t) a realiIati)n )3 their i#+)rtance t) s)ciet.&
Be3)re the ad5ent )3 the Buddha ()#en in India (ere n)t
held in high estee#& One Indian (riter, He#acandra, l));ed
d)(n u+)n ()#en as Jthe t)rch lighting the (a. t) hellK D
Nara;a#argad5aras.a di+i;a&
The Buddha did n)t hu#iliate ()#en, but )nl. regarded
the# as 3eeble b. nature& He sa( the innate g))d )3 b)th #en
and ()#en and assigned t) the# their due +laces in His
teaching& Se2 is n) barrier 3)r +uri3icati)n )r ser5ice&
S)#eti#es the ?ali ter# used t) c)nn)te ()#en #atuga#a
(hich #eans M#)ther3)l;> )r Ms)ciet. )3 #)thers&> As a
#)ther a ()#an h)lds an h)n)urable +lace in Buddhis#& The
#)ther is regarded as a c)n5enient ladder t) ascend t) hea5en,
and a (i3e is regarded as the Mbest 3riend> @+ara#asa;haA )3 the
husband&
Alth)ugh at 3irst the Buddha re3used t) ad#it ()#en
int) the Order )n reas)nable gr)unds, .et later He .ielded
t) the entreaties )3 Venerable Ananda and His 3)ster"#)ther,
679
Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i, and 3)unded the Order )3 Bhi;;hunis
@NunsA& It (as the Buddha (h) thus 3)unded the 3irst s)ciet.
Maha ?aHa+ati C)ta#i, and 3)unded the Order )3 Bhi;;hunis
@NunsA& It (as the Buddha (h) thus 3)unded the 3irst s)ciet.
-ust as Arahants Sari+utta and M)ggallana (ere #ade the
t() chie3 disci+les in the Order )3 Bhi;;hus, the )ldest de#)craticall.
c)nstituted celibate Order, e5en s) the Arahants
Khe#a and U++ala5anna (ere #ade the t() chie3 3e#ale disci+les
in the Order )3 Bhi;;hunis& Man. )ther 3e#ale disci+les,
t)), (ere na#ed b. the Buddha Hi#sel3 as a#)ngst #)st distinguished
and +i)us 3)ll)(ers& A#)ngst the VaHHis, t)), 3reed)#
t) ()#en (as regarded as )ne )3 the causes that led t)
their +r)s+erit.& Be3)re the ad5ent )3 the Buddha ()#en did
n)t enH). su33icient 3reed)# and (ere de+ri5ed )3 an )++)rtunit.
t) e2hibit their innate s+iritual ca+abilities and their
#ental gi3ts& In ancient India, as is still seen t)da., the birth
)3 a daughter t) a 3a#il. (as c)nsidered an un(elc)#e and
cu#bers)#e additi)n&
On )ne )ccasi)n (hile the Buddha (as c)n5ersing (ith
King K)sala, a #essenger ca#e and in3)r#ed the King that
a daughter (as b)rn unt) hi#& Hearing it, the King (as naturall.
dis+leased& But the Buddha c)#3)rted and sti#ulated
hi#, sa.ing$
JA ()#an child, O L)rd )3 #en, #a. +r)5e
E5en a better )33s+ring than a #ale&K//
T) ()#en (h) (ere +laced under 5ari)us disabilities be3)re
the a++earance )3 the Buddha, the establish#ent )3 the Order
)3 Bhi;;hunis (as certainl. a blessing& In this Order Gueens,
+rincesses, daughters )3 n)ble 3a#ilies, (id)(s, berea5ed
#)thers, hel+less ()#en, c)urtesans D all des+ite their caste
//& Kindred Sa.ings, +art I, +& ///& See +& 6=6&
678
)r ran; #et )n a c)##)n 3))ting, enH).ed +er3ect c)ns)lati)n
and +eace, and breathed that 3ree at#)s+here (hich (as
denied t) th)se cl)istered in c)ttages and +alatial #ansi)ns&
Man., (h) )ther(ise ()uld ha5e 3allen int) )bli5i)n, distinguished
the#sel5es in 5ari)us (a.s and gained their e#anci+ati)n
b. see;ing re3uge in the Order&
)r ran; #et )n a c)##)n 3))ting, enH).ed +er3ect c)ns)lati)n
and +eace, and breathed that 3ree at#)s+here (hich (as
denied t) th)se cl)istered in c)ttages and +alatial #ansi)ns&
Man., (h) )ther(ise ()uld ha5e 3allen int) )bli5i)n, distinguished
the#sel5es in 5ari)us (a.s and gained their e#anci+ati)n
b. see;ing re3uge in the Order&
,
gre. hair, and (rin;led s;in& Then )nl. did she realiIe the
5anit. )3 e2ternal beaut. and the 3leeting nature )3 li3e& She
th)ught$
JHas such a b)d. c)#e t) be (rec;ed li;e thatB Then s)
(ill #. b)d. als)&K
The Buddha read her #ind and said$
JThe. (h) are sla5es t) lust dri3t d)(n the strea#,
Li;e t) a s+ider gliding d)(n the (eb
He )3 hi#sel3 (r)ught& But the released,
'h) all their b)nds ha5e sna+t in t(ain,
'ith th)ughts else(here intent, 3)rsa;e the ()rld,
And all delight in sense +ut 3ar a(a.&K/6
/ & ?sal#s )3 the Sisters D +& 16&
67:
Khe#a attained Arahantshi+ and (ith the ;ing>s c)nsent entered
the Order& She (as ran;ed 3)re#)st in Insight a#)ngst
the Bhi;;hunis&
Khe#a attained Arahantshi+ and (ith the ;ing>s c)nsent entered
the Order& She (as ran;ed 3)re#)st in Insight a#)ngst
the Bhi;;hunis&
s))thing ()rds, she attained the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d and
entered the Order& One da., as she (as (ashing her 3eet she
n)ticed h)( 3irst the (ater tric;led a little (a. and subsided,
the sec)nd ti#e it 3l)(ed a little 3urther and subsided, and the
third ti#e it 3l)(ed still 3urther and subsided& JE5en s) d)
#)rtals die,K she +)ndered, Jeither in childh))d, )r in #iddle
age, )r (hen )ld&K The Buddha read her th)ughts and, +r)Hecting
His i#age be3)re her, taught her the Dha##a& She attained
Arahantshi+ and later beca#e a s)urce )3 c)ns)lati)n
t) #an. a berea5ed #)ther&
Dha##adinna and Bhadda Ka+ilani (ere t() Bhi;;hunis
(h) (ere h)n)ured e2+)nents )3 the Dha##a&
In ans(er t) Mara, the E5il One, it (as Bhi;;huni S)#a/
(h) re#ar;ed$
J'hat sh)uld the ()#annature
c)unt in her (h), (ith
#ind (ellset
and ;n)(ledge ad5ancing, has right t) the
Dha##aB T) )ne (h) entertains d)ubt (ith the Guesti)n$
MA# I a ()#an in these #atters, )r a# I a #an, )r (hat
then a# IB> D the E5il One is 3it t) tal;&K
A#)ngst the lait. t)) there (ere #an. ()#en (h) (ere distinguished
3)r their +iet., gener)sit., de5)ti)n, learning and
l)5ing";indness&
/7& See Kindred Sa.ings, ?art i& +& /:6&
67<
Visa;ha, the chie3 bene3actress )3 the Order, stands 3)re#)st
a#)ngst the# all&
Visa;ha, the chie3 bene3actress )3 the Order, stands 3)re#)st
a#)ngst the# all&9
Su++i.a (as a 5er. de5)ut lad. (h), being unable t) +r)
cure s)#e 3lesh 3r)# the #ar;et, cut a +iece )3 3lesh 3r)# her
thigh t) +re+are a s)u+ 3)r a sic; Bhi;;hu&
Na;ula#ata (as a 3aith3ul (i3e (h), b. reciting her 5irtues,
rescued her husband 3r)# the Ha(s )3 death&
Sa#a5ati (as a +i)us and l)5able Gueen (h), (ith)ut an.
ill(ill, radiated l)5ing";indness t)(ards her ri5al e5en (hen
she (as burnt t) death thr)ugh her #achinati)n&
Pueen Malli;a )n #an. )ccasi)ns c)unselled her husband,
King ?asenadi&
A #aid"ser5ant, KhuHHuttara, secured #an. c)n5erts b.
teaching the Dha##a&
?unabbasu#ata (as s) intent )n hearing the Dha##a that
she hushed her cr.ing child thus$
JO silence, little UttaraR Be still,
?unabbasu, that I #a. hear the N)r#
Taught b. the Master, b. the 'isest Man&
Dear unt) us is )ur )(n child, and dear
Our husbandL dearer still than these t) #e
Is>t )3 this D)ctrine t) e2+l)re the ?ath&K/
A c)nte#+lati5e #)ther, (hen Guesti)ned (h. she did n)t
(ee+ at the l)ss )3 her )nl. child, said$
JUncalled he hither ca#e, unbidden s))n t) g)L
E>en as he ca#e, he (ent&
'hat cause is here 3)r ()eBK/:
/ & See cha+ter /=, ++ /:6D/< &
/ & Kindred Sa.ings, 8 ?art I, +& 6<=&
/ & -ata;a Translati)n 5& +& //=, N)& 789&
6 1
Su#ana and Subhadda (ere t() sisters )3 e2e#+lar. character
(h) had i#+licit 3aith in the Buddha&
Su#ana and Subhadda (ere t() sisters )3 e2e#+lar. character
(h) had i#+licit 3aith in the Buddha&
+la.ed b. ()#en in the ti#e )3 the Buddha&
Buddhis# and Har#lessness
The b)undless ;indness )3 the Buddha (as directed n)t )nl.
t) all hu#an beings but als) t) the du#b ani#als as (ell&
It (as the Buddha (h) banned the sacri3ice )3 ani#als and
ad#)nished His 3)ll)(ers t) e2tend their l)5ing";indness
@MettaA t) all li5ing beings D e5en t) the tiniest creature that
cra(ls at )ne>s 3eet& N) #an, He taught, has the right t) destr).
the li3e )3 an)ther as li3e is +reci)us t) all&
A Bhi;;hu is e2+ected t) e2ercise this l)5ing ;indness t) such
an e2tent that he is 3)rbidden b. the Vina.a rules e5en t) dig
)r cause t) dig the gr)und& He cann)t e5en drin; (ater (ith
)ut it being 3iltered&
As);a, the greatest Buddhist King, (r)te )n r)c; and #)n)lith,
sa.ing$ JThe li5ing #ust n)t be n)urished (ith the li5ing&
E5en cha33 (ith insects #ust n)t be burnt&K
A genuine Buddhist #ust +ractise this Metta t)(ards e5er.
li5ing being and identi3. hi#sel3 (ith all, #a;ing n) distincti)ns
(hate5er& It is this Buddhist Metta, )ne )3 the #)st salient
characteristics )3 Buddhis#, that atte#+ts t) brea; all the
barriers )3 caste, c)l)ur and creed (hich se+arate )ne #an
3r)# an)ther& I3 3)ll)(ers )3 di33erent 3aiths cann)t #eet )n a
c)##)n +lat3)r# li;e br)thers and sisters Hust because the.
bel)ng t) di33erent religi)ns, then surel. the religi)us teachers
ha5e 3ailed in their n)ble #issi)ns&
In that n)ble T)lerati)n Edict, (hich is based )n the 4ulla
V.uha and Maha V.uha Suttas, King As);a sa.s$ J4)nc)urse
6 0
al)ne is best, that is, all sh)uld hear;en (illingl. t) the d)ctrines
+r)3essed b. )thers&K
al)ne is best, that is, all sh)uld hear;en (illingl. t) the d)ctrines
+r)3essed b. )thers&K
T) the Buddhist there is n) 3ar )r near, n) ene#. )r 3)reigner,
n) renegade )r unt)uchable, since uni5ersal l)5e, realiIed
thr)ugh understanding, has established the br)therh))d
)3 all li5ing beings& A real Buddhist is a citiIen )3 the ()rld&
S)#e salient characteristics )3 Buddhis# are, there3)re, its
rati)nalit., +racticabilit., e33icac., n)n"aggressi5eness, har#lessness,
t)lerance, and uni5ersalit.&
Buddhis# is the n)blest )3 all uni3.ing and u+li3ting in3luences
that has )+erated 3)r #)re than 6,8== .ears&
Nati)ns ha5e c)#e and g)ne& E#+ires built )n #ight and
3)rce ha5e 3l)urished and +erished& But the Dha##a E#+ire
)3 the Buddha, 3)unded )n l)5e and reas)n, still 3l)urishes
and (ill c)ntinue t) 3l)urish as l)ng as its 3)ll)(ers adhere t)
its n)ble +rinci+les&
!
69=
<
The *)ur N)ble Truths
JLight ar)se in #e in things n)t heard be3)re&K D Dha##aca;;a
Sutta
Truth @SaccaA is that (hich is& Its Sa#s;rit eGui5alent is Sat.a
(hich #eans an inc)ntr)5ertible 3act& Acc)rding t) Buddhis#
there are 3)ur such Truths/ +ertaining t) this s)"called being&
In the )hitassa Sutta the Buddha states$
JIn this 5er. )ne3ath)#
l)ng b)d. al)ng (ith its +erce+ti)ns and
th)ughts, d) I +r)clai# the ()rld, the )rigin )3 the ()rld, the cessati)n
)3 the ()rld, and the +ath leading t) the cessati)n )3 the ()rld&K6
In this +articular c)nte2t the ter# J()rldK @l);aA i#+lies
su33ering&
This interesting +assage re3ers t) the 3)ur N)ble Truths
(hich the Buddha Hi#sel3 disc)5ered b. His )(n intuiti5e
;n)(ledge& 'hether the Buddhas arise )r n)t these Truths
e2ist, and it is a Buddha that re5eals the# t) the deluded
()rld& The. d) n)t and cann)t change (ith ti#e because the.
are eternal Truths& The Buddha (as n)t indebted t) an.)ne
3)r His realiIati)n )3 the#& He Hi#sel3 said$ JThe. (ere un
heard be3)re&K7
These Truths are in ?ali ter#ed ari.asaccani& The. are s)
called because the. (ere disc)5ered b. the Createst Ari.a, the
/& See 4ha+ter :&
& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a, i& +& :6& See Kindred Sa.ings, +art I&+& 1:&
& Hence there is n) Husti3icati)n 3)r the state#ent that Buddhis# is a natural
)utgr)(th )3 Hinduis#, alth)ugh it has t) be ad#itted that there e2ist s)#e
3und#ental d)ctrines c)##)n t) b)th and that is because th)se d)ctrines are
in acc)rdance (ith eternal truth )r Dha##a&
69/
Buddha, (h) (as 3ar re#)5ed 3r)# +assi)n&
Buddha, (h) (as 3ar re#)5ed 3r)# +assi)n&
A5erage #en are )nl. sur3ace"seers& An Ari.a sees things
as the. trul. are& T) an Ari.a all li3e is su33ering and he 3inds
n) real ha++iness in this ()rld (hich decei5es #an;ind (ith
illus)r. +leasures& Material ha++iness is #erel. the grati3icati)n
)3 s)#e desire& JN) s))ner is the desired thing gained
than it begins t) be sc)rned&K Insatiate are all desires&
All are subHect t) birth @HatiA, and c)nseGuentl. t) deca.
@HaraA, disease @5.adhiA, and 3inall. t) death @#aranaA& N) )ne is
e2e#+t 3r)# these 3)ur ine5itable causes )3 su33ering&
I#+eded (ish is als) su33ering& 'e d) n)t (ish t) be ass)ciated
(ith things )r +ers)ns (e detest, n)r d) (e (ish t) be
se+arated 3r)# things )r +ers)ns (e l)5e& Our cherished de
sires are n)t, h)(e5er, al(a.s grati3ied& 'hat (e least e2+ect
)r (hat (e least desire is )3ten thrust )n us& At ti#es such un
e2+ected un+leasant circu#stances bec)#e s) int)lerable and
+ain3ul that (ea; ign)rant 3)l; are c)#+elled t) c)##it suicide
as i3 such an act ()uld s)l5e the +r)ble#&
eal ha++iness is 3)und (ithin, and is n)t t) be de3ined
in ter#s )3 (ealth, +)(er, h)n)urs )r c)nGuests& I3 such
()rldl. +)ssessi)ns are 3)rcibl. )r unHustl. )btained, )r are
#isdirected, )r e5en 5ie(ed (ith attach#ent, the. (ill be a
s)urce )3 +ain and s)rr)( 3)r the +)ssess)rs&
696
Ordinaril. the enH).#ent )3 sensual +leasures is the highest
and )nl. ha++iness t) an a5erage +ers)n& There is n)
d)ubt a #)#entar. ha++iness in the antici+ati)n, grati3icati)n,
and rec)llecti)n )3 such 3leeting #aterial +leasures, but
Ordinaril. the enH).#ent )3 sensual +leasures is the highest
and )nl. ha++iness t) an a5erage +ers)n& There is n)
d)ubt a #)#entar. ha++iness in the antici+ati)n, grati3icati)n,
and rec)llecti)n )3 such 3leeting #aterial +leasures, but
In brie3, this c)#+)site b)d. itsel3 is a cause )3 su33ering&
This *irst Truth )3 su33ering (hich de+ends )n this s)"
called being and 5ari)us as+ects )3 li3e, is t) be care3ull. anal.sed
and e2a#ined& This e2a#inati)n leads t) a +r)+er understanding
)3 )nesel3 as )ne reall. is&
The cause )3 this su33ering is cra5ing )r attach#ent @tanhaA
(hich is the Sec)nd N)ble Truth&
J*r)# cra5ing s+rings grie3, 3r)# cra5ing s+rings 3ear,
*)r hi# (h) is (h)ll. 3ree 3r)# cra5ing, there is n) grie3,
#uch less 3ear&K @V& 6/:A
This cra5ing is a +)(er3ul #ental 3)rce latent in all, and is the
chie3 cause )3 #)st )3 the ills )3 li3e& It is this cra5ing, gr)ss
)r subtle, that leads t) re+eated births in Sa#sara and #a;es
)ne cling t) all 3)r#s )3 li3e&
The gr)ssest 3)r#s )3 cra5ing are attenuated )n attaining
Sa;adaga#i, the sec)nd stage )3 Sainth))d, and are eradicated
)n attaining Anaga#i, the third stage )3 Sainth))d& The subtle
3)r#s )3 cra5ing are eradicated )n attaining Arahantshi+&
B)th su33ering and cra5ing can )nl. be eradicated b. 3)ll)(ing
the Middle 'a., enunciated b. the Buddha Hi#sel3,
and attaining the su+re#e Bliss )3 Nibbana&
The Third N)ble Truth is the c)#+lete cessati)n )3 su3
697
3ering (hich is Nibbana, the ulti#ate C)al )3 Buddhists& It is
achie5ed b. the t)tal eradicati)n )3 all 3)r#s )3 cra5ing&
This Nibbana is t) be c)#+rehended b. the #ental e.e b.
ren)uncing all internal attach#ent t) the e2ternal ()rld&9
This Truth has t) be realiIed b. de5el)+ing the N)ble
Eight3)ld ?ath (hich is the *)urth N)ble Truth& This uniGue
+ath is the )nl. straight r)ute that leads t) Nibbana& It a5)ids
the e2tre#e )3 sel3"#)rti3icati)n that (ea;ens )ne>s intellect
and the e2tre#e )3 sel3"indulgence that retards )ne>s #)ral
+r)gress&
It c)nsists )3 the 3)ll)(ing eight 3act)rs&$
/A ight Understanding @Sa##a DitthiA,
6A ight Th)ughts @Sa##a Sa#;a++aA,
7A ight S+eech @Sa##a VacaA,
9A ight Acti)n @Sa##a Ka##antaA,
8A ight Li5elih))d @Sa##a AHi5aA,
:A ight E33)rt @Sa##a Va.a#aA,
<A ight Mind3ulness @Sa##a SatiA, and
1A ight 4)ncentrati)n @Sa##a Sa#adhiA,
/& ight Understanding is e2+lained as the ;n)(ledge )3
the 3)ur N)ble Truths& In )ther ()rds, it is the understanding
)3 )nesel3 as )ne reall. is, because, as the )hitassa Sutta
states, these truths are c)ncerned (ith the J)ne"3ath)# l)ng
b)d. )3 #an&K
The ;e."n)te )3 Buddhis# is this right understanding&
6 4lear 5isi)n )r right understanding leads t) clear
thin;ing& The sec)nd 3act)r )3 the n)ble Eight3)ld ?ath is,
there3)re, Sa##a Sa#;a++a& The English renderings D Jight
es)luti)nsK, Jight As+irati)nsK D d) n)t c)n5e. the actual
& See cha+ters 77, 79&
699
#eaning )3 the ?ali ter#& ight Ideas )r ight Mind3ulness
c)#es cl)ser t) the #eaning& Jight Th)ughtsK #a. be sug
gested as the nearest English eGui5alent&
B. Sa#;a++a is #eant the JVita;;aK #ental state, (hich,
3)r (ant )3 a better rendering, #a. be called Jinitial a++licati)n&K
This i#+)rtant #ental state eli#inates (r)ng ideas )r
n)ti)ns and hel+s the )ther #)ral adHuncts t) be di5erted t)
Nibbana&
It is )ne>s th)ughts that either de3ile )r +uri3. a +ers)n&
One>s th)ughts #)uld )ne>s nature and c)ntr)ls )ne>s destin.&
E5il th)ughts tend t) debase )ne Hust as g))d th)ughts tend
t) ele5ate )ne& S)#eti#es a single th)ught can either destr).
)r sa5e a ()rld&
Sa##a Sa#;a++a ser5es the d)uble +ur+)se )3 eli#inating
e5il th)ughts and de5el)+ing +ure th)ughts&
ight Th)ughts, in this +articular c)nnecti)n, are three3)ld&
The. c)nsist )3$
i& Ne;;ha##a D enunciati)n )3 ()rldl. +leasures )r
sel3lessness (hich is )++)sed t) attach#ent, sel3ishness,
and sel3"+)ssessi5eness&
ii&
A5.a+ada D L)5ing";indness, g))d(ill, )r bene5)lence,
(hich is )++)sed t) hatred, ill"(ill, )r a5ersi)n,
and
iii&
A5ihi#sa D Har#lessness )r c)#+assi)n, (hich is )++)sed
t) cruelt. and call)usness&
These e5il and g))d 3)rces are latent in all& As l)ng as (e are
()rldlings these e5il 3)rces rise t) the sur3ace at une2+ected
#)#ents in disc)ncerting strength& 'hen )nce the. are t)tall.
eradicated )n attaining Arahantshi+, )ne>s strea# )3 c)n
sci)usness gets +er3ectl. +uri3ied&
698
Attach#ent and hatred, c)u+led (ith ign)rance, are the
chie3 causes )3 all e5il +re5alent in this deluded ()rld& JThe
ene#. )3 the (h)le ()rld is lust, thr)ugh (hich all e5ils c)#e
t) li5ing beings& This lust (hen )bstructed b. s)#e cause is
trans3)r#ed int) (rath&K
Attach#ent and hatred, c)u+led (ith ign)rance, are the
chie3 causes )3 all e5il +re5alent in this deluded ()rld& JThe
ene#. )3 the (h)le ()rld is lust, thr)ugh (hich all e5ils c)#e
t) li5ing beings& This lust (hen )bstructed b. s)#e cause is
trans3)r#ed int) (rath&K
re+ulsed (ith a5ersi)n in the case )3 undesirable )bHects&
Thr)ugh attach#ent )ne clings t) #aterial +leasures and tries
t) grati3. )ne>s desire b. s)#e #eans )r )ther& Thr)ugh a5ersi)n
)ne rec)ils 3r)# undesirable )bHects and e5en g)es t) the
e2tent )3 destr).ing the# as their 5er. +resence is a s)urce )3
irritati)n& 'ith the gi5ing u+ )3 eg)is# b. )ne>s )(n intuiti5e
insight, b)th attach#ent and hatred aut)#aticall. disa++ear&
JThere is n) 3ire li;e lust, n) gri+ li;e hate,
There is n) net li;e delusi)n, n) ri5er li;e cra5ing&K @5& 6 /A
i& As )ne ascends the s+iritual ladder )ne ren)unces b.
degrees b)th gr)ss and subtle attach#ent t) #aterial +leasures
li;e gr)(n"u+ children gi5ing u+ their +ett. t).s& Being
children, the. cann)t be e2+ected t) +)ssess an adult>s understanding,
and the. cann)t be c)n5inced )3 the ()rthlessness
)3 their te#+)rar. +leasures& 'ith #aturit. the. begin t) understand
things as the. trul. are and the. 5)luntaril. gi5e
u+ their t).s& As the s+iritual +ilgri# +r)ceeds )n the u+(ard
+ath b. his c)nstant #editati)n and re3lecti)n, he +ercei5es
the 3utilit. )3 +ursuing base #aterial +leasures and the
resultant ha++iness in 3)rsa;ing the#& He culti5ates n)n"attach#ent
t) the 3ullest degree& JHa++. is n)n"attach#ent in
this ()rld, s) is the transcending )3 all sensual +leasures,K is
)ne )3 the earl. utterances )3 the Buddha&
69:
ii& ii&
ill(ill, )r hatred, all )3 (hich are i#+lied b. the ?ali ter#
5.a+ada& It c)nsu#es the +ers)n in (h)# it s+rings and c)nsu#es
)thers as (ell& The ?ali ter# a5.a+ada, literall., n)n"
en#it., c)rres+)nds t) that #)st beauti3ul 5irtue Metta @Sa#s;rit
MaitriA (hich #eans l)5ing";indness )r g))d(ill t)(ards
all (ith)ut an. distincti)n& He (h)se #ind is 3ull )3
l)5ing";indness can harb)ur n) hatred t)(ards an.& Li;e a
#)ther (h) #a;es n) di33erence bet(een hersel3 and her )nl.
child and +r)tects it e5en at the ris; )3 her )(n li3e, e5en s)
d)es the s+iritual +ilgri# (h) 3)ll)(s this #iddle +ath radiate
his th)ughts )3 l)5ing";indness identi3.ing hi#sel3 (ith
all& Buddhist Metta e#braces all li5ing beings, ani#als n)t
e2cluded&
iii& A5ihi#sa )r Karuna D Har#lessness )r c)#+assi)n is
the third and the last #e#ber )3 sa#;a++a&
Karuna is that s(eet 5irtue (hich #a;es the tender hearts
)3 the n)ble Gui5er at the su33erings )3 )thers& Li;e Buddhist
Metta, Buddhist Karuna t)) is li#itless& It is n)t restricted )nl.
t) c)"religi)nists )r c)"nati)nals )r t) hu#an beings al)ne&
Li#ited c)#+assi)n is n)t true ;aruna&
A c)#+assi)nate )ne is as s)3t as a 3l)(er& He cann)t bear
the su33erings )3 )thers& He #ight at ti#es e5en g) t) the e2tent
)3 sacri3icing his )(n li3e t) alle5iate the su33erings )3
)thers& In e5er. -ata;a st)r. it is e5ident that the B)dhisatta
endea5)ured his best t) hel+ the distressed and the 3)rl)rn
and t) +r)#)te their ha++iness in e5er. +)ssible (a.&
Karuna has the characteristics )3 a l)5ing #)ther (h)se
th)ughts, ()rds, and deeds al(a.s tend t) relie5e the distress
)3 her sic; child& It has the +r)+ert. )3 n)t being able t) t)lerate
the su33erings )3 )thers& Its #ani3estati)n is +er3ect n)n
69<
5i)lence and har#lessness D that is, a c)#+assi)nate +ers)n
a++ears t) be abs)lutel. n)n"5i)lent and har#less& The sight
5i)lence and har#lessness D that is, a c)#+assi)nate +ers)n
a++ears t) be abs)lutel. n)n"5i)lent and har#less& The sight
e
3)r the +ractice )3 Karuna& The c)nsu##ati)n )3 ;aruna is the
eradicati)n )3 all 3)r#s )3 cruelt.& The direct ene#. )3 ;aruna
is cruelt. and the indirect ene#. is h)#el. grie3&
Buddhist #etta a++eals t) b)th the rich and the +))r, 3)r
Buddhis# teaches its 3)ll)(ers t) ele5ate the l)(l., hel+ the
+))r, the need., and the 3)rl)rn, tend the sic;, c)#3)rt the berea5ed,
+it. the (ic;ed, and enlighten the ign)rant&
4)#+assi)n 3)r#s a 3unda#ental +rinci+le )3 b)th Buddhist
la.#en and Bhi;;hus&
S+ea;ing )3 Buddhist har#lessness, Ald)us Hu2le. (rites$
JIndian +aci3is# 3inds its c)#+lete e2+ressi)n in the teaching
)3 the Buddha& Buddhis# teaches ahi#sa )r har#lessness
t)(ards all beings& It 3)rbids e5en la.#en t) ha5e
an.thing t) d) (ith the #anu3acture and sale )3 ar#s,
(ith the #a;ing )3 +)is)n and int)2icants, (ith s)ldiering
)r the slaughtering )3 ani#als&K
The Buddha ad5ises His disci+les thus$
J'here3)re, O Bhi;;hus, h)(e5er #en #a. s+ea; c)ncerning
.)u, (hether in seas)n )r )ut )3 seas)n, (hether
a++r)+riatel. )r ina++r)+riatel., (hether c)urte)usl. )r
rudel., (hether (isel. )r 3))lishl., (hether ;indl. )r #alici)usl.,
thus, O Bhi;;hus, #ust .)u train .)ursel5es D
Unsullied shall )ur #inds re#ain, neither shall e5il ()rds
esca+e )ur li+s& Kind and c)#+assi)nate e5er shall (e
abide (ith hearts harb)uring n) ill(ill&
And (e shall en3)ld
th)se 5er. +ers)ns (ith strea#s )3 l)5ing th)ughts
un3ailing, and 3)rth 3r)# the# +r)ceeding (e shall radiate
the (h)le (ide ()rld (ith c)nstant th)ughts )3 l)5ing
691
;indness, a#+le, e2+anding, #easureless, 3ree 3r)# en#it.,
3ree 3r)# ill"(ill& Thus #ust .)u train .)ursel5es&K
He (h)se #ind is 3ree 3r)# sel3ish desires, hatred and cruelt.,
and is saturated (ith the s+irit )3 sel3lessness, l)5ing";indness
and har#lessness, li5es in +er3ect +eace& He is indeed a
blessing t) hi#sel3 and )thers&
7& ight Th)ughts lead t) ight S+eech, the third 3act)r& It
deals (ith re3raining 3r)# 3alseh))d, slandering, harsh ()rds,
and 3ri5)l)us tal;&
He (h) tries t) eradicate sel3ish desires cann)t indulge
in uttering 3alseh))d )r in slandering 3)r an. sel3ish end )r
+ur+)se& He is truth3ul and trust()rth. and e5er see;s the
g))d and beauti3ul in )thers instead )3 decei5ing, de3a#ing,
den)uncing )r disuniting his )(n 3ell)( beings& A har#less
#ind that generates l)5ing";indness cann)t gi5e 5ent t)
harsh s+eech (hich 3irst debases the s+ea;er and then hurts
an)ther& 'hat he utters is n)t )nl. true, s(eet and +leasant
but als) use3ul, 3ruit3ul and bene3icial&
9& ight S+eech 3)ll)(s ight Acti)n (hich deals (ith abstinence
3r)# ;illing, stealing and se2ual #isc)nduct&
These three e5il deeds are caused b. cra5ing and anger,
c)u+led (ith ign)rance& 'ith the gradual eli#inati)n )3 these
causes 3r)# the #ind )3 the s+iritual +ilgri#, bla#e()rth.
tendencies arising there3r)# (ill 3ind n) e2+ressi)n& Under
n) +retence ()uld he ;ill )r steal& Being +ure in #ind, he
()uld lead a +ure li3e&
6 ?uri3.ing th)ughts, ()rds and deeds at the )utset,
the s+iritual +ilgri# tries t) +uri3. his li5elih))d @ight Li5elih))dA
b. re3raining 3r)# the 3i5e ;inds )3 trade (hich are 3)r
690
bidden t) a la."disci+le& The. are trading in ar#s @sattha5aniHHaA,
hu#an beings @satta5aniHHaA, 3lesh @#a#sa5aniHHaA, i&e& breeding
ani#als 3)r slaughter, int)2icating drin;s @#aHHa5aniHHaA, and
+)is)n @5isa5aniHHaA
bidden t) a la."disci+le& The. are trading in ar#s @sattha5aniHHaA,
hu#an beings @satta5aniHHaA, 3lesh @#a#sa5aniHHaA, i&e& breeding
ani#als 3)r slaughter, int)2icating drin;s @#aHHa5aniHHaA, and
+)is)n @5isa5aniHHaA
Strictl. s+ea;ing, 3r)# an Abhidha##a stand+)int, b.
right s+eech, right acti)n and right li5elih))d are #eant three
abstinences @5iratiA but n)t the three )++)site 5irtues&
:& ight E33)rt is 3)ur3)ld"na#el.$
i& The endea5)ur t) discard e5il that has alread. arisen,
ii&
The endea5)ur t) +re5ent the arising )3 unarisen e5il,
iii&
The endea5)ur t) de5el)+ unarisen g))d, and
i5&
The endea5)ur t) +r)#)te the g))d (hich has alread.
arisen&
ight E33)rt +la.s a 5er. i#+)rtant +art in the N)ble Eight3)ld
?ath& It is b. )ne>s )(n e33)rt that )ne>s deli5erance is )btained
and n)t b. #erel. see;ing re3uge in )thers )r b. )33ering
+ra.ers&
In #an are 3)und a rubbish"hea+ )3 e5il and a st)re"h)use
)3 5irtue& B. e33)rt )ne re#)5es this rubbish"hea+ and culti5ates
these latent 5irtues&
<& ight E33)rt is cl)sel. ass)ciated (ith ight Mind3ulness&
It is the c)nstant #ind3ulness (ith regard t)
b)d. @;a.anu+assanaA, 3eelings @5edananu+assanaA, th)ughts
@cittanu+assanaA, and #ind )bHects @dha##anu+assanaA&
Mind3ulness )n these 3)ur )bHects tend t) eradicate the
#isc)nce+ti)ns (ith regard t) desirabilit. @subhaA, s)"called
ha++iness @su;haA, +er#anence @niccaA, and an i##)rtal s)ul
@attaA res+ecti5el.&
68=
6 ight E33)rt and ight Mind3ulness lead t) ight
4)ncentrati)n& It is the )ne"+)intedness )3 the #ind&
A c)ncentrated #ind acts as a +)(er3ul aid t) see things
as the. trul. are b. #eans )3 +enetrati5e insight&
6 ight E33)rt and ight Mind3ulness lead t) ight
4)ncentrati)n& It is the )ne"+)intedness )3 the #ind&
A c)ncentrated #ind acts as a +)(er3ul aid t) see things
as the. trul. are b. #eans )3 +enetrati5e insight&
t() are gr)u+ed in (isd)# @+aQQaA, the sec)nd three in #)ralit.
@silaA and the last three in c)ncentrati)n @sa#adhiA&
Sila
ight S+eech
ight Acti)n
ight Li5elih))d
Sa#adhi
ight E33)rt
ight Mind3ulness
ight 4)ncentrati)n
?aQQa
ight Understanding
ight Th)ughts
Acc)rding t) the )rder )3 de5el)+#ent sila, sa#adhi, and +aQQa
are the three stages )3 the ?ath&
Strictl. s+ea;ing, 3r)# an ulti#ate stand+)int, these 3act)rs
that c)#+rise the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath signi3. eight #ental
+r)+erties @cetasi;aA c)llecti5el. 3)und in the 3)ur classes )3
su+ra#undane c)nsci)usness @l);utttara cittaA (h)se )bHect is
Nibbana&
The. are$N +aQQindri.a @3acult. )3 (isd)#A, 5ita;;a @initial
a++licati)nA, 5irati @three abstinences,A 5iri.a @energ.A, sati
@#ind3ulnessA and e;aggata @)ne"+)intednessA res+ecti5el.&
All these 3act)rs den)te the #ental attitude )3 the as+irant
(h) is stri5ing t) gain his Deli5erance&
!
6 /
4ha+ter /1
Ka##a
JAll li5ing beings ha5e Ka##a as their )(n&K
D MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a
Ka##a/ is the la( )3 #)ral causati)n& ebirth is its c)r)llar.&
B)th Ka##a and ebirth are interrelated, 3unda#ental d)c
trines in Buddhis#&
These t() d)ctrines (ere +re5alent in India be3)re the ad
5ent )3 the Buddha& Ne5ertheless, it (as the Buddha (h) e2
+lained and 3)r#ulated the# in the c)#+leteness in (hich
(e ha5e the# t)da.&
'hat is the cause )3 the ineGualit. that e2ists a#)ngst
#an;indB
H)( d) (e acc)unt 3)r the une5enness in this ill"balanced
()rldB
'h. sh)uld )ne be br)ught u+ in the la+ )3 lu2ur., end)(ed
(ith e2cellent #ental, #)ral, and +h.sical Gualities, and an
)ther in abs)lute +)5ert., in abHect #iser.B 'h. sh)uld )ne be
b)rn a #illi)naire and an)ther a +au+erB 'h. sh)uld )ne be a
#ental +r)dig. and an)ther an idi)tB 'h. sh)uld )ne be b)rn
(ith saintl. characteristics and an)ther (ith cri#inal tenden
ciesB 'h. sh)uld s)#e be linguists, artists, #athe#aticians,
and #usicians 3r)# the 5er. cradleB 'h. sh)uld )thers be
c)ngenitall. blind, dea3, and de3)r#edB 'h. sh)uld s)#e be
blessed and )thers cursed 3r)# their birthB
Either there is a de3inite cause 3)r this ineGualit. )r there
is n)t& I3 there is n)t, the ineGualit. is +urel. accidental&
N) sensible +ers)n ()uld thin; )3 attributing this
/& Sa#s;rit$ Kar#a
686
ineGualit. t) blind chance )r +ure accident&
ineGualit. t) blind chance )r +ure accident&
intellect& The de3inite in5isible cause )r causes )3 the 5isible
e33ect #a. n)t necessaril. be c)n3ined t) the +resent li3e, but
c)uld be traced t) a +r)2i#ate )r re#)te +ast birth& 'ith the
aid )3 telesthesia and retr)c)gniti5e ;n)(ledge, #a. it n)t be
+)ssible 3)r a highl. de5el)+ed seer t) +ercei5e e5ents (hich
are )rdinaril. i#+erce+tible t) the +h.sical e.eB Buddhists a3
3ir# such a +)ssibilit.&
The #aH)rit. )3 #an;ind attribute this ineGualit. t) a single
cause such as the (ill )3 a 4reat)r& The Buddha e2+licitl.
denies the e2istence )3 a 4reat)r as an Al#ight. Being )r as a
causeless c)s#ic 3)rce&6
N)(, h)( d) #)dern scientists acc)unt 3)r the ineGualit.
)3 #an;indB
4)n3ining the#sel5es +urel. t) sense"data, the. attribute
this ineGualit. t) che#ic)+h.sical causes, heredit., and
en5ir)n#ent&
-ulian Hu2le., a distinguished bi)l)gist, (rites$
JS)#e genes c)ntr)l c)l)ur, )thers height )r (eight, )thers
3ertilit. )r length )3 li3e, )thers 5ig)ur and the re5erse,
)thers sha+e )r +r)+)rti)ns& ?)ssibl. all, certainl. the 5ast
#aH)rit., )3 hereditar. characteristics are genec)ntr)lled&
*)r #ental characters, es+eciall. the #)re c)#+le2 and
subtle )nes, the +r))3 is #)re di33icult, but there is e5er.
e5idence that the. are inheritable, and n) e5idence that
their inheritance is due t) a di33erent #echanis# 3r)#
that 3)r b)dil. characters& That (hich is inherited in )ur
& See cha+ter 67
687
+ers)nalit. and b)dil. +eculiarities de+ends s)#eh)(
u+)n the interacti)n )3 this ass)rted batter. )3 genes (ith
(hich (e are eGui++ed at 3ertiliIati)n&K
+ers)nalit. and b)dil. +eculiarities de+ends s)#eh)(
u+)n the interacti)n )3 this ass)rted batter. )3 genes (ith
(hich (e are eGui++ed at 3ertiliIati)n&K
One #ust ad#it that all such che#ic)"+h.sical +hen)#ena,
re5ealed b. scientists, are +artl. instru#ental, D but c)uld
the. be s)lel. res+)nsible 3)r the subtle distincti)ns that e2ist
a#)ngst indi5idualsB !et, (h. sh)uld identical t(ins (h) are
+h.sicall. ali;e, inheriting li;e genes, enH).ing the sa#e +ri5ileges
)3 u+bringing, be te#+era#entall., intellectuall. and
#)rall. t)tall. di33erentB
Heredit. al)ne cann)t acc)unt 3)r these 5ast di33erences&
Strictl. s+ea;ing, it acc)unts #)re +lausibl. 3)r s)#e )3 the
si#ilarities than 3)r #)st )3 the di33erences&
The in3initesi#all. #inute che#ic)"+h.sical ger#, (hich
is su++)sed t) be ab)ut 7= #illi)nth +art )3 an inch acr)ss, inherited
3r)# +arents, e2+lains )nl. a +)rti)n )3 #an, his +h.sical
3)undati)n& 'ith regard t) the #)re c)#+le2 and subtle
#ental, intellectual, and #)ral di33erences (e need #)re enlighten#ent&
The the)r. )3 heredit. cann)t satis3act)ril. acc)unt
3)r the birth )3 a cri#inal in a l)ng line )3 h)n)urable
ancest)rs, 3)r the birth )3 a Saint in a 3a#il. )3 e5il re+ute, 3)r
the arising )3 in3ant +r)digies, #en )3 genius and great s+iritual
teachers&
Dealing (ith this Guesti)n )3 heredit., Dr& Th& ?ascal (rites
in his interesting b)); )n Meincarnati)n>$
JT) return t) the r)le +la.ed b. the ger# in the Guesti)n )3 heredit.
(e re+eat that the +h.sical ger#, )3 itsel3 al)ne, e2+lains
)nl. a +)rti)n )3 #anL it thr)(s light )n the +h.sical side )3
heredit., but lea5es in as great dar;ness as e5er the +r)ble# )3
7& The Strea# )3 Li3e, +& / &
689
#)ral and intellectual 3acult.& I3 it re+resented the (h)le #an,
)ne ()uld e2+ect t) 3ind in an. indi5idual the Gualities #ani3ested
in his +r)genit)rs and +arents D ne5er an. )therL these
Gualities c)uld n)t e2ceed the a#)unt +)ssessed b. the +arents,
(hereas (e 3ind cri#inals 3r)# birth in the #)st res+ectable
3a#ilies, and saints b)rn t) +arents (h) are the 5er. scu# )3
s)ciet.& !)u #a. c)#e acr)ss identical t(ins, i&e&, beings b)rn
3r)# the sa#e ger#, under the sa#e c)nditi)ns )3 ti#e and
en5ir)n#ent, )ne )3 (h)# is an angel and the )ther a de#)n,
th)ugh their +h.sical 3)r#s cl)sel. rese#ble each )ther& 4hild
+r)digies are su33icientl. nu#er)us t) tr)uble 3reGuentl. the
thin;er (ith the +r)ble# )3 heredit.& In the lineage )3 these
+r)digies has there been 3)und a single ancest)r ca+able )3 e2+laining
these 3aculties, as ast)nishing as the. are +re#atureB
I3, t) the absence )3 a cause in their +r)genit)rs is added the
3act that genius is n)t hereditar., that M)Iarts, Beeth)5ens
and Dantes ha5e le3t n) children sta#+ed 3r)# birth as +r)digies
)r genius, (e shall be 3)rced t) the c)nclusi)n that, (ithin
the li#its it has ta;en u+, #aterialis# is unable t) e2+lain heredit.&
N)r is heredit. al(a.s realiIedL #an. a +h.sical characteristic
is n)t re+r)duced, in 3a#ilies tainted (ith danger)us
+h.si)l)gical de3ects, #an. children esca+e the e5il, and the
diseased tendencies )3 the tissues re#ain latent in the#, alth)ugh
the. )3ten a33ect their descendants& On the )ther hand
e2tre#el. di5ergent #ental t.+es are )3ten #et (ith in the
sa#e 3a#il.,
#)ral and intellectual 3acult.& I3 it re+resented the (h)le #an,
)ne ()uld e2+ect t) 3ind in an. indi5idual the Gualities #ani3ested
in his +r)genit)rs and +arents D ne5er an. )therL these
Gualities c)uld n)t e2ceed the a#)unt +)ssessed b. the +arents,
(hereas (e 3ind cri#inals 3r)# birth in the #)st res+ectable
3a#ilies, and saints b)rn t) +arents (h) are the 5er. scu# )3
s)ciet.& !)u #a. c)#e acr)ss identical t(ins, i&e&, beings b)rn
3r)# the sa#e ger#, under the sa#e c)nditi)ns )3 ti#e and
en5ir)n#ent, )ne )3 (h)# is an angel and the )ther a de#)n,
th)ugh their +h.sical 3)r#s cl)sel. rese#ble each )ther& 4hild
+r)digies are su33icientl. nu#er)us t) tr)uble 3reGuentl. the
thin;er (ith the +r)ble# )3 heredit.& In the lineage )3 these
+r)digies has there been 3)und a single ancest)r ca+able )3 e2+laining
these 3aculties, as ast)nishing as the. are +re#atureB
I3, t) the absence )3 a cause in their +r)genit)rs is added the
3act that genius is n)t hereditar., that M)Iarts, Beeth)5ens
and Dantes ha5e le3t n) children sta#+ed 3r)# birth as +r)digies
)r genius, (e shall be 3)rced t) the c)nclusi)n that, (ithin
the li#its it has ta;en u+, #aterialis# is unable t) e2+lain heredit.&
N)r is heredit. al(a.s realiIedL #an. a +h.sical characteristic
is n)t re+r)duced, in 3a#ilies tainted (ith danger)us
+h.si)l)gical de3ects, #an. children esca+e the e5il, and the
diseased tendencies )3 the tissues re#ain latent in the#, alth)ugh
the. )3ten a33ect their descendants& On the )ther hand
e2tre#el. di5ergent #ental t.+es are )3ten #et (ith in the
sa#e 3a#il.,and #an. a 5irtu)us +arent is t)rn (ith grie3
)n seeing the 5ici)us tendencies )3 the child& S) (e 3ind that
heredit. and en5ir)n#ent either 3ail t) 3ul3ill their +r)#ise )r
else gi5e (hat (as n)t theirs t) gi5e&K
& O3 Sha;es+eare, 4)l& lngers)l (rites$ JNeither )3 his +arents c)uld read )r
(rite& He gre( u+ in a s#all and ign)rant 5illage&K
688
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# this ineGualit. is due n)t )nl. t)
heredit., en5ir)n#ent, Jnature and nurtureK,8 but als) t) the
)+erati)n )3 the la( )3 Ka##a )r, in )ther ()rds, t) the result
)3 )ur )(n inherited +ast acti)ns and )ur +resent d)ings& 'e
)ursel5es are res+)nsible 3)r )ur )(n ha++iness and #iser.&
'e create )ur )(n hea5en& 'e create )ur )(n hell& 'e are the
architects )3 )ur )(n 3ate&
The 4ause )3 IneGualit.
?er+le2ed b. the see#ingl. ine2+licable, a++arent dis+arit. that
e2ists a#)ngst hu#anit., a .)ung truth"see;er na#ed Subha
a++r)ached the Buddha and Guesti)ned hi# regarding it&
J'hat is the reas)n, (hat is the cause, O L)rd, that (e
3ind a#)ngst #an;ind the sh)rtli5ed
@a++a.u;aA and the
l)ngli5ed
@digha.u;aA, the diseased @ba5habadhaA and the
health. @a++abadhaA, the ugl. @dubbannaA and the beauti3ul
@5anna5antaA, the +)(erless @a++esa;;aA and the +)(er3ul
@#ahesa;;aA, the +))r @a++abh)gaA and the rich @#ahabh)gaA,
the l)(b)rn
@nica;ulinaA and the highb)rn
@ucca;ulinaA,
the ign)rant @du++aQQaA and the (ise @+aQQa5antaAB
The Buddha>s re+l. (as$
JAll li5ing beings ha5e acti)ns @Ka##aA as their )(n, their
inheritance, their c)ngenital cause, their ;ins#an, their
re3uge& It is Ka##a that di33erentiates beings int) l)( and
high states&K:
&
JHu#an ineGualit. s+rings 3r)# t() s)urces, nature and nurtureK& -&B&S& Haldane,
The IneGualit. )3 Man;ind&K +& 67&
&
Ka##assa;a #ana5a satta, Ka##ada.ada, Ka##a.)ni, Ka##abandhu,
Ka##a+atisarana,
Ka##a# satte 5ibhaHati .adida# hina++anitata.ati&
MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, 4ulla;a##a5ibhanga Sutta, N)& / , 43& Venerable
Nagasena>s re+l. t) the identical Guesti)n +ut b. King Milinda&
See 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)n D +& 6/9&
68:
He then e2+lained the causes )3 such di33erences in acc)rdance
(ith the la( )3 cause and e33ect&
He then e2+lained the causes )3 such di33erences in acc)rdance
(ith the la( )3 cause and e33ect&
bl))d, is engaged in ;illing and ()unding, and is n)t #erci3ul
t)(ards li5ing beings, he, as a result )3 his ;illing, (hen b)rn
a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be sh)rtli5ed&
I3 a +ers)n a5)ids ;illing, lea5es aside cudgel and (ea+)n, and
is #erci3ul and c)#+assi)nate t)(ards all li5ing beings, he, as
a result )3 his n)n;illing
(hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be
l)ng"li5ed&
I3 a +ers)n is in the habit )3 har#ing )thers (ith 3ist )r cl)d,
(ith cudgel )r s()rd, he, as a result )3 his har#3ulness, (hen
b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill su33er 3r)# 5ari)us diseases&
I3 a +ers)n is n)t in the habit )3 har#ing )thers, he, as a result )3
his har#lessness, (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill enH). g))d
health&
I3 a +ers)n is (rath3ul and turbulent, is irritated b. a tri5ial
()rd, gi5es 5ent t) anger, ill(ill
and resent#ent, he, as a result
)3 his irritabilit., (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill bec)#e ugl.&
I3 a +ers)n is n)t (rath3ul and turbulent, is n)t irritated e5en
b. a t)rrent )3 abuse, d)es n)t gi5e 5ent t) anger, ill(ill
and re
sent#ent, he, as a result )3 his a#iabilit., (hen b)rn a#)ngst
#an;ind, (ill bec)#e beauti3ul&
I3 a +ers)n is Heal)us, en5ies the gains )3 )thers, #ar;s )3 res+ect
and h)n)ur sh)(n t) )thers, st)res Heal)us. in his heart, he, as
a result )3 his Heal)us., (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be
+)(erless&
I3 a +ers)n is n)t Heal)us, d)es n)t en5. the gains )3 )thers,
#ar;s )3 res+ect and h)n)ur sh)(n t) )thers, st)res n)t Heal)us.
68<
in his heart, he, as a result )3 his absence )3 Heal)us., (hen b)rn
a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be +)(er3ul&
I3 a +ers)n d)es n)t gi5e an.thing 3)r charit., he, as a result )3
his greediness, (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be +))r&
I3 a +ers)n is bent )n charitable gi5ing, he, as a result )3 his gen
er)sit., (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be rich&
I3 a +ers)n is stubb)rn, haught., h)n)urs n)t th)se (h) are ()rth.
)3 h)n)ur, he, as a result )3 his arr)gance and irre5erence,
(hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be )3 l)(birth&
I3 a +ers)n is n)t stubb)rn, n)t haught., h)n)urs th)se (h) are
()rth. )3 h)n)ur, he, as a result )3 his hu#ilit. and de3erence,
(hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be )3 highbirth&
I3 a +ers)n d)es n)t a++r)ach the learned and the 5irtu)us and
inGuire (hat is g))d and (hat is e5il, (hat is right and (hat is
(r)ng, (hat sh)uld be +ractised and (hat sh)uld n)t be +ractised,
(hat sh)uld be d)ne and (hat sh)uld n)t be d)ne, (hat c)nduces
t) )ne>s (el3are and (hat t) )ne>s ruin, he, as a result )3 his n)ninGuiring
s+irit, (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be ign)rant&
I3 a +ers)n d)es a++r)ach the learned and the 5irtu)us and
#a;es inGuiries in the 3)reg)ing #anner, he, as a result )3 his inGuiring
s+irit, (hen b)rn a#)ngst #an;ind, (ill be intelligent&<
<& 'ith res+ect t) this si#ilarit. )3 acti)n and reacti)n the 3)ll)(ing n)te b. Dr&
Cri## (ill +erha+s be )3 interest t) the readers$ JIt is n)t di33icult in all these
cases als) t) sh)( the la( )3 a33init. as the regulat)r )3 the gras+ing )3 a ne(
ger# that )ccurs at death& 'h)s)e5er de5)id )3 c)#+assi)n, can ;ill #en )r,
ani#als, carries dee+ (ithin hi#sel3 the inclinati)n t) sh)rten li3e& He 3inds
satis3acti)n )r e5en +leasure in the sh)rt"li5edness )3 )ther creatures& Sh)rt"
li5ed ger#s ha5e there3)re s)#e a33init. (hich #a;es itsel3 ;n)(n a3ter his
death in the gras+ing )3 an)ther ger# (hich then ta;es +lace t) his )(n detri#ent&
E5en s), ger#s bearing (ithin the#sel5es the +)(er )3 de5el)+ing int)
a de3)r#ed b)d., ha5e an a33init. 3)r )ne (h) 3inds +leasure in ill"treating and
dis3iguring )thers& V
6 1
4ertainl. (e are b)rn (ith hereditar. characteristics& At the
sa#e ti#e (e +)ssess certain innate abilities that science can
4ertainl. (e are b)rn (ith hereditar. characteristics& At the
sa#e ti#e (e +)ssess certain innate abilities that science cand
3)r the gr)ss s+er# and )5u# that 3)r# the nucleus )3 this
s)"called being& There the. re#ain d)r#ant until this +)tential
ger#inal c)#+)und is 5italiIed b. the Ka##ic energ.
needed 3)r the +r)ducti)n )3 the 3)etus& Ka##a is there3)re
the indis+ensable c)nce+ti5e cause )3 this being&
The accu#ulated Ka##ic tendencies inherited, in the
c)urse )3 +re5i)us li5es, at ti#es +la. a 3ar greater r)le than
the hereditar. +arental cells and genes in the 3)r#ati)n )3
b)th +h.sical and #ental characteristics&
The Buddha, 3)r instance, inherited, li;e e5er. )ther +ers)n,
the re+r)ducti5e cells and genes 3r)# his +arents& But
+h.sicall., #)rall., and intellectuall. there (as n)ne c)#+arable
t) Hi# in His l)ng line )3 h)n)urable ancest)rs& In the
Buddha>s )(n ()rds, He bel)nged n)t t) the ).al lineage,
but t) that )3 the Ari.an Buddhas& He (as certainl. a su+er
#an, an e2tra)rdinar. creati)n )3 His )(n Ka##a&
Acc)rding t) the La;;hana Sutta1
the Buddha inherited
e2ce+ti)nal +h.sical 3eatures such as the thirt."t() #aH)r
JAn angr. +ers)n begets (ithin hi#sel3 an a33init. 3)r ugl. b)dies and
their res+ecti5e ger#s, since it is the characteristic #ar; )3 anger t) dis3igure
the 3ace& J'h)e5er is Heal)us, niggardl., haught., carries (ithin hi#sel3 the
tendenc. t) grudge e5er.thing t) )thers and t) des+ise the#& Acc)rdingl.
ger#s that are destined t) de5el)+ in +))r, )ut(ard circu#stances, +)ssess
a33init. 3)r hi#&
JIt is, )3 c)urse, )nl. a c)nseGuence )3 the ab)5e, that a change )3 se2 #a.
als) ensue&
JThus it is related in the Digha Ni;a.a N)& 6/
that C)+i;a, a daughter )3 the
Sa;.a h)use, (as reb)rn a3ter her death as C)+a;a De5a+utta, because the
3e#ale #ind has bec)#e re+ulsi5e t) her, and she had 3)r#ed a #ale #ind
(ithin hersel3&K The D)ctrine )3 the Buddha& +& /0/&
& Digha Ni;a.a, iii, /96, N)& 7=&
6 0
#ar;s, as the result )3 his +ast #erit)ri)us deeds& The ethical
#ar;s, as the result )3 his +ast #erit)ri)us deeds& The ethical
d
in the disc)urse&
It is )b5i)us 3r)# this uniGue case that Ka##ic tendencies
c)uld n)t )nl. in3luence )ur +h.sical )rganis#, but als)
nulli3. the +)tentialit. )3 the +arental cells and genes D hence
the signi3icance )3 the Buddha>s enig#atic state#ent$ J'e are
the heirs )3 )ur )(n acti)ns&K
Dealing (ith this +r)ble# )3 5ariati)n the Atthasalini
states$
JDe+ending )n this di33erence in Ka##a a++ears the di33erence
in the birth )3 beings, high and l)(, base and e2alted, ha++. and
#iserable& De+ending )n the di33erence in Ka##a a++ears the
di33erence in the indi5idual 3eatures )3 beings as beauti3ul and
ugl., highb)rn
and l)(b)rn,
(ellbuilt
and de3)r#ed& De+ending
)n the di33erence in Ka##a a++ears the di33erence in ()rldl.
c)nditi)ns )3 beings as gain and l)ss, 3a#e and disgrace, bla#e
and +raise, ha++iness and #iser.K&
JB. Ka##a the ()rld #)5es, b. Ka##a #en
Li5eL and b. Ka##a are all beings b)und
As b. its +in the r)lling chari)t (heel&
B. Ka##a )ne attains gl)r. and +raise&
B. Ka##a b)ndage, ruin, t.rann.,
Kn)(ing that Ka##a bears 3ruit #ani3)ld,
'h. sa. .e, MIn the ()rld n) Ka##a is>&K0
Thus, 3r)# a Buddhist stand+)int, )ur +resent #ental, #)ral,
intellectual, and te#+era#ental di33erences are +re+)nderantl.
due t) )ur )(n acti)ns and tendencies, b)th +ast and
+resent&
& ?& :8L The E2+)sit)r, i& 1<&
6:=
E5er.thing is n)t due t) Ka##a
E5er.thing is n)t due t) Ka##a
/=
e3uting the err)ne)us 5ie( that J'hats)e5er (eal )r
()e )r neutral 3eeling is e2+erienced, is all due t) s)#e +re5i)us
acti)n @+ubbe;atahetuA,K the Buddha states$
JS), then, )(ing t) +re5i)us acti)n, #en (ill bec)#e #urderers,
thie5es, unchaste, liars, slanderers, babblers, c)5et)us,
#alici)us, and +er5erse in 5ie(& Thus 3)r th)se (h)
3all bac; )n the 3)r#er deeds as the essential reas)n, there
is neither the desire t) d), n)r e33)rt t) d), n)r necessit. t)
d) this deed )r abstain 3r)# that deed&//
This i#+)rtant te2t c)ntradicts the belie3 that all +h.sical
circu#stances and #ental attitudes s+ring s)lel. 3r)# +ast
Ka##a& I3 the +resent li3e is t)tall. c)nditi)ned )r (h)ll.
c)ntr)lled b. )ur +ast acti)ns, then Ka##a is certainl. tanta#)unt
t) 3atalis# )r +re"deter#inati)n )r +re"destinati)n&
One (ill n)t be 3ree t) #)uld )ne>s +resent and 3uture& I3 this
(ere true, 3ree(ill ()uld be an absurdit.& Li3e ()uld be +urel.
#echanical, n)t #uch di33erent 3r)# a #achine& 'hether (e
are created b. an Al#ight. C)d (h) c)ntr)ls )ur destinies
and 3)re")rdains )ur 3uture, )r are +r)duced b. an irresistible
+ast Ka##a that c)#+letel. deter#ines )ur 3ate and c)ntr)ls
)ur li3e>s c)urse, inde+endent )3 an. 3ree acti)n )n )ur +art, is
essentiall. the sa#e& The )nl. di33erence then lies in the t()
/=& See 4)#+endiu# )3 ?hil)s)+h., +& /0/, Manual )3 Abhidha##a b. Narada Thera&
//& Anguttara Ni;a.a D i, /< L Cradual Sa.ings, i& / <&
6:/
()rds C)d and Ka##a& One c)uld easil. be substituted 3)r
the )ther, because the ulti#ate )+erati)n )3 b)th 3)rces ()uld
be identical&
()rds C)d and Ka##a& One c)uld easil. be substituted 3)r
the )ther, because the ulti#ate )+erati)n )3 b)th 3)rces ()uld
be identical&
The *i5e Ni.a#as
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# there are 3i5e )rders )r +r)cesses
@Ni.a#asA/6
(hich )+erate in the +h.sical and #ental real#s&
The. are$N
/
Utu Ni.a#a, +h.sical in)rganic )rderL e&g&, seas)nal +hen)#ena
)3 (inds and rains, the unerring )rder )3 seas)ns,
characteristic seas)nal changes and e5ents, causes )3 (inds
and rains, nature )3 heat, etc& bel)ng t) this gr)u+&
6 BiHa Ni.a#a, )rder )3 ger#s and seeds @+h.sical )rganic
)rderAL e&g&, rice +r)duced 3r)# rice seed, sugar. taste 3r)#
sugar"cane )r h)ne., and +eculiar characteristics )3 certain
3ruits& The scienti3ic the)r. )3 cells and genes and the +h.sical
si#ilarit. )3 t(ins #a. be ascribed t) this )rder&
7 Ka##a Ni.a#a, )rder )3 act and resultL e&g&, desirable
and undesirable acts +r)duce c)rres+)nding g))d and bad
results&
As surel. as (ater see;s its )(n le5el, s) d)es Ka##a, gi5en
)++)rtunit., +r)duce its ine5itable result, D n)t in the 3)r# )3
a re(ard )r +unish#ent but as an innate seGuence& This seGuence
)3 deed and e33ect is as natural and necessar. as the
(a. )3 the sun and the #))n, and is the retributi5e +rinci+le
)3 Ka##a&
Inherent in Ka##a is als) the c)ntinuati5e +rinci+le&
/ & See Abhidha##a5atara, +& 89L Mrs& h.s Da5ids, Buddhis#, +& //0&
6:6
Mani3)ld e2+eriences, +ers)nal characteristics, accu#ulated
;n)(ledge, and s) 3)rth are all indelibl. rec)rded in the
+ali#+sest"li;e #ind& All these e2+eriences and characters
trans#igrate 3r)# li3e t) li3e& Thr)ugh la+se )3 ti#e the. #a.
be 3)rg)tten as in the case )3 )ur e2+eriences )3 )ur childh))d&
in3ant +r)digies and ()nder3ul children, (h) s+ea; in di33erent
languages (ith)ut recei5ing an. instructi)n, are n)te()rth.
e2a#+les )3 the c)ntinuati5e +rinci+le )3 Ka##a&
/
Dha##a Ni.a#a, )rder )3 the n)r#L e&g&, the natural
+hen)#ena )ccurring at the birth )3 a B)dhisatta in his last
birth& Cra5itati)n and )ther si#ilar la(s )3 nature, the reas)n
3)r being g))d, etc& #a. be included in this gr)u+&
6 4itta Ni.a#a, )rder )3 #ind )r +s.chic la(L e&g&, +r)cesses
)3 c)nsci)usness, c)nstituents )3 c)nsci)usness, +)(er
)3 #ind, including tele+ath., telesthesia, retr)c)gniti)n, +re#)niti)n,
clair"5).ance, clair"audience, th)ught"reading, and
such )ther +s.chic +hen)#ena, (hich are ine2+licable t) #)dern
science&
E5er. #ental )r +h.sical +hen)#en)n c)uld be e2+lained b.
these all"e#bracing 3i5e )rders )r +r)cesses (hich are la(s in
the#sel5es& Ka##a as such is )nl. )ne )3 these 3i5e )rders&
Li;e all )ther natural la(s, the. de#and n) la(gi5er&
O3 these 3i5e, the +h.sical in)rganic )rder, the +h.sical )rganic
)rder and the )rder )3 the n)r# are #)re )r less )3 the
#echanical t.+e th)ugh the. can be c)ntr)lled t) s)#e e2tent
b. hu#an ingenuit. and the +)(er )3 #ind& *)r e2a#+le,
3ire n)r#all. burns, and e2tre#e c)ld 3reeIes, but #an has
(al;ed unscathed )5er 3ire and #editated na;ed )n Hi#ala.an
sn)(sL h)rticulturists ha5e ()r;ed #ar5els (ith 3l)(ers
6:7
and 3ruitsL and !)gis ha5e +er3)r#ed le5itati)n& ?s.chic la(
and 3ruitsL and !)gis ha5e +er3)r#ed le5itati)n& ?s.chic la(
l
)3 #ind, (hich is +)ssible b. right understanding and s;il3ul
5)liti)n& Ka##a la( )+erates Guite aut)#aticall. and, (hen
the Ka##a is +)(er3ul, #an cann)t inter3ere (ith its ine2)rable
result th)ugh he #a. desire t) d) s)L but here als) right
understanding and s;il3ul 5)liti)n can acc)#+lish #uch and
#)uld the 3uture& C))d Ka##a, +ersisted in, can th(art the
rea+ing )3 bad&
Ka##a is certainl. an intricate la( (h)se ()r;ing is 3ull.
c)#+rehended )nl. b. a Buddha& The Buddhist ai#s at the
3inal destructi)n )3 all Ka##a&
Ka##a"Vi+a;a @3ruit )3 acti)nA is )ne )3 the 3)ur unthin;ables
@acinte..aA, states the Buddha in the Anguttara Ni;a.a&/
!
/7& See Cradual Sa.ings, +art 6, +& 0=&
6:9
4ha+ter /0
'hat is Ka##aB
JV)liti)n is Ka##a&K D Anguttara Ni;a.a
Ka##a
The ?ali ter# Ka##a, literall., #eans acti)n )r d)ing& An.
;ind )3 intenti)nal acti)n (hether #ental, 5erbal, )r +h.sical
is regarded as Ka##a& It c)5ers all that is included in the
+hrase$ JTh)ught, ()rd and deedK& Cenerall. s+ea;ing, all
g))d and bad acti)ns c)nstitute Ka##a& In its ulti#ate sense
Ka##a #eans all #)ral and i##)ral 5)liti)n @;usala a;usala
cetanaA& In5)luntar., unintenti)nal )r unc)nsci)us acti)ns,
th)ugh technicall. deeds, d) n)t c)nstitute Ka##a, because
5)liti)n, the #)st i#+)rtant 3act)r in deter#ining Ka##a, is
absent&/
TheBuddhasa.s$NJIdeclare,OBhi;;hus,that5)liti)n@cetanaA
is Ka##a& Ha5ing (illed )ne acts b. b)d., s+eech and th)ught&K
E5er. 5)liti)nal acti)n )3 +ers)ns, e2ce+t th)se )3 Buddhas
and Arahants, is called Ka##a& An e2ce+ti)n is #ade in
their case because the. are deli5ered 3r)# b)th g))d and e5il&
The. ha5e eradicated b)th ign)rance and cra5ing, the r))ts
)3 Ka##a& JDestr).ed are their @ger#inalA seeds @;hinabiHaA,
sel3ish desires n) l)nger gr)(,K states the atana Sutta& This
d)es n)t #ean that the Buddhas and Arahants are +assi5e&
The. are tirelessl. acti5e in ()r;ing 3)r the real (ell"being
and ha++iness )3 all& Their deeds, )rdinaril. acce+ted as g))d
)r #)ral, lac; creati5e +)(er as regards the#sel5es& Under
standing things as the. trul. are, the. ha5e 3inall. shattered
their c)s#ic 3etters D the chain )3 cause and e33ect&
/& Anguttara Ni;a.a iii, +& 9/ , The E2+)sit)r, +art I, //<L Atthasalini, +& 11&
6:8
S)#e religi)ns attribute this une5enness t) Ka##a, but
the. di33er 3r)# Buddhis# (hen the. state that e5en unintenti)nal
acti)ns sh)uld be regarded as Ka##a&
S)#e religi)ns attribute this une5enness t) Ka##a, but
the. di33er 3r)# Buddhis# (hen the. state that e5en unintenti)nal
acti)ns sh)uld be regarded as Ka##a&
6
JThis ast)unding the)r. und)ubtedl. leads t) +al+able
absurdities&
JThe e#br.) and the #)ther ()uld b)th be guilt. )3 #a;ing
each )ther su33er& *urther the anal)g. )3 the 3ire is l)gicall.
3allaci)us& *)r instance, a #an ()uld n)t be guilt. i3
he g)t an)ther +ers)n t) c)##it the #urder, 3)r )ne is n)t
burnt i3 )ne gets an)ther t) +ut his hand int) the 3ire& M)re)5er
unintenti)nal acti)ns ()uld be #uch ()rse than intenti)nal
(r)ng acti)ns, 3)r, acc)rding t) the c)#+aris)n, a #an
(h) t)uches 3ire (ith)ut ;n)(ing that it ()uld burn is li;el.
t) be #)re dee+l. burnt than the #an (h) ;n)(s&
In the ()r;ing )3 Ka##a its #)st i#+)rtant 3eature is
#ind& All )ur ()rds and deeds are c)l)ured b. the #ind )r
c)nsci)usness (e e2+erience at such +articular #)#ents&
J'hen the #ind is unguarded, b)dil. acti)n is unguardedL
s+eech als) is unguardedL th)ught als) is unguarded& 'hen the
#ind is guarded, b)dil. acti)n is guardedL s+eech als) is guardedL
and th)ught als) is guarded&K7
JB. #ind the ()rld is led, b. #ind is dra(n$
And all #en )(n the s)5ereignt. )3 #ind&K
JI3 )ne s+ea;s )r acts (ith a (ic;ed #ind, +ain 3)ll)(s )ne as
6& See ?)ussin& The 'a. t) Nir5ana, +& :1&
& Atthasalini +& :1& The E2+)sit)r, +art I, +& 0/
6::
the (heel, the h))3 )3 the draught)2&K
the (heel, the h))3 )3 the draught)2&K
JI3 )ne s+ea;s )r acts (ith a +ure #ind, ha++iness 3)ll)(s )ne
as the shad)( that ne5er de+arts&K8
I##aterial #ind c)nditi)ns all Ka##ic acti5ities&
Ka##a d)es n)t necessaril. #ean +ast acti)ns& It e#braces
b)th +ast and +resent deeds& Hence, in )ne sense, (e
are the result )3 (hat (e (ere, (e (ill be the result )3 (hat
(e are& In an)ther sense, it sh)uld be added, (e are n)t t)tall.
the result )3 (hat (e (ere, (e (ill n)t abs)lutel. be the result
)3 (hat (e are& The +resent is n) d)ubt the )33s+ring )3
the +ast and is the +arent )3 the 3uture, but the +resent is n)t
al(a.s a true inde2 )3 either the +ast )r the 3uture D s) c)#+le2
is the ()r;ing )3 Ka##a& *)r instance, a cri#inal t)da.
#a. be a saint t)#)rr)(, a g))d +ers)n .esterda. #a. be a
5ici)us )ne t)da.&
It is this d)ctrine )3 Ka##a that the #)ther teaches her
child (hen she sa.s$ JBe g))d and .)u (ill be ha++. and (e
(ill l)5e .)u& But i3 .)u are bad, .)u (ill be unha++. and (e
(ill n)t l)5e .)u&K
Li;e attracts li;e& C))d begets g))d& E5il begets e5il& This
is the la( )3 Ka##a&
In sh)rt Ka##a is the la( )3 cause and e33ect in the ethical
real#, )r as s)#e 'esterners +re3er t) sa., Jacti)n in3luence&K
Ka##a and Vi+a;a
Ka##a is acti)n, and Vi+a;a, 3ruit )r result, is its reacti)n& -ust
as e5er. )bHect is acc)#+anied b. a shad)(, e5en s) e5er.
5)liti)nal acti5it. is ine5itabl. acc)#+anied b. its due e33ect&
9& Dha##a+ada, V& /&
& Ibid, V& 6&
6:<
Li;e +)tential seed is Ka##a& *ruit, arising 3r)# the tree, is
the Vi+a;a, e33ect )r result& As Ka##a #a. be g))d )r bad,
s) #a. Vi+a;a, 3ruit, be g))d )r bad& As Ka##a is #ental, s)
Vi+a;a t)) is #entalL it is e2+erienced as ha++iness )r bliss,
Li;e +)tential seed is Ka##a& *ruit, arising 3r)# the tree, is
the Vi+a;a, e33ect )r result& As Ka##a #a. be g))d )r bad,
s) #a. Vi+a;a, 3ruit, be g))d )r bad& As Ka##a is #ental, s)
Vi+a;a t)) is #entalL it is e2+erienced as ha++iness )r bliss,
'hen Vi+a;a>s c)nc)#itant #aterial c)nditi)ns are disad5antage)us,
the. are ;n)(n as adina5a @e5il c)nseGuencesA,
and a++ear as +)5ert., ugliness, disease, sh)rt li3e s+an and
the li;e&
B. Ka##a are #eant the M)ral and I##)ral t.+es )3
#undane c)nsci)usness @;usala a;usala l);i.a cittaA, and b.
Vi+a;a, the resultant t.+es )3 #undane c)nsci)usness @l);i.a
5i+a;acittaA&
Acc)rding t) Abhidha##a,: Ka##a c)nstitutes the
t(el5e t.+es )3 i##)ral c)nsci)usness, eight t.+es )3 #)ral
c)nsci)usness +ertaining t) the Sentient eal# @;a#a5acaraA,
3i5e t.+es )3 #)ral c)nsci)usness +ertaining t) the eal#s
)3 *)r#s @ru+a5acaraA, and 3)ur t.+es )3 #)ral c)nsci)usness
+ertaining t) the *)r#less eal#s @aru+a5acaraA&
The eight t.+es )3 su+ra#undane @l);uttaraA c)nsci)usness
are n)t regarded as Ka##a, because the. tend t) eradicate
the r))ts )3 Ka##a& In the# the +red)#inant 3act)r is
(isd)# @+aQQaA (hile in the #undane it is 5)liti)n @cetanaA&
The nine t.+es )3 #)ral c)nsci)usness +ertaining t)
the eal#s )3 *)r# and the *)r#less eal#s are the 3i5e
u+a5acara and 3)ur Aru+a5acara -hanas @EcstasiesA (hich are
+urel. #ental&
:& See 4)#+endiu# )3 ?hil)s)+h. Abhidha##attha
Sangaha, 4ha+ter /L Manual )3
Abhidha##a, ch& /&
6:1
')rds and deeds are caused b. the 3irst t(ent. t.+es )3
#undane c)nsci)usness& Verbal acti)ns are d)ne b. the #ind
b. #eans )3 s+eech& B)dil. acti)ns are d)ne b. the #ind
thr)ugh the instru#ent )3 the b)d.& ?urel. #ental acti)ns
ha5e n) )ther instru#ent than the #ind&
')rds and deeds are caused b. the 3irst t(ent. t.+es )3
#undane c)nsci)usness& Verbal acti)ns are d)ne b. the #ind
b. #eans )3 s+eech& B)dil. acti)ns are d)ne b. the #ind
thr)ugh the instru#ent )3 the b)d.& ?urel. #ental acti)ns
ha5e n) )ther instru#ent than the #ind&
< t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness are called
Ka##a because the. ha5e the +)(er t) +r)duce their due e3
3ects Guite aut)#aticall., inde+endent )3 an. e2ternal agenc.&
Th)se t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness (hich )ne e2+eriences as ine5itable
c)nseGuences )3 )ne>s #)ral and i##)ral th)ughts
are called resultant c)nsci)usness +ertaining t) the Sentient
eal#& The 3i5e t.+es )3 resultant c)nsci)usness +ertaining t)
the eal#s )3 *)r# and the 3)ur t.+es )3 resultant c)nsci)usness
+ertaining t) the *)r#less eal#s are called Vi+a;a )r
3ruiti)n )3 Ka##a&
As (e s)(, s) (e rea+ s)#e(here and s)#eti#e, in this
li3e )r in a 3uture birth& 'hat (e rea+ t)da. is (hat (e ha5e
s)(n either in the +resent )r in the +ast&
The Sa#.utta Ni;a.a1 states$
JAcc)rding t) the seed that>s s)(n,
S) is the 3ruit .e rea+ there3r)#
D)er )3 g))d @(ill gatherA g))d&
D)er )3 e5il, e5il @rea+sA&
S)(n is the seed, and +lanted (ell&
Th)u shalt enH). the 3ruit there)3&K
Ka##a is a la( in itsel3 (hich )+erates in its )(n 3ield (ith)ut
the inter5enti)n )3 an. e2ternal, inde+endent ruling agenc.&
Inherent in Ka##a is the +)tentialit. )3 +r)ducing its due
<& 6= W 8 W 9 X 60
1&
V)l& /, +& 66<L Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, +& 60 &
6:0
e33ect& The cause +r)duces the e33ect, the e33ect e2+lains the
cause& The seed +r)duces the 3ruit, the 3ruit e2+lains the seed,
such is their relati)nshi+& E5en s) are Ka##a and its e33ect&
JThe e33ect alread. bl))#s in the cause&K
Ha++iness and #iser., (hich are the c)##)n l)t )3 hu
#anit., are the ine5itable e33ects )3 causes& *r)# a Buddhist
stand+)int the. are n)t re(ards and +unish#ents, assigned
b. a su+ernatural, )#niscient ruling +)(er t) a s)ul that
has d)ne g))d )r e5il& Theists (h) atte#+t t) e2+lain e5er.thing
b. this )ne te#+)ral li3e and an eternal 3uture li3e, ign)ring
a +ast, #a. belie5e in a +)st"#)rte# Hustice, and #a.
regard +resent ha++iness and #iser. as blessings and curses
c)n3erred )n his creati)n b. an )#niscient and )#ni+)tent
Di5ine uler, (h) sits in hea5en ab)5e c)ntr)lling the destinies
)3 the hu#an race& Buddhis# that e#+haticall. denies
an arbitraril. created i##)rtal s)ul, belie5es in natural la(
and Hustice (hich cann)t be sus+ended b. either an Al#ight.
C)d, )r an All"c)#+assi)nate Buddha& Acc)rding t) this natural
la(, acts bring their )(n re(ards and +unish#ents t)
the indi5idual d)er (hether hu#an Hustice 3inds hi# )r n)t&
S)#e there are, (h) ca5il thus$ S) .)u Buddhists t)) ad#inister
the )+iu# )3 Ka##ic d)ctrine t) the +))r, sa.ing$
J!)u are b)rn +))r in this li3e )n ac)unt )3 .)ur +ast e5il Ka##a&
He is b)rn rich )n acc)unt )3 his +ast g))d Ka##a& S) be satis3ied
(ith .)ur hu#ble l)t, but d) g))d t) be rich in .)ur ne2t li3e&
J!)u are being )++ressed n)( because )3 .)ur +ast e5il Ka##a&
That is .)ur destin.& Be hu#ble and bear .)ur su33erings +atientl.&
D) g))d n)(& !)u can be certain )3 a better and ha++ier li3e a3ter
death&K
The Buddhist d)ctrine )3 Ka##a d)es n)t e2+)und such
3atalistic 5ie(s& N)r d)es it 5indicate a +)st"#)rte# Hustice&
6<=
The All"#erci3ul Buddha, (h) had n) ulteri)r sel3ish #)ti5es,
did n)t teach this la( )3 Ka##a t) +r)tect the rich and c)#
3)rt the +))r b. +r)#ising illus)r. ha++iness in an a3ter"li3e&
Acc)rding t) the Buddhist d)ctrine )3 Ka##a, )ne is n)t
al(a.s c)#+elled b. an ir)n necessit., 3)r Ka##a is neither
3ate n)r +redestinati)n i#+)sed u+)n us b. s)#e #.steri
)us un;n)(n +)(er t) (hich (e #ust hel+lessl. sub#it )ur
sel5es& It is )ne>s )(n d)ing reacting )n )nesel3, and s) )ne
has the +)(er t) di5ert the c)urse )3 Ka##a t) s)#e e2tent&
H)( 3ar )ne di5erts it, de+ends )n )nesel3&
The 4ause )3 Ka##a
Ign)rance @a5iHHaA )r n)t ;n)(ing things as the. trul. are, is
the chie3 cause )3 Ka##a& De+endent )n ign)rance arise Ka##ic
acti5ities @a5iHHa+acca.a sa#;haraA, states the Buddha in the
?aticca Sa#u++ada @De+endent Originati)nA&
Ass)ciated (ith ign)rance is its all. cra5ing @tanhaA, the
)ther r))t )3 Ka##a& E5il acti)ns are c)nditi)ned b. these
t() causes&
All g))d deeds )3 a ()rldling @+uthuHHanaA, th)ugh ass)ciated
(ith the three (h)les)#e r))ts )3 gener)sit. @al)bhaA,
g))d(ill @ad)saA and ;n)(ledge @a#)haA, are ne5ertheless regarded
as Ka##a because the t() r))ts )3 ign)rance and cra5ing
are d)r#ant in hi#& The #)ral t.+es )3 su+ra#undane
?ath c)nsci)usness @#aggacittaA are n)t regarded as Ka##a
because the. tend t) eradicate the t() r))t causes&
The D)er )3 Ka##a
'h) is the d)er )3 Ka##aB 'h) rea+s the 3ruit )3 Ka##aB
JIs it a s)rt )3 accreti)n ab)ut a s)ulBK
In ans(ering these subtle Guesti)ns, Venerable Buddha
6</
gh)sa (rites in the Visuddhi Magga$
gh)sa (rites in the Visuddhi Magga$
,
N)r is there )ne (h) 3eels the 3ruit,
4)nstituent +arts al)ne r)ll )n,
This indeed is right discern#ent&0
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# there are t() realities D a++arent
and ulti#ate& A++arent realit. is )rdinar. c)n5enti)nal truth
@sa##uti saccaA& Ulti#ate realit. is abstract truth @+ara#attha
saccaA&
*)r instance, the table (e see is a++arent realit.& In an ulti#ate
sense the s)"called table c)nsists )3 3)rces and Gualities&
*)r )rdinar. +ur+)ses a scientist ()uld use the ter# (ater,
but in the lab)rat)r. he ()uld sa. h6)&
In the sa#e (a., 3)r c)n5enti)nal +ur+)ses such ter#s as
#an, ()#an, being, sel3 and s) 3)rth are used& The s)"called
3leeting 3)r#s c)nsist )3 +s.ch)"+h.sical +hen)#ena (hich
are c)nstantl. changing, n)t re#aining 3)r t() c)nsecuti5e
#)#ents the sa#e&
Buddhists there3)re d) n)t belie5e in an unchanging entit.,
in an act)r a+art 3r)# acti)n, in a +ercei5er a+art 3r)#
+erce+ti)n, in a c)nsci)us subHect behind c)nsci)usness&
'h) then is the d)er )3 Ka##aB 'h) e2+eriences the e33ectB
V)liti)n )r (ill @cetanaA is itsel3 the d)er& *eeling @5edanaA is itsel3
the rea+er )3 the 3ruits )3 acti)n& A+art 3r)# these +ure
#ental states @suddhadha##aA there is n)ne t) s)( and n)ne
t) rea+&
0&
V)l& ii, +& :=6& See 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)n, +& 691 The ?ath )3 ?urit., iii,
+ <61&
Ka##assa ;ara;) natthi D 5i+a;assa ca 5eda;) Suddhadha##a +a5attanti D
e5eta# sa##a dassana#&
6<6
-ust as, sa.s the Venerable Buddhagh)sa, in the case )3
th)se ele#ents )3 #atter that g) under the na#e )3 tree, as
s))n as at an. +)int the 3ruit s+rings u+, it is then said the
-ust as, sa.s the Venerable Buddhagh)sa, in the case )3
th)se ele#ents )3 #atter that g) under the na#e )3 tree, as
s))n as at an. +)int the 3ruit s+rings u+, it is then said the
e
case )3 JaggregatesK @;handhasA (hich g) under the na#e )3
De5a )r #an, (hen a 3ruiti)n )3 ha++iness )r #iser. s+rings
u+ at an. +)int, then it is said Jthat De5a )r #an is ha++. )r
#iserable&K
In this res+ect Buddhists agree (ith ?r)3& 'illia# -a#es
(hen, unli;e Descartes, he asserts$ JTh)ughts the#sel5es are
the thin;ers&K/=
'here is Ka##aB
JSt)red (ithin the +s.che,K (rites a certain +s.ch)anal.st,
Jbut usuall. inaccessible and t) be reached )nl. b. s)#e, is
the (h)le rec)rd, (ith)ut e2ce+ti)n, )3 e5er. e2+erience the
indi5idual has +assed thr)ugh, e5er. in3luence 3elt, e5er. i#
+ressi)n recei5ed& The subc)nsci)us #ind is n)t )nl. an in
delible rec)rd )3 indi5idual e2+eriences but als) retains the
i#+ress )3 +ri#e5al i#+ulses and tendencies, (hich s) 3ar
3r)# being )utgr)(n as (e 3)ndl. dee# the# in ci5iliIed
#an, are subc)nsci)usl. acti5e and a+t t) brea; )ut in disc)n
certing strength at une2+ected #)#ents&K
A Buddhist ()uld #a;e the sa#e asserti)n (ith a 5ital
#)di3icati)n& N)t st)red (ithin an. +)stulat)r. J+s.cheK, 3)r
there is n) +r))3 )3 an. such rece+tacle )r st)reh)use in this
e5er"changing c)#+le2 #achiner. )3 #an, but de+endent )n
the indi5idual +s.ch)"+h.sical c)ntinuit. )r 3lu2 is e5er. e2+erience
the s)"called being has +assed thr)ugh, e5er. in3luence
3elt, e5er. i#+ressi)n recei5ed, e5er. characteristic D
/=&
?s.ch)l)g., +& 6/:&
6<7
di5ine, hu#an, )r brutal D de5el)+ed& In sh)rt the entire Ka#
di5ine, hu#an, )r brutal D de5el)+ed& In sh)rt the entire Ka#
tatiA e5er read. t) #ani3est itsel3 in #ulti3ari)us +hen)#ena
as )ccasi)n arises&
J'here, Venerable Sir, is Ka##aBK King Milinda Guesti)ned
the Venerable Nagasena&
JO MaharaHa,K re+lied the Venerable Nagasena, JKa##a is
n)t said t) be st)red s)#e(here in this 3leeting c)nsci)usness
)r in an. )ther +art )3 the b)d.& But de+endent )n #ind and
#atter it rests #ani3esting itsel3 at the )++)rtune #)#ent, Hust
as #ang)es are n)t said t) be st)red s)#e(here in the #ang)
tree, but de+endent )n the #ang) tree the. lie, s+ringing u+
in due seas)n&K// Neither (ind n)r 3ire is st)red in an. +articular
+lace, n)r is Ka##a st)red an.(here (ithin )r (ith)ut
the b)d.&
Ka##a is an indi5idual 3)rce, and is trans#itted 3r)# )ne
e2istence t) an)ther& It +la.s the chie3 +art in the #)ulding )3
character and e2+lains the #ar5ell)us +hen)#ena )3 genius,
in3ant +r)digies, and s) 3)rth& The clear understanding )3 this
d)ctrine is essential 3)r the (el3are )3 the ()rld&
!
//&
See Visuddhi Magga, ch OVII&
6<9
JB. Ka##a is this ()rld led&K D Atthasalini
The ()r;ing )3 Ka##a is an intricate la( (hich )nl. a Buddha
can 3ull. c)#+rehend& T) )btain a clear understanding )3 this
di33icult subHect it is necessar. t) acGuaint )nesel3 (ith th)ught"
+r)cesses @citta5ithiA acc)rding t) Abhidha##a&
Mind )r c)nsci)usness, the essence )3 the s)"called being,
+la.s the #)st i#+)rtant +art in the c)#+le2 #achiner. )3
#an& It is #ind that either de3iles )r +uri3ies )ne& Mind in 3act
is b)th the bitterest ene#. and the greatest 3riend )3 )nesel3&
'hen a +ers)n is 3ast aslee+ and is in a drea#less state,
he e2+eriences a ;ind )3 c)nsci)usness (hich is #)re )r less
+assi5e than acti5e& It is si#ilar t) the c)nsci)usness )ne e2+eriences
at the #)#ent )3 c)nce+ti)n and at the #)#ent )3
death @cutiA& The Buddhist +hil)s)+hical ter# 3)r this t.+e )3
c)nsci)usness is Bha5anga (hich #eans 3act)r )3 li3e, )r indis+ensable
cause )r c)nditi)n )3 e2istence& Arising and +erishing
e5er. #)#ent, it 3l)(s )n li;e a strea# n)t re#aining the
sa#e 3)r t() c)nsecuti5e #)#ents&
'e d) e2+erience this t.+e )3 c)nsci)usness n)t )nl. in a
drea#less state but als) in )ur (a;ing state& In the c)urse )3
)ur li3e (e e2+erience Bha5anga th)ught"#)#ents #)re than
an. )ther t.+e )3 c)nsci)usness& Hence Bha5anga bec)#es an
indis+ensable c)nditi)n )3 li3e&
S)#e sch)lars identi3. Bha5anga (ith sub"c)nsci)usness&
Acc)rding t) the Dicti)nar. )3 ?hil)s)+h. sub"c)nsci)usness is
Jac)#+art#ent)3the#indallegedb.certain+s.ch)l)gistsand
+hil)s)+hers t) e2ist bel)( the thresh)ld )3 c)nsci)usness&K
In the )+ini)n )3 'estern +hil)s)+hers sub"c)nsci)usness
6<8
and c)nsci)usness c)e2ist& But, acc)rding t) Buddhist +hil)s)+h.,
n) t() t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness c)"e2ist&
and c)nsci)usness c)e2ist& But, acc)rding t) Buddhist +hil)s)+h.,
n) t() t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness c)"e2ist&
N)r is Bha5anga a sub"+lane& It d)es n)t c)rres+)nd t)
*& '& M.er>s subli#inal c)nsci)usness either& There d)es n)t
see# t) be an. +lace 3)r Bha5anga in 'estern +hil)s)+h.& ?erha+s
(e #a. be using these +hil)s)+hical ter#s (ith di33erent
#eanings&
Bha5anga is s) called because it is an essential c)nditi)n
3)r c)ntinued e2istence& Li3e"c)ntinuu# has been suggested
as the cl)sest English eGui5alent 3)r Bha5anga&
This Bha5anga c)nsci)usness, (hich )ne al(a.s e2+eriences
as l)ng as it is uninterru+ted b. e2ternal sti#uli, 5ibrates
3)r a th)ught"#)#ent and +asses a(a. (hen a +h.sical
)r #ental )bHect enters the #ind& Su++)se, 3)r instance, the
)bHect +resented is a +h.sical 3)r#& N)(, (hen the Bha5anga
strea# )3 c)nsci)usness is arrested, sense d))r c)nsci)usness
@+aQcad5a ra5aHHanaA, (h)se 3uncti)n is t) turn the c)nsci)usness
t)(ards the )bHect, arises and +asses a(a.& I##ediatel.
a3ter this there arises 5isual c)nsci)usness @ca;;hu5iQQanaA
(hich sees the )bHect, but .et ;n)(s n) #)re ab)ut it& This
sense )+erati)n is 3)ll)(ed b. a #)#ent )3 the rece+ti)n )3
the )bHect s) seen @sa#+aticchanaA& Ne2t arises the in5estigating
th)ught"#)#ent @santiranaA (hich #)#entaril. e2a#ines the
)bHect s) seen& This is 3)ll)(ed b. the deter#ining th)ught"
#)#ent @5)ttha+anaA (hen discri#inati)n is e2ercised and
3ree(ill #a. +la. its +art& On this de+ends the subseGuent
/& Acc)rding t) Buddhist +hil)s)+h. there is n) #)#ent (hen (e d) n)t )rdinaril.
e2+erience a +articular ;ind )3 c)nsci)usness, hanging )n t) s)#e )bHect
D (hether +h.sical )r #ental& The ti#e li#it )3 such c)nsci)usness is ter#ed
)ne th)ught"#)#ent& Each th)ught"#)#ent is 3)ll)(ed b. an)ther& The ra+idit.
)3 the successi)n )3 such th)ught"#)#ents is hardl. c)ncei5able b. the ;en )3
hu#an ;n)(ledge& It +leases the c)##entat)rs t) sa. that during the ti#e )ccu+ied
b. a 3lash )3 lightning billi)ns and billi)ns )3 th)ught"#)#ents #a. arise&
6<:
+s.ch)l)gicall. i#+)rtant stage -a5ana& It is at this stage that
an acti)n is Hudged, (hether it be #)ral )r i##)ral& Ka##a
is +er3)r#ed at this stage&
+s.ch)l)gicall. i#+)rtant stage -a5ana& It is at this stage that
an acti)n is Hudged, (hether it be #)ral )r i##)ral& Ka##a
is +er3)r#ed at this stage&
JB. sel3 is e5il d)ne,
B. sel3 is )ne de3iled,
B. sel3 is n) e5il d)ne,
B. sel3 is )ne +uri3ied&
B)th de3ile#ent and +urit. de+end )n )nesel3&
N) )ne is +uri3ied b. an)ther&K6
It is an ad#itted 3act that en5ir)n#ent, circu#stances, habitual
tendencies and the li;e c)nditi)n )ur th)ughts& On such )ccasi)ns
3ree(ill is sub)rdinated& There e2ists h)(e5er the +)ssibilit.
3)r us t) )5erc)#e th)se e2ternal 3)rces and +r)duce
#)ral and i##)ral th)ughts e2ercising )ur )(n 3ree(ill&
An e2trane)us ele#ent #a. be a causati5e 3act)r, but (e
)ursel5es are directl. res+)nsible 3)r the acti)ns that 3inall.
3)ll)(& It is e2tre#el. di33icult t) suggest a suitable rendering
3)r -a5ana&
A++erce+ti)n is suggested b. s)#e& I#+ulse is suggested
as an alternati5e rendering, (hich see#s t) be less satis3act)r.
than a++erce+ti)n& Here the ?ali ter# is retained&
6& Dha##a+ada, 5& /: &
6<<
-a5ana, literall., #eans running& It is s) called because,
-a5ana, literall., #eans running& It is s) called because,
r
se5en th)ught"#)#ents, )r, at ti#es )3 death, 3)r 3i5e th)ught"
#)#ents (ith an identical )bHect& The #ental states )ccurring
in all these th)ught"#)#ents are si#ilar, but the +)tential
3)rce di33ers&
This entire th)ught"+r)cess (hich ta;es +lace in an in3initesi#al
+art )3 ti#e ends (ith the registering c)nsci)usness
@tadala#banaA lasting 3)r t() th)ught"#)#ents& Thus )ne
th)ught"+r)cess is c)#+leted at the e2+irati)n )3 se5enteen
th)ught #)#ents&
The Th)ught ?r)cess
/
Atita Bha5anga @?ast Bha5angaA
6
Bha5anga 4alana @Vibrating Bha5angaA
7
Bha5anga U+accheda @Arrest Bha5angaA
9
A5aHHana @Sense"d))r c)nsci)usnessA
8
?anca ViQQana @Sense c)nsci)usnessA
:
Sa#+aticchana @ecei5ing c)nsci)usnessA
<
Santirana @In5estigatin c)nsci)usnessA
1
V)ttha+ana @Deter#ining c)nsci)usnessA
0,/=,//,/6,/ ,/9,/
-a5ana
/:,/<
Tadala#bana @egistering c)nsci)usnessA
6<1
B));s cite the si#ile )3 the #ang) tree t) illustrate this
B));s cite the si#ile )3 the #ang) tree t) illustrate this
A #an, 3ast aslee+, is l.ing at the 3))t )3 a #ang) tree (ith
his head c)5ered& A (ind stirs the branches and a 3ruit 3alls
beside the head )3 the slee+ing #an& He re#)5es his head c)5ering,
and turns t)(ards the )bHect& He sees it and then +ic;s
it u+& He e2a#ines it, and ascertains that it is a ri+e #ang)
3ruit& He eats it, and s(all)(ing the re#nants (ith sali5a,
)nce #)re resigns hi#sel3 t) slee+&
The drea#less slee+ c)rres+)nds t) the un+erturbed current
)3 Bha5anga& The stri;ing )3 the (ind against the tree c)rres+)nds
t) +ast Bha5anga and the s(a.ing )3 the branches
t) 5ibrating Bha5anga& The 3alling )3 the 3ruit re+resents the
arrest Bha5anga& Turning t)(ards the )bHect c)rres+)nds t)
sense"d))r ad5erting c)nsci)usnessL sight )3 the )bHect, t) +er
ce+ti)nL +ic;ing u+, t) recei5ing c)nsci)usnessL e2a#inati)n,
t) in5estigating c)nsci)usnessL ascertaining that it is a ri+e
#ang) 3ruit, t) deter#ining c)nsci)usness&
The actual eating rese#bles the -a5ana +r)cess, and the
s(all)(ing )3 the #)rsels c)rres+)nds t) retenti)n& His resigning
t) slee+ rese#bles the subsidence )3 the #ind int)
Bha5anga again&
O3 the se5en th)ught"#)#ents, as stated ab)5e, the e33ect
)3 the 3irst th)ught"#)#ent, the (ea;est in +)tentialit., )ne
#a. rea+ in this li3e itsel3& This is called MI##ediatel. E33ecti5e>
@ditthadha##a5edani.aA
Ka##a& I3 it d)es n)t )+erate in
this li3e, it bec)#es ine33ecti5e @ah)siA&
The ne2t (ea;est is the se5enth th)ught"#)#ent& Its e33ect
)ne #a. rea+ in the subseGuent birth& Hence it is ter#ed
MSubseGuentl. E33ecti5e> @u+a+aHHa5edani.aA Ka##a, (hich, t)),
aut)#aticall. bec)#es ine33ecti5e i3 it d)es n)t )+erate in the
6<0
sec)nd birth&
The e33ect )3 the inter#ediate th)ught"#)#ents #a. ta;e
sec)nd birth&
The e33ect )3 the inter#ediate th)ught"#)#ents #a. ta;e
There is thus a classi3icati)n )3 Ka##a (ith re3erence t) its
ti#e )3 )+erati)n$N
/ Ditthadha##a5edani.a Ka##a @I##ediatel. E33ecti5e
Ka##aA
6 U+a+aHHa5edani.a Ka##a @SubseGuentl. E33ecti5e Ka##aA
7 A+ara+ari.a5edani.a Ka##a @Inde3initel. E33ecti5e Ka##aA
and
9 Ah)si Ka##a @Ine33ecti5e Ka##aA
I##ediatel. E33ecti5e Ka##a$
Illustrati)ns$
The result )3 a g))d Ka##a rea+ed in this li3e$
A husband and his (i3e +)ssessed )nl. )ne u++er gar#ent
t) (ear (hen the. (ent )ut")3"d))rs& One da. the husband
heard the Dha##a 3r)# the Buddha and (as s) +leased (ith
the D)ctrine that he (ished t) )33er his )nl. u++er gar#ent,
but his innate greed ()uld n)t +er#it hi# t) d) s)& He c)#batted
(ith his #ind and, ulti#atel. )5erc)#ing his greed,
)33ered the gar#ent t) the Buddha and e2clai#ed JI ha5e ()n,
I ha5e ()n&K The ;ing (as delighted t) hear his st)r. and in
a++reciati)n )3 his gener)sit. +resented hi# thirt."t() r)bes&
The de5)ut husband ;e+t )ne 3)r hi#sel3 and an)ther 3)r his
(i3e and )33ered the rest t) the Buddha&7
The result )3 a bad Ka##a rea+ed in this li3e$
& Buddhist Legends @Dha##a+adattha;athaA, +t& 6, +& 6:6&
61=
A hunter (h) (ent hunting t) the 3)rest, 3)ll)(ed b.
his d)gs, #et b. the (a.side a Bhi;;hu (h) (as +r)ceeding
)n his al#s r)und& As the hunter c)uld n)t +r)cure an.
ga#e he th)ught it (as due t) the un3)rtunate #eeting )3 the
Bhi;;hu& 'hile returning h)#e he #et the sa#e Bhi;;hu
and (as dee+l. enraged at this sec)nd enc)unter& In s+ite )3
the entreaties )3 the inn)cent Bhi;;hu the hunter set the d)gs
A hunter (h) (ent hunting t) the 3)rest, 3)ll)(ed b.
his d)gs, #et b. the (a.side a Bhi;;hu (h) (as +r)ceeding
)n his al#s r)und& As the hunter c)uld n)t +r)cure an.
ga#e he th)ught it (as due t) the un3)rtunate #eeting )3 the
Bhi;;hu& 'hile returning h)#e he #et the sa#e Bhi;;hu
and (as dee+l. enraged at this sec)nd enc)unter& In s+ite )3
the entreaties )3 the inn)cent Bhi;;hu the hunter set the d)gs
d
a tree& The (ic;ed hunter ran u+ t) the tree, and +ierced the
s)les )3 the Bhi;;hu>s 3eet (ith the +)int )3 an arr)(& The
+ain (as s) e2cruciating that the r)be the Bhi;;hu (as (earing,
3ell u+)n the hunter c)#+letel. c)5ering hi#& The d)gs,
thin;ing that the Bhi;;hu had 3allen 3r)# the tree, de5)ured
their )(n #aster&9
SubseGuentl. E33ecti5e Ka##a$
A #illi)naire>s ser5ant returned h)#e in the e5ening a3ter his
lab)ri)us ()r; in the 3ield, t) see that all (ere )bser5ing the
Eight ?rece+ts as it (as the 3ull #))n da.& Learning that he als)
c)uld )bser5e the# e5en 3)r hal3 a da., he t)); the +rece+ts and
3asted at night& Un3)rtunatel. he died )n the 3)ll)(ing #)rning
and as a result )3 his g))d acti)n (as b)rn as a De5a&8
AHatasattu, s)n )3 King Bi#bisara, (as b)rn i##ediatel.
a3ter his death, in a state )3 #iser. as the result )3 ;illing his
3ather&
Inde3initel. E33ecti5e Ka##a$
N) +ers)n is e2e#+t 3r)# this class )3 Ka##a& E5en the
Buddhas and Arahants #a. rea+ the e33ects )3 their +ast
Ka##a&
9& Buddhist Legends +& 616&
& Ibid&, +t& i& +& 6<1&
61/
The Arahant M)ggallana in the re#)te +ast, instigated b.
his (ic;ed (i3e, atte#+ted t) ;ill his #)ther and 3ather&
The Arahant M)ggallana in the re#)te +ast, instigated b.
his (ic;ed (i3e, atte#+ted t) ;ill his #)ther and 3ather&As a
result )3 this he su33ered l)ng in a ()e3ul state, and in his last
birth (as clubbed t) death b. bandits&
T) the Buddha (as i#+uted the #urder )3 a 3e#ale de5)tee
)3 the na;ed ascetics&
This (as the result )3 his ha5ing insulted a ?acce;a Buddha
in )ne )3 His +re5i)us births&
The Buddha>s 3))t (as slightl. inHured M(hen De5adatta
#ade a 3utile atte#+t t) ;ill Hi#& This (as due t) His ;illing
a ste+"br)ther )3 his in a +re5i)us birth (ith the )bHect )3 a++r)+riating
his +r)+ert.&
There is an)ther classi3icati)n )3 Ka##a acc)rding t) 3uncti)n
@;iccaA$
/ -ana;a Ka##a @e+r)ducti5e Ka##aA,
6 U+attha#ba;a Ka##a @Su++)rti5e Ka##aA,
7 U+a+ida;a ;a##a @4)unteracti5e Ka##aA,
9 U+aghata;a ;a##a @Destructi5e Ka##aA&
E5er. subseGuent birth, acc)rding t) Buddhis#, is c)nditi)ned
b. the g))d )r bad Ka##a (hich +red)#inated at the #)#ent
)3 death& This ;ind )3 Ka##a is technicall. ;n)(n as
e+r)ducti5e @Hana;aA Ka##a&
The death )3 a +ers)n is #erel. Jthe te#+)rar. end )3
a te#+)rar. +hen)#en)n&K Th)ugh the +resent 3)r# +erishes
an)ther 3)r# (hich is neither abs)lutel. the sa#e n)r
t)tall. di33erent ta;es its +lace acc)rding t) the th)ught that
(as +)(er3ul at the death #)#ent since the Ka##ic 3)rce
(hich hithert) actuated it is n)t annihilated (ith the diss)luti)n
)3 the b)d.& It is this last th)ught"+r)cess (hich is ter#ed
:& Acc)rding t) s)#e b));s he actuall. ;illed the#&
616
Me+r)ducti5e Ka##a> that deter#ines the state )3 a +ers)n
Me+r)ducti5e Ka##a> that deter#ines the state )3 a +ers)n
As a rule the last th)ught"+r)cess de+ends )n the general
c)nduct )3 a +ers)n& In s)#e e2ce+ti)nal cases, +erha+s due
t) 3a5)urable )r un3a5)urable circu#stances, at the #)#ent
)3 death a g))d +ers)n #a. e2+erience a bad th)ught and a
bad +ers)n a g))d )ne& The 3uture birth (ill be deter#ined b.
this last th)ught"+r)cess, irres+ecti5e )3 the general c)nduct&
This d)es n)t #ean that the e33ects )3 the +ast acti)ns are )bliterated&
The. (ill +r)duce their ine5itable results at the a++r)+riate
#)#ent& Such re5erse changes )3 birth acc)unt 3)r
the birth )3 5ici)us children t) 5irtu)us +arents and )3 5irtu)us
children t) 5ici)us +arents&
N)(, t) assist and #aintain )r t) (ea;en and )bstruct the
3ruiti)n )3 this e+r)ducti5e Ka##a an)ther +ast Ka##a
#a. inter5ene& Such acti)ns are ter#ed MSu++)rti5e> @u+attha#bha;aA
Ka##a and M4)unteracti5e> @u+a+ida;aA Ka##a
res+ecti5el.&
Acc)rding t) the la( )3 Ka##a the +)tential energ. )3 the
e+r)ducti5e Ka##a can be t)tall. annulled b. a #)re +)(er3ul
)++)sing +ast Ka##a, (hich, see;ing an )++)rtunit.,
#a. Guite une2+ectedl. )+erate, Hust as a c)unteracti5e 3)rce
can )bstruct the +ath )3 a 3l.ing arr)( and bring it d)(n t)
the gr)und& Such an acti)n is ter#ed MDestructi5e> @u+aghata;aA
Ka##a (hich is #)re +)(er3ul than the ab)5e t() in that it
n)t )nl. )bstructs but als) destr).s the (h)le 3)rce&
As an instance )3 the )+erati)n )3 all the 3)ur, the case )3
Venerable De5adatta (h) atte#+ted t) ;ill the Buddha and
(h) caused a schis# in the Sangha #a. be cited&
His e+r)ducti5e g))d Ka##a destined hi# t) a birth
in a r).al 3a#il.& His c)ntinued c)#3)rt and +r)s+erit. (ere
61
due t) the acti)n )3 the Su++)rti5e Ka##a& The 4)unteracti5e
Ka##a ca#e int) )+erati)n (hen he (as subHected t) such
due t) the acti)n )3 the Su++)rti5e Ka##a& The 4)unteracti5e
Ka##a ca#e int) )+erati)n (hen he (as subHected t) such
e
Sangha& *inall. the Destructi5e Ka##a br)ught his li3e t) a
#iserable end&
The 3)ll)(ing classi3icati)n is acc)rding t) the +ri)rit. )3 e33ect
@5i+a;adana5asenaA$
/
Caru;a Ka##a,
6 Asanna Ka##a,
7 Acinna Ka##a, and
9 Katatta Ka##a&
The 3irst is Caru;a Ka##a (hich #eans a (eight. )r seri)us
acti)n& It is s) called because it +r)duces its e33ects 3)r certain
in this li3e )r in the ne2t&
On the #)ral side the (eight. acti)ns are the -hanas )r
Ecstasies, (hile )n the i##)ral side the. are the subseGuentl."
e33ecti5e hein)us cri#es @Anantari.a Ka##aA D na#el., #atricide,
+arricide, the #urder )3 an Arahant, the ()unding )3
the Buddha, and the creati)n )3 a schis# in the Sangha&
I3, 3)r instance, an. +ers)n (ere t) de5el)+ the -hanas and
later t) c)##it )ne )3 these hein)us cri#es, his g))d Ka##a
()uld be )bliterated b. the +)(er3ul e5il Ka##a& His subseGuent
birth (ill be c)nditi)ned b. the e5il Ka##a in s+ite )3
his ha5ing gained the -hanas earlier& *)r e2a#+le, Venerable
De5adatta l)st his +s.chic +)(ers and (as b)rn in a ()e3ul
state because he ()unded the Buddha and caused a schis#
in the Sangha&
King AHatasattu, as the Buddha re#ar;ed, ()uld ha5e
attained the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d i3 he had n)t c)##itted
+arricide& In this case the +)(er3ul e5il Ka##a )bstructed
619
his s+iritual attain#ent&
his s+iritual attain#ent&
e
3uture birth, the cust)# )3 re#inding the d.ing +ers)n )3 his
g))d deeds and #a;ing hi# d) g))d )n his death"bed still
+re5ails in Buddhist c)untries&
S)#eti#es a bad +ers)n #a. die ha++il. and recei5e a
g))d birth i3 3)rtunatel. he re#e#bers )r d)es a g))d act at
the last #)#ent& This d)es n)t #ean that alth)ugh he enH).s a
g))d birth he (ill be e2e#+t 3r)# the e33ects )3 the e5il deeds
he has accu#ulated during his li3e"ti#e&
At ti#es a g))d +ers)n, )n the )ther hand, #a. die unha++il.
b. suddenl. re#e#bering an e5il act )r b. c)ncei5ing
a bad th)ught, +erchance c)#+elled b. un3a5)urable
circu#stances&
Habitual @acinnaA Ka##a is the ne2t in +ri)rit. )3 e33ect& It
is the Ka##a that )ne c)nstantl. +er3)r#s and rec)llects and
t)(ards (hich )ne has a great li;ing&
Habits (hether g))d )r bad bec)#e sec)nd nature& The.
#)re )r less tend t) #)uld the character )3 a +ers)n& At leisure
#)#ents (e )3ten engage )ursel5es in )ur habitual th)ughts
and deeds& In the sa#e (a. at the death"#)#ent, unless in3luenced
b. )ther circu#stances, (e, as a rule, recall t) #ind
)ur habitual th)ughts and deeds&
The last in this categ)r. is 4u#ulati5e @;atattaA< Ka##a
(hich e#braces all that cann)t be included in the 3)reg)ing
three& This is as it (ere the reser5e 3und )3 a +articular being&
The last classi3icati)n is acc)rding t) the +lane in (hich
<& Literall., Mbecause d)ne>&
61
the e33ects ta;e +lace& The. are$N
the e33ects ta;e +lace& The. are$N
"
S+here @;a#al);aA&
6 C))d acti)ns @;usalaA (hich #a. ri+en in the
Sense"S+here&
7 C))d acti)ns (hich #a. ri+en in the eal#s )3 *)r#
@ru+al);aA, and
9 C))d acti)ns (hich #a. ri+en in the *)r#less eal#s
@aru+al);aA&
E5il acti)ns (hich #a. ri+en in the Sense"S+here$
There are ten e5il acti)ns caused b. deed, ()rd, and #ind
(hich +r)duce e5il Ka##a& O3 the# three are c)##itted b.
deed D na#el., ;illing @+anati+ataA, stealing @adinnadanaA, and
se2ual #isc)nduct @;a#esu #icchacaraA&
*)ur are c)##itted b. ()rd D na#el., l.ing @#usa5adaA,
slandering @+isuna5acaA, harsh s+eech @+harusa5acaA, and 3ri5)l)us
tal; @sa#+ha++ala+aA&
Three are c)##itted b. #ind D na#el., c)5et)usness
@abhiHHhaA, ill"(ill @5.a+adaA, and 3alse5ie( @#iccha ditthiA&
Killing #eans the intenti)nal destructi)n )3 an. li5ing
being& The ?ali ter# +ana strictl. #eans the +s.ch)"+h.sical
li3e +ertaining t) )ne>s +articular e2istence& The (ant)n destructi)n
)3 this li3e 3)rce, (ith)ut all)(ing it t) run its due
c)urse, is +anati+ata& ?ana #eans that (hich breathes& Hence
all ani#ate beings, including ani#als, are regarded as +ana,
but n)t +lants1 as the. +)ssess n) #ind& Bhi;;hus, h)(e5er,
are 3)rbidden t) destr). e5en +lant li3e& This rule, it #a. be
#enti)ned, d)es n)t a++l. t) la."3)ll)(ers&
1& JIn +lants there is n) trans#issi)n )3 sti#uli b. ner5es& Ner5es are un;n)(n
t) the# as ner5e"centres&K Dr& Karl V& *risch D !)u and Li3e& +& /6 &
61:
The 3)ll)(ing 3i5e c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete
the e5il )3 ;illing$N i& a li5ing being, ii& ;n)(ledge that it is
a li5ing being, iii& intenti)n )3 ;illing, i5& e33)rt t) ;ill, and
The 3)ll)(ing 3i5e c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete
the e5il )3 ;illing$N i& a li5ing being, ii& ;n)(ledge that it is
a li5ing being, iii& intenti)n )3 ;illing, i5& e33)rt t) ;ill, and
c)nseGuent death&
The gra5it. )3 the e5il de+ends )n the g))dness and the
#agnitude )3 the being c)ncerned&
The ;illing )3 a 5irtu)us +ers)n )r a big ani#al is regarded
as #)re hein)us than the ;illing )3 a 5ici)us +ers)n )r a s#all
ani#al because a greater e33)rt is needed t) c)##it the e5il
and the l)ss in5)l5ed is c)nsiderabl. great&
The e5il e33ects )3 ;illing are$N bre5it. )3 li3e, ill"health,
c)nstant grie3 due t) the se+arati)n 3r)# the l)5ed, and c)nstant
3ear&
*i5e c)nditi)ns are necessar. 3)r the c)#+leti)n )3 the e5il
)3 stealing$N na#el., i& an)ther>s +r)+ert., ii& ;n)(ledge that
it is s), iii& intenti)n )3 stealing, i5& e33)rt t) steal, and 5& actual
re#)5al&
The ine5itable c)nseGuences )3 stealing are$N +)5ert.,
#iser., disa++)int#ent, and de+endent li5elih))d&
*)ur c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 se2ual
#isc)nduct$N na#el., i& the th)ught t) enH)., ii& c)nse
Guent e33)rt, iii& #eans t) grati3., and i5& grati3icati)n&
The ine5itable c)nseGuences )3 se2ual #isc)nduct are$N
ha5ing #an. ene#ies, uni)n (ith undesirable (i5es and husbands,
and birth as a ()#an )r an eunuch&
*)ur c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3
l.ing$N na#el., i& an untruth, ii& decei5ing intenti)n, iii& utterance,
and i5& actual dece+ti)n&
The ine5itable c)nseGuences )3 l.ing are$N being subHect
t) abusi5e s+eech and 5ili3icati)n, untrust()rthiness, and
stin;ing #)uth&
61<
*)ur c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 slandering$N
na#el., i& +ers)ns that are t) be di5ided, ii& the intenti)n
t) se+arate the# )r the desire t) endear )nesel3 t) an)ther,
iii& c)rres+)nding e33)rt, and i5& the c)##unicati)n&
*)ur c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 slandering$N
na#el., i& +ers)ns that are t) be di5ided, ii& the intenti)n
t) se+arate the# )r the desire t) endear )nesel3 t) an)ther,
iii& c)rres+)nding e33)rt, and i5& the c)##unicati)n&
Three c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 harsh
s+eech$N na#el., i& a +ers)n t) be abused, ii& angr. th)ught,
and iii& the actual abuse&
The ine5itable c)nseGuences )3 harsh s+eech are$N being
detested b. )thers th)ugh abs)lutel. har#less, and ha5ing a
harsh 5)ice&
T() c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 3ri5)l)us
tal;$N na#el., i& the inclinati)n t)(ards 3ri5)l)us tal;,
and ii& its narrati)n&
The ine5itable c)nseGuences )3 3ri5)l)us tal; are$Nde3ecti5e
b)dil. )rgans, and incredible s+eech&
T() c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 c)5et)usness$N
na#el., i& an)ther>s +)ssessi)n, and ii& ad5erting
t) it, thin;ing D M()uld this be #ineR>
The ine5itable c)nseGuence )3 c)5et)usness is n)n"3ul3il#ent
)3 )ne>s (ishes&
T() c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete the e5il )3 ill"
(ill$N na#el., i& an)ther +ers)n, and ii the th)ught )3 d)ing
har#&
The ine5itable c)nseGuences )3 ill(ill are$ ugliness, #ani3)ld
diseases, and detestable nature&
*alse 5ie( is seeing things (r)ngl.& *alse belie3s such as
the denial )3 the e33icac. )3 deeds are als) included in this e5il&
T() c)nditi)ns are necessar. t) c)#+lete this e5il$N na#el.,
i& +er5erted #anner in (hich the )bHect is 5ie(ed, and ii& the
611
understanding )3 it acc)rding t) that #isc)nce+ti)n&
understanding )3 it acc)rding t) that #isc)nce+ti)n&
lac; )3 (isd)#, dull (it, chr)nic diseases, and bla#e()rth.
ideas&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# there are ten ;inds )3 3alse
5ie(s$N na#el.,0
/ There is n) such 5irtue as Mgener)sit.> @dinna#A& This #eans
that there is n) g))d e33ect in gi5ing al#s&
6 There is n) such 5irtue as Mliberal al#s gi5ing @ittha#A>& )r
7
MO33ering gi3ts t) guests @huta#A&> Here, t)), the i#+lied
#eaning is that there is n) e33ect in such charitable
acti)ns&
9 There is neither 3ruit n)r result )3 g))d )r e5il deeds&
8 There is n) such belie3 as Mthis ()rld> )r
: MA ()rld be.)nd> i&e&, th)se b)rn here d) n)t acce+t a +ast
e2istence, and th)se li5ing here d) n)t acce+t a 3uture
li3e&
< There is n) #)ther )r
1 *ather, i&e&, there is n) e33ect in an.thing d)ne t) the#&
0 There are n) beings that die and are being reb)rn
@)+a+ati;aA&
/=
There are n) righte)us and (ell disci+lined recluses and
brah#ins (h), ha5ing realiIed b. their )(n su+er"intellect
this ()rld and ()rld be.)nd, #a;e ;n)(n the sa#e& @The
re3erence here is t) the Buddhas and ArahantsA&
0& The ?ali te2t runs as 3)ll)(s$N
JN>atthi dinna#, natthi ittha#, n>atthi huta#, n>atthi su;atadu;;atana# ;a##ana#
+hala# 5i+a;), n>atthi a.a# l);), n>atthi +aral);), n> atthi #ata, n>atthi +ita, n>atthi
sattaa+a+ati;a, n>atthi l);e sa#anabraha#ana
sa##aggatta sa##a +ati+anna.e i#aQca
l);a# +araQca l);a# sa.a# abhiQQa sacchi;at5a +a5edenti& See Dha##asangani
+& 677& The E2+)sit)r"+t& ii& 90 , and Buddhist ?s.ch)l)g."+& 788&
610
C))d Ka##a (hich #a. ri+en in the Sense"S+here$
C))d Ka##a (hich #a. ri+en in the Sense"S+here$
@/A Cener)sit. @danaA,
@6A M)ralit. @silaA,
@7A Meditati)n @bha5anaA
@9A e5erence @a+aca.anaA,
@8A Ser5ice @5e..a5accaA&
@:A Trans3erence )3 #erit @+attidanaA,
@<A eH)icing in )thers> g))d acti)ns @anu#)danaA,
@1A Hearing the d)ctrine @dha##a sa5anaA,
@0A E2+)unding the d)ctrine @dha##adesanaA and
@/=A Straightening )ne>s )(n 5ie(s @ditthiHHu;a##aA&
S)#eti#es these ten #)ral acti)ns are regarded as t(el5e b.
intr)ducing subdi5isi)ns t) @<A and @/=A&
?raising )3 )thers> C))d Acti)ns @+asa#saA is added t) eH)icing
in )thers> #erit @anu#)danaA& Ta;ing the Three e3uges
@saranaA and Mind3ulness @anussatiA are substituted 3)r Straightening
)3 )ne>s 5ie(s&
MCener)sit.> .ields (ealth& MM)ralit.> gi5es birth in n)ble
3a#ilies and in states )3 ha++iness& MMeditati)n> gi5es birth
in eal#s )3 *)r# and *)r#less eal#s, and hel+s t) gain
Higher Kn)(ledge and E#anci+ati)n& MTrans3erence )3 #erit>
acts as a cause t) gi5e in abundance in 3uture births& MeH)icing
in )thers> #erit> is +r)ducti5e )3 H). (here5er )ne is b)rn&
B)th Me2+)unding and hearing the Dha##a> are c)nduci5e t)
(isd)#& Me5erence> is the cause )3 n)ble +arentage& MSer5ice>
+r)duces large retinue& M?raising )thers g))d ()r;s> results in
getting +raise t) )nesel3& MSee;ing the Three e3uges> results
60=
in the destructi)n )3 +assi)ns& MMind3ulness> is c)nduci5e t)
di5erse 3)r#s )3 ha++iness&
in the destructi)n )3 +assi)ns& MMind3ulness> is c)nduci5e t)
di5erse 3)r#s )3 ha++iness&
These are the 3)ll)(ing 3i5e/=
;inds )3 @u+a-hanasA
)r Ecstasies
(hich are +urel. #ental$N
i&
The 3irst -hana #)ral c)nsci)usness (hich c)nsists )3 initial
a++licati)n @5ita;;aA, sustained a++licati)n @5icaraA,
+leasurable interest @+itiA, ha++iness @su;haA, and )ne"
+)intedness @e;aggataA&
ii&
The sec)nd -hana #)ral c)nsci)usness (hich c)nsists
)3 sustained a++licati)n, +leasurable interest, ha++iness,
and )ne"+)intedness&
iii&
The third -hana #)ral c)nsci)usness (hich c)nsists )3
+leasurable interest, ha++iness and )ne"+)intedness&
i5&
The 3)urth -hana #)ral c)nsci)usness (hich c)nsists )3
ha++iness and )ne"+)intedness, and
5&
The 3i3th -hana #)ral c)nsci)usness (hich c)nsists )3
eGuani#it. @u+e;;haA and )ne"+)intedness&
These -hanas ha5e their c)rres+)nding e33ects in the eal#s
)3 *)r#&
Kusala Ka##a (hich #a. ri+en in the *)r#less eal#s$
These are the 3)ur Aru+a -hanas (hich ha5e their c)rres+)nd
ing e33ects in the *)r#less eal#s D na#el.$
/=&
Acc)rding t) the Abhidha##atha Sangaha there are 3i5e u+a -hanas, but the
Visuddhi Magga #enti)ns 3)ur -hanas& There is n) great di33erence bet(een the
t() inter+retati)ns& In the 3)r#er the -hanas are di5ided int) 3i5e acc)rding t)
the 3i5e c)nstituents& In the latter the sec)nd -hana c)nsists )3 the 3inal three
c)nstituents (ith)ut the 3irst t()&
60/
/
/>
@A;asanaQca.atanaA,
6
M)ral c)nsci)usness d(elling )n the MIn3init. )3 4)nsci)usness>
@ViQQanaQca.atanaA,
7
M)ral c)nsci)usness d(elling )n MN)thingness> @A;iQ
caQQa.atanaA, and
9
M)ral c)nsci)usness (herein M?erce+ti)n neither is n)r is
n)t> @N>e5a saQQan> asaQQa.atanaA&//
!
//&
*)r details see A Manual )3 Abhidha##a b. Narada Thera&
606
4ha+ter 6/
4ha+ter 6/
JAs .)u s)( the seed s) shall .)u rea+ the 3ruit&K
D Sa#.utta Ni;a.a
Is )ne b)und t) rea+ all that )ne has s)(n in Hust +r)+)rti)nB
N)t necessaril.R In the Anguttara Ni;a.a the Buddha states$
JI3 an. )ne sa.s that a #an #ust rea+ acc)rding t) his deeds,
in that case there is n) religi)us li3e n)r is an )++)rtunit.
a33)rded 3)r the entire e2tincti)n )3 s)rr)(& But i3 an. )ne
sa.s that (hat a #an rea+s acc)rds (ith his deeds, in that
case there is a religi)us li3e and an )++)rtunit. is a33)rded
3)r the entire e2tincti)n )3 s)rr)(&K/
In Buddhis# there3)re there is e5er. +)ssibilit. t) #)uld
)ne>s Ka##a&
Alth)ugh it is stated in the Dha##a+ada6 that Jn)t in the
s;., n)r in #id")cean n)r entering a #)untain ca5e is 3)und
that +lace )n earth, (here abiding )ne #a. esca+e 3r)# @the
c)nseGuence )3A an e5il deed,K .et )ne is n)t b)und t) +a. all
the arrears )3 +ast Ka##a& I3 such (ere the case, e#anci+ati)n
()uld be an i#+)ssibilit.& Eternal su33ering ()uld be the
un3)rtunate result&
One is neither the #aster n)r the ser5ant )3 this Ka##a&
E5en the #)st 5ici)us +ers)n can b. his )(n e33)rt bec)#e
the #)st 5irtu)us +ers)n& 'e are al(a.s bec)#ing s)#ething
and that s)#ething de+ends )n )ur )(n acti)ns& 'e #a. at
an. #)#ent change 3)r the better )r 3)r the ()rse& E5en the
#)st (ic;ed +ers)n sh)uld n)t be disc)uraged )r des+ised
/& Anguttara Ni;a.a, +art i& 690& See 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)n, +& 6/1&
6& 5& /6<
60
)n acc)unt )3 his e5il nature& He sh)uld be +itied, 3)r th)se
(h) censure hi# #a. als) ha5e been in that sa#e +)siti)n
at a certain stage& As the. ha5e changed 3)r the better he #a.
als) change, +erha+s s))ner than the.&
)n acc)unt )3 his e5il nature& He sh)uld be +itied, 3)r th)se
(h) censure hi# #a. als) ha5e been in that sa#e +)siti)n
at a certain stage& As the. ha5e changed 3)r the better he #a.
als) change, +erha+s s))ner than the.&
Anguli#ala, a high(a. r)bber and the #urderer )3 #)re
than a th)usand )3 his brethren beca#e an Arahant and erased,
s) t) s+ea;, all his +ast #isdeeds&
Ala5a;a, the 3ierce de#)n (h) 3easted )n the 3lesh )3
hu#an beings, ga5e u+ his carni5)r)us habits and attained
the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d&
A#ba+ali, a c)urtesan, +uri3ied her character and attained
Arahantshi+&
As);a, (h) (as stig#atised 4anda @(ic;edA, )(ing t) his
ruthlessness in e2+anding his E#+ire, beca#e Dhar#as);a,
)r As);a the ighte)us, and changed his career t) such an
e2tent that t)da. JA#idst the tens )3 th)usands )3 na#es )3
#)narchs that cr)(d the c)lu#ns )3 hist)r., their #aHesties
and graci)usnesses, serenities r).al highnesses and the li;e
the na#e )3 As);a shines, and shines al#)st al)ne, a star&K7
These are 3e( stri;ing e2a#+les (hich ser5e t) sh)( h)(
a c)#+lete re3)r#ati)n )3 character can be e33ected b. sheer
deter#inati)n&
It #a. s) ha++en that in s)#e cases a lesser e5il #a. +r)duce
its due e33ect, (hile the e33ect )3 a greater e5il #a. be
#ini#ised&
The Buddha sa.s$
JHere, O Bhi;;hus, a certain +ers)n is n)t disci+lined in b)d.,
in #)ralit., in #ind, in (isd)#, has little g))d and less 5irtue, and
& H& C& 'ells "Outline )3 Hist)r.&
609
li5es +ain3ull. in c)nseGuence )3 tri3ling #isdeeds& E5en a tri5ial
act c)##itted b. such a +ers)n (ill lead hi# t) a state )3 #iser.&
JHere, O Bhi;;hus, a certain +ers)n is disci+lined in b)d., in
#)ralit., in #ind, in (isd)#, d)es #uch g))d, is highs)uled
and
li5es (ith b)undless c)#+assi)n t)(ards all&
JA si#ilar e5il c)##itted b. such a +ers)n ri+ens in this li3e itsel3
and n)t e5en a s#all e33ect #ani3ests itsel3 @a3ter deathA, n)t t)
sa. )3 a great )ne&9
JIt is as i3 a #an (ere t) +ut a lu#+ )3 salt int) a s#all cu+
)3 (ater& 'hat d) .)u thin;, O Bhi;;husB ')uld n)( the s#all
a#)unt )3 (ater in this cu+ bec)#e saltish and undrin;ableB
J!es, L)rd&
JAnd (h.B
JBecause, L)rd, there (as 5er. little (ater in the cu+, and s) it
beca#e saltish and undrin;able b. this lu#+ )3 salt&
JSu++)se a #an (ere t) +ut a lu#+ )3 salt int) the ri5er Canges&
'hat thin; .)u, O Bhi;;husB ')uld n)( the ri5er Canges bec)#e
saltish and undrin;able b. the lu#+ )3 saltB
JNa., indeed, L)rd&
JAnd (h. n)tB
JBecause, L)rd, the #ass )3 (ater in the ri5er Canges is great,
and s) it ()uld n)t bec)#e saltish and undrin;able&
JIn e2actl. the sa#e (a. (e #a. ha5e the case )3 a +ers)n (h)
d)es s)#e slight e5il deed (hich brings hi# t) a state )3 #iser., )r,
again, (e #a. ha5e the case )3 an)ther +ers)n (h) d)es the sa#e
tri5ial #isdeed, .et he e2+iates it in his +resent li3e& N)t e5en a
s#all e33ect #ani3ests itsel3 @a3ter deathA, n)t t) sa. )3 a great )ne&
J'e #a. ha5e the case )3 a +ers)n (h) is cast int) +ris)n 3)r
the the3t )3 a hal3+enn.,
+enn., )r 3)r a hundred +ence )r, again,
(e #a. ha5e the case )3 a +ers)n (h) is n)t cast int) +ris)n 3)r a
9& The re3erence here is t) an Arahant (h) is n)t subHect t) an. 3uture s)rr)(&
60
hal3+enn.,
3)r a +enn., 3)r a hundred +ence&
hal3+enn.,
3)r a +enn., 3)r a hundred +ence&
J'h) is n)t cast int) +ris)n 3)r a hal3+enn.,
)r 3)r a +enn., )r
3)r a hundred +enceB
J'hene5er an. )ne is rich& (ealth., and a33luent, he is n)t cast
int) +ris)n 3)r a hal3+enn., 3)r a +enn., 3)r a hundred +ence&
JIn e2actl. the sa#e (a. (e #a. ha5e the case )3 a +ers)n (h)
d)es s)#e slight e5il deed (hich brings hi# t) a state )3 #iser., )r
again (e #a. ha5e the case )3 an)ther +ers)n (h) d)es the sa#e
tri5ial #isdeed, and e2+iates it in the +resent li3e& N)t e5en a s#all
e33ect #ani3ests itsel3 @a3ter deathA, n)t t) sa. )3 a great )ne&K8
4ause )3 Ad5erse esults
C))d begets g))d, but an. subseGuent regrets )n the +art )3
the d)er in res+ect )3 the g))d d)ne, de+ri5e hi# )3 the due
desirable results&
The 3)ll)(ing case #a. be cited in illustrati)n$
On )ne )ccasi)n King ?asenadi )3 K)sala a++r)ached the
Buddha and said$
JL)rd, here in Sa5atthi a #illi)naire h)useh)lder has died&
He has le3t n) s)n behind hi#, and n)( I c)#e here, a3ter
ha5ing c)n5e.ed his +r)+ert. t) the +alace& L)rd, a hundred
la;hs in g)ld, t) sa. n)thing )3 the sil5er& But this
#illi)naire h)useh)lder used t) eat br);en scra+s )3 3))d
and s)ur gruel& And h)( did he cl)the hi#sel3B *)r dress
he ()re a r)be )3 c)arse he#+, and as t) his c)ach, he
dr)5e in a br);end)(n
cart rigged u+ (ith a lea3a(ning&K
Thereu+)n the Buddha said$
& Anguttara Ni;a.a +t& i& +& 690 D See 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)n, +& 66<&
60:
JE5en s), O King, e5en s)& In a 3)r#er li3e, O King, this
JE5en s), O King, e5en s)& In a 3)r#er li3e, O King, this
Buddha called Tagarasi;hi& Later, he re+ented )3 ha5ing
gi5en the 3))d, sa.ing (ithin hi#sel3$ MIt ()uld be better
i3 #. ser5ants and ()r;#en ate the 3))d I ga5e 3)r al#s&>
And besides this he de+ri5ed his br)ther>s )nl. s)n )3 his
li3e 3)r the sa;e )3 his +r)+ert.& And because this #illi)naire
h)useh)lder ga5e al#s )3 3))d t) the ?acce;a Buddha
Tagarasi;hi, in reGuital 3)r this deed, he (as reb)rn se5en
ti#es in hea5enl. bliss3ul states& And b. the residual result
)3 that sa#e acti)n, he beca#e se5en ti#es a #illi)naire
in this 5er. Sa5atthi&
JAnd because this #illi)naire h)useh)lder re+ented )3
ha5ing gi5en al#s, sa.ing t) hi#sel3$ It ()uld be better i3
#. ser5ants and ()r;#en ate the 3))d& There3)re as a re
Guital 3)r this deed, he had n) a++reciati)n )3 g))d 3))d,
n) a++reciati)n )3 3ine dresses, n) a++reciati)n )3 an elegant
5ehicle, n) a++reciati)n )3 the enH).#ents )3 the 3i5e
senses&
JAnd because this #illi)naire h)useh)lder sle( the )nl.
s)n )3 his br)ther 3)r the sa;e )3 his +r)+ert., as reGuital
3)r this deed, he had t) su33er #an. .ears, #an. hundreds
)3 .ears, #an. th)usands )3 .ears, #an. hundreds
)3 th)usand )3 .ears )3 +ain in states )3 #iser.& And b.
the residual )3 that sa#e acti)n, he is (ith)ut a s)n 3)r the
se5enth ti#e, and in c)nseGuence )3 this, had t) lea5e his
+r)+ert. t) the r).al treasur.&K:
This #illi)naire )btained his 5ast 3)rtune as a result )3 the
g))d act d)ne in a +ast birth, but since he re+ented )3 his
:& Sa#.utta Ni;a.a, +t& i, +& 0/& See 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)n, +& 60:, and
Cri##, The D)ctrine )3 the Buddha, +& 691&
60<
g))d deed, he c)uld n)t 3ull. enH). the bene3it )3 the riches
(hich Ka##a +r)5ided hi#&
Bene3icent and Male3icent *)rces
In the ()r;ing )3 Ka##a it sh)uld be underst))d that there
are bene3icent and #ale3icent 3)rces t) c)unteract and su++)rt
this sel3")+erating la(& Birth @gatiA, ti#e )r c)nditi)ns @;alaA,
+ers)nalit. )r a++earance @u+adhiA and e33)rt @+a.)gaA are such
aids and hindrances t) the 3ruiti)n )3 Ka##a&
I3, 3)r instance, a +ers)n is b)rn in a n)ble 3a#il. )r in a
state )3 ha++iness, his 3)rtunate birth (ill s)#eti#es hinder
the 3ruiti)n )3 his e5il Ka##a&
I3, )n the )ther hand, he is b)rn in a state )3 #iser. )r in
an un3)rtunate 3a#il., his un3a5)urable birth (ill +r)5ide an
eas. )++)rtunit. 3)r his e5il Ka##a t) )+erates&
This is technicall. ;n)(n as Cati Sa#+atti @3a5)urable
birthA and Cati Vi+atti @un3a5)urable birthA&
An unintelligent +ers)n, (h), b. s)#e g))d Ka##a, is
b)rn in a r).al 3a#il., (ill, )n acc)unt )3 his n)ble +arentage,
be h)n)ured b. the +e)+le& I3 the sa#e +ers)n (ere t) ha5e a
less 3)rtunate birth, he ()uld n)t be si#ilarl. treated&
King Dutthaga#ani )3 4e.l)n, 3)r instance, acGuired e5il
Ka##a b. (aging (ar (ith the Ta#ils, and g))d Ka##a b.
his 5ari)us religi)us and s)cial deeds& O(ing t) his g))d e+r)ducti5e
Ka##a he (as b)rn in a hea5enl. bliss3ul state&
Traditi)n sa.s that he (ill ha5e his last birth in the ti#e )3 the
3uture Buddha Mette..a& His e5il Ka##a cann)t, there3)re,
success3ull. )+erate )(ing t) his 3a5)urable birth&
T) cite an)ther e2a#+le, King AHatasattu, (h) c)##itted
+arricide, beca#e distinguished 3)r his +iet. and de5)ti)n
later )(ing t) his ass)ciati)n (ith the Buddha& He n)( su3
601
3ers in a ()e3ul state as a result )3 his hein)us cri#e& His un3a5)urable
birth ()uld n)t there3)re +er#it hi# t) enH). the
3ers in a ()e3ul state as a result )3 his hein)us cri#e& His un3a5)urable
birth ()uld n)t there3)re +er#it hi# t) enH). the
Beaut.@U+adhiSa#+attiA,andugliness@U+adhiVi+attiAaret()
)ther 3act)rs that hinder and 3a5)ur the ()r;ing )3 Ka##a&
I3, b. s)#e g))d Ka##a, a +ers)n )btains a ha++. birth
but un3)rtunatel. is de3)r#ed, he (ill n)t be able 3ull. t) enH).
the bene3icial results )3 his g))d Ka##a& E5en a legiti#ate
heir t) the thr)ne #a. n)t +erha+s be raised t) that e2alted
+)siti)n i3 he ha++ens t) be +h.sicall. de3)r#ed& Beaut., )n
the )ther hand, (ill be an asset t) the +)ssess)r& A g))d"l));ing
s)n )3 a +))r +arent #a. attract the attenti)n )3 )thers and
#a. be able t) distinguish hi#sel3 thr)ugh their in3luence&
*a5)urable ti#e )r )ccasi)n and un3a5)urable ti#e )r )ccasi)n
@Kala Sa#+atti and Kala Vi+attiA are t() )ther 3act)rs
that e33ect the ()r;ing )3 Ka##aL the )ne aids, and the )ther
i#+edes the ()r;ing )3 Ka##a&
In the case )3 a 3a#ine all (ith)ut e2ce+ti)n (ill be c)#+elled
t) su33er the sa#e 3ate& Here the un3a5)urable c)nditi)ns
)+en u+ +)ssibilities 3)r e5il Ka##a t) )+erate& The
3a5)urable c)nditi)ns, )n the )ther hand, (ill +re5ent the )+erati)n
)3 e5il Ka##a&
O3 these bene3icent and #ale3icent 3)rces the #)st i#+)rtant
is e33)rt @?a.)gaA& In the ()r;ing )3 Ka##a e33)rt )r lac;
)3 e33)rt +la.s a great +art& B. +resent e33)rt )ne can create
3resh Ka##a, ne( surr)undings, ne( en5ir)n#ent, and e5en
a ne( ()rld& Th)ugh +laced in the #)st 3a5)urable circu#stances
and +r)5ided (ith all 3acilities, i3 )ne #a;es n) strenu)us
e33)rt, )ne n)t )nl. #isses g)lden )++)rtunities but #a.
als) ruin )nesel3& ?ers)nal e33)rt is essential 3)r b)th ()rldl.
and s+iritual +r)gress&
600
I3 a +ers)n #a;es n) e33)rt t) cure hi#sel3 )3 a disease )r
t) sa5e hi#sel3 3r)# his di33iculties, )r t) stri5e (ith diligence
3)r his +r)gress, his e5il Ka##a (ill 3ind a suitable )++)rtunit.
t) +r)duce its due e33ects& I3, )n the c)ntrar., he endea5)urs
)n his +art t) sur#)unt his di33iculties, t) better his circu#stances,
t) #a;e the best use )3 the rare )++)rtunities, t)
stri5e strenu)usl. 3)r his real +r)gress, his g))d Ka##a (ill
c)#e t) his succ)ur&
I3 a +ers)n #a;es n) e33)rt t) cure hi#sel3 )3 a disease )r
t) sa5e hi#sel3 3r)# his di33iculties, )r t) stri5e (ith diligence
3)r his +r)gress, his e5il Ka##a (ill 3ind a suitable )++)rtunit.
t) +r)duce its due e33ects& I3, )n the c)ntrar., he endea5)urs
)n his +art t) sur#)unt his di33iculties, t) better his circu#stances,
t) #a;e the best use )3 the rare )++)rtunities, t)
stri5e strenu)usl. 3)r his real +r)gress, his g))d Ka##a (ill
c)#e t) his succ)ur&
These t() i#+)rtant 3act)rs are technicall. ;n)(n as ?a.)ga
Sa#+atti and ?a.)ga Vi+atti&
Th)ugh (e are neither abs)lutel. the ser5ants n)r the #asters
)3 )ur Ka##a, it is e5ident 3r)# these c)unteracti5e and
su++)rti5e 3act)rs that the 3ruiti)n )3 Ka##a is in3luenced
t) s)#e e2tent b. e2ternal circu#stances, surr)undings, +ers)nalit.,
indi5idual stri5ing, and the li;e&
It is this d)ctrine )3 Ka##a that gi5e c)ns)lati)n, h)+e,
reliance, and #)ral c)urage t) a Buddhist&
'hen the une2+ected ha++ens, di33iculties, 3ailures, and
#is3)rtunes c)n3r)nt hi#, the Buddhist realiIes that he is
rea+ing (hat he has s)(n, and is (i+ing )33 a +ast debt& Instead
)3 resigning hi#sel3, lea5ing e5er.thing t) Ka##a, he
#a;es a strenu)us e33)rt t) +ull )ut the (eeds and s)( use3ul
seeds in their +lace, 3)r the 3uture is in his hands&
He (h) belie5es in Ka##a, d)es n)t c)nde#n e5en the
#)st c)rru+t, 3)r the. ha5e their chance t) re3)r# the#sel5es
at an. #)#ent& Th)ugh b)und t) su33er in ()e3ul states, the.
7==
ha5e the h)+e )3 attaining eternal +eace& B. their deeds the.
create their )(n hells, and b. their )(n deeds the. can als)
create their )(n hea5ens&
ha5e the h)+e )3 attaining eternal +eace& B. their deeds the.
create their )(n hells, and b. their )(n deeds the. can als)
create their )(n hea5ens&
d)es n)t +ra. t) an)ther t) be sa5ed but c)n3identl. relies )n
hi#sel3 3)r his e#anci+ati)n& Instead )3 #a;ing an. sel3"surrender,
)r +r)+itiating an. su+ernatural agenc., he ()uld rel.
)n his )(n (ill+)(er and ()r; incessantl. 3)r the (eal and
ha++iness )3 all&
This belie3 in Ka##a, J5alidates his e33)rt and ;indles his
enthusias#,K because it teaches indi5idual res+)nsibilit.&
T) an )rdinar. Buddhist Ka##a ser5es as a deterrent,
(hile t) an intellectual it ser5es as an incenti5e t) d) g))d&
This la( )3 Ka##a e2+lains the +r)ble# )3 su33ering, the
#.ster. )3 the s)"called 3ate and +redestinati)n )3 s)#e reli
gi)ns, and ab)5e all the ineGualit. )3 #an;ind&
'e are the architects )3 )ur )(n 3ate& 'e are )ur )(n creat)rs&
'e are )ur )(n destr).ers& 'e build )ur )(n hea5ens&
'e build )ur )(n hells&
'hat (e thin;, s+ea; and d), bec)#e )ur )(n& It is these
th)ughts, ()rds, and deeds that assu#e the na#e )3 Ka##a
and +ass 3r)# li3e t) li3e e2alting and degrading us in the
c)urse )3 )ur (anderings in Sa#sara&
Sa.s the Buddha D
JMan>s #erits and the sins he here hath (r)ught$
That is the thing he )(ns, that ta;es he hence,
That d)gs his ste+s, li;e shad)(s in +ursuit&
Hence let hi# #a;e g))d st)re 3)r li3e else(here&
Sure +lat3)r# in s)#e )ther 3uture ()rld,
e(ards )3 Virtue )n g))d beings (ait&K<
!
<& H& C& 'ells "Outline )3 Hist)r.&
=/
6
'hat is the Origin )3 Li3eB
JInc)ncei5able is the beginning, O disci+les, )3 this 3aring )n& The ear
liest +)int is n)t re5ealed )3 the running )n, the 3aring )n, )3 beings,
cl)a;ed in ign)rance, tied b. cra5ing&K
D Sa#.utta Ni;a.a
ebirth, (hich Buddhists d) n)t regard as a #ere the)r. but
as a 3act 5eri3iable b. e5idence, 3)r#s a 3unda#ental tenet )3
Buddhis#, th)ugh its g)al Nibbana is attainable in this li3e it
sel3& The B)dhisatta Ideal and the c)rrelati5e d)ctrine )3 3ree
d)# t) attain utter +er3ecti)n are based )n this d)ctrine )3
rebirth&
D)cu#ents rec)rd that this belie3 in rebirth, 5ie(ed as
trans#igrati)n )r reincarnati)n, (as acce+ted b. +hil)s)
+hers li;e ?.thag)ras and ?lat), +)ets li;e Shell., Tenn.s)n and
')rds()rth, and #an. )rdinar. +e)+le in the East as (ell as
in the 'est&
The Buddhist d)ctrine )3 rebirth sh)uld be di33erenti
ated 3r)# the the)r. )3 trans#igrati)n and reincarnati)n )3
)ther s.ste#s, because Buddhis# denies the e2istence )3 a
trans#igrating +er#anent s)ul, created b. C)d, )r e#anat
ing 3r)# a ?ara#at#a @Di5ine EssenceA&
It is Ka##a that c)nditi)ns rebirth& ?ast Ka##a c)nditi)ns
the +resent birthL and +resent Ka##a, in c)#binati)n (ith +ast
Ka##a, c)nditi)ns the 3uture& The +resent is the )33s+ring )3
the +ast, and bec)#es, in turn& the +arent )3 the 3uture&
The actualit. )3 the +resent needs n) +r))3 as it is sel3"
e5ident& That )3 the +ast is based )n #e#)r. and re+)rt, and
that )3 the 3uture )n 3)reth)ught and in3erence&
7=6
I3 (e +)stulate a +ast, a +resent and a 3uture li3e, then (e are
at )nce 3aced (ith the +r)ble# J'hat is the ulti#ate )rigin )3
li3eBK
I3 (e +)stulate a +ast, a +resent and a 3uture li3e, then (e are
at )nce 3aced (ith the +r)ble# J'hat is the ulti#ate )rigin )3
li3eBK
/ is
inc)ncei5able& Acc)rding t) the 3)r#er, li3e has had a beginning,
acc)rding t) the latter, it is beginningless& In the )+ini)n
)3 s)#e the c)nce+ti)n )3 a 3irst cause is as ridicul)us as a
r)und triangle&
One #ight argue that li3e #ust ha5e had a beginning in
the in3inite +ast and that beginning )r the *irst 4ause is the
4reat)r&
In that case there is n) reas)n (h. the sa#e de#and #a.
n)t be #ade )3 this +)stulated 4reat)r&
'ith res+ect t) this alleged *irst 4ause #en ha5e held
(idel. di33erent 5ie(s& In inter+reting this *irst 4ause, ?ara"
#at#a, Brah#a, Is5ara, -eh)5ah, C)d, the Al#ight., Allah,
Su+re#e Being, *ather in Hea5en, 4reat)r, Order )3 Hea5en,
?ri#e M)5er, Uncaused 4ause, Di5ine Essence, 4hance, ?a;ati,
?adhana are s)#e signi3icant ter#s e#+l).ed b. certain
religi)us teachers and +hil)s)+hers&
Hinduis# traces the )rigin )3 li3e t) a #.stical ?ara#at#a
3r)# (hich e#anate all At#as )r s)uls that trans#i
grate 3r)# e2istence t) e2istence until the. are 3inall. reabs)rbed
in ?ara#at#a& One #ight Guesti)n (hether there
/&
JThere is n) reas)n t) su++)se that the ()rld had a beginning at all& The idea
that things #ust ha5e a beginning is due t) the +)5ert. )3 )ur i#aginati)n&K
Bertrand ussell, 'h. I a# n)t a 4hristian&
7=7
is an. +)ssibilit. 3)r these reabs)rbed At#as 3)r a 3urther
trans#igrati)n&
4hristianit., ad#itting the +)ssibilit. )3 an ulti#ate )ri
is an. +)ssibilit. 3)r these reabs)rbed At#as 3)r a 3urther
trans#igrati)n&
4hristianit., ad#itting the +)ssibilit. )3 an ulti#ate )ri
J'h)e5er,K as S)h)+enhaeur sa.s, Jregards hi#sel3 as ha5ing
c)#e )ut )3 n)thing #ust als) thin; that he (ill again bec)#e n)thing,
3)r that an eternit. has +assed be3)re he (as, and then a sec)nd
eternit. had begun, thr)ugh (hich he (ill ne5er cease t) be, is
a #)nstr)us th)ught&
JM)re)5er, i3 birth is the abs)lute beginning, then death #ust
be the abs)lute endL and the assu#+ti)n that #an is #ade )ut )3
n)thing, leads necessaril. t) the assu#+ti)n that death is his abs)lute
end&K6
JAcc)rding t) the The)l)gical +rinci+les,K argues S+encer
Le(is, J#an is created arbitraril. and (ith)ut his desire, and at
the #)#ent )3 creati)n is either blessed )r un3)rtunate, n)ble )r de+ra5ed,
3r)# the 3irst ste+ in the +r)cess )3 his +h.sical creati)n t)
the #)#ent )3 his last breath, regardless )3 his indi5idual desires,
h)+es, a#biti)ns, struggles )r de5)ted +ra.ers& Such is the)l)gical
3atalis#&
JThe d)ctrine that all #en are sinners and ha5e the essential
sin )3 Ada# is a challenge t) Hustice, #erc., l)5e and )#ni+)tent
3airness&K
Hu2le. sa.s$N
JI3 (e are t) assu#e that an.b)d. has designedl. set this
()nder3ul uni5erse g)ing, it is +er3ectl. clear t) #e that he is
n) #)re entirel. bene5)lent and Hust, in an. intelligible sense
)3 the ()rds, than that he is #ale5)lent and unHust&K
Acc)rding t) Einstein$N
JI3 this being @C)dA is )#ni+)lent, then e5er. )ccurrence, includ
6& See The ()rld as 'ill and Idea&
7=9
ing e5er. hu#an acti)n, e5er. hu#an th)ught, and e5er. hu#an
3eeling and as+irati)n is als) his ()r;L h)( is it +)ssible t) thin; )3
h)lding #en res+)nsible 3)r their deeds and th)ughts be3)re such
an Al#ight. BeingB
JIn gi5ing )ut +unish#ents and re(ards, He ()uld t) a certain
e2tent be +assing Hudg#ent )n hi#sel3& H)( can this be c)#bined
(ith the g))dness and righte)usness ascribed t) hi#BK
Acc)rding t) 4harles Bradlaugh$N
JThe e2istence )3 e5il is a terrible stu#bling bl)c; t) the Theist&
?ain, #iser., cri#e, +)5ert. c)n3r)nt the ad5)cate )3 eternal g))dness,
and challenge (ith unans(erable +)tenc. his declarati)n )3
Deit. as allg))d,
all(ise,
and all+)(er3ul&K
4)##enting )n hu#an su33ering and C)d, ?r)3& -& B& S&
Haldane (rites$N
JEither su33ering is needed t) +er3ect hu#an character, )r C)d
is n)t Al#ight.& The 3)r#er the)r. is dis+r)5ed b. the 3act that
s)#e +e)+le (h) ha5e su33ered 5er. little but ha5e been 3)rtunate
in their ancestr. and educati)n ha5e 5er. 3ine characters& The )bHecti)n
t) the sec)nd is that it is )nl. in c)nnecti)n (ith the uni5erse
as a (h)le that there is an. intellectual ga+ t) be 3illed b. the
+)stulati)n )3 a deit.& And a creat)r c)uld +resu#abl. create (hate5er
he )r it (anted&K7
In JDes+air,K a +)e# )3 his )ld age, L)rd Tenn.s)n thus
b)ldl. attac;s C)d, (h), as rec)rded in Isaiah, sa.s D JI #a;e
+eace and create e5il&K9
J'hatR I sh)uld call )n that in3inite L)5e that has ser5ed us s)
(ellB In3inite cruelt., rather, that #ade e5erlasting hell& Made us,
3)re;ne( us, 3)red))#ed us, and d)es (hat he (ill (ith his )(n&
Better )ur dead brute #)ther (h) ne5er has heard us gr)an&K
& See his essa. )n JA ?lea 3)r Atheis#,K Hu#anit.>s Cain 3r)# Unbelie3&
9& Isaiah, OOV, <
7=8
D)g#atic (riters )3 )ld auth)ritati5el. declared that C)d created
#an a3ter his )(n i#age& S)#e #)dern thin;ers state,
)n the c)ntrar., that #an created C)d a3ter his )(n i#age&
D)g#atic (riters )3 )ld auth)ritati5el. declared that C)d created
#an a3ter his )(n i#age& S)#e #)dern thin;ers state,
)n the c)ntrar., that #an created C)d a3ter his )(n i#age&
'ith the gr)(th )3 ci5iliIati)n #an>s c)nce+ti)n )3 C)d gr)(s
#)re and #)re re3ined& There is at +resent a tendenc. t) substitute
this +ers)nal C)d b. an i#+ers)nal C)d&
V)ltaire states that C)d is the n)blest creati)n )3 #an&
It is h)(e5er i#+)ssible t) c)ncei5e )3 such an )#ni+)
tent, )#ni+resent being, an e+it)#e )3 e5er.thing that is g))d
D either in )r )utside the uni5erse&
M)dern science endea5)urs t) tac;le the +r)ble# (ith its
li#ited s.ste#atiIed ;n)(ledge& Acc)rding t) the scienti3ic
stand+)int, (e are the direct +r)ducts )3 the s+er# and )5u#
cells +r)5ided b. )ur +arents& But science d)es n)t gi5e a sat
is3act)r. e2+lanati)n (ith regard t) the de5el)+#ent )3 the
#ind, (hich is in3initel. #)re i#+)rtant than the #achiner.
)3 #an>s #aterial b)d., Scientists, (hile asserting JO#ne
5i5u# e2 5i5)K Jall li3e 3r)# li3eK #aintain that #ind and li3e
e5)l5ed 3r)# the li3eless&
N)( 3r)# the scienti3ic stand+)int (e are abs)lutel. +arent"
b)rn& Thus )ur li5es are necessaril. +receded b. th)se )3
)ur +arents and s) )n& In this (a. li3e is +receded b. li3e until
)ne g)es bac; t) the 3irst +r)t)+las# )r c)ll)id& As regards
the )rigin )3 this 3irst +r)t)+las# )r c)ll)id, h)(e5er, scientists
+lead ign)rance&
'hat is the attitude )3 Buddhis# (ith regard t) the )rigin
)3 li3eB
8& JA strict de#)nstrati)n )3 the e2istence )3 C)d is utterl. i#+)ssible& Al#)st all
the +r))3s that ha5e been )33ered assu#e in the 5er. +re#ises the c)nclusi)n t) be
+r)5ed&K e5&'& Kir;us in Orth)d)2. Scri+ture and eas)n, +& 79&
J'e ha5e g)t t) rec)gniIe that e5il 3alls (ithin a uni5erse 3)r (hich C)d is res+)n
sible& 'e cann)t abs)l5e C)d 3)r +er#itting the e2istence )3 sin and +ain&K D 4an)n&
4& E& a5en, The Cr)unds )3 4hristian Assu#+ti)n&
7=:
At the )utset it sh)uld be stated that the Buddha d)es n)t
atte#+t t) s)l5e all the ethical and +hil)s)+hical +r)ble#s
that +er+le2 #an;ind& N)r d)es He deal (ith s+eculati)ns
and the)ries that tend neither t) edi3icati)n n)r t) enlighten#ent&
N)r d)es He de#and blind 3aith 3r)# His adherents
anent a *irst 4ause& He is chie3l. c)ncerned (ith )ne +ractical
and s+eci3ic +r)ble# D that )3 su33ering and its destructi)n, all
side issues are c)#+letel. ign)red&
On )ne )ccasi)n a Bhi;;hu na#ed Malun;.a+utta, n)t c)ntent
t) lead the H)l. Li3e, and achie5e his E#anci+ati)n b. degrees,
a++r)ached the Buddha and i#+atientl. de#anded an
i##ediates)luti)n)3s)#es+eculati5e+r)ble#s(iththethreat
)3 discarding the r)bes i3 n) satis3act)r. ans(er (as gi5en&
JL)rd,K he said, Jthese the)ries ha5e n)t been elucidated, ha5e
been set aside and reHected b. the Blessed One D (hether the ()rld
is eternal )r n)t eternal, (hether the ()rld is 3inite )r in3inite& I3
the Blessed One (ill elucidate these Guesti)ns t) #e, then I (ill
lead the H)l. Li3e under Hi#& I3 he (ill n)t, then I (ill aband)n
the +rece+ts and return t) the la. li3e&
JI3 the Blessed One ;n)(s that the ()rld is eternal, let the
Blessed One elucidate t) #e that the ()rld is eternalL i3 the Blessed
One ;n)(s that the ()rld is n)t eternal, let the Blessed One elucidate
that the ()rld is n)t eternal D in that case, certainl., 3)r )ne
(h) d)es n)t ;n)( and lac;s the insight, the )nl. u+right thing is
t) sa.$ I d) n)t ;n)(, I ha5e n)t the insight&K
4al#l. the Buddha Guesti)ned the erring Bhi;;hu (hether
his ad)+ti)n )3 the H)l. Li3e (as in an. (a. c)nditi)nal u+)n
the s)luti)n )3 such +r)ble#s&
JNa., L)rd,K the Bhi;;hu re+lied&
The Buddha then ad#)nished hi# n)t t) (aste ti#e
and energ. )5er idle s+eculati)ns detri#ental t) his #)ral
7=<
+r)gress, and said$
+r)gress, and said$
.
Li3e under the Blessed One until the Blessed One elucidates
these Guesti)ns t) #e> D that +ers)n ()uld die be3)re these Guesti)ns
had e5er been elucidated b. the Acc)#+lished One&
JIt is as i3 a +ers)n (ere +ierced b. an arr)( thic;l. s#eared
(ith +)is)n, and his 3riends and relati5es (ere t) +r)cure a
surge)n, and then he (ere t) sa.& MI (ill n)t ha5e this arr)(
ta;en )ut until I ;n)( the details )3 the +ers)n b. (h)# I (as
()unded, nature )3 the arr)( (ith (hich I (as +ierced, etc&>
That +ers)n ()uld die be3)re this ()uld e5er be ;n)(n b. hi#&
JIn e2actl. the sa#e (a. (h)e5er sh)uld sa., MI (ill n)t lead
the H)l. Li3e under the Blessed One until He elucidated t) #e
(hether the ()rld is eternal )r n)t eternal, (hether the ()rld is
3inite )r in3initeS> That +ers)n ()uld die be3)re these Guesti)ns
had e5er been elucidated b. the Acc)#+lished One&
JI3 it be the belie3 that the ()rld is eternal, (ill there be the
)bser5ance )3 the H)l. Li3eB In such a case D N)R I3 it be the belie3
that the ()rld is n)t eternal, (ill there be the )bser5ance )3
the H)l. Li3eB In that case als) D N)R But, (hether the belie3 be
that the ()rld is eternal )r that it is n)t eternal, there is birth,
there is )ld age, there is death, the e2tincti)n )3 (hich in this li3e
itsel3 I #a;e ;n)(n&
JMalun;.a+utta, I ha5e n)t re5ealed (hether the ()rld is
eternal )r n)t eternal, (hether the ()rld is 3inite )r in3inite&
'h. ha5e I n)t re5ealed theseB Because these are n)t +r)3itable,
d) n)t c)ncern the bases )3 h)liness, are n)t c)nduci5e t) a5ersi)n,
t) +assi)nlessness, t) cessati)n, t) tranGuilit., t) intuiti5e
(isd)#, t) enlighten#ent )r t) Nibbana& There3)re I ha5e n)t
re5ealed these&:
:& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, 4ula Malun;.a Sutta N)& :7&
=1
Acc)rding t) Buddhis#, (e are b)rn 3r)# the #atri2 )3 acti)n
@Ka##a.)niA& ?arents #erel. +r)5ide us (ith a #aterial la.er&
There3)re being +recedes being& At the #)#ent )3 c)nce+ti)n,
it is Ka##a that c)nditi)ns the initial c)nsci)usness that 5italiIes
the 3)etus& It is this in5isible Ka##ic energ., generated
3r)# the +ast birth, that +r)duces #ental +hen)#ena and the
+hen)#ena )3 li3e in an alread. e2tant +h.sical +hen)#ena,
t) c)#+lete the tri) that c)nstitutes #an&
Dealing (ith the c)nce+ti)n )3 beings, the Buddha states$
J'here three are 3)und in c)#binati)n, there a ger# )3 li3e is
+lanted& I3 #)ther and 3ather c)#e t)gether, but it is n)t the
#)ther>s 3ertile +eri)d, and the Mbeingt)beb)rn>
@gandhabbaA
is n)t +resent, then n) ger# )3 li3e is +lanted& I3 #)ther and 3ather
c)#e t)gether, and it is the #)ther>s 3ertile +eri)d, but the
Mbeingt)beb)rn>
is n)t +resent then again n) ger# )3 li3e is
+lanted& I3 #)ther and 3ather c)#e t)gether and it is the #)ther>s
3ertile +eri)d, and the Mbeingt)beb)rn>
is +resent, then b.
the c)nHuncti)n )3 these three, a ger# )3 li3e is there +lanted&K<
Here Candhabba @X gantabbaA d)es n)t #ean Ja class )3 de5as
said t) +reside )5er the +r)cess )3 c)nce+ti)nK1 but re3ers t) a
suitable being read. t) be b)rn in that +articular ()#b& This
ter# is used )nl. in this +articular c)nnecti)n, and #ust n)t
be #ista;en 3)r a +er#anent s)ul&
*)r a being t) be b)rn here, s)#e(here a being #ust die&
The birth )3 a being, (hich strictl. #eans the arising )3 the
Aggregates @;handhana# +atubha5)A, )r +s.ch)+h.sical +hen)#ena
in this +resent li3e, c)rres+)nds t) the death )3 a being
<&
Ibid&, Mahatanhasa#;ha.a Sutta, N)& 1& Alth)ugh (ic; and )il #a. be +resent,
.et an e2ternal 3ire sh)uld be intr)duced t) +r)duce a 3la#e&
1&
See *& L& '))d(ard, S)#e Sa.ings )3 the Buddha&, +& 9=&
=0
in a +ast li3eL Hust as, in c)n5enti)nal ter#s, the rising )3 the
sun in )ne +lace #eans the setting )3 the sun in an)ther +lace&
This enig#atic state#ent #a. be better underst))d b. i#agining
li3e as a (a5e and n)t as a straight line& Birth and death
are )nl. t() +hases )3 the sa#e +r)cess& Birth +recedes death,
and death, )n the )ther hand, +recedes birth& This c)nstant
successi)n )3 birth and death c)nnecti)n (ith each indi5id
in a +ast li3eL Hust as, in c)n5enti)nal ter#s, the rising )3 the
sun in )ne +lace #eans the setting )3 the sun in an)ther +lace&
This enig#atic state#ent #a. be better underst))d b. i#agining
li3e as a (a5e and n)t as a straight line& Birth and death
are )nl. t() +hases )3 the sa#e +r)cess& Birth +recedes death,
and death, )n the )ther hand, +recedes birth& This c)nstant
successi)n )3 birth and death c)nnecti)n (ith each indi5ida
D recurrent (andering&
'hat is the ulti#ate )rigin )3 li3eB
The Buddha +)siti5el. declares$
J'ith)ut, c)gniIable beginning is this Sa#sara& The earliest
+)int )3 beings (h), )bstructed b. ign)rance and
3ettered b. cra5ing, (ander and 3are )n, is n)t t) be
+ercei5ed&K0
This li3e"strea# 3l)(s ad in3initu#, as l)ng as it is 3ed (ith
the #udd. (aters )3 ign)rance and cra5ing& 'hen these t()
are c)#+letel. cut )33, then )nl. d)es the li3e"strea# cease t)
3l)(L rebirth ends, as in the case )3 Buddhas and Arahants& A
0& Ana#atagg) .a# bhi;;ha5e sa#sar), +ubba;)ti na +aQQa.ati a5iHHani5aranana#
sattana# tanha sa#.)Hanana# sandha5ata#&
JIncalculable is the beginning, brethren, )3 this 3aring )n& The earliest +)int
is n)t re5ealed )3 the running )n, the 3aring, )3 beings cl)a;ed in ign)rance,
tied t) cra5ing&K *& L& '))d(ard D Kindred Sa.ings, +art iii& +&//1&&
JInc)ncei5able is the beginning )3 this Sa#sara, n)t t) be disc)5ered a 3irst
beginning )3 beings, (h), )bstructed b. ign)rance and ensnared b. cra5ing,
are hurr.ing and hastening thr)ugh this r)und )3 rebirths&K D N.anatil);a
Thera&
Sa#sara, literall., #eans recurrent (andering& Atthasalini de3ines Sa#sara
thus$N
Khandhana# +ati+ati dhatua.atanana
ca
Abbh)cchinna# 5atta#anasa#sar) ti +a5uccati&&
Sa#sara is the unbr);en successi)n )3 aggregates, ele#ents, and the sense"
bases&
/=
3irst beginning )3 this li3e"strea# cann)t be deter#ined, as a
stage cann)t be +ercei5ed (hen this li3e 3)rce (as n)t 3raught
(ith ign)rance and cra5ing&
It sh)uld be underst))d that the Buddha has here re3erred
#erel. t) the beginning )3 the li3e strea# )3 li5ing beings& It
is le3t t) scientists t) s+eculate )n the )rigin and the e5)luti)n
)3 the uni5erse&
!
//
4ha+ter 67
The Buddha )n the s)"called 4reat)r"C)d
JI c)unt .)ur Brah#a )ne th> unHust a#)ng,
'h) #ade a ()rld in (hich t) shelter (r)ng&K
D -ata;a
The ?ali eGui5alent 3)r the 4reat)r"C)d in )ther religi)ns is
either Issara @Sa#s;rit is5araA
)r Brah#a& In the Ti+ita;a there
is abs)lutel. n) re3erence (hate5er t) the e2istence )3 a C)d&
On se5eral )ccasi)ns the Buddha denied the e2istence )3 a +er
#anent s)ul @AttaA& As t) the denial )3 a 4reat)r"C)d, there are
)nl. a 3e( re3erences& Buddha ne5er ad#itted the e2istence )3
a 4reat)r (hether in the 3)r# )3 a 3)rce )r a being&
Des+ite the 3act that the Buddha +laced n) su+ernatural
C)d )5er #an s)#e sch)lars assert that the Buddha (as char
acteristicall. silent )n this i#+)rtant c)ntr)5ersial Guesti)n&
The 3)ll)(ing Gu)tati)ns (ill clearl. indicate the 5ie(+)int
)3 the Buddha t)(ards the c)nce+t )3 a 4reat)r"C)d&
In the Anguttara Ni;a.a the Buddha s+ea;s )3 three di5ergent
5ie(s that +re5ailed in His ti#e& One )3 these (as$
J'hate5er ha++iness )r +ain )r neutral 3eeling this +ers)n e2+eriences
all that is due t) the creati)n )3 a Su+re#e Deit.
@Issarani##anahetuAK/
Acc)rding t) this 5ie( (e are (hat (e (ere (illed t) be
b. a 4reat)r& Our destinies rest entirel. in his hands& Our 3ate
is +re")rdained b. hi#& The su++)sed 3ree(ill granted t) his
creati)n is )b5i)usl. 3alse&
4riticising this 3atalistic 5ie(, the Buddha sa.s$ JS), then,
)(ing t) the creati)n )3 a Su+re#e Deit. #en (ill bec)#e
/& Anguttara Ni;a.a i, +& /<9& Cradual Sa.ings, i, +& / 1&
/6
#urderers, thie5es, unchaste, liars, slanderers, abusi5e, babblers,
c)5et)us, #alici)us and +er5erse in 5ie(& Thus 3)r th)se (h)
3all bac; )n the creati)n )3 a C)d as the essential reas)n, there is
neither desire n)r e33)rt n)r necessit. t) d) this deed )r abstain
3r)# that deed&K
#urderers, thie5es, unchaste, liars, slanderers, abusi5e, babblers,
c)5et)us, #alici)us and +er5erse in 5ie(& Thus 3)r th)se (h)
3all bac; )n the creati)n )3 a C)d as the essential reas)n, there is
neither desire n)r e33)rt n)r necessit. t) d) this deed )r abstain
3r)# that deed&K
In the De5adaha Sutta7 the Buddha, re3erring t) the sel3"
#)rti3icati)n )3 na;ed ascetics, re#ar;s$ JI3, O Bhi;;hus, beings
e2+erience +ain and ha++iness as the result )3 C)d>s creati)n
@Issarani##anahetuA, then certainl. these na;ed ascetics
#ust ha5e been created b. a (ic;ed C)d @+a+a;ena issarenaA,
since the. su33er such terrible +ain&K
Ke5addha Sutta narrates a hu#)r)us c)n5ersati)n that
)ccurred bet(een an inGuisiti5e Bhi;;hu and the su++)sed
4reat)r&
A Bhi;;hu, desiring t) ;n)( the end )3 the ele#ents, a+
+r)ached Maha Brah#a and Guesti)ned hi# thus$
J'here, #. 3riend, d) the 3)ur great ele#ents D earth, (ater,
3ire and air D cease, lea5ing n) trace behindBK
T) this The Creat Brah#a re+lied$
JI, br)ther, a# Brah#a, Creat Brah#a, the Su+re#e Being, the
Unsur+assed, the 4hie3, the Vict)r, the uler, the *ather )3 all beings
(h) ha5e been )r are t) be&K
*)r the sec)nd ti#e the Bhi;;hu re+eated his Guesti)n,
and the Creat Brah#a ga5e the sa#e d)g#atic re+l.&
'hen the Bhi;;hu Guesti)ned hi# 3)r the third ti#e, the
Creat Brah#a t)); the Bhi;;hu b. the ar#, led hi# aside,
and #ade a 3ran; utterance$
JO Br)ther, these g)ds )3 #. suite belie5e as 3)ll)(s$ MBrah#a
sees all things, ;n)(s all things, has +enetrated all things&> There
6& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a ii, +& 666& Sutta N)& /=/&
& Digha Ni;a.a i, +& 66/, Sutta N)& //&
/
3)re, (as it that I did n)t ans(er .)u in their +resence& I d) n)t
;n)(, O br)ther, (here these 3)ur great ele#ents D earth, (ater,
3ire and air D cease, lea5ing n) trace behind& There3)re it (as
an e5il and a cri#e, O br)ther, that .)u le3t the Blessed One,
3)re, (as it that I did n)t ans(er .)u in their +resence& I d) n)t
;n)(, O br)ther, (here these 3)ur great ele#ents D earth, (ater,
3ire and air D cease, lea5ing n) trace behind& There3)re it (as
an e5il and a cri#e, O br)ther, that .)u le3t the Blessed One,
bac;, O br)ther, and ha5ing dra(n near t) the Blessed One, as;
Hi# this Guesti)n, and as the Blessed One shall e2+lain t) .)u s)
belie5e&K
Tracing the )rigin )3 Maha Brah#a, the s)"called 4reat)r"C)d,
the Buddha c)##ents in the ?ati;a Sutta&9
JOn this, O disci+les, that being (h) (as 3irst b)rn @in a ne(
()rld e5)luti)nA thin;s thus$ MI a# Brah#a, the Creat Brah#a, the
VanGuisher, the AllSeer,
the Dis+)ser, the L)rd, the Ma;er, the
4reat)r, the 4hie3, the Assigner, the Master )3 M.sel3, the *ather )3
all that are and are t) be& B. #e are these beings created& And (h.
is that s)B A (hile ag) I th)ught$ ')uld that )ther beings t)) #ight
c)#e t) this state )3 beingR Such (as the as+irati)n )3 #. #ind,
and l)R these beings did c)#e&
JAnd th)se beings the#sel5es (h) ar)se a3ter hi#, the. t)) thin;
thus$ MThis ')rth. #ust be Brah#a, the Creat Brah#a, the VanGuisher,
the AllSeer,
the Dis+)ser, the L)rd, the Ma;er, the 4reat)r,
the 4hie3, the Assigner, the Master )3 M.sel3, the *ather )3 all
that are and are t) be&
JOn this, O disci+les, that being (h) ar)se 3irst bec)#es l)nger
li5ed, hands)#er, and #)re +)(er3ul, but th)se (h) a++eared a3ter
hi# bec)#e sh)rter li5ed, less c)#el., less +)(er3ul& And it #ight
(ell be, O disci+les, that s)#e )ther being, )n deceasing 3r)# that
state, ()uld c)#e t) this state @)n earthA and s) c)#e, he #ight g)
3)rth 3r)# the h)useh)ld li3e int) the h)#eless state& And ha5ing
9& Digha Ni;a.a @N)&69A iii, +&60& Dial)gues )3 the Buddha& iii, ++& 6:, 6<&
/9
thus g)ne 3)rth, b. reas)n )3 ard)ur, e33)rt, de5)ti)n, earnestness,
+er3ect intellecti)n, he reaches u+ t) such ra+t c)ncentrati)n, that
(ith ra+t #ind he calls t) #ind his 3)r#er d(elling +lace, but re#e#bers
n)t (hat (ent be3)re& He sa.s thus$ MThat ')rshi+3ul
Brah#a, the VanGuisher, the AllSeer,
the Dis+)ser, the L)rd, the
Ma;er, the 4reat)r, the 4hie3, the Assigner, the Master )3 M.sel3,
the *ather )3 all that are and are t) be, he b. (h)# (e (ere created,
he is +er#anent, c)nstant, eternal, unchanging,
and he (ill re#ain
s) 3)r e5er and e5er& But (e (h) (ere created b. that Brah#a,
(e ha5e c)#e hither all i#+er#anent, transient, unstable, sh)rtli5ed,
destined t) +ass a(a.&>
thus g)ne 3)rth, b. reas)n )3 ard)ur, e33)rt, de5)ti)n, earnestness,
+er3ect intellecti)n, he reaches u+ t) such ra+t c)ncentrati)n, that
(ith ra+t #ind he calls t) #ind his 3)r#er d(elling +lace, but re#e#bers
n)t (hat (ent be3)re& He sa.s thus$ MThat ')rshi+3ul
Brah#a, the VanGuisher, the AllSeer,
the Dis+)ser, the L)rd, the
Ma;er, the 4reat)r, the 4hie3, the Assigner, the Master )3 M.sel3,
the *ather )3 all that are and are t) be, he b. (h)# (e (ere created,
he is +er#anent, c)nstant, eternal, unchanging,
and he (ill re#ain
s) 3)r e5er and e5er& But (e (h) (ere created b. that Brah#a,
(e ha5e c)#e hither all i#+er#anent, transient, unstable, sh)rtli5ed,
destined t) +ass a(a.&>
In the Bhuridatta -ata;a8 @N)& 897A the B)dhisatta Guesti)ns
the su++)sed Di5ine Hustice )3 the 4reat)r as 3)ll)(s$
JHe (h) has e.es can see the sic;ening sight,
'h. d)es n)t Brah#a set his creatures rightB
I3 his (ide +)(er n) li#it can restrain,
'h. is his hand s) rarel. s+read t) blessB
'h. are his creatures all c)nde#ned t) +ainB
'h. d)es he n)t t) all gi5e ha++inessB
'h. d) 3raud, lies, and ign)rance +re5ailB
'h. triu#+hs 3alseh))d D truth and Hustice 3ailB
I c)unt .)u Brah#a )ne th>unHust a#)ng,
'h) #ade a ()rld in (hich t) shelter (r)ng&K
e3uting the the)r. that e5er.thing is the creati)n )3 a Su+re#e
Being, the B)dhisatta states in the Mahab)dhi -ata;a @N)& 61A$
& -ata;a Translati)n, 5)l& 5i, +& //=&
/
JI3 there e2ists s)#e L)rd all +)(er3ul t) 3ul3il
In e5er. creature bliss )r ()e, and acti)n g))d )r illL
That L)rd is stained (ith sin&
Man d)es but ()r; his (ill&K
JI3 there e2ists s)#e L)rd all +)(er3ul t) 3ul3il
In e5er. creature bliss )r ()e, and acti)n g))d )r illL
That L)rd is stained (ith sin&
Man d)es but ()r; his (ill&K
!
:& -ata;a Translati)n, 5)l& 5i, +& /66&
/:
4ha+ter 69 4ha+ter 69
eas)ns t) Belie5e in ebirth
JI recalled #. 5aried l)t in 3)r#er e2istences&K
D MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a
H)( are (e t) belie5e in rebirthB
The Buddha is )ur greatest auth)rit. )n rebirth& On the 5er.
night )3 His Enlighten#ent, during the 3irst (atch, the Buddha
de5el)+ed retr)"c)gniti5e ;n)(ledge (hich enabled Hi# t)
read His +ast li5es&
JI recalled,K He declares, J#. 5aried l)t in 3)r#er e2istences
as 3)ll)(s$ 3irst )ne li3e, then t() li5es, then three, 3)ur,
3i5e, ten, t(ent., u+ t) 3i3t. li5es, then a hundred, a th)usand,
a hundred th)usand and s) 3)rth&K/
During the sec)nd (atch the Buddha, (ith clair5).ant 5i
si)n, +ercei5ed beings disa++earing 3r)# )ne state )3 e2ist
ence and rea++earing in an)ther& He beheld the Jbase and the
n)ble, the beauti3ul and the ugl., the ha++. and the #iserable,
+assing acc)rding t) their deeds&K
These are the 5er. 3irst utterances )3 the Buddha regarding
the Guesti)n )3 rebirth& The te2tual re3erences c)nclusi5el.
+r)5e that the Buddha did n)t b)rr)( this stern truth )3 re
birth 3r)# an. +re"e2isting s)urce, but s+);e 3r)# +ers)nal
;n)(ledge D a ;n)(ledge (hich (as su+ern)r#al, de5el)+ed
b. Hi#sel3, and (hich c)uld be de5el)+ed b. )thers as (ell&
In His 3irst +aean )3 H). @udanaA, the Buddha sa.s$
JThr)ugh #an. a birth @ane;aHatiA, (andered I, see;ing
the builder )3 this h)use& S)rr)(3ul indeed is birth again
and again @du;;ha Hati+una++una#A&K6
/& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a i, Mahasacca;a Sutta, N)& 7:, i& 691&
6& Dha##a+ada, 5& / &
/<
In the Dha##aca;;a Sutta,In the Dha##aca;;a Sutta,His 5er. 3irst disc)urse, the
Buddha, c)##enting )n the sec)nd N)ble truth, states$ JThis
5er. cra5ing is that (hich leads t) rebirthK @.>a.a# tanha
+)n)bha5i;aA& The Buddha c)ncludes this disc)urse (ith the
()rds$ JThis is #. last birth& N)( there is n) #)re rebirth
@a.a# anti#a Hati natthi dani +unabbha5)A&K
The MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a relates that (hen the Buddha, )ut )3
c)#+assi)n 3)r beings, sur5e.ed the ()rld (ith His Buddha"
5isi)n be3)re He decided t) teach the Dha##a, He +ercei5ed
beings (h), (ith 3ear, 5ie( e5il and a ()rld be.)nd @+ara
l);a5aHHabha.adassa5in)A&9
In se5eral disc)urses the Buddha clearl. states that beings,
ha5ing d)ne e5il, are, a3ter death @+ara##aranaA, b)rn in ()e3ul
states, and beings ha5ing d)ne g))d, are b)rn in bliss3ul
states& Besides the 5er. interesting -ata;a st)ries, (hich deal
(ith His +re5i)us li5es and (hich are )3 ethical i#+)rtance,
the MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a and the Anguttara Ni;a.a #a;e incidental
re3erences t) s)#e )3 the +ast li5es )3 the Buddha&
In the Chati;ara Sutta,8 the Buddha relates t) the Venerable
Ananda that He (as b)rn as -)ti+ala, in the ti#e )3 the Buddha
Kassa+a, His i##ediate +redecess)r& The Anatha+indi;a5ada
Sutta: describes a n)cturnal 5isit )3 Anatha+indi;a t) the
Buddha, i##ediatel. a3ter his rebirth as a De5a& In the Anguttara
Ni;a.a,< the Buddha alludes t) a +ast birth as ?acetana
the (heelright& In the Sa#.uttta Ni;a.a, the Buddha cites the
na#es )3 s)#e Buddhas (h) +receded Hi#&
& Maha Vagga, +& /=, Sa#.utta Ni;a.a 5& 961, See cha+ter :&
9& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a i, /:0&
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a ii, 98 @N)& 1/A&
:& Ibid&, iii& 6 1 @N)& /9 A&
<& ?art i, ///
/1
An unusual direct re3erence t) de+arted )nes a++ears in
the ?arinibbana Sutta&
An unusual direct re3erence t) de+arted )nes a++ears in
the ?arinibbana Sutta&The Venerable Ananda desired t) ;n)(
3r)# the Buddha the 3uture state )3 se5eral +ers)ns (h) had
died in a +articular 5illage& The Buddha +atientl. described
their destinies&
Such instances c)uld easil. be #ulti+lied 3r)# the Ti+ita;a
t) sh)( that the Buddha did e2+)und the d)ctrine )3 rebirth
as a 5eri3iable truth&0
*)ll)(ing the Buddha>s instructi)ns, His disci+les als)
de5el)+ed this retr)"c)gniti5e ;n)(ledge and (ere able t)
read a li#ited, th)ugh 5ast, nu#ber )3 their +ast li5es& The
Buddha>s +)(er in this directi)n (as li#itless&
4ertain Indian ishis, t)), +ri)r t) the ad5ent )3 the Buddha,
(ere distinguished 3)r such su+ern)r#al +)(ers as clairaudience,
clair5).ance tele+ath., telesthesia, and s) 3)rth&
Alth)ugh science ta;es n) c)gniIance )3 these su+ern)r#al
3aculties, .et, acc)rding t) Buddhis#, #en (ith highl.
de5el)+ed #ental c)ncentrati)n culti5ate these +s.chic +)(ers
and read their +ast Hust as )ne ()uld recall a +ast incident
)3 )ne>s +resent li3e& 'ith their aid, inde+endent )3 the 3i5e
senses, direct c)##unicati)n )3 th)ught and direct +erce+ti)n
)3 )ther ()rlds are #ade +)ssible&
S)#e e2tra)rdinar. +ers)ns, es+eciall. in their childh))d,
s+)ntane)usl. de5el)+, acc)rding t) the la(s )3 ass)ciati)n,
the #e#)r. )3 their +ast births and re#e#ber 3rag#ents )3
their +re5i)us li5es&/= @?.thag)rasA is said t) ha5e distinctl. re#e#bered
a shield in a Crecian te#+le as ha5ing been carried
1& Digha Ni;a.a ii, 0/ @N)& /:A&
0& 4+& Mr& -& C& -ennings, The Vedantic Buddhis# )3 the Buddha&
/=& The case )3 Shanti De5i )3 India is a stri;ing e2a#+le& See The B)sat, 5)l& 2iii,
N)& 6& +& 6<
/0
b. hi# in a +re5i)us incarnati)n at the siege )3 Tr).&b. hi# in a +re5i)us incarnati)n at the siege )3
Tr).&/
S)#eh)(
)r )ther these ()nder3ul children l)se that #e#)r. later,
as is the case (ith #an. in3ant +r)digies&
E2+eriences )3 s)#e de+endable #)dern +s.chists, gh)stl.
+hen)#ena, s+irit c)##unicati)n, strange alternate and #ulti+le
+ers)nalities/6
als) shed s)#e light u+)n this +r)ble# )3
rebirth&
In h.+n)tic states s)#e can relate e2+eriences )3 their +ast
li5es, (hile a 3e( )thers, li;e Edgar 4a.ce )3 A#erica, (ere
able n)t )nl. t) read the +ast li5es )3 )thers but als) t) heal
diseases&/
The +hen)#en)n )3 sec)ndar. +ers)nalities has t) be e2+lained
either as re#nants )3 +ast +ers)nal e2+eriences )r
as J+)ssessi)n b. an in5isible s+irit&K The 3)r#er e2+lanati)n
a++ears #)re reas)nable, but the latter cann)t t)tall. be
reHected&
H)( )3ten d) (e #eet +ers)ns (h)# (e ha5e ne5er be3)re
#et, but (h), (e instincti5el. 3eel, are 3a#iliar t) usB H)(
)3ten d) (e 5isit +laces and instincti5el. 3eel i#+ressed that
//&
'illia# '& At;ins)n and E& D& 'alter, eincarnati)n and the La( )3 Ka##a&
/6&
?sal#s )3 the Brethren @TheragathaA gi5es an interesting acc)unt )3 a Brah#in
na#ed Vangisa, J(h) ()n 3a5)ur as a teacher b. ta++ing )n s;ulls (ith his
3inger nails and disc)5ering thereb. (here their 3)r#er )ccu+ants (ere reb)rn&K
4ertain +ers)ns at ti#es e2hibit di33erent +ers)nalities in the c)urse )3 their
+articular li5es& ?r)3& -a#es cites s)#e re#ar;able cases in his ?rinci+les )3 ?s.ch)l)g.&
See *& '& H& M.ers, Hu#an ?ers)nalit. and its sur5i5al )3 b)dil. Death&
The Visuddhi Magga #enti)ns an interesting incident )3 a de5a entering int)
the b)d. )3 a la.#an& See The ?ath )3 ?urit., +art i, +& 91&
The (riter hi#sel3 @Ven& NaradaA has #et +ers)ns (h) (ere e#+l).ed as
#ediu#s b. in5isible beings t) c)n5e. their th)ughts and s)#e )thers (h)
(ere actuall. +)ssessed b. e5il s+irits& 'hen in this h.+n)tic state the. s+ea;
and d) things )3 (hich n)r#all. the. are t)tall. inn)cent and (hich the. cann)t
a3ter(ards recall&
/ &
See Man. Mansi)ns and The ')rld 'ithin b. Cina 4er#inara&
76=
(e are +er3ectl. acGuainted (ith th)se surr)undingsB(e are +er3ectl. acGuainted (ith th)se
surr)undingsB9
The
Dha##a+ada c)##entar. relates the st)r. )3 a husband and
(i3e (h), seeing the Buddha, 3ell at His 3eet and saluted Hi#,
sa.ing D JDear s)n, is it n)t the dut. )3 s)ns t) care 3)r their
#)ther and 3ather (hen the. ha5e gr)(n )ld& 'h. is it that
3)r s) l)ng a ti#e .)u ha5e n)t sh)(n .)ursel3 t) usB This is
the 3irst ti#e (e ha5e seen .)uBK
The Buddha attributed this sudden )utburst )3 +arental
l)5e t) the 3act that the. had been His +arents se5eral ti#es
during His +ast li5es and re#ar;ed$
JThr)ugh +re5i)us ass)ciati)n )r +resent ad5antage
That )ld l)5e s+rings u+ again li;e the l)tus in the (ater&K/
There arise in this ()rld highl. de5el)+ed +ers)nalities, and
?er3ect Ones li;e the Buddhas& 4)uld the. e5)l5e suddenl.B
4)uld the. be the +r)ducts )3 a single e2istenceB
H)( are (e t) acc)unt 3)r +ers)nalities li;e 4)n3ucius,
?anini, Buddhagh)sa, H)#er and ?lat), #en )3 genius li;e
Kalidasa, Sha;es+eare, in3ant +r)digies li;e a#anuHan, ?ascal,
/9&
JIt (as such e2+eriences that led Sir 'alter Sc)tt t) a sense )3 #ete#+s.ch)sis&
His bi)gra+her L)c;hart Gu)tes in his Li3e )3 Sc)tt the 3)ll)(ing entr. in Sc)tt>s
diar. 3)r *ebruar. /<th, /161&
JI cann)t, I a# sure, tell i3 it is ()rth #ar;ing d)(n, that .esterda. at dinner
ti#e, I (as strangel. haunted b. (hat I ()uld call the sense )3 +re"e2istences,
5iI&, a c)n3used idea that n)thing that +assed (as said 3)r the 3irst ti#e,
that the sa#e t)+ics had been discussed and the +ers)ns had stated the sa#e
)+ini)ns )n the#& The sensati)n (as s) str)ng as t) rese#ble (hat is called
a #irage in the desert and calenture )n b)ard shi+& JBul(er L.tt)n describes
these #.steri)us e2+eriences as that strange ;ind )3 inner and s+iritual #e#)r.
(hich )3ten recalls t) us +laces and +ers)ns (e ha5e ne5er seen be3)re,
and (hich ?lat)nists ()uld res)l5e t) be the unGuenched and struggling c)nsci)usness
)3 a 3)r#er li3e&K H&M& Kitchener, The The)r. )3> eincarnati)n, +& <&
The (riter als) has #et s)#e +ers)ns (h) re#e#ber 3rag#ents )3 their
+ast births and als) a distinguished d)ct)r in Eur)+e (h) h.+n)tises +e)+le
and #a;es the# describe s)#e )3 their +ast li5es&
/ &
See Buddhist Legends, 5)l& 7, +& /=1&
6/
M)Iart, Beeth)5en and s) 3)rthB
4)uld the. be abn)r#al i3 the. had n)t led n)ble li5es and
M)Iart, Beeth)5en and s) 3)rthB
4)uld the. be abn)r#al i3 the. had n)t led n)ble li5es and
e
that the. are b)rn )3 th)se +articular +arents and +laced under
th)se 3a5)urable circu#stancesB
In3ant +r)digies, t)), see# t) be a +r)ble# 3)r scientists&
S)#e #edical #en are )3 )+ini)n that +r)digies are the )utc)#e
)3 abn)r#al glands, es+eciall. the +ituitar., the +in
eal and the adrenal gland& The e2tra")rdinar. h.+ertr)+h.
)3 glands )3 +articular indi5iduals #a. als) be due t) a +ast
Ka##ic cause& But h)(, b. #ere h.+ertr)+h. )3 glands, )ne
4hristian Heine;en c)uld tal; (ithin a 3e( h)urs )3 his birth,
re+eat +assages 3r)# the Bible at the age )3 )ne .ear, ans(er
an. Guesti)n )n Ce)gra+h. at the age )3 t(), s+ea; *rench
and Latin at the age )3 three, and be a student )3 +hil)s)+h.
at the age )3 3)urL h)( -)hn Stuart Mill c)uld read Cree; at the
age )3 threeL h)( Macaula. c)uld (rite a ()rld hist)r. at the
age )3 si2L h)( 'illia# -a#es Sidis, ()nder child )3 the United
States, c)uld read and (rite at the age )3 t(), s+ea; *rench,
ussian, English, Cer#an (ith s)#e Latin and Cree; at the
age )3 eightL h)( 4harles Bennet )3 Manchester c)uld s+ea; in
se5eral languages at the age )3 threeL are ()nder3ul e5ents inc)#+rehensible
t) n)n"scientists&/:
N)r d)es science e2+lain
(h. glands sh)uld h.+ertr)+h. in Hust a 3e( and n)t in all&
The real +r)ble# re#ains uns)l5ed&
Heredit. al)ne cann)t acc)unt 3)r +r)digies, Jelse their
ancestr. ()uld discl)se it, their +)sterit., in e5en greater degree
than the#sel5es, ()uld de#)nstrate it&K
The the)r. )3 heredit. sh)uld be su++le#ented b. the
d)ctrine )3 Ka##a and rebirth 3)r an adeGuate e2+lanati)n
/:&
4e.l)n Obser5er, N)5e#ber 6/, /091&
766
)3 these +uIIling +r)ble#s&
)3 these +uIIling +r)ble#s&
I3 )ne belie5es in the +resent and a 3uture, it is l)gical t)
belie5e in a +ast&
I3 there be reas)n t) belie5e that (e ha5e e2isted in the
+ast, then surel. there are n) reas)ns t) disbelie5e that (e
shall c)ntinue t) e2ist a3ter )ur +resent li3e has a++arentl.
ceased&/<
It is indeed a str)ng argu#ent in 3a5)ur )3 +ast and 3uture
li5es that Jin this ()rld 5irtu)us +ers)ns are 5er. )3ten un3)rtunate
and 5ici)us +ers)ns +r)s+er)us&K/1
'e are b)rn int) the state created b. )ursel5es& I3, in s+ite
)3 )ur g))dness, (e are c)#+elled t) lead an un3)rtunate li3e,
it is due t) )ur +ast e5il Ka##a& I3, in s+ite )3 )ur (ic;edness,
(e are +r)s+er)us, it is als) due t) )ur +ast g))d Ka##a&
The +resent g))d and bad deeds (ill, h)(e5er, +r)duce their
due e33ects at the earliest +)ssible )++)rtunit.&
A 'estern (riter sa.s$
J'hether (e belie5e in a +ast e2istence )r n)t, it 3)r#s the
)nl. reas)nable h.+)thesis (hich bridges certain ga+s in
hu#an ;n)(ledge c)ncerning 3acts )3 e5er.da. li3e& Our rea
s)n tells us that this idea )3 +ast birth and Ka##a al)ne can
e2+lain, 3)r e2a#+le, the degrees )3 di33erences that e2ist be
t(een t(insL h)( #en li;e Sha;es+eare (ith a 5er. li#ited
e2+erience are able t) +)rtra., (ith #ar5ell)us e2actitude,
/<&
J'e ha5e c)#e t) l)); u+)n the +resent as the child )3 the +ast and as the +arent
)3 the 3uture&K T& H& Hu2le.&
/1&
Addis)n&
767
the #)st di5erse t.+es )3 hu#an character, scenes, and s)
3)rth, )3 (hich the. c)uld ha5e n) actual ;n)(ledge, (h. the
()r; )3 the genius in5ariabl. transcends his e2+erience, the
e2istence )3 in3ant +rec)cit., and the 5ast di5ersit. in #ind
and #)rals, in brain and +h.siGue, in c)nditi)ns, circu#stances
and en5ir)n#ents, )bser5able thr)ugh)ut the ()rld&K
the #)st di5erse t.+es )3 hu#an character, scenes, and s)
3)rth, )3 (hich the. c)uld ha5e n) actual ;n)(ledge, (h. the
()r; )3 the genius in5ariabl. transcends his e2+erience, the
e2istence )3 in3ant +rec)cit., and the 5ast di5ersit. in #ind
and #)rals, in brain and +h.siGue, in c)nditi)ns, circu#stances
and en5ir)n#ents, )bser5able thr)ugh)ut the ()rld&K
/
The. acc)unt 3)r the +r)ble# )3 su33ering 3)r (hich (e
)ursel5es are res+)nsible&
6
The. e2+lain the ineGualit. )3 #an;ind&
7
The. acc)unt 3)r the arising )3 geniuses and in3ant
+r)digies&
9
The. e2+lain (h. identical t(ins (h) are +h.sicall.
ali;e, enH).ing eGual +ri5ileges, e2hibit t)tall. di33erent
characteristics, #entall., #)rall., te#+era#entall. and
intellectuall.&
8
The. acc)unt 3)r the dissi#ilarities a#)ngst children )3
the sa#e 3a#il., th)ugh heredit. #a. acc)unt 3)r the
si#ilarities&
:
The. acc)unt 3)r the e2tra)rdinar. innate abilities )3 s)#e
#en&
<
The. acc)unt 3)r the #)ral and intellectual di33erences bet(een
+arents and children&
1
The. e2+lain h)( in3ants s+)ntane)usl. de5el)+ such
+assi)ns as greed, anger and Heal)us.&
0
The. acc)unt 3)r instincti5e li;es and disli;es at 3irst sight&
769
/=
The. e2+lain h)( in us are 3)und Ja rubbish hea+ )3 e5il
and a treasure"h)use )3 g))d&K
//
The. acc)unt 3)r the une2+ected )utburst )3 +assi)n in a
highl. ci5ilised +ers)n, and 3)r the sudden trans3)r#ati)n
)3 a cri#inal int) a saint&
The. e2+lain h)( +r)3ligates are b)rn t) saintl. +arents, and
saintl. children t) +r)3ligates&
/
The. e2+lain h)(, in )ne sense, (e are the result )3 (hat
(e (ere, (e (ill be the result )3 (hat (e areL and, in an)ther
sense, (e are n)t abs)lutel. (hat (e (ere, and (e
(ill n)t be abs)lutel. (hat (e are&
6
The. e2+lain the causes )3 unti#el. deaths and une2+ected
changes in 3)rtune&
7
Ab)5e all the. acc)unt 3)r the arising )3 )#niscient, +er3ect
s+iritual teachers, li;e the Buddhas, (h) +)ssess inc)#+arable
+h.sical, #ental, and intellectual characteristics&
!
768
4ha+ter 68
The 'heel )3 Li3e D ?aticca"Sa#u++ada
JN) C)d n) Brah#a can be 3)und,
N) #atter )3 this (heel )3 li3e,
-ust bare +hen)#ena r)ll
De+endent )n c)nditi)ns allRK
D Visuddhi Magga
The +r)cess )3 rebirth has been 3ull. e2+lained b. the Buddha
in the ?aticcaSa#u++ada&
?aticca #eans Jbecause )3K )r Jde+endent u+)nK sa#u++ada
JMarisingK )r J)riginati)nK& Alth)ugh the literal #eaning )3 the
ter# is Jarising because )3K )r Jde+endent arising )r )riginati)n,K
it is a++lied t) the (h)le causal 3)r#ula (hich c)nsists
)3 t(el5e interde+endent causes and e33ects, technicall.
called +acca.a and +acca.u++anna&
The #eth)d )3 the ?aticcaSa#u++ada
sh)uld be underst))d
as 3)ll)(s$
Because )3 A arises B& Because )3 B arises 4&
'hen there is n) A, there is n) B&
'hen there is n) B, there is n) 4&
In )ther ()rds D Jthis being s), that isL this n)t being s), that
is n)t&K
@i#as#i# sati, ida# h)tiL i#as#i# asati, ida# na h)ti&A
?aticcaSa#u++ada
is a disc)urse )n the +r)cess )3 birth and
death, and n)t a +hil)s)+hical the)r. )3 the e5)luti)n )3 the
()rld& It deals (ith the cause )3 rebirth and su33ering (ith a
5ie( t) hel+ing #en t) get rid )3 the ills )3 li3e& It #a;es n) atte#+t
t) s)l5e the riddle )3 an abs)lute )rigin )3 li3e&
76:
It #erel. e2+lains the Jsi#+le ha++ening )3 a state, de+endent
)n its antecedent state&K/
Ign)rance @a5iHHaA )3 the truth )3 su33ering, its cause, its end,
and the (a. t) its end, is the chie3 cause that sets the (heel
)3 li3e in #)ti)n& In )ther ()rds, it is the n)t;n)(ingness )3
things as the. trul. are, )r )3 )nesel3 as )ne reall. is& It cl)uds
all right understanding&
JIgn)rance is the dee+ delusi)n (herein (e here s) l)ng
are circling r)und,K6 sa.s the Buddha&
'hen ign)rance is destr).ed and turned int) ;n)(ing
ness, all causalit. is shattered as in the case )3 the Buddhas
and Arahants&
In the Iti5utta;a7 the Buddha states D JTh)se (h) ha5e de
str).ed delusi)n and br);en thr)ugh the dense dar;ness, (ill
(ander n) #)re$ causalit. e2ists n) #)re 3)r the#&K
Ign)rance )3 the +ast, 3uture, b)th +ast and 3uture and
JThe De+endent Originati)nK is als) regarded as A5iHHa&
De+endent )n ign)rance, arise c)nditi)ning acti5ities
@sa#;haraA&
Sa#;hara is a #ultisigni3icant ter# (hich sh)uld be underst))d
acc)rding t) the c)nte2t& Here the ter# signi3ies i##)ral
@a;usalaA, #)ral @;usalaA and unsha;able @aneQHaA 5)liti)ns
@cetanaA (hich c)nstitute Ka##a that +r)duces rebirth&
The 3irst e#braces all 5)liti)ns in the t(el5e t.+es )3 i##)ral
c)nsci)usnessL the sec)nd, all 5)liti)ns in the eight t.+es )3
Beauti3ul @s)bhanaA #)ral c)nsci)usness and the 3i5e t.+es
/&
Tabbha5abha 5ibha5a;ara#atta "Abhidha##attha Sangaha& See JManual )3
Abhidha##aK b. Narada Thera, +& 7:=&
&
Sutta Ni+ata 5& <7=&
7&
+& /9&
76<
)3 #)ral ru+aHhana c)nsci)usnessL the third, all 5)liti)ns in
the 3)ur t.+es )3 #)ral aru+aHhana c)nsci)usness&
Sa#;hara, as )ne )3 the 3i5e aggregates, i#+lies 3i3t. )3 the
3i3t."t() #ental states, e2cluding 3eeling and +erce+ti)n&
There is n) +r)+er English eGui5alent (hich gi5es the
e2act c)nn)tati)n )3 this ?ali ter#&
)3 #)ral ru+aHhana c)nsci)usnessL the third, all 5)liti)ns in
the 3)ur t.+es )3 #)ral aru+aHhana c)nsci)usness&
Sa#;hara, as )ne )3 the 3i5e aggregates, i#+lies 3i3t. )3 the
3i3t."t() #ental states, e2cluding 3eeling and +erce+ti)n&
There is n) +r)+er English eGui5alent (hich gi5es the
e2act c)nn)tati)n )3 this ?ali ter#&
All #)ral and i##)ral th)ughts, ()rds and deeds are included
in sa#;hara& Acti)ns, (hether g))d )r bad, (hich are
directl. r))ted in, )r indirectl. tainted (ith ign)rance, and
(hich #ust necessaril. +r)duce their due e33ects, tend t) +r)l)ng
(andering in Sa#sara& Ne5ertheless, g))d deeds, 3reed
3r)# greed, hate and delusi)n, are necessar. t) get rid )3 the
ills )3 li3e& Acc)rdingl. the Buddha c)#+ares His Dha##a t)
a ra3t (hereb. )ne cr)sses the )cean )3 li3e& The acti5ities )3
Buddhas and Arahants, h)(e5er, are n)t treated as sa#;hara
as the. ha5e eradicated ign)rance&
Ign)rance is +red)#inant in i##)ral acti5ities, (hile it is
latent in #)ral acti5ities& Hence b)th #)ral and i##)ral acti5ities
are regarded as caused b. ign)rance&
De+endent )n +ast c)nditi)ning acti5ities, arises relin;ing )r
rebirth"c)nsci)usness @+atisandhi"5iQQanaA in a subseGuent
birth& It is s) called because it lin;s the +ast (ith the +resent,
and is the initial c)nsci)usness )ne e2+eriences at the #)#ent
)3 c)nce+ti)n&
61
ViQQana strictl. den)tes the nineteen t.+es )3 rebirth"
c)nsci)usness @+atisandhi5iQQanaA described in the Abhidha##a&
All the thirt."t() t.+es )3 resultant c)nsci)usness
@5i+a;a cittaA e2+erienced during li3eti#e, are als) i#+lied b.
the ter#&
The 3)etus in the #)ther>s ()#b is 3)r#ed b. the c)#binati)n
)3 this relin;ingc)nsci)usness (ith the s+er# and
)5u# cells )3 the +arents& In this c)nsci)usness, are latent all
the +ast i#+ressi)ns, characteristics and tendencies )3 that
+articular indi5idual li3e"3lu2&
This rebirth"c)nsci)usness is regarded as +ure9 as it is
either de5)id )3 i##)ral r))ts )3 lust, hatred, and delusi)n8
)r acc)#+anied b. #)ral r))ts&:
Si#ultane)us (ith the arising )3 the relin;ing"c)nsci)usness
there )ccur #ind and #atter @na#a"ru+aA )r, as s)#e sch)lars
+re3er t) sa., Jc)r+)real )rganis#&K
The sec)nd and third 3act)rs @sa#;hara and 5iQQanaA +ertain
t) the +ast and +resent li5es )3 an indi5idual& The third
and 3)urth 3act)rs @5iQQana and na#aru+aA
)n the c)ntrar.,
are c)nte#+)rane)us&
This c)#+)und na#aru+a
sh)uld be underst))d as na#a
@#indA al)ne, ru+a @#atterA al)ne, and na#aru+a
@#ind and
#atterA t)gether& In the case )3 *)r#less ?lanes @aru+aA there
arises )nl. #indL in the case )3 Mindless @asaQQaA ?lanes, )nl.
#atterL in the case )3 Sentient eal# @;a#aA and eal#s )3
*)r# @ru+aA, b)th #ind and #atter&
&
Jadiant is this c)nsci)usness,K @+abhassara# ida# citta#A sa.s the Buddha in
the Anguttara Ni;a.a 5)l& /, +& /=& Acc)rding t) the c)##entat)r the Buddha
(as thus re3erring t) the rebirth"c)nsci)usness&
&
In the case )3 ))tless esultants @Ahetu;a5i+a;aA&
&
In the case )3 Jesultants (ith ))tsK @Sahetu;a5i+a;aA&
60
Na#a here #eans the three aggregates D 3eeling @5edanaA,
+erce+ti)n @saQQaA and #ental states @sa#;haraA D that arise
si#ultane)us (ith the relin;ing"c)nsci)usness& u+a #eans
the three decads D ;a.a @b)d.A, bha5a @se2A, and 5atthu @seat )3
c)nsci)usnessA D that als) arise si#ultane)us (ith the relin;ing"
c)nsci)usness, c)nditi)ned b. +ast Ka##a&
Na#a here #eans the three aggregates D 3eeling @5edanaA,
+erce+ti)n @saQQaA and #ental states @sa#;haraA D that arise
si#ultane)us (ith the relin;ing"c)nsci)usness& u+a #eans
the three decads D ;a.a @b)d.A, bha5a @se2A, and 5atthu @seat )3
c)nsci)usnessA D that als) arise si#ultane)us (ith the relin;ing"
c)nsci)usness, c)nditi)ned b. +ast Ka##a&
/& the ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n @+atha5iA, 6& the ele#ent )3 c)hesi)n
@a+)A, 7& the ele#ent )3 heat @teH)A, 9& the ele#ent )3 #)ti)n
@5a.)AL its 3)ur deri5ati5es @u+ada ru+aA D na#el., 8& c)l)ur
@5annaA, :& )d)ur @gandhaA, <& taste @rasaA, 1& nutriti5e essence
@)HaA, 0& 5italit. @Hi5itindri.aA and /=& b)d. @;a.aA&
Se2"decad and base decad als) c)nsist )3 the 3irst nine and
se2 @bha5aA and seat )3 c)nsci)usness @5atthuA res+ecti5el.&
*r)# this it is e5ident that se2 is deter#ined b. +ast
Ka##a at the 5er. c)nce+ti)n )3 the being&
Here ;a.a #eans the sensiti5e +art )3 the b)d. @+asadaA&
Se2 is n)t de5el)+ed at the #)#ent )3 c)nce+ti)n but the
+)tentialit. is latent& Neither the heart n)r the brain, the su++)sed
seat )3 c)nsci)usness, has been e5)l5ed at the #)#ent
)3 c)nce+ti)n, but the +)tentialit. )3 the seat is latent&
In this c)nnecti)n it sh)uld be re#ar;ed that the Buddha
did n)t de3initel. assign a s+eci3ic seat 3)r c)nsci)usness as
He has d)ne (ith the )ther senses& It (as the cardiac the)r.
@the 5ie( that the heart is the seat )3 c)nsci)usnessA that +re5ailed
in His ti#e, and this (as e5identl. su++)rted b. the
U+anishads&
The Buddha c)uld ha5e acce+ted the +)+ular the)r., but
He did n)t c)##it Hi#sel3& In the ?atthana, the B)); )3 elati)ns,
the Buddha re3ers t) the seat )3 c)nsci)usness, in
such indirect ter#s as J.a# ru+a# nissa.a D de+ending )n
77=
that #aterial thingK, (ith)ut +)siti5el. asserting (hether that
ru+a (as either the heart @hada.aA )r the brain& But, acc)rding
t) the 5ie( )3 c)##entat)rs li;e Venerable Buddhagh)sa and
that #aterial thingK, (ith)ut +)siti5el. asserting (hether that
ru+a (as either the heart @hada.aA )r the brain& But, acc)rding
t) the 5ie( )3 c)##entat)rs li;e Venerable Buddhagh)sa and
t
sh)uld be underst))d that the Buddha neither acce+ted n)r
reHected the +)+ular cardiac the)r.&
Duringthe e#br.)nic+eri)dthe si2 sense"bases @sala.atanaA
graduall. e5)l5e 3r)# these +s.ch)"+h.sical +hen)#ena in
(hich are latent in3inite +)tentialities&
The insigni3icant in3initesi#all. s#all s+ec; n)( de5el)+s
int) a c)#+le2 si2 senses"#achine&
Hu#an #achine is 5er. si#+le in its beginning but 5er.
c)#+le2 in its end& Ordinar. #achines, )n the )ther hand, are
c)#+le2 inthe beginning but 5er. si#+le in the end& The 3)rce )3
a 3inger is su33icient t) )+erate e5en a #)st gigantic #achine&
The si2"senses"hu#an #achine n)( )+erates al#)st #echanicall.
(ith)ut an. agent li;e a s)ul t) act as the )+era
t)r& All the si2 senses D e.e, ear, n)se, t)ngue, b)d. and #ind
D ha5e their res+ecti5e )bHects and 3uncti)ns& The si2 sense"
)bHects such as 3)r#s, s)unds, )d)urs, sa+ids, tangibles and
#ental )bHects c)llide (ith their res+ecti5e sense")rgans gi5
ing rise t) si2 t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness&
The c)nHuncti)n )3 the sense"bases, sense")bHects and the resultant
c)nsci)usness is c)ntact @+hassaA (hich is +urel. subHecti5e
and i#+ers)nal&
The Buddha states$
JBecause )3 e.e and 3)r#s, 5isual c)nsci)usness arisesL c)ntact
is the c)nHuncti)n )3 the three& Because )3 ear and s)unds,
arises audit)r. c)nsci)usnessL because )3 n)se and )d)urs, arises
)l3act)r. c)nsci)usnessL because )3 t)ngue and sa+ids, arises
/
gustat)r. c)nsci)usnessL because )3 b)d. and tangibles, arises
tactile c)nsci)usnessL because )3 #ind and #ental )bHects, arises
#indc)nsci)usness&
The c)nHucti)n )3 these three is c)ntact&
@Sa#.utta Ni;a.a, +art ii, +& <=L Kindred Sa.ings, +art ii, +& 8=&A
It sh)uld n)t be underst))d that #ere c)llisi)n is c)ntact @na
sangati#att) e5a +hass)A&
De+endent )n c)ntact, 3eelings @5edanaA arise&
Strictl. s+ea;ing, it is 3eeling that e2+eriences an )bHect
(hen it c)#es in c)ntact (ith the senses& It is this 3eeling that
e2+eriences the desirable )r undesirable 3ruits )3 an acti)n
d)ne in this )r in a +re5i)us birth& Besides this #ental state
there is n) s)ul )r an. )ther agent t) e2+erience the result )3
the acti)n&
*eeling )r, as s)#e +re3er t) sa., sensati)n, is a #ental
state c)##)n t) all t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness& 4hie3l. there are
three ;inds )3 3eeling D na#el. +leasurable @s)#anassaA, un+leasurable
@d)#anassaA, and neutral @adu;;ha#asu;haA& 'ith
+h.sical +ain @du;;haA and +h.sical ha++iness @su;haA there
are alt)gether 3i5e ;inds )3 3eelings& The neutral 3eeling is als)
ter#ed u+e;;ha (hich #a. be indi33erence )r eGuani#it.&
Acc)rding t) Abhidha##a there is )nl. )ne t.+e )3 c)nsci)usness
acc)#+anied b. +ain& Si#ilarl. there is )nl. )ne
acc)#+anied b. ha++iness& T() are c)nnected (ith an un+leasurable
3eeling& O3 the 10
t.+es )3 c)nsci)usness, in the re#aining
1
are 3)und either a +leasurable )r a neutral 3eeling&
It sh)uld be underst))d here that Nibbanic bliss is n)t ass)ciated
(ith an. ;ind )3 3eeling& Nibbanic bliss is certainl.
the highest ha++iness @Nibbana# +ara#a# su;ha#A, but it is
the ha++iness )3 relie3 3r)# su33ering& It is n)t the enH).#ent
)3 an. +leasurable )bHect&
776
De+endent )n 3eeling, arises cra5ing @tanhaA (hich, li;e ign)rance,
is the )ther #)st i#+)rtant 3act)r in the JDe+endent
Originati)n&K Attach#ent, thirst, clinging are s)#e ren
De+endent )n 3eeling, arises cra5ing @tanhaA (hich, li;e ign)rance,
is the )ther #)st i#+)rtant 3act)r in the JDe+endent
Originati)n&K Attach#ent, thirst, clinging are s)#e ren
4ra5ing is three3)ld D na#el., cra5ing 3)r sensual +leasures
@;a#atanhaA, cra5ing 3)r sensual +leasures ass)ciated
(ith the 5ie( )3 eternalis#, @bha5atanhaA i&e&, enH).ing +leasures
thin;ing that the. are i#+erishable, and cra5ing 3)r sensual
+leasures (ith the 5ie( )3 nihilis# @5ibha5atanhaA i&e&, enH).ing
+leasures thin;ing that e5er.thing +erishes a3ter death&
The last is the #aterialistic stand+)int&
Bha5atanha and 5ibha5atanha are als) inter+reted as attach#ent
t) eal#s )3 *)r# @ru+abha5aA and *)r#less eal#s
@aru+abha5aA res+ecti5el.& Usuall. these t() ter#s are ren
dered b. cra5ing 3)r e2istence and n)n"e2istence&
There are si2 ;inds )3 cra5ing c)rres+)nding t) the si2
sense )bHects such as 3)r#, s)und and s) )n& The. bec)#e
t(el5e (hen the. are treated as internal and e2ternal& The.
are rec;)ned as 7: (hen 5ie(ed as +ast, +resent and 3uture&
'hen #ulti+lied b. the 3)reg)ing three ;inds )3 cra5ing, the.
a#)unt t) /=1&
It is natural 3)r a ()rldling t) de5el)+ a cra5ing 3)r the
+leasures )3 sense& T) )5erc)#e sense"desires is e2tre#el.
di33icult&
The #)st +)(er3ul 3act)rs in the (heel )3 li3e are ign)rance
and cra5ing, the t() #ain causes )3 the De+endent Originati)n&
Ign)rance is sh)(n as the +ast cause that c)nditi)ns the +resentL
and cra5ing, the +resent cause that c)nditi)ns the 3uture&
De+endent )n cra5ing is gras+ing @u+adanaA (hich is intense
cra5ing& Tanha is li;e gr)+ing in the dar; t) steal an )bHect&
777
U+adana c)rres+)nds t) the actual stealing )3 the )bHect&
Cras+ing is caused b. b)th attach#ent and err)r& It gi5es rise
t) the 3alse n)ti)ns, )3 JIK and J#ine&K
U+adana c)rres+)nds t) the actual stealing )3 the )bHect&
Cras+ing is caused b. b)th attach#ent and err)r& It gi5es rise
t) the 3alse n)ti)ns, )3 JIK and J#ine&K
Adherence t) rites and cere#)nies, and the The)r. )3 a
s)ul&
The last t() are als) regarded as 3alse 5ie(s&
De+endent )n gras+ing arises bha5a (hich, literall., #eans
bec)#ing& It is e2+lained as b)th #)ral and i##)ral acti)ns
(hich c)nstitute Ka##a @Ka##abha5aA D acti5e +r)cess )3
bec)#ing and the di33erent +lanes )3 e2istence @u+a+attibha5aA
D +assi5e +r)cess )3 bec)#ing&
The subtle di33erence bet(een sa#;hara and ;a##abha5a
is that the 3)r#er +ertains t) the +ast and the latter t) the
+resent li3e& B. b)th are #eant Ka##ic acti5ities& It is )nl.
the Ka##abha5a that c)nditi)ns the 3uture birth&
De+endent )n bec)#ing arises birth @HatiA in a subseGuent
li3e& Birth strictl. s+ea;ing, is the arising )3 the +s.ch)"
+h.sical +hen)#ena @;handhana# +atubha5)A& Old age and
death @Hara#aranaA, are the ine5itable results )3 birth&
I3, )n acc)unt )3 a cause, an e33ect arises, then, i3 the cause
ceases, the e33ect als) #ust cease&
The re5erse )rder )3 the ?aticcaSa#u++ada
(ill #a;e the
#atter clear&
Old age and death are )nl. +)ssible in and (ith a +s.ch)"
+h.sical )rganis#, that is t) sa., a si2"senses"#achine& Such
an )rganis# #ust be b)rn, there3)re it +resu++)ses birth& But
birth is the ine5itable result )3 +ast Ka##a )r acti)n, (hich is
c)nditi)ned b. gras+ing due t) cra5ing& Such cra5ing a++ears
(hen 3eeling arises& *eeling is the )utc)#e )3 c)ntact bet(een
779
senses and )bHects&
There3)re it +resu++)ses )rgans )3 sense (hich cann)t
senses and )bHects&
There3)re it +resu++)ses )rgans )3 sense (hich cann)t
"
c)nsci)usness, c)nditi)ned b. acti5ities, due t) ign)rance )3
things as the. trul. are&
The (h)le 3)r#ula #a. be su##ed u+ thus$
De+endent )n Ign)rance arise 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities&
De+endent )n 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities arises
elin;ing"4)nsci)usness&
De+endent )n elin;ing"4)nsci)usness arise Mind and
Matter&
De+endent )n Mind and Matter arise the si2 S+heres )3
Sense&
De+endent )n the Si2 S+heres )3 Sense arises 4)ntact&
De+endent )n 4)ntact arises *eeling&
De+endent )n *eeling arises 4ra5ing&
De+endent )n 4ra5ing arises Cras+ing&
De+endent )n Cras+ing arise Acti)ns @Ka##a bha5aA&
De+endent )n Acti)ns arises Birth&
De+endent )n Birth arise Deca., Death, S)rr)(, La#enta
ti)n, ?ain, Crie3, and Des+air&
Thus d)es the entire aggregate )3 su33ering arise&
The c)#+lete cessati)n )3 Ign)rance leads t) the cessati)n
)3 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities&
The cessati)n )3 4)nditi)ning Acti5ities leads t) the cessati)n
)3 elin;ing"4)nsci)usness&
The cessati)n )3 elin;ing"4)nsci)usness leads t) the cessati)n
)3 Mind and Matter&
The cessati)n )3 Mind and Matter leads t) the cessati)n )3
the si2 S+heres )3 Sense&
778
The cessati)n )3 the si2 S+heres )3 Sense leads t) the
The cessati)n )3 the si2 S+heres )3 Sense leads t) the
The cessati)n )3 4)ntact leads t) the cessati)n )3 *eeling&
The cessati)n )3 *eeling leads t) the cessati)n )3 4ra5ing&
The cessati)n )3 4ra5ing leads t) the cessati)n )3 Cras+ing&
The cessati)n )3 Cras+ing leads t) the cessati)n )3 Acti)ns&
The cessati)n )3 Acti)ns leads t) the cessati)n )3 Birth&
The cessati)n )3 Birth leads t) the cessati)n )3 Deca.,
Death, S)rr)(, La#entati)n, ?ain, Crie3, and Des+air&
Thus d)es the cessati)n )3 this entire aggregate )3 su33ering
result&
The 3irst t() )3 these t(el5e 3act)rs +ertain t) the +ast, the
#iddle eight t) the +resent, and the last t() t) the 3uture&
O3 the# M)ral and I##)ral Acti5ities @sa#;haraA and Acti)ns
@bha5aA are regarded as Ka##a&
Ign)rance @a5iHHaA, 4ra5ing @tanhaA, and Cras+ing @u+adanaA
are regarded as ?assi)ns )r De3ile#ents @;ilesaAL
elin;ing"4)nsci)usness @+atisandhi"5iQQanaA, Mind
and Matter @na#aru+aA,
S+heres )3 Sense @sala.atanaA, 4)ntact
@+hassaA, *eeling @5edanaA, Birth @HatiA, Deca. and Death
@Hara#aranaA are regarded as E33ects @5i+a;aA&
Thus Ign)rance, Acti5ities, 4ra5ing, Cras+ing and Ka##a,
the 3i5e causes )3 the +ast, c)nditi)n the +resent 3i5e e33ects
@+halaA D na#el., elin;ing"4)nsci)usness, Mind and Matter,
S+heres )3 Sense, 4)ntact, and *eeling&
In the sa#e (a. 4ra5ing, Cras+ing, Ka##a, Ign)rance,
and Acti5ities )3 the +resent c)nditi)n the ab)5e 3i5e e33ects
)3 the 3uture&
This +r)cess )3 cause and e33ect c)ntinues ad in3initu#&
A beginning )3 this +r)cess cann)t be deter#ined as it is
77:
i#+)ssible t) c)ncei5e )3 a ti#e (hen this li3e"3lu2 (as n)t enc)#+assed
b. ign)rance& But (hen this ign)rance is re+laced
b. (isd)# and the li3e"3lu2 realiIes the Nibbana Dhatu, then
)nl. d)es the rebirth +r)cess ter#inate&
i#+)ssible t) c)ncei5e )3 a ti#e (hen this li3e"3lu2 (as n)t enc)#+assed
b. ign)rance& But (hen this ign)rance is re+laced
b. (isd)# and the li3e"3lu2 realiIes the Nibbana Dhatu, then
)nl. d)es the rebirth +r)cess ter#inate&
JTis Ign)rance entails the drear. r)und
D n)( here, n)( there D )3 c)untless births and deaths&K
JBut, n) herea3ter (aits 3)r hi# (h) ;n)(sRK
!
<& 4ha#bers, Buddha s Teachings, 55& <60, <7=
77<
4ha+ter 6:
M)des )3 Birth and Death
JAgain, again the sl)(, (its see; rebirth,
Again, again c)#es birth and d.ing c)#es,
Again, again #en bear its t) the gra5e&K
D Sa#.utta Ni;a.a
The ?aticca"Sa#u++ada describes the +r)cess )3 rebirth in
subtle technical ter#s and assigns death t) )ne )3 the 3)ll)(ing
3)ur causes$
/& E2hausti)n )3 the e+r)ducti5e Ka##ic energ. @;a##a
;;ha.aA&
The Buddhist belie3 is that, as a rule, the th)ught, 5)liti)n, )r
desire, (hich is e2tre#el. str)ng during li3eti#e, bec)#es
+red)#inant at the ti#e )3 death and c)nditi)ns the subse
Guent birth& In this last th)ught"+r)cess is +resent a s+ecial
+)tentialit.& 'hen the +)tential energ. )3 this e+r)ducti5e
@Hana;aA Ka##a is e2hausted, the )rganic acti5ities )3 the #a
terial 3)r# in (hich is e#b)died the li3e"3)rce, cease e5en be
3)re the end )3 the li3e"s+an in that +articular +lace&
This )3ten ha++ens in the case )3 beings (h) are b)rn in
states )3 #iser. @a+a.aA but it can ha++en in )ther +lanes t))&
6& The e2+irati)n )3 the li3e"ter# @a.u;;ha.aA, (hich 5aries
in di33erent +lanes&
Natural deaths, due t) )ld age, #a. be classed under this
categ)r.&
There are di33erent +lanes )3 e2istence (ith 5ar.ing age"
li#its& Irres+ecti5e )3 the Ka##ic 3)rce that has .et t) run,
)ne #ust, h)(e5er, succu#b t) death (hen the #a2i#u#
1
age"li#it is reached&
age"li#it is reached&
the Ka##ic energ.& re#aterialises itsel3 in the sa#e +lane )r,
as in the case )3 De5as, in s)#e higher real#&
/
The si#ultane)us e2hausti)n )3 the e+r)ducti5e Ka##ic
energ. and the e2+irati)n )3 the li3e"ter# @ubha.a
;;ha.aA&
6 The )++)sing acti)n )3 a str)nger Ka##a une2+ectedl.
)bstructing the 3l)( )3 the e+r)ducti5e Ka##a be3)re
the li3e"ter# e2+ires @u+accheda;a";a##aA&
Sudden unti#el. deaths )3 +ers)ns and the deaths )3 children
are due t) this cause&
A #)re +)(er3ul )++)sing 3)rce can chec; the +ath )3 a
3l.ing arr)( and bring it d)(n t) the gr)und& S) a 5er. +)(er3ul
Ka##ic 3)rce )3 the +ast is ca+able )3 nulli3.ing the +)tential
energ. )3 the last th)ught"+r)cess, and #a. thus destr).
the +s.chic li3e )3 the being&
The death )3 Venerable De5adatta, 3)r instance, (as due t) a
Destructi5e Ka##a (hich he c)##itted during his li3eti#e&
The 3irst three are c)llecti5el. called Jti#el. deathsK
@;ala#aranaA,
and the 3)urth is ;n)(n as Junti#el. deathK
@a;ala#aranaA&
An )il la#+, 3)r instance, #a. get e2tinguished )(ing t)
an. )3 the 3)ll)(ing 3)ur causes D na#el., the e2hausti)n )3 the
(ic;, the e2hausti)n )3 )il, si#ultane)us e2hausti)n )3 b)th
(ic; and )il, )r s)#e e2trane)us cause li;e a gust )3 (ind&
S) #a. death be due t) an. )3 the 3)reg)ing 3)ur causes&
E2+laining thus the causes )3 death, Buddhis# states
that there are 3)ur #)des )3 birth D na#el., /& egg"b)rn beings
@andaHaA, 6& ()#b"b)rn beings @HalabuHaA, 7& #)isture"b)rn
0
beings @sa#sedaHaA, and 9& beings ha5ing s+)ntane)us births
@)+a+ati;aA&
beings @sa#sedaHaA, and 9& beings ha5ing s+)ntane)us births
@)+a+ati;aA&
Birds and )5i+ar)us sna;es bel)ng t) the 3irst di5isi)n&
The ()#b"b)rn creatures c)#+rise all hu#an beings,
s)#e de5as inhabiting the earth, and s)#e ani#als that ta;e
c)nce+ti)n in a #)ther>s ()#b&
E#br.)s, using #)isture as nidus 3)r their gr)(th, li;e
certain l)(l. 3)r#s )3 ani#al li3e, bel)ng t) the third class&
Beings ha5ing a s+)ntane)us birth are generall. in5isible
t) the +h.sical e.e& 4)nditi)ned b. their +ast Ka##a, the.
a++ear s+)ntane)usl., (ith)ut +assing thr)ugh an e#br.)nic
stage& ?etas and De5as n)r#all., and Brah#as bel)ng t)
this class&
!
79=
<
?lanes )3 E2istence
JN)t t) be reached b. g)ing is ()rld>s end&K D Anguttara Ni;a.a
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# the earth, an al#)st insigni3icant s+ec;
in the uni5erse, is n)t the )nl. habitable ()rld, and hu#ans
are n)t the )nl. li5ing beings& Inde3inite are ()rld s.ste#s
and s) are li5ing beings& N)r is Jthe i#+regnated )5u# the
)nl. r)ute t) rebirth&K B. tra5ersing )ne cann)t reach the end
)3 the ()rld,/ sa.s the Buddha&
Births #a. ta;e +lace in di33erent s+heres )3 e2istence&
There are alt)gether thirt.")ne +laces in (hich beings #ani3est
the#sel5es acc)rding t) their #)ral )r i##)ral Ka##a&
There are 3)ur states )3 unha++iness @A+a.aA6 (hich are
5ie(ed b)th as #ental states and as +laces&
The. are$
/& Nira.a @ni W a.a X de5)id )3 ha++inessA ()e3ul states
(here beings at)ne 3)r their e5il Ka##a& The. are n)t eternal
hells (here beings are subHect t) endless su33ering& U+)n the
e2hausti)n )3 the e5il Ka##a there is a +)ssibilit. 3)r beings
b)rn in such states t) be reb)rn in bliss3ul states as the result
)3 their +ast g))d acti)ns&
6& Tiracchana.)ni
@tir) X acr)ssL acchana X g)ingA, the ani#al
;ingd)#& Buddhist belie3 is that beings are b)rn as ani#als
)n acc)unt )3 e5il Ka##a& There is, h)(e5er, the +)ssibilit.
3)r ani#als t) be b)rn as hu#an beings as a result )3
the g))d Ka##a accu#ulated in the +ast& Strictl. s+ea;ing,
/& See Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, ++& 1 , 1:&
& A+a W a.a X de5)id )3 ha++iness&
9/
it sh)uld be #)re c)rrect t) state that Ka##a (hich #ani3ested
itsel3 in the 3)r# )3 a hu#an being, #a. #ani3est itsel3
in the 3)r# )3 an ani#al )r 5ice 5ersa, Hust as an electric
current can be #ani3ested in the 3)r#s )3 light, heat and #)ti)n
successi5el. D )ne n)t necessaril. being e5)l5ed 3r)# the
)ther&
it sh)uld be #)re c)rrect t) state that Ka##a (hich #ani3ested
itsel3 in the 3)r# )3 a hu#an being, #a. #ani3est itsel3
in the 3)r# )3 an ani#al )r 5ice 5ersa, Hust as an electric
current can be #ani3ested in the 3)r#s )3 light, heat and #)ti)n
successi5el. D )ne n)t necessaril. being e5)l5ed 3r)# the
)ther&
It is )ne>s Ka##a that deter#ines the nature )r )ne>s #aterial
3)r# (hich 5aries acc)rding t) the s;il3ulness )r uns;il3ulness
)3 )ne>s acti)ns&
7& ?eta.)ni
@+a W itaA lit&, de+arted beings, )r th)se abs)lutel.
de5)id )3 ha++iness& The. are n)t dise#b)died s+irits
)3 gh)sts& The. +)ssess de3)r#ed +h.sical 3)r#s )3 5ar.ing
#agnitude, generall. in5isible t) the na;ed e.e& The. ha5e n)
+lanes )3 their )(n, but li5e in 3)rests, dirt. surr)undings, etc&
There is a s+ecial b));, called ?eta5atthu, (hich e2clusi5el.
deals (ith the st)ries )3 these un3)rtunate beings& Sa#.utta
Ni;a.a als) relates s)#e interesting acc)unts )3 these ?etas&
Describing the +athetic state )3 a ?eta, the Venerable
M)ggallana sa.s$N
J-ust n)( as I (as descending Vultures> ?ea; Hill, I sa( a
s;elet)n g)ing thr)ugh the air, and 5ultures, cr)(s, and 3al
c)ns ;e+t 3l.ing a3ter it, +ec;ing at its ribs, +ulling a+art (hile
it uttered cries )3 +ain& T) #e, 3riend, ca#e this th)ught$N
O but this is ()nder3ulR O but this is #ar5ell)us that a +ers)n
(ill c)#e t) ha5e such a sha+e, that the indi5idualit. ac
Guired (ill c)#e t) ha5e such a sha+e&K
JThis being,K the Buddha re#ar;ed, J(as a cattle"butcher
796
in his +re5i)us birth, and as the result )3 his +ast Ka##a
he (as b)rn in such a state&K
in his +re5i)us birth, and as the result )3 his +ast Ka##a
he (as b)rn in such a state&KAcc)rding t) the Puesti)ns )3
Milinda there are 3)ur ;inds )3 ?etas D na#el., the Vantasi;as
(h) 3eed )n 5)#it, the Khu++i+asin) (h) hunger and thirst,
the NiHHha#atanhi;a, (h) are c)nsu#ed b. thirst, and the
?aradattu+aHi5in) (h) li5e )n the gi3ts )3 )thers&
As stated in the Tir);udda Sutta9 these last #enti)ned
?etas share the #erit +er3)r#ed b. their li5ing relati5es in
their na#es, and c)uld thereb. +ass )n t) better states )3
ha++iness&
9& Asura".)ni D the +lace )3 the Asura"de#)ns& Asura, literall.,
#eans th)se (h) d) n)t shine )r th)se (h) d) n)t s+)rt&
The. are als) an)ther class )3 unha++. beings si#ilar t) the
?etas& The. sh)uld be distinguished 3r)# the Asuras (h) are
)++)sed t) the De5as&
Ne2t t) these 3)ur unha++. states @DuggatiA are the se5en
ha++. states @SugatiA& The. are$N
/& Manussa8 D The eal# )3 hu#an beings&
The hu#an real# is a #i2ture )3 b)th +ain and ha++iness& B)dhisattas
+re3er the hu#an real# as it is the best 3ield t) ser5e
the ()rld and +er3ect the reGuisites )3 Buddhah))d& Buddhas
are al(a.s b)rn as hu#an beings&
6& 4atu##aharaHi;a D the l)(est )3 the hea5enl. real#s
(here the Cuardian Deities )3 the 3)ur Guarters )3 the 3ir#a#ent
reside (ith their 3)ll)(ers&
7& See Kindred Sa.ings, +art ii&& +& /<=&
& Khudda;a ?atha&
& Literall., th)se (h) ha5e an u+li3ted )r de5el)+ed #ind @#an) ussanna# etasa#A&
The Sa#s;rit eGui5alent )3 #anussa is #anush.a (hich #eans the s)ns )3 Manu&
The. are s) called because the. beca#e ci5iliIed a3ter Manu the seer&
797
7& 7&
: (here De5a Sa;;a is the King& The )rigin
)3 the na#e is attributed t) a st)r. (hich states that thirt."
three sel3less 5)lunteers led b. Magha @an)ther na#e 3)r
Sa;;aA, ha5ing +er3)r#ed charitable deeds, (ere b)rn in this
hea5enl. real#& It (as in this hea5en that the Buddha taught
the Abhidha##a t) the De5as 3)r three #)nths&
9& !a#a JThe eal# )3 the !a#a De5as&K That (hich destr).s
+ain is !a#a&
8& Tusita D lit&, ha++. d(ellers, is JThe eal# )3 Delight&K
The B)dhisattas (h) ha5e +er3ected the reGuisites )3 Buddha"
h))d reside in this ?lane until the )++)rtune #)#ent c)#es
3)r the# t) a++ear in the hu#an real# t) attain Buddhah))d&
The B)dhisatta Mette..a, the 3uture Buddha, is at +resent residing
in this real# a(aiting the right )++)rtunit. t) be b)rn
as a hu#an being and bec)#e a Buddha& The B)dhisatta>s
#)ther, a3ter death, (as b)rn in this real# as a De5a @g)dA&
*r)# here he re+aired t) Ta5ati#sa Hea5en t) listen t) the
Abhidha##a taught b. the Buddha&
8& Ni##anarati D JThe eal# )3 the De5as (h) delight in
the created #ansi)ns&K
:& ?arani##ita5asa5atti D JThe eal# )3 the De5as (h) #a;e
)thers> creati)n ser5e their )(n ends&K
The last si2 are the real#s )3 the De5as (h)se +h.sical 3)r#s
are #)re subtle and re3ined than th)se )3 hu#an beings and
are i#+erce+tible t) the na;ed e.e& These celestial beings t))
are subHect t) death as all #)rtals are& In s)#e res+ects, such
& A 4hinese Buddhist b)); states that )n each )3 the 3)ur sides )3 this ?lane are eight
hea5ens @76A and a central )ne (here King Sa;;a d(ells& Cuide t) Buddhah))d&
799
as their c)nstituti)n, habitat, and 3))d the. e2cel hu#ans, but
d) n)t as a rule transcend the# in (isd)#& The. ha5e s+)n
tane)us births, a++earing li;e .)uths and #aidens )3 3i3teen
)r si2teen .ears )3 age&
These si2 4elestial ?lanes are te#+)rar. bliss3ul ab)des
(here beings are su++)sed t) li5e enH).ing 3leeting +leasures
)3 sense&
The 3)ur unha++. states @DuggatiA and the se5en ha++.
states @SugatiA are c)llecti5el. ter#ed Ka#al);a D Sentient
S+here&
Su+eri)r t) these Sensu)us ?lanes are the Brah#a eal#s
)r u+al);a @eal#s )3 *)r#A (here beings delight in Hhanic
bliss, achie5ed b. ren)uncing sense"desires&
u+al);a c)nsists )3 si2teen real#s acc)rding t) the Hhanas
)r ecstasies culti5ated& The. are as 3)ll)(s$N
@aA The ?lane )3 the *irst -hanaL
/& Brah#a ?arisaHHa D The eal# )3 the Brah#a>s etinue&
6& Brah#a ?ur)hita D The eal# )3 the Brah#a>s Ministers&
7& Maha Brah#a D The eal# )3 the Creat Brah#as&
The highest )3 the 3irst three is Maha Brah#a& It is s) called
because the d(ellers in this eal# e2cel )thers in ha++iness,
beaut., and age"li#it )(ing t) the intrinsic #erit )3 their #ental
de5el)+#ent&
@bA The ?lane )3 the Sec)nd -hana$
9& ?arittabha D The eal# )3 Min)r Lustre,
8& A++a#anabha D The eal# )3 In3inite Lustre,
:& Abhassara D The eal# )3 the adiant Brah#as&
@cA The ?lane )3 the Third -hana$
<& ?arittasubha D The eal# )3 the Brah#as )3 Min)r Aura&
798
1& 1& e
Aura&
0& Subha;inha D The eal# )3 the Brah#as )3 Stead. Aura&
@dA The ?lane )3 the *)urth -hana$
/=& Veha++hala D The eal# )3 the Brah#as )3 Creat e(ard&
//& AsaQQasatta D The eal# )3 Mindless Beings,
/6& Suddha5asa D The ?ure Ab)des (hich are 3urther subdi5ided
int) 3i5e, 5iI$
i& A5iha D The Durable eal#,
ii& Ata++a D The Serene eal#,
iii& Sudassa D The Beauti3ul eal#,
i5& Sudassi D The 4lear"Sighted eal#&
5& A;anittha D The Highest eal#&
Onl. th)se (h) ha5e culti5ated the -hanas )r Ecstasies are
b)rn )n these higher +lanes& Th)se (h) ha5e de5el)+ed the
*irst -hana are b)rn in the 3irst ?laneL th)se (h) ha5e de5el)+ed
the Sec)nd and Third -hanas are b)rn in the sec)nd
?laneL th)se (h) ha5e de5el)+ed the *)urth and *i3th -hanas
are b)rn in the third and 3)urth ?lanes res+ecti5el.&
The 3irst grade )3 each +lane is assigned t) th)se (h) ha5e
de5el)+ed the -hanas t) an )rdinar. degree, the sec)nd t)
th)se (h) ha5e de5el)+ed the -hanas t) a greater e2tent, and
the third t) th)se (h) ha5e gained a c)#+lete #aster. )5er
the -hanas&
In the ele5enth +lane, called the AsaQQasatta, beings are
b)rn (ith)ut a c)nsci)usness&
Here )nl. a #aterial 3lu2 e2ists& Mind is te#+)raril. sus+ended
(hile the 3)rce )3 the -hana lasts& N)r#all. b)th
#ind and #atter are inse+arable& B. the +)(er )3 #editati)n
it is +)ssible, at ti#es, t) se+arate #atter 3r)# #ind as in
79:
this +articular case& 'hen an Arahant attains the Nir)dha
this +articular case& 'hen an Arahant attains the Nir)dha
&
Such a state is al#)st inc)ncei5able t) us& But there #a. be inc)ncei5able
things (hich are actual 3acts&
The Suddha5asas )r ?ure Ab)des are the e2clusi5e ?lanes
)3 Anaga#is )r Ne5er"eturners& Ordinar. beings are n)t b)rn
in these states& Th)se (h) attain Anaga#i in )ther +lanes are
reb)rn in these ?ure Ab)des& Later, the. attain Arahantshi+
and li5e in th)se +lanes until their li3e"ter# ends&
There are 3)ur )ther +lanes called Aru+al);a (hich are t)tall.
de5)id )3 #atter )r b)dies& Buddhists #aintain that there
are real#s (here #ind al)ne e2ists (ith)ut #atter& J-ust as it
is +)ssible 3)r an ir)n bar t) be sus+ended in the air because
it has been 3lung there, and it re#ains as l)ng as it retains an.
une2+ended #)#entu#, e5en s) the *)r#less being a++ears
thr)ugh being 3lung int) that state b. +)(er3ul #ind"3)rce,
there it re#ains till that #)#entu# is e2+ended& This is a
te#+)rar. se+arati)n )3 #ind and #atter, (hich n)r#all.
c)"e2ist&K<
It sh)uld be #enti)ned that there is n) se2 distincti)n in
the u+al);a and the Aru+al);a&
The Aru+al);a is di5ided int) 3)ur +lanes acc)rding t)
the 3)ur Aru+a -hanas&
The. are$N
/& A;asanaQca.atana D The S+here )3 the 4)nce+ti)n )3 In3inite
S+ace&
6& ViQQanaQca.atana D The S+here )3 the 4)nce+ti)n )3 In3inite
4)nsci)usness&
7& A;iQcaQQa.atana D The S+here )3 the 4)nce+ti)n )3
N)thingness&
<& Kassa+a Thera&
79<
9& 9&
1
It sh)uld be re#ar;ed that the Buddha did n)t atte#+t t) e2+)und
an. c)s#)l)gical the)r.&
The essence )3 the Buddha>s teaching is n)t a33ected b. the
e2istence )r n)n"e2istence )3 these +lanes& N) )ne is b)und
t) belie5e an.thing i3 it d)es n)t a++eal t) his reas)n& N)r is
it +r)+er t) reHect an.thing because it cann)t be c)ncei5ed b.
)ne>s li#ited ;n)(ledge&
!
&
*)r details and the li3e"ter# )3 5ari)us +lanes see A Manual )3 Abhidha##a b.
Narada Thera, ++& 679D69:&
91
4ha+ter 61
H)( ebirth ta;es +lace
JThe +ile )3 b)nes )3 @all the b)dies )3A )ne #an
'h) has al)ne )ne ae)n li5ed
')uld #a;e a #)untain>s height D
S) said the #ight. seer&K D Iti5ut>ta;a
T) the d.ing #an at this critical stage, acc)rding t) Abhidha##a
+hil)s)+h., is +resented a Ka##a, Ka##a Ni#itta, )r
Cati Ni#itta&
B. Ka##a is here #eant s)#e g))d )r bad act d)ne during
his li3eti#e )r i##ediatel. be3)re his d.ing #)#ent& It
is a g))d )r bad th)ught& I3 the d.ing +ers)n had c)##itted
)ne )3 the 3i5e hein)us cri#es @Caru;a Ka##aA such as +arricide
etc& )r de5el)+ed the -hanas @EcstasiesA, he ()uld e2+erience
such a Ka##a be3)re his death& These are s) +)(er3ul
that the. t)tall. ecli+se all )ther acti)ns and a++ear 5er.
5i5idl. be3)re the #ind>s e.e& I3 he had d)ne n) such (eight.
acti)n, he #a. ta;e 3)r his )bHect )3 the d.ing th)ught"+r)cess
a Ka##a d)ne i##ediatel. be3)re death @Asanna Ka##aAL
(hich #a. be called a JDeath ?r)2i#ate Ka##a&K
In the absence )3 a JDeath"?r)2i#ate Ka##aK a habitual
g))d )r bad act @Acinna Ka##aA is +resented, such as the healing
)3 the sic; in the case )3 a g))d +h.sician, )r the teaching
)3 the Dha##a in the case )3 a +i)us Bhi;;hu, )r stealing in
the case )3 a thie3& *ailing all these, s)#e casual tri5ial g))d
)r bad act @Katatta Ka##aA bec)#es the )bHect )3 the d.ing
th)ught"+r)cess&
Ka##a Ni#itta )r Js.#b)l,K #eans a #ental re+r)ducti)n
)3 an. sight, s)und, s#ell, taste, t)uch )r idea (hich (as +red)#inant
at the ti#e )3 s)#e i#+)rtant acti5it., g))d )r bad,
90
such as a 5isi)n )3 ;ni5es )r d.ing ani#als in the case )3 a
butcher, )3 +atients in the case )3 a +h.sician, and )3 the )bHect
)3 ()rshi+ in the case )3 a de5)tee, etcS
such as a 5isi)n )3 ;ni5es )r d.ing ani#als in the case )3 a
butcher, )3 +atients in the case )3 a +h.sician, and )3 the )bHect
)3 ()rshi+ in the case )3 a de5)tee, etcS
b)l )3 the +lace )3 3uture birth& This 3reGuentl. +resents itsel3
t) d.ing +ers)ns and sta#+s its gladness )r gl))# u+)n their
3eatures& 'hen these indicati)ns )3 the 3uture birth )ccur, i3
the. are bad, the. can at ti#es be re#edied& This is d)ne b.
in3luencing the th)ughts )3 the d.ing #an& Such +re#)nit)r.
5isi)ns/
)3 destin. #a. be 3ire, 3)rests, #)untain)us regi)ns,
a #)ther>s ()#b, celestial #ansi)ns, and the li;e&
Ta;ing 3)r the )bHect a Ka##a, )r a Ka##a s.#b)l, )r a
s.#b)l )3 destin., a th)ught"+r)cess runs its c)urse e5en i3
the death be an instantane)us )ne&
*)r the sa;e )3 c)n5enience let us i#agine that the d.ing
+ers)n is t) be reb)rn in the hu#an ;ingd)# and that the )bHect
is s)#e g))d Ka##a&
His Bha5anga c)nsci)usness is interru+ted, 5ibrates 3)r a
th)ught"#)#ent and +asses a(a.L a3ter (hich the #ind"d))r
c)nsci)usness @#an)d5ara5aHHanaA arises and +asses a(a.& Then
c)#es the +s.ch)l)gicall. i#+)rtant stage D -a5ana +r)cess D
(hich here runs )nl. 3)r 3i5e th)ught #)#ents b. reas)n )3
its (ea;ness, instead )3 the n)r#al se5en& It lac;s all re+r)ducti5e
+)(er, its #ain 3uncti)n being the #ere regulati)n )3
the ne( e2istence @abhina5a;aranaA&
The )bHect here being desirable, the c)nsci)usness he e2+eriences
is a #)ral )ne& The Tadala#bana"c)nsci)usness
(hich has 3)r its 3uncti)n a registering )r identi3.ing 3)r t()
#)#ents )3 the )bHect s) +ercei5ed, #a. )r #a. n)t 3)ll)(&
& *)r details (ith regard t) these J+re#)nit)r. 5isi)ns )3 the +lace )3 rebirthK
see Dr& '& T& E5ans"'ents, The Tibetan B)); )3 the Dead, +& /1 &
78=
A3ter this )ccurs the death"c)nsci)usness @cuticittaA, the last
A3ter this )ccurs the death"c)nsci)usness @cuticittaA, the last
birth is c)nditi)ned b. this last death"c)nsci)usness @cuticittaA
(hich in itsel3 has n) s+ecial 3uncti)n t) +er3)r#& 'hat actu
all. c)nditi)ns rebirth is that (hich is e2+erienced during the
-a5ana +r)cess&
'ith the cessati)n )3 the decease"c)nsci)usness death
actuall. )ccurs& Then n) #aterial Gualities b)rn )3 #ind and
3))d @cittaHa and aharaHaA are +r)duced& Onl. a series )3 #aterial
Gualities b)rn )3 heat @utuHaA g)es )n till the c)r+se is reduced
t) dust&6
Si#ultane)us (ith the arising )3 the rebirth c)nsci)us
ness there s+ring u+ the Mb)d.decad,> Mse2"decad,> and Mbase
decad> @Ka.abha5a5atthudasa;aA&
7
Acc)rding t) Buddhis#, there3)re, se2 is deter#ined at
the #)#ent )3 c)nce+ti)n and is c)nditi)ned b. Ka##a n)t
b. an. 3)rtuit)us c)#binati)n )3 s+er# and )5u#"cells&9
The +assing a(a. )3 the c)nsci)usness )3 the +ast birth is
the )ccasi)n 3)r the arising )3 the ne( c)nsci)usness in the
subseGuent birth& H)(e5er, n)thing unchangeable )r +er#anent
is trans#itted 3r)# the +ast t) the +resent&
&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# #aterial Gualities are +r)duced in 3)ur (a.s&
i& Ka##a i&e& +ast #)ral and i##)ral acti)nsL
ii& Utu, i&e& +h.sical change )r the TeH) @heatA ele#ent (hich includes b)th
heat and c)ldL
iii& 4itta, i&e& #ind and #ental +r)+erties,
i5& Ahara i&e&, nutri#ent that e2ists in 3))d&
7&
See +& 969&
&
4)#+are JThe se2 )3 the indi5idual is deter#ined at c)nce+ti)n b. the chr)#)s)#e
#a;e"u+ )3 the ga#etes& Thr)ugh this, the e#br.) is end)(ed (ith
a +)tentialit. )3 de5el)+ing t)(ards )ne se2K *ran; Ale2ander, ?s.ch)s)#atic
Medicine +& 6/0&
/
-ust as the (heel rests )n the gr)und )nl. at )ne +)int, s),
strictl. s+ea;ing, (e li5e )nl. 3)r )ne th)ught"#)#ent& 'e
are al(a.s in the +resent, and that +resent is e5er sli++ing
int) the irre5)cable +ast& Each #)#entar. c)nsci)usness )3
this e5er"changing li3e"+r)cess, )n +assing a(a., trans#its its
(h)le energ., all the indelibl. rec)rded i#+ressi)ns )n it, t)
its success)r& E5er. 3resh c)nsci)usness, there3)re, c)nsists )3
the +)tentialities )3 its +redecess)rs t)gether (ith s)#ething
#)re& At death, the c)nsci)usness +erishes, as in truth it +erishes
e5er. #)#ent, )nl. t) gi5e birth t) an)ther in a rebirth&
-ust as the (heel rests )n the gr)und )nl. at )ne +)int, s),
strictl. s+ea;ing, (e li5e )nl. 3)r )ne th)ught"#)#ent& 'e
are al(a.s in the +resent, and that +resent is e5er sli++ing
int) the irre5)cable +ast& Each #)#entar. c)nsci)usness )3
this e5er"changing li3e"+r)cess, )n +assing a(a., trans#its its
(h)le energ., all the indelibl. rec)rded i#+ressi)ns )n it, t)
its success)r& E5er. 3resh c)nsci)usness, there3)re, c)nsists )3
the +)tentialities )3 its +redecess)rs t)gether (ith s)#ething
#)re& At death, the c)nsci)usness +erishes, as in truth it +erishes
e5er. #)#ent, )nl. t) gi5e birth t) an)ther in a rebirth&
s
all i#+ressi)ns are indelibl. rec)rded in the e5er"changing
+ali#+sest"li;e #ind, and all +)tentialities are trans#itted
3r)# li3e t) li3e, irres+ecti5e )3 te#+)rar. disintegrati)n, thus
there #a. be re#iniscence )3 +ast births )r +ast incidents&
'hereas i3 #e#)r. de+ended s)lel. )n brain cells, such re#iniscence
()uld be i#+)ssible&
JThis ne( being (hich is the +resent #ani3estati)n )3 the strea#
)3 Ka##aenerg.
is n)t the sa#e as, and has n) identit. (ith, the
+re5i)us )ne in its line D the aggregates that #a;e u+ its c)#+)siti)n
being di33erent 3r)#, ha5ing n) identit. (ith, th)se that #a;e
u+ the being )3 its +redecess)r& And .et it is n)t an entirel. di33erent
being since it has the sa#e strea# )3 Ka##aenerg.,
th)ugh
#)di3ied +erchance Hust b. ha5ing sh)(n itsel3 in that #ani3estati)n,
(hich is n)( #a;ing its +resence ;n)(n in the sense+erce+tible
()rld as the ne( being&8
Death, acc)rding t) Buddhis#, is the cessati)n )3 the +s.
ch)"+h.sical li3e )3 an. )ne indi5idual e2istence& It is the
+assing a(a. )3 5italit. @a.uA, i&e&, +s.chic and +h.sical li3e
@Hi5itindri.aA, heat @us#aA and c)nsci)usness @5iQQanaA&
& Bhi;;hu Silacara&
786
Death is n)t the c)#+lete annihilati)n )3 a being, 3)r
th)ugh a +articular li3e"s+an ends, the 3)rce (hich hithert)
actuated it is n)t destr).ed&
Death is n)t the c)#+lete annihilati)n )3 a being, 3)r
th)ugh a +articular li3e"s+an ends, the 3)rce (hich hithert)
actuated it is n)t destr).ed&
d
the light #a. be re+r)duced in an)ther bulb& In the sa#e (a.,
the Ka##ic 3)rce re#ains undisturbed b. the disintegrati)n
)3 the +h.sical b)d., and the +assing a(a. )3 the +resent c)nsci)usness
leads t) the arising )3 a 3resh )ne in an)ther birth&
But n)thing unchangeable )r +er#anent J+assesK 3r)# the
+resent t) the 3uture&
In the 3)reg)ing case, the th)ught e2+erienced be3)re death
being a #)ral )ne, the resultant rebirth"c)nsci)usness ta;es
3)r its #aterial an a++r)+riate s+er# and )5u# cell )3 hu#an
+arents& The rebirth"c)nsci)usness @+atisandhi 5iQQanaA then
la+ses int) the Bha5anga state&:
The c)ntinuit. )3 the 3lu2, at death, is unbr);en in +)int
)3 ti#e, and there is n) breach in the strea# )3 c)nsci)usness&
ebirth ta;es +lace i##ediatel., irres+ecti5e )3 the +lace
)3 birth, Hust as an electr)#agnetic (a5e, +r)Hected int) s+ace,
is i##ediatel. re+r)duced in a recei5ing radi) set& ebirth
)3 the #ental 3lu2 is als) instantane)us and lea5es n) r))#
(hate5er 3)r an. inter#ediate state< @antarabha5aA& ?ure Buddhis#
d)es n)t su++)rt the belie3 that a s+irit )3 the deceased
& See A Manual )3 Abhidha##a b. Narada Thera, +& 6<7&
<& Acc)rding t) Tibetan ()r;s, (rites Dr& E5ans"'ents, there is an inter#ediate
state (here beings re#ain 3)r )ne, t(), three, 3i5e, si2 )r se5en (ee;s, until
the 3)rt."ninth da.& This 5ie( is c)ntrar. t) the teachings )3 Buddhis#& The
Tibetan B)); )3 the Dead, ++& OLII "OLIII, 1, /:=D/: &
787
+ers)n ta;es l)dge#ent in s)#e te#+)rar. state until it 3inds
a suitable +lace 3)r its Jreincarnati)n&K
This Guesti)n )3 instantane)us rebirth is (ell e2+ressed in
the Milinda ?aQha$
The King Milinda Guesti)ns$
JVenerable Nagasena, i3 s)#eb)d. dies here and is reb)rn in the
()rld )3 Brah#a, and an)ther dies here and is reb)rn in Kash#ir,
(hich )3 the# ()uld arri5e 3irstBK
The. ()uld arri5e at the sa#e ti#e& O King&K
In (hich t)(n (ere .)u b)rn, O KingBK
In a 5illage called Kalasi, Venerable Sir&K
H)( 3ar is Kalasi 3r)# here, O KingBK
Ab)ut t() hundred #iles, Venerable Sir&K
And h)( 3ar is Kash#ir 3r)# here, O KingBK
Ab)ut t(el5e #iles, Venerable Sir&K
N)( thin; )3 the 5illage )3 Kalasi, O King&K
I ha5e d)ne s), Venerable Sir&K
And n)( thin; )3 Kash#ir, O King&
JIt is d)ne, Venerable Sir&
J'hich )3 these t(), O King, did .)u thin; the #)re sl)(l. and
(hich the #)re Guic;l.B
JB)th eGuall. Guic;l., Venerable Sir&
J-ust s), O King, he (h) dies here and is reb)rn in the ()rld )3
Brah#a, is n)t reb)rn later than he (h) dies here and is reb)rn in
Kash#ir&K
JCi5e #e )ne #)re si#ile, Venerable Sir&K
J'hat d) .)u thin;, O KingB Su++)se t() birds (ere 3l.ing in
the air and the. sh)uld settle at the sa#e ti#e, )ne u+)n a high and
the )ther u+)n a l)( tree, (hich bird>s shade ()uld 3irst 3all u+)n
the earth, and (hich bird>s laterBK
789
JB)th shad)(s ()uld a++ear at the sa#e ti#e, n)t )ne )3 the#
JB)th shad)(s ()uld a++ear at the sa#e ti#e, n)t )ne )3 the#
1
The Guesti)n #ight arise$ Are the s+er# and )5u# cells al(a.s
read., (aiting t) ta;e u+ the rebirth"th)ughtB
Acc)rding t) Buddhis#, li5ing beings are in3inite in
nu#ber, and s) are ()rld s.ste#s& N)r is the i#+regnated
)5u# the )nl. r)ute t) rebirth& Earth, an al#)st insigni3icant
s+ec; in the uni5erse, is n)t the )nl. habitable +lane, and
hu#ans are n)t the )nl. li5ing beings&0
As such it is n)t i#+)ssible
t) belie5e that there (ill al(a.s be an a++r)+riate
+lace t) recei5e the last th)ught 5ibrati)ns& A +)int is al(a.s
read. t) recei5e the 3alling st)ne&
!
1&
Milinda>s Puesti)ns, +art /, ++& /6<D/61&
&
JThere are ab)ut /,===,=== +lanetar. s.ste#s in the Mil;. 'a. in (hich li3e
#a. e2ist&K See *red H).le, The Nature )3 the Uni5erse, ++& 1<D10&
788
4ha+ter 60
'hat is it that is eb)rnB @N)"s)ulA
JNeither the sa#e n)r .et an)ther&K
D Visuddhi Magga
A+art 3r)# #ind and #atter, (hich c)nstitute this s)"called
being, Buddhis# d)es n)t assert the e2istence )3 an i##)rtal
s)ul, )r an eternal eg), (hich #an has )btained in a #.steri
)us (a. 3r)# an eGuall. #.steri)us s)urce&
A s)ul (hich is eternal #ust necessaril. re#ain al(a.s
the sa#e (ith)ut an. change (hate5er& I3 the s)ul (hich is
su++)sed t) be the essence )3 #an is eternal, there c)uld be
neither a rise n)r a 3all& N)r c)uld )ne e2+lain (h. Jdi33erent
s)uls are s) 5ari)usl. c)nstituted at the )utset&K
T) Husti3. the e2istence )3 endless 3elicit. in an eternal
hea5en and unending t)r#ent in an eternal hell, it is abs)lutel.
necessar. t) +)stulate an i##)rtal s)ul&
JIt sh)uld be said,K (rites Bertrand ussell, Jthat the )ld distincti)n
bet(een s)ul and b)d. has e5a+)rated, Guite as #uch because
M#atter> has l)st its s)lidit. as because #ind has l)st its s+iritualit.&
?s.ch)l)g. is Hust beginning t) be scienti3ic& In the +resent
state )3 +s.ch)l)g. belie3 in i##)rtalit. can at an. rate clai# n)
su++)rt 3r)# science&K @eligi)n and Science, +& / 6&A
Acc)rding t) the learned auth)r )3 the iddle )3 the Uni5erse$/=
JThis the)l)gical +r))3 that a +ers)nal creat)r has breathed an
i##)rtal s)ul @generall. regarded as a +)rti)n )3 the Di5ine S)ulA
int) #an is a +ure #.th& The c)s#)l)gical +r))3 that the M#)ral
)rder )3 the ()rld> de#ands the eternal durati)n )3 the hu#an s)ul
is a baseless d)g#a& The tele)l)gical +r))3 that the Mhigher destin.>
/=& eligi)n and Science +& /::&
78:
)3 #an in5)l5es the +er3ecting )3 his de3ecti5e, earthl. s)ul be.)nd
the gra5e D rests )n a 3alse anthr)+is#& The #)ral +r))3 D that the
de3ects and the unsatis3ied desires )3 earthl. e2istence #ust be 3ul3illed
b. Mc)#+ensati5e Hustice> )n the )ther side )3 eternit. D is
n)thing #)re than a +i)us (ish& The ethn)l)gical +r))3 D that the
belie3 in i##)rtalit., li;e the belie3 in C)d, is an innate truth, c)##)n
t) all hu#anit. D is an err)r in 3act& The )nt)l)gical +r))3 D
that the s)ul, being a si#+le, i##aterial, and indi5isible entit. cann)t
be in5)l5ed in the c)rru+ti)n )3 death D is based )n an entirel.
err)ne)us 5ie( )3 the +s.chic +hen)#ena it is a s+iritualistic 3allac.&
All these and si#ilar M+r))3s )3 athanatis#> are in a +arl)us
c)nditi)nL the. are de3initel. annulled b. the scienti3ic criticis# )3
the last 3e( decades&K
I3 n)thing in the 3)r# )3 a s+irit )r s)ul +asses 3r)# this li3e
t) the )ther, (hat is it that is reb)rnB
In this Guesti)n it is ta;en 3)r granted that there is s)#e
thing t) be reb)rn&
A 3e( centuries ag) it (as argued D J4)git)& erg) su#K
@I thin;, there3)re I a#A& True, but 3irst it has t) be +r)5ed that
there is an JIK t) thin;&
'e sa. that the sun rises in the East and sets in the 'est,
alth)ugh (e ;n)( that actuall. it is n)t s)& 'e ha5e t) ad#it
that )ne cann)t stri;e an identical +lace t(ice alth)ugh t) all
a++earance )ne has d)ne s)&
E5er.thing changes s) s))n& *)r n) t() #)#ents are (e
identicall. the sa#e&
Buddhists agree (ith Bertrand ussell (hen he sa.s$
JThere is )b5i)usl. s)#e reas)n in (hich I a# the sa#e +ers)n
as I (as .esterda., and, t) ta;e an e5en #)re )b5i)us e2a#+le, i3
I si#ultane)usl. see a #an and hear hi# s+ea;ing, there is s)#e
78<
sense in (hich the I that sees is the sa#e as the I that hears&Ksense in (hich the I that sees is the sa#e
as the I that hears&K/
Until recentl. scientists belie5ed in an indi5isible and indestructible
at)#& J*)r su33icient reas)ns +h.sicists ha5e reduced
this at)# t) a series )3 e5entsL 3)r eGuall. g))d reas)ns +s.ch)l)gists
3ind that #ind has n)t the identit. )3 a single c)ntinuing
thing but is a series )3 )ccurrences b)und t)gether b. certain inti#ate
relati)ns& The Guesti)n )3 i##)rtalit., there3)re, has bec)#e
the Guesti)n (hether these inti#ate relati)ns e2ist bet(een )ccurrences
c)nnected (ith a li5ing b)d. and )ther )ccurrences (hich
ta;e +lace a3ter that b)d. is dead&K/6
As 4&E&M& -)ad sa.s in The Meaning )3 Li3e$
JMatter has since disintegrated under )ur 5er. e.es& It is n)
l)nger s)lidL it is n) l)nger enduringL it is n) l)nger deter#ined
b. c)#+ulsi5e la(sL and #)re i#+)rtant than all it is n) l)nger
;n)(n&K
The s)called
at)#s, it see#s, are b)th Jdi5isible and destructible&K
The electr)ns and +r)t)ns that c)#+)se at)#s Jcan #eet and
annihilate )ne an)ther, (hile their +ersistence, such as it is, is rather
that )3 a (a5e lac;ing 3i2ed b)undaries, and in +r)cess )3 c)ntinual
change b)th as regards sha+e and +)siti)n, than that )3 a thing&K
Bish)+ Ber;le., (h) sh)(ed that this s)called
at)# (as a #eta+h.sical
3icti)n, held that there e2isted a s+iritual substance called
a s)ul&
Hu#e in his search a3ter a s)ul declares$
JThere are s)#e +hil)s)+hers (h) i#agine (e are e5er. #)#ent
inti#atel. c)nsci)us )3 (hat (e call )ur sel3$ that (e 3eel its
e2istence and its c)ntinuance in e2istence and are certain, be.)nd
the e5idence )3 a de#)nstrati)n, b)th )3 its +er3ect identit. and
//& eligi)n and Science, +& / 6&
/ & eligi)n and Science, +& /::
1
si#+licit.& *)r #. +art, (hen I enter #)st inti#atel. int) (hat I
call #.sel3, I al(a.s stu#ble )n s)#e +articular +erce+ti)n )r )ther
D )3 heat )r c)ld, light )r shade, l)5e )r hatred, +ain )r +leasure& I
ne5er can catch #.sel3 at an. ti#e (ith)ut a +erce+ti)n, and ne5er
can )bser5e an.thing but the +erce+ti)nSK/
Bergs)n sa.s$
JAll c)nsci)usness is ti#e e2istenceL and a c)nsci)us state
is n)t a state that endures (ith)ut changing& It is a change
(ith)ut ceasingL (hen change ceases, it ceasesL it is itsel3 n)thing
but change&K
'ats)n, a distinguished +s.ch)l)gist, states$
JN) )ne has e5er t)uched a s)ul, )r has seen )ne in a test tube,
)r has in an. (a. c)#e int) relati)nshi+ (ith it as he has (ith the
)ther )bHects )3 his dail. e2+erience& Ne5ertheless t) d)ubt its e2istence
is t) bec)#e a heretic, and )nce #ight +)ssibl. e5en had led t)
the l)ss )3 )ne>s head& E5en t)da. a #an h)lding a +ublic +)siti)n
dare n)t Guesti)n it&K/9
Dealing (ith this Guesti)n )3 s)ul, ?r)3& -a#es (rites$
JThis s)ulthe)r.
is a c)#+lete su+er3luit., s) 3ar as acc)rding
3)r the actuall. 5eri3ied 3acts )3 c)nsci)us e2+erience g)es& S)
3ar n) )ne can be c)#+elled t) subscribe t) it 3)r de3inite scienti3ic
reas)ns&
JThis #e is an e#+irical aggregate )3 things )bHecti5el. ;n)(n&
The I (hich ;n)(s the# cann)t itsel3 be an aggregate, neither 3)r
+s.ch)l)gical +ur+)se need it be c)nsidered t) be an unchanging
#eta+h.sical entit. li;e the s)ul, )r a +rinci+al li;e the +ure Eg)
5ie(ed as )ut )3 ti#e& It is a th)ught, at each #)#ent di33erent
/7& 'illia# -a#es, ?rinci+les )3 ?s.ch)l)g., +& /
/ & 'ats)n, Beha5i)uris#, +& 9&
0
3r)# that )3 the last #)#ent, but a++r)+riati5e )3 the latter, t)gether
(ith all that the latter calls its )(n& All the e2+eri#ental
3r)# that )3 the last #)#ent, but a++r)+riati5e )3 the latter, t)gether
(ith all that the latter calls its )(n& All the e2+eri#ental
.
h.+)thesis sa5e that )3 the e2istence )3 +assing th)ughts )r states
)3 #ind&K/
He c)ncludes his interesting cha+ter )n the s)ul (ith the
()rds$ JAnd in this b)); the +r)5isi)nal s)luti)n (hich (e
ha5e reached #ust be the 3inal ()rdK$
JThe th)ughts the#sel5es are the thin;ers&K
And this is an ech) )3 the 5er. ()rds )3 the Buddha 3r)#
6,8== .ears ag) in the 5alle. )3 the Canges&
Buddhis#, teaching a +s.ch)l)g. (ith)ut a +s.che, res)l5es
the li5ing being int) #ind and #atter @na#aru+aA
(hich are in a state )3 c)nstant 3lu2&
In the ancient da.s the Indian sages t)) belie5ed in an
indi5isible at)# (hich the. called ?ara#anu& Acc)rding t)
the ancient belie3 7: ?ara#anus c)nstitute )ne AnuL 7: Anus,
)ne TaHHariL 7: TaHHaris, )ne atharenu& The #inute +articles )3
dust seen dancing in the sunbea# are called atharenus& One
?ara#anu is, there3)re, /Y9:,:8:th +art )3 a atharenu& 'ith
His su+ern)r#al 5isi)n the Buddha anal.sed the ?ara#anu
and declared that the ?ara#anu c)nsists )3 interrelated 3)rces
;n)(n as ?ara#atthas )r essentials )3 #atter& These ?ara#atthas
are ?atha5i, A+), TeH), and Va.)&
?atha5i& #eans the ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n, the substratu#
)3 #atter& 'ith)ut it )bHects cann)t )ccu+. s+ace& The Gualities
)3 hardness and s)3tness (hich are relati5e are t() c)nditi)ns
)3 this sa#e ele#ent&
A+) is the ele#ent )3 c)hesi)n& Unli;e +atha5i it is intangi
/ & ?rinci+les )3 ?s.ch)l)g., +& 6/ &
7:=
ble& It is this ele#ent (hich #a;es the scattered at)#s )3 #atter
c)here and gi5es us the idea )3 b)d.& 'hen s)lid b)dies
are #elted, this ele#ent bec)#es #)re +r)#inent in the re
ble& It is this ele#ent (hich #a;es the scattered at)#s )3 #atter
c)here and gi5es us the idea )3 b)d.& 'hen s)lid b)dies
are #elted, this ele#ent bec)#es #)re +r)#inent in the re
hesi)n ceases e2tensi)n disa++ears&
TeH) is the ele#ent )3 heat& 4)ld is als) a 3)r# )3 teH)& B)th
heat and c)ld are included in teH) because the. +)ssess the
+)(er )3 #aturing b)dies )r, in )ther ()rds, it is the 5italising
energ.& ?reser5ati)n and deca. are due t) this ele#ent&
Unli;e the )ther three essentials )3 #atter this ele#ent, als)
called utu, has the +)(er t) regenerate b. itsel3&
Va.) is the ele#ent )3 #)ti)n& M)5e#ents are caused b.
this ele#ent& M)ti)n is regarded as the 3)rce )r the generat)r
)3 heat&
JM)ti)n and heat in the #aterial real# c)rres+)nd res+ecti5el.
t) c)nsci)usness and Ka##a in the #ental&K
These 3)ur are the 3unda#ental units )3 #atter and are in5ariabl.
c)#bined (ith the 3)ur deri5ati5es D na#el., c)l)ur
@5annaA, )d)ur @gandhaA taste @rasaA, and nutriti5e essence @)HaA&
The 3)ur ele#ents and the deri5ati5es are inse+arable and
interrelated, but )ne ele#ent #a. +re+)nderate )5er an)ther,
as 3)r instance, the ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n +re+)nderates in
earthL c)hesi)n, in (aterL heat, in 3ireL and #)ti)n, in air&
Thus, #atter c)nsists )3 3)rces and Gualities (hich are in a
state )3 c)nstant 3lu2& Acc)rding t) Buddhis# #atter endures
)nl. 3)r /< th)ught #)#ents&/:
/ & It +leases the c)##entat)rs t) sa. that the ti#e durati)n )r )ne th)ught"
#)#ent is e5en less than the )ne #illi)nth +art )3 the ti#e )ccu+ied b. a 3lash
)3 lightning&
:/
Mind, the #)re i#+)rtant +art in the c)#+le2 #achiner.
)3 #an, c)nsists )3 3i3t."t() #ental states& *eeling )r sensati)n
@5edanaA is )ne, +erce+ti)n @saQQaA is an)ther& The re#aining
3i3t. are c)llecti5el. called 5)liti)nal acti5ities @sa#;haraA,
a rendering (hich d)es n)t e2actl. c)n5e. the #eaning )3
the ?ali ter#& O3 the# 5)liti)n )r cetana is the #)st i#+)rtant
3act)r& All these +s.chic states arise in a c)nsci)usness
@ViQQanaA&
Mind, the #)re i#+)rtant +art in the c)#+le2 #achiner.
)3 #an, c)nsists )3 3i3t."t() #ental states& *eeling )r sensati)n
@5edanaA is )ne, +erce+ti)n @saQQaA is an)ther& The re#aining
3i3t. are c)llecti5el. called 5)liti)nal acti5ities @sa#;haraA,
a rendering (hich d)es n)t e2actl. c)n5e. the #eaning )3
the ?ali ter#& O3 the# 5)liti)n )r cetana is the #)st i#+)rtant
3act)r& All these +s.chic states arise in a c)nsci)usness
@ViQQanaA&
Each unit )3 c)nsci)usness c)nsists )3 three instants
@;hanaA& The. are arising )r genesis @u++adaA, static )r de5el)+#ent
@thitiA and cessati)n )r diss)luti)n @bhangaA&
I##ediatel. a3ter the cessati)n stage )3 a th)ught"#)#ent
there )ccurs the genesis stage )3 the subseGuent th)ught"
#)#ent& Each #)#entar. c)nsci)usness )3 this e5er"changing
li3e +r)cess, )n +assing a(a., trans#its its (h)le energ., all
the indelibl. rec)rded i#+ressi)ns, t) its success)r& E5er. 3resh
c)nsci)usness c)nsists )3 the +)tentialities )3 its +redecess)rs
t)gether (ith s)#ething #)re& There is there3)re a c)ntinu)us
3l)( )3 c)nsci)usness li;e a strea# (ith)ut an. interru+ti)n&
The subseGuent th)ught"#)#ent is neither abs)lutel. the
sa#e as its +redecess)r since its c)#+)siti)n is n)t identical D
n)r entirel. di33erent D being the sa#e strea# )3 li3e& There is
n) identical being, but there is an identit. in +r)cess&
7:6
It #ust n)t be underst))d that c)nsci)usness is in bits H)ined
t)gether li;e a train )r a chain& On the c)ntrar., Jit c)nstantl.
3l)(s )n li;e a ri5er recei5ing 3r)# the tributar. strea#s )3
sense c)nstant accreti)ns t) its 3l))d, and e5er dis+ensing t)
the ()rld ar)und it the th)ught"stu33 it has gathered b. the
(a.&/< It has birth 3)r its s)urce and death 3)r its #)uth&
Here )ccurs a Hu2ta+)siti)n )3 3leeting states )3 c)nsci)usness
but n)t a su+er+)siti)n )3 such states, as s)#e a++ear t)
belie5e& N) state )nce g)ne e5er recurs D n)ne abs)lutel. identical
(ith (hat g)es be3)re& These states c)nstantl. change,
n)t re#aining the sa#e 3)r t() c)nsecuti5e #)#ents& ')rldlings,
en#eshed in the (eb )3 illusi)n, #ista;e this a++arent
c)ntinuit. t) be s)#ething eternal and g) t) the e2tent )3
intr)ducing an unchanging s)ul @the su++)sed d)er and )bser5er
)3 all acti)nsA int) this e5er"changing c)nsci)usness&
The 3)ur ;inds )3 +s.chic +hen)#ena, c)#bined (ith the
+h.sical +hen)#ena, 3)r# the 3i5e aggregates @+aQca;;handaA,
the c)#+le2"c)#+)und ter#ed a li5ing being&
One>s indi5idualit. is the c)#binati)n )3 these 3i5e aggregates&
'e see a 5ast e2+anse )3 (ater in the sea, but the (ater )3
the )cean c)nsists )3 c)untless dr)+s& An in3inite nu#ber )3
+articles )3 sand c)nstitutes the sea"beach, but it a++ears as
)ne l)ng sheet& 'a5es arise and dash against the sh)re, but,
strictl. s+ea;ing, n) single (a5e c)#es 3r)# the dee+ blue
sea t) l)se its identit. )n the sh)re& In the cine#at)gra+h (e
see a #)5ing scene, but t) re+resent that #)ti)n a series )3
#)#entar. +ictures #ust a++ear )n the screen&
One cann)t sa. that the +er3u#e )3 a 3l)(er de+ends )n
the +etal )r )n the +istil )r )n the c)l)ur, 3)r the +er3u#e is in
the 3l)(er&
/<& See 4)#+endiu# )3 ?hil)s)+h. D Intr)ducti)n, +& /6&
7:7
In the sa#e (a. )ne>s indi5idualit. is the c)#binati)n )3
In the sa#e (a. )ne>s indi5idualit. is the c)#binati)n )3
The (h)le +r)cess )3 these +s.ch)"+h.sical +hen)#ena
(hich are c)nstantl. bec)#ing and +assing a(a., is at ti#es
called, in c)n5enti)nal ter#s, the sel3 )r atta b. the BuddhaL
but it is a +r)cess, and n)t an identit. that is thus ter#ed&
Buddhis# d)es n)t t)tall. den. the e2istence )3 a +ers)nalit.
in an e#+irical sense& It denies, in an ulti#ate sense @+ara#attha
saccenaA, an identical being )r a +er#anent entit., but
it d)es n)t den. a c)ntinuit. in +r)cess& The Buddhist +hil)s)+hical
ter# 3)r an indi5idual is santati, that is, a 3lu2 )r c)ntinuit.&
This uninterru+ted 3lu2 )r c)ntinuit. )3 +s.ch)"+h.sical
+hen)#ena, c)nditi)ned b. Ka##a, ha5ing n) +erce+tible
s)urce in the beginningless +ast n)r an. end t) its c)ntinuati)n
in the 3uture, e2ce+t b. the N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath, is the
Buddhist substitute 3)r the +er#anent eg) )r eternal s)ul in
)ther religi)us s.ste#s&
H)( is rebirth +)ssible (ith)ut a s)ul t) be reb)rnB
Birth, acc)rding t) Buddhis#, is the arising )3 the ;handas,
the aggregates )r gr)u+s @;handhana# +atubha5)A&
-ust as the arising )3 a +h.sical state is c)nditi)ned b. a
+receding state as its cause, s) the a++earance )3 these +s.ch)"
+h.sical +hen)#ena is c)nditi)ned b. causes anteri)r t)
its birth& The +resent +r)cess )3 bec)#ing is the result )3 the
cra5ing 3)r bec)#ing in the +re5i)us birth, and the +resent
instincti5e cra5ing c)nditi)ns li3e in a 3uture birth&
As the +r)cess )3 )ne li3e"s+an is +)ssible (ith)ut a +er#anent
entit. +assing 3r)# )ne th)ught"#)#ent t) an)ther,
s) a series )3 li3e"+r)cesses is +)ssible (ith)ut an.thing t)
trans#igrate 3r)# )ne e2istence t) an)ther&
The Buddhist d)ctrine )3 rebirth sh)uld be di33erentiated
7:9
3r)# the the)r. )3 reincarnati)n (hich i#+lies the trans#igrati)n
)3 a s)ul and its in5ariable #aterial rebirth&
In the Milinda ?aQha and Visuddhi Magga the Venerable
3r)# the the)r. )3 reincarnati)n (hich i#+lies the trans#igrati)n
)3 a s)ul and its in5ariable #aterial rebirth&
In the Milinda ?aQha and Visuddhi Magga the Venerable
s
t) illustrate the truth that n)thing trans#igrates 3r)# )ne li3e
t) an)ther&
The si#ile )3 the 3la#e is 5er. stri;ing& Li3e is c)#+ared
t) a 3la#e& ebirth is the trans#itting )3 this 3la#e 3r)# )ne
gr)u+ t) an)ther& The 3la#e )3 li3e is c)ntinu)us alth)ugh
there is an a++arent brea; at s)"called death&
King Milinda Guesti)ns$
JVenerable Nagasena, d)es rebirth ta;e +lace (ith)ut an.thing
trans#igratingB
J!es, O King& rebirth ta;es +lace (ith)ut an.thing trans#igrating&
JCi5e #e an illustrati)n, Venerable Sir&
JSu++)se, O King, a #an (ere t) light a light 3r)# light +ra.,
()uld the )ne light ha5e +assed )5er t) the )ther lightB
JNa., indeed, Venerable Sir,
JIn e2actl. the sa#e (a., O King, d)es rebirth ta;e +lace (ith)ut
an.thing trans#igrating&
JCi5e #e an)ther illustrati)n&
JD) .)u re#e#ber, O King, ha5ing learnt, (hen .)u (ere a
b)., s)#e 5erse )r )ther 3r)# .)ur teacher )3 +)etr.B
J!es, Venerable Sir&
J?ra., O King, did the 5erse +ass )5er t) .)u 3r)# .)ur teacherB
JNa., indeed, Venerable Sir&
JIn e2actl. the sa#e (a., O King, d)es rebirth ta;e +lace (ith
)ut an.thing trans#igrating&K
Again King Milinda Guesti)ns$
JVenerable Nagasena, (hat is it that is b)rn int) the ne2t e2istenceB
7:8
JO King, it is #ind and b)d. that is b)rn int) the ne2t
JO King, it is #ind and b)d. that is b)rn int) the ne2t
JIt is this sa#e #ind and b)d. that is b)rn int) the ne2t
e2istenceB
JO King, it is n)t this sa#e #ind and b)d. that is b)rn int) the
ne2t e2istence, but (ith this #ind and b)d., O King, )ne d)es a
deed D it #a. be g))d, )r it #a. be e5il D and b. reas)n )3 this deed
an)ther #ind and b)d. is b)rn int) the ne2t e2istence&
JVenerable Sir, i3 it is n)t this #ind and b)d. that is b)rn int)
the ne2t e2istence, is )ne n)t 3reed 3r)# )ne>s e5il deedsB
JI3 )ne (ere n)t b)rn int) an)ther e2istence, )ne ()uld be 3reed
3r)# )ne>s e5il deeds but, O King, inas#uch as )ne is b)rn int) an)ther
e2istence, there3)re is )ne n)t 3reed 3r)# )ne>s e5il deeds&
JCi5e #e an illustrati)n&
JO King, it is as i3 a #an (ere t) ta;e a(a. an)ther #an>s #ang)es,
and the )(ner )3 the #ang)es (ere t) seiIe hi#, and sh)( hi#
t) the ;ing and sa. D MSire, this #an hath ta;en a(a. #. #ang)es>L
and the )ther (ere t) sa., MSire, I did n)t ta;e a(a. his #ang)es& The
#ang)es (hich this #an +lanted (ere di33erent 3r)# th)se (hich I
t)); a(a.& I a# n)t liable t) +unish#ent&> ?ra., O King, ()uld the
#an be liable t) +unish#entB
JAssuredl., Venerable, Sir, he ()uld be liable t) +unish#ent&K*)r
(hat reas)nB
JBecause, in s+ite )3 (hat he #ight sa., he ()uld be liable t)
+unish#ent 3)r the reas)n that the last #ang)es (ere deri5ed 3r)#
the 3irst #ang)es&
JIn e2actl., the sa#e (a., O King, (ith this #ind and b)d.
)ne d)es a deed D it #a. be g))d, )r it #a. be bad D and b. reas)n
)3 this deed an)ther #ind and b)d. is b)rn int) the ne2t e2istence&
There3)re is )ne n)t 3reed 3r)# )ne>s e5il deeds&K/1
/1& See 'arren D Buddhis# in Translati)ns, ++& 679, 678&
7::
The Venerable Buddhagh)sa elucidates this intricate +)int b.
citing the si#iles )3 ech), light, i#+ressi)n )3 a seal, and re
The Venerable Buddhagh)sa elucidates this intricate +)int b.
citing the si#iles )3 ech), light, i#+ressi)n )3 a seal, and re
A #)dern (riter illustrates this +r)cess b. a series )3 billiard
balls in cl)se c)ntact&
JI3, 3)r instance, an)ther ball is r)lled against the last stati)nar.
ball, the #)5ing ball (ill st)+ dead, and the 3)re#)st stati)nar.
ball (ill #)5e )n& The 3irst #)5ing ball d)es n)t +ass )5er, it
re#ains behind, it diesL but it is undeniabl. the #)5e#ent )3 that
ball, its #)#entu#, its Ka##a, and n)t an. ne(l. created #)5e#ent,
(hich is reb)rn in the 3)re#)st ball&K/0
In li;e #anner D t) use c)n5enti)nal ter#s the b)d. dies and
its Ka##ic 3)rce is reb)rn in an)ther (ith)ut an.thing trans#igrating
3r)# this li3e t) the )ther& The last th)ught"#)#ent
)3 this li3e +erishes c)nditi)ning an)ther th)ught"#)#ent
in a subseGuent li3e& The ne( being is neither abs)lutel. the
sa#e D since it has changed n)r t)tall. di33erent D being the
sa#e strea# )3 Ka##a energ.& There is #erel. a c)ntinuit.
)3 a +articular li3e"3lu2L Hust that and n)thing #)re&
!
/ & Dr& Ananda 4))#aras5a#i D Buddha and the C)s+el )3 Buddhis#& +& /=:&
7:<
JB. sel3 is )ne de3iled,
B. sel3 is )ne +uri3ied&K
D Dha##a+ada
Is it the d)er )3 the act )r an)ther (h) rea+s its results in the succeeding
birthB/
T) sa. that he (h) s)(s is abs)lutel. the sa#e as he (h) rea+s
is )ne e2tre#e, and t) sa. that he (h) s)(s is t)tall. di33erent
3r)# he (h) rea+s is the )ther e2tre#e& A5)iding these t()
e2tre#es, the Buddha teaches the d)ctrine )3 the #iddle (a.
in ter#s )3 cause and e33ect& JNeither the sa#e n)r an)therK
@na ca s) na ca aQQ)A, (rites the Venerable Buddhagh)sa in the
Visuddhi Magga& The e5)luti)n )3 the butter3l. #a. be cited
in illustrati)n&
Its initial stage (as an egg& Then it turned int) a cater+il
lar& Later it de5el)+ed int) a chr.salis, and e5entuall. int)
a butter3l.& This +r)cess )ccurs in the c)urse )3 )ne li3eti#e&
The butter3l. is neither the sa#e as, n)r t)tall. di33erent 3r)#,
the cater+illar& Here als) there is a 3lu2 )3 li3e, )r a c)ntinuit.&
Venerable Nagasena e2+lains this +)int b. citing the illus
trati)n )3 a la#+ that burns thr)ugh)ut the night& The 3la#e
)3 the 3irst (atch is n)t identical (ith that )3 the last (atch,
.et thr)ugh)ut the night the light burns in de+endence u+)n
)ne and the sa#e la#+& As (ith the 3la#e s) there is a c)ntinuit.
)3 li3e D each succeeding stage de+ending u+)n the +receding
)ne&
/& See The Puesti)ns )3 Milinda, +art I& +& /// and Dr& Dahl;e, Buddhis# and Science,
+& :9&
:1
I3 there be n) s)ul, can there be an. #)ral res+)nsibilit.BI3 there be n) s)ul, can there be an. #)ral
res+)nsibilit.B
!es, because there is a c)ntinuit. )r identit. in +r)cess,
(hich is substituted 3)r an identical +ers)nalit.&
A child, 3)r instance, bec)#es a #an& The latter is neither
abs)lutel. the sa#e as the 3)r#er D since the cells ha5e underg)ne
a c)#+lete change n)r t)tall. di33erent D being the identical
strea# )3 li3e& Ne5ertheless, the indi5idual, as #an, is res+)nsible
3)r (hate5er he has d)ne in his childh))d& 'hether
the 3lu2 dies here and is reb)rn else(here, )r c)ntinues t) e2ist
in the sa#e li3e, the essential 3act)r is this c)ntinuit.& Su++)se
a +ers)n (as MA> in his last birth, and is MB> in this& 'ith
the death )3 MA> the +h.sical 5ehicle, the )ut(ard #ani3esta
ti)n )3 Ka##ic energ. is relinGuished and, (ith the birth )3
MB> a 3resh +h.sical 5ehicle arises& Des+ite the a++arent #aterial
changes, the in5isible strea# )3 c)nsci)usness @cittasan
tatiA c)ntinues t) 3l)(, uninterru+ted b. death, carr.ing al)ng
(ith it all the i#+ressi)ns recei5ed 3r)# the tributar. strea#s
)3 sense& 4)n5enti)nall. s+ea;ing, #ust n)t MB> be res+)nsible
3)r the acti)ns )3 MA> (h) (as his +redecess)rB
S)#e #a. )bHect that in this case there is n) #e#)r.
)(ing t) the inter5ening death&
But is identit. )r #e#)r. abs)lutel. essential in assessing
#)ral res+)nsibilit.B
Strictl. s+ea;ing, neither is essential&
I3, 3)r instance, a +ers)n (ere t) c)##it a cri#e and suddenl.,
l)sing his #e#)r., (ere t) 3)rget the incident, ()uld
he n)t be res+)nsible 3)r his actB
His 3)rget3ulness ()uld n)t e2e#+t hi# 3r)# res+)nsibilit.
3)r the c)##issi)n )3 that cri#e& T) this, s)#e #a. as;$
& See JAnatta and M)ral es+)nsibilit.K b. Mr& A& D& -a.asundara, Mahab)dhi
-)urnal, 5)l& 9/, +& 0 &
:0
J'hat is the use )3 +unishing hi#, 3)r he is n)t a(are that he
J'hat is the use )3 +unishing hi#, 3)r he is n)t a(are that he
O3 c)urse, there is n)t, i3 (e are arbitraril. g)5erned b. a
C)d (h) re(ards and +unishes us&
Buddhists belie5e in a Hust and rati)nal la( )3 Ka##a that
)+erates aut)#aticall. and s+ea; in ter#s )3 cause and e33ect
instead )3 re(ards and +unish#ents&
In the ()rds )3 Bhi;;hu Silacara$
JI3 a +ers)n d)es s)#ething in slee+, gets )ut )3 bed and (al;s
)5er the edge )3 a 5erandah, he (ill 3all int) the r)ad bel)( and in
all li;elih))d brea; an ar# )r leg& But this (ill ha++en n)t at all as
a +unish#ent 3)r slee+(al;ing,
but #erel. as its result& And the
3act that he did n)t re#e#ber g)ing )ut )n the 5erandah ()uld n)t
#a;e the slightest di33erence t) the result )3 his 3all 3r)# it, in the
sha+e )3 br);en b)nes& S) the 3)ll)(er )3 the Buddha ta;es #easures
t) see that he d)es n)t (al; )5er 5erandahs )r )ther danger)us
+laces, aslee+ )r a(a;e, s) as t) a5)id hurting hi#sel3 )r an.)ne
(h) #ight be bel)( and )n (h)# he #ight 3all&K
The 3act that a +ers)n d)es n)t re#e#ber his +ast is n) hindrance
t) the intelligent understanding )3 the ()r;ing )3
Ka##ic la(& It is the ;n)(ledge )3 the ine5itabilit. )3 the
seGuence )3 Ka##a in the c)urse )3 )ne>s li3e in Sa#sara that
hel+s t) #)uld the character )3 a Buddhist&
!
7<=
JKa##a di33erentiates beings int) high and l)( states&K
D MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a
Is Ka##ic descent +)ssibleB In )ther ()rds, can a #an be
b)rn as an ani#alB
The Buddhist ans(er #a. n)t be acce+table t) all, 3)r Bud
dhis# d)es rec)gniIe this +)ssibilit.&
Material 3)r#s, thr)ugh (hich the li3e"c)ntinuu# e2
+resses itsel3, are #erel. te#+)rar. 5isible #ani3estati)ns )3
the Ka##ic energ.& The +resent +h.sical b)d. is n)t directl.
e5)l5ed 3r)# the +ast +h.sical 3)r#, but is the success)r )3
this +ast 3)r# D being lin;ed (ith it thr)ugh the sa#e strea#
)3 Ka##ic energ.&
-ust as an electric current can be #ani3ested in the 3)r#s )3
light, heat and #)ti)n successi5el. D )ne n)t necessaril. being
e5)l5ed 3r)# the )ther D s) this Ka##ic energ. #a. #ani3est
itsel3 in the 3)r# )3 a De5a, #an, ani#al, )r )ther being, )ne
3)r# ha5ing n) +h.sical c)nnecti)n (ith the )ther& It is )ne>s
Ka##a that deter#ines the nature )3 )ne>s #aterial 3)r#,
(hich 5aries acc)rding t) the s;il3ulness )r uns;il3ulness )3
)ne>s +ast acti)ns, and this again de+ends entirel. )n the e5)
luti)n )3 )ne>s understanding )3 realit.& Instead )3 sa.ing that
#an bec)#es an ani#al, )r 5ice 5ersa, it ()uld be #)re c)r
rect t) sa. that the Ka##ic 3)rce (hich #ani3ested itsel3 in
the 3)r# )3 #an #a. #ani3est itsel3 in the 3)r# )3 an ani#al&
In the c)urse )3 )ur (anderings in Sa#sara D t) s+ea; in
c)n5enti)nal ter#s D (e gather 5ari)us e2+eriences, recei5e
#ani3)ld i#+ressi)ns, acGuire di5erse characteristics& Our
</
5er. th)ught, ()rd, )r deed is indelibl. rec)rded in the +al
5er. th)ught, ()rd, )r deed is indelibl. rec)rded in the +aln
the c)urse )3 such successi5e births (hether as #en, De5as,
ani#als )r ?etas, lie d)r#ant (ithin us, and as l)ng as (e
are ()rldlings these undestr).ed natures #a., at une2+ected
#)#ents, rise t) the sur3ace Jin disc)ncerting strengthK and
re5eal )ur latent Ka##ic tendencies&
It is Guite natural 3)r us t) re#ar; a3ter (itnessing an une2+ected
)utburst )3 +assi)n in a highl. cultured +ers)n$ JH)(
c)uld he ha5e d)ne such a thingB 'h) ()uld ha5e th)ught
that he ()uld c)##it such an actRK
There is n)thing strange in this #isde#ean)ur )3 his& It is
Hust a re5elati)n )3 a hidden +art )3 his intricate sel3& This is
the reas)n (h. #en n)r#all. )3 l)3t. #)ti5es are s)#eti#es
te#+ted t) d) things (hich )ne ()uld least e2+ect )3 the#&
De5adatta, 3)r e2a#+le, a n)ble +rince b. birth, a leading
#e#ber )3 the H)l. Order, (as +)ssessed )3 su+ern)r#al
+)(ers& O5erc)#e b. Heal)us., latent in hi#, he #ade se5eral
atte#+ts t) ;ill his )(n #aster the Buddha&
Such is the intricate nature )3 #an& One>s i##ediate +ast
is n)t al(a.s a true inde2 t) )ne>s i##ediate 3uture& E5er. #)#ent
(e create 3resh Ka##a& In )ne sense (e are trul. (hat
(e (ere, and (e (ill be (hat (e are& In an)ther sense (e are
n)t abs)lutel. (hat (e (ere, and (e (ill n)t be (hat (e are&
'h) (as .esterda. a cri#inal #a. t)da. bec)#e a saint, (h)
t)da. is h)l. #a. t)#)rr)( turn )ut t) be a (retched sinner&
'e can sa3el. and rightl. be Hudged b. this eternal +resent&
T)da. (e s)( the seeds )3 the 3uture& At this 5er. #)#ent
(e #a. act the +art )3 a brute and create )ur )(n hell, )r,
)n the )ther hand, act the +art )3 a su+er#an and create )ur
)(n hea5en& Each +resent th)ught"#)#ent c)nditi)ns the
7<6
ne2t th)ught"#)#ent& The subseGuent birth als), acc)rding
t) Buddhist +hil)s)+h., is deter#ined b. the last th)ught"
+r)cess (e e2+erience in this li3e& -ust as thr)ugh the c)urse
)3 )ne>s li3e each th)ught +erishes, gi5ing u+ all its +)tentialities
t) its success)r, e5en s) the last th)ught"+r)cess )3 this li3e
ends, trans#itting all its acGuired characteristics and natures
t) the succeeding #)#ent D na#el., the 3irst th)ught"#)#ent
@+atisandhi 5iQQanaA in the subseGuent birth&
N)(, i3 the d.ing +ers)n cherishes a base desire )r idea,
)r e2+eriences a th)ught, )r d)es an act (hich be3its an ani#al,
his e5il Ka##a (ill c)nditi)n hi# t) birth in ani#al
3)r#& The Ka##ic 3)rce (hich #ani3ested itsel3 in the 3)r#
)3 a #an (ill #ani3est itsel3 in the 3)r# )3 an ani#al& This
d)es n)t i#+l. that thereb. all his +ast g))d Ka##ic tendencies
are l)st& The. t)) lie d)r#ant see;ing an )++)rtunit. t)
rise t) the sur3ace& It is such a g))d Ka##a that (ill later e33ect
birth as a hu#an being&
The last th)ught"+r)cess d)es n)t, as a rule, de+end )n the
su#"t)tal )3 )ur acti)ns in )ur li3eti#e& Cenerall. s+ea;ing, a
g))d +ers)n gets a g))d birth, and a bad +ers)n, a bad )ne&
Under e2ce+ti)nal circu#stances, h)(e5er, the une2+ected
#a. ha++en&
Pueen Malli;a,/
3)r e2a#+le, led a g))d li3e, but as the result
)3 e2+eriencing an e5il th)ught at her d.ing #)#ent, she
(as b)rn in a state )3 ()e& As her g))d Ka##a (as +)(er3ul
the e2+iati)n lasted )nl. 3)r a 3e( da.s&
JIs this Husti3iableBK )ne #ight as;&
I3 a h)l. +ers)n, due t) s)#e +r)5)cati)n, (ere t) c)##it
a #urder, he ()uld be charged as a #urderer& His +ast g))d
acti)ns ()uld n) d)ubt stand t) his credit and ha5e their due
/& 'i3e )3 King K)sala (h) li5ed in the ti#e )3 the Buddha&
7<7
e33ect, but the brutal act c)uld n)t be )bliterated b. his +ast
g))d& ?erha+s his +ast g))d rec)rd ()uld tend t) #itigate the
sentence, but ne5er c)uld it acGuit hi# alt)gether )3 his hein)us
cri#e& This une2+ected e5ent ()uld c)#+el hi# t) li5e
e33ect, but the brutal act c)uld n)t be )bliterated b. his +ast
g))d& ?erha+s his +ast g))d rec)rd ()uld tend t) #itigate the
sentence, but ne5er c)uld it acGuit hi# alt)gether )3 his hein)us
cri#e& This une2+ected e5ent ()uld c)#+el hi# t) li5e
On )ne )ccasi)n t() ascetics ?unna and Seni.a (h)
(ere +ractising )2"asceticis# and d)g"asceticis# ca#e t) the
Buddha and Guesti)ned Hi# as t) their 3uture destin.$
The Buddha re+lied$
JIn this ()rld a certain +ers)n culti5ates th)r)ughl. and
c)nstantl. the +ractices, habits, #entalit., and #anners
)3 a d)g& He, ha5ing culti5ated the canine +ractices, habits,
#entalit., and #anners th)r)ughl. and c)nstantl.,
u+)n the brea;ing u+ )3 the b)d., a3ter death, (ill be reb)rn
a#)ngst d)gs& 4ertainl. i3 he h)lds such a belie3 as this D
MB. 5irtue )3 this +ractice, austerit. )r n)ble li3e, I shall bec)#e
a g)d )r a deit. )3 s)#e ;ind> D that is a 3alse belie3 )3
his& *)r )ne (h) h)lds a 3alse belie3 I declare that there is
)ne )3 t() 3uture states D the state )3 t)r#ent )r the ani#al
;ingd)#& Thus, 3ailing a state )3 t)r#ent, success3ul canine
asceticis# )nl. deli5ers )ne t) c)#+ani)nshi+ (ith d)gs&K6
In the sa#e (a. the Buddha declared that he (h) )bser5es )2"
asceticis# (ill, a3ter death, be b)rn a#)ngst )2en& S) there is
the +)ssibilit. 3)r a Ka##ic descent in )ne b)und in the s)"
called e5)luti)nar. scale )3 beings&
But the c)ntrar., a Ka##ic ascent, is als) +)ssible&
'hen, 3)r instance, an ani#al is ab)ut t) die, it #a.
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Sutta N)& 8<&
7<9
e2+erience a #)ral c)nsci)usness that (ill ri+en int) a hu#an
birth& This last th)ught"+r)cess d)es n)t de+end (h)ll. )n
an. acti)n )r th)ught )3 the ani#al, 3)r generall. s+ea;ing,
its #ind is dull and it is inca+able )3 d)ing an. #)ral acti)n&
This de+ends )n s)#e +ast g))d deed d)ne during a 3)r#er
r)und )3 its e2istence (hich has l)ng been +re5ented 3r)#
+r)ducing its ine5itable results& In its last #)#ent the ani#al
there3)re #a. c)ncei5e ideas )r i#ages (hich (ill cause
a hu#an birth&
?)ussin, a *rench (riter, illustrates this 3act b. the la( )3
heredit.$ JA #an #a. be li;e his grand3ather but n)t li;e his
3ather& The ger#s )3 disease ha5e been intr)duced int) the
)rganis# )3 an ancest)r, 3)r s)#e generati)ns the. re#ain
d)r#ant& But suddenl. the. #ani3est the#sel5es in actual
diseases&K
S) intricate is the nature )3 this d)ctrine )3 Ka##a and
ebirthR
'hence (e ca#e, (hither (e g), and (hen (e g), (e
;n)( n)t& The 3act that (e #ust g) (e ;n)( 3)r certain&
Our cherished +)ssessi)ns, )ur ;ith and ;in 3)ll)( us n)t
D na., n)t e5en )ur b)dies (hich (e call )ur )(n& *r)# ele#ents
the. ca#e, t) ele#ents the. return& E#+t. 3a#e and
5ain gl)r. 5anish in thin air&
Al)ne (e (ander in this te#+est"t)ssed sea )3 Sa#sara
(a3ted hither and thither b. )ur )(n Ka##a, a++earing
here as an ani#al )r #an and there +erchance as a g)d )r
Brah#a&
'e #eet and +art and .et (e #a. #eet again inc)gnit)&
*)r seld)# d) (e 3ind a being (h), in the c)urse )3 )ur (andering,
had n)t at )ne ti#e been a #)ther, a 3ather, a sister, a
s)n, a daughter&
7<8
JI3 a #an,K sa.s the Buddha, J(ere t) +rune )ut the grasses,
stic;s, b)ughs, and t(igs in this India and c)llecting the# t)gether,
sh)uld #a;e a +ile la.ing the# in a 3)ur inch stac;, sa.ing 3)r each$
JI3 a #an,K sa.s the Buddha, J(ere t) +rune )ut the grasses,
stic;s, b)ughs, and t(igs in this India and c)llecting the# t)gether,
sh)uld #a;e a +ile la.ing the# in a 3)ur inch stac;, sa.ing 3)r each$
,
b)ughs, t(igs in this India ()uld be used u+, ended but n)t the
#)thers )3 that #an>s #)ther&K
S) cl)sel. b)und are (e during )ur H)urne.ings in Sa#sara&
The c)untless li5es (e ha5e led and the innu#erable su3
3erings (e (ere subHect t) in the in3inite +ast are such that the
Buddha re#ar;s$
JThe b)nes )3 a single +ers)n (andering in Sa#sara ()uld be
a cairn, a +ile, a hea+ as M)unt Ve+ulla, (ere there a c)llect)r )3
these b)nes and (ere the c)llecti)ns n)t destr).ed&
JL)ngti#e ha5e .)u su33ered the death )3 3ather and #)ther, )3
s)ns, daughters, br)thers and sisters, and (hile .)u (ere thus su33ering,
.)u ha5e 5eril. shed tears u+)n this l)ng (a., #)re than
there is (ater in the 3)ur )ceans&
JL)ng ti#e did .)ur bl))d 3l)( b. the l)ss )3 .)ur heads (hen
.)u (ere b)rn as )2en, bu33al)es& ra#s, g)ats, etc&
JL)ng ti#e ha5e .)u been caught as dac)its )r high(a.#en )r
adulterers, and thr)ugh .)ur being beheaded, 5eril. #)re bl))d has
3l)(ed u+)n this l)ng (a. than there is (ater in the 3)ur )ceans&
JAnd thus ha5e .)u 3)r l)ng ti#e underg)ne su33erings, underg)ne
t)r#ent, underg)ne #is3)rtune, and 3illed the gra5e.ards 3ull,
5eril. l)ng en)ugh t) be dissatis3ied (ith e5er. 3)r# )3 e2istence,
l)ng en)ugh t) turn a(a. and 3ree .)ursel3 3r)# the# all&K7
!
7& See The B)); )3 The Cradual Sa.ings I, ++& /"79&
7<:
4ha+ter 76
4ha+ter 76
The D)ctrine )3 Ka##a and rebirth is the ;e.st)ne )3 the
+hil)s)+h. )3 ?lat)& Beings are 3)r e5er tra5elling thr)ugh Ja
c.cle )3 necessit.KL the e5il the. d) in )ne se#icircle )3 their
+ilgri#age is e2+iated in the )ther& In the e+ublic, (e 3ind
Ka##a +ers)ni3ied as JLachesis, the daughter )3 necessit.,K
at (h)se hands dise#b)died beings ch))se their incarnati)ns&
Or+heus ch))ses the b)d. )3 a s(an& Thersites that )3
an a+e, Aga#e##)n that )3 an eagle& JIn li;e #anner, s)#e
)3 the ani#als +assed int) #en, and int) )ne an)ther, the unHust
+assing int) the (ild, and the Hust int) the ta#e&K
In the +eri)d +receding the ?ersian 'ars, the c)ntact )3 the
'est (ith the East caused a re5)lt against the si#+le eschat)l
)g. )3 H)#er, and the search began 3)r a dee+er e2+lanati)n
)3 li3e& This Guest, it is interesting t) n)te, (as begun b. the
I)nian Cree;s )3 Asia Min)r, (h) (ere in3luenced b. India&
?.thag)ras,/
(h) (as b)rn ab)ut 1=
b&c&
)n the Island
)3 Sa#)s, tra5elled (idel. and, acc)rding t) his bi)gra+her,
studied the teaching )3 the Indians& It (as he (h) taught the
'est the D)ctrine )3 Ka##a and ebirth&
JIt is n)t t)) #uch,K sa.s Carbe in his Cree; Thin;ers,6 Jt)
assu#e that the curi)us Cree;, (h) (as a c)nte#+)rar. )3 the
Buddha, ()uld ha5e acGuired a #)re )r less e2act ;n)(ledge
)3 the East, in that age )3 intellectual 3er#entati)n, thr)ugh
the #ediu# )3 ?ersia&K
/&
?.thag)ras re#e#bered ha5ing 3)ught, as Eu+h)rbus in the Tr)Han 'ar& E#+ed)cles
had been in +ast births a b)., a girl, a bird and a scal. 3ish in the )cean&
@*rag& //<, Diels&A
&
i& /6<
7<<
ebirth As Vie(ed B. Others
ebirth As Vie(ed B. Others
JAs a #an, casting )33 ()rn)ut
gar#ents, ta;eth the ne( )nes,
s) the d(eller in the b)d., casting )33 ()rn)ut
b)dies, entereth
int) )thers that are ne(&K
J*)r certain is death 3)r the b)rn, and certain is birth 3)r the dead&K
Her)d)tus$N
JThe Eg.+tians +r)+)unded the the)r. that the hu#an s)ul is
i#+erishable, and that (here the b)d. )3 an.)ne dies it enters int)
s)#e )ther creature that #a. be read. t) recei5e it&K
?.thag)ras$N
JAll ha5e s)uls, all is s)ul, (andering in the )rganic ()rld and
)be.ing eternal (ill )r la(&K
?lat)$N
JS)ul is )lder than b)d.& S)uls are c)ntinuall. b)rn )5er again
int) this li3e&K
O5id )n ?.thag)ras$N translated b. Dr.den
JDeath s) called, is but )ld #atter dressed
In s)#e ne( 3)r#$ and in 5aried 5est
*r)# tene#ent t) tene#ent th)ugh t)ssed,
The s)ul is still the sa#e, the 3igure )nl. l)st&
And as the s)3tened (a2 ne( seals recei5es,
This 3ace assu#es, and that i#+ressi)n lea5es,
N)( called b. )ne, n)( b. an)ther na#e,
The 3)r# is )nl. changed, the (a2 is still the sa#e,
Then, t) be b)rn is t) begin t) be
S)#e )ther thing (e (ere n)t 3)r#erl.&
That 3)r#s are changed I grantL
That n)thing can c)ntinue in the 3igure it beganK
<1
Sch)+enhauer$N
Sch)+enhauer$N
n
these )ther religi)ns the #eeting again is alread. g)ing )n )nl. inc)gnit)&
In the successi)n )3 births th)se (h) n)( stand in cl)se
c)nnecti)n )r c)ntact (ith us (ill als) be b)rn al)ng (ith us at )ur
ne2t birth, and (ill ha5e the sa#e )r anal)g)us relati)ns and senti#ents
t)(ards us as n)(, (hether these are )3 a 3riendl. )r h)stile
descri+ti)n&
JTaught alread. in the Vedas, as in all sacred b));s )3 India, #ete#+s.ch)sis
is (ell ;n)(n t) be the ;ernel )3 Brah#anis# and
Buddhis#& It acc)rdingl. +re5ails at the +resent da. in the (h)le
)3 the n)nM)ha##edan
Asia, thus a#)ng #)re than hal3 )3 the
(h)le hu#an race, as the 3ir#est c)n5icti)n and (ith an incredibl.
str)ng +ractical in3luence& It (as als) the belie3 )3 the Eg.+tians
3r)# (h)# it (as recei5ed (ith enthusias# b. Or+heus, ?.thag)ras
and ?lat)$ the ?.thag)reans, h)(e5er, s+eciall. retain it& That
it (as als) taught in the #.steries )3 the Cree;s undeniabl. 3)ll)(s
the ninth b)); )3 ?lat)>s La(s&K
JThe Edda als) es+eciall. in the MV)lusna> teaches #ete#+s.ch)sisL
n)t less (as it the 3)undati)n )3 the DruidsK&
JAcc)rding t) all this, the belie3 in #ete#+s.ch)sis +resents
itsel3 as the natural c)n5icti)n )3 #an, (hene5er he re3lects at
all in an un+reHudiced #annerSK The ')rld As 'ill And Idea
<0
Hu#e$N
Hu#e$N
Disraeli$N
JThere is n) s.ste# s) si#+le, and s) little re+ugnant t) )ur understanding
as that )3 #ete#+s.ch)sis& The +ains and +leasures )3
this li3e are b. this s.ste# c)nsidered as the rec)#+ense )r the +unish#ent
)3 )ur acti)ns in an)ther state&K
Dante$N
JAnd then s)n, (h) thr)ugh th. #)rtal (eight shall again re
turn bel)(&K
E#ers)n$N
J'e #ust in3er )ur destin. 3r)# the +re+arati)n (e are dri5en
b. instinct t) ha5e innu#erable e2+eriences (hich are )3 n) 5isible
5alue, and (hich (e #a. recei5e thr)ugh #an. li5es be3)re (e
shall assi#ilate )r e2haust the#&K
Lessing$N
J'h. sh)uld I n)t c)#e bac; as )3ten as I a# ca+able )3 acGuiring
3resh ;n)(ledge, 3resh e2+erienceB D) I bring a(a. s) #uch 3r)#
)ne that there is n)thing t) re+a. the tr)uble )3 c)#ing bac;BK
Hu2le.$N
JLi;e the d)ctrine )3 e5)luti)n itsel3, that )3 trans#igrati)n has
its r))ts in the real# )3 realit.&
JE5er.da. e2+erience 3a#iliarises us (ith the 3acts (hich are
gr)u+ed under the na#e )3 heredit.& E5er.)ne )3 us bears u+)n
hi# )b5i)us #ar;s )3 his +arentage +erha+s )3 re#)ter relati)nshi+s&
M)re +articularl. the su# )3 tendencies t) act in a certain
1=
(a., (hich (e call character, is )3ten t) be traced thr)ugh a l)ng
series )3 +r)genit)rs and c)llaterals& S) (e #a. Hustl. sa. that this
character, this #)ral and intellectual essence )3 a #an d)es 5eritabl.
+ass )5er 3r)# )ne 3leshl. tabernacle t) an)ther, and d)es reall.
trans#igrate 3r)# generati)n t) generati)n& In the ne(b)rn
in3ant the character )3 the st)c; lies latent, and the eg) is little #)re
than a bundle )3 +)tentialities, but, 5er. earl. these bec)#e actualities$
3r)# childh))d t) age the. #ani3est the#sel5es in dullness )r
(a., (hich (e call character, is )3ten t) be traced thr)ugh a l)ng
series )3 +r)genit)rs and c)llaterals& S) (e #a. Hustl. sa. that this
character, this #)ral and intellectual essence )3 a #an d)es 5eritabl.
+ass )5er 3r)# )ne 3leshl. tabernacle t) an)ther, and d)es reall.
trans#igrate 3r)# generati)n t) generati)n& In the ne(b)rn
in3ant the character )3 the st)c; lies latent, and the eg) is little #)re
than a bundle )3 +)tentialities, but, 5er. earl. these bec)#e actualities$
3r)# childh))d t) age the. #ani3est the#sel5es in dullness )r
JThe Indian +hil)s)+hers called character, as thus de3ined, MKar#a>&
It is this Kar#a (hich +assed 3r)# li3e t) li3e and lin;ed the# in the
chain )3 trans#igrati)nsL and the. held that it is #)di3ied in each
li3e, n)t #erel. b. c)n3luence )3 +arentage but b. its )(n acts&K
Tenn.s)n$N
JOr i3 thr)ugh l)(er li5es I ca#e
Th)> all e2+erience +ast beca#e,
4)ns)lidate in #ind and 3ra#e&
I #ight 3)rget #. (ea;er l)tL
*)r is n)t )ur 3irst .ear 3)rg)t
The haunts )3 #e#)r. ech) n)t&K
')rds()rth$N
JOur birth is but a slee+ and a 3)rgetting
The s)ul that rises (ith us, )ur li3e>s star
Hath had else(here its setting,
And c)#eth 3r)# a3ter$
N)t in entire 3)rget3ulness,
And n)t in utter na;edness&K
1/
Shelle.$N
Shelle.$N
?r)3ess)r *rancis B)(en )3 Har5ard Uni5ersit. in urging
4hristians t) acce+t rebirth (rites$
JOur li3e )n earth is rightl. held t) be a disci+line and a +re+arati)n
3)r a higher and eternal li3e herea3ter, but i3 li#ited t) the durati)n
)3 a single #)rtal b)d., it is s) brie3 as t) see# hardl. su33icient
3)r s) grand a +ur+)se& Three sc)re .ears and ten #ust surel.
be an inadeGuate +re+arati)n 3)r eternit.& But (hat assurance ha5e
(e that the +r)bati)n )3 the s)ul is c)n3ined (ithin such narr)(
li#itsB 'h. #a. it n)t be c)ntinued )r re+eated thr)ugh a l)ng series
)3 successi5e generati)ns, the sa#e +ers)nalit. ani#ating )ne
a3ter an)ther an inde3inite nu#ber )3 tene#ents )3 3lesh and carr.ing
3)r(ard int) each the training it has recei5ed, the character
it has 3)r#ed, the te#+er and dis+)siti)ns it has indulged, in the
ste+s )3 e2istence i##ediatel. +receding& It need n)t re#e#ber its
+ast hist)r. e5en (hilst bearing the 3ruits and the c)nseGuence )3
that hist)r. dee+l. ingrained int) its +resent nature& H)( #an.
l)ng +assages )3 an. )ne li3e are n)( c)#+letel. l)st t) #e#)r.,
th)ugh the. #a. ha5e c)ntributed largel. t) build u+ the heart and
the intellect (hich distinguish )ne #an 3r)# an)therB Our res+)nsibilit.
surel. is n)t lessened b. such 3)rget3ulness& 'e still see#
acc)untable 3)r the #isuse )3 ti#e, th)ugh (e ha5e 3)rg)tten h)(
)r )n (hat (e ha5e (asted it& 'e are e5en n)( rea+ing the bitter
3ruits, thr)ugh en3eebled health and 5itiated desires and ca+acities,
)3 #an. 3)rg)tten acts )3 sel3indulgence,
(il3ulness and sin D 3)rg)tten
Hust because the. (ere s) nu#er)us&
16
JI3 e5er. birth (ere an act )3 abs)lute creati)n, the intr)ducti)n
t) li3e )3 an entirel. ne( creature, (e #ight reas)nabl. as; (h.
di33erent s)uls are s) 5ari)usl. c)nstituted at the )utsetB I3 #ete#+s.ch)sis
is included in the sche#e )3 the di5ine g)5ern#ent )3 the
()rld, this di33icult. disa++ears alt)gether& 4)nsidered 3r)# this
+)int )3 5ie(, e5er. )ne is b)rn int) the state (hich he had 3airl.
earned b. his )(n +re5i)us hist)r.& The d)ctrine )3 inherited sin
and its c)nseGuence is a hard less)n t) be learned& But n) )ne can
c)#+lain )3 the dis+)siti)ns and end)(#ents (hich he has inherited
s) t) s+ea; 3r)# hi#sel3, that is 3r)# his 3)r#er sel3 in a +re5i)us
state )3 e2istence& 'hat (e call death is )nl. the intr)ducti)n
)3 an)ther li3e )n earth, and i3 this be n)t a higher and better li3e
than the )ne Hust ended, it is )ur )(n 3ault&K
JI3 e5er. birth (ere an act )3 abs)lute creati)n, the intr)ducti)n
t) li3e )3 an entirel. ne( creature, (e #ight reas)nabl. as; (h.
di33erent s)uls are s) 5ari)usl. c)nstituted at the )utsetB I3 #ete#+s.ch)sis
is included in the sche#e )3 the di5ine g)5ern#ent )3 the
()rld, this di33icult. disa++ears alt)gether& 4)nsidered 3r)# this
+)int )3 5ie(, e5er. )ne is b)rn int) the state (hich he had 3airl.
earned b. his )(n +re5i)us hist)r.& The d)ctrine )3 inherited sin
and its c)nseGuence is a hard less)n t) be learned& But n) )ne can
c)#+lain )3 the dis+)siti)ns and end)(#ents (hich he has inherited
s) t) s+ea; 3r)# hi#sel3, that is 3r)# his 3)r#er sel3 in a +re5i)us
state )3 e2istence& 'hat (e call death is )nl. the intr)ducti)n
)3 an)ther li3e )n earth, and i3 this be n)t a higher and better li3e
than the )ne Hust ended, it is )ur )(n 3ault&K
e
JI laid #e d)(n u+)n the sh)re
And drea#ed a little s+aceL
I heard the great (a5es brea; and r)arL
The sun (as )n #. 3ace&K
M. idle hands and 3ingers br)(n
?la.ed (ith the +ebbles gre.L
The (a5es ca#e u+, the (a5es (ent d)(nL
M)st thundering and ga.&K
The +ebbles the. (ere s#))th and r)und
And (ar# u+)n #. handsL
Li;e little +e)+le I had 3)und
Sitting a#)ng the sands&K
The grains )3 sand s) shining s#all&
S) thr)ugh #. 3ingers ranL
The sun sh)(n d)(n u+)n it all&
1
And s) #. drea# beganL
H)( all )3 this had been be3)re,
H)( ages 3ar a(a.&
I la. )n s)#e 3)rg)tten sh)re
As here I lie t)da.&K
The (a5es ca#e u+ shinning u+ the sands,
As here t)da. the. shineL
And in #. +re"?elasgian hands
The sand (as (ar# and 3ine&
I ha5e 3)rg)tten (hence I ca#e
Or (hat #. h)#e #ight be,
Or b. (hat strange and sa5age na#e
I called that thundering sea&
I )nl. ;n)( the sun sh)ne d)(n
As still it shines t)da.&
And in #. 3ingers l)ng and br)(n
The little +ebbles la.&7
!
& *rances 4)rn3)rd D An Anth)l)g. )3 M)dern Verse, 4h)sen b. A& Methuen, L)nd)n&
Methuen and 4)&, and re+r)duced in JThe Buddhist Annual )3 4e.l)n&K /06<&
19
7
Nibbana
JNibbana is bliss su+re#e&K
D Dha##a+ada
Nibbana is the su##u# b)nu# )3 Buddhis#&
H)(e5er clearl. and descri+ti5el. )ne #a. (rite )n this
+r)3)und subHect, h)(e5er gl)(ing #a. be the ter#s in (hich
)ne atte#+ts t) describe its utter serenit., c)#+rehensi)n )3
Nibbana is i#+)ssible b. #ere +erusal )3 b));s& Nibbana is
n)t s)#ething t) be set d)(n in +rint, n)r is it a subHect t) be
gras+ed b. intellect al)neL it is a su+ra#undane state @L);ut
tara Dha##aA t) be realiIed )nl. b. intuiti5e (isd)#&
A +urel. intellectual c)#+rehensi)n )3 Nibbana is i#
+)ssible because it is n)t a #atter t) be arri5ed at b. l)gical
reas)ning @ata;;a5acaraA& The ()rds )3 the Buddha are +er
3ectl. l)gical, but Nibbana, the ulti#ate C)al )3 Buddhis#, is
be.)nd the sc)+e )3 l)gic& Ne5ertheless, b. re3lecting )n the
+)siti5e and negati5e as+ects )3 li3e, the l)gical c)nclusi)n
e#erges that in c)ntradistincti)n t) a c)nditi)ned +hen)#
enal e2istence, there #ust e2ist a s)rr)(less, deathless, n)n"
c)nditi)ned State&
The -ata;a 4)##entar. relates that the B)dhisatta hi#sel3
in his birth as the ascetic Su#edha c)nte#+lated thus$
JE5en as, alth)ugh Miser. is,
!et Ha++iness is als) 3)und,
S), th)ugh indeed E2istence is,
N)ne2istence
sh)uld be s)ught&
JE5en as, alth)ugh there #a. be Heat,
!et grate3ul 4)ld is als) 3)und,
1
S), th)ugh the three3)ld *ire e2ists,
S), th)ugh the three3)ld *ire e2ists,
ME5en as, alth)ugh there E5il is,
That (hich is C))d is als) 3)und,
S), th)ugh Mtis true that birth e2ists&
That (hich is n)t birth sh)uld be s)ught&K/
De3initi)n
The ?ali ()rd Nibbana @Sa#s;rit D Nir5anaA is c)#+)sed )3
JNiK and JVanaK& Ni is a negati5e +article& Vana #eans (ea5ing
)r cra5ing& This cra5ing ser5es as a c)rd t) c)nnect )ne
li3e (ith an)ther&
JIt is called Nibbana in that it is a de+arture @NiA 3r)# that
cra5ing (hich is called Vana, lusting&K6
As l)ng as )ne is b)und u+ b. cra5ing )r attach#ent )ne
accu#ulates 3resh Ka##ic acti5ities (hich #ust #aterialise
in )ne 3)r# )r )ther in the eternal c.cle )3 birth and death&
'hen all 3)r#s )3 cra5ing are eradicated, re+r)ducti5e Ka##ic
3)rces cease t) )+erate, and )ne attains Nibbana, esca+ing
the c.cle )3 birth and death& The Buddhist c)nce+ti)n )3
Deli5erance is esca+e 3r)# the e5er"recurring c.cle )3 li3e and
death and n)t #erel. an esca+e 3r)# sin and hell&
Nibbana is als) e2+lained as the e2tincti)n )3 the 3ire )3
lust @l)bhaA, hatred @d)saA, and delusi)n @#)haA&
JThe (h)le ()rld is in 3la#es,K sa.s the Buddha& JB. (hat
3ire is it ;indledB B. the 3ire )3 lust, hatred and delusi)n, b.
the 3ire )3 birth, )ld age, death, s)rr)(, la#entati)n, +ain, grie3
and des+air is it ;indled&K
Nibbana, in )ne sense, #a. be inter+reted as the e2tincti)n )3
/& 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)ns, +& :&
& Abhidha##attha Sangaha& See 4)#+endiu# )3 ?hil)s)+h., +& /:1&
1:
these 3la#es& One #ust n)t thereb. in3er that Nibbana is n)thing
but the e2tincti)n )3 these 3la#es&
these 3la#es& One #ust n)t thereb. in3er that Nibbana is n)thing
but the e2tincti)n )3 these 3la#es&The #eans sh)uld be di33erentiated
3r)# the end& Here the e2tincti)n )3 the 3la#es is the #eans
)3 attaining Nibbana&
Is Nibbana N)thingnessB
T) sa. that Nibbana is n)thingness si#+l. because )ne cann)t
+ercei5e it (ith the 3i5e senses, is as ill)gical as t) c)nclude
that light d)es n)t e2ist si#+l. because the blind d)
n)t see it& In a (ell";n)(n 3able the 3ish, (h) (as acGuainted
)nl. (ith (ater, arguing (ith the turtle, triu#+hantl. c)n
cluded that there e2isted n) land, because he recei5ed JN)K t)
all his Gueries&
JOnce u+)n a ti#e there (as a 3ish& And Hust because it (as a
3ish, it had li5ed all its li3e in the (ater and ;ne( n)thing (hate5er
ab)ut an.thing else but (ater& And )ne da. as it s(a# ab)ut in the
+)nd (here all its da.s had been s+ent, it ha++ened t) #eet a turtle
)3 its acGuaintance (h) had Hust c)#e bac; 3r)# a little e2cursi)n
)n the land&K
JC))d da., Mr& TurtleRK said the 3ish& JI ha5e n)t seen .)u 3)r a
l)ng ti#e& 'here ha5e .)u beenBK
JOhK, said the turtle, JI ha5e Hust been 3)r a tri+ )n dr. land&K
JOn dr. landRK e2clai#ed the 3ish&
J'hat d) .)u #ean b. )n dr. landB There is n) dr. land& I had
ne5er seen such a thing& Dr. land is n)thing&K
J'ell,K said the turtle g))dnaturedl.&
JI3 .)u (ant t) thin; s),
)3 c)urse .)u #a.L there is n) )ne (h) can hinder .)u& But that>s
(here I>5e been, all the sa#e&K
JOh, c)#e,K said the 3ish& JTr. t) tal; sense& -ust tell #e n)(
(hat is this land )3 .)urs li;eB Is it all (etBK
7& Kha.a#atta# e5a na nibbana# ti 5attabba# Abhidha#a5atara&
1<
JN), it is n)t (et,K said the turtle&
JN), it is n)t (et,K said the turtle&
KN), it is n)t nice and 3resh and c))l,K the turtle re+lied&
KIs it clear s) that light can c)#e thr)ugh itBK
JN), it is n)t clear& Light cann)t c)#e thr)ugh it&K
JIs it s)3t and .ielding, s) that I c)uld #)5e #. 3ins ab)ut in it
and +ush #. n)se thr)ugh itBK
JN), it is n)t s)3t and .ielding& !)u c)uld n)t s(i# in it&K
JD)es it #)5e )r 3l)( in strea#sBK
JN), it neither #)5es n)r 3l)(s in strea#sBK
JD)es it e5er rise u+ int) (a5es then, (ith (hite 3)a#s in the#BK
as;ed the 3ish, i#+atient at this string )3 N)es&
KN)RK re+lied the turtle, truth3ull., JIt ne5er rises u+ int) (a5es
that I ha5e seen&K
JThere n)(,K e2clai#ed the 3ish triu#+hantl.& JDidn>t I tell .)u
that this land )3 .)urs (as Hust n)thingB I ha5e Hust as;ed, and .)u
ha5e ans(ered #e that it is neither (et n)r c))l, n)t clear n)r s)3t and
that it d)es n)t 3l)( in strea#s n)r rise u+ int) (a5es& And i3 it isn>t
a single )ne )3 these things (hat else is it but n)thingB D)n>t tell #e&K
J'ell, (ellK, said the turtle, JI3 .)u are deter#ined t) thin; that
dr. land is n)thing, I su++)se .)u #ust Hust g) )n thin;ing s)& But
an. )ne (h) ;n)(s (hat is (ater and (hat is land ()uld sa. .)u
(ere Hust a sill. 3ish, 3)r .)u thin; that an.thing .)u ha5e ne5er
;n)(n is n)thing Hust because .)u ha5e ne5er ;n)(n it&K
JAnd (ith that the turtle turned a(a. and, lea5ing the 3ish behind
in its little +)nd )3 (ater, set )ut )n an)ther e2cursi)n )5er
the dr. land that (as n)thing&K9
It is e5ident 3r)# this signi3icant st)r. that neither can the turtle,
(h) is acGuainted (ith b)th land and sea, e2+lain t) the
& Pu)ted 3r)# Bhi;;hu Silacara>s b));let, The *)ur N)ble Truths&
11
3ish the real nature )3 land, n)r can the 3ish gras+ (hat is land
since it is acGuainted )nl. (ith (ater& In the sa#e (a. Arahants
(h) are acGuainted (ith b)th the #undane and the su+ra#undane
cann)t e2+lain t) a ()rldling (hat e2actl. the
3ish the real nature )3 land, n)r can the 3ish gras+ (hat is land
since it is acGuainted )nl. (ith (ater& In the sa#e (a. Arahants
(h) are acGuainted (ith b)th the #undane and the su+ra#undane
cann)t e2+lain t) a ()rldling (hat e2actl. the
derstand the su+ra#undane #erel. b. #undane ;n)(ledge&
I3 Nibbana is n)thingness, then it necessaril. #ust c)in
cide (ith s+ace @A;asaA& B)th s+ace and Nibbana are eternal
and unchanging& The 3)r#er is eternal because it is n)thing
in itsel3& The latter is s+aceless and ti#eless& 'ith regard t)
the di33erence bet(een s+ace and Nibbana, it #a. brie3l. be
said that s+ace is n)t, but Nibbana is&
The Buddha, s+ea;ing )3 the di33erent +lanes )3 e2istence,
#a;es s+ecial re3erence t) a Jeal# )3 N)thingnessK
@A;iQcaQQa.atanaA&
The 3act that Nibbana is realiIed as )ne )3 the #ental )bHects
@5atthudha##aA, decidedl. +r)5es that it is n)t a state )3
n)thingness& I3 it (ere s), the Buddha ()uld n)t ha5e described
its state in such ter#s as JIn3initeK @AnantaA, JN)nc)nditi)nedK@
Asa#;hataA, JInc)#+arableK @Anu+a#e.aA,
JSu+re#eK
@AnuttaraA, JHighestK @?araA, JBe.)ndK @?araA, JHighest
e3ugeK @?ara.anaA, JSa3et.K @TanaA, JSecurit.K @Khe#aA,
JHa++inessK @Si5aA, JUniGueK @Ke5alaA, JAb)delessK @Anala.aA,
JI#+erishableK @A;;haraA, JAbs)lute ?urit.K @VisuddhaA, JSu+ra
#undaneK @L);uttaraA, JI##)rtalit.K @A#ataA, JE#anci+ati)nK
@MuttiA, J?eaceK @SantiA, etc&
In the Udana and Iti5utta;a the Buddha re3ers t) Nibbana
as 3)ll)(s$N
JThere is, O Bhi;;hus, an unb)rn @aHataA, un)riginated
@abhutaA, un#ade @a;ataA and n)nc)nditi)ned
state
@asa#;hataA& I3, O Bhi;;hus, there (ere n)t this unb)rn,
10
un)riginated, un#ade and n)nc)nditi)ned,
an esca+e 3)r
un)riginated, un#ade and n)nc)nditi)ned,
an esca+e 3)r
be, +)ssible here& As there is an unb)rn, un)riginated, un
#ade, and n)nc)nditi)ned
state, an esca+e 3)r the b)rn,
)riginated, #ade, c)nditi)ned is +)ssible&K8
The Iti5utta;a states$
JThe b)rn, bec)#e, +r)duced, c)#+)unded, #ade,
And thus n)t lasting, but )3 birth and death
An aggregate, a nest )3 sic;ness, brittle,
A thing b. 3))d su++)rted, c)#e t) be, D
MT(ere n) 3it thing t) ta;e delight in such&
Th>esca+e there3r)#, the real, be.)nd the s+here
O3 reas)n, lasting, unb)rn, un+r)duced,
The s)rr)(less, the stainless +ath that ends
The things )3 ()e, the +eace 3r)# ()rries, D bliss&K:
The Nibbana )3 Buddhists is, there3)re, neither a state )3 n)thingness
n)r a #ere cessati)n& 'hat it is n)t, )ne can de3initel.
sa.& 'hat +recisel. it is, )ne cann)t adeGuatel. e2+ress in c)n5enti)nal
ter#s as it is uniGue& It is 3)r sel3"realiIati)n @+accat
ta# 5editabb)A&
S)+adisesa and Anu+adisesa Nibbana Dhatu&
e3erences are 3reGuentl. #ade in the b));s t) Nibbana as
S)+adisesa< and Anu+adisesa Nibbana Dhatu&
& Acc)rding t) the c)##entar. these 3)ur ter#s are used as s.n)n.#s&
AHata #eans that it has n)t s+rung u+ )n acc)unt )3 causes )r c)nditi)ns @hetu+acca.aA&
Abhuta @lit&, n)t bec)#eA #eans that it has n)t arisen& As it has n)t s+rung
u+ 3r)# a cause and has n)t c)#e int) being, it is n)t #ade @a;ataA b. an. #eans&
Bec)#ing and arising are the characteristics )3 c)nditi)ned things such as #ind
and #atter, but Nibbana, being n)t subHect t) th)se c)nditi)ns, is n)n"c)nditi)ned
@asa#;hataA& See '))d(ard, Verses )3 U+li3t, +& 01, As it (as said, +& /96&
& '))d(ard, As it (as said, +& /96
<&
Sa X (ith, u+adi X aggregates D #ind and b)d., sesaX re#aining& The aggregates
are called U+adi because the. are 3ir#l. gras+ed b. cra5ing and ign)rance&
0=
These in 3act are n)t t() ;inds )3 Nibbana, but the )ne
single Nibbana recei5ing its na#e acc)rding t) e2+erience )3
These in 3act are n)t t() ;inds )3 Nibbana, but the )ne
single Nibbana recei5ing its na#e acc)rding t) e2+erience )3
Nibbana is attainable in this +resent li3e itsel3 i3 the see;er
3its hi#sel3 3)r it& Buddhis# n)(here states that its ulti#ate
g)al can be reached )nl. in a li3e be.)nd& Here lies the di3
3erence bet(een the Buddhist c)nce+ti)n )3 Nibbana and the
n)n"Buddhist c)nce+ti)n )3 an eternal hea5en (hich is attainable
)nl. a3ter death&
'hen Nibbana is realiIed in the b)d., it is called S)+adisesa
Nibbana Dhatu& 'hen an Arahant attains ?ari"Nibbana a3ter
the diss)luti)n )3 the b)d., (ith)ut an. re#ainder )3 an.
+h.sical e2istence, it is called Anu+adisesa Nibbana Dhatu&
In the Iti5utta;a the Buddha sa.s$
JThere are, O Bhi;;hus, t() ele#ents )3 Nibbana& 'hat t()B
JThe ele#ent )3 Nibbana (ith the basis @u+adiA still re#aining and
that (ith)ut basis&
JHerein, O Bhi;;hus, a Bhi;;hu is an Arahant, )ne (h) has
destr).ed the De3ile#ents, (h) has li5ed the li3e, d)ne (hat (as t)
be d)ne, laid aside the burden, (h) has attained his g)al, (h) has
destr).ed the 3etters )3 e2istence, (h), rightl. understanding, is de
li5ered& His 3i5e sense)rgans
still re#ain, and as he is n)t de5)id
)3 the# he underg)es the +leasant and the un+leasant e2+eriences&
That destructi)n )3 his attach#ent, hatred and delusi)n is called
the MEle#ent )3 Nibbana (ith the basis still re#aining&>
J'hat O Bhi;;us, is Mthe Ele#ent )3 Nibbana (ith)ut the basis>B
JHerein, O Bhi;;hus, a Bhi;;hu is an ArahantS is deli5ered&
In this 5er. li3e all his sensati)ns (ill ha5e n) delight 3)r hi#, the.
(ill be c))led& This is called Mthe Ele#ent )3 Nibbana (ith)ut a
basis&K1
1& Since he (ill n)t be reb)rn&
0/
JThese t() Nibbanastates
are sh)(n b. Hi# 'h) seeth, (h)
JThese t() Nibbanastates
are sh)(n b. Hi# 'h) seeth, (h)
'ith base re#aining, th)> bec)#ing>s strea# Be cut )33& 'hile the
state (ith)ut a base Bel)ngeth t) the 3uture, (herein all Bec)#ings
utterl. d) c)#e t) cease& The. (h), b. ;n)(ing this state unc)#+)unded
Ha5e heart>s release, b. cutting )33 the strea#, The. (h)
ha5e reached the c)re )3 dha##a, glad T) end, such ha5e aband)ned
all bec)#ings&K0
!
& ?& 1, '))d(ard, As it 'as Said, +& /99&
06
4ha+ter 79
4haracteristics )3 Nibbana
J'hat is Nibbana, 3riendB The destructi)n )3 lust, the destructi)n )3
hatred, the destructi)n )3 delusi)n D that, *riend, is called Nibbana&K
D Sa#.utta Ni;a.a
In c)ntradistincti)n t) Sa#sara, the +hen)#enal e2istence,
Nibbana is eternal @dhu5aA, desirable @subhaA, and ha++. @su;haA&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# all things& #undane and su+ra"
#undane, are classi3ied int) t() di5isi)ns, na#el., th)se c)n
diti)ned b. causes @sa#;hataA and th)se n)t c)nditi)ned b.
an. cause @asa#;hataA&
JThese three are the 3eatures )3 all c)nditi)ned things
@sa#;hatala;;hananiA$N arising @u++adaA, cessati)n @5a.aA, and
change )3 state @thitassa aQQathatta#A&K/
Arising )r bec)#ing is an essential characteristic )3 e5er.thing
that is c)nditi)ned b. a cause )r causes& That (hich
arises )r bec)#es is subHect t) change and diss)luti)n& E5er.
c)nditi)ned thing is c)nstantl. bec)#ing and is +er+etuall.
changing& The uni5ersal la( )3 change a++lies t) e5er.thing
in the c)s#)s D b)th #ental, and +h.sical D ranging 3r)# the
#inutest ger# )r tiniest +article t) the highest being )r the
#)st #assi5e )bHect& Mind, th)ugh i#+erce+tible, changes
3aster e5en than #atter&
Nibbana, a su+ra#undane state, realiIed b. Buddhas and
Arahants, is declared t) be n)t c)nditi)ned b. an. cause& Hence
it is n)t subHect t) an. bec)#ing, change and diss)luti)n& It is
birthless @aHataA, deca.less @aHaraA, and deathless @a#araA& Strictl.
s+ea;ing, Nibbana is neither a cause n)r an e33ect& Hence it is
uniGue @;e5alaA&
/& See Cradual Sa.ings, i, +& / &
0
E5er.thing that has s+rung 3r)# a cause #ust ine5itabl.
+ass a(a., and as such is undesirable @asubhaA&
Li3e is #an>s dearest +)ssessi)n, but (hen he is c)n3r)nted
(ith insu+erable di33iculties and unbearable burdens, then
that 5er. li3e bec)#es an int)lerable burden& S)#eti#es he
tries t) see; relie3 b. +utting an end t) his li3e as i3 suicide
()uld s)l5e all his indi5idual +r)ble#s&
B)dies are ad)rned and ad)red& But th)se char#ing, ad)rable
and enticing 3)r#s, (hen dis3igured b. ti#e and disease,
bec)#e e2tre#el. re+ulsi5e&
Men desire t) li5e +eace3ull. and ha++il. (ith their near
)nes, surr)unded b. a#use#ents and +leasures, but, i3 b.
s)#e #is3)rtune, the (ic;ed ()rld runs c)unter t) their a#biti)ns
and desires, the ine5itable s)rr)( is then al#)st indescribabl.
shar+&
The 3)ll)(ing beauti3ul +arable a+tl. illustrates the 3leeting
nature )3 li3e and its alluring +leasures&
A #an (as 3)rcing his (a. thr)ugh a thic; 3)rest beset
(ith th)rns and st)nes& Suddenl. t) his great c)nsternati)n,
an ele+hant a++eared and ga5e chase& He t)); t) his heels
thr)ugh 3ear, and, seeing a (ell, he ran t) hide in it& But t)
his h)rr)r he sa( a 5i+er at the b)tt)# )3 the (ell& H)(e5er,
lac;ing )ther #eans )3 esca+e, he Hu#+ed int) the (ell, and
clung t) a th)rn. cree+er that (as gr)(ing in it& L));ing u+,
he sa( t() #ice D a (hite )ne and a blac; )ne D gna(ing at
the cree+er& O5er his 3ace there (as a beehi5e 3r)# (hich )ccasi)nal
dr)+s )3 h)ne. tric;led&
This #an, 3))lishl. un#ind3ul )3 this +recari)us +)siti)n,
(as greedil. tasting the h)ne.& A ;ind +ers)n 5)lunteered t)
sh)( hi# a +ath )3 esca+e& But the greed. #an begged t) be
e2cused till he had enH).ed hi#sel3&
09
The th)rn. +ath is sa#sara, the )cean )3 li3e& Man>s li3e is
n)t a bed )3 r)ses& It is beset (ith di33iculties and )bstacles t)
The th)rn. +ath is sa#sara, the )cean )3 li3e& Man>s li3e is
n)t a bed )3 r)ses& It is beset (ith di33iculties and )bstacles t)
c)rres+)ndt)the3leetingsensual+leasures&The#anre+resents
the s)"called being& The ;ind +ers)n re+resents the Buddha&
The te#+)rar. #aterial ha++iness is #erel. the grati3icati)n
)3 s)#e desire& 'hen the desired thing is gained, an)ther
desire arises& Insatiate are all desires&
S)rr)( is essential t) li3e, and cann)t be e5aded&
Nibbana, being n)n"c)nditi)ned, is eternal, @dhu5aA, desirable
@subhaA, and ha++. @su;haA&
The ha++iness )3 Nibbana sh)uld be di33erentiated 3r)# )rdinar.
()rldl. ha++iness& Nibbanic bliss gr)(s neither stale
n)r #)n)t)n)us& It is a 3)r# )3 ha++iness that ne5er (earies,
ne5er 3luctuates& It arises b. alla.ing +assi)ns @5u+asa#aA unli;e
that te#+)rar. ()rldl. ha++iness (hich results 3r)# the
grati3icati)n )3 s)#e desire @5eda.itaA&
In the Bahu5edani.a Sutta6 the Buddha enu#erates ten
grades )3 ha++iness beginning (ith the gr)ss #aterial +leasures
(hich result 3r)# the +leasant sti#ulati)n )3 the senses&
As )ne ascends higher and higher in the #)ral +lane the t.+e
)3 ha++iness bec)#es e5er #)re e2alted, subli#e and subtle,
s) #uch s) that the ()rld scarcel. rec)gniIes it as ha++iness&
In the 3irst -hana )ne e2+eriences a transcendental ha++iness
@su;haA, abs)lutel. inde+endent )3 the 3i5e senses& This ha++iness
is realiIed b. inhibiting the desire 3)r the +leasures
)3 the senses, highl. +riIed b. the #aterialist& In the 3)urth
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, N)& 8<&
0
-hana h)(e5er, e5en this t.+e )3 ha++iness is discarded as
-hana h)(e5er, e5en this t.+e )3 ha++iness is discarded as
ha++iness&
The Buddha sa.s$7
J*i5e3)ld, Ananda, are sensual b)nds& 'hat are the 3i5eB
*)r#s c)gniIable b. the e.e D desirable, l)5el., char#ing,
in3atuating, acc)#+anied b. thirst, and ar)using the dust
)3 the +assi)nsL s)unds c)gniIable b. the earL )d)urs c)gniIable
b. the n)seL 3la5)urs c)gniIable b. the t)ngueL c)ntacts
c)gniIable b. the b)d. D desirable, l)5el. char#ing,
in3atuating, acc)#+anied b. thirst, and ar)using the dust
)3 +assi)ns& These, Ananda, are the 3i5e sensual b)nds&
'hate5er ha++iness )r +leasure arises 3r)# these sensual
b)nds, is ;n)(n as sensual ha++iness&
J'h)s) sh)uld declare$ MThis is the highest ha++iness
and +leasure (hich beings #a. e2+erience> I d) n)t grant
hi# that, and (h.B Because there is )ther ha++iness #)re
e2alted and subli#e&
JAnd (hat is that )ther ha++iness #)re e2alted and subli#eB
Here a Bhi;;hu li5es, c)#+letel. se+arated 3r)#
sensedesires,
re#)te 3r)# i##)ral states, (ith initial and
sustained a++licati)n b)rn )3 seclusi)n, in H). and ha++iness
abiding in the *irst Ecstas. @?atha#a -hanaA& This is
ha++iness #)re e2alted and subli#e&
JBut sh)uld an.)ne declare$N MThis is the highest ha++iness
and +leasure (hich beings #a. e2+erience> D I d)
n)t grant hi# that, and (h.B Because there is an)ther
ha++iness .et #)re e2alted and subli#e&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, stilling initial and sustained a++licati)n,
ha5ing tranGuillit. (ithin, #ind )ne+)inted,
initial
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, N)& 8< The Blessing, N)& 9, ++& /60"/ 6&
0:
and sustained a++licati)n ha5ing ceased, as a result )3
c)ncentrati)n li5es in H). and ha++iness, abiding in the
Sec)nd Ecstas. @Duti.a -hanaA& This is the )ther ha++iness
#)re e2alted and subli#e&
J!et sh)uld an.)ne declare that this is the highest ha+
+iness and +leasure e2+erienced b. beings D I d) n)t grant
it& There is ha++iness #)re e2alted&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, eli#inating H)., abides serene, #ind3ul,
and c)#+letel. c)nsci)us, e2+eriencing in the b)d.
that )3 (hich the Ari.as sa.$N MEnd)(ed (ith eGuani#it.
and #ind3ulness he abides in bliss&> Thus he li5es abiding
in the Third Ecstas. @Tati.a -hanaA& This is the )ther
ha++iness and +leasure #)re e2alted and subli#e&
JStill sh)uld an.)ne declare that this is the highest ha+
+iness D I d) n)t grant it& There is ha++iness #)re e2alted&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, aband)ning +leasure and +ain, lea5ing
behind 3)r#er H). and grie3 D +ainless, +leasureless, +er3ect
in eGuani#it. and #ind3ulness D li5es abiding in the
*)urth Ecstas. @4atuttha -hanaA& This is the )ther ha++iness
JH)(e5er, (ere this declared t) be the highest ha++iness
D I d) n)t grant it& There is ha++iness #)re subli#e&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, +assing entirel. be.)nd the +erce+ti)n )3
3)r#, (ith the disa++earance )3 sense reacti)n, 3reed 3r)#
attenti)n t) +erce+ti)ns )3 di5ersit., thin;s$ MIn3init. is
S+ace> D and li5es abiding in the eal# )3 in3inite S+ace
@A;asanaQca.atanaA& This )ther ha++iness is #)re e2alted
and subli#e&
JNe5ertheless, i3 this (ere declared the highest ha++iness
D I d) n)t grant it&
There is ha++iness #)re subli#e&
0<
JHere a Bhi;;hu, transcending entirel. the eal# )3
In3inite S+ace, thin;s$ MIn3inite is 4)nsci)usness>, and
li5es abiding in the eal# )3 In3inite 4)nsci)usness
@ViQQanaQca.atanaA& This )ther ha++iness is #)re e2alted
and subli#e&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, transcending entirel. the eal# )3
In3inite S+ace, thin;s$ MIn3inite is 4)nsci)usness>, and
li5es abiding in the eal# )3 In3inite 4)nsci)usness
@ViQQanaQca.atanaA& This )ther ha++iness is #)re e2alted
and subli#e&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, transcending the eal# )3 In3inite
4)nsci)usness, thin;s$ MThere is n)thing (hats)e5er>
and li5es abiding in the eal# )3 N)thingness
@A;iQcaQQa.atanaA& This )ther ha++iness is #)re e2alted
and subli#e than that&
JAnd still (ere this declared the highest ha++iness D I
d) n)t grant it& There is ha++iness #)re e2alted&
JHere a Bhi;;hu, +assing entirel. be.)nd the eal# )3
N)thingness, li5es abiding in the eal# )3 Neither?erce+ti)nn)rN)n?erce+ti)n
@N>e5a saQQan>asaQQa.atanaA&
This )ther ha++iness is #)re e2alted and subli#e&
J!et (h)s) sh)uld declare$ MThis is the highest bliss and
+leasure (hich beings #a. e2+erience> D l d) n)t grant
hi# that, and (h.K& Because .et an)ther ha++iness is
JAnd (hat is this )ther ha++iness #)re e2alted and subli#eB
Here a Bhi;;hu, utterl. transcendingthe
eal#
)3 Neither?erce+ti)nn)rN)n?erce+ti)n,
li5es, ha5ing
attained t) the 4essati)n )3 +erce+ti)n and sensa
ti)n @SaQQa5eda.itaNir)dhaA&
This, Ananda, is the )ther
ha++iness #)re e2alted and subli#e&
O3 all the ten grades )3 ha++iness this is the highest and the
#)st subli#e& This transcendental state is Nir)dha Sa#a+atti,
01
that is, e2+eriencing Nibbana in this li3e itsel3&
that is, e2+eriencing Nibbana in this li3e itsel3&
n) c)nsci)usness t) e2+erience it&K
The Buddha re+lies$ JNa., disci+les, the Tathagata d)es
n)t rec)gniIe bliss #erel. because )3 a +leasurable sensati)n,
but, disci+les, (here5er bliss is attained there and there )nl.
d)es the Acc)#+lished One rec)gniIe bliss&K9
JI +r)clai#,K sa.s the Buddha, Jthat e5er.thing e2+eri
enced b. the senses is s)rr)(&K But (h.B Because )ne in s)r
r)( cra5es t) be ha++., and the s)"called ha++. cra5e t) be
ha++ier still& S) insatiate is ()rldl. ha++iness&
In c)n5enti)nal ter#s the Buddha declares$
JNibbana# +ara#a# su;ha#
Nibbana is the highest bliss&K
It is bliss su+re#e because it is n)t a ;ind )3 ha++iness e2+eri
enced b. the senses& It is a bliss3ul state )3 +)siti5e relie3 3r)#
the ills )3 li3e&
The 5er. 3act )3 the cessati)n )3 su33ering is )rdinaril.
ter#ed ha++iness, th)ugh this is n)t an a++r)+riate ()rd t)
de+ict its real nature&
'here is NibbanaB
In the Milinda ?aQha the Venerable Nagasena ans(ers this
Guesti)n thus$
JThere is n) s+)t l));ing East, S)uth, 'est, )r N)rth, ab)5e,
bel)( )r be.)nd, (here Nibbana is situate, and .et Nibbana is, and
he (h) )rders his li3e aright, gr)unded in 5irtue and (ith rati)nal
attenti)n, #a. realiIe it (hether he li5es in Creece, 4hina, Ale2andria,
)r in K)sala&
& MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, N)& 8<&
00
J-ust as 3ire is n)t st)red u+ in an. +articular +lace but arises
(hen the necessar. c)nditi)ns e2ist, s) Nibbana is said n)t t) e2ist
in a +articular +lace, but it is attained (hen the necessar. c)nditi)ns
are 3ul3illed&K
J-ust as 3ire is n)t st)red u+ in an. +articular +lace but arises
(hen the necessar. c)nditi)ns e2ist, s) Nibbana is said n)t t) e2ist
in a +articular +lace, but it is attained (hen the necessar. c)nditi)ns
are 3ul3illed&K
JIn this 5er. )ne"3ath)#"l)ng b)d., al)ng (ith its +erce+ti)ns
and th)ughts, d) I +r)clai# the ()rld, the )rigin )3 the
()rld, the cessati)n )3 the ()rld and the +ath leading t) the
cessati)n )3 the ()rld&K8
Here ()rld #eans su33ering& The cessati)n )3 the ()rld,
there3)re, #eans the cessati)n )3 su33ering (hich is Nibbana&
One>s Nibbana is de+endent u+)n this )ne 3ath)# b)d.&
It is n)t s)#ething that is created n)r is it s)#ething t) be
created&K:
Nibbana is there (here the 3)ur ele#ents )3 c)hesi)n
@a+)A, e2tensi)n @+atha5iA, heat @teH)A, and #)ti)n @5a.)A 3ind n)
3))ting&
e3erring t) (here Nibbana is, Sa#.utta Ni;a.a states$<
J'here the 3)ur ele#ents that clea5e, and stretch,
And burn, and #)5e, n) 3urther 3))ting 3ind&K
In the Udana1
the Buddha sa.s$
J-ust as, O Bhi;;hus, n)t(ithstanding th)se ri5ers that
reach the great )cean and the t)rrents )3 rain that 3all
3r)# the s;., neither a de3icit n)r a sur+lus is +erce+tible
&
I#as#i# b.a#a#atte .>e5e ;alebare sasaQQi#hi sa#ana;e l);an ca +aQQa+e#i, l);asa#uda.aQca,
l);anir)dhaQca, l);anir)dhaga#ini# +ati+adaQca, +aQQa+e#i& Sa#.utta
Ni;a.a, i, +& :6&
&
?attabba# e5a h> eta# #aggena, na u++adetabba#& Veril. this @NibbanaA is t) be
attained @)r realiIedA b. #eans )3 the 3)ur ?aths )3 Sainth))d, and is n)t t)
be +r)duced D Visuddhi Magga&
<&
Kindred Sa.ings, +t& i, +& 67& !attha a+) ca +atha5i teH) 5a.) na gadhati&
1&
See '))d(ard, Verses )3 U+li3t, ++& ::":<&
9==
in the great )cean, e5en s) des+ite the #an. Bhi;;hus that
in the great )cean, e5en s) des+ite the #an. Bhi;;hus that
de3icit n)r a sur+lus in the ele#ent )3 Nibbana&K
Nibbana is, there3)re, n)t a ;ind )3 hea5en (here a transcendental
eg) resides, but a Dha##a @an attain#entA (hich is
(ithin the reach )3 us all&
An eternal hea5en, (hich +r)5ides all 3)r#s )3 +leasures
desired b. #an and (here )ne enH).s ha++iness t) )ne>s
heart>s c)ntent, is +racticall. inc)ncei5able& It is abs)lutel. i#
+)ssible t) thin; that such a +lace c)uld e2ist +er#anentl.
an.(here&
Cranting that there is n) +lace (here Nibbana is st)red u+,
King Milinda Guesti)ns Venerable Nagasena (hether there is
an. basis (here)n a #an stand and, )rdering his li3e aright,
realiIe Nibbana&
J!es, O King, there is such a basis&
J'hich, then, Venerable Nagasena, is that basisB
JVirtue, O King, is that basis& *)r, i3 gr)unded in 5irtue,
and care3ul in attenti)n, (hether in the land )3 the Sc.thians
)r the Cree;s, (hether in 4hina )r in Tartar., (hether in
Ale2andria )r in Ni;u#ba, (hether in Benares )r in K)sala,
(hether in Kash#ir )r in Candhara, (hether )n a #)untain
t)+ )r in the highest hea5ens, D (here5er he #a. be, the #an
(h) )rders his li3e aright (ill attain Nibbana&K0
'hat Attains NibbanaB
This Guesti)n #ust necessaril. be set aside as irrele5ant, 3)r
Buddhis# denies the e2istence )3 a +er#anent entit. )r an
i##)rtal s)ul&/=
& Puesti)ns )3 King Milinda, ++& 6=6"6=9&
/=& See 4ha+ter 60&
9=/
The s)"called being )3 (hich (e )3ten hear as the J5est#ent
)3 the s)ulK is a #ere bundle )3 c)nditi)ned 3act)rs&
The Arahant Bhi;;huni VaHira sa.s$
JAnd Hust as (hen the +arts are rightl. set&
The ()rd chari)t ariseth @in )ur #indsA&
The s)"called being )3 (hich (e )3ten hear as the J5est#ent
)3 the s)ulK is a #ere bundle )3 c)nditi)ned 3act)rs&
The Arahant Bhi;;huni VaHira sa.s$
JAnd Hust as (hen the +arts are rightl. set&
The ()rd chari)t ariseth @in )ur #indsA&
A being (hen the aggregates are there&K//
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# the s)"called being c)nsists )3 #ind
and #atter @na#aru+aA
(hich c)nstantl. change (ith lightning
ra+idit.& A+art 3r)# these t() c)#+)site 3act)rs there
e2ists n) +er#anent s)ul )r an unchanging entit.& The s)"
called JIK is als) an illusi)n&
Instead )3 an eternal s)ul )r an illus)r. JIK Buddhis# +)sits
a d.na#ic li3e"3lu2 @santatiA (hich 3l)(s ad in3initu# as l)ng
as it is 3ed (ith ign)rance and cra5ing& 'hen these t() r))t
causes are eradicated b. an. indi5idual )n attaining Arahant
shi+, the. cease t) 3l)( (ith his 3inal death&
In c)n5enti)nal ter#s )ne sa.s that the Arahant has attained
?arinibbana )r +assed a(a. int) Nibbana&
JAs right n)(, and hereK there is neither a +er#anent eg)
n)r an identical being it is needless t) state that there can
be n) JIK )r a s)ul @attaA in Nibbana&
The Visuddhi Magga states$N
JMiser. )nl. d)th e2ist, n)ne #iserableL
N)r d)er is there, n)ught sa5e the deed is 3)undL
Nibbana is, but n)t the #an (h) see;s itL
The +ath e2ists, but n)t the tra5eller )n it&K/6
//&
Kindred Sa.ings, +art /, +& /<=&
/ &
Du;;ha# e5a hi na ;)ci du;;hit) Kara;) n) ;iri.a, 5a 5iHHati Atthi nibbuti na nibbut)
+u#a Magga# atthi ga#a;) na 5iHHati&
9=6
The chie3 di33erence bet(een the Buddhist c)nce+i)n )3
The chie3 di33erence bet(een the Buddhist c)nce+i)n )3
s
in the 3act that Buddhists 5ie( their g)al (ith)ut an eternal
s)ul and creat)r, (hile Hindus d) belie5e in an eternal s)ul
and a creat)r&
This is the reas)n (h. Buddhis# can neither be called
Eternalis# n)r Nihilis#&
In Nibbana n)thing is Meternalised> n)r is an.thing
Mannihilated&>
As Sir Ed(in Arn)ld sa.s$N
Jl3 an. teach Nir5ana is t) cease,
Sa. unt) such the. lie&
I3 an. teach Nir5ana is t) li5e,
Sa. unt) such the. err&K
F
It #ust be ad#itted that this Guesti)n )3 Nibbana is the #)st
di33icult in the Teaching )3 the Buddha& H)(e5er #uch (e
#a. s+eculate (e shall ne5er be in a +)siti)n t) c)#+rehend
its real nature& The best (a. t) understand Nibbana is t) tr.
t) realiIe it (ith )ur )(n intuiti5e ;n)(ledge&
Alth)ugh Nibbana cann)t be +ercei5ed b. the 3i5e senses
and lies in )bscurit. in s) 3ar as the a5erage #an is c)ncerned,
the )nl. straight +ath that leads t) Nibbana has been e2+lained
b. the Buddha (ith all the necessar. details and is laid )+en
t) all& The g)al is n)( cl)uded, but the #eth)d )3 achie5e#ent
is +er3ectl. clear and (hen that achie5e#ent is realiIed,
the C)al is as clear as Jthe #))n 3reed 3r)# cl)uds&K
!
9=7
8
The 'a. t) Nibbana @IA
JThis Middle ?ath leads t) tranGuillit., realiIati)n, enlighten#ent
and Nibbana&K D Dha##aca;;a Sutta
The (a. t) Nibbana is the Middle ?ath @MaHHhi#a ?ati+adaA
(hich a5)ids the e2tre#e )3 sel3"#)rti3icati)n that (ea;ens
the intellect and the e2tre#e )3 sel3"indulgence that retards
#)ral +r)gress&
This Middle ?ath c)nsists )3 the 3)ll)(ing eight 3act)rs$
ight Understanding, ight Th)ughts, ight S+eech, ight
Acti)n, ight Li5elih))d, ight E33)rt, ight Mind3ulness, and
ight 4)ncentrati)n&
The 3irst t() are classi3ied as 'isd)# @+aQQaA, the sec)nd
three as M)ralit. @silaA, and the last three as 4)ncentrati)n
@sa#adhiA&
Acc)rding t) the )rder )3 de5el)+#ent M)ralit., 4)ncentrati)n,
and 'isd)# are the three stages )n the Crand High
(a. that leads t) Nibbana&
These three stages are e#b)died in the beauti3ul ancient
5erse$
Sabba +a+assa a;arana#
;usalassa u+asa#+ada
Sacitta+ari.)da+ana#
eta# Buddhana sasana#&
T) cease 3r)# all e5il
T) culti5ate g))d
T) +uri3. )ne>s #ind D
This is the ad5ice )3 all the Buddhas&
9=9
'e rea+ (hat (e s)(& E5il results in +ain, and g))d in ha++iness&
Our +ain and ha++iness are the direct results )3 )ur
)(n g))d and e5il&
'e rea+ (hat (e s)(& E5il results in +ain, and g))d in ha++iness&
Our +ain and ha++iness are the direct results )3 )ur
)(n g))d and e5il&
Kn)(ing that li3e is +reci)us t) all and that n)ne has an.
right (hate5er t) destr). the li3e )3 an)ther, he e2tends c)#+assi)n
and l)5ing";indness t)(ards e5er. li5ing being, e5en
t) the tiniest creature that cra(ls at his 3eet, and re3rains 3r)#
;illing )r causing inHur. t) an. li5ing being&
There is n) rule that )ne is t) be +re.ed u+)n b. an)ther&
H)(e5er, the str)ng d) #ercilessl. ;ill the (ea; and 3east
)n their 3lesh& This is ani#al instinct& Such acti)ns b. ani#als
are e2cusable because the. ;n)( n)t (hat the. d), but
(hen th)se (h) are gi3ted (ith reas)n and understanding
+er+etrate such cri#es, there is n) e2cuse& 'hether t) satis3.
)ne>s +alate )r as +asti#e, it is n)t Husti3iable t) ;ill )r t) cause
an)ther li5ing being t) be ;illed& I3 the ;illing )3 ani#als is
(r)ng, h)( #uch #)re hein)us is it t) ;ill hu#an beings D
indi5iduall. )r c)llecti5el., e#+l).ing brutal )r s)"called ci5iliIed
#eth)ds D 3)r the sa;e )3 +eace, religi)n, )r an. )ther
see#ingl. g))d +ur+)seB
H)nest., trust()rthiness, and u+rightness als) are the
characteristics )3 a +ers)n (ith right understanding& Such a
+ers)n tries t) abstain 3r)# all 3)r#s )3 stealing J(hether
in its disse#bled )r )b5i)us 3)r#s&K Abstaining 3r)# se2ual
#isc)nduct, (hich debases the e2alted nature )3 #an, he tries
t) be +ure and chaste& He a5)ids 3alse s+eech, harsh language,
9=8
slander and 3ri5)l)us tal; and s+ea;s )nl. (hat is true, s(eet,
;ind and hel+3ul& As certain drin;s and drugs +r)#)te heed
slander and 3ri5)l)us tal; and s+ea;s )nl. (hat is true, s(eet,
;ind and hel+3ul& As certain drin;s and drugs +r)#)te heedr
and culti5ates heed3ulness and clarit. )3 5isi)n&
These ele#entar. +rinci+les )3 regulated beha5i)ur are
essential t) )ne (h) treads the ?ath t) Nibbana, chie3l. because
the. tend t) c)ntr)l b)th deeds and ()rds& Vi)lati)n
)3 the# intr)duces )bstacles that hinder his #)ral +r)gress
)n the ?ath& Obser5ance )3 the# #eans s#))th and stead.
+r)gress al)ng the ?ath&
Ha5ing +r)gressed a ste+ 3urther in his gradual ad5ance,
the as+irant n)( tries t) c)ntr)l his senses& T) c)ntr)l cra5ing
3)r 3))d and t) +r)#)te bu).anc. )3 #ind and b)d., abste#i)usness
)r 3asting at least )nce a #)nth is ad5isable& ?lain and
si#+le li5ing is +re3erable t) a lu2uri)us li3e (hich #a;es
)ne a sla5e t) +assi)ns& A li3e )3 celibac. is rec)##ended, as
)ne>s 5aluable energ. thus c)nser5ed c)uld then be utilised
(h)ll. 3)r the intellectual and #)ral (el3are )3 )nesel3 and
)thers& In such a li3e )ne is detached 3r)# additi)nal ()rldl.
b)nds that i#+ede #)ral +r)gress& Al#)st all s+iritual teachers,
it ()uld a++ear, ha5e n)urished their b)dies s+aringl.
and ha5e led a li3e )3 strict celibac., si#+licit., 5)luntar. +)5ert.,
and sel3"c)ntr)l&
'hile he +r)gress sl)(l. and steadil., (ith regulated
()rd and deed and sense"restraint, the Ka##ic 3)rce )3 the
stri5ing as+irant c)#+els hi# t) ren)unce ()rldl. +leasures
and ad)+t the ascetic li3e& T) hi# then c)#es the idea
that$
JA den )3 stri3e is h)useh)ld li3e,
And 3illed (ith t)il and need,
9=:
But 3ree and high as the )+en s;.
But 3ree and high as the )+en s;.
/
Thus realiIing the 5anit. )3 sensual +leasures, he 5)luntaril.
3)rsa;es all earthl. +)ssessi)ns, and d)nning the ascetic garb
tries t) lead the H)l. Li3e in all its +urit.&
It is n)t, h)(e5er, the e2ternal a++earance that #a;es
a #an h)l. but internal +uri3icati)n and an e2e#+lar. li3e&
Trans3)r#ati)n sh)uld c)#e 3r)# (ithin, n)t 3r)# (ith)ut&
It is n)t abs)lutel. necessar. t) retire t) s)litude and lead the
li3e )3 an ascetic t) realiIe Nibbana& The li3e )3 a Bhi;;hu n)
d)ubt e2+edites and 3acilitates s+iritual +r)gress, but e5en as
a la.#an Sainth))d #a. be attained&
He (h) attains Arahantshi+ as a la.#an in the 3ace )3 all
te#+tati)ns is certainl. #)re +raise()rth. than a Bhi;;hu
(h) attains Arahantshi+ li5ing a#idst surr)undings that are
n)t distracting&
4)ncerning a #inister (h) attained Arahantshi+ (hile
seated )n an ele+hant dec;ed in his best a++arel, the Buddha
re#ar;ed$
JE5en th)ugh a #an be richl. ad)rned, i3 he (al;s in +eace,
I3 he be Guiet, subdued, certain and +ure,
And i3 he re3rains 3r)# inHuring an. li5ing being,
That #an is a Brah#in, that #an is a her#it, that #an is
a #)n;&K6
There ha5e been se5eral such instances )3 la.#en (h) real
iIed Nibbana (ith)ut ren)uncing the ()rld& The #)st de5)ut
and gener)us la. 3)ll)(er Anatha+indi;a (as a S)ta+anna,7
& Sutta Ni+ata, ?abbaHHa Sutta, 5& 9=:&
& Dha##a+ada, 5& /96&
& JStrea#"'innerK D The 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d&
9=<
the Sa;.a Mahana#a (as a Sa;adaga#i,the Sa;.a Mahana#a (as a Sa;adaga#i,the +)tter Chati;ara
(as an Anaga#i8 and King Suddh)dana died as an Arahant&:
A Bhi;;hu is e2+ected t) )bser5e the 3)ur ;inds )3 Higher
M)ralit. D na#el.,
?ati#);;ha Sila D The *unda#ental M)ral 4)de,<
Indri.asa#5ara Sila D M)ralit. +ertaining t) sense"restraint,
AHi5a+arisuddhi Sila D M)ralit. +ertaining t) +urit. )3
li5elih))d,
?acca.asannissita Sila D M)ralit. +ertaining t) the use )3 the
necessaries )3 li3e&
These 3)ur ;inds )3 #)ralit. are c)llecti5el. called SilaVisuddhi
@?urit. )3 VirtueA, the 3irst )3 the se5en stages )3 ?urit. )n the
(a. t) Nibbana&
'hen a +ers)n enters the Order and recei5es his Higher
Ordinati)n @U+asa#+adaA, he is called a Bhi;;hu& There is n)
English eGui5alent that e2actl. c)n5e.s the #eaning )3 this
?ali ter# Bhi;;hu& JMendicant M)n;K #a. be suggested as
the nearest translati)n, n)t in the sense )3 )ne (h) begs but in
the sense )3 )ne (h) li5es )n al#s&
There are n) 5)(s 3)r a Bhi;;hu& O3 his )(n acc)rd he be
c)#es a Bhi;;hu in )rder t) lead the H)l. Li3e as l)ng as he
li;es& He is at libert. t) lea5e the Order at an. ti#e&
A Bhi;;hu is b)und t) )bser5e 66= rules,1
a+art 3r)# se5eral
)ther #in)r )nes& The 3)ur #aH)r rules (hich deal (ith
& JOnce"eturnerK D The sec)nd stage )3 Sainth))d&
& JNe5er"eturnerK D The third stage )3 Sainth))d&
& JThe ')rth. OneK D The 3inal stage )3 Sainth))d&
& Vari)us rules (hich a Bhi;;hu is e2+ected t) )bser5e&
& E2cluding the se5en #)des )3 settling dis+utes @adhi;aranas#atha dha##aA&
9=1
+er3ect celibac., stealing, #urder, and 3alse clai#s t) higher
s+iritual +)(ers, #ust strictl. be )bser5ed& I3 he 5i)lates an.
)ne )3 the#, he bec)#es de3eated @+araHi;aA and aut)#aticall.
ceases t) be a Bhi;;hu& I3 he (ishes, he can re"enter the Order
and re#ain as a Sa#anera @n)5iceA& In the case )3 )ther rules,
(hich he 5i)lates, he has t) #a;e a#ends acc)rding t) the
gra5it. )3 the )33ence&
+er3ect celibac., stealing, #urder, and 3alse clai#s t) higher
s+iritual +)(ers, #ust strictl. be )bser5ed& I3 he 5i)lates an.
)ne )3 the#, he bec)#es de3eated @+araHi;aA and aut)#aticall.
ceases t) be a Bhi;;hu& I3 he (ishes, he can re"enter the Order
and re#ain as a Sa#anera @n)5iceA& In the case )3 )ther rules,
(hich he 5i)lates, he has t) #a;e a#ends acc)rding t) the
gra5it. )3 the )33ence&
+er3ect celibac., 5)luntar. +)5ert., hu#ilit., si#+licit., sel3less
ser5ice, sel3"c)ntr)l, +atience, c)#+assi)n and har#lessness&
The li3e )3 a Bhi;;hu )r, in )ther ()rds, renunciati)n )3
()rldl. +leasures and a#biti)ns, is )nl. an e33ecti5e #eans
t) attain Nibbana, but is n)t an end in itsel3&
!
9=0
4ha+ter 7:
The 'a. t) Nibbana @IIA Meditati)n
JOne (a. t) acGuire gain, an)ther that leads t) Nibbana&
D Dha##a+ada
4)ncentrati)n @Sa#adhiA
Securing a 3ir# 3))ting )n the gr)und )3 #)ralit., the as+irant
then e#bar;s u+)n the higher +ractice )3 Sa#adhi, the
c)ntr)l and culture )3 the #ind, the sec)nd stage )3 the ?ath
)3 ?urit.&
Sa#alhi is )ne"+)intedness )3 the #ind& It is c)ncentrati)n
)3 the #ind )n )ne )bHect t) the entire e2clusi)n )3 all else&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# there are 3)rt. subHects )3 #edi
tati)n @;a##atthanaA (hich di33er acc)rding t) the te#+era
#ents )3 indi5iduals&
The. are$
@aA The ten Kasinas @de5icesA/
D na#el.,
i& earth Kasina, ii& (ater Kasina, iii& 3ire Kasina, i5& air
Kasina, 5& blue Kasina, 5i& .ell)( Kasina, 5ii& red Kasina,
5iii& (hite Kasina, i2& light Kasina and 2& s+ace Kasina&
@bA The ten I#+urities @asubhaA6 D na#el., ten c)r+ses (hich
/&
Kasina here #eans (h)le, all, c)#+lete& It is s) called because the +r)Hected
light issuing 3r)# the c)nce+tualiIed i#age )3 the Kasina )bHect c)uld be e2tended
e5er.(here (ith)ut li#itati)n&
In the case )3 earth Kasina )ne #a;es a circle )3 ab)ut )ne s+an and 3)ur
3ingers in dia#eter and, c)5ering it (ith da(n"c)l)ured cla., s#))thes it (ell&
I3 there be n)t en)ugh cla. )3 the da(n c)l)ur, he #a. intr)duce s)#e )ther
;ind )3 cla. beneath& This c)ncentrati5e circle is ;n)(n as KasinaMandala&
The re#aining Kasinas sh)uld be si#ilarl. underst))d& Details are gi5en
in the Visuddhi Magga& It #a. be #enti)ned that light and s+ace Kasinas are
n)t 3)und in the Te2t& 'hen the. are e2cluded there are thirt. eight subHects&
&
These ten ;inds )3 c)r+ses (ere 3)und in ancient ce#eteries and charnel +laces
9/=
are res+ecti5el.$N
are res+ecti5el.$N
bl)ated @uddhu#ata;aA, ii& disc)l)ured @5inila;aA,
iii& 3estering
@5i+ubba;aA, i5& dissected @5icchidda;aA, 5& gna(ed"t)+ieces
@5i;;ha.ita;aA,
5i& scattered"in+ieces @5i;;hitta;aA,
5ii& #utilated and scattered"in"+ieces @hata5i;;hitta;aA,
5iii& bl))d. @l)hita;aA, i2& ()r#"in3ested @+ula+a;aA, and 2&
s;elet)n @atthi;aA&
@cA The ten e3lecti)ns @anussatiA7 D na#el., eight e3lecti)ns
)n$
i& The Buddha @BuddhanussatiA, ii& The D)ctrine @Dha##anussatiA,
iii& The Sangha @SanghanussatiA, i5& Virtue
@silanussatiA, 5& Liberalit. @caganussatiA, 5i& De5as @de5atanussatiA,
5ii& ?eace @u+asa#anussatiA, 5iii& Death @#arananussatiA,
res+ecti5el., t)gether (ith i2& Mind3ulness regarding the
b)d. @;a.agatasatiA and 2& Mind3ulness regarding res+irati)n
@ana+anasatiA&
@dA The 3)ur Illi#itables )r the 3)ur M)des )3 Subli#e 4)nduct
@Brah#a5iharaA D na#el.,
l)5ing";indness @#ettaA, 4)#+assi)n @;arunaA, A++reciati5e
-). @#uditaA, and EGuani#it. @u+e;;haA&
@eA The One ?erce+ti)n D i&e&, the ?erce+ti)n )3 the l)aths)#eness
)3 #aterial 3))d @ahare +ati;;ulasaQQaA&
9
@3A The One Anal.sis D i&e&, The Anal.sis )3 the 3)ur Ele#ents
@catudhatu5a5atthanaA&8
(here dead b)dies (ere n)t buried )r cre#ated and (here 3lesh"eating beasts
and birds 3reGuent& In #)dern da.s it is i#+)ssible t) )btain such c)r+ses as
subHects 3)r #editati)n&
7& Anussati D lit&, #eans c)nstant #ind3ulness&
& Ahare +ati;;ulasaQQa D i&e&, the 3eeling )3 l)aths)#eness )3 3))d in its search,
eating, etc&
& 4atudhatu5a5atthana# D i&e&, the in5estigati)n )3 the 3)ur +ri#ar. ele#ents )3
9//
@gA
The 3)ur Aru+a -hanas D na#el.,
The eal# )3 the In3init. )3 S+ace @A;asanaQca.atanaA, The
eal# )3 the In3init. )3 4)nsci)usness @ViQQanaQca.atanaA,
The eal# )3 N)thingness @A;iQcaQQa.atanaA,and the eal#
)3 Neither"?erce+ti)n n)r N)n"?erce+ti)n @N>e5a saQQan>
asaQQa.atanaA&
Suitabilit. )3 SubHects 3)r di33erent Te#+era#ents
Acc)rding t) the Te2ts the ten I#+urities and the Mind3ulness
regarding the B)d. such as the thirt."t() +arts are suitable
3)r th)se )3 a lust3ul te#+era#ent because the. tend t)
create a disgust 3)r the b)d. (hich 3ascinates the senses&
The 3)ur Illi#itables and the 3)ur c)l)ured Kasinas are
suitable 3)r th)se )3 a hate3ul te#+era#ent&
The e3lecti)ns )n the Buddha and s) 3)rth are suitable 3)r
th)se )3 a de5)ut te#+era#ent& The e3lecti)ns )n Death and
?eace, ?erce+ti)n )n the l)aths)#eness )3 #aterial 3))d, and
Anal.sis )3 the 3)ur Ele#ents are suitable 3)r th)se )3 an intellectual
te#+era#ent& The re#aining )bHects, chie3l. e3lecti)n
)n the Buddha, Meditati)n )n L)5ing"Kindness, Mind3ulness
regarding the B)d. and e3lecti)n )n Death are suitable
3)r all, irres+ecti5e )3 te#+era#ent&
There are si2 ;inds )3 Te#+era#ents @caritaA& The. are$N
i&
Lust3ul Te#+era#ent @ragacaritaA,
ii&
Hate3ul Te#+era#ent @d)sacaritaA,
iii& Ign)rant Te#+era#ent @#)hacaritaA,
i5& De5)ut Te#+era#ent @saddhacaritaA,
5&
Intellectual Te#+era#ent @buddhicaritaA, and
5i& Discursi5e Te#+era#ent @5ita;;acaritaA&
e2tensi)n @+atha5iA, c)hesi)n @a+)A, heat @teH)A, and #)ti)n @5a.)A, (ith regard t)
their s+ecial characteristics&
9/6
4arita signi3ies the intrinsic nature )3 a +ers)n (hich is re5ealed
(hen )ne is in n)r#al state (ith)ut being +re)ccu+ied
(ith an.thing& The te#+era#ents )3 +e)+le di33er )(ing t)
the di5ersit. )3 their acti)ns )r Ka##a& Habitual acti)ns tend
t) 3)r# +articular te#+era#ents&
4arita signi3ies the intrinsic nature )3 a +ers)n (hich is re5ealed
(hen )ne is in n)r#al state (ith)ut being +re)ccu+ied
(ith an.thing& The te#+era#ents )3 +e)+le di33er )(ing t)
the di5ersit. )3 their acti)ns )r Ka##a& Habitual acti)ns tend
t) 3)r# +articular te#+era#ents&
4)#bining these si2 (ith )ne an)ther, (e get :7 t.+es&
'ith the inclusi)n )3 s+eculati5e te#+era#ent @ditthicaritaA
there are :9 t.+es&
The subHects )3 #editati)n are 5ari)usl. ada+ted t) these
di33erent te#+era#ents and t.+es )3 +e)+le&
?re+arati)n
Be3)re +ractising Sa#adhi, the Guali3ied as+irant sh)uld gi5e
a care3ul c)nsiderati)n t) the subHect )3 #editati)n& In ancient
da.s it (as cust)#ar. 3)r +u+ils t) see; the guidance )3 a c)#+etent
teacher t) ch))se a suitable subHect acc)rding t) their
te#+era#ents& But, t)da. i3 n) c)#+etent teacher is a5ailable,
the as+irant #ust e2ercise his )(n Hudge#ent and ch))se )ne
he thin;s #)st suited t) his character&
'hen the subHect has been ch)sen, he sh)uld (ithdra( t)
a Guiet +lace (here there are the 3e(est distracti)ns& The 3)rest,
a ca5e, )r an. l)nel. +lace is #)st desirable, 3)r there )ne
is least liable t) interru+ti)n during the +ractice&
9/
It sh)uld be underst))d that s)litude is (ithin us all& I3
It sh)uld be underst))d that s)litude is (ithin us all& I3
a
c)ngenial +lace& But i3 )ur #inds are settled, e5en the heart )3
a bus. t)(n #a. be c)ngenial& The at#)s+here in (hich (e
li5e acts as an indirect aid t) tranGuilliIe )ur #inds&
Ne2t t) be decided b. the as+irant is the #)st c)n5enient
ti#e (hen he hi#sel3 and his surr)undings are in the best
+)ssible c)nditi)n 3)r the +ractice&
Earl. in the #)rning (hen the #ind is 3resh and acti5e, )r
be3)re bedti#e, i3 )ne is n)t )5ertired, is generall. the #)st
a++r)+riate ti#e 3)r #editati)n& But (hate5er the ti#e selected,
it is ad5isable dail. t) ;ee+ t) that +articular h)ur, 3)r
)ur #inds then bec)#e c)nditi)ned t) the +ractice&
The #editating +)sture, t)), ser5es as a +)(er3ul aid t)
c)ncentrati)n&
Easterners generall. sit cr)ss"legged, (ith the b)d. erect&
The. sit +lacing the right 3))t )n the le3t thigh and the le3t
3))t )n the right thigh& This is the 3ull +)siti)n& I3 this +)sture
is di33icult, as it certainl. is t) #an., the hal3 +)siti)n #a. be
ad)+ted, that is, si#+l. +lacing the right 3))t )n the le3t thigh
)r the le3t 3))t )n the right thigh&
'hen this triangular +)siti)n is assu#ed, the (h)le b)d.
is (ell balanced& The right hand sh)uld be +laced )n the le3t
hand, the nec; straightened s) that the n)se is in a +er+endicular
line (ith the na5el& The t)ngue sh)uld rest )n the u++er
+alate& The belt sh)uld be l))sened, and cl)thes neatl. adHusted&
S)#e +re3er cl)sed e.es s) as t) shut )ut all unneces
sar. light and e2ternal sights&
Alth)ugh there are certain ad5antages in cl)sing the e.es,
it is n)t al(a.s rec)##ended as it tends t) dr)(siness& Then
the #ind gets )ut )3 c)ntr)l and (anders ai#lessl., 5agrant
9/9
th)ughts arise, the b)d. l)ses its erectness, Guite unc)nsci)usl.
the #)uth )+ens itsel3, sali5a dri5els, and the head n)ds&
The Buddhas usuall. sit (ith hal3 cl)sed e.es l));ing
thr)ugh the ti+ )3 the n)se n)t #)re than a distance )3 3)ur
3eet a(a.&
Th)se (h) 3ind the cr)ss"legged +)sture t)) di33icult #a.
sit c)#3)rtabl. in a chair )r an. )ther su++)rt, su33icientl.
high t) rest the 3eet )n the gr)und&
It is )3 n) great i#+)rtance (hat +)sture )ne ad)+ts +r)
5ided it is eas. and rela2ed&
The as+irant (h) is stri5ing t) gain )ne"+)intedness )3 the
#ind sh)uld endea5)ur t) c)ntr)l an. un(h)les)#e th)ughts
at their 5er. ince+ti)n& As #enti)ned in the Sutta Ni+ata: he
#a. be attac;ed b. the ten ar#ies )3 the E5il One& The. are$
i& sensual desires @;a#aA, ii& disc)urage#ent @aratiA, iii& hunger
and thirst @;hu++i+asaA, i5& attach#ent @tanhaA, 5& sl)th and t)r+)r
@thina#iddhaA, 5i& 3ear @bha.aA, 5ii& d)ubt @5ici;icchaA, 5iii& detracti)n
and stubb)rnness @#a;;ha, tha#bhaA, i2& gain, +raise,
h)n)ur and ill"g)tten 3a#e @labha, sil);a, sa;;ara, #iccha.asaA,
and 2& sel3"+raise and c)nte#+t 3)r )thers @attu;;a#sana
+ara5a#bhanaA&
On such )ccasi)ns the 3)ll)(ing +ractical suggesti)ns
gi5en b. the Buddha (ill be bene3icial t) all&
/
Harb)uring a g))d th)ught )++)site t) the encr)aching
)ne, e&g&, l)5ing";indness in case )3 hatred&
6
e3lecting u+)n +)ssible e5il c)nseGuences, e&g&, anger
s)#eti#es results in #urder&
7
Si#+le neglect )r bec)#ing (h)ll. inattenti5e t) the#&
&
?adhana Sutta& See +& 61&
9/
9 Tracing the cause (hich led t) the arising )3 the un(h)le
9 Tracing the cause (hich led t) the arising )3 the un(h)le
ti5e +r)cess&
8 Direct +h.sical 3)rce&
-ust as a str)ng #an )5er+)(ers a (ea; +ers)n, s) )ne
sh)uld )5erc)#e e5il th)ughts b. b)dil. strength& J'ith
teeth clenched and t)ngue +ressed t) the +alate,K ad5ises the
Buddha, Jthe #)n; b. #ain 3)rce #ust c)nstrain and c)erce
his #indL and thus (ith clenched teeth and taut t)ngue, c)nstraining
and c)ercing his #ind, th)se e5il and unsalutar.
th)ughts (ill disa++ear and g) t) deca.L and (ith their dis
a++earing, the #ind (ill bec)#e settled, subdued, uni3ied,
and c)ncentrated @MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Vita;;a Santhana Sutta,
N) 6=&A
Ha5ing attended t) all these necessar. +reli#inaries, the
Guali3ied as+irant retires t) a s)litar. +lace, and su##)ning
u+ c)n3idence as t) the certaint. )3 achie5ing his g)al, he
#a;es a +ersistent e33)rt t) de5el)+ c)ncentrati)n&
Kasina
A +h.sical )bHect li;e a Kasina circle )nl. aids c)ncentrati)n&
But a 5irtue li;e l)5ing";indness has the s+eci3ic ad5antage
)3 building u+ that +articular 5irtue in the character )3 the
+ers)n&
'hile #editating )ne #a. intelligentl. re+eat the ()rds
)3 an. s+ecial 3)r#ula, since the. ser5e as an aid t) e5);e the
ideas the. re+resent&
H)(e5er intent the as+irant #a. be )n the )bHect )3 his
#editati)n he (ill n)t be e2e#+t 3r)# the initial di33iculties
that ine5itabl. c)n3r)nt a beginner& JThe #ind (anders, alien
9/:
th)ughts dance be3)re hi#, i#+atience )5erc)#es hi# )(ing
t) the sl)(ness )3 +r)gress, and his e33)rts slac;en in c)nseGuence&K
The deter#ined as+irant )nl. (elc)#es these )bstacles,
the di33iculties he cuts thr)ugh and l));s straight t) his
th)ughts dance be3)re hi#, i#+atience )5erc)#es hi# )(ing
t) the sl)(ness )3 +r)gress, and his e33)rts slac;en in c)nseGuence&K
The deter#ined as+irant )nl. (elc)#es these )bstacles,
the di33iculties he cuts thr)ugh and l));s straight t) his
The sur3ace )3 a circle )3 ab)ut )ne 3))t in dia#eter is c)5ered
(ith cla. and s#))thed (ell& This c)ncentrati5e circle is
;n)(n& as the +reli#inar. )bHect @+ari;a##a ni#ittaA& He sets
it d)(n s)#e 3)ur 3eet a(a. and c)ncentrates )n it, sa.ing D
+atha5i, +atha5i @earth, earthA, until he bec)#es s) (h)ll. abs)rbed
in it that all ad5entiti)us th)ughts get aut)#aticall. e2cluded
3r)# the #ind& 'hen he d)es this 3)r s)#e ti#e D +erha+s
(ee;s )r #)nths )r .ears D he ()uld be able t) 5isualiIe
the )bHect (ith cl)sed e.es& On this 5isualiIed i#age @uggaha
ni#ittaA, (hich is a #ental re+lica )3 the )bHect, he c)ncentrates
until it de5el)+s int) a c)nce+tualiIed i#age @+atibhaga
ni#ittaA&
Acc)rding t) the Visuddhi Magga the di33erence bet(een
the 3irst 5isualiIed i#age and the sec)nd c)nce+tualiIed
i#age is that Jin the 3)r#er a 3ault )3 the ;asina )bHect a++ears
(hile the latter is li;e the disc )3 a #irr)r ta;en )ut )3 a
bag, )r a (ell"burnished c)nch"shell, )r the r)und #))n issuing
3r)# the cl)uds&K
The c)nce+tualiIed i#age neither +)ssesses c)l)ur n)r 3)r#&
It is Hust a #)de )3 a++earance and is b)rn )3 +erce+ti)n&
As he c)ntinuall. c)ncentrates )n this abstract c)nce+t
he is said t) be in +)ssessi)n )3 J+r)2i#ate c)ncentrati)nK
@u+acara sa#adhiA and the innate 3i5e Hindrances t) s+iritual
+r)gress @ni5aranaA D na#el., sensual desires @;a#acchandaA,
9/<
hatred @5.a+adaA, sl)th and t)r+)r @thina#iddhaA, restlessness
and ()rr. @uddhacca;u;;uccaA, and indecisi)n @5ici;icchaA, are
te#+)raril. inhibited b. #eans )3 )ne"+)intedness @e;aggataA,
Iest @+itiA, initial a++licati)n, @5ita;;aA, ha++iness @su;haA, and
sustained a++licati)n @5icaraA res+ecti5el.&
hatred @5.a+adaA, sl)th and t)r+)r @thina#iddhaA, restlessness
and ()rr. @uddhacca;u;;uccaA, and indecisi)n @5ici;icchaA, are
te#+)raril. inhibited b. #eans )3 )ne"+)intedness @e;aggataA,
Iest @+itiA, initial a++licati)n, @5ita;;aA, ha++iness @su;haA, and
sustained a++licati)n @5icaraA res+ecti5el.&
and bec)#es abs)rbed in -hana, enH).ing the cal#ness and
serenit. )3 a )ne"+)inted #ind&
This )ne"+)intedness )3 the #ind, achie5ed b. inhibiting
the Hindrances, is ter#ed M?urit. )3 Mind> @citta5isuddhiA, the
sec)nd stage )n the ?ath )3 ?urit.&
*)r the (ater";asina )ne #a. ta;e a 5essel 3ull )3 c)l)urless
(ater, +re3erabl. rain(ater, and c)ncentrate )n it, sa.ing D
a+), a+), @(ater, (aterA D until he gains )ne"+)intedness )3 the
#ind&
T) de5el)+ the 3ire";asina )ne #a. ;indle a 3ire be3)re hi#
and c)ncentrate )n it thr)ugh a h)le, a s+an and 3)ur 3ingers
(ide, in a rush"#at, a +iece )3 leather, )r a +iece )3 cl)th&
One (h) de5el)+s the air";asina c)ncentrates )n the (ind
that enters thr)ugh (ind)("s+ace )r a h)le in the (all, sa.ing
D 5a.), 5a.) @air, airA&
T) de5el)+ the c)l)ur ;asinas )ne #a. #a;e a disc @#andalaA
)3 the +rescribed siIe and c)l)ur it blue, .ell)(, red, )r
(hite and c)ncentrate )n it re+eating the na#e )3 the c)l)ur
as in the case )3 the earth";asina&
He #a. e5en c)ncentrate )n blue, .ell)(, red and (hite
3l)(ers&
Light";asina#a.bede5el)+edb.c)ncentrating)nthe#))n
)r an un3lic;ering la#+light )r )n a circle )3 light #ade )n the
gr)und )r the (all b. sunlight )r #))nlight entering thr)ugh
a (all"cre5ice )r h)les, sa.ing D al);a, al);a @light, lightA&
9/1
S+ace";asina c)uld be de5el)+ed b. c)ncentrating )n a
h)leL a s+an and 3)ur 3ingers (ide, in either a (ell"c)5ered +a5ili)n
)r a +iece )3 leather )r a #at, sa.ing D );asa, );asa @s+ace,
s+aceA&
S+ace";asina c)uld be de5el)+ed b. c)ncentrating )n a
h)leL a s+an and 3)ur 3ingers (ide, in either a (ell"c)5ered +a5ili)n
)r a +iece )3 leather )r a #at, sa.ing D );asa, );asa @s+ace,
s+aceA&
The ten ;inds )3 c)r+ses (ere 3)und in ancient Indian ce#eteries
(here dead b)dies (ere n)t buried )r cre#ated and
(here 3lesh"eating ani#als 3reGuent& In #)dern da.s 3inding
the# is )ut )3 Guesti)n&
Anussati$N
Buddhanussati D is the re3lecti)n )n the 5irtues )3 the Buddha
as 3)ll)(s$N
JSuch indeed is that E2alted One D ')rth., *ull. Enlightened,
End)(ed (ith 'isd)# and 4)nduct, 'ell"3arer,
Kn)(er )3 the ')rlds, an Inc)#+arable 4hari)teer 3)r the
training )3 indi5iduals, Teacher )3 g)ds and #en, O#niscient,
and H)l.&K
Dha##anussati D is the re3lecti)n, )n the characteristics )3
the D)ctrine as 3)Il)(s$N
J'ell"e2+)unded is the d)ctrine b. the Blessed One, t) be
realiIed b. )nesel3, )3 i##ediate 3ruit, in5iting in5estigati)n
@Ehi+assi;)$
in5iting t) c)#e and seeA, leading t) Nibbana, t)
be underst))d b. the (ise, each )ne 3)r hi#sel3&K
Sanghanussati D is the re3lecti)n )n the 5irtues )3 the +ure
#e#bers )3 the H)l. 4elibate Order as 3)ll)(s$N
JO3 g))d c)nduct is the Order )3 the disci+les )3 the
Blessed )neL )3 u+right c)nduct is the Order )3 the disci+les
)3 the Blessed OneL )3 (ise c)nduct is the Order )3 the disci+les
)3 the Blessed OneL )3 duti3ul c)nduct is the Order )3
9/0
the disci+les )3 the Blessed One& These 3)ur +airs )3 +ers)ns
c)nstitute eight indi5iduals& This Order )3 the disci+les )3 the
Blessed One is ()rth. )3 )33erings, is ()rth. )3 h)s+italit., is
()rth. )3 gi3ts, is ()rth. )3 re5erential salutati)n, is an in
the disci+les )3 the Blessed One& These 3)ur +airs )3 +ers)ns
c)nstitute eight indi5iduals& This Order )3 the disci+les )3 the
Blessed One is ()rth. )3 )33erings, is ()rth. )3 h)s+italit., is
()rth. )3 gi3ts, is ()rth. )3 re5erential salutati)n, is an in
5irtu)us c)nduct&
4aganussati D is the re3lecti)n )n )ne>s )(n charitable
nature&
De5atanussati D JDeities are b)rn in such e2alted states )n
acc)unt )3 their 3aith and )ther 5irtues, I t)) +)ssess the#&K
Thus (hen )ne re3lects again and again )n )ne>s )(n 3aith
and )ther 5irtues, +lacing deities as (itnesses, it is called
De5atanussati&
U+asa#anussati D is the re3lecti)n )n the attributes )3
Nibbana such as the cessati)n )3 su33ering and the li;e&
Marananussati D is the re3lecti)n )n the ter#inati)n )3 +s.ch)"
+h.sical li3e&
4)nte#+lati)n )n death enables )ne t) c)#+rehend the
3leeting nature )3 li3e& 'hen )ne understands that death is certain
and li3e is uncertain, )ne endea5)urs t) #a;e the best use
)3 )ne>s li3e b. ()r;ing 3)r sel3"de5el)+#ent and 3)r the de5el)+#ent
)3 )thers instead )3 (h)ll. indulging in sensual +leasures&
4)nstant #editati)n )n death d)es n)t #a;e )ne +essi#istic
and lethargic, but, )n the c)ntrar., it #a;es )ne #)re acti5e
and energetic& Besides, )ne can 3ace death, (ith serenit.&
'hile c)nte#+lating death )ne #a. thin; that li3e is li;e a
3la#e, )r that all s)"called beings are the )ut(ard te#+)rar.
#ani3estati)ns )3 the in5isible Ka##ic energ. Hust as an electric
light is the )ut(ard #ani3estati)n )3 the in5isible electric
energ.& Using 5ari)us si#iles as )ne li;es, )ne #a. #editate
96=
)n the uncertaint. )3 li3e and )n the certaint. )3 death&
Ka.agatasati D is the re3lecti)n )n the 76 i#+ure +arts )3
the b)d. such as Jhair, hair )3 the b)d., nails, teeth, s;in,
)n the uncertaint. )3 li3e and )n the certaint. )3 death&
Ka.agatasati D is the re3lecti)n )n the 76 i#+ure +arts )3
the b)d. such as Jhair, hair )3 the b)d., nails, teeth, s;in,
,
s+leen, lungs, b)(els, #esenter., st)#ach, 3aeces, brain, bile,
+hleg#, +us, bl))d, s(eat, l.#+h, tears, grease, sali5a, nasal
#ucus, articular 3luid, and urine&K
This #editati)n )n the l)aths)#eness )3 the b)d. leads
t) dis+assi)n& Man. Bhi;;hus in the ti#e )3 the Buddha attained
Arahantshi+ b. #editating )n these i#+urities& I3 )ne
is n)t c)n5ersant (ith all the thirt."t() +arts, )ne #a. #edi
tate )n )ne +art such as b)nes, 3lesh, )r s;in& Inside this b)d.
is 3)und a s;elet)n& It is 3illed (ith 3lesh (hich is c)5ered (ith
a s;in& Beaut. is n)thing but s;in dee+& 'hen )ne re3lects )n
the i#+ure +arts )3 the b)d. in this #anner, +assi)nate attach#ent
t) this b)d. graduall. disa++ears&
This #editati)n #a. n)t a++eal t) th)se (h) are n)t sensual&
The. #a. #editate )n the innate creati5e +)ssibilities )3
this c)#+le2 #achiner. )3 #an&
Ana+anasati D is #ind3ulness )n res+irati)n& Ana #eans
inhalati)n and a+ana, e2halati)n&
In s)#e b));s these t() ter#s are e2+lained in the re5erse
)rder&
4)ncentrati)n )n the breathing +r)cess leads t) )ne"+)intedness
)3 the #ind and ulti#atel. t) Insight (hich leads t)
Arahantshi+&
This is )ne )3 the best subHects )3 #editati)n (hich a++eals
eGuall. t) all& The Buddha als) +ractised this ana+anasati be3)re
His Enlighten#ent&
A detailed e2+)siti)n )3 this #editati)n is 3)und in the
Sati+atthana Sutta and in the Vissuddhi Magga&
96/
?ractical hints
?ractical hints
3)rce3ull.& Inhale 3irst and #entall. c)unt )ne& E2hale and
c)unt t(), c)ncentrating )n the breathing +r)cess& In this
#anner )ne #a. c)unt u+ t) ten c)nstantl. 3)cussing )ne>s
attenti)n )n res+irati)n& It is +)ssible 3)r the #ind t) (ander
be3)re )ne c)unts u+ t) ten& But )ne need n)t be disc)uraged&
Let )ne tr. till )ne succeeds& Craduall. )ne #a. increase the
nu#ber )3 series D sa. 3i5e series )3 ten& Later )ne #a. c)ncentrate
)n res+irati)n (ith)ut c)unting& S)#e +re3er c)unting as
it aids c)ncentrati)n, (hile s)#e )thers +re3er n)t t) c)unt&
'hat is essential is c)ncentrati)n and n)t c)unting (hich
is sec)ndar.& 'hen )ne d)es this c)ncentrati)n, )ne 3eels light
in b)d. and #ind and 5er. +eace3ul t))& One #ight +erha+s
3eel as i3 )ne (ere 3l)ating in the air& 'hen this c)ncentrati)n
is +ractised 3)r a certain +eri)d, a da. (ill c)#e (hen
)ne (ill realiIe that this s)"called b)d. is su++)rted b. #ere
breath and that b)d. +erishes (hen breathing ceases&
One instantl. realiIes i#+er#anence& 'here there is
change there cann)t be a +er#anent entit. )r an i##)rtal
s)ul& Insight c)uld then be de5el)+ed t) gain Arahantshi+&
It is n)( clear that the )bHect )3 this c)ncentrati)n )n res+irati)n
is n)t #erel. t) gain )ne +)intedness but als) t) culti5ate
Insight in )rder t) )btain deli5erance&
This si#+le #eth)d #a. be +ursued b. all (ith)ut an.
har#&
*)r #)re details readers are re3erred t) the Visuddhi
Magga&
966
Ana+ana Sati acc)rding t) the Sati+atthana Sutta D JMind3ull.
he inhales, #ind3ull. he e2hales&
Ana+ana Sati acc)rding t) the Sati+atthana Sutta D JMind3ull.
he inhales, #ind3ull. he e2hales&
J'hen #a;ing a l)ng inhalati)n, he ;n)(s$ MI #a;e a l)ng inhalati)n,
(hen #a;ing a l)ng e2halati)n, he ;n)(s$ MI #a;e a
l)ng e2halati)n&>
6&
J'hen #a;ing a sh)rt inhalati)n he ;n)(s$ MI #a;e a sh)rt inhalati)n>L
(hen #a;ing a sh)rt e2halati)n, he ;n)(s$ MI #a;e a
sh)rt e2halati)n&>
&
J4learl. +ercei5ing the entire breathing+r)cess
@i&e&, the beginning,
#iddle and endA, MI (ill inhale> thus he trains hi#sel3L
clearl. +ercei5ing the entire breathing +r)cess, Ml (ill e2hale>$
thus he trains hi#sel3&
9& J4al#ing the res+irati)ns, MI (ill inhale>$ thus he trains hi#sel3L
cal#ing the res+irati)ns, MI (ill e2hale>$ thus he trains hi#sel3&K
Brah#a5ihara
Here Brah#a #eans subli#e )r n)ble as in Brah#acari.a @subli#e
li3eAL 5ihara #eans #)de )r state )3 c)nduct, )r state )3
li5ing&
The. are als) ter#ed a++a#aQQa @li#itless, b)undlessA, because
these th)ughts are radiated t)(ards all beings (ith)ut
li#it )r )bstructi)n&
Metta @Sa#s;rit"MaitriA l)5ing";indness, bene5)lence,
g))d(ill D is de3ined as that (hich s)3tens )ne>s heart& It is n)t
carnal l)5e )r +ers)nal a33ecti)n& The direct ene#. )3 Metta
is hatred, ill(ill )r a5ersi)n @;)dhaA, its indirect ene#. is +ers)nal
a33ecti)n @+e#aA&
Metta e#braces all beings (ith)ut e2ce+ti)n& The
967
cul#inati)n )3 Metta is the identi3icati)n )3 )nesel3 (ith all
beings @sabbattataA& It is the (ish 3)r the g))d and ha++iness
)3 all& Bene5)lent attitude is its chie3 characteristic& It discards
ill(ill&
cul#inati)n )3 Metta is the identi3icati)n )3 )nesel3 (ith all
beings @sabbattataA& It is the (ish 3)r the g))d and ha++iness
)3 all& Bene5)lent attitude is its chie3 characteristic& It discards
ill(ill&
Mudita is n)t #ere s.#+ath. but s.#+athetic )r a++reciati5e
H).& Its direct ene#. is Heal)us. @issaA and its indirect
ene#. is e2hilarati)n @+ahasaA& Its chie3 characteristic is ha++.
acGuiescence in )thers> +r)s+erit. and success @anu#)danaA&
Mudita e#braces all +r)s+er)us beings& It eli#inates disli;e
@aratiA and is the c)ngratulat)r. attitude )3 a +ers)n&
U+e;;ha D lit&, #eans t) 5ie( i#+artiall., that is, (ith neither
attach#ent n)r a5ersi)n& It is n)t hed)nic indi33erence but
+er3ect eGuani#it. )r (ell"balanced #ind& It is the balanced
state )3 #ind a#idst all 5icissitudes )3 li3e, such as +raise and
bla#e, +ain and ha++iness, gain and l)ss, re+ute and disre+ute&
Its direct ene#. is attach#ent @ragaA and its indirect
ene#. is call)usness& U+e;;ha discards clinging and a5ersi)n&
I#+artial attitude is its chie3 characteristic& Here u+e;;ha d)es
n)t #ean #ere neutral 3eeling, but i#+lies a sterling 5irtue&
EGuani#it., #ental eGuilibriu# are its cl)sest eGui5alents&
U+e;;ha e#braces the g))d and the bad, the l)5ed and the
unl)5ed, the +leasant and the un+leasant&
The Visuddhi#agga describes in detail the #eth)d t) culti5ate
the Brah#a5iharas in )rder t) de5el)+ the -hanas&
969
Su+ern)r#al +)(ers
Su+ern)r#al +)(ers
e
can, (ith)ut di33icult., de5el)+ the 3i5e su+ern)r#al +)(ers
@abhiQQaA D na#el., Di5ine E.e @dibbaca;;huA, Di5ine Ear @dibbas)taA,
e#iniscence )3 +ast births @+ubbe ni5asanussatiQanaA,
Th)ught"reading @+aracitta5iHaQanaA, and 5ari)us ?s.chic +)(ers
@iddhi5idhaA&
Sa#adhi and these su+ern)r#al +)(ers, it #a. be #enti)ned,
are n)t essential 3)r the attain#ent )3 Arahantshi+,
th)ugh the. ()uld und)ubtedl. be an asset t) the +)ssess)r&
There are, 3)r instance, dr."5isi)ned Arahants @su;;ha5i+assa;aA
(h), (ith)ut the aid )3 the Hhanas, attain Arahantshi+
straight(a. b. #erel. culti5ating Insight& Man. #en
and ()#en attained Arahantshi+ in the ti#e )3 the Buddha
Hi#sel3 (ith)ut de5el)+ing the Hhanas&
It is )nl. )ne (h) has gained the 3i3th -hana that c)uld
de5el)+ the 3i5e ;inds )3 AbhiQQa&
Dibbaca;;hu is the 4elestial )r Di5ine E.e, als) called clair5).ance,
(hich enables )ne t) see hea5enl. )r earthl. things,
3ar )r near, that are i#+erce+tible t) the +h.sical e.e&
4utu+a+ataQana, ;n)(ledge (ith regard t) the d.ing and
rea++earing )3 beings, is identical (ith this 4elestial E.e&
Anagata#saQana, ;n)(ledge (ith regard t) the 3uture and
!atha;a##u+agataQana, ;n)(ledge (ith regard t) the 3aring
)3 beings acc)rding t) their )(n g))d and bad acti)ns, are t()
)ther ;inds )3 ;n)(ledge bel)nging t) the sa#e categ)r.&
Dibbas)ta is the 4elestial Ear, als) called clairaudience,
(hich enables )ne t) hear subtle )r c)arse s)unds 3ar )r
near&
?ubbeni5asanussatiQana is the +)(er t) re#e#ber the +ast
li5es )3 )nesel3 and )thers& 'ith regard t) this ;n)(ledge the
968
Buddha>s +)(er is li#itless, (hile in the case )3 )thers it is
li#ited&
?aracitta5iHaQana is the +)(er t) discern the th)ughts )3
)thers&
Buddha>s +)(er is li#itless, (hile in the case )3 )thers it is
li#ited&
?aracitta5iHaQana is the +)(er t) discern the th)ughts )3
)thers&
di5e int) the earth, create ne( 3)r#s etc&
!
96:
<
Ni5arana )r Hindrances
JThere are these 3i5e c)rru+ti)ns )3 the heart, tainted b. (hich the
heart is neither s)3t, n)r +liable, n)r glea#ing, n)r easil. br);en u+,
n)r +er3ectl. c)#+)sed 3)r the destructi)n )3 the c)rru+ti)ns&K
D Sa#.utta Ni;a.a
Ni5arana @Ni W 5ar, t) hinder, t) )bstructA is that (hich hinders
)ne>s +r)gress )r that (hich )bstructs the +ath t) E#an
ci+ati)n and hea5enl. states& It is als) e2+lained as that (hich
J#u33les, en(ra+s, )r tra##els th)ught&K
There are 3i5e ;inds )3 Ni5aranas )r Hindrances& The. are$
i& Sensual desires @Ka#acchandaA, ii& Ill(ill @V.a+adaA, iii& Sl)th
E T)r+)r @ThinaMiddhaA,
i5& estlessness E ')rr. @Uddhacca"
Ku;;uccaA, and 5& D)ubts @Vici;icchaA&
/& Ka#acchanda #eans sensual desires )r attach#ent t)
+leasurable sense")bHects such as 3)r#, s)und, )d)ur, taste,
and c)ntact& This is regarded as )ne )3 the *etters, t)), that
bind )ne t) Sa#sara&
An a5erage +ers)n is b)und t) get te#+ted b. these allur
ing )bHects )3 sense& Lac; )3 sel3"c)ntr)l results in the ine5i
table arising )3 +assi)ns& This Hindrance is inhibited b. One"
+)intedness @E;aggataA, (hich is )ne )3 the 3i5e characteris
tics )3 -hanas& It is attenuated )n attaining Sa;adaga#i and is
c)#+letel. eradicated )n attaining Anaga#i& Subtle 3)r#s )3
attach#ent such as u+a aga and Aru+a aga @Attach#ent
t) eal#s )3 *)r# and *)r#less eal#sA are eradicated )nl.
)n attaining Arahantshi+&
96<
The 3)ll)(ing si2 c)nditi)ns tend t) the eradicati)n )3
ii& c)nstant #editati)n )n l)aths)#eness, iii& sense"restraint,
i5& #)derati)n in 3))d, 5& g))d 3riendshi+, and 5i& +r)3itable
tal;&
6& V.a+ada is ill(ill )r a5ersi)n& A desirable )bHect leads t)
attach#ent, (hile an undesirable )ne leads t) a5ersi)n& These
are the t() great 3ires that burn the (h)le ()rld& Aided b. ign)rance
these t() +r)duce all su33erings in the ()rld&
Ill(ill is inhibited b. ?iti )r H). (hich is )ne )3 the -hana
3act)rs& It is attenuated )n attaining Sa;adaga#i and is eradicated
)n attaining Anaga#i&
ill(ill$N i& +ercei5ing the )bHect (ith th)ughts )3 g))d(ill,
ii& c)nstant #editati)n )n l)5ing";indness @MettaA, iii& thin;ing
that Ka##a is )ne>s )(n, i5& adherence t) that 5ie(, 5& g))d
3riendshi+, and 5i& +r)3itable tal;&
7& Thina )r Sl)th is e2+lained as a #)rbid state )3 the
#ind, and Middha as a #)rbid state )3 the #ental states& A
st)lid #ind is as Jinert as a bat hanging t) a tree, )r as #)lasses
clea5ing t) a stic;, )r as a lu#+ )3 butter t)) sti33 3)r
s+readingK& Sl)th and t)r+)r sh)uld n)t be underst))d as b)dil.
dr)(siness, because Arahants, (h) ha5e destr).ed these
t() states, als) e2+erience b)dil. 3atigue& These t() +r)#)te
#ental inertness and are )++)sed t) strenu)us e33)rt @Viri.aA&
The. are inhibited b. the -hana 3act)r @Vita;;a, )r Initial A++licati)nA,
and are eradicated )n attaining Arahantshi+&
Sl)th and T)r+)r$N i& re3lecti)n )n the )bHect )3 #)derati)n in
3))d, ii& changing )3 b)dil. +)stures, iii& c)nte#+lati)n )n the
961
)bHect )3 lightL i5& li5ing in the )+en, 5& g))d 3riendshi+ and
)bHect )3 lightL i5& li5ing in the )+en, 5& g))d 3riendshi+ and
+r)3itable tal;&
9&
Uddhacca is #ental restlessness )r e2cite#ent )3 the
#ind& It is a #ental state ass)ciated (ith all t.+es )3 i##)ral
c)nsci)usness& As a rule an e5il is d)ne (ith s)#e e2cite#ent
)r restlessness&
Ku;;ucca is ()rr.& It is either re+entance )5er the c)#
#itted e5il )r )5er the un3ul3illed g))d& e+entance )5er )ne>s
e5il d)es n)t e2e#+t )ne 3r)# its ine5itable c)nseGuences& The
best re+entance is the (ill n)t t) re+eat that e5il&
B)th these hindrances are inhibited b. the -hana 3act)r
Su;ha )r ha++iness&
estlessness is eradicated )n attaining Arahantshi+, and
()rr. is eradicated )n attaining Anaga#i&
these t() states$N i& eruditi)n )r learning& ii& Guesti)ning )r
discussi)n, iii& understanding the nature )3 the Vina.a disci+line,
i5& ass)ciati)n (ith seni)r #)n;s, 5& g))d 3riendshi+
and 5i& +r)3itable tal;&
8& Vici;iccha is d)ubt )r indecisi)n& That (hich is de5)id
)3 the re#ed. )3 (isd)# is 5ici;iccha @5i "de5)idL ci;iccha(isd)#A&
It is als) e2+lained as 5e2ati)n due t) +er+le2ed thin;ing
@5ici D see;ingL ;iccha D 5e2ati)nA&
Here it is n)t used in the sense )3 d)ubt (ith regard t)
the Buddha etc&, 3)r e5en n)n"Buddhists inhibit 5ici;iccha and
gain -hanas& As a 3etter, 5ici;iccha is that d)ubt ab)ut Buddha
etc&, but as a hindrance it den)tes unsteadiness in )ne +artic
ular thing that is being d)ne& The c)##entarial e2+lanati)n
)3 5ici;iccha is the inabilit. t) decide an.thing de3initel. that
it is s)& In )ther ()rds, it is indecisi)n&
960
This state is inhibited b. the -hana 3act)r$ Vicara, Sustained
A++licati)n& It is eradicated )n attaining S)ta+atti&
This state is inhibited b. the -hana 3act)r$ Vicara, Sustained
A++licati)n& It is eradicated )n attaining S)ta+atti&
N
i& ;n)(ledge )3 the Dha##a and Vina.a,
ii& discussi)n )r Guesti)ning,
iii& understanding )3 the nature )3 the Vina.a Disci+line,
i5& e2cessi5e c)n3idence,
5& g))d 3riendshi+, and
5i& +r)3itable tal;&
!
97=
4ha+ter 1
The 'a. t) Nibbana @IIIA
Transient are all c)nditi)ned things,
S)rr)(3ul are all c)nditi)ned things,
S)ulless are all c)nditi)ned and n)n"c)nditi)ned&
D Dha##a+ada
Insight @Vi+assanaA
'hen the -hanas are de5el)+ed b. te#+)raril. inhibiting the
Hindrances @Ni5aranaA the #ind is s) +uri3ied that it rese#bles
a +)lished #irr)r, (here e5er.thing is clearl. re3lected in
true +ers+ecti5e& Still there is n)t c)#+lete 3reed)# 3r)# un(h)les)#e
th)ughts, 3)r b. c)ncentrati)n the e5il tendencies
are )nl. te#+)raril. inhibited& The. #a. rise t) the sur3ace at
Guite une2+ected #)#ents&
Disci+line regulates ()rds and deedsL c)ncentrati)n c)ntr)ls
the #indL but it is Insight @+aQQaA, the third and the 3inal
stage, that enables the as+irant t) Sainth))d t) eradicate (h)ll.
the de3ile#ents inhibited b. Sa#adhi&
At the )utset he culti5ates M?urit. )3 Visi)n> @ditthi 5isuddhiA/
in )rder t) see things as the. trul. are& 'ith )ne"+)inted #ind
he anal.ses and e2a#ines this s)"called being& This searching
e2a#inati)n sh)(s (hat he has called +ers)nalit., t) be
#erel. a c)#+le2 c)#+)und )3 #ind and #atter (hich are in
a state )3 c)nstant 3lu2&
Ha5ing thus gained a c)rrect 5ie( )3 the real nature )3
this s)"called being, 3reed 3r)# the 3alse n)ti)n )3 a +er#anent
s)ul, he searches 3)r the causes )3 this JIK +ers)nalit.&
/& The third stage )3 the ?ath )3 ?urit.
9 /
He realiIes that there is n)thing in the ()rld but is c)nditi)ned
b. s)#e cause )r causes, +ast )r +resent, and that
his +resent e2istence is due t) +ast ign)rance @a5iHHaA, cra5ing
@tanhaA gras+ing @u+adanaA, Ka##a, and +h.sical 3))d )3 the
+resent li3e& On acc)unt )3 these 3i5e causes this s)"called being
has arisen, and as +ast causes ha5e c)nditi)ned the +resent, s)
the +resent (ill c)nditi)n the 3uture& Meditating thus, he transcends
all d)ubts (ith regard t) +ast, +resent and 3uture&6
Thereu+)n he c)nte#+lates the truth that all c)nditi)ned
things are transient @aniccaA, subHect t) su33ering @du;;haA, and
de5)id )3 an i##)rtal s)ul @anattaA& 'here5er he turns his
e.es he sees naught but these three characteristics standing
)ut in b)ld relie3& He realiIes that li3e is a #ere 3lu2 c)nditi)ned
b. internal and e2ternal causes& N)(here d)es he 3ind
an. genuine ha++iness, 3)r e5er.thing is 3leeting&
As he thus c)nte#+lates the real nature )3 li3e and is abs)rbed
in #editati)n, a da. c)#es (hen, t) his sur+rise& he
(itnesses an aura @)bhasaA e#itted b. his b)d.& He e2+eriences
an un+recedented +leasure, ha++iness, and Guietude& He bec)#es
e5en"#inded, religi)us 3er5)ur increases, #ind3ulness
bec)#es clear and insight ;een& Mista;ing this ad5anced state
)3 #)ral +r)gress 3)r Sainth))d, chie3l. )(ing t) the +resence
)3 the aura, he de5el)+s a li;ing 3)r this #ental state& S))n the
realiIati)n c)#es that these ne( de5el)+#ents are i#+edi#ents
t) #)ral +r)gress, and he culti5ates the +urit. )3 ;n)(ledge
(ith regard t) the ?ath and N)t"?ath&7
?ercei5ing the right +ath, he resu#es his #editati)n )n
the arising @uda.a QanaA and +assing a(a. @5a.a QanaA )3 all
c)nditi)ned things& O3 these t() states the latter bec)#es
& Kan;ha5itarana5isuddhi, the 3)urth stage )3 the ?ath )3 ?urit.&
7& Magga#aggaQanadassana5isuddhi, the 3i3th stage )3 the ?ath )3 ?urit.&
976
#)re i#+ressed )n his #ind since change is #)re c)ns+icu)us
than bec)#ing& There3)re he directs his attenti)n t) c)nte#+lati)n
)3 the diss)luti)n )3 things @bhanga QanaA& He +ercei5es
that b)th #ind and #atter (hich c)nstitute this s)"
#)re i#+ressed )n his #ind since change is #)re c)ns+icu)us
than bec)#ing& There3)re he directs his attenti)n t) c)nte#+lati)n
)3 the diss)luti)n )3 things @bhanga QanaA& He +ercei5es
that b)th #ind and #atter (hich c)nstitute this s)"
r
t() c)nsecuti5e #)#ents the sa#e& T) hi# then c)#es the
;n)(ledge that all diss)l5ing things are 3ear3ul @bha.a QanaA&
The (h)le ()rld a++ears t) hi# as a +it )3 burning e#bers
D a s)urce )3 danger& SubseGuentl. he re3lects )n the (retchedness
and 5anit. @adina5a QanaA )3 the 3ear3ul and deluded
()rld, and gets a 3eeling )3 disgust @nibbidaQanaA 3)ll)(ed b.
a str)ng (ill 3)r deli5erance 3r)# it @#uQcitu;a#.ataQanaA&
'ith this )bHect in 5ie(, he resu#es his #editati)ns )n
the three characteristics )3 transienc., s)rr)(, and s)ullessness
@+atisan;haQanaA and therea3ter de5el)+s c)#+lete eGuani#it.
t)(ards all c)nditi)ned things D ha5ing neither attach#ent
n)r a5ersi)n 3)r an. ()rldl. )bHect @u+e;;haQanaA&9
eaching this +)int )3 s+iritual culture, he ch))ses )ne
)3 the three characteristics 3)r his )bHect )3 s+ecial endea5)ur
and intentl. culti5ates insight in that +articular directi)n
until the gl)ri)us da. (hen he 3irst realiIes Nibbana,8 his ulti#ate
g)al&
JAs the tra5eller b. night sees the landsca+e ar)und hi#
b. a 3lash )3 lightning and the +icture s) )btained s(i#s l)ng
therea3ter be3)re his daIIled e.es, s) the indi5idual see;er, b.
&
/
These nine ;inds )3 insight D na#el., uda.a, 5a.a, bhanga, bha.a, adina5a,
nibbida#uQcitu;a#.ata, +atisan;ha, and u+e;;ha, Qanas are c)llecti5el. ter#ed ?
ati+adaQanadassana5isuddhi D ?urit. )3 5isi)n as regards ;n)(ledge )3 +r)gress,
the si2th stage )3 the ?ath )3 ?urit.&
&
6 Insight 3)und in this su+ra#undane ?ath 4)nsci)usness is ;n)(n as
Manadassana Visuddhi D ?urit. )3 Visi)n (hich is Kn)(ledge, the se5enth #e#ber
)3 the ?ath )3 ?urit.&
977
the 3lashing light )3 insight, gli#+ses Nibbana (ith such clearness
that the a3ter"+icture ne5er #)re 3ades 3r)# his #ind&K
the 3lashing light )3 insight, gli#+ses Nibbana (ith such clearness
that the a3ter"+icture ne5er #)re 3ades 3r)# his #ind&K
'hen the s+iritual +ilgri# realiIes Nibbana 3)r the 3irst
ti#e, he is called a S)ta+anna, )ne (h) has entered the strea#
that leads t) Nibbana 3)r the 3irst ti#e&
The strea# re+resents the n)ble Eight3)ld ?ath&
A Strea#"'inner is n) #)re a ()rlding @+uthuHHanaA, but
an Ari.a @N)bleA&
On attaining this 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d, he eradicates the
3)ll)(ing three *etters @sa#.)HanaA that bind hi# t) e2istence
D na#el.,
/YD Sa;;a.aditthi
@sati W ;a.e W ditthiA D literall., 5ie(,
(hen a gr)u+ )r c)#+)und e2ists& Here ;a.a re3ers t) the 3i5e
Aggregates )3 #atter D 3eeling, +erce+ti)n, #ental states, and
c)nsci)usness& The 5ie( that there e2ists an unchanging entit.,
a +er#anent s)ul, (hen there is a c)#+le2"c)#+)und
)3 +s.ch)"+h.sical aggregates, is ter#ed sa;;a.aditthi& Dha##asangani
enu#erates t(ent. ;inds )3 such s)ul"the)ries&
<Sa;;a.aditthi
is usuall. rendered as sel3"illusi)n, the)r.
)3 indi5idualit., )r illusi)n )3 indi5idualis#&
6YDVici;icchaD D)ubts& The. are d)ubts ab)ut @iA the Buddha,
@iiA the Dha##a, @iiiA the Sangha, @i5A the disci+linar. rules
@si;;haA, @5A the +ast, @5iA the 3uture, @5iiA b)th the +ast and the
3uture, and @5iiiA De+endent Originati)n @?aticcaSa#u++adaA&
7YDSilabbata+ara#asa D Adherence t) @(r)ng3ulA rites and
cere#)nies&
Dha##asangani e2+lains it thus$ Jit is the the)r. held b. ascetics
and brah#ins )utside this d)ctrine that +uri3icati)n is
& 7 Dr& Dahl;e&
<& See Dha##asangani Translati)n, +& 6 0&
979
)btained b. rules )3 #)ral c)nduct, )r b. rites, )r b. b)th rites
)btained b. rules )3 #)ral c)nduct, )r b. rites, )r b. b)th rites
1
*)r the eradicati)n )3 the re#aining se5en *etters a S)ta
+anna is reb)rn se5en ti#es at the #)st& He gains i#+licit
c)n3idence in the Buddha, the Dha#rna, and the Sangha& He
()uld n)t 3)r an. reas)n 5i)late an. )3 the 3i5e +rece+ts& He is
n)t subHect t) rebirth in states )3 ()e as he is destined t)
Enlighten#ent&
'ith 3resh c)urage as a result )3 this distant gli#+se )3
Nibbana, the n)ble +ilgri# #a;es a ra+id +r)gress, and +er3ecting
his insight bec)#es a Sa;adaga#i @Once"eturnerA, the
sec)nd stage )3 Sainth))d, b. attenuating t() )ther *etters D
na#el., sense"desires @;a#aragaA and ill(ill @+atighaA&
N)( he is called a Once"eturner because he is b)rn in
the hu#an real# )nl. )nce, sh)uld he n)t attain Arahantshi+
in that birth itsel3& It is interesting t) n)te that the Ari.a
Saint (h) has attained the sec)nd stage )3 Sainth))d can )nl.
(ea;en these t() +)(er3ul *etters (ith (hich he is b)und
3r)# a beginningless +ast& At ti#es, th)ugh t) a slight e2tent,
he #a. harb)ur th)ughts )3 lust and anger&
It is b. attaining the third stage )3 Sainth))d, that )3 the
Anaga#i @Ne5er"eturnerA, that he c)#+letel. eradicates th)se
t() *etters& Therea3ter he neither returns t) this ()rld n)r
is he b)rn in the celestial real#s, since he has r))ted )ut the
desire 3)r sensual grati3icati)n& A3ter death he is reb)rn in
the ?ure Ab)des @Suddha5asaA, an en5ir)n#ent reser5ed 3)r
Anaga#is& There he attains Arahantshi+ and li5es till the end
)3 his li3e&
'hen a la.#an bec)#es an Anaga#i, he leads a celibate
li3e&
1& Secti)n /==
978
The Anaga#i Saint n)( #a;es his 3inal ad5ance and destr).ing
the re#aining 3i5e *etters D na#el., attach#ent t)
eal#s )3 *)r# @ru+aragaA, attach#ent t) *)r#less eal#s
@aru+aragaA, +ride @#anaA, restlessness @uddhaccaA, and ign)rance
@a5iHHaA D attains Arahantshi+, the 3inal stage )3 Sainth))d&
The Anaga#i Saint n)( #a;es his 3inal ad5ance and destr).ing
the re#aining 3i5e *etters D na#el., attach#ent t)
eal#s )3 *)r# @ru+aragaA, attach#ent t) *)r#less eal#s
@aru+aragaA, +ride @#anaA, restlessness @uddhaccaA, and ign)rance
@a5iHHaA D attains Arahantshi+, the 3inal stage )3 Sainth))d&
An Arahant, literall., a ')rth. One, is n)t subHect t) rebirth
because he d)es n)t accu#ulate 3resh Ka##ic acti5ities&
The seeds )3 his re+r)ducti)n ha5e all been destr).ed&
The Arahant realiIes that (hat (as t) be acc)#+lished
has been d)ne, a hea5. burden )3 s)rr)( has 3inall. been relinGuished,
and all 3)r#s )3 cra5ing and all shades )3 ign)rance
are t)tall. annihilated& The ha++. +ilgri# n)( stands
)n heights #)re than celestial, 3ar re#)5ed 3r)# unc)ntr)lled
+assi)ns and the de3ile#ents )3 the ()rld, e2+eriencing the
unutterable bliss )3 Nibbana&
ebirth can n) l)nger a33ect hi# since n) #)re re+r)ducti5e
seeds are 3)r#ed b. 3resh ;a##ic acti5ities&
Th)ugh an Arahant he is n)t (h)ll. 3ree 3r)# +h.sical
su33ering, as this e2+erience )3 the bliss )3 Deli5erance is )nl.
inter#ittent n)r has he .et cast )33 his #aterial b)d.&
An Arahant is called an ase;ha, )ne (h) d)es n)t underg)
training, as he has li5ed the H)l. Li3e and has acc)#+lished
his )bHect& The )ther Saints 3r)# the S)ta+atti stage t) the Arahant
?ath Stage are called Se;has because the. still underg)
training&
It #a. be #enti)ned in this c)nnecti)n that Anaga#is and
Arahants (h) ha5e de5el)+ed the u+a and Aru+a -hanas
97:
c)uld e2+erience the Nibbanic bliss uninterru+tedl. 3)r as
l)ng as se5en da.s e5en in this li3e& This, in ?ali, is ;n)(n as
Nir)dhaSa#a+atti&
0
An Ari.a, in this state, is (h)ll. 3ree 3r)#
+ain, and his #ental acti5ities are all sus+ended& His strea#
)3 c)nsci)usness te#+)raril. ceases t) 3l)(&
'ith regard t) the di33erence bet(een )ne (h) has attained
Nir)dhaSa#a+atti
and a dead #an, the Visuddhi Magga
states$ JIn the c)r+se, n)t )nl. are the +lastic 3)rces )3 the
b)d. @i&e&, res+irati)nA, s+eech and #ind stilled and Guiescent,
but als) 5italit. is e2hausted, heat is Guenched, and the 3aculties
)3 sense br);en u+, (hereas in the Bhi;;hu in ecstas.
5italit. +ersists, heart abides, and the 3aculties are clear, alth)ugh
res+irati)n, )bser5ati)n, and +erce+ti)n are stilled
and Guiescent&/=
Acc)rding t) Buddhis#, in c)n5enti)nal ter#s, this is the
highest 3)r# )3 bliss +)ssible in this li3e&
'h. d)es an Arahant c)ntinue t) li5e (hen he has
alread. attained NibbanaB
It is because the Ka##ic 3)rce (hich +r)duced his birth is
still n)t s+ent& T) Gu)te Sch)+enhauer, it is li;e the +)tter>s
(heel 3r)# (hich the hand )3 the +)tter has been li3ted, )r,
t) cite a better illustrati)n 3r)# )ur )(n b));s D an Arahant
is li;e a branch that is se5ered 3r)# the tree& It +uts 3)rth n)
#)re 3resh lea5es, 3l)(ers and 3ruits, as it is n) l)nger su++)rted
b. the sa+ )3 the tree&
Th)se (hich alread. e2isted h)(e5er last till the death
)3 that +articular branch& The Arahant li5es )ut his li3e"s+an
& Literall., Mattain#ent t) cessati)n>& See A Manual )3 Abhidha##a b. Narada
Thera ++& 66<, 978&
/=& The ?ath )3 ?urit., +art ii, +& 1<6&
97<
adding n) #)re 3resh Ka##a t) his st)re, and utterl. indi33erent
t) death&
adding n) #)re 3resh Ka##a t) his st)re, and utterl. indi33erent
t) death&
JN)t 3ain a# I t) die n)r .et t) li5e&
I shall la. d)(n this #)rtal 3ra#e an)n
'ith #ind alert, (ith c)nsci)usness c)ntr)lled&
'ith th)ught )3 death I dall. n)t, n)r .et
Delight in li5ing& I a(ait the h)ur
Li;e an. hireling (h) hath d)ne his tas;&K//
'hat ha++ens t) the Arahant a3ter his +assing a(a.B
As a 3la#e bl)(n t) and 3r) b. the (ind g)es )ut and cann)t
be registered, s) sa.s the Buddha, an Arahant, set 3ree 3r)#
#ind and #atter, has disa++eared and cann)t be registered&
Has such an Arahant then #erel. disa++eared, )r d)es he
indeed n) l)nger e2istB
*)r hi# (h) has disa++eared, states the Sutta Ni+ata, there
e2ists n) 3)r# b. (hich the. c)uld sa., Mhe is>& 'hen all c)nditi)ns
are cut )33, all #atter 3)r discussi)n is als) cut )33&
The Udana e2+lains this intricate +)int thus$
JAs the 3ier. s+ar;s 3r)# a 3)rge are )ne b. )ne e2tinguished,
And n) )ne ;n)(s (here the. ha5e g)ne
S) it is (ith th)se (h) ha5e attained t) c)#+lete e#anci+ati)n,
'h) ha5e cr)ssed the 3l))d )3 desire,
'h) ha5e entered the cal# delight, )3 th)se n) trace re#ains&K/6
The MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a als) relates an interesting discussi)n
bet(een the Buddha and Vacchag)tta c)ncerning this 5er.
Guesti)n&/
//& ?sal#s )3 the Brethren& +& 79:&
/ & See '))d(ard, Verses )3 U+li3t, +& //9&
/7& Aggi5acchag)tta Sutta, N)& <6&
9 1
Vacchag)tta, a (andering ascetic, a++r)ached the Buddha
Vacchag)tta, a (andering ascetic, a++r)ached the Buddha
JBut, C)ta#a, (here is the Bhi;;hu (h) is deli5ered )3 #ind
reb)rnB
He (as )3 c)urse re3erring t) the Arahant& The Buddha re+lied$NJ
Vaccha, t) sa. that he is reb)rn ()uld n)t 3it the case&
JThen, C)ta#a, he is n)t reb)rn&
JVaccha, t) sa. that he is n)t reb)rn ()uld n)t 3it the case&
JThen, C)ta#a, he is b)th reb)rn and n)t reb)rn&
JVaccha, t) sa. that he is b)th reb)rn and n)t reb)rn ()uld n)t
3it the case&
JThen, C)ta#a, he is neither reb)rn n)r n)t reb)rn&
JVaccha, t) sa. that he is neither reb)rn n)r n)t reb)rn ()uld
n)t 3it the case&
Vaccha (as ba33led )n hearing these see#ingl. inc)nsistent
ans(ers, and, in his c)n3usi)n, e2clai#ed$
JC)ta#a, I a# at a l)ss t) thin; in this #atter, and I ha5e bec)#e
greatl. c)n3used&
JEn)ugh, O Vaccha& Be n)t at a l)ss t) thin; in this #atter, and
be n)t greatl. c)n3used& ?r)3)und, O Vaccha, is this d)ctrine, rec)ndite
and di33icult )3 c)#+rehensi)n, g))d, e2cellent, and n)t t) be
reached b. #ere reas)ning, subtle and intelligible )nl. t) the (ise
and it is a hard d)ctrine 3)r .)u t) learn, (h) bel)ng t) an)ther sect,
t) an)ther 3aith, t) an)ther +ersuasi)n, t) an)ther disci+line, and
(h) sit at the 3eet )3 an)ther teacher& There3)re, O Vaccha, I shall
n)( Guesti)n .)u, and d) .)u #a;e ans(er as #a. see# t) .)u
g))d& 'hat thin; .)u, VacchaB Su++)se a 3ire (ere t) burn in 3r)nt
)3 .)u, ()uld .)u be a(are that 3ire (as burning in 3r)nt )3 .)uB
JC)ta#a, i3 a 3ire (ere t) burn in 3r)nt )3 #e, I sh)uld be a(are
that a 3ire (as burning in 3r)nt )3 #e&
JBut su++)se, Vaccha, s)#e)ne (ere t) as; .)u$ On (hat d)es
9 0
this 3ire that is burning in 3r)nt )3 .)u de+endB> 'hat ()uld .)u
ans(er, VacchaB
JI ()uld ans(er, O C)ta#a, Mit is )n 3uel )3 grass and ())d that
this 3ire burning in 3r)nt )3 #e de+ends&>
JBut Vaccha, i3 the 3ire in 3r)nt )3 .)u (ere t) bec)#e e2tinct,
()uld .)u be a(are that the 3ire in 3r)nt )3 .)u had bec)#e
this 3ire that is burning in 3r)nt )3 .)u de+endB> 'hat ()uld .)u
ans(er, VacchaB
JI ()uld ans(er, O C)ta#a, Mit is )n 3uel )3 grass and ())d that
this 3ire burning in 3r)nt )3 #e de+ends&>
JBut Vaccha, i3 the 3ire in 3r)nt )3 .)u (ere t) bec)#e e2tinct,
()uld .)u be a(are that the 3ire in 3r)nt )3 .)u had bec)#e
JC)ta#a, i3 the 3ire in 3r)nt )3 #e (ere t) bec)#e e2tinct, I
sh)uld be a(are that the 3ire in 3r)nt )3 #e had bec)#e e2tinct&
JBut, Vacca, i3 s)#e)ne (ere t) as; .)u D MIn (hat directi)n has
that 3ire g)ne, East )r 'est, N)rth )r S)uthB> 'hat ()uld .)u sa.,
VacchaB
JThe Guesti)n ()uld n)t 3it the case, C)ta#a, 3)r the 3ire de+ended
)n 3uel )3 grass and ())d, and (hen that 3uel has all g)ne,
and it can get n) )ther, being thus (ith)ut nutri#ent, it is said t)
be e2tinct&
JIn e2actl. the sa#e (a., Vaccha, all 3)r#s, sensati)ns, +erce+ti)ns,
#ental acti5ities, and c)nsci)usness ha5e been aband)ned,
u+r))ted, #ade li;e a +al#.ra stu#+, bec)#e e2tinct, and n)t liable
t) s+ring u+ in the 3uture&
JThe Saint, O Vaccha, (h) has been released 3r)# (hat are
st.led the *i5e Aggregates, is dee+, i##easurable li;e the #ight.
)cean& T) sa. that he is reb)rn ()uld n)t 3it the case& T) sa. that
he is n)t reb)rn ()uld n)t 3it the case& T) sa. that he is neither reb)rn
n)r n)t reb)rn ()uld n)t 3it the case&K
One cann)t sa. that the Arahant is reb)rn as all +assi)ns that
c)nditi)n rebirth are eradicated, n)r can )ne sa. that the Arahant
is annihilated, 3)r there is n)thing t) annihilate&
)bert O++enhei#er, a scientist, (rites$N
JI3 (e as;, 3)r instance, (hether the +)siti)n )3 the electr)n
99=
re#ains the sa#e, (e #ust sa. Mn)>, i3 (e as; (ether the electr)n>s
+)siti)n changes (ith ti#e, (e #ust sa. Mn)>L i3 (e as; (hether it
is in #)ti)n, (e #ust sa. Mn)&>
re#ains the sa#e, (e #ust sa. Mn)>, i3 (e as; (ether the electr)n>s
+)siti)n changes (ith ti#e, (e #ust sa. Mn)>L i3 (e as; (hether it
is in #)ti)n, (e #ust sa. Mn)&>
/9
But the. are n)t 3a#iliar
ans(ers 3r)# the traditi)n )3 the /<th and /1th centur. science&K
Nibbana, it #a. sa3el. be c)ncluded, is )btained b. the c)#+lete
cessati)n )3 the de3ile#ents @;ilesaA, but the real nature )3
this Su+re#e State @Dha##aA cann)t be e2+ressed in ()rds&
*r)# a #eta+h.sical stand+)int, Nibbana is c)#+lete
deli5erance 3r)# su33ering& *r)# a +s.ch)l)gical stand+)int,
Nibbana is the eradicati)n )3 eg)is#& *r)# an ethical
stand+)int, Nibbana is the destructi)n )3 lust, hatred and
ign)rance&
!
/ & E5identl. the (riter is re3erring t) the state )3 an Arahant a3ter death&
99/
4ha+ter 0
The State )3 an Arahant
JTh)ugh little he recites the Sacred Te2ts, but acts in acc)rdance
(ith the teaching, 3)rsa;ing lust, hatred and ign)rance, trul. ;n)(ing,
(ith #ind (ell 3reed, clinging t) naught here and herea3ter, he
shares the 3ruits )3 the H)l. Li3e&K D Dha##a+ada
The Ti+ita;a ab)unds (ith interesting and sel3"ele5ating sa.ings
that describe the +eace3ul and ha++. state )3 an Arahant,
(h) abides in the ()rld, till the end )3 his li3e, ser5ing )ther
see;ers )3 truth b. e2a#+le and b. +rece+t&
In the Dha##a+ada the Buddha states$
*)r hi# (h) has c)#+leted the H)urne.,/
3)r hi# (h) is s)rr)(less,
6 3)r hi# (h) 3r)# e5er.thing7 is (h)ll. 3ree, 3)r hi#
(h) has destr).ed all Ties,9 the 3e5er @)3 +assi)nA e2ists n)t&8 D
Verse 0=&
The #ind3ul e2ert the#sel5es& T) n) ab)de are the. attached&
Li;e s(ans that Guit their +))ls, h)#e a3ter h)#e the. aband)n
@and g)A&: D Verse 0/&
& O3 li3e in the r)und )3 e2istence, i&e&, an Arahant&
& One gi5es u+ s)rr)( b. attaining Anaga#i, the third stage )3 Sainth))d& It is
at this stage )ne eradicates c)#+letel. attach#ent t) sense"desires and ill(ill
)r a5ersi)n&
7& Sabbadhi, the 3i5e Aggregates etc&
& There are 3)ur ;inds )3 ganthas @tiesA D na#el.,
/& c)5et)usness @abhiHHhaA, 6& ill"(ill @5.a+adaA, 7& indulgence in @(r)ng3ulA
rites and cere#)nies @silabbata+ara#asaA, and 9& adherence t) )ne>s +rec)nce+ti)ns
as truth @ida# saccabhini5esaA&
& This 5erse re3ers t) the ethical state )3 an Arahant& Heat is b)th +h.sical and
#ental& An Arahant e2+eriences b)dil. heat as l)ng as he is ali5e, but is n)t
thereb. ()rried& Mental heat )3 +assi)ns he e2+eriences n)t&
& Arahants (ander (hithers)e5er the. li;e (ith)ut an. attach#ent t) an. +ar
996
The. 3)r (h)# there is n) accu#ulati)n,The. 3)r (h)# there is n) accu#ulati)n,(h) re3lect (ell
)5er their 3))d,1
(h) ha5e Deli5erance,0
(hich is V)id and
Signless, as their )bHect, their c)urse li;e that )3 birds in the
air cann)t be traced& D Verse 06&
He (h)se c)rru+ti)ns are destr).ed, he (h) is n)t attached
t) 3))d, he (h) has Deli5erance, (hich is V)id and Signless,
as his )bHect, his +ath, li;e that )3 birds in the air, cann)t be
traced& D Verse 0 &
He (h)se senses are subdued, li;e steeds (ell trained b. a
chari)teer, he (h)se +ride is destr).ed and is 3ree 3r)# the
c)rru+ti)ns, D such a stead3ast )ne e5en the g)ds h)ld dear&
D Verse 09&
Li;e the earth, a balanced and (elldisci+lined
+ers)n resents
n)t& He is c)#+arable t) an Inda;hila&/=
Li;e a +))l, unsullied
ticular +lace as the. are 3ree 3r)# the c)nce+ti)n )3 JIK and J#ineK&
<&
There are t() ;inds )3 accu#ulati)n D na#el., ;a##ic acti5ities and the 3)ur
necessaries )3 li3e& The 3)r#er tend t) +r)l)ng li3e in Sa#sara and the latter,
th)ugh essential, #a. +r)5e an )bstacle t) s+iritual +r)gress&
1&
T) get rid )3 the desire 3)r 3))d&
&
Nibbana is Deli5erance 3r)# su33ering @5i#);;haA& It is called V)id because it
is 5)id )3 lust, hatred and ign)rance, n)t because it is n)thingness )r annihilati)n&
Nibbana is a +)siti5e su+ra#undane state (hich cann)t be e2+ressed
in #undane ()rds& It is Signless because it is 3ree 3r)# the signs )3 lust etc&
Arahants e2+erience Nibbanic bliss (hile ali5e& It is n)t c)rrect t) sa. that Arahants
e2ist a3ter death, )r d) n)t e2ist a3ter death, 3)r Nibbana is neither eternalis#
n)r nihilis#& In Nibbana n)thing is eternaliIed n)r is an.thing, e2ce+t
+assi)ns, annihilated& Arahants e2+erience Nibbanic bliss b. attaining t) the
3ruit )3 Arahantshi+ in this li3e itsel3&
/=& B. inda;hila is #eant either a c)lu#n as 3ir# and high as that )3 Sa;;a>s )r the
chie3 c)lu#n that stands at the entrance t) a cit.&
4)##entat)rs state that these inda;hilas are 3ir# +)sts (hich are erected
either inside )r )utside the cit. as an e#bellish#ent& Usuall. the. are #ade )3
bric;s )r )3 durable ())d and are )ctag)nal in sha+e& Hal3 )3 the +)st is e#
997
b. #ud, is he, D t) such a balanced )neb. #ud, is he, D t) such a balanced )ne/
li3e>s (anderings d)
n)t arise&/6
D Verse 0 &
4al# is his #ind, cal# is his s+eech, cal# is his acti)n, (h),
rightl. ;n)(ing, is (h)ll. 3reed/
+er3ectl. +eace3ul,/9
and
eGui+)ised& D Verse 0:&
The/
#an (h) is n)t credul)us,/:
(h) understands the Uncreated/<
@NibbanaA, (h) has cut )33 the lin;s,/1
(h) has +ut
an end t) )ccasi)n/0
@)3 g))d and e5ilA, (h) has esche(ed6=
all desires6/
he, indeed, is a su+re#e #an& D Verse 0<&
'hether in 5illage )r in 3)rest, in 5ale )r )n hill,66 (here5er
Arahants d(ell, delight3ul, indeed, is that s+)t& D Verse 01&
bedded in the earth, hence the #eta+h)r as 3ir# and stead. as an inda;hila&
//&
Tadi is )ne (h) has neither attach#ent t) desirable )bHects n)r a5ersi)n t)
undesirable )bHects& N)r d)es he cling t) an.thing& A#idst the eight ()rldl.
c)nditi)ns D gain and l)ss, 3a#e and in3a#., bla#e and +raise, ha++iness and
+ain D an Arahant re#ains un+erturbed, #ani3esting neither attach#ent n)r
a5ersi)n, neither elati)n n)r de+ressi)n&
/ &
As the. are n)t subHect t) birth and death&
/7& *r)# all de3tle#ents&
/ & Since his #ind is abs)lutel. +ure&
/ & The +un in the )riginal ?ali is l)st in the translati)n&
/ & Assaddh) D lit&, un3aith3ul& He d)es n)t #erel. acce+t 3r)# )ther s)urces because
he hi#sel3 ;n)(s 3r)# +ers)nal e2+erience&
/<&
A;ata, Nibbana& It is s) called because it is n)t created b. an.)ne& A;ataQQucan
als) be inter+reted as ungrate3ul&
/1&
The lin;s )3 e2istence and rebirth& Sandhicched) als) #eans a h)use"brea;er
that is a burglar&
/ & Hata W a5a;as), he (h) has destr).ed the )++)rtunit.&
=& Vanta W as), he (h) eats 5)#it is an)ther #eaning&
/& B. #eans )3 the 3)ur +aths )3 Sainth))d& Cr)ss 3)r#s )3 desire are eradicated
at the 3irst three stages, the subtle 3)r#s at the last stage&
&
Ninna and thala, lit&, l)("l.ing and ele5ated gr)unds&
999
Delight3ul are the 3)rests (here ()rldlings delight n)tL the
+assi)nlessDelight3ul are the 3)rests (here ()rldlings delight n)tL the
+assi)nless(ill reH)ice @thereinA,@3)rA the. see; n) sensual
+leasures& D Verse 00&
Ah, ha++il. d) (e li5e (ith)ut hate a#)ngst the hate3ulL
a#idst hate3ul #en (e d(ell unhating& D Verse /0<&
Ah, ha++il. d) (e li5e in g))d health69 a#)ngst the ailingL
a#idst ailing #en (e d(ell in g))d health& D Verse /01&
Ah, ha++il. d) (e li5e (ith)ut .earning @3)r sensual +leasuresA
a#)ngst th)se (h) .earn @3)r the#AL a#idst th)se (h)
.earn @3)r the#A (e d(ell (ith)ut .earning& D Verse /00
Ah, ha++il. d) (e li5e, (e (h) ha5e n) i#+edi#ents&68 *eeders
)3 H). shall (e be e5en as the g)ds )3 the adiant eal#& D
Verse 6==&
*)r (h)# there e2ists neither the hither6: n)r the 3arther
sh)re,6< n)r b)th the hither and the 3arther sh)re, he (h)
is undistressed and unb)und61
D hi# I call a brah#ana& D
Verse 1 &
He (h) is #editati5e,60
stainless and secluded,7= he (h) has
7&
The +assi)nless Arahants reH)ice in secluded 3)rests (hich ha5e n) attracti)n
3)r ()rldlings&
&
*ree 3r)# the disease )3 +assi)ns&
&
KiQcana, such as lust, hatred, and delusi)n (hich are hindrances t) s+iritual
+r)gress&
&
?ara# D the si2 +ers)nal sense"3ields&
<&
A+ara# D the si2 e2ternal sense"3ields&
1&
N)t gras+ing an.thing as J#eK and J#ine&K
&
He (h) +ractises c)ncentrati)n @sa#athaA and insight @5i+assanaA&
7=&
Asina# D li5ing al)ne in the 3)rest&
998
d)ne his dut. and is 3ree 3r)# c)rru+ti)ns,d)ne his dut. and is 3ree 3r)# c)rru+ti)ns,/
he (h) has attained
the Highest C)al,76 D hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 1:&
He that d)es n) e5il thr)ugh b)d., s+eech, )r #ind, (h) is restrained
in these three res+ects, D hi# I call a brah#ana& D
Verse 0/&
He (h) has cut )33 all 3etters, (h) tre#bles n)t, (h) has
g)ne be.)nd ties, (h) is unb)und, D hi# I call a brah#ana& D
Verse 0<&
He (h) has cut the stra+ @hatredA, the th)ng @cra5ingA, and
the r)+e @heresiesA, t)gether (ith the a++endages @latent tendenciesA,
(h) has thr)(n u+ the cr)ssbar
@ign)ranceA, (h) is
enlightened77 @BuddhaA,hi#
I call a brah#ana& D Verse 01&
He (h), (ith)ut anger, endures re+r)ach, 3l)gging and +unish#ents,
(h)se +)(er D the +)tent ar#.is
+atience, D hi#
I call a brah#ana& D Verse 00&
He (h) is n)t (rath3ul, but is duti3ul,79 5irtu)us, 3ree 3r)#
cra5ing, sel3c)ntr)lled
and bears his 3inal b)d.,78 hi# I call
a brah#ana& D Verse 9==&
Li;e (ater )n a l)tus lea3, li;e a #ustard seed )n the +)int )3
a needle, he (h) clings n)t t) sensual +leasures, D hi# I call
a brah#ana& D Verse 9=/&
He (h) realiIes here in this ()rld the destructi)n )3 his
7/& B. realiIing the 3)ur Truths and eradicating the 3etters&
7 & That is, Nibbana&
77& 'h) has underst))d the 3)ur N)ble Truths&
7 & De5)ted t) religi)us austerit.&
7 & Because he, ha5ing destr).ed the ?assi)ns ()uld be reb)rn n) #)re&
99:
s)rr)(, (h) has laid the burdens)rr)(, (h) has laid the burdenaside and is e#anci+ated,
D hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 9=6&
He (h)se ;n)(ledge is dee+, (h) is (ise, (h) is s;illed in
the right and (r)ng (a.,7< (h) has reached the highest g)al,
He (h) is n)t inti#ate either (ith h)useh)lders )r (ith the
h)#eless )nes, (h) (anders (ith)ut an ab)de, (h) is (ith)ut
desires, D hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 9=9&
He (h) has laid aside the cudgel in his dealings (ith be"
ings, 1
(hether 3eeble )r str)ng, (h) neither har#s n)r ;ills,
He (h) is 3riendl. a#)ngst the h)stile, (h) is +eace3ul
a#)ngst the 5i)lent, (h) is unattached a#)ngst the attached,
0
D hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 9=:&
In (h)# lust, hatred, +ride, and detracti)n are 3allen )33
li;e a #ustard seed 3r)# the +)int )3 a needle, D hi# I call a
brah#ana& D Verse 9=<&
He (h) utters gentle, instructi5e, true ()rds, (h) b. his
s+eech gi5es )33ence t) n)ne, D hi# I call a brah#ana& D
Verse 9=1&
He (h) has n) desires, (hether +ertaining t) this ()rld )r
7 & The burden )3 the Aggregates&
7<& 'h) ;n)(s the (a. t) the ()e3ul states, t) the bliss3ul states, and t) Nibbana&
71& Literall., t)(ards beings&
7 & Th)se (h) are attached t) the Aggregates&
99<
t) the ne2t, (h) is desireless and e#anci+ated, D hi# I call a
brah#ana& D Verse 9/=&
t) the ne2t, (h) is desireless and e#anci+ated, D hi# I call a
brah#ana& D Verse 9/=&
9= as (ell, (h) is s)rr)(less, stainless, and +ure, D hi# I
call a brah#ana& Verse
9/6&
He (h) is s+)tless as the #))n, (h) is +ure, serene, and un+erturbed,
(h) has destr).ed cra5ing 3)r bec)#ing, D hi# I
call a brah#ana& D Verse 9/ &
He (h), discarding hu#an ties and transcending celestial
ties, is c)#+letel. deli5ered 3r)# all ties,9/
D hi# I call a
brah#ana& D Verse 9/<&
He (h) has gi5en u+ li;es96 and disli;es,97 (h) is c))led
and is (ith)ut de3ile#ents,99 (h) has c)nGuered the ()rld,98
and is strenu)us, D hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 9/1&
He (h) has n) clinging t) aggregates that are +ast, 3uture,
)r +resent, (h) is (ith)ut clinging and gras+ing, D hi# I
call a brah#ana& D Verse 96/&
The 3earless,9: the n)ble, the her), the great sage,9< the
=& Lust, hatred, delusi)n, +ride and 3alse 5ie(s&
/& Undisturbed b. de3ile#ents&
& That is, attach#ent t) sense"desires&
7& Arati, disli;e 3)r 3)rest li3e @c)##entar.A&
& U+adhi& There are 3)ur ;inds )3 u+adhi, D na#el., the aggregates @;handhaA, the
+assi)ns @;ilesaA, 5)liti)nal acti5ities @abhisa#;haraA, and sense"desires @;a#aA
& That is, the ()rld )3 Aggregates&
& Usabha#, 3earless as a bull&
<& Mahesi#, see;er )3 higher #)ralit., c)ncentrati)n, and (isd)#&
991
c)nGuer)r,c)nGuer)r,1
the desireless, the cleanser90
@)3 de3ile#entsA,
the enlightened,8= hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 966&
That sage (h) ;n)(s his 3)r#er ab)des, (h) sees the bliss3ul
/
and the ()e3ul states,86 (h) has reached the end )3
births,87 (h), (ith su+eri)r (isd)#, has +er3ected hi#sel3 89
(h) has c)#+leted88 @the h)l. li3eA, and reached the end )3
all +assi)ns, D hi# I call a brah#ana& D Verse 967&
!
1& ViHita5ina#, the c)nGuer)r )3 +assi)ns&
& Nahata;a#, he (h) has (ashed a(a. all i#+urities&
=& Buddha#, he (h) has underst))d the 3)ur N)ble Truths&
/& Sagga, the si2 hea5enl. eal#s, the si2teen u+a eal#s, and the 3)ur Aru+a
eal#s&
& A+a.a the 3)ur ()e3ul states&
7& -ati;;ha.a#, i&e& Arahantshi+&
& AbhiQQa5)sit), i&e&, reached the cul#inati)n b. c)#+rehending that (hich
sh)uld be c)#+rehended, b. discarding that (hich sh)uld be discarded, b.
realiIing that (hich sh)uld be realiIed, and b. de5el)+ing that (hich sh)uld
be de5el)+ed @c)##entar.A&
& Sabba5)sita5)sana#, i&e&, ha5ing li5ed the H)l. Li3e (hich cul#inates in (isd)#
+ertaining t) the ?ath )3 Arahantshi+, the end )3 all +assi)ns&
990
4ha+ter 9=
The B)dhisatta Ideal
JThis b)d. )3 3lesh and bl))d I bear -ust 3)r the ()rld>s g))d and
(el3are&K D Sri Sangab)dhi
In the teachings )3 the Buddha, 3)r the realiIati)n )3 the ulti
#ate C)al, there are three #)des )3 Enlighten#ent @B)dhiA )ne
)3 (hich an as+irant #a. ch))se in acc)rdance (ith his +ar
ticular te#+era#ent& The. are Sa5a;a/B)dhi,
?acce;aB)dhi
and the Sa##aSa#b)dhi&
Sa5a;a"B)dhi is the Enlighten#ent )3 a disci+le& This is
;n)(n as the Arahant6 ideal& He (h) as+ires t) bec)#e an
Arahant usuall. see;s the guidance )3 a su+eri)r enlightened
instruct)r& A slight indicati)n 3r)# an understanding teacher
()uld al)ne be su33icient 3)r a #)rall. ad5anced as+irant t)
+r)gress )n the u+(ard +ath )3 Enlighten#ent& Venerable
Sari+utta, 3)r instance, attained the 3irst stage )3 Sainth))d,
hearing )nl. hal3 a stanIa 3r)# the Arahant AssaHi& The s)rr)("
a33licted ?atacara, (h) l)st all th)se dear t) her under tragic circu#stances,
attained Arahantshi+ b. (atching the (ater that
(ashed her 3eet& The child"li;e Kisag)ta#i (h) i#+l)red the
Buddha 3)r a cure 3)r her dead in3ant, attained Sainth))d b.
(atching a la#+ that (as being e2tinguished& 4ula ?antha;a,
(h) c)uld n)t #e#)riIe a 5erse 3)r 3)ur #)nths, attained Ara
hantshi+ b. #editating )n i#+er#anence (hile handling a
clean +iece )3 (hite cl)th in his hand, gaIing at the sun&
A3ter achie5ing his g)al, an Arahant de5)tes the re#ain
der )3 his li3e t) ser5ing )ther see;ers )3 +eace b. e2a#+le
& Literall., a hearer&
& Literall., a ')rth. )r ?assi)nless One&
98=
and b. +rece+t& *irst he +uri3ies hi#sel3, and then he tries t)
+uri3. )thers b. e2+)unding t) the# the teachings (hich he
hi#sel3 has 3)ll)(ed& An Arahant is #)re Guali3ied t) teach the
Dha##a than )rdinar. ()rldling teachers, (h) ha5e n) real
iIati)n )3 Truth, since he s+ea;s 3r)# +ers)nal e2+erience&
There is n)thing sel3ish in the n)ble ideal )3 Arahantshi+,
3)r Arahantshi+ is gained )nl. b. eradicating all 3)r#s )3 sel3ishness&
Sel3"illusi)n and Eg)is# are s)#e )3 the 3etters that
ha5e t) be discarded in )rder t) attain Arahantshi+& The (ise
#en and ()#en (h) li5ed in the ti#e )3 the Buddha, and
)thers later, bene3ited b. the g)lden )++)rtunit. )33ered b.
Hi# t) gain their enlighten#ent in this +resent li3e itsel3&
?acce;a"B)dhi is the inde+endent Enlighten#ent )3 a
highl. e5)l5ed +ers)n (h) achie5es his g)al b. his )(n e3
3)rts (ith)ut see;ing an. e2ternal aid& Such a h)l. +ers)n is
ter#ed a ?acce;a @?ri5ateA Buddha because he lac;s the +)(er
t) +uri3. and ser5e )thers b. e2+)unding the Dha##a (hich
he hi#sel3 has disc)5ered& Ne5ertheless he teaches #)ralit.&
?acce;a Buddhas arise )nl. during th)se +eri)ds (hen the
Teaching d)es n)t e2ist& Their nu#ber is n)t li#ited )nl. t) )ne
at a +articular ti#e as in the case )3 Sa##a"Sa#buddhas&
Alth)ugh the Buddha C)ta#a )3 the +resent era has +assed
a(a. (e are still li5ing in a Buddha c.cle, 3)r the Teaching still
e2ists in its +ristine +urit.& Acc)rdingl. n) ?acce;a Buddhas
arise during this +eri)d& In the Khagga5isana Sutta )3 the
Sutta Ni+ata are treasured s)#e beauti3ul sa.ings )3 ?acce;a
Buddhas& A 3e( )3 their (ise utterances are Gu)ted bel)($N
/
Lea5ing aside the cudgel t)(ards all beings, har#ing
n)ne )3 the#, let hi# n)t .earn 3)r s)ns )r 3riends, but
(ander al)ne li;e a rhin)cer)s&
9 /
6
6
7
'e certainl. +raise the 5alue )3 c)#radeshi+& One sh)uld
ass)ciate (ith su+eri)rs )r eGuals& *ailing the#, lead a
bla#eless li3e and (ander al)ne li;e a rhin)cer)s&
9 Variegated, s(eet, and enchanting are sensual +leasures&
In di5erse 3)r#s the. seduce the heart& ec)gniIing their
#enace, (ander al)ne li;e a rhin)cer)s&
8
4)ld and heat, hunger, thirst, (ind, sun, #)sGuit)es and
sna;es D )5erc)#e the# all, and (ander al)ne li;e a
rhin)cer)s&
:
Li;e a li)n that d)es n)t tre#ble at e5er. s)und, li;e the
(ind that d)es n)t cling t) the #eshes )3 a net, li;e the
l)tus that is uns)iled b. the #ud, (ander al)ne li;e a
rhin)cer)s&
<
In due seas)n culti5ate l)5ing";indness, eGuani#it., c)#+assi)n,
release, a++reciati5e H)., and unth(arted b. the
()rld, (ander al)ne li;e a rhin)cer)s&
Sa##a"Sa#b)dhi is the su+re#e Enlighten#ent )3 a #)st
de5el)+ed, #)st c)#+assi)nate, #)st l)5ing, all";n)(ing
+er3ect being& He (h) attains this B)dhi is called a Sa##aSa#buddha,
literall., a 3ull. sel3"enlightened One& He is s)
called because he n)t )nl. c)#+rehends the Dha##a b.
his )(n e33)rts and (isd)# but als) e2+)unds the d)ctrine
t) see;ers )3 truth t) +uri3. and sa5e the# 3r)# this e5er"
recurring c.cle )3 birth and death& Unli;e the ?ri5ate Buddhas,
)nl. )ne Su+re#e Buddha arises at a +articular ti#e, Hust as
)n certain trees )ne 3l)(er al)ne bl))#s&
986
He (h) as+ires t) attain Sa##a"Sa#buddhah))d is called
a B)dhisatta& This B)dhisatta ideal is the #)st re3ined and the
He (h) as+ires t) attain Sa##a"Sa#buddhah))d is called
a B)dhisatta& This B)dhisatta ideal is the #)st re3ined and the
Th)se (h), in the c)urse )3 their (anderings in Sa#sara,
(ish t) ser5e )thers and reach ulti#ate +er3ecti)n, are 3ree
t) +ursue the B)dhisatta ideal, but there is n) c)#+ulsi)n
that all #ust stri5e t) attain Buddhah))d, (hich, t) sa. the
least, is +racticall. i#+)ssible& 4ritics (h) c)ntend that the
B)dhisatta ideal (as e5)l5ed t) c)unteract the tendenc. t)
a cl)istered, +lacid and inert #)nastic li3e, )nl. re5eal ign)rance
)3 the +ure Buddha"Dha##a&
The Abbisa#a.alan;ara"Al);a, a later Sa#s;rit ()r;, a
sub"c)##entar. t) the ?raHna ?ara#ita, states$N
JThe great disci+les @Sra5a;asA, ha5ing attained the t() ;inds
)3 Enlighten#ent @i&e&, )3 the Sra5a;a +r)+er and the ?rat.e;a
BuddhaA (ith and (ith)ut residue, re#ain (ith their #inds
3ull )3 3ear, since the. are de+ri5ed )3 great c)#+assi)n and
highest (isd)# @uru ;aruna +raHna5ai;al.enaA&
O(ing t)
the cessati)n )3 the 3)rce )3 li3e, +r)duced b. the +re5i)us Bi)tic
3)rce, the attain#ent )3 Nir5ana bec)#es +)ssible& But in
realit. @the Hina.anist saintsA are +)ssessed )nl. )3 that see#ing
Nir5ana (hich is called the Nir5ana rese#bling an e2tinguished
light& The births in the three s+heres )3 e2istence ha5e
ceased, but, a3ter their ()rldl. e2istence has ta;en an end, the
Arahants are b)rn in the #)st +ure s+here )3 Buddhist acti5it.
in the una33ected +lane @anasra5adhatuA, in state )3 +er+etual
trance and abiding (ithin the +etals )3 l)tus 3l)(ers @+ad#a+hutesu
Ha.anteA& Therea3ter the Buddha A#itabha and )ther
Buddhas rese#bling the sun ar)use the# in )rder t) re#)5e
987
the unde3iled ign)rance @a;ilishta QanaA& Thereu+)n the Arahants
#a;e their creati5e e33)rt 3)r Su+re#e Enlighten#ent and,
th)ugh the. abide in a state )3 deli5erance, the. act @in the +hen)#enal
()rldA as i3 the. (ere #a;ing a descent t) hell& And
graduall., ha5ing accu#ulated all the 3act)rs 3)r the attain#ent
)3 Enlighten#ent, the. bec)#e teachers )3 li5ing beings
@i&e&, BuddhasA&K
the unde3iled ign)rance @a;ilishta QanaA& Thereu+)n the Arahants
#a;e their creati5e e33)rt 3)r Su+re#e Enlighten#ent and,
th)ugh the. abide in a state )3 deli5erance, the. act @in the +hen)#enal
()rldA as i3 the. (ere #a;ing a descent t) hell& And
graduall., ha5ing accu#ulated all the 3act)rs 3)r the attain#ent
)3 Enlighten#ent, the. bec)#e teachers )3 li5ing beings
@i&e&, BuddhasA&K
It is argued that Arahantshi+ is sel3ish and that all #ust
stri5e t) attain Buddhah))d t) sa5e )thers& 'ell, )ne #ight
as;$N 'hat is the )bHect )3 attaining Buddhah))dB Is it t)
#a;e )thers attain Arahantshi+ and sa5e the#B I3 s), the l)g
ical c)nclusi)n is that Buddhah))d itsel3 3)sters sel3ishness
(hich is absurd&
Buddhah))d is indis+utabl. the best and the n)blest )3 all
the three ideals, but all are n)t ca+able )3 achie5ing this highest
ideal& Surel. all scientists cann)t be Einsteins and Ne(t)ns&
There #ust als) be lesser scientists (h) hel+ the ()rld
acc)rding t) their ca+abilities&
The ?ali ter# B)dhisatta is c)#+)sed )3 B)dhi (hich #eans
J(isd)#K )r Jenlighten#entK, and JSattaK (hich #eans Jde5)ted
t)K )r Jintent )n&K A B)dhisatta, there3)re, #eans )ne
(h) is de5)ted t), )r intent )n, (isd)# )r enlighten#ent&
The Sa#s;ritised 3)r# sh)uld be B)dhisha;ta but the +)+ular
ter# is B)dhisatt5a (hich #eans J(isd)# beingK )r a
being as+iring t) bec)#e a Buddha&
This ter# is generall. a++lied t) an.)ne (h) is stri5ing 3)r
Enlighten#ent, but, in the strictest sense )3 the ter#, sh)uld be
a++lied )nl. t) th)se (h) are destined t) bec)#e su+re#el.
989
Enlightened Ones&Enlightened Ones&
In )ne sense all are +)tential Buddhas, 3)r Buddhah))d is
n)t the s+ecial +rer)gati5e )3 s+eciall. graced +ers)ns&
It sh)uld be n)ted that Buddhists d) n)t belie5e that there
lies d)r#ant in us all a di5ine s+ar; that needs de5el)+#ent,
3)r the. den. the e2istence )3 a 4reat)r, but the. are c)nsci)us
)3 the innate +)ssibilities and the creati5e +)(er )3 #an&
Buddhis# denies t)) the e2istence )3 a +er#anent s)ul
that trans#igrates 3r)# li3e t) li3e, acGuiring all e2+eriences&
Instead )3 an unchanging s)ul, the s)"called essence )3 #an,
it +)sits a d.na#ic li3e"3lu2 (here there is an identit. in
+r)cess&
As a #an ?rince Siddharta, b. his )(n (ill, (isd)# and
l)5e, attained Buddhah))d, the highest state )3 +er3ecti)n
an. being c)uld as+ire t), and He re5ealed t) #an;ind the
)nl. +ath that leads theret)& A singular characteristic )3 Buddhis#
is that an.)ne #a. as+ire t) the state )3 the teacher
hi#sel3 i3 )nl. he #a;es the necessar. e2erti)n& The Buddha
did n)t clai# an. #)n)+)l. )3 Buddhah))d& It is n)t a s)rt )3
e5)luti)nar. +r)cess& It #a. be achie5ed b. )ne>s )(n e33)rt
(ith)ut the hel+ )3 an)ther& The Buddha d)es n)t c)nde#n
#en b. calling the# (retched sinners, but, )n the c)ntrar.,
enc)urages the# sa.ing that the. are +ure in heart at c)nce+ti)n&
Instead )3 disheartening 3)ll)(ers, creating an in3eri)rit.
c)#+le2, and reser5ing the e2alted state )3 Buddha
7&
?r)3& h.s Da5ids (rites in his Buddhist Birth St)ries @+& 222i5A$N JThere is a
religi)us r)#ance called Barlaa# and -)asa+h, gi5ing the hist)r. )3 an Indian
+rince (h) (as c)n5erted b. Barlaa# and beca#e a her#it& This hist)r., the
reader (ill be sur+rised t) hear, is ta;en 3r)# the li3e )3 the BuddhaL and
-)asa+h is #erel. the Buddha under an)ther na#e, the ()rd -)asa+h, )r, -)sa+hat,
being si#+l. a c)rru+ti)n )3 the ()rd B)disat&K J-)asa+h is in Arabic
(ritten als) !udasat3L and this, thr)ugh a c)n3usi)n bet(een the Arabic letters
! and B, is 3)r B)disatK& See Enc.cl)+aedia )3 eligi)n and Ethics, 5)l& :, +& 8:<&
988
t) Hi#sel3, He enc)urages the# and ins+ires the# t) e#ulate
Hi#&
A B)dhisatta need n)t necessaril. be a Buddhist& 'e #a.
t) Hi#sel3, He enc)urages the# and ins+ires the# t) e#ulate
Hi#&
A B)dhisatta need n)t necessaril. be a Buddhist& 'e #a.
h
the. #a. be una(are )3 their l)3t. as+irati)ns, and B)dhisattas
#a. als) be 3)und a#)ng )ther religi)nists as (ell&
Three T.+es )3 B)dhisattas
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# there are three t.+es )3 B)dhisattas
D na#el., Intellectual B)dhisattas @?aQQadhi;aA&
De5)ti)nal
B)dhisattas @Saddhadhi;aA and Energetic B)dhisattas
@Viri.adhi;aA& These three ;inds )3 B)dhisattas c)rres+)nd t)
#ana !)gi, Bha;ti !)gi and Kar#a !)gi )3 the Hindus&
Intellectual B)dhisattas are less de5)ti)nal and #)re energeticL
de5)ti)nal )nes are less energetic and #)re intellectualL
energetic )nes are less intellectual and #)re de5)ti)nal&
Seld)#, i3 e5er, are these three characteristics har#)ni)usl.
c)#bined in )ne +ers)n& The Buddha C)ta#a is cited as )ne
)3 the intellectual gr)u+&
Acc)rding t) the B));s the intellectual )nes attain Buddhah))d
(ithin a sh)rt +eri)d, de5)ti)nal )nes ta;e a l)nger
ti#e, and energetic )nes ta;e l)nger still&
Intellectual B)dhisattas c)ncentrate #)re )n the de5el)+#ent
)3 (isd)# and )n the +ractice )3 #editati)n than )n
the )bser5ance )3 e2ternal 3)r#s )3 h)#age& The. are al(a.s
guided b. reas)n and acce+t n)thing )n blind belie3& The.
#a;e n) sel3"surrender, and are n)t sla5es either t) a b));
)r t) an indi5idual& The. +re3er l)nel. #editati)n& 'ith their
silent but +)(er3ul th)ughts )3 +eace radiating 3r)# their s)litar.
retreats the. render #)ral hel+ t) su33ering hu#anit.&
The ele#ent )3 +iet. D Saddha )r Trust3ul 4)n3idence D is
98:
+red)#inant in the De5)ti)nal B)dhisattas& 'ith Saddha as
their c)#+ani)n the. achie5e their g)al&
These B)dhisattas ta;e a ;een interest in all 3)r#s )3 h)#age&
The i#age )3 the Buddha is a great ins+irati)n t) the#&
It sh)uld be underst))d that Buddhists d) n)t ()rshi+ an
+red)#inant in the De5)ti)nal B)dhisattas& 'ith Saddha as
their c)#+ani)n the. achie5e their g)al&
These B)dhisattas ta;e a ;een interest in all 3)r#s )3 h)#age&
The i#age )3 the Buddha is a great ins+irati)n t) the#&
It sh)uld be underst))d that Buddhists d) n)t ()rshi+ an
n
the 5irtues )3 the Buddha& The #)re the. thin; )3 the Buddha
the #)re the. l)5e Hi#& This is the reas)n (h. Buddhis#
d)es n)t den)unce these e2ternal 3)r#s )3 h)#age @a#isa
+uHaA th)ugh und)ubtedl. +ractice @+ati+atti +uHaA is #)re c)##endable
and indis+utabl. su+eri)r& But dr. intellect has t)
be 3la5)ured (ith Saddha @3aithA t) )btain satis3act)r. results&
As e2cessi5e Saddha #ight als) s)#eti#es be detri#ental, it
has t) be restrained b. (isd)#&
The energetic )nes al(a.s see; )++)rtunities t) be )3 ser5ice
t) )thers& N)thing gi5es the# greater delight than acti5e
ser5ice& J*)r the# ()r; is ha++iness, and ha++iness is ()r;&K
The. are n)t ha++. unless the. are acti5e& As King Sangha
b)dhi )3 Sri Lan;a said the. Jbear this b)d. )3 3lesh and bl))d
3)r the g))d and ha++iness )3 the ()rld&K The. li5e n)t )nl.
3)r the#sel5es but 3)r )thers as (ell&
This s+irit )3 sel3less ser5ice is )ne )3 the chie3 characteristics
)3 all B)dhisattas&
'ith relentless energ. the. ()r; n)t as sla5es but as #asters&
The. cra5e 3)r neither 3a#e n)r na#e& The. are interested
)nl. in ser5ice& It is i##aterial t) the# (hether )thers
rec)gniIe their sel3less ser5ice )r n)t& The. are utterl. indi33erent
t) +raise )r bla#e,
The. 3)rget the#sel5es in their disinterested ser5ice t)
)thers& The. ()uld sacri3ice e5en li3e itsel3 c)uld such acti)n
sa5e an)ther 3ell)("being&
98<
A B)dhisatta (h) 3)rgets hi#sel3 in the ser5ice )3 )thers
sh)uld +ractise Karuna and Metta @c)#+assi)n and l)5ing"
A B)dhisatta (h) 3)rgets hi#sel3 in the ser5ice )3 )thers
sh)uld +ractise Karuna and Metta @c)#+assi)n and l)5ing"
A B)dhisatta desires the g))d and (el3are )3 the ()rld& He
l)5es all beings as a #)ther l)5es her )nl. child& He identi3ies
hi#sel3 (ith all& T) hi# n)thing gi5es #)re delight than t)
thin; that all are his br)thers and sisters& He is li;e a #)ther,
a 3ather, a 3riend, a teacher, t) all beings&
JThe c)#+assi)n )3 a B)dhisatta c)nsists in realiIing the
eGualit. )3 )nesel3 (ith )thers @+ara at#asa#ataA
and als)
the substituti)n )3 )thers 3)r )nesel3 @+araat#a+ari5artanaA&K
'hen he d)es s) he l)ses his I"n)ti)n and 3inds n) di33erence
bet(een hi#sel3 and )thers& He returns g))d 3)r e5il, and
hel+s e5en unas;ed the 5er. +ers)ns (h) ha5e (r)nged hi#,
3)r he ;n)(s that Jthe strength )3 a religi)us teacher is his
+atience&K
JBeing re5iled, he re5iles n)tL being beaten, he beats n)tL
being ann).ed, he ann).s n)t& His 3)rgi5eness is un3ailing
e5en as the #)ther earth su33ers in silence all that #a. be
d)ne t) her&K
!
9 1
4ha+ter 9/
?ara#i D ?er3ecti)ns
J')r; 3)r the (el3are )3 )thers&K D Sutta Ni+ata
There are ten transcendental 5irtues, (hich, in ?ali, are ter#ed
?ara#i/ thate5er.B)dhisatta+ractisesin)rdert)gainSu+re#e
Enlighten#ent D Sa##a"Sa#buddhah))d& The. are Cener)s
it. @DanaA, M)ralit5 @SilaA, enunciati)n @Ne;;ha##aA, 'isd)#
@?aQQaA, Energ. @Viri.aA, ?atience @KhantiA, Truth3ulness @SaccaA,
Deter#inati)n @AdhitthanaA and EGuani#it. @U+e;;haA&
Acc)rding t) the 4ari.a ?ita;a 4)##entar., ?ara#i are
th)se 5irtues (hich are culti5ated (ith c)#+assi)n, guided
b. reas)n, unin3luenced b. sel3ish #)ti5es& and unsullied b.
#isbelie3 and all 3eelings )3 sel3"c)nceit&
The acti)ns )3 a B)dhisatta are abs)lutel. sel3less, being
+r)#+teds)lel.b.c)#+assi)nt)(ardsallbeings&s)b)undless
is his l)5e and s) +er5asi5e is his in3inite c)#+assi)n that un
ceasingl. thr)ugh)ut the series )3 his c)untless li5es he stri5es
t) di#inish su33ering, t) ele5ate t) greater h)n)ur the +))r and
the l)(l., and t) hel+ the need. in e5er. +)ssible (a.&
He see;s n) delight in sel3"indulgence (hile his less 3)r
tunate brethren and sisters are stee+ed in #iser.& T) alle5iate
su33ering he ()uld n)t hesitate t) sacri3ice his #)st cherished
+)ssessi)ns D n)t e2ce+ting li3e itsel3 as illustrated in the st)r.
in the V.aghri"-ata;a
'ith heart 3ull )3 c)#+assi)n he ()r;s 3)r the (eal and
ha++iness )3 all beingsL th)ugh al(a.s guided b. reas)n& He
is gener)usl. end)(ed (ith all the essential Gualities )3 b)th
/&
?ara#iK?ara#K, be.)nd, i&e&, B)dhi )r Enlight#ent, JiK, t) g)& Literall., it #eans
that (hich enables )ne t) g) t) the *urther Sh)re& The ?ali ter# ?ara#ita is
als) used in the sa#e sense&
9 0
head and heart in their 3ull de5el)+#ent (hich are dedicated
head and heart in their 3ull de5el)+#ent (hich are dedicated
In ser5ing )thers a B)dhisatta is n)t actuated b. a desire
3)r +)(er )r ()rldl. +)ssessi)ns& Kn)(ing as he d)es that
3a#e c)#es uns)ught t) hi# (h) is ()rth. )3 it, (h. sh)uld
he +ursue itB
He is c)#+letel. altruistic in his #)ti5es and eg)is# +la.s
n) +art in his disinterested acti5ities&
JLet la.#en and #)n;s b)th thin; that this (as d)ne b.
#.sel3& In e5er. ()r; great )r s#all, let the# re3er t) #e& Such
is the as+irati)n )3 the 3))l& His desires and +ride increase,K6
states the Dha##a+ada& Such narr)( and sel3ish as+irati)ns
d) n)t enter int) the #ind )3 a B)dhisatta&
/& Dana
Dana )r Cener)sit. is the 3irst ?ara#i& It c)n3ers u+)n the gi5er
the d)uble blessing )3 inhibiting i##)ral th)ughts )3 sel3ishness,
(hile de5el)+ing +ure th)ughts )3 sel3lessness&
JIt blesseth hi# that gi5es and hi# that ta;es&K
A B)dhisatta is n)t c)ncerned as t) (hether the reci+ient
is trul. in need )r n)t, 3)r his )ne )bHect in +ractising gener)s
it., as he d)es, is t) eli#inate cra5ing that lies d)r#ant (ithin
hi#sel3& The H). )3 ser5ice, its attendant ha++iness, and the al
le5iati)n )3 su33ering are )ther blessings )3 gener)sit.&
In e2tending his l)5e (ith su+ern)r#al gener)sit., he
#a;es n) distincti)n bet(een )ne being and an)ther, but he
uses Hudici)us discri#inati)n in this gener)sit.& I3, 3)r instance,
a drun;ard (ere t) see; his hel+, and, i3 he (ere c)n5inced
that the drun;ard ()uld #isuse his gi3t, the B)dhisatta (ith)ut
hesitati)n ()uld re3use it, 3)r such #is+laced gener)sit.
& 5& <9
9:=
()uld n)t c)nstitute a ?ara#i&
()uld n)t c)nstitute a ?ara#i&
r
the )++)rtunit. a33)rded, and (illingl. and hu#bl. render
e5er. +)ssible aid& !et, he ()uld ne5er set it d)(n t) his )(n
credit as a 3a5)ur c)n3erred u+)n an)ther, n)r ()uld he e5er
regard the #an as his debt)r 3)r the ser5ice rendered& He is
interested )nl. in the g))d act, but in n)thing else s+ringing
3r)# it& He e2+ects n) re(ard in return, n)r e5en d)es he
cra5e enhance#ent )3 re+utati)n 3r)# it&
A B)dhisatta, th)ugh al(a.s read. t) c)n3er a 3a5)ur, seld)#,
i3 e5er, st))+s t) as; )ne& The Brah#a -ata;a @N)& 767A
relates that )nce the B)dhisatta (as leading an ascetic li3e in
the +ar; )3 a certain ;ing (h) used t) 5isit hi# dail. and
#inister t) his needs& !et, 3)r t(el5e l)ng .ears he re3rained
3r)# as;ing the b))n )3 a +air )3 sandals and a lea3"+aras)l,
tri3ling as the. (ere&
'hen Guesti)ned as t) his strange, but #)dest attitude, he
re+lied t) the ;ing$N
J'h) beg, ?aQcala, L)rd, t) (ee+ are 3ain&
The. (h) re3use are a+t t) (ee+ againK&
In abundance he gi5es t) )thers, irres+ecti5e )3 caste, creed, )r
c)l)ur, th)ugh see;ing n)thing 3)r hi#sel3 in return& A characteristic
)3 his #ind is +er3ect c)ntent#ent such as the +)et
Ed(ard D.er c)nte#+lated&
JS)#e ha5e t)) #uch, .et still d) cra5e,
I little ha5e and see; n) #)re,
The. are but +))r th)ugh #uch the. ha5e,
And I a# rich (ith little st)re&K
9:/
In the Kanha -ata;a @N)& 99=A it is related that Sa;;a, attracted
b. the e2e#+lar., 5irtu)us li3e )3 the B)dhisatta, a++r)ached
hi# and )33ered hi# a b))n& Acceding t) Sa;;a>s
In the Kanha -ata;a @N)& 99=A it is related that Sa;;a, attracted
b. the e2e#+lar., 5irtu)us li3e )3 the B)dhisatta, a++r)ached
hi# and )33ered hi# a b))n& Acceding t) Sa;;a>s
/
Ma. I harb)ur n) #alice )r hatred against #. neighb)urR
6 Ma. I n)t c)5et #. neighb)ur>s +)ssessi)nsR
7 Ma. I cherish n) +ers)nal a33ecti)n t)(ards )thersR
9 Ma. I +)ssess eGuani#it.R
Creatl. disa++)inted, th)ugh 3ull )3 ad#irati)n 3)r the disinterest
sh)(n, Sa;;a entreated hi# t) ch))se .et an)ther
b))n&
He re+lied$N
J'here in the ())d I e5er d(ell,
'here all al)ne d(ell I,
Crant n) disease #a. #ar an. +eace,
Or brea; #. ecstas.&K
Hearing this, Sa;;a th)ught"K'ise Kanha, in ch))sing a b))n,
ch))ses n)thing c)nnected (ith 3))d& All he ch))ses +ertain
t) the ascetic li3eRK
!et again Sa;;a said, J4h))se a b))nRK
The B)dhisatta res+)nded$
JO Sa;;a, L)rd )3 the ()rld, a ch)ice th)u d)est declare$
N) creature be aught har#ed 3)r #e O Sa;;a, an.(here,
Neither in b)d. n)r in #ind, this, Sa;;a, is #. +ra.er&K7
A B)dhisatta e2ercises this 5irtue )3 gener)sit. t) such an e2tent
that he is +re+ared t) gi5e a(a. n)t )nl. (ealth and )ther
cherished +)ssessi)ns, but als) his ;ingd)#, his li#bs and
e5en his children and (i3eL and he is e5er read. t) sacri3ice
7& -ata;a St)ries, N)& 99=&
9:6
his )(n li3e (here5er such sacri3ice ()uld bene3it hu#anit.&
The Vessantara -ata;a @N)& 89<A relates h)(, (hen ?rince
Vessantara (as a child )3 )nl. eight .ears, he th)ught (ith all
sincerit.$ JI3 )ne sh)uld need #. heart, I ()uld cut )+en #.
breast, tear it )ut and gi5e itL i3 )ne sh)uld need #. e.es, I
()uld g)uge the# )ut and gi5e the#L i3 )ne sh)uld need #.
3lesh, I ()uld cut )33 (hat he needed&K
The V.aghri -ata;a de+icts, in gr)(ing ter#s, an incident
in (hich he (illingl. and H).3ull. sacri3iced his li3e 3)r
the g))d and ha++iness )3 )thers& In the -ata;a#ala the st)r.
runs as 3)ll)(s$N
JOn )ne )ccasi)n (hen the B)dhisatta (as +assing thr)ugh a
3)rest, acc)#+anied b. his disci+le, he sa( a tigress and her three
cubs near death 3r)# star5ati)n& M)5ed t) c)#+assi)n, he as;ed
his disci+le t) secure s)#e 3))d 3)r the#& This (as but a +rete2t t)
send hi# a(a., 3)r the B)dhisatta th)ught$
J'h. sh)uld I search a3ter #eat 3r)# the b)d. )3 an)ther (hile
the (h)le )3 #. )(n b)d. is a5ailableB *inding )ther #eat is a
#atter )3 chance, and I #a. (ell l)se the )++)rtunit. )3 d)ing
#. dut.& This b)d. being 3)ul and a s)urce )3 su33ering, he is n)t
(ise (h) ()uld n)t reH)ice at its being s+ent 3)r the bene3it )3 an)ther&
There are but t() things that #a;e )ne disregard the grie3
)3 an)ther D attach#ent t) )ne>s )(n +leasure and the absence )3
the +)(er )3 hel+ing& But I cann)t ta;e #. +leasure (hile an)ther
grie5es, as l)ng as I a# able t) hel+ hi#& 'h. sh)uld I, there3)re,
be indi33erentB
JB. casting #.sel3 d)(n this +reci+ice, I sacri3ice #. #iserable
b)d. (hich (ill 3eed the tigress, thus +re5enting her 3r)# ;illing
the .)ung )nes and sa5ing the .)ung )nes 3r)# d.ing b. the
teeth )3 their #)ther&
J*urther#)re, b. s) d)ing I set an e2a#+le t) th)se (h)se
9:7
l)ngings are 3)r the g))d )3 the ()rld& I enc)urage the 3eebleL I gladden
th)se (h) understand the #eaning )3 charit.L and I ins+ire the
5irtu)us& And 3inall. that )++)rtunit. I .earned 3)r, (hen #a. I
ha5e the )++)rtunit. )3 bene3iting )thers b. )33ering the# #. )(n
li#bs, I shall )btain it n)(, and acGuire be3)re l)ng the Sa##a
Sa#buddhah))d D Su+re#e Enlighten#ent&K
l)ngings are 3)r the g))d )3 the ()rld& I enc)urage the 3eebleL I gladden
th)se (h) understand the #eaning )3 charit.L and I ins+ire the
5irtu)us& And 3inall. that )++)rtunit. I .earned 3)r, (hen #a. I
ha5e the )++)rtunit. )3 bene3iting )thers b. )33ering the# #. )(n
li#bs, I shall )btain it n)(, and acGuire be3)re l)ng the Sa##a
Sa#buddhah))d D Su+re#e Enlighten#ent&K
The Ne5ari @Ne+ala BhashaA 5ersi)n )3 this interesting and
+iti3ul st)r. is as 3)ll)(s$N
In the re#)te +ast there li5ed a de5)ut and +)(er3ul ;ing na#ed
Maharattha& He had three s)ns b. na#e, Maha ?rashada, Maha
De5a, and Mahasatt5a, all g))d and )bedient&
One bright da. the ;ing, acc)#+anied b. the +rinces and attendants,
(ent )n an e2cursi)n t) a 3)rest +ar;& The .)ung +rinces,
ad#iring the enchanting beaut. )3 the 3l)(ers and trees, graduall.
+enetrated 3ar int) the thic; 3)rest&
The attendants n)ticed their absence and re+)rted the #atter t)
the ;ing& He )rdered his #inisters t) g) in search )3 the# and returned
t) his +alace&
The three +rinces, (andering thr)ugh the 3)rest, reached a
#)untain t)+& *r)# there the eldest sa( a star5ing tigress (ith
3i5e cubs al#)st )n the 5erge )3 death& *)r se5en da.s since her deli5er.
she had been (ith)ut 3))d& The cubs a++r)ached the #)ther
t) suc; #il;, but she had n)thing t) satis3. their hunger, and the tigress,
dri5en b. star5ati)n, (as clearl. at the +)int )3 unnaturall.
de5)uring her )(n cubs&
The eldest br)ther (as the 3irst t) see this +athetic s+ectacle& He
sh)(ed the tigress t) his br)thers and said$N JBeh)ld that +iti3ul
sight, O br)thersR That star5ing tigress is ab)ut t) de5)ur her cubs&
H)( (retched is their c)nditi)nRK
9:9
J'hat is their sta+le 3))d, br)therBK inGuired Mahasatt5a&
J*lesh and bl))d is the sta+le 3))d )3 tigers and li)ns&K re+lied
Maha ?rashada&
JThe tigress see#s t) be 5er. (ea;& E5identl. she is (ith)ut
3))d 3)r s)#e da.s& H)( n)ble i3 )ne c)uld sacri3ice )ne>s b)d. 3)r
their sa;eR
JBut, (h) is (illing t) #a;e such great sacri3iceRK re#ar;ed
Maha De5a&
JSurel., n) )ne ()uld be able t) d) s),K stated Maha ?rashada&
JI lac; intelligence& Ign)rant +ers)ns li;e us ()uld n)t be able
t) sacri3ice their b)dies 3)r the sa;e )3 an)ther& But there #a. be
sel3less #en )3 b)undless c)#+assi)n (h) ()uld (illingl. d) s),K
said Mahasatt5a in a #erci3ul t)ne&
Thus the. discussed a#)ngst the#sel5es and casting a last
glance at the hel+less tigress, the. de+arted&
Mahasatt5a th)ught t) hi#sel3$N
JSacri3ice I #ust this 3leeting b)d. 3)r the sa;e )3 this star5ing
tigress& *)ul is this b)d., and is subHect t) deca. and death& One
#a. ad)rn and +er3u#e it, but s))n it (ill stin; and +erish&K
e3lecting thus, he reGuested his br)thers t) +r)ceed as he ()uld
be retiring t) the 3)rest 3)r s)#e reas)n )r )ther&
He retraced his ste+s t) the +lace (here the tigress (as resting&
Hanging his gar#ents and )rna#ents )n a tree, again he th)ught$N
J')r; I #ust 3)r the (eal )3 )thers& 4)#+assi)nate (e #ust
be t)(ards all beings& T) ser5e th)se (h) need )ur succ)ur is )ur
+ara#)unt dut.& This 3)ul b)d. )3 #ine (ill I sacri3ice and thus
sa5e the tigress and her 3i5e cubs& B. this #erit)ri)us act #a. I
gain Sa##a Sa#buddhah))d and sa5e all beings 3r)# the )cean )3
Sa#saraR Ma. all beings be (ell and ha++.RK
M)5ed b. c)#+assi)n and ins+ired b. the s+irit )3 sel3less ser5ice,
dauntlessl. he Hu#+ed )33 the +reci+ice t)(ards the tigress&
9:8
The 3all did n)t result in an instantane)us death& The tigress,
th)ugh ruthless b. nature, +itied the B)dhisatt5a and ()uld n)t
e5en t)uch his b)d.&
The 3all did n)t result in an instantane)us death& The tigress,
th)ugh ruthless b. nature, +itied the B)dhisatt5a and ()uld n)t
e5en t)uch his b)d.&
S) hc (ent in search )3 a (ea+)n& He ca#e acr)ss a ba#b))
s+linter, and dra(ing near the tigress, he cut )33 his nec; and 3ell
dead )n the gr)und in a +))l )3 bl))d&
The hungr. tigress greedil. dran; the bl))d and de5)ured the
3lesh lea5ing #ere b)nes&
The st)r. adds that, at the #)#ent the B)dhisatt5a sacri3iced
his b)d., the earth Gua;ed, the (aters )3 the )cean (ere disturbed,
the sun>s ra.s di##ed, e.esight
(as te#+)raril. blurred, De5as
ga5e cries )3 Sadhu, and ?ariHata 3l)(ers ca#e d)(n as rain 3r)#
hea5en&
A33ected b. the earthGua;e, the t() elder br)thers rightl. guessed
that their .)unger br)ther #ust ha5e bec)#e a +re. t) the tigress&
JSurel., Mahasatt5a #ust ha5e sacri3iced his li3e, 3)r he s+);e
in a 5er. #erci3ul t)ne,K said Maha De5a&
B)th )3 the# turned bac; and (ent t) the s+)t& The. (ere h)rri3ied
and a(estruc;
at the une2+ected s+ectacle& 'hat the. sa(
(as n)t their bel)5ed br)ther but a #ass )3 b)nes bes#eared (ith
bl))d& On a tree cl)se b. the. sa( the hanging gar#ents&
The. (e+t and 3ainted and )n regaining c)nsci)usness, the. returned
h)#e (ith a hea5. heart&
On the 5er. da. the B)dhisatt5a sacri3iced his li3e the #)therGueen
drea#t that she (as dead, that her teeth had 3allen )ut, and
that she e2+erienced a +ain as i3 her b)d. (ere cut b. a shar+
(ea+)n& *urther#)re, she drea#t that a ha(; ca#e dr))+ing d)(n
and carried )ne )3 the three beauti3ul +ige)ns that (ere +erched )n
the r))3&
9::
The Gueen (as 3rightened, and )n (a;ing she re#e#bered that
The Gueen (as 3rightened, and )n (a;ing she re#e#bered that
;ing and related the inaus+ici)us drea#s&
On being in3)r#ed that the +rinces (ere #issing, she entreated
the ;ing t) send #essengers in search )3 the#&
S)#e #inisters (h) had g)ne earlier t) search 3)r the# re
turned t) the +alace (ith the sad ne(s )3 the la#entable death )3
the .)ungest +rince& Hearing it, n)b)d. (as able t) re3rain 3r)#
(ee+ing& The ;ing, h)(e5er, c)#3)rted the Gueen and, #)unting
an ele+hant, s+eedil. +r)ceeded t) the 3)rest (ith his attendants
and br)ught bac; the )ther t() grie5ing s)ns&
S) great (as their grie3 that at 3irst the. (ere s+eechless& Later
su##)ning u+ c)urage, the. e2+lained t) their berea5ed #)ther
the her)ic deed )3 their n)ble br)ther&
S))n the )rder (as gi5en b. the ;ing t) #a;e necessar. arrange#ents
3)r the# all t) 5isit the #e#)rable scene )3 the incident&
All reached the s+)t in due c)urse& At the #ere sight )3 the bl))ds#eared
b)nes )3 the dearest s)n scattered here and there, b)th the
;ing and Gueen 3ainted& The ?ur)hita Brah#in instantl. +)ured
sandal ())d (ater )5er the#, and the. regained c)nsci)usness&
Thereu+)n the ;ing )rdered his #inisters t) gather all the hair,
b)nes, and gar#ents and, hea+ing the# t)gether, ()rshi++ed the#&
Ad5ising the# t) erect a g)lden 4eti.a enshrining the relics, (ith
a grie5ing heart, he de+arted t) his +alace&
The 4eti.a (as a3ter(ards na#ed JO# Na#) Buddha&K
At the end )3 the -ata;a it is stated that the 4eti.a is at +resent
called JNa#ura&K
Ins+ite)3di33erencesinthet()5ersi)ns,thecentral+)intinb)th
is the sel3"sacri3ice )3 the B)dhisatta& It is i##aterial (hether
the B)dhisatta sacri3iced his li3e as an ascetic )r as a +rince&
9:<
As in the )ther -ata;as the Nidana )r the )ccasi)n 3)r the
-ata;a a++ears in this )ne t))& But the identi3icati)n )3 the +ers)nages
3)und at the end )3 all -ata;as is absent here&
As in the )ther -ata;as the Nidana )r the )ccasi)n 3)r the
-ata;a a++ears in this )ne t))& But the identi3icati)n )3 the +ers)nages
3)und at the end )3 all -ata;as is absent here&
?ita;a 4)##entar.&
In gi5ing 3))d the B)dhisatta intends thereb. t) end)(
the reci+ient (ith l)ng li3e, beaut., ha++iness, strength, (isd)#,
and the Highest *ruit, Nibbana& He gi5es thirst. beings
t) drin; (ith the )bHect )3 Guenching the thirst )3 +assi)nL
gar#ents t) acGuire #)ral sha#e and #)ral dreadL c)n5e.ances
t) culti5ate +s.chic +)(ersL )d)urs 3)r the scent
)3 Sila @M)ralit.AL garlands and unguents t) gain the gl)r.
+ertaining t) the Buddha>s 5irtues, seats t) (in the seat )3
Enlighten#entL l)dging (ith the h)+e )3 ser5ing as a re3uge
t) the ()rldL lights t) )btain the 3i5e ;inds )3 e.es D
na#el., the +h.sical e.e, the e.e )3 (isd)#, the Di5ine E.e,
the Buddha E.e, and the E.e )3 O#niscienceL 3)r#s t) +)ssess
the Buddha auraL s)unds t) culti5ate a 5)ice as s(eet as
Brah#a>sL tastes s) that he #a. be +leasing t) allL c)ntacts t)
gain the delicate )rganis# )3 a BuddhaL #edicine 3)r the sa;e
)3 deathlessness @NibbanaA& He e#anci+ates sla5es in )rder t)
deli5er #en 3r)# the thrald)# )3 +assi)nsL ren)unces children
t) de5el)+ the +aternal 3eeling t)(ards allL ren)unces
(i5es t) bec)#e the #aster )3 the ()rldL ren)unces ;ingd)#s
t) inherit the ;ingd)# )3 righte)usness& Besides re5ealing
the altruistic attitude )3 a B)dhisatta, these l)3t. as+irati)ns
discl)se his disinterested e33)rts 3)r the a#eli)rati)n
)3 #an;ind&
9:1
6& 6&
4)#bined (ith this su+ern)r#al gener)sit. )3 a B)dhisatta
is his 5irtu)us c)nduct @SilaA& The #eaning )3 the ?ali ter#
is disci+line& It c)nsists )3 duties that )ne sh)uld +er3)r#
@4arittaA and abstinences (hich )ne sh)uld +ractise @VarittaA&
These duties t)(ards +arents, children, husband, (i3e, teachers,
+u+ils, 3riends, #)n;s, sub)rdinates, etc&, are described in
detail in the Sigal)5ada Sutta&
The duties )3 a la.#an are described in a series )3 relati)n
shi+s, each 3)r #ne#)nic reas)ns )3 3i5e ite#sR
/& A child sh)uld #inister t) his +arents b.$N
i& su++)rting the#& ii& d)ing their duties, iii& ;ee+ing the
3a#il. lineage, i5& acting in such a (a. as t) be ()rth. )3
his inheritance and 3urther#)re& 5& )33ering al#s in h)n
)ur )3 his de+arted relati5es&
6& ?arents, (h) are thus #inistered t) b. their children, sh)uld$N
i& dissuade the# 3r)# e5il, ii& +ersuade the# t) d) g))d,
iii& teach the# an art, i5& gi5e the# in #arriage t) a suitable
(i3e, and 5& hand )5er t) the# their inheritance at the
+r)+er ti#e&
7& A +u+il sh)uld #inister t) a teacher b.$N
i& rising& ii& attending )n hi#, iii& attenti5e hearing i5& ?ers)nal
ser5ice, and 5& res+ect3ull. recei5ing instructi)ns&
9& Teachers, thus #inistered t) b. +u+ils sh)uld$N
i& train the# in the best disci+line, ii& #a;e the# recei5e
that (hich is (ell held b. the#, iii& teach the# e5er. suitable
art and science, i5& intr)duce the# t) their 3riends
and ass)ciates, and 5& +r)5ide 3)r their sa3et. in e5er.
Guarter&
9:0
8& 8&
i& c)urtes., ii& n)t des+ising her, iii& 3aith3ulness, i5& handing
)5er auth)rit. t) her, and 5& +r)5iding her (ith
)rna#ents&
:& The (i3e, (h) is thus #inistered t) b. her husband, sh)uld$
i& +er3)r# her duties in +er3ect )rder, ii& be h)s+itable
t) the +e)+le ar)und, iii& be 3aith3ul, i5& +r)tect (hat he
brings, and 5& be industri)us and n)t laI. in discharging
her duties&
<& A n)ble sci)n sh)uld #inister t) his 3riends and ass)ciates b.$
i& gener)sit., ii& c)urte)us s+eech, iii& +r)#)ting their
g))d, i5& eGualit., and 5& truth3ulness&
1& The 3riends and ass)ciates, (h) are thus #inistered t) b. a
n)ble sci)n, sh)uld$N
i& +r)tect hi# (hen he is heedless, ii& +r)tect his +r)+ert.
(hen he is heedless, iii& bec)#e a re3uge (hen he is a3raid,
i5& n)t 3)rsa;e hi# (hen in danger, and 5& be c)nsiderate
t)(ards his +r)gen.&
0& A #aster sh)uld #inister t) ser5ants and e#+l).ees b.$
i& assigning the# ()r; acc)rding t) their strength, ii& su++l.ing
the# (ith 3))d and (ages, iii& tending the# in
sic;ness, i5& sharing (ith the# e2tra)rdinar. delicacies,
and 5& relie5ing the# at ti#es&
/=& The ser5ants and e#+l).ees, (h) are thus #inistered t) b.
their #aster, sh)uld$
i& rise be3)re hi#, ii& g) t) slee+ a3ter hi#, iii& ta;e )nl.
(hat is gi5en, i5& +er3)r# their duties satis3act)ril., and 5&
s+read his g))d na#e and 3a#e&
9<=
//& //&
i& l)5able deeds, ii& l)5able ()rds, iii& l)5able th)ughts, i5&
n)t cl)sing the d))rs against the#, and 5& su++l.ing their
#aterial needs&
/6& The ascetics and brah#ins, (h) are thus #inistered t) b. a
n)ble sci)n, sh)uld$N
i& dissuade hi# 3r)# e5il, ii& +ersuade hi# t) d) g))d, ii&
l)5e hi# (ith a ;ind heart, i5& #a;e hi# hear (hat he has
n)t heard and clari3. (hat he has alread. heard, and 5&
+)int )ut the +ath t) a hea5enl. state&
A B)dhisatta (h) 3ul3ils all these h)useh)ld duties @4aritta
SilaA bec)#es trul. a re3ined gentle#an in the strictest sense
)3 the ter#& A+art 3r)# these )bligat)r. duties he endea5)urs
his best t) )bser5e the )ther rules relating t) Varitta Sila
@#)ralit.A and thus lead an ideal Buddhist li3e&
ightl. discerning the la( )3 acti)n and reacti)n, )3 his
)(n acc)rd, he re3rains 3r)# e5il and d)es g))d t) the best )3
his abilit.& He c)nsiders it his dut. t) be a blessing t) hi#sel3
and )thers, and n)t a curse t) an., (hether #an )r ani#al&
As li3e is +reci)us t) all and as n) #an has the right t) ta;e
a(a. the li3e )3 an)ther, he e2tends his c)#+assi)n and l)5ing"
;indness t)(ards e5er. li5ing being, e5en t) the tiniest creature
that cra(ls at his 3eet, and re3rains 3r)# ;illing )r causing
inHur. t) an. li5ing creature& It is the ani#al instinct in
#an that +r)#+ts hi# #ercilessl. t) ;ill the (ea; and 3east
)n their 3lesh& 'hether t) a++ease )ne>s a++etite )r as a +asti#e
it is n)t Husti3iable t) ;ill )r cause a hel+less ani#al t) be
;illed b. an. #eth)d (hether cruel )r hu#ane& And i3 it is
(r)ng t) ;ill an ani#al, (hat #ust be said )3 sla.ing hu#an
beings, h)(e5er n)ble the #)ti5e #a. at 3irst sight a++ear&
9</
*urther#)re, a B)dhisatta abstains 3r)# all 3)r#s )3 stealing,
direct )r indirect, and thus de5el)+s h)nest., trust()rthiness
and u+rightness& Abstaining 3r)# #is"c)nduct, (hich
debases the e2alted nature )3 #an, he tries t) be +ure and
chaste in his se2 li3e& He a5)ids 3alse s+eech, harsh language,
slander, and 3ri5)l)us tal; and utters )nl. ()rds (hich are
true, s(eet, +eaceable and hel+3ul& He a5)ids int)2icating liGu)rs
(hich tend t) #ental distracti)n and c)n3usi)n, and culti5ates
heed3ulness and clarit. )3 5isi)n&
A B)dhisatta ()uld adhere t) these 3i5e +rinci+les (hich
tend t) c)ntr)l deeds and ()rds, (hether against his )(n
interests )r n)t& On a +r)+er )ccasi)n he (ill sacri3ice n)t
)nl. +)ssessi)ns and (ealth but li3e itsel3 3)r the sa;e )3 his
+rinci+les&9
It sh)uld n)t be underst))d that a B)dhisatta is +er3ect
in his dealings in the c)urse )3 his (anderings in Sa#sara&
Being a ()rldling, he +)ssesses his )(n 3ailings and li#itati)ns&
4ertain -ata;as li;e the Kana5era -ata;a @N)& /1A de+ict
hi# as a 5er. des+erate high(a. r)bber& This, h)(e5er, is the
e2ce+ti)n rather than the rule&
The great i#+)rtance attached b. an as+irant t) Buddha"
h))d t) #)ralit. is e5ident 3r)# the Sila5i#a#sa -ata;a
@N)& 7:6A (here the B)dhisatta sa.s$ JA+art 3r)# 5irtue (isd)#
has n) ()rth&K8
In +raise )3 Sila @#)ralit.A, the 3)undati)n )3 all )ther
higher 5irtues, Venerable Buddhagh)sa (rites in the Visuddhi
Magga&
&
JOne (h) t) sa5e a li#b rich treasure ga5e ')uld sacri3ice a li#b, his li3e t)
sa5e !ea, (ealth, li#b, li3e and all a(a. ()uld 3ling, ight and its clai#s al)ne
re#e#bering&K
& Silena n>anu+etassa sutena> tth) na 5iHati&
9<6
J'hat scent else bl)(s (ith and against the (indB
J'hat scent else bl)(s (ith and against the (indB
'hat d))r int) Nibbana>s cit. )+ensB
The sage (h)se 5irtue is his )rna#ent
Outshines the +)#+ and +earls )3 He(elled ;ings&
In 5irtu)s #en 5irtue destr).s sel3bla#e,
Begetting H). and +raise& Thus sh)uld be ;n)(n
The su# )3 all the disc)urse )n the +)(er
O3 5irtue, r))t )3 #erits, sla.er )3 3aults&K:
7& Ne;;ha##a
Still ;eener is the enthusias# a B)dhisatta e2hibits t)(ards
Ne;;ha##a @enunciati)nA, 3)r b. nature he is a l)5er )3 s)litude&
Ne;;ha##a i#+lies b)th renunciati)n )3 ()rldl. +leasures
b. ad)+ting the ascetic li3e and the te#+)rar. inhibiti)n
)3 Hindrances @Ni5aranaA b. -hanas @EcstasiesA&
A B)dhisatta is neither sel3ish n)r sel3"+)ssessi5e but is
sel3less in his acti5ities& He is e5er read. t) sacri3ice his ha++iness
3)r the sa;e )3 )thers&
Th)ugh he #a. sit in the la+ )3 lu2ur., i##ersed in ()rldl.
+leasures, he #a. c)#+rehend their transit)riness and the
5alue )3 renunciati)n&
ealiIing thus the 5anit. )3 3leeting #aterial +leasures, he
5)luntaril. lea5es his earthl. +)ssessi)ns, and d)nning the
si#+le ascetic garb, tries t) lead the H)l. Li3e in all its +urit.&
Here he +ractices the higher #)ralit. t) such an e2tent that he
bec)#es +racticall. sel3less in all his acti)ns& N) induce#ent
(hether 3a#e, (ealth, h)n)ur, )r ()rldl. gain, c)uld induce
hi# t) d) an.thing c)ntrar. t) his +rinci+les&
& The ?ath )3 ?urit., 5)l& i& +& /6&
9<7
S)#eti#es, the 3irst gre. hair, as in the case )3 the
Ma;hade5a -ata;a @N)& 0A, is al)ne a su33icient call t) a B)dhisatta
t) aband)n the unc)ngenial at#)s+here )3 the +alace 3)r
the inde+endent s)litar. li3e )3 a her#it& At ti#es a de("dr)+
)r a (ithered lea3 #a. induce hi# t) ad)+t the ascetic li3e&
As a rule, h)(e5er, the +ractice )3 renunciati)n is n)t )bser5ed
b. a B)dhisatta&
In the Kusa -ata;a @N)& /A, 3)r instance, the B)dhisatta
(as subHected t) #uch hu#iliati)n )(ing t) his unrestrained
desire t) (in the hand )3 the beauti3ul +rincess ?abha5ati&
Again in the Dari#u;ha -ata;a @N)& 7<7A it is #enti)ned
that a ?acce;a Buddha, Gu)nda# 3riend )3 the B)dhisatta, a++r)ached
hi# and said$
J?leasures )3 sense are but #)rass and #ire,
The tri+l.r))ted
terr)r the# I call&
Va+)ur and dust I ha5e +r)clai#ed the#, Sire,
Bec)#e a br)ther and 3)rsa;e the# all&K
He +r)#+tl. re+lied$
JIn3atuate, b)und and dee+l. stained a# I,
Brah#in, (ith +leasures, 3ear3ul, the. #a. be&
But I l)5e li3e, and cann)t the# den.L
C))d ()r;s I underta;e c)ntinuall.&K<
In the +eri)d )3 a Buddhaless 4.cle a B)dhisatta ()uld ad)+t
the li3e )3 an ascetic and lead the h)l. celibate li3e in s)litude&
I3 b)rn in a Buddha 4.cle, he ()uld lead the li3e )3 a Bhi;;hu
in a strict acc)rdance (ith the rules that +ertain theret)& An
ideal Bhi;;hu (h) leads an e2e#+lar. li3e is a blessing t) hi#sel3
and )thers& He teaches b)th b. e2a#+le and b. +rece+t&
<& -ata;a St)ries, 5)l& iii, +& / 1&
9<9
'ithin he is +ure, (ith)ut he +uri3ies&
'ithin he is +ure, (ith)ut he +uri3ies&
N)n"Buddhist ascetics are in5ariabl. called ?aribba"Ha;as,
AHi5a;as, San.asins, etc& Bhi;;hu @Sa#s;rit, Bhi;shuA has n)(
bec)#e e2clusi5el. Buddhistic&
The rules laid d)(n 3)r a Bhi;;hu1
d) n)t +er#it hi# t)
beg an.thing 3r)# an)ther& He #a. acce+t the 3)ur reGuisites
D r)bes, al#s, l)dging, #edicine D +resented t) hi#& I3 in need
)3 an. reGuisite, he is all)(ed t) as; it 3r)# his +arents, cl)se
relati5es, )r 3r)# +r)3essed su++)rters&
A Bhi;;hu is n)t b)und t) li3e"l)ng 5)(s& O3 his )(n ac
c)rd he enters the Order in )rder t) lead the H)l. Li3e until
he ch))ses t) lea5e it& Once he d)ns the .ell)( r)be, the e#ble#
)3 Arahants, he is b)und t) )bser5e the rules that +ertain
theret)&
T) lead a li3e )3 +er3ect +urit. and sel3less ser5ice, t) c)ntr)l
and +uri3. the #ind (ith ease, t) see things as the. trul.
1& Deri5ed 3r)# the r))t Jbhi;;ha,K t) beg& Bhi;;hu, literall., #eans J)ne (h)
begs&K See +& 8=7
9<8
are, t) thin; rightl. and dee+l., t) de5el)+ the higher nature
)3 #an, t) a++reciate 3ull. the higher s+iritual 5alues, n) )ther
#)de )3 li3e a33)rds such 3acilities and such great )++)rtunities
as the li3e )3 a Bhi;;hu&
are, t) thin; rightl. and dee+l., t) de5el)+ the higher nature
)3 #an, t) a++reciate 3ull. the higher s+iritual 5alues, n) )ther
#)de )3 li3e a33)rds such 3acilities and such great )++)rtunities
as the li3e )3 a Bhi;;hu&
and realiIe Nibbana&
9& ?anna
Ne;;ha##a is 3)ll)(ed b. ?aQQa @'isd)# )r Kn)(ledgeA& It
is the right understanding )3 the nature )3 the ()rld in the
light )3 transienc. @aniccaA, s)rr)(3ulness @du;;haA and s)ullessness
@anattaA& A B)dhisatta #editates )n these three char
acteristics but n)t t) such an e2tent as t) attain Arahantshi+,
3)r t) d) this ()uld be de5iating 3r)# his C)al&
At the sa#e ti#e he d)es n)t dis+arage ()rldl. (isd)#&
He tries t) acGuire ;n)(ledge e5en 3r)# his ser5ants& Ne5er
d)es he sh)( an. desire t) dis+la. his ;n)(ledge, n)r is he
asha#ed t) +lead ign)rance e5en in +ublic, 3)r under n) circu#stances
d)es he e5er +r)5e t) be a charlatan& 'hat he
;n)(s is al(a.s at the dis+)sal )3 )thers, and that he i#+arts
t) the# unreser5edl.& He tries his best t) lead )thers 3r)#
dar;ness t) light&
Kn)(ledge is )3 three ;inds& The 3irst is ;n)(ledge acGuired
)rall. @suta#a.a +aQQaA& In the ancient da.s (hen +rinting
(as n)t in 5)gue ;n)(ledge (as acGuired b. hearing D
hence a learned #an (as then called bahussuta @X he (h) has
heard #uchA, c)rres+)nding t) English eruditi)n& The sec)nd
;ind )3 ;n)(ledge is acGuired b. th)ught @cinta#a.a +aQQaA&
9<:
The +ractical scienti3ic ;n)(ledge )3 the 'est is the direct
)utc)#e )3 this ;ind )3 ;n)(ledge& The third is a su+eri)r
;ind )3 ;n)(ledge acGuired b. #editati)n and c)nte#+lati)n
@bha5ana#a.a +aQQaA& It is b. such #editati)n that )ne realiIes
intuiti5e truths (hich are be.)nd l)gical reas)ning& Bha5ana
)r #editati)n is n)t a +assi5e re5erie, but an energetic stri5ing&
It leads t) sel3"ele5ati)n, sel3"disci+line, sel3"c)ntr)l, and
sel3"illu#inati)n& It is a heart t)nic as (ell&
'isd)# is the a+e2 )3 Buddhis#& It is the 3irst 3act)r in the
N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath @sa##a ditthiA& It is )ne )3 the se5en *act)rs
)3 Enlighten#ent @Dha##a Vica.a Sa#b)HHhangaA& It is )ne
)3 the 3)ur #eans )3 Acc)#+lish"#ent @Vi#ansaIddhi+adaA&
It
is )ne )3 the 3i5e ?)(ers @?aQQabalaA
and )ne )3 the 3i5e c)ntr)lling
*aculties @?aQQa indri.aA& It is (isd)# that leads t) +uri3icati)n
and t) 3inal Deli5erance&
8& Viri.a
4l)sel. allied (ith ?aQQa @(isd)#A is Viri.a @Energ. )r ?erse5eranceA&
Here Viri.a d)es n)t #ean +h.sical strength th)ugh
this is an asset, but #ental 5ig)ur )r strength )3 character, (hich
is 3ar su+eri)r& It is de3ined as the +ersistent e33)rt t) ()r; 3)r
the (el3are )3 )thers b)th in th)ught and deed& *ir#l. establishing
hi#sel3 in this 5irtue, the B)dhisatta de5el)+s sel3"reliance
and #a;es it )ne )3 his +r)#inent characteristics&
In the ()rds )3 Dr& Tag)re a B)dhisatta, rel.ing )n his
)(n res)urces, ()uld 3)r# his #ind thus$N
JLet #e n)t +ra. t) be sheltered 3r)# dangers, but t) be 3earless in
3acing the#&
Let #e n)t beg 3)r the stilling )3 #. +ain, but 3)r the heart t)
c)nGuer it&
9<<
Let #e n)t cra5e in an2i)us 3ear t) be sa5ed, but h)+e 3)r the
Let #e n)t cra5e in an2i)us 3ear t) be sa5ed, but h)+e 3)r the
The Viri.a )3 a B)dhisatta is clearl. de+icted in the
MahaHana;a -ata;a @N)& 0A& Shi+(rec;ed in the )+en sea 3)r
se5en da.s he struggled )n (ith)ut )nce gi5ing u+ h)+e until
he (as 3inall. rescued&
*ailures he 5ie(s as ste+s t) success, )++)siti)n causes
hi# t) d)uble his e2erti)n, dangers increase his c)urage& 4utting
his (a. thr)ugh di33iculties, (hich i#+air the enthusias#
)3 the 3eeble, sur#)unting )bstacles, (hich dishearten
the )rdinar., he l));s straight t)(ards his g)al& N)r d)es he
e5er st)+ until his g)al is reached&
T) Mara (h) ad5ised the B)dhisatta t) aband)n his Guest,
he said$N JDeath in battle (ith +assi)ns t) #e see#s #)re
h)n)urable than a li3e )3 de3eat&K
-ust as his (isd)# is al(a.s directed t) the ser5ice )3
)thers, s) als) is his 3und )3 energ.& Instead )3 c)n3ining it t)
the narr)( c)urse leading t) the realiIati)n )3 +ers)nal ends,
he directs it int) the )+en channel )3 acti5ities that tend t)
uni5ersal ha++iness& 4easelessl. and untiringl. he ()r;s 3)r
)thers, e2+ecting n) re#unerati)n in return )r re(ard& He is
e5er read. t) ser5e )thers t) the best )3 his abilit.&
In certain res+ects Viri.a +la.s an e5en greater +art than
?aQQa in the achie5e#ent )3 the g)al& In )ne (h) treads the
N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath, ight E33)rt @Sa##a Va.a#a )r Viri.aA
su++resses the arising )3 e5il states, eradicates th)se (hich
ha5e arisen, sti#ulates g))d states, and +er3ects th)se g))d
states (hich ha5e alread. arisen& It ser5es as )ne )3 the se5en
*act)rs )3 Enlighten#ent @Viri.a Sa#b)HHhangaA& It is )ne )3 the
3)ur Means )3 Acc)#+lish#ent @Viri.iddhi+adaA& It is Viri.a
that +er3)r#s the 3uncti)n )3 the 3)ur #)des )3 ight Endea5
9<1
)ur @Sa##a++adhanaA& It is )ne )3 the 3i5e ?)(ers @Viri.a BalaA
)ur @Sa##a++adhanaA& It is )ne )3 the 3i5e ?)(ers @Viri.a BalaA
Viri.a there3)re #a. be regarded as an )33icer that +er3)r#s
nine 3uncti)ns& It is e33)rt c)u+led (ith (isd)# that
ser5es as a +)(er3ul hand t) achie5e all ends&0
:& Khanti
As i#+)rtant as Viri.a is Khanti& It is the +atient endurance
)3 su33ering in3licted u+)n )nesel3 b. )thers, and the 3)rbear
ance )3 )thers> (r)ngs&
A B)dhisatta +ractises +atience t) such an e2tent that he
is n)t +r)5);ed e5en (hen his hands and 3eet are cut )33& In
the Khanti5adi -ata;a, @N)& / A it a++ears that n)t )nl. did
the B)dhisatta cheer3ull. endure the t)rtures in3licted b. the
drun;ard ;ing, (h) #ercilessl. )rdered his hands and 3eet,
n)se and ears t) be cut )33, but reGuited th)se inHuries (ith a
blessing&
L.ing )n the gr)und, in a dee+ +))l )3 his )(n bl))d, (ith
#utilated li#bs, the B)dhisatta said$N
JL)ng li5e the ;ing, (h)se cruel hand #. b)d. thus has
#arred& ?ure s)uls li;e #ine such deeds as these (ith anger
ne>er regard&K/=
O3 his 3)rbearance it is said that (hene5er he
is har#ed he thin;s )3 the aggress)r$N
JThis +ers)n is a 3ell)("being )3 #ine& Intenti)nall. )r unintenti)nall.
I #.sel3 #ust ha5e been the s)urce )3 +r)5)cati)n,
)r it #a. be due t) a +ast e5il Ka##a )3 #ine& As it is
the )utc)#e )3 #. )(n acti)n, (h. sh)uld I harb)ur ill"(ill
t)(ards hi#BK
& ?aQQanu.ata# 5iri.a# 5adanti Sabbattha siddhiggahanaggahattha#&
/=& ata;a St)ries, 5)l& iii& +& 61&
9<0
It #a. be #enti)ned that a B)dhisatta is n)t irritated b.
an. #an>s sha#eless c)nduct either&
Ad#)nishing His disci+les t) +ractise 3)rbearance, the
It #a. be #enti)ned that a B)dhisatta is n)t irritated b.
an. #an>s sha#eless c)nduct either&
Ad#)nishing His disci+les t) +ractise 3)rbearance, the
JTh)ugh r)bbers, (h) are high(a. #en, sh)uld se5er .)ur
li#bs (ith a t()"handled sa( .et i3 .)u thereb. de3ile .)ur
#ind, .)u ()uld be n) 3)ll)(er )3 #. teaching&
JThus sh)uld .)u train .)ursel5es$ Unsullied shall )ur
hearts re#ain& N) e5il ()rd shall esca+e )ur li+s& Kind and
c)#+assi)nate (ith l)5ing heart, harb)uring n) ill"(ill shall
(e abide, en3)lding, e5en these bandits (ith th)ughts )3 l)5ing"
;indness& And 3)rth 3r)# the# +r)ceeding, (e shall abide
radiating the (h)le ()rld (ith th)ughts )3 l)5ing";indness,
5ast, e2+ansi5e, #easureless, bene5)lent and uni3ied&K
?ractising +atience and t)lerance, instead )3 seeing the ugliness
in )thers, a B)dhisatta tries t) see; the g))d and beauti3ul
in all&
<& Sacca
Truth3ulness )r Sacca is the se5enth ?er3ecti)n& B. Sacca is here
#eant the 3ul3il#ent )3 )ne>s +r)#ise& This is )ne )3 the salient
characteristics )3 a B)dhisatta, 3)r he is n) brea;er )3 his
()rd& He acts as he s+ea;s, he s+ea;s as he acts @.atha5aditath
a;ari.atha;ari tatha5adiA&
Acc)rding t) the Harita -ata;a @N)& 9 /A a B)dhisatta, in
the c)urse )3 his li3e>s (anderings, ne5er utters an untruth alth)ugh
at ti#es he #a. 5i)late the )ther 3)ur +rece+ts&
Truth he hides n)t e5en t) be +)lite&
He #a;es truth his guide, and h)lds it his b)unden dut. t)
;ee+ his ()rd& He +)nders (ell be3)re he #a;es his +r)#ise,
91=
but )nce #ade the +r)#ise is 3ul3illed at an. c)st, e5en that )3
his li3e&
In the Hiri -ata;a @N)& 7:7A the B)dhisatta ad5ises$
JBe th)u in deed t) e5er. +r)#ise true,
e3use t) +r)#ise (hat th)u canst n)t d)L
'ise #en )n e#+t. braggarts l)); as;e(&K//
Again, the Maha Sutas)#a -ata;a @N)& 87<A rec)unts that t)
3ul3ill a +r)#ise the B)dhisatta (as +re+ared e5en t) sacri3ice
his li3e&
J-ust as the #)rning star )n high
In balanced c)urse d)th e5er ;ee+,
And thr)ugh all seas)ns, ti#es, and .ears,
D)th ne5er 3r)# its +ath(a. s(er5e,
S) li;e(ise he in all (ise s+eech
S(er5es ne5er 3r)# the +ath )3 truth&K/6
A B)dhisatta is trust()rth., sincere and h)nest& 'hat he
thin;s, he s+ea;s& There is +er3ect har#)n. in his th)ughts,
()rds and deeds&
He is c)nsistent and straight3)r(ard in all his dealings&
He is n) h.+)crite since he strictl. adheres t) his high +rinci+les&
There is n) di33erence bet(een his inner sel3 and his )ut(ard
utterance& His +ri5ate li3e acc)rds (ith his +ublic li3e&
He d)es n)t use 3latter. t) (in the hearts )3 )thers, d)es
n)t e2alt hi#sel3 t) (in their ad#irati)n, d)es n)t hide his de3ects
)r 5ainl. e2hibit his 5irtues& The +raise()rth. he +raises
(ith)ut #alice, the bla#e()rth. he bla#es Hudici)usl., n)t
(ith c)nte#+t but )ut )3 c)#+assi)n&
//& -ata;a St)ries, 5)l& iii, +& / =
/ & 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)ns&
91/
E5en the truth he d)es n)t al(a.s utter& Sh)uld such
utterance n)t be c)nduci5e t) the g))d and ha++iness )3 )thers,
E5en the truth he d)es n)t al(a.s utter& Sh)uld such
utterance n)t be c)nduci5e t) the g))d and ha++iness )3 )thers,
,
he utters it, h)(e5er detri#ental t) hi#sel3 it #a. be& And he
h)n)urs the ()rd )3 )thers as he h)n)urs his )(n&
1& Adhitthana
Truth3ulness is 3)ll)(ed b. Adhitthana (hich #a. be translated
as res)lute deter#inati)n& 'ith)ut this 3ir# deter#inati)n
the )ther +er3ecti)ns cann)t be 3ul3illed& It is c)#+ared
t) the 3)undati)n )3 a building& This (ill"+)(er 3)rces all )bstructi)ns
)ut )3 the B)dhisatta>s +ath, and n) #atter (hat
#a. c)#e t) hi#, sic;ness, grie3, )r disaster D he ne5er turns
his e.es a(a. 3r)# his g)al&
*)r instance, the B)dhisatta C)ta#a #ade a 3ir# deter#inati)n
t) ren)unce his r).al +leasures and gain Enlighten
#ent& *)r si2 l)ng .ears his (as a su+erhu#an struggle& He
had t) endure #ani3)ld hardshi+s and 3ace innu#erable di3
3iculties& At a crucial #)#ent (hen he #)st needed their hel+,
his 3i5e 3a5)urite disci+les deserted hi#& !et he did n)t gi5e
u+ his e33)rt& His enthusias# (as red)ubled& He str)5e )n
al)ne and e5entuall. achie5ed the g)al&
J-ust as a r)c;. #)untain +ea;,
Un#)5ed stands, 3ir# established&
Unsha;en b. the b)ister)us gale,
And al(a.s in its +lace abides&
S) li;e(ise he #ust e5er be
In res)luti)n 3ir# entrenched&K/
A B)dhisatta is a #an )3 ir)n deter#inati)n (h)se high +rinci+les
cann)t be sha;en& Easil. +ersuaded t) d) g))d, n)ne c)uld
/7& 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)ns&
916
te#+t hi# t) d) an.thing c)ntrar. t) th)se +rinci+les& As )cca
te#+t hi# t) d) an.thing c)ntrar. t) th)se +rinci+les& As )cca
0& Metta
The #)st i#+)rtant )3 all ?ara#is is Metta @Sa#s;rit MaitriA&
There is n) grace3ul English eGui5alent 3)r Metta It #a. be rendered
as bene5)lence, g))d(ill, 3riendliness, )r l)5ing";ind
ness, and is de3ined as the (ish 3)r the ha++iness )3 all beings
(ith)ut e2ce+ti)n& It is this Metta that +r)#+ts a B)dhisatta
t) ren)unce +ers)nal deli5erance 3)r the sa;e )3 )thers& He
is +er#eated (ith b)undless g))d(ill t)(ards all beings irres+ecti5e
)3 caste, creed, c)l)ur, )r se2& Since he is the e#b)di#ent
)3 uni5ersal l)5e he 3ears n)ne, n)r is he 3eared b.
an.& 'ild beasts in l)nel. Hungles are his l)5ing 3riends& His
5er. +resence a#)ngst the# 3)sters their #utual 3riendliness&
He e5er cherishes in his heart b)undless g))d(ill t)(ards all
that li5es&
Metta, in Buddhis#, sh)uld be di33erentiated 3r)# +ers)nal
a33ecti)n @+e#aA )r )rdinar. carnal l)5e& *r)# a33ecti)n
c)#e 3ear and grie3, but n)t 3r)# Metta&
In e2ercising this l)5ing";indness )ne sh)uld n)t ign)re
)nesel3& Metta sh)uld be e2tended t)(ards )nesel3 eGuall.
(ith )thers& Metta )3 a Buddhist e#braces the (h)le ()rld,
including hi#sel3&
In the Maha"Dha##a+ala -ata;a @N)& 1 A, it a++ears that
the .)ung B)dhisatta, e2tended his l)5ing";indness, in eGual
#easure, t)(ards his cruel 3ather (h) )rdered hi# t) be t)rtured
and ;illed, the (ic;ed e2ecuti)ner, his l)5ing, (ee+ing
#)ther, and his hu#ble sel3&
L)5ing";indness +)ssesses a #.stic +)(er, (hich can easil.
in3luence beings 3ar and near& A +ure heart that radiates
91
this bene3icent 3)rce is ca+able )3 trans3)r#ing (ild beasts
int) ta#e )nes, #urderers int) saints&
This #.stic +)(er lies (ithin the reach )3 all& Onl. a slight
e2erti)n is necessar. t) #a;e it )ur )(n&
JD(elling )n the #)untain sl)+esK sa.s the Buddha, JI
dre( t) #e li)ns and tigers, b. the +)(er )3 l)5ing";indness&
Surr)unded b. li)ns and tigers, b. +anthers and bu33al)es, b.
antel)+es, stags and b)ars, I d(elt in the 3)rest& N) creature
(as terri3ied )3 #e, and neither (as I a3raid )3 an. creature&
The +)(er )3 l)5ing";indness (as #. su++)rt& Thus I d(elt
u+)n the #)untain side&K
As )ne l)5es )thers, s) is )ne l)5ed b. the#& N) )++)sing
3)rces, n) h)stile 5ibrati)ns, n) negati5e th)ughts can a33ect
)ne (h) is s) +r)tected b. this aura )3 l)5ing";indness&
'ith #ind at +eace, he (ill li5e in a hea5en )3 his )(n creati)n&
E5en th)se (h) c)ntact hi# (ill als) e2+erience that
bliss& 'hen )ne habituall. 3eels l)5ing";indness and de#)nstrates
it in ()rds and deeds, (ater"tight c)#+art#ents diss)l5e
a(a.& Distincti)ns graduall. disa++ear, and the JIK is
abs)rbed in the JallK& Na., there (ill be n) JIK at all& *inall.
)ne (ill be able t) identi3. )nesel3 (ith all @sabbattataA, the
cul#inati)n )3 Metta&
A B)dhisatta e2tends this Metta t)(ards e5er. li5ing
being and identi3ies hi#sel3 (ith all, #a;ing n) distincti)n
(hats)e5er )3 caste, creed, c)l)ur, )r se2& It is this Buddhist
Metta that atte#+ts t) brea; all the barriers (hich se+arate
)ne 3r)# an)ther& T) a B)dhisatta there is n) 3ar and near, n)
ene#. )r 3)reigner, n) renegade )r unt)uchable, since uni5ersal
l)5e, realiIed thr)ugh understanding, has established the
br)therh))d )3 all li5ing beings& A B)dhisatta is a true citiIen
)3 the ()rld, e5er ;ind, 3riendl., and c)#+assi)nate&
919
/=& /=&
The tenth ?ara#i is U+e;;ha )r eGuani#it.&
The ?ali ter# U+e;;ha is c)#+)sed )3 u+a, (hich #eans
Hustl., i#+artiall. )r rightl. @.uttit)A and i;;ha, t) see, discern
)r 5ie(& The et.#)l)gical #eaning )3 the ter# is discerning
rightl., 5ie(ing Hustl., )r l));ing i#+artiall., that is, (ith)ut
attach#ent )r a5ersi)n, (ith)ut 3a5)ur )r dis3a5)ur&
Here the ter# is n)t used in the sense )3 indi33erence )r
neutral 3eeling&
The #)st di33icult and the #)st essential )3 all +er3ecti)ns
is this eGuani#it., es+eciall. 3)r a la.#an (h) has t) li5e in
an ill"balanced ()rld (ith 3luctuating 3)rtunes&
Slights and insults are the c)##)n l)t )3 hu#anit.& S) are
+raise and bla#e, l)ss and gain, +ain and ha++iness& A#idst
all such 5icissitudes )3 li3e a B)dhisatta tries t) stand un#)5ed
li;e a 3ir# r)c;, e2ercising +er3ect eGuani#it.&
In ti#es )3 ha++iness and ad5ersit., a#idst +raise and
bla#e, he is e5en"balanced& Li;e a li)n that d)es n)t tre#ble
at an. s)und, he is n)t +erturbed b. the +)is)ned darts
)3 uncurbed t)ngues& Li;e the (ind that d)es n)t cling t) the
#eshes )3 a net, he is n)t attached t) the illus)r. +leasures )3
this changing ()rld& Li;e a l)tus that is uns)iled b. the #ud
3r)# (hich it s+rings, he li5es una33ected b. ()rldl. te#+tati)ns,
e5er cal#, serene and +eace3ul&
J-ust as the earth (hate>er is thr)(n
U+)n her, (hether s(eet )r 3)ul,
Indi33erent is t) all ali;e,
N)r hatred sh)(s, n)r a#it.,
S) li;e(ise he in g))d )r ill,
Must e5enbalanced
e5er be&K/9
/ & 'arren, Buddhis# in Translati)ns&
91
JAs n) (a5es brea; the cal# )3 )cean>s de+ths, unru33led
JAs n) (a5es brea; the cal# )3 )cean>s de+ths, unru33led
/
*urther#)re, a B)dhisatta (h) +ractises U+e;;ha #etes
)ut Hustice t) all (ith)ut being in3luenced b. desire @chandaA,
hatred @d)saA, 3ear @bha.aA, and ign)rance @#)haA&
It (ill be seen 3r)# the ab)5e ?er3ecti)ns that B)dhisattah))d
is, in its entiret., a c)urse )3 sel3"sacri3ice, disci+line, renunciati)n,
dee+ insight, energ., 3)rbearance, truth3ulness, deter#inati)n,
b)undless l)5e, and +er3ect #ental eGuilibriu#&
FFF
In additi)n t) these ten ?ara#is a B)dhisatta has t) +ractise
three #)des )3 c)nduct @cari.aA na#el., Buddhi 4ari.a, d)ing
g))d (ith (isd)#, n)t ign)ring sel3"de5el)+#ent, Nat.attha
4ari.a, ()r;ing 3)r the better#ent )3 relati5es, and L);attha
4ari.a, ()r;ing 3)r the a#eli)rati)n )3 the (h)le ()rld&
B. the sec)nd #)de )3 c)nduct is n)t #eant ne+)tis#, but
()r; t) +r)#)te the (ellbeing )3 )ne>s ;ins3)l; (ith)ut an.
3a5)uritis#&
Thus +ractising the ten ?ara#is t) the highest +itch )3
+er3ecti)n, (hile de5el)+ing the three #)des )3 c)nduct, he
tra5erses the te#+est"t)ssed sea )3 Sa#sara, dri5en hither and
thither b. the irresistible 3)rce )3 Ka##a, #ani3esting hi#sel3
at di33erent ti#es in #ulti3ari)us births&
N)( he c)#es int) being as a #ight. Sa;;a, )r as a radiant
De5a, at an)ther ti#e as a hu#an being, high )r l)(,
again as an ani#al and s) )n until 3inall. he see;s birth in
the Tusita Hea5en, ha5ing c)nsu##ated the ?ara#is& There
he abides, a(aiting the )++)rtune #)#ent t) a++ear )n earth
as a Sa##a Sa#buddha&
/ & See 4hal#ers, Buddha>s Teaching, +&66/&
91:
It is n)t c)rrect t) thin; that a B)dhisatta +ur+)sel. #ani3ests
hi#sel3 in such 5ari)us 3)r#s in )rder t) acGuire uni5ersal
e2+erience& N) +ers)n is e2e#+t 3r)# the ine2)rable la(
)3 Ka##a (hich al)ne deter#ines the 3uture birth )3 indi5iduals,
e2ce+t Arahants and Buddhas (h) ha5e +ut an end
t) all li3e in a 3resh e2istence&
It is n)t c)rrect t) thin; that a B)dhisatta +ur+)sel. #ani3ests
hi#sel3 in such 5ari)us 3)r#s in )rder t) acGuire uni5ersal
e2+erience& N) +ers)n is e2e#+t 3r)# the ine2)rable la(
)3 Ka##a (hich al)ne deter#ines the 3uture birth )3 indi5iduals,
e2ce+t Arahants and Buddhas (h) ha5e +ut an end
t) all li3e in a 3resh e2istence&
.
e2ercise )3 his (ill"+)(er, he ceases t) li5e in that s+here, and
is reb)rn in an)ther c)ngenial +lace (here he #a. ser5e the
()rld and +ractise ?ara#is&
A+art 3r)# this ;ind )3 5)luntar. death @adhi#utti;ala;iri.aA,
the -ata;a 4)##entar. states that there are eighteen
states in (hich a B)dhisatta, as the result )3 his +)tential
Ka##ic 3)rce accu#ulated in the c)urse )3 his (anderings in
Sa#sara, is ne5er reb)rn& *)r instance, he is ne5er b)rn blind
)r dea3, n)r d)es he bec)#e an abs)lute #isbelie5er @ni.ata
#iccha ditthiA, (h) denies Ka##a and its e33ects& He is b)rn
in the ani#al ;ingd)#, but n)t larger than an ele+hant and
s#aller than a sni+e& He #a. su33er in the )rdinar. states )3
#iser. @a+a.aA, but is ne5er destined t) the nether#)st states
)3 ()e @a5iciA& Als) a B)dhisatta d)es n)t see; birth in the
?ure Ab)des @Suddha5asaA, (here Anaga#is are reb)rn, n)r
in the *)r#less eal#s (here )ne is de+ri5ed )3 the )++)rtunit.
t) be )3 ser5ice t) )thers&
It #ight be as;ed$ Is a B)dhisatta a(are that he is as+iring
t) Buddhah))d in the c)urse )3 his birthsB
S)#eti#es, he is, and at ti#es he is n)t&
Acc)rding t) certain -ata;as it a++ears that )n s)#e )ccasi)ns
the B)dhisatta C)ta#a (as 3ull. c)nsci)us )3 his stri5ing
91<
3)r Buddhah))d& Visa.ha Setthi -ata;a @N)& 79=A #a. be cited
as an e2a#+le& In this +articular st)r. Sa;;a Guesti)ned the
B)dhisatta as t) (h. he (as e2ce+ti)nall. gener)us& He re+lied
that it (as n)t 3)r the sa;e )3 an. ()rldl. +)(er, but 3)r
the s)le +ur+)se )3 attaining Su+re#e Buddhah))d& In certain
births as in the case )3 -)ti+ala,
3)r Buddhah))d& Visa.ha Setthi -ata;a @N)& 79=A #a. be cited
as an e2a#+le& In this +articular st)r. Sa;;a Guesti)ned the
B)dhisatta as t) (h. he (as e2ce+ti)nall. gener)us& He re+lied
that it (as n)t 3)r the sa;e )3 an. ()rldl. +)(er, but 3)r
the s)le +ur+)se )3 attaining Su+re#e Buddhah))d& In certain
births as in the case )3 -)ti+ala,:
he (as n)t )nl. una(are )3
his high as+irati)n, but als) abused the n)ble Teacher Buddha
Kassa+a at the #ere utterance )3 the sacred ()rd"Buddha& It
#a. be #enti)ned that it (as 3r)# this 5er. Buddha that he
)btained his last re5elati)n @Vi5aranaA&
'e )ursel5es #a. be B)dhisattas (h) ha5e dedicated )ur
li5es t) the n)ble +ur+)se )3 ser5ing the ()rld& One need n)t
thin; that the B)dhisatta Ideal is reser5ed )nl. 3)r su+er#en&
'hat )ne has d)ne an)ther can d), gi5en the necessar. e33)rt
and enthusias#& Let us t)) endea5)ur t) ()r; disinterestedl.
3)r the g))d )3 )ursel5es and all )thers, ha5ing 3)r )ur )bHect
in li3e D the n)ble ideal )3 ser5ice and +er3ecti)n&
Ser5e t) be +er3ectL be +er3ect t) ser5e&
!
/ & MaHHhi#a Ni;a.a, Chati;ara Sutta, N)& 1/&
911
4ha+ter 96
Brah#a5ihara D The Subli#e States
Jare is birth as a hu#an being& Hard is the li3e )3 #)rtals&K
JD) n)t let sli+ this )++)rtunit.&K D Dha##a+ada
Man is a #.steri)us being (ith inc)ncei5able +)tentialities&
Latent in hi# are b)th saintl. characteristics and cri#inal
tendencies& The. #a. rise t) the sur3ace at une2+ected #)
#ents in disc)ncerting strength& H)( the. )riginated (e
;n)( n)t& 'e )nl. ;n)( that the. are d)r#ant in #an in
5ar.ing degree&
'ithin the +)(er3ul #ind in this c)#+le2 #achiner. )3
#an are als) 3)und a st)reh)use )3 5irtue and a rubbish hea+
)3 e5il& 'ith the de5el)+#ent )3 the res+ecti5e characteristics
#an #a. bec)#e either a blessing )r a curse t) hu#anit.&
Th)se (h) (ish t) be great, n)ble and ser5iceable, (h)
(ish t) subli#ate the#sel5es and, ser5e hu#anit. b)th b.
e2a#+le and b. +rece+t, and (h) (ish t) a5ail the#sel5es
)3 this g)lden )++)rtunit. as hu#an beings, endea5)ur their
best t) re#)5e the latent 5ices and t) culti5ate the d)r#ant
5irtues&
T) dig u+ +reci)us ge#s e#bedded in the earth #en s+end
en)r#)us su#s )3 #)ne. and #a;e lab)ri)us e33)rts, and
s)#eti#es e5en sacri3ice their li5es& But t) dig u+ the 5alua
ble treasures latent in #an, )nl. +ersistent e33)rt and endur
ing +atience are necessar.& E5en the +))rest #an )r ()#an
can acc)#+lish this tas;, 3)r (ealth is n)t an essential +rereG
uisite t) the accu#ulati)n )3 transcendental treasures&
It is strange that the 5ices latent in #an see# t) be al#)st
natural and s+)ntane)us& It is eGuall. strange that e5er. 5ice
+)ssesses its )++)site sterling 5irtue, (hich d)es n)t h)(e5er
910
a++ear t) be s) n)r#al and aut)#atic, th)ugh still (ithin the
a++ear t) be s) n)r#al and aut)#atic, th)ugh still (ithin the
One +)(er3ul destructi5e 5ice in #an is anger @d)saA& The
s(eet 5irtue that subdues this e5il 3)rce and subli#es #an is
l)5ing";indness @#ettaA&
4ruelt. @hi#saA is an)ther 5ice that is res+)nsible 3)r #an.
h)rr)rs and atr)cities +re5alent in the ()rld& 4)#+assi)n
@;arunaA is its antid)te&
-eal)us. @issaA is an)ther 5ice that +)is)ns )ne>s s.ste#
and leads t) unhealth. ri5alries and danger)us c)#+etiti)ns&
The #)st e33ecti5e re#ed. 3)r this +)is)n)us drug is a++reciati5e
H). @#uditaA&
There are t() )ther uni5ersal characteristics that u+set the
#ental eGui+)ise )3 #an& The. are attach#ent t) the +leasur
able and a5ersi)n t) the n)n"+leasurable& These t() )++)site
3)rces can be eli#inated b. de5el)+ing eGuani#it. @u+e;;haA&
These 3)ur sterling 5irtues are c)llecti5el. ter#ed in ?ali
JBrah#a5iharaK (hich #a. be rendered b. M)des )3 Subli#e
4)nduct, Subli#e States, )r Di5ine Ab)des&
These 5irtues tend t) ele5ate #an& The. #a;e )ne di5ine
in this li3e itsel3& The. can trans3)r# #an int) a su+er#an&
I3 all tr. t) culti5ate the#, irres+ecti5e )3 creed, c)l)ur, race,
)r se2, the earth can be trans3)r#ed int) a +aradise (here
all can li5e in +er3ect +eace and har#)n. as ideal citiIens )3
)ne ()rld&
The 3)ur subli#e 5irtues are als) ter#ed illi#itables
@a++a#aQQaA& The. are s) called because the. 3ind n) barrier
)r li#it and sh)uld be e2tended t)(ards all beings (ith)ut
e2ce+ti)n& The. e#brace all li5ing beings including ani#als&
Irres+ecti5e )3 religi)us belie3s, )ne can culti5ate these
s(eet 5irtues and be a blessing t) )nesel3 and all )thers&
90=
/& /&
The 3irst Subli#e State is Metta @Sa#s;ritMaitriA&
It #eans
that (hich s)3tens )ne>s heart, )r the state )3 a true 3riend&
It is de3ined as the sincere (ish 3)r the (el3are and genuine
ha++iness )3 all li5ing beings (ith)ut e2ce+ti)n& It is als) e2+lained
as the 3riendl. dis+)siti)n, 3)r a genuine 3riend sincerel.
(ishes 3)r the (el3are )3 his 3riend&
J-ust as a #)ther +r)tects her )nl. child e5en at the ris; )3
her li3e, e5en s) )ne sh)uld culti5ate b)undless l)5ing";indness
t)(ards all li5ing beingsK is the ad5ice )3 the Buddha&
It is n)t the +assi)nate l)5e )3 the #)ther t)(ards her child
that is stressed here but her sincere (ish 3)r the genuine (el3are
)3 her child&
Metta is neither carnal l)5e n)r +ers)nal a33ecti)n, 3)r grie3
ine5itabl. arises 3r)# b)th&
Metta is n)t #ere neighb)urliness, 3)r it #a;es n) distincti)n
bet(een neighb)urs and )thers&
Metta is n)t #ere uni5ersal br)therh))d, 3)r it e#braces
all li5ing beings including ani#als, )ur lesser brethren and
sisters that need greater c)#+assi)n as the. are hel+less&
Metta is n)t +)litical br)therh))d )r racial br)therh))d,
)r nati)nal br)therh))d, )r e5en religi)us br)therh))d&
?)litical br)therh))d is c)n3ined )nl. t) th)se (h) share
si#ilar +)litical 5ie(s, such as the +artial br)therh))d )3
De#)crats, S)cialists, 4)##unists, and s) 3)rth&
acial br)therh))d and nati)nal br)therh))d are restricted
)nl. t) th)se )3 the sa#e race and nati)n& S)#e nati)nalists
l)5e their race s) #uch that s)#eti#es the. ruthlessl. ;ill inn)cent
#en, ()#en and children because the. un3)rtunatel.
are n)t blessed (ith bl)nd hair and blue e.es& The (hite races
ha5e +articular l)5e 3)r the (hite s;in, the blac; 3)r the blac;,
90/
the .ell)( 3)r the .ell)(, the br)(n 3)r the br)(n, the +ale 3)r
the .ell)( 3)r the .ell)(, the br)(n 3)r the br)(n, the +ale 3)r
n
are at ti#es 5ie(ed (ith sus+ici)n and 3ear& Ver. )3ten t) assert
their racial su+eri)rit. the. res)rt t) brutal (ar3are, ;illing
#illi)ns b. #ercilessl. raining b)#bs 3r)# the s;. ab)5e&
The +athetic incidents )3 the Sec)nd ')rld 'ar are stri;ing
e2a#+les (hich can ne5er be 3)rg)tten b. #an;ind&
A#)ngst s)#e narr)("#inded +e)+les, (ithin the (ider
circle )3 their ancient nati)ns, there e2ist #in)r circles )3 caste
and class (here the s)"called br)therh))d )3 the +)(er3ul
)++ress)rs is s) li#ited that the )++ressed are n)t e5en +er#itted
t) enH). bare hu#an rights #erel. because )3 the accidents
)3 birth )r class& These )++ress)rs are t) be +itied be
cause the. are c)n3ined t) their (ater"tight c)#+art#ents&
Metta is n)t religi)us br)therh))d either& O(ing t) the
sad li#itati)ns )3 s)"called religi)us br)therh))d hu#an
heads ha5e been se5ered (ith)ut the least c)#+uncti)n, sincere
)uts+);en #en and ()#en ha5e been r)asted and burnt
ali5eL #an. atr)cities ha5e been +er+etrated (hich ba33le descri+ti)nL
cruel (ars ha5e been (aged (hich #ar the +ages )3
()rld hist)r.& E5en in this su++)sedl. enlightened t(entieth
centur. the 3)ll)(ers )3 )ne religi)n hate )r ruthlessl. +ersecute
and e5en ;ill th)se )3 )ther 3aiths #erel. because the.
cann)t 3)rce the# t) thin; as the. d) )r because the. ha5e a
di33erent label&
I3, )n acc)unt )3 religi)us 5ie(s, +e)+le )3 di33erent 3aiths
cann)t #eet )n a c)##)n +lat3)r# li;e br)thers and sisters,
then surel. the #issi)ns )3 c)#+assi)nate ()rld teachers ha5e
+iti3ull. 3ailed&
S(eet #etta transcends all these ;inds )3 narr)( br)therh))d&
It is li#itless in sc)+e and range& Barriers it has n)ne&
906
Discri#inati)n it #a;es n)t& Metta enables )ne t) regard the
(h)le ()rld as )ne>s #)therland and all as 3ell)( beings&
-ust as the sun sheds its ra.s )n all (ith)ut an. distincti)n,
e5en s) subli#e #etta best)(s its s(eet blessings eGuall. )n
the +leasant and the un+leasant, )n the rich and the +))r, )n
the high and the l)(, )n the 5ici)us and the 5irtu)us, )n #an
and ()#an, and )n hu#an and ani#al&
Such (as the b)undless Metta )3 the Buddha (h) ()r;ed
3)r the (el3are and ha++iness )3 th)se (h) l)5ed Hi# as (ell
as )3 th)se (h) hated Hi# and e5en atte#+ted t) har# and
;ill Hi#&
The Buddha e2ercised #etta eGuall. t)(ards His )(n s)n
ahula, His ad5ersar. De5adatta, His attendant Ananda, His
ad#irers and His )++)nents&
This l)5ing";indness sh)uld be e2tended in eGual #easure
t)(ards )nesel3 as t)(ards 3riend, 3)e and neutral ali;e& Su++)se
a bandit (ere t) a++r)ach a +ers)n tra5elling thr)ugh a
3)rest (ith an inti#ate 3riend, a neutral +ers)n and an ene#.,
and su++)se he (ere t) de#and that )ne )3 the# be )33ered
as a 5icti#& I3 the tra5eller (ere t) sa. that he hi#sel3 sh)uld
be ta;en, then he ()uld ha5e n) #etta t)(ards hi#sel3& I3 he
(ere t) sa. that an.)ne )3 the )ther three +ers)ns sh)uld be
ta;en, then he ()uld ha5e n) #etta t)(ards the#&
Such is the characteristic )3 real #etta& In e2ercising this
b)undless l)5ing";indness )nesel3 sh)uld n)t be ign)red&
This subtle +)int sh)uld n)t be #isunderst))d, 3)r sel3"sac
ri3ice is an)ther s(eet 5irtue and eg)lessness is .et an)ther
higher 5irtue& The cul#inati)n )3 this #etta is the identi3icati)n
)3 )nesel3 (ith all beings @sabbattataA, #a;ing n) di33erence
bet(een )nesel3 and )thers& The s)"called JIK is l)st in
the (h)le& Se+aratis# e5a+)rates& Oneness is realiIed&
90
There is n) +r)+er English eGui5alent 3)r this grace3ul ?ali
ter# Metta& C))d(ill, l)5ing";indness, bene5)lence and uni5ersal
l)5e are suggested as the best renderings&
There is n) +r)+er English eGui5alent 3)r this grace3ul ?ali
ter# Metta& C))d(ill, l)5ing";indness, bene5)lence and uni5ersal
l)5e are suggested as the best renderings&
JHatreds d) n)t cease thr)ugh hatreds$
thr)ugh l)5e al)ne the. cease&K/
Metta n)t )nl. tends t) c)nGuer anger but als) d)es n)t t)lerate
hate3ul th)ughts t)(ards )thers& He (h) has #etta ne5er
thin;s )3 har#ing )thers, n)r d)es he dis+arage )r c)nde#n
)thers& Such a +ers)n is neither a3raid )3 )thers n)r d)es he
instil 3ear int) an.&
A subtle indirect ene#. assails #etta in the guise )3 a
3riend& It is sel3ish a33ecti)n @+e#aA, 3)r unguarded #etta #a.
s)#eti#es be assailed b. lust& This indirect ene#. rese#bles
a +ers)n (h) lur;s a3ar in the Hungles )r hills t) cause har#
t) an)ther& Crie3 s+rings 3r)# a33ecti)n but n)t 3r)# #etta&
This delicate +)int sh)uld n)t be #isunderst))d& ?arents
surel. cann)t a5)id ha5ing a33ecti)n t)(ards their children
and children t)(ards their +arentsL husbands t)(ards their
(i5es and (i5es t)(ards their husbands& Such a33ecti)n is
Guite natural& The ()rld cann)t e2ist (ith)ut #utual a33ecti)n&
The +)int t) be clari3ied here is that unsel3ish #etta is
n)t s.n)n.#)us (ith )rdinar. a33ecti)n&
A bene5)lent attitude is the chie3 characteristic )3 #etta&
He (h) +ractises #etta is c)nstantl. interested in +r)#)ting
the (el3are )3 )thers& He see;s the g))d and beauti3ul in all
but n)t the ugliness in )thers&
/& Dha##a+ada, 5& 8&
909
Attendant blessings )3 Metta
/
He (h) +ractises #etta slee+s ha++il.& As he g)es t) slee+
(ith a light heart 3ree 3r)# hatred he naturall. 3alls aslee+
at )nce& This 3act is clearl. de#)nstrated b. th)se (h) are
3ull )3 l)5ing";indness& The. are 3ast aslee+ i##ediatel.
)n cl)sing their e.es&
6
As he g)es t) slee+ (ith a l)5ing heart he a(a;es (ith an
eGuall. l)5ing heart& Bene5)lent and c)#+as"si)nate +ers)ns
)3ten rise 3r)# bed (ith s#iling 3aces&
7
E5en in slee+ l)5ing +ers)ns are n)t +erturbed b. bad
drea#s& As the. are 3ull )3 l)5e during their (a;ing h)urs,
the. are +eace3ul in their slee+ing h)urs t))& Either the.
3all int) dee+ slee+ )r ha5e +leasant drea#s&
9
He bec)#es dear t) hu#an beings& As he l)5es )thers, s)
d) )thers l)5e hi#&
'hen a +ers)ns l));s at a #irr)r (ith a s#iling 3ace, a si#ilar
3ace (ill greet hi#& I3, )n the c)ntrar., he l));s (ith a
(r. 3ace, he (ill see a si#ilar re3lecti)n& The )utside ()rld reacts
)n )ne in the sa#e (a. that )ne acts t)(ards the ()rld&
One 3ull )3 3aults hi#sel3 is a+t t) see the e5il in )thers& The
g))d he ign)res& An English +)et D B)lt)n Hall D has +ut it
beauti3ull.$N
JI l));ed at #. br)ther (ith the Micr)sc)+e )3 4riticis#&
And I said MH)( c)arse #. br)ther isR>
I l));ed at hi# thr)ugh the Telesc)+e )3 Sc)rn
And I said, MH)( s#all #. br)ther isR>
Then I l));ed in the Mirr)r )3 Truth
And I said, MH)( li;e #e #. br)ther isR>K
90
'h. sh)uld (e see the ugliness in )thers (hen there is e5il
in the best )3 us and g))d in the ()rst )3 usB It ()uld be a
s)urce )3 +leasure t) all i3 (e c)uld see the g))d and beauti3ul
in all&
8
He (h) +ractises #etta is dear t) n)n"hu#ans as (ell& Ani#als
are als) attracted t) hi#& adiating their l)5ing";indness,
ascetics li5e in (ild 3)rests a#idst 3er)ci)us beasts
(ith)ut being har#ed b. the#&
:
O(ing t) his +)(er )3 #etta he bec)#es i##une 3r)#
+)is)n and s) 3)rth unless he is subHect t) s)#e ine2)rable
Ka##a&
As #etta is a c)nstructi5e health. 3)rce it has the +)(er t)
c)unteract h)stile in3luence& -ust as hate3ul th)ughts can +r)duce
t)2ic e33ects in the s.ste#, e5en s) l)5ing th)ughts can
+r)duce health. +h.sical e33ects& It is stated that a 5er. gen
er)us and de5)ut ()#an na#ed Su++i.a, (h) had a ()und
in her thigh, (as healed )n seeing the Buddha& The +eace3ul
th)ught 5ibrati)ns )3 the Buddha and the ()#an c)#bined
t) +r)duce this salutar. e33ect&
'hen the Buddha 5isited His birth+lace 3)r the 3irst ti#e,
His s)n ahula, (h) (as )nl. se5en .ears )3 age, a++r)ached
Hi# and s+)ntane)usl. re#ar;ed$ JO ascetic, e5en .)ur
shad)( is +leasing t) #e&K The child (as s) #uch d)#inated
b. the Buddha>s #etta that he dee+l. 3elt its #agnetic +)(er&
<
In5isible deities +r)tect hi# because )3 the +)(er )3 his
#etta&
1
Metta leads t) Guic; #ental c)ncentrati)n& As the #ind is
n)t +erturbed b. h)stile 5ibrati)ns )ne"+)intedness can
be gained (ith ease& 'ith #ind at +eace he (ill li5e in a
90:
hea5en )3 his )(n creati)n& E5en th)se (h) c)#e in c)n
hea5en )3 his )(n creati)n& E5en th)se (h) c)#e in c)n
0
Metta tends t) beauti3. )ne>s 3acial e2+ressi)n& The 3ace as
a rule re3lects the state )3 the #ind& 'hen )ne gets angr.,
the heart +u#+s bl))d t(ice )r three ti#es 3aster than the
n)r#al rate& Heated bl))d rushes u+ t) the 3ace, (hich
then turns red )r blac;& At ti#es the 3ace bec)#es re+ul
si5e t) sight& L)5ing th)ughts )n the c)ntrar., gladden the
heart and clari3. the bl))d& The 3ace then +resents a l)5able
a++earance&
It is stated that (hen the Buddha, a3ter Enlighten#ent,
re3lected )n the 4ausal elati)ns @?atthanaA, His heart (as
s) +aci3ied and His bl))d s) clari3ied that ra.s )3 di33erent
hue such as blue, .ell)(, red, (hite, )range, and a #i2ture
)3 these e#anated 3r)# His b)d.&
/= A +ers)n i#bued (ith #etta dies +eace3ull. as he harb)urs
n) th)ughts )3 hatred t)(ards an.& E5en a3ter death his se
rene 3ace re3lects his +eace3ul death&
// Since a +ers)n (ith #etta dies ha++il., he (ill subseGuentl.
be b)rn in a bliss3ul state& I3 he has gained the -hanas @ecstasiesA,
he (ill be b)rn in a Brah#a real#&
?)(er )3 Metta
Besides these ine5itable ()rldl. blessings #etta +)ssesses a
#agnetic +)(er& It can +r)duce a g))d in3luence )n )thers
e5en at a distance and can attract )thers t) )nesel3&
Once (hen the Buddha 5isited a certain cit., #an. distinguished
n)bles ca#e t) (elc)#e Hi#, a#)ngst (h)# (as a
n)ble#an na#ed )Ha, (h) (as a 3riend )3 Venerable Ananda&
Seeing hi#, Venerable Ananda said$ JIt is 5er. ;ind )3 .)u,
90<
)Ha, t) ha5e c)#e t) (elc)#e the Buddha&K
)Ha, t) ha5e c)#e t) (elc)#e the Buddha&K
e
c)#e here t) (elc)#e the BuddhaK, re+lied )Ha&
Venerable Ananda (as slightl. dis+leased& He a++r)ached
the Buddha and i#+l)red Hi# t) +reach the Dha##a t) )Ha&
The Buddha instantl. radiated #etta t)(ards )Ha and retired
t) His cha#ber&
)Ha>s b)d. (as saturated (ith the #etta )3 the Buddha& He
(as electri3ied, s) t) sa., (ith the #agnetic +)(er )3 Buddha>s
irresistible l)5e& -ust as a cal3 ()uld run a3ter its #)ther he ran
3r)# cell t) cell in the #)naster. inGuiring (here the Buddha
(as& The #)n;s directed hi# t) the Buddha>s cha#ber& He
;n)c;ed at the d))r& The Buddha )+ened it& In he (ent, saluted
the Buddha, heard the d)ctrine, and beca#e a c)n5ert&
Such is the #agnetic +)(er )3 #etta (hich e5er.)ne can
e2ercise acc)rding t) his abilit.&
On an)ther )ccasi)n an int)2icated ele+hant (as dri5en t)(ards
the Buddha in an e33)rt t) ;ill Hi#& The Buddha cal#l.
radiated His l)5e t)(ards the ele+hant and subdued it&
A beauti3ul st)r. #a. be cited t) sh)( h)( the B)dhisatta
as a b). e2tended his b)undless #etta (hen his )(n 3ather )rdered
hi# t) be ;illed& !)ung th)ugh he (as, the B)dhisatta
th)ught t) hi#sel3$N
JHere is a g)lden )++)rtunit. 3)r #e t) +ractise #. #etta&
M. 3ather stands be3)re #e, #. g))d #)ther is (ee+ing, the
e2ecuti)ner is read. t) ch)+ )33 #. hands and 3eet& I, the 5icti#,
a# in the centre& L)5e I #ust all the 3)ur in eGual #easure
(ith)ut an. distincti)n& Ma. #. g))d 3ather n)t incur an.
901
su33ering because )3 this ruthless actR Ma. I bec)#e a Buddha
in the 3utureRK
In )ne )3 his +re5i)us births the B)dhisatta (as )nce +ractising
the 5irtue )3 +atience in a r).al +ar;& The ;ing, a drun;
su33ering because )3 this ruthless actR Ma. I bec)#e a Buddha
in the 3utureRK
In )ne )3 his +re5i)us births the B)dhisatta (as )nce +ractising
the 5irtue )3 +atience in a r).al +ar;& The ;ing, a drun;)
beat hi# and cut )33 his hands and 3eet& Still he +ractised +a
tience& The i#+atient ;ing ;ic;ed hi# in the chest& L.ing in
a +))l )3 bl))d, al#)st )n the 5erge )3 death, the B)dhisatta
blessed the ;ing and (ished hi# l)ng li3e sa.ing that #en
li;e hi#sel3 ne5er get angr.&6 A Bhi;;hu is e2+ected t) +ractise
#etta t) such an e2tent that he is 3)rbidden t) dig )r cause
t) dig the gr)und lest insects and )ther #inute creatures die&
The high standard )3 #etta e2+ected 3r)# a Bhi;;hu can
be underst))d b. the 3)ll)(ing ad#)niti)n )3 the Buddha$N
JI3 bandits se5er .)ur li#bs (ith a t()"handled sa(, and i3
.)u entertain hate in .)ur heart, .)u (ill n)t be a 3)ll)(er )3
#. teaching&K
Such enduring +atience is e2tre#el. di33icult& But, that
is the l)3t. ethical standard the Buddha e2+ects 3r)# His
3)ll)(ers&
The Buddha Hi#sel3 has set the n)ble e2a#+le$
JAs an ele+hant in the battle3ield (ithstands arr)(s sh)t
3r)# a b)(,K sa.s the Buddha, Je5en s) (ill I endure abuseL
5eril. #)st +e)+le are undisci+lined&K7
This cha)tic, (ar"(ear., restless ()rld )3 t)da., (here the
nati)ns are ar#ing the#sel5es t) their teeth, 3rightened )3 )ne
an)ther, (here hu#an li3e is endangered b. nuclear (ea+)ns
(hich #a. be released at an. #)#ent, is s)rel. in need )3 this
uni5ersal l)5ing";indness s) that all #a. li5e in )ne ()rld in
& See +& 10
7& Dha##a+ada 5& 76=&
900
+er3ect +eace and har#)n. li;e br)thers and sisters&
+er3ect +eace and har#)n. li;e br)thers and sisters&
'ell, (hat can +)(erless +e)+le d) (hen b)#bs rain 3r)#
ab)5eB 4an the. a5ert such a catastr)+heB
Buddhist #etta is the )nl. ans(er t) such deadl. b)#bs
(hen )ne is 3aced (ith ine2)rable death&
I3 all (arli;e nati)ns c)uld be +re5ailed u+)n t) substitute
this s+iritual #etta 3)r the destructi5e (ea+)ns )3 #aterialis#
and rule the ()rld n)t (ith #ight and 3)rce but (ith
right and l)5e, then )nl. ()uld there be genuine +eace and
ha++iness in this ()rld&
Lea5ing the al#)st un+ractical #aH)r issues aside, it is ad5isable
t) be c)ncerned (ith )nesel3 and the rest )3 #an;ind
in culti5ating this s(eet 5irtue )3 #etta t) the best )3 )ne>s
abilit.&
H)( t) ?ractise Metta
A 3e( +ractical hints are gi5en bel)( t) +ractise this #editati)n
)n l)5ing";indness&
Metta sh)uld be +ractised 3irst t)(ards )nesel3& In d)ing
s) a +ers)n sh)uld charge his #ind and b)d. (ith +)siti5e
th)ughts )3 +eace and ha++iness& He sh)uld thin; h)( he
c)uld be +eace3ul, ha++., 3ree 3r)# su33ering, ()rr. and anger&
He then bec)#es the e#b)di#ent )3 l)5ing";indness&
Shielded b. l)5ing";indness, he cuts )33 all h)stile 5ibrati)ns
and negati5e th)ughts& He returns g))d 3)r e5il, l)5e 3)r
anger& He bec)#es e5er t)lerant and tries his best n)t t) gi5e
)ccasi)n 3)r anger t) an.& Hi#sel3 bea#ing (ith ha++iness,
he inHects ha++iness int) )thers n)t )nl. in(ardl. but als)
8==
)ut(ardl. b. +utting his #etta int) +ractice in the c)urse )3
his dail. li3e&
)ut(ardl. b. +utting his #etta int) +ractice in the c)urse )3
his dail. li3e&
.
hi#sel3& He sh)uld ;n)( the (a.s and #eans t) #a;e hi#sel3
ha++.&
He n)( radiates his l)5ing";indness t)(ards all his near
and dear )nes indi5iduall. and c)llecti5el., (ishing the#
+eace and ha++iness and 3reed)# 3r)# su33ering, disease,
()rr. and anger&
Di33using his th)ughts )3 l)5ing";indness t)(ards his
relati5es and 3riends, he radiates the# als) t)(ards neutrals&
-ust as he (ishes 3)r the +eace and ha++iness )3 hi#sel3 and
)3 his near and dear )nes, e5en s) he sincerel. (ishes 3)r the
+eace and ha++iness )3 th)se (h) are neutral t) hi#, (ishing
the# 3reed)# 3r)# su33ering, disease, ()rr. and anger&
*inall., th)ugh this is s)#e(hat di33icult, he sh)uld radiate
his #etta in the sa#e (a. t)(ards th)se @i3 an.A (h) are ini#ical
t) hi#& I3, b. +ractising #etta, he c)uld ad)+t a 3riendl.
attitude t)(ards th)se th)ught t) be ini#ical t)(ards hi#,
his achie5e#ent ()uld be #)re her)ic and c)##endable& As
the Buddha ad5ises D JA#idst th)se (h) hate let hi# li5e 3ree
3r)# hatred&K
Starting 3r)# hi#sel3 he sh)uld graduall. e2tend his #etta
t)(ards all beings, irres+ecti5e )3 creed, race, c)l)ur, )r se2,
including du#b ani#als, until he has identi3ied hi#sel3 (ith
all, #a;ing n) distincti)n (hate5er& He #erges hi#sel3 in the
(h)le uni5erse and is )ne (ith all& He is n) #)re d)#inated
b. eg)istic 3eelings& He transcends all 3)r#s )3 se+aratis#&
=/
N) l)nger c)n3ining hi#sel3 t) (ater"tight c)#+art#ents, n)
l)nger in3luenced b. caste, class, nati)nal, racial, )r religi)us
+reHudices, he can regard the (h)le ()rld as his #)therland
and all as 3ell)( beings in the )cean )3 li3e&
6& Karuna
The sec)nd 5irtue that subli#es #an is c)#+assi)n @;arunaA&
It is de3ined as that (hich #a;es the hearts )3 the g))d Gui5er
(hen )thers are subHect t) su33ering, )r that (hich dissi+ates
the su33erings )3 )thers& Its chie3 characteristic is the (ish t)
re#)5e the ()es )3 )thers&
The hearts )3 c)#+assi)nate +ers)ns are e5en s)3ter than
3l)(ers& The. d) n)t and cann)t rest satis3ied until the. relie5e
the su33erings )3 )thers& At ti#es the. e5en g) t) the e2tent
)3 sacri3icing their li5es s) as t) alle5iate the su33erings )3
)thers& The st)r. )3 the V.aghri -ata;a9 (here the B)dhisatta
sacri3iced his li3e t) sa5e a star5ing tigress and her cubs #a.
be cited as an e2a#+le&
It is c)#+assi)n that c)#+els )ne t) ser5e )thers (ith altruistic
#)ti5es& A trul. c)#+assi)nate +ers)n li5es n)t 3)r
hi#sel3 but 3)r )thers& He see;s )++)rtunities t) ser5e )thers
e2+ecting n)thing in return, n)t e5en gratitude&
'h) needs c)#+assi)nB
Man. a#idst us deser5e )ur c)#+assi)n& The +))r and the
need., the sic; and the hel+less, the l)nel. and the destitute,
the ign)rant and the 5ici)us, the i#+ure and the undisci+lined
are s)#e that de#and the c)#+assi)n )3 ;ind"hearted, n)ble"
#inded #en and ()#en, t) (hate5er religi)n )r t) (hate5er
race the. bel)ng&
& See +& :0, cha+ter 9/&
8=6
S)#e c)untries are #ateriall. rich but s+irituall. +))r,
(hile s)#e )thers are s+irituall. rich but #ateriall. +))r&
B)th these +athetic c)nditi)ns ha5e t) be ta;en int) c)nsiderati)n
b. the #ateriall. rich and the s+irituall. rich&
S)#e c)untries are #ateriall. rich but s+irituall. +))r,
(hile s)#e )thers are s+irituall. rich but #ateriall. +))r&
B)th these +athetic c)nditi)ns ha5e t) be ta;en int) c)nsiderati)n
b. the #ateriall. rich and the s+irituall. rich&
Once a .)ung student re#)5ed the d))r curtain in his
h)use and ga5e it t) a +))r +ers)n telling his g))d #)ther that
the d))r d)es n)t 3eel the c)ld but the +))r certainl. d)& Such
a ;indhearted attitude in .)ung #en and ()#en is highl.
c)##endable&
It is grati3.ing t) n)te that s)#e (ealth. c)untries ha5e
3)r#ed the#sel5es int) 5ari)us +hilanthr)+ic b)dies t) hel+
under"de5el)+ed c)untries, es+eciall. in Asia, in e5er. +)ssible
(a.& 4haritable )rganiIati)ns ha5e als) been established
in all c)untries b. #en, ()#en and students t) gi5e e5er.
+)ssible assistance t) the +))r and the need.& eligi)us b)dies
als) +er3)r# their res+ecti5e duties in this c)nnecti)n in their
)(n hu#ble (a.& H)#es 3)r the Aged, Or+hanages and )ther
si#ilar charitable instituti)ns are needed in under"de5el)+ed
c)untries&
The beggar +r)ble# has still t) be s)l5ed in s)#e c)untries
(here begging has bec)#e a +r)3essi)n& Out )3 c)#+assi)n
3)r the un3)rtunate beggars this +r)ble# has t) be s)l5ed
satis3act)ril. b. the res+ecti5e C)5ern#ents as the e2istence
)3 beggars is an insult t) an. sel3"res+ecting nati)n&
As the #ateriall. rich sh)uld ha5e c)#+assi)n )n the #ateriall.
+))r and tr. t) ele5ate the#, it is the dut. )3 the s+ir
8=7
ituall. rich, t)), t) ha5e c)#+assi)n )n the s+irituall. +))r
and subli#e the# th)ugh the. #a. be #ateriall. rich& 'ealth
al)ne cann)t gi5e genuine ha++iness& ?eace )3 #ind can be
gained n)t b. #aterial treasures but b. s+iritual treasures&
Man. in this ()rld are badl. in need )3 substantial s+iritual
3))d, (hich is n)t easil. )btained, as the s+irituall. +))r
ituall. rich, t)), t) ha5e c)#+assi)n )n the s+irituall. +))r
and subli#e the# th)ugh the. #a. be #ateriall. rich& 'ealth
al)ne cann)t gi5e genuine ha++iness& ?eace )3 #ind can be
gained n)t b. #aterial treasures but b. s+iritual treasures&
Man. in this ()rld are badl. in need )3 substantial s+iritual
3))d, (hich is n)t easil. )btained, as the s+irituall. +))r
d
b)th a#)ngst the rich and the +))r&
E5en #)re than +)5ert. sic;ness +re5ails thr)ugh)ut the
()rld& Man. are +h.sicall. sic;, s)#e are #entall. sic;& Science
+r)5ides e33ecti5e #edicine 3)r the 3)r#er but n)t 3)r the
latter, (h) 5er. )3ten languish in #ental h)s+itals&
There are causes 3)r these t() ;inds )3 diseases& 4)#+assi)nate
#en and ()#en #ust tr. t) re#)5e the causes i3 the.
(ish t) +r)duce an e33ecti5e cure&
E33ecti5e #easures ha5e been e#+l).ed b. 5ari)us nati)ns
t) +re5ent and cure diseases n)t )nl. )3 #an;ind but
als) )3 ani#als& The Buddha set a n)ble e2a#+le b. attending
)n the sic; Hi#sel3 and e2h)rting His disci+les (ith the
#e#)rable ()rds$
JHe (h) #inisters unt) the sic; #inisters unt) #e&K
S)#e sel3less d)ct)rs render 3ree ser5ices t)(ards the alle5iati)n
)3 su33ering& S)#e e2+end their (h)le ti#e and energ. in
#inistering t) the +))r +atients e5en at the ris; )3 their li5es&
H)s+itals and 3ree dis+ensaries ha5e bec)#e a blessing t)
hu#anit. but #)re are needed s) that the +))r #a. bene3it
b. the#& In underde5el)+ed c)untries the +))r su33er thr)ugh
lac; )3 #edical 3acilities& The sic; ha5e t) be carried 3)r #iles
(ith great inc)n5enience t) the nearest h)s+ital )r dis+ensar.
3)r #edical treat#ent& S)#eti#es the. die )n the (a.&
8=9
?regnant #)thers su33er #)st& H)s+itals, dis+ensaries, #aternit.
h)#es, etc& are essential needs in bac;(ard 5illage areas&
?regnant #)thers su33er #)st& H)s+itals, dis+ensaries, #aternit.
h)#es, etc& are essential needs in bac;(ard 5illage areas&
&
These un3)rtunate )nes ha5e n) )ther alternati5e but t) su33er
#ee;l. e5en as M)ther Earth su33ers e5er.thing in silence&
'hen the grie3 is unbearable, the. c)##it suicide in utter
des+erati)n&
The 5ici)us, the (ic;ed, and the ign)rant deser5e c)#+assi)n
e5en, #)re than th)se (h) su33er +h.sicall. as the. are
#entall. and s+irituall. sic;& The. sh)uld n)t be c)nde#ned
and des+ised but s.#+athised (ith 3)r their 3ailings and de
3ects& Th)ugh a #)ther has eGual c)#+assi)n t)(ards all her
children still she #a. ha5e #)re c)#+assi)n t)(ards a sic;
child& E5en s), greater c)#+assi)n sh)uld be e2ercised t)(ards
the s+irituall. sic; as their sic;ness ruins their character&
The Buddha, 3)r instance, had great c)#+assi)n t)(ards
the c)urtesan A#ba+ali, and t)(ards Anguli#ala the #urderer&
B)th )3 the# later beca#e His c)n5erts and under(ent
a c)#+lete re3)r#ati)n in character&
'e #ust understand that greatness is latent in all h)(e5er
(ic;ed the. #a. be& ?erha+s )ne a++r)+riate ()rd at
the right #)#ent #a. change the (h)le )utl)); )3 a +ers)n&
The E#+er)r As);a +er+etrated #an. cri#es, s) #uch s)
that he (as stig#atiIed As);a the 'ic;ed& Later the ()rds
3r)# a .)ung n)5ice D JDiligence is the +ath t) the deathlessK
8=8
D D
The Buddha>s ad5ice is t) shun the c)#+an. )3 the 3))lish&
That d)es n)t #ean that the g))d sh)uld n)t ass)ciate
(ith the# s) as t) re3)r# the#& ?e)+le a5)id th)se (h) su33er
3r)# c)ntagi)us diseases& But c)#+ass"si)nate +h.sicians,
attend )n the# s) as t) heal the#& Other(ise the. #ight die&
In the sa#e (a. the (ic;ed #a. die s+irituall. i3 the g))d
are n)t t)lerant and c)#+assi)nate t)(ards the#&
As a rule the Buddha (ent in search )3 the +))r, the ign)rant
and the 5ici)us, but the g))d and the 5irtu)us ca#e in
search )3 the Buddha&
Li;e #etta @l)5ing";indnessA, ;aruna @c)#+assi)nA sh)uld
als) be e2tended (ith)ut li#it t)(ards all su33ering and hel+less
beings, including du#b ani#als and 3ertile eggs&
T) den. the rights and +ri5ileges )3 #an;ind )n acc)unt
)3 caste, c)l)ur, )r race is inhu#an and cruel& T) 3east )n the
3lesh )3 ani#als b. ;illing )r causing the# t) be ;illed is n)t
hu#an c)#+assi)n& T) rain b)#bs 3r)# ab)5e and ruthlessl.
destr). #illi)ns )3 #en, ()#en and children is the ()rst
3)r# )3 cruelt. that deluded #an has e5er +er+etrated&
T)da. this +itiless, 5enge3ul ()rld has sacri3iced the #)st
+reci)us thing )n earth D li3e D at the altar )3 brute 3)rce&
'hither has c)#+assi)n 3ledB
The ()rld needs t)da. c)#+assi)nate #en and ()#en t)
banish 5i)lence and cruelt. 3r)# the 3ace )3 the earth&
Buddhist c)#+assi)n, it sh)uld be n)ted, d)es n)t c)nsist in
#ere shedding )3 tears and the li;e, 3)r the indirect ene#. )3
c)#+assi)n is +assi)nate grie3 @d)#anassaA&
4)#+assi)n e#braces all s)rr)("stric;en beings, (hile l)5ing"
;indness e#braces all li5ing beings, ha++. )r s)rr)(3ul&
8=:
7& 7&
The third subli#e 5irtue is #udita& It is n)t #ere s.#+ath.
but s.#+athetic )r a++reciati5e H). (hich tends t) destr).
Heal)us., its direct ene#.&
One de5astating 3)rce that endangers )ur (h)le c)nstituti)n
is Heal)us.& Ver. )3ten s)#e cann)t bear t) see )r hear
the success3ul achie5e#ents )3 )thers& The. reH)ice )5er their
3ailures but cann)t t)lerate their successes& Instead )3 +raising
and c)ngratulating the success3ul, the. tr. t) ruin, c)nde#n
and 5ili3. the#& In )ne (a. #udita is c)ncerned #)re (ith
)nesel3 than (ith )thers as it tends t) eradicate Heal)us. (hich
ruins )nesel3& On the )ther hand it aids )thers as (ell since
)ne (h) +ractises #udita (ill n)t tr. t) hinder the +r)gress
and (el3are )3 )thers&
It is Guite eas. t) reH)ice )5er the success )3 )ne>s near and
dear )nes, but rather di33icult t) d) s) )5er the success )3 )ne>s
ad5ersaries& !es, the #aH)rit. n)t )nl. 3ind it di33icult but als)
d) n)t and cann)t reH)ice& The. see; delight in creating e5er.
+)ssible )bstacle s) as t) ruin their ad5ersaries& The. e5en g)
t) the e2tent )3 +)is)ning, cruci3.ing, and assassinating the
g))d and the 5irtu)us&
S)crates (as +)is)ned, 4hrist (as cruci3ied, Candhi (as
sh)t& Such is the nature )3 the (ic;ed and deluded ()rld&
The +ractice )3 #etta and ;aruna is easier than the +ractice
)3 #udita (hich de#ands great +ers)nal e33)rt and str)ng
(ill"+)(er&
D) the 'estern nati)ns reH)ice )5er the +r)s+erit. )3 the
Eastern and the Eastern )5er the +r)s+erit. )3 the 'e)sternB
D)es )ne nati)n reH)ice )5er the (el3are )3 an)ther nati)nB Is
)ne race ha++. )5er the gr)(ing +r)s+erit. )3 an)ther raceB
D)es e5en )ne religi)us sect, (hich stands 3)r the culti5ati)n
8=<
)3 #)rals, reH)ice )5er the s+iritual in3luence )3 an)ther sectB
One religi)n is Heal)us )3 an)ther religi)n, )ne +art )3 the
gl)be is Heal)us )3 an)ther +art )3 the gl)be, )ne instituti)n is
Heal)us )3 an)ther instituti)n, )ne business 3ir# is Heal)us )3
an)ther business 3ir#, )ne 3a#il. is Heal)us )3 an)ther 3a#
il., unsuccess3ul +u+ils are Heal)us )3 success3ul +u+ils, s)#e
ti#es e5en )ne br)ther )r sister is Heal)us )3 an)ther br)ther
)r sister&
This is the 5er. reas)n (h. indi5iduals and gr)u+s sh)uld
+ractise a++reciati5e H). i3 the. (ish t) subli#e the#sel5es
and be internall. ha++.&
The chie3 characteristic )3 #udita is ha++. acGuiescence in
)thers> +r)s+erit. and success @anu#)danaA& Laughter and the
li;e are n)t the characteristics )3 #udita as e2hilarati)n @+a
hasaA is regarded as its indirect ene#.&
Mudita e#braces all +r)s+er)us beings and is the c)ngratulat)r.
attitude )3 a +ers)n& It tends t) eli#inate an. disli;e
@aratiA t)(ards a success3ul +ers)n&
9& U+e;;ha
The 3)urth subli#e state is the #)st di33icult and the #)st essential&
It is u+e;;ha )r eGuani#it.& The et.#)"l)gical #eaning
)3 the ter# u+e;;ha is Jdiscerning rightl.,K J5ie(ing Hustl.K )r
Jl));ing i#+artiall.,K that is, (ith)ut attach#ent )r a5ersi)n,
(ith)ut 3a5)ur )r dis3a5)ur& @See ++& 867"869 and 0:" 0<A&
EGuani#it. is necessar. es+eciall. 3)r la.#en (h) ha5e t)
li5e in an ill"balanced ()rld a#idst 3luctuating circu#stances&
Slights and insults are the c)##)n l)t )3 #an;ind& The
()rld is s) c)nstituted that the g))d and the 5irtu)us are )3ten
subHect t) unHust criticis# and attac;& It is her)ic t) #aintain a
balanced #ind in such circu#stances&
=1
L)ss and gain, 3a#e and in3a#., +raise and bla#e, +ain and
ha++iness are eight ()rldl. c)nditi)nsL)ss and gain, 3a#e and in3a#., +raise and bla#e, +ain and
ha++iness are eight ()rldl. c)nditi)nsthat a33ect all hu#anit.&
M)st +e)+le are +erturbed (hen a33ected b. such 3a5)ur"
able )r un3a5)urable states& One is elated (hen )ne is +raised,
and de+ressed (hen bla#ed and re5iled& He is (ise, sa.s the
Buddha, (h), a#idst such 5icissitudes )3 li3e, stands un#)5ed
li;e unt) a 3ir# r)c;, e2ercising +er3ect eGuani#it.&
The Buddha>s e2e#+lar. li3e )33ers us ()rldlings an e2cellent
e2a#+le )3 eGuani#it.&
There (as n) religi)us teacher in the ()rld (h) (as s) se5erel.
criticised, attac;ed, insulted and re5iled as the Buddha,
and .et n)ne s) highl. +raised, h)n)ured and re5ered as the
Buddha&
Once (hen He (ent in Guest )3 al#s, He (as called an
)utcast b. an i#+ertinent brah#in& He cal#l. endured the in
sult and e2+lained t) hi# that it is n)t birth that #a;es )ne an
)utcast but an ign)ble character& The brah#in (as c)n5erted&
In5iting hi# t) a h)use 3)r al#s, a certain #an enter
tained the Buddha (ith the 3ilthiest language, current in His
ti#e& He (as called Ms(ine>, Mbrute>, M)2>, etc& But He (as n)t )33ended&
He did n)t retaliate& 4al#l. He Guesti)ned His h)st
(hat he ()uld d) (hen guests 5isited his h)use& He re+lied
that he ()uld +re+are a 3east t) entertain the#&
J'ell, (hat ()uld .)u d) i3 the. did n)t +arta;e )3 itBK
Guesti)ned the Buddha&
JIn that case (e )ursel5es ()uld +arta;e )3 the 3east&K
J'ell, g))d br)ther, .)u ha5e in5ited #e t) .)ur h)use 3)r
al#s& !)u ha5e entertained #e (ith a t)rrent )3 abuse& I d)
n)t acce+t it& ?lease ta;e it bac;,K cal#l. re+lied the Buddha&
The )33ender>s character (as c)#+letel. trans3)r#ed&
& See 4ha+ter 97&
=0
Jetaliate n)t& Be silent as a crac;ed g)ng (hen .)u are
abused b. )thers& I3 .)u d) s), I dee# that .)u ha5e alread.
attained Nibbana alth)ugh .)u ha5e n)t realiIed Nibbana&K
Jetaliate n)t& Be silent as a crac;ed g)ng (hen .)u are
abused b. )thers& I3 .)u d) s), I dee# that .)u ha5e alread.
attained Nibbana alth)ugh .)u ha5e n)t realiIed Nibbana&K
Such is the ad5ice )3 the Buddha&
These are g)lden ()rds that sh)uld be gi5en heed t) in
this ill"disci+lined ()rld )3 t)da.&
Once a lad. )3 the c)urt induced s)#e drun;ards t) re5ile
the Buddha s) #uch that Venerable Ananda, His attendant
disci+le, i#+l)red the Buddha t) lea5e the cit. and g) else(here&
But the Buddha (as un+erturbed&
An)ther ()#an 3eigned +regnanc. and +ublicl. accused
the Buddha )3 ha5ing +laced her in that c)nditi)n& A ()#an
(as ;illed b. His ri5als and the Buddha (as accused )3 #urder&
His )(n c)usin and disci+le De5adatta #ade an unsuccess3ul
atte#+t t) crush Hi# t) death b. hurling a r)c; 3r)#
a cli33& S)#e )3 His )(n disci+les accused Hi# )3 Heal)us.,
+artialit., 3a5)uritis#, etc&
On the )ther hand #an. sang the +raises )3 the Buddha&
Kings +r)strated the#sel5es be3)re His 3eet and +aid the highest
re5erence&
Li;e the M)ther Earth the Buddha su33ered e5er.thing in
silence (ith +er3ect eGuani#it.&
Li;e a li)n that d)es n)t tre#ble at e5er. s)und, )ne sh)uld
n)t be +erturbed b. the +)is)ned darts )3 uncurbed t)ngues&
Li;e the (ind that d)es n)t cling t) the #eshes )3 a net, )ne
sh)uld n)t be attached t) the illus)r. +leasures )3 this chang
ing ()rld& Li;e the l)tus that is uns)iled b. the #ud 3r)#
(hich it s+rings, )ne sh)uld li5e una33ected b. ()rldl. te#+tati)ns,
e5er cal#, serene and +eace3ul&
& See Dha##a+ada 5& /69
/=
As (ith the 3irst three 5irtues s) als) u+e;;ha has 3)r its
direct ene#. attach#ent @ragaA and 3)r its indirect ene#. call)usness
)r unintelligent indi33erence&
As (ith the 3irst three 5irtues s) als) u+e;;ha has 3)r its
direct ene#. attach#ent @ragaA and 3)r its indirect ene#. call)usness
)r unintelligent indi33erence&
titude is its chie3 characteristic& He (h) +ractises eGuani#it.
is neither attracted b. desirable )bHects n)r is a5erse t) undesirable
)bHects&
His attitude t)(ards the sinner and saint (ill be the sa#e,
3)r he #a;es n) distincti)n&
F
Metta e#braces all beings, ;aruna e#braces su33erers, #udita
e#braces the +r)s+er)us, and u+e;;ha e#braces the g))d
and the bad, the l)5ed and the unl)5ed, the +leasant and the
un+leasant&
He (h) (ishes t) be di5ine in this li3e itsel3 #a. dail. culti5ate
these 3)ur subli#e 5irtues (hich are d)r#ant in all&
He (h) (ishes t) +er3ect hi#sel3 and c)#+assi)natel.
()r; 3)r the (el3are )3 all beings in the c)urse )3 his c)untless
births in Sa#sara #a. strenu)usl. de5el)+ the ten ?er3ecti)ns
@?ara#iA and ulti#atel. bec)#e a Sa##a Sa#buddha,
a Su+re#el. Enlightened One&
He (h) (ishes t) eradicate his +assi)ns and +ut an end t)
su33ering b. realiIing Nibbana at the earliest +)ssible )++)rtunit.
#a. diligentl. 3)ll)( the uniGue N)ble Eight3)ld ?ath
(hich still e2ists in its +ristine +urit.&
The Buddha e2h)rts$
JSu++)se, O #)n;s, this #ight. earth (ere )ne #ass )3
(ater and a #an (ere t) thr)( d)(n there)n a .);e (ith
)ne h)le& Then c)#es a (ind 3r)# the east and (a3ts it
(est, and a (ind 3r)# the (est (a3ts it eastL a n)rth (ind
//
(a3ts it s)uth, and a s)uth (ind (a3ts it n)rth& Then )nce
at the end )3 a hundred .ears a blind turtle +ush his nec;
thr)ugh that .);e (ith )ne h)le (hene5er he +)++ed u+
t) the sur3ace at the end )3 a hundred .earsB
(a3ts it s)uth, and a s)uth (ind (a3ts it n)rth& Then )nce
at the end )3 a hundred .ears a blind turtle +ush his nec;
thr)ugh that .);e (ith )ne h)le (hene5er he +)++ed u+
t) the sur3ace at the end )3 a hundred .earsB
JIt is Hust as unli;el., O #)n;s, that )ne (ill get birth in
hu#an 3)r#L Hust as unli;el. that a Tathagata sh)uld arise
in the ()rld, an Arahant, a *ull. Enlightened OneL Hust as
unli;el. that the N)r# @Dha##aA and Disci+line @Vina.aA
+r)clai#ed b. a Tathagata sh)uld be sh)(n in the ()rld&
JBut n)( indeed, O #)n;s, this state )3 hu#an birth is
()n, and a Tathagata has arisen in the ()rld, and the N)r#
and Disci+line +r)clai#ed b. the Tathagata is sh)(n in
the ()rld&
J'here3)re, O #)n;s, .e #ust #a;e an e33)rt t) realiIe$
This is ill, this is the cause )3 ill, this is the cessati)n )3
ill, this is the (a. leading t) the cessati)n )3 ill&K<
!
<& Kindred Sa.ings, 5& +& 779
/6
4ha+ter 97
Eight ')rldl. 4)nditi)ns
Vicissitudes )3 Li3e @Atthal);adha##aA
This ill"balanced ()rld is n)t abs)lutel. r)s.& N)r is it t)tall.
th)rn.& The r)se is s)3t, beauti3ul and 3ragrant& But the ste#
)n (hich it gr)(s is 3ull )3 th)rns& 'hat is r)s. is r)s.L (hat
is th)rn. is th)rn.& Because )3 the r)se )ne (ill n)t #eddle
(ith the th)rns n)r (ill )ne dis+arage the r)se )n acc)unt )3
the th)rns&
T) an )+ti#ist this ()rld is abs)lutel. r)s.L t) a +essi#ist
this ()rld is abs)lutel. th)rn.& But t) a realist this ()rld is
neither abs)lutel. r)s. n)r abs)lutel. th)rn.& It ab)unds (ith
beauti3ul r)ses and +ric;l. th)rns as (ell, 3r)# a realistic
stand+)int&
An understanding +ers)n (ill n)t be in3atuated b. the
beaut. )3 the r)se but (ill 5ie( it as it is& Kn)(ing (ell the
nature )3 the th)rns, he (ill 5ie( the# as the. are and (ill
ta;e the +recauti)n n)t t) be ()unded&
Li;e the +endulu# that +er+etuall. turns t) the right and
le3t, 3)ur desirable and undesirable c)nditi)ns +re5ail in this
()rld (hich e5er.)ne, (ith)ut e2ce+ti)n, #ust +er3)rce 3ace
in the c)urse )3 )ne>s li3eti#e&
The. are gain @labhaA and l)ss @alabhaA, 3a#e @.asaA and de3a#e
@a.asaA, +raise @+asa#saA and bla#e @nindaA, ha++iness
@su;haA and +ain @du;;haA&
Cain and L)ss
Business #en, as a rule, are subHect t) b)th gain @labhaA and
l)ss @alabhaA& It is Guite natural t) be c)#+lacent in )btaining
/
a gain )r a +r)3it& In itsel3 there is n)thing (r)ng& Such righte)us
)r unrighte)us +r)3its +r)duce s)#e +leasure (hich a5erage
#en see;& 'ith)ut +leasurable #)#ents, th)ugh te#+)rar.,
li3e ()uld n)t be ()rth li5ing& In this c)#+etiti5e and
cha)tic ()rld rarel. d) +e)+le enH). s)#e ;ind )3 ha++iness
(hich gladdens their hearts& Such ha++iness, th)ugh #aterial,
d)es c)nduce t) health and l)nge5it.&
a gain )r a +r)3it& In itsel3 there is n)thing (r)ng& Such righte)us
)r unrighte)us +r)3its +r)duce s)#e +leasure (hich a5erage
#en see;& 'ith)ut +leasurable #)#ents, th)ugh te#+)rar.,
li3e ()uld n)t be ()rth li5ing& In this c)#+etiti5e and
cha)tic ()rld rarel. d) +e)+le enH). s)#e ;ind )3 ha++iness
(hich gladdens their hearts& Such ha++iness, th)ugh #aterial,
d)es c)nduce t) health and l)nge5it.&
s#ilingl. but n)t s) the l)sses& M)re )3ten than n)t the. lead
t) #ental derange#ent and s)#eti#es t) suicide (hen the
l)sses are unbearable& It is under such ad5erse circu#stances
that )ne sh)uld e2hibit #)ral c)urage and #aintain a balanced
#ind& All ha5e u+s and d)(ns (hile battling (ith li3e&
One sh)uld al(a.s be +re+ared 3)r the l)sses in +articular&
Then there (ill be less disa++)int#ent&
'hen s)#ething is st)len naturall. )ne 3eels sad& But b.
bec)#ing sad )ne ()uld n)t be able t) retrie5e the l)ss& One
sh)uld thin; that s)#e)ne had bene3ited thereb. th)ugh un
righte)usl.& Ma. he be (ell and ha++.R
Or )ne can c)ns)le )nesel3 thin;ing$N JIt>s )nl. a #in)r
l)ss&K One #a. e5en ad)+t a highl. +hil)s)+hical attitude
Jthere is n)thing t) be called Me )r Mine&K
In the ti#e )3 the Buddha )nce a n)ble lad. (as )33ering
3))d t) the Venerable Sari+utta and s)#e #)n;s& 'hile ser5ing
the# she recei5ed a n)te stating that her husband and
all her s)ns (h) had g)ne t) settle a dis+ute (ere (a.laid
and ;illed& 'ith)ut getting u+set, cal#l. she ;e+t the n)te
in her (aist"+)uch and ser5ed the #)n;s as i3 n)thing had
ha++ened& A #aid, (h) (as carr.ing a +)t )3 ghee t) )33er t)
the #)n;s, inad5ertentl. sli++ed and br);e the +)t )3 ghee&
Thin;ing that the lad. ()uld naturall. 3eel s)rr. )5er the
/9
l)ss, Venerable Sari+utta c)ns)led her, sa.ing that all brea;able
things are b)und t) brea;& The (ise lad. un+erturbl. re#ar;ed
D JBhante, (hat is this tri5ial l)ssB I ha5e Hust recei5ed
a n)te stating that #. husband and s)ns (ere ;illed b. s)#e
assassins& I +laced it in #. +)uch (ith)ut l)sing #. balance&
I a# ser5ing .)u all des+ite the l)ss&K
l)ss, Venerable Sari+utta c)ns)led her, sa.ing that all brea;able
things are b)und t) brea;& The (ise lad. un+erturbl. re#ar;ed
D JBhante, (hat is this tri5ial l)ssB I ha5e Hust recei5ed
a n)te stating that #. husband and s)ns (ere ;illed b. s)#e
assassins& I +laced it in #. +)uch (ith)ut l)sing #. balance&
I a# ser5ing .)u all des+ite the l)ss&K
t) the inter5enti)n )3 Mara the E5il One, the Buddha did n)t
)btain an. 3))d& 'hen Mara Guesti)ned the Buddha rather
sarcasticall. (hether He (as hungr. )r n)t, the Buddha s)l
e#nl. e2+lained the #ental attitude )3 th)se (h) are 3ree
3r)# I#+edi#ents, and re+lied$N JAh, ha++il. d) (e li5e, (e
(h) ha5e n) I#+edi#ents& *eeders )3 H). shall (e be e5en as
the g)ds )3 the adiant eal#&K
On an)ther )ccasi)n the Buddha and His disci+les )bser5ed
5assa @rain. +eri)dA in a 5illage at the in5itati)n )3 a
brah#in, (h), h)(e5er, c)#+letel. 3)rg)t his dut. t) attend
t) the needs )3 the Buddha and the Sangha& Thr)ugh)ut a +eri)d
)3 three #)nths, alth)ugh Venerable M)ggallana 5)lunteered
t) )btain 3))d b. his +s.chic +)(ers, the Buddha, #a;ing
n) c)#+laint, (as c)ntented (ith the 3)dder )3 h)rses )33ered
b. a h)rse"dealer&
Visa;ha, the Buddha>s chie3 3e#ale la. disci+le, used t)
3reGuent the #)naster. t) attend t) the needs )3 the Buddha
and the Sangha dec;ed (ith a 5er. 5aluable )uter gar#ent&
On entering the #)naster., she used t) re#)5e it and gi5e it
t) the #aid 3)r sa3e cust)d.& Once the #aid inad5ertentl. le3t
it in the te#+le and returned h)#e& Venerable Ananda, n)ticing
it, ;e+t it in a sa3e +lace t) be gi5en t) Visa;ha (hen
/
she 5isited the #)naster.& Visa;ha disc)5ering the l)ss ad5ised
the #aid t) l)); 3)r it but n)t t) ta;e it bac; in case
she 5isited the #)naster.& Visa;ha disc)5ering the l)ss ad5ised
the #aid t) l)); 3)r it but n)t t) ta;e it bac; in case
d
that Venerable Ananda had ;e+t it in sa3e cust)d.& eturning
h)#e, she re+)rted the #atter&
Visa;ha 5isited the #)naster. and inGuired )3 the Buddha
(hat #erit)ri)us act sh)uld she +er3)r# (ith the #)ne. )btained
b. selling the c)stl. gar#ent& The Buddha ad5ised her
t) build a #)naster. 3)r the bene3it )3 the Sangha& As there
(as n)b)d. t) bu. the gar#ent because )3 its high c)st, she
hersel3 b)ught it and built a #)naster. and )33ered it t) the
Sangha& A3ter the )33ering, she e2+ressed her gratitude t) the
#aid, sa.ing$N JI3 .)u had n)t inad5ertentl. le3t #. gar#ent,
I ()uld n)t ha5e g)t an )++)rtunit. t) +er3)r# this #erit)ri)us
act& ?lease share the #erit&K
Instead )3 grie5ing )5er the te#+)rar. l)ss and re+ri#anding
the #aid 3)r her carelessness she than;ed her 3)r
granting an )++)rtunit. 3)r ser5ice&
The e2e#+lar. attitude )3 cultured Visa;ha is a #e#)rable
less)n t) all th)se (h) are Guic;l. irritated )5er the #isd)ings
)3 hel+less ser5ants&
L)sses )ne #ust tr. t) bear cheer3ull. (ith #anl. 5ig)ur&
Une2+ectedl. )ne c)n3r)nts the#, 5er. )3ten in gr)u+s
and n)t singl.& One #ust 3ace the# (ith eGuani#it. @u+e;;haA
and thin; it is an )++)rtunit. t) +ractise that subli#e 5irtue&
*a#e and De3a#e
*a#e @.asaA and de3a#e @a.asaA are an)ther +air )3 ine5itable
()rldl. c)nditi)ns that c)n3r)nt us in the c)urse )3 )ur dail.
li5es&
*a#e (e (elc)#e, de3a#e (e disli;e& *a#e gladdens )ur
/:
#ind, de3a#e disheartens us& 'e desire t) bec)#e 3a#)us& 'e
l)ng t) see )ur na#es and +ictures a++ear in the +a+ers& 'e
#ind, de3a#e disheartens us& 'e desire t) bec)#e 3a#)us& 'e
l)ng t) see )ur na#es and +ictures a++ear in the +a+ers& 'e
,
are gi5en +ublicit.& S)#eti#es (e see; undue +ublicit. t))&
T) see their +icture in a #agaIine s)#e are read. t) +a.
an. a#)unt& T) )btain an h)n)ur s)#e are +re+ared t) )33er
an. bribe )r gi5e a 3at d)nati)n t) the +art. in +)(er& *)r the
sa;e )3 +ublicit. s)#e e2hibit their gener)sit. b. gi5ing al#s
t) )ne hundred #)n;s and e5en #)re, but the. #a. be t)tall.
indi33erent t) the su33erings )3 the +))r and the need. in the
neighb)urh))d& One #a. charge and +unish a star5ing +ers)n
(h), t) a++ease his hunger, (ere t) steal a c)c)nut in his
garden, but ()uld n)t hesitate t) +resent th)usand c)c)nuts
t) get a g))d na#e&
These are hu#an 3railties&
M)st +e)+le d) e5en a g))d acti)n (ith an ulteri)r #)ti5e&
Sel3less +ers)ns (h) act disinterestedl. are rare in this ()rld&
E5en i3 the #)ti5e is n)t 5er. +raise()rth., th)se (h) d) an.
g))d are t) be c)ngratulated )n ha5ing d)ne a bene3icial act&
M)st ()rldlings ha5e s)#ething u+ their slee5es& 'ell, (h)
is hundred +ercent g))dB H)( #an. are +er3ectl. +ure in
their #)ti5esB H)( #an. are abs)lutel. altruisticB
'e need n)t hunt a3ter 3a#e& I3 (e are ()rth. )3 3a#e,
it (ill c)#e t) us uns)ught& The bee (ill be attracted t) the
3l)(er, laden (ith h)ne.& The 3l)(er h)(e5er, d)es n)t in5ite
the bee&
True indeed, (e 3eel naturall. ha++., na. e2tre#el. ha++.,
(hen )ur 3a#e is s+read 3ar and (ide& But (e #ust realiIe
that 3a#e, h)n)ur and gl)r. )nl. lead t) the gra5e& The. 5anish
in thin air& E#+t. ()rds are the., th)ugh +leasing t) the
ear&
/<
'hat ab)ut de3a#eB It is n)t +alatable either t) the ear )r
#ind& 'e are und)ubtedl. +erturbed (hen un;ind de3a#at)r.
()rds +ierce )ur ears& The +ain )3 #ind is still greater
(hen the s)"called re+)rt is unHust and abs)lutel. 3alse&
'hat ab)ut de3a#eB It is n)t +alatable either t) the ear )r
#ind& 'e are und)ubtedl. +erturbed (hen un;ind de3a#at)r.
()rds +ierce )ur ears& The +ain )3 #ind is still greater
(hen the s)"called re+)rt is unHust and abs)lutel. 3alse&
s
and insults&
The Buddha (as the #)st 3a#)us and the #)st #aligned
religi)us teacher in His ti#e&
Creat #en are )3ten n)t ;n)(nL e5en i3 the. are ;n)(n,
the. are #is;n)(n&
S)#e antag)nists )3 the Buddha s+read a ru#)ur that a
()#an used t) s+end the night in the #)naster.& *)iled in
this base atte#+t, the. s+read a 3alse ru#)ur a#)ngst the
+)+ulace that the Buddha and His disci+les #urdered that
5er. ()#an and hid her c)r+se in the rubbish"hea+ )3 (ith
ered 3l)(ers (ithin the #)naster.& 'hen His hist)ric #issi)n
#et (ith success and (hen #an. s)ught )rdinati)n under
Hi#, His ad5ersaries #aligned Hi#, sa.ing that He (as r)bbing
the #)thers )3 their s)ns, de+ri5ing (i5es )3 their husbands,
and that He (as )bstructing the +r)gress )3 the na
ti)n& *ailing in all these atte#+ts t) ruin His n)ble character,
His )(n c)usin and a Heal)us disci+le )3 His, atte#+ted t) ;ill
hi# b. hurling a r)c; 3r)# ab)5e&
/1
Being a Buddha, He c)uld n)t be ;illed&
I3 such be the sad 3ate )3 3aultless, +ure Buddhas, (hat can
be the state )3 )rdinar. #)rtalsB
Being a Buddha, He c)uld n)t be ;illed&
I3 such be the sad 3ate )3 3aultless, +ure Buddhas, (hat can
be the state )3 )rdinar. #)rtalsB
'hen .)u are #isre+resented, deliberatel. )r undeliberatel.
unHustl. re+)rted, as E+ictetus ad5ises, it is (ise t) thin;
)r sa. D JO, b. his slight acGuaintanceshi+ and little ;n)(ledge
)3 #.sel3 I a# slightl. criticised& But i3 I a# ;n)(n better,
#)re seri)us and #uch greater ()uld be the accusati)ns
against #e&K
It is needless t) (aste ti#e in c)rrecting the 3alse re+)rts
unless circu#stances c)#+el .)u t) necessitate a clari3icati)n&
The ene#. is grati3ied (hen he sees that .)u are hurt& That is
(hat he actuall. e2+ects& I3 .)u are indi33erent, such #isre+resentati)ns
(ill 3all )n dea3 cars&
In seeing the 3aults )3 )thers, (e sh)uld beha5e li;e a blind
+ers)n&
In hearing unHust criticis# )3 )thers, (e sh)uld beha5e
li;e a dea3 +ers)n&
In s+ea;ing ill )3 )thers, (e sh)uld beha5e li;e a du#b
+ers)n&
It is n)t +)ssible t) +ut a st)+ t) 3alse accusati)ns, re+)rts
and ru#)urs&
/0
The ()rld is 3ull )3 th)rns and +ebbles& It is i#+)ssible t) re#)5e
the#& But i3 (e ha5e t) (al; in s+ite )3 such )bstacles,
instead )3 tr.ing t) re#)5e the#, (hich is i#+)ssible, it is ad5isable
t) (ear a +air )3 sli++ers and (al; har#lessl.&
The ()rld is 3ull )3 th)rns and +ebbles& It is i#+)ssible t) re#)5e
the#& But i3 (e ha5e t) (al; in s+ite )3 such )bstacles,
instead )3 tr.ing t) re#)5e the#, (hich is i#+)ssible, it is ad5isable
t) (ear a +air )3 sli++ers and (al; har#lessl.&
Be li;e a li)n that tre#bles n)t at s)unds&
Be li;e the (ind that d)es n)t cling t) the #eshes )3 a net&
Be li;e a l)tus that is n)t c)nta#inated b. the #ud 3r)#
(hich it s+rings u+&
'ander al)ne li;e a rhin)cer)s&
Being the ;ing )3 the 3)rest, li)ns are 3earless& B. nature the.
are n)t 3rightened b. the r)aring )3 )ther ani#als& In this
()rld (e #a. hear ad5erse re+)rts, 3alse accusati)ns, degrad
ing re#ar;s )3 uncurbed t)ngues& Li;e a li)n, (e sh)uld n)t
e5en listen t) the#& Li;e the b))#erang the. (ill end (here
the. began&
D)gs bar;, cara5ans +eace3ull. #)5e )n&
'e are li5ing in a #udd. ()rld& Nu#er)us are the l)tuses
that s+ring there3r)#& 'ith)ut being c)nta#inated b.
the #ud, the. ad)rn the ()rld& Li;e l)tuses (e sh)uld tr. t)
lead bla#eless n)ble li5es un#ind3ul )3 the #ud that #a. be
thr)(n at us&
'e sh)uld e2+ect #ud t) be thr)(n at us instead )3 r)ses&
Then there (ill be n) disa++)int#ent&
Th)ugh di33icult (e sh)uld tr. t) culti5ate n)n"attach#ent&
Al)ne (e c)#e, al)ne (e g)&
N)n"attach#ent is ha++iness in this ()rld&
Un#ind3ul )3 the +)is)n)us darts )3 uncurbed t)ngues al)ne
(e sh)uld (ander ser5ing )thers t) the best )3 )ur abilit.&
86=
It is rather strange that great #en ha5e been slandered, 5il
It is rather strange that great #en ha5e been slandered, 5il
Creat S)crates (as +)is)ned& N)ble -esus 4hrist (as ruth
lessl. cruci3ied& Har#less Mahat#a Candhi (as sh)t&
'ell, is it danger)us t) be t)) g))dB
!es, during their li3eti#e the. are criticised, attac;ed and
;illed& A3ter death the. are dei3ied and h)n)ured&
Creat #en are indi33erent t) 3a#e )r de3a#e& The. are n)t
u+set (hen the. are criticised )r #aligned 3)r the. ()r; n)t
3)r 3a#e )r na#e& The. are indi33erent (hether )thers rec)gnise
their ser5ices )r n)t& JT) ()r; the. ha5e the right but n)t
t) the 3ruit there)3&K
?raise and Bla#e
?raise @+asa#saA and bla#e @nindaA are t() #)re ()rldl. c)nditi)ns
that a33ect #an;ind& It is natural t) be elated (hen
+raised and t) be de+ressed (hen bla#ed&
A#idst +raise and bla#e, the Buddha sa.s, the (ise d)
n)t e2hibit either elati)n )r de+ressi)n& Li;e a s)lid r)c; that
is n)t sha;en b. the (ind the. re#ain un#)5ed&
?raise, i3 ()rth., is +leasing t) the earsL i3 un()rth., as in
the case )3 3latter., th)ugh +leasing, it is dece+ti5e& But the. are
all s)unds (hich ha5e n) e33ect i3 the. d) n)t reach )ur ears&
*r)# a ()rldl. stand+)int a ()rd )3 +raise g)es a l)ng
(a.& B. +raising a little a 3a5)ur can easil. be )btained& One
()rd )3 #erited +raise is su33icient t) attract an audience be3)re
)ne s+ea;s& I3, at the )utset, a s+ea;er +raises the audience,
he (ill ha5e attenti5e ears& I3 he criticises the audience at
the )utset, the res+)nse (ill n)t be satis3act)r.&
The cultured d) n)t res)rt t) 3latter. n)r d) the. (ish t) be
3lattered b. )thers& The +raise()rth. the. +raise (ith)ut an.
6/
Heal)us.& The bla#e ()rth. the. bla#e n)t c)nte#+"tu)usl.
but )ut )3 c)#+assi)n (ith the )bHect )3 re3)r#ing the#&
Heal)us.& The bla#e ()rth. the. bla#e n)t c)nte#+"tu)usl.
but )ut )3 c)#+assi)n (ith the )bHect )3 re3)r#ing the#&
Man. (h) ;ne( the Buddha inti#atel. e2t)lled the 5irtues
)3 the Buddha in their )(n (a.& One U+ali, a #illi)naire,
a ne( c)n5ert, +raised the Buddha, enu#erating hundred
5irtues e2 te#+)re& Nine sterling 5irtues )3 the Buddha
that (ere current in His ti#e are still being recited b. His 3)ll)(ers,
l));ing at His i#age& The. are a subHect )3 #editati)n
t) the de5)ut& Th)se (ell"#erited 5irtues are still a great ins+irati)n
t) His 3)ll)(ers&
'hat ab)ut bla#eB
The Buddha sa.s$N
JThe. (h) s+ea; #uch are bla#ed& The. (h) s+ea; a little
are bla#ed& The. (h) are silent are als) bla#ed& In this
()rld there is n)ne (h) is n)t bla#ed&K
Bla#e see#s t) be a uni5ersal legac. t) #an;ind&
The #aH)rit. )3 the +e)+le in the ()rld, re#ar;s the
Buddha, are ill"disci+lined& Li;e an ele+hant in the battle"3ield
that endures all arr)(s sh)t at hi#, e5en s), the Buddha sa.s,
d) I su33er all insults&
The deluded and the (ic;ed are +r)ne t) see; )nl. the ugliness
in )thers but n)t the g))d and beauti3ul&
N)ne, e2ce+t the Buddha, is hundred +ercent g))d& N)b)d.
is hundred +ercent bad either& There is e5il in the best
)3 us& There is g))d in the ()rst )3 us& He (h) silences hi#sel3
li;e a crac;ed g)ng (hen attac;ed, insulted and abused,
he, I sa., the Buddha e2h)rts, is in the +resence )3 Nibbana al
866
th)ugh he has n)t .et attained Nibbana&
th)ugh he has n)t .et attained Nibbana&
One #a. ser5e and hel+ )thers t) the best )3 )ne>s abilit.
s)#eti#es b. incurring debt )r selling )ne>s articles )r +r)+ert.
t) sa5e a 3riend in tr)uble& But later, the deluded ()rld is
s) c)nstituted that th)se 5er. +ers)ns (h)# )ne has hel+ed
(ill 3ind 3ault (ith hi#, blac;#ail hi#, ble#ish his g))d character
and (ill reH)ice in his d)(n3all&
In the -ata;a st)ries it is stated that Cuttila the #usician
taught e5er.thing he ;ne( t) his +u+il (ith)ut a cl)sed 3ist,
but the ungrate3ul #an he (as, he unsuccess3ull. tried t)
c)#+ete (ith his teacher and ruin hi#&
De5adatta, a +u+il and c)usin )3 the Buddha (h) had de5el)+ed
+s.chic +)(ers, n)t )nl. tried t) discredit the Buddha
but als) #ade an unsuccess3ul atte#+t t) crush Hi# t) death
b. hurling a r)c; 3r)# ab)5e (hile He (as +acing u+ and
d)(n bel)(&
On )ne )ccasi)n the Buddha (as in5ited b. a brah#in 3)r
al#s t) his h)use& As He (as in5ited, the Buddha 5isited his
h)use& Instead )3 entertaining Hi#, he +)ured 3)rth a t)rrent
)3 abuse (ith the 3ilthiest )3 ()rds&
The Buddha +)litel. inGuired$N
JD) 5isit)rs c)#e t) .)ur h)use g))d brah#inBK
J!esK, he re+lied&
J'hat d) .)u d) (hen the. c)#eBK
JOh, (e +re+are a su#+tu)us 3east&K
JI3 the. 3ail t) turn u+, +leaseBK
J'h., (e gladl. +arta;e )3 it&K
J'ell, g))d brah#in, .)u ha5e in5ited #e 3)r al#s and en
867
tertained #e (ith abuse& I acce+t n)thing& ?lease ta;e it bac;&K
The Buddha did n)t retaliate, but +)litel. ga5e bac; (hat
tertained #e (ith abuse& I acce+t n)thing& ?lease ta;e it bac;&K
The Buddha did n)t retaliate, but +)litel. ga5e bac; (hat
&
Vengeance (ill be #et (ith 5engeance& *)rce (ill be #et (ith
3)rce& B)#bs (ill be #et (ith b)#bs& JHatreds d) n)t cease
thr)ugh hatreds, but thr)ugh l)5e al)ne the. ceaseK is a n)ble
utterance )3 the Buddha&
There (as n) religi)us teacher s) highl. +raised and s)
se5erel. criticised, re5iled and bla#ed li;e the Buddha& Such
is the 3ate )3 great #en&
In a +ublic asse#bl. a 5ile ()#an na#ed 4inca 3eigning
+regnanc., #aligned the Buddha& 'ith a s#iling 3ace the
Buddha +atientl. endured the insult and the Buddha>s inn)cence
(as +r)5ed&
The Buddha (as accused )3 #urdering a ()#an assisted
b. His disci+les& N)n"Buddhists se5erel. criticised the Buddha
and His Disci+les t) such an e2tent that the Venerable Ananda
a++ealed t) the Buddha t) lea5e 3)r an)ther 5illage&
D JH)(, Ananda, i3 th)se 5illagers als) abuse usBK
D J'ell then, L)rd, (e (ill +r)ceed t) an)ther 5illage&K
D JThen Ananda, the (h)le )3 India (ill ha5e n) +lace 3)r
us& Be +atient& These abuses (ill aut)#aticall. cease&K
Magandi.a, a lad. )3 the hare#, had a grudge against the
Buddha 3)r s+ea;ing ill )3 her attracti5e 3igure (hen her 3ather,
thr)ugh ign)rance, (ished t) gi5e her in #arriage t) the
Buddha& She hired drun;ards t) insult the Buddha in +ublic&
'ith +er3ect eGuani#it. the Buddha endured the insults& But
Magandi.a had t) su33er 3)r her #isde#ean)ur&
Insults are the c)##)n l)t )3 hu#anit.& The #)re .)u
()r; and the greater .)u bec)#e, the #)re are .)u subHect t)
insult and hu#iliati)n&
869
-esus 4hrist (as insulted, hu#iliated and cruci3ied&
-esus 4hrist (as insulted, hu#iliated and cruci3ied&
Guired (h. he (as sad& He re+lied that his (i3e did n)t sc)ld
hi# )n that da. as she (as un(ell&
J'ell, .)u )ught t) be ha++. 3)r n)t getting that un(elc)#e
sc)lding,K re#ar;ed his 3riends&
JOh n)R 'hen she sc)lds #e I get an )++)rtunit. t) +ractise
+atience& T)da. I #issed it& That is the reas)n (h. I a#
sad,K ans(ered the +hil)s)+her&
These are #e#)rable less)ns 3)r all&
'hen insulted (e sh)uld thin; that (e are being gi5en
an )++)rtunit. t) +ractise +atience& Instead )3 being )33ended,
(e sh)uld be grate3ul t) )ur ad5ersaries&
Ha++iness and ?ain
Ha++iness @su;haA and +ain @du;;haA are the last +air )3 )++)sites&
The. are the #)st +)(er3ul 3act)rs that a33ect #an;ind&
'hat can be endured (ith ease is su;ha @ha++inessA, (hat is
di33icult t) bear is du;;ha @+ainA& Ordinar. ha++iness is the
grati3icati)n )3 a desire& N) s))ner is the desired thing gained
than (e desire s)#e )ther ;ind )3 ha++iness& S) insatiate are
)ur sel3ish desires& The enH).#ent )3 sensual +leasures is the
highest and )nl. ha++iness t) an a5erage +ers)n& There is n)
d)ubt a #)#entar. ha++iness in the antici+ati)n, grati3icati)n
and rec)llecti)n )3 such #aterial +leasures highl. +riced
b. the sensualist, but the. are illus)r. and te#+)rar.&
4an #aterial +)ssessi)ns gi5e )ne genuine ha++inessB
I3 s), #illi)naires ()uld n)t thin; )3 c)##itting suicide&
868
In a certain c)untr. (hich has reached the Ienith )3 #aterial
+r)gress ab)ut ten +ercent su33er 3r)# #ental diseases& 'h.
sh)uld it be s) i3 #aterial +)ssessi)ns al)ne can gi5e genuine
ha++inessB
In a certain c)untr. (hich has reached the Ienith )3 #aterial
+r)gress ab)ut ten +ercent su33er 3r)# #ental diseases& 'h.
sh)uld it be s) i3 #aterial +)ssessi)ns al)ne can gi5e genuine
ha++inessB
earth t) c)nGuer&
Are E#+er)rs and Kings (h) (ear cr)(ns al(a.s ha++.B
Ver. )3ten the li5es )3 states#en (h) (ield +)(er are at
sta;e& The +athetic cases )3 Mahat#a Candhi and -& *& Kenned.
are illustrati5e e2a#+les&
eal ha++iness is 3)und (ithin, and is n)t t) be de3ined in
ter#s )3 (ealth, +)(er, h)n)urs )r c)nGuests&
I3 such ()rldl. +)ssessi)ns are 3)rcibl. )r unHustl. )btained,
)r are #isdirected, )r e5en 5ie(ed (ith attach#ent,
the. (ill be a s)urce )3 +ain and s)rr)( 3)r the +)ssess)rs&
'hat is ha++iness t) )ne #a. n)t be ha++iness t) an)ther&
'hat is #eat and drin; t) )ne #a. be +)is)n t) an)ther&
The Buddha enu#erates 3)ur ;inds )3 ha++iness 3)r a
la.#an&
The. are the ha++iness )3 +)ssessi)n @atthi su;haA, na#el.,
health, (ealth, l)nge5it., beaut., H)., +r)+ert., strength, children,
etc&
The sec)nd s)urce )3 ha++iness is deri5ed b. the enH).#ent
)3 such +)ssessi)ns @bh)ga su;haA& Ordinar. #en and
()#en (ish t) enH). the#sel5es& The Buddha d)es n)t ad5ise
all t) ren)unce their ()rldl. +leasures and retire t) s)litude&
The enH).#ent )3 (ealth lies n)t )nl. in using it 3)r )ursel5es
but als) in gi5ing it 3)r the (el3are )3 )thers& 'hat (e
eat is )nl. te#+)rar.& 'hat (e +reser5e (e lea5e and g)& 'hat
86:
(e gi5e (e ta;e (ith us& 'e are re#e#bered 3)r e5er b. the
g))d deeds (e ha5e d)ne (ith )ur ()rldl. +)ssessi)ns&
(e gi5e (e ta;e (ith us& 'e are re#e#bered 3)r e5er b. the
g))d deeds (e ha5e d)ne (ith )ur ()rldl. +)ssessi)ns&
Leading a bla#eless li3e @ana5aHHasu;haA is )ne )3 the best
s)urces )3 ha++iness 3)r a la.#an& A bla#eless +ers)n is a
blessing t) hi#sel3 and t) )thers& He is ad#ired b. all and 3eels
ha++ier, being a33ected b. the +eace3ul 5ibrati)ns )3 )thers& It
sh)uld be stated h)(e5er that it is 5er., 5er. di33icult t) get a
g))d na#e 3r)# all& The n)ble"#inded +ers)ns are c)ncerned
)nl. (ith a bla#eless li3e and are indi33erent t) e2ternal a++r)bati)n&
The #aH)rit. in this ()rld delight the#sel5es in enH).ing
+leasures (hile s)#e )thers see; delight in ren)uncing
the#& N)n"attach#ent )r the transcending )3 #aterial +leas
ures is ha++iness t) the s+iritual& Nibbanic bliss, (hich is a
bliss )3 relie3 3r)# su33ering, is the highest 3)r# )3 ha++iness&
Ordinar. ha++iness (e (elc)#e, but n)t its )++)site D
+ain, (hich is rather di33icult t) endure&
?ain )r su33ering c)#es in di33erent guises&
'e su33er (hen (e are subHect t) )ld age (hich is natural&
'ith eGuani#it. (e ha5e t) bear the su33erings )3 )ld age&
M)re +ain3ul than su33erings due t) )ld age are su33erings
caused b. disease, (hich, i3 chr)nic, (e 3eel that death is +re3erable&
E5en the slightest t))thache )r headache is s)#eti#es
unbearable&
'hen (e are subHect t) disease, (ith)ut being ()rried,
(e sh)uld be able t) bear it at an. c)st& 'ell, (e #ust c)ns)le
86<
)ursel5es thin;ing that (e ha5e esca+ed 3r)# a still #)re seri)us
disease&
)ursel5es thin;ing that (e ha5e esca+ed 3r)# a still #)re seri)us
disease&
M)re )3ten than n)t (e are c)#+elled t) be united (ith
the un+leasant (hich (e detest& 'e sh)uld be able t) bear
the#& ?erha+s (e are rea+ing the e33ects )3 )ur )(n Ka##a,
+ast )r +resent& 'e sh)uld tr. t) acc)##)date )ursel5es t)
the ne( situati)n )r tr. t) )5erc)#e the )bstacle b. s)#e
#eans )r )ther&
E5en the Buddha, a +er3ect being, (h) has destr).ed all
de3ile#ents, had t) endure +h.sical su33ering caused b. disease
and accidents&
The Buddha (as c)nstantl. subHect t) headache& His last
illness caused Hi# #uch +h.sical su33ering& As a result )3
De5adatta>s hurling a r)c; t) ;ill Hi#, His 3))t (as ()unded
b. a s+linter (hich necessitated an )+erati)n& S)#eti#es He
(as c)#+elled t) star5e& At ti#es He had t) be c)ntented (ith
h)rse"3)dder& Due t) the dis)bedience )3 His )(n +u+ils, He
(as c)#+elled t) retire t) a 3)rest 3)r three #)nths& In the
3)rest, )n a c)uch )3 lea5es s+read )n r)ugh gr)und, 3acing
+iercing c))l (inds, He sle+t (ith +er3ect eGuani#it.& A#idst
+ain and ha++iness He li5ed (ith a balanced #ind& Death is
the greatest s)rr)( (e are c)#+elled t) 3ace in the c)urse )3
)ur (anderings in sa#sara& S)#eti#es, death c)#es n)t singl.
but in nu#bers (hich #a. e5en cause insanit.&
?atacara l)st her near and dear )nes D +arents, husband,
br)ther and t() children D and she (ent #ad& The Buddha
c)ns)led her&
61
Kisa C)ta#i l)st her )nl. in3ant, and she (ent in search
Kisa C)ta#i l)st her )nl. in3ant, and she (ent in search
J4ertainl., L)rdRK
JBut, sister, it sh)uld be 3r)# a h)use (here n) )ne has died&K
Mustard seeds she 3)und, but n)t a +lace (here death had
n)t 5isited&
She underst))d the nature )3 li3e&
'hen a #)ther (as Guesti)ned (h. she did n)t (ee+
)5er the tragic death )3 her )nl. s)n, she re+liedL JUnin5ited
he ca#e, unin3)r#ed he (ent& As he ca#e, s) he (ent& 'h.
sh)uld (e (ee+B 'hat a5ails (ee+ingBK
As 3ruits 3all 3r)# a tree D tender, ri+e )r )ld D e5en s) (e die
in )ur in3anc., in the +ri#e )3 #anh))d )r e5en in )ld age&
The sun rises in the East )nl. t) set in the 'est&
*l)(ers bl))# in the #)rning t) 3ade in the e5ening&
Ine5itable death, (hich c)#es t) all (ith)ut e2ce+ti)n, (e
ha5e t) 3ace (ith +er3ect eGuani#it.&
J-ust as the earth (hate>er is thr)(n
U+)n her, (hether s(eet )r 3)ul,
Indi33erent is t) all ali;e,
N) hatred sh)(s, n)r a#it.,
S) li;e(ise he in g))d )r ill,
Must e5enbalanced
e5er be&K
The Buddha sa.s$N 'hen t)uched b. ()rldl. c)nditi)ns the
#ind )3 an Arahant ne5er (a5ers&
A#idst gain and l)ss, 3a#e and de3a#e, +raise and bla#e, ha++iness
and +ain, let us tr. t) #aintain a balanced #ind&
!
60
4ha+ter 99
4ha+ter 99
'h)B 'henceB 'hitherB 'h.B 'hatB are s)#e i#+)rtant +r)ble#s
that a33ect all hu#anit.&
/A
'h) is #anB is )ur 3irst Guesti)n&
Let us +r)ceed (ith (hat is sel3"e5ident and +erce+tible
t) all&
Man +)ssesses a b)d. (hich is seen either b. )ur senses )r
b. #eans )3 a++aratus& This #aterial b)d. c)nsists )3 3)rces
and Gualities (hich are in a state )3 c)nstant 3lu2&
Scientists 3ind it di33icult t) de3ine (hat #atter is& 4ertain
+hil)s)+hers de3ine J#atter as that in (hich +r)ceed the
changes called #)ti)n, and #)ti)n as th)se changes (hich
+r)ceed in #atter&K/
The ?ali ter# 3)r #atter is u+a& It is e2+lained as that
(hich changes )r disintegrates& That (hich #ani3ests itsel3 is
als) an)ther e2+lanati)n&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# there are 3)ur 3unda#ental #aterial
ele#ents& The. are ?atha5i, A+), TeH), and Va.)
?atha5i #eans the ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n, the substratu# )3
#atter& 'ith)ut it )bHects cann)t )ccu+. s+ace& The Gualities )3
hardness and s)3tness (hich are +urel. relati5e are t() c)n
diti)ns )3 this ele#ent& This ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n is +resent in
earth, (ater, 3ire and air& *)r instance, the (ater ab)5e is su++)rted
b. (ater bel)(& It is this ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n in c)nHuncti)n
(ith the ele#ent )3 #)ti)n @Va.)A that +r)duces the
u+(ard +ressure& Heat )r c)ld is the TeH) ele#ent, (hile 3luidit.
is the A+) ele#ent&
/& Ous+ens;. D Tertiu# Organu# +& 1&
87=
A+) is the ele#ent )3 c)hesi)n& Unli;e ?atha5i it is intangible&
It is this ele#ent (hich enables the scattered at)#s )3
#atter t) c)here and thus gi5es us the idea )3 b)d.&
A+) is the ele#ent )3 c)hesi)n& Unli;e ?atha5i it is intangible&
It is this ele#ent (hich enables the scattered at)#s )3
#atter t) c)here and thus gi5es us the idea )3 b)d.&
Va.) is the ele#ent )3 #)ti)n& The #)5e#ents are caused
b. this ele#ent& M)ti)n is regarded as the 3)rce )r the generat)r
)3 heat& B)th #)ti)n and heat in the #aterial real# c)rres+)nd
res+ecti5el. t) c)nsci)usness and Ka##a in the
#ental&
These 3)ur +)(er3ul 3)rces are inse+arable and interrelated,
but )ne ele#ent #a. +re+)nderate )5er an)ther, as, 3)r
instance, the ele#ent )3 e2tensi)n +re+)nderates in earthL c)hesi)n,
in (aterL heat, in 3ireL and #)ti)n, in air&
Thus, #atter c)nsists )3 3)rces and Gualities (hich c)nstantl.
change n)t re#aining the sa#e e5en 3)r t() c)nsecuti5e
#)#ents& Acc)rding t) Buddhis# #atter endures )nl.
3)r /< th)ught"#)#ents&6
At the #)#ent )3 birth, acc)rding t) bi)l)g., #an inherits
3r)# his +arents an in3initesi#all. #inute cell 7= #illi)nth
+art )3 an inch acr)ss& JIn the c)urse )3 nine #)nths
this s+ec; gr)(s t) a li5ing bul; / ,=== #illi)n ti#es greater
than it (as at )utset&7 This tin. che#ic)"+h.sical cell is the
+h.sical 3)undati)n )3 #an&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# se2 is als) deter#ined at the #)#ent
)3 c)nce+ti)n&
& During the ti#e )ccu+ied b. a 3lash )3 lightning billi)ns and billi)ns )3 th)ught"
#)#ents #a. arise&
7& Sir 4harles Sherringt)n DLi3e>s Un3)lding, +& 76&
/
4)#bined (ith #atter there is an)ther i#+)rtant 3act)r
4)#bined (ith #atter there is an)ther i#+)rtant 3act)r
t
+leases s)#e learned (riters t) sa. that #an is n)t Mind +lus
B)d., but is a Mind"B)d.& Scientists declare that li3e e#erges
3r)# #atter and #ind 3r)# li3e& But the. d) n)t gi5e us a sat
is3act)r. e2+lanati)n (ith regard t) the de5el)+#ent )3 the
#ind
Unli;e the #aterial b)d. i##aterial #ind is in5isible, but
it c)uld be sensed directl.& An )ld c)u+let runs$N
J'hat is #indB N) #atter&
'hat is #atterB Ne5er #ind&K
'e are a(are )3 )ur th)ughts and 3eelings and s) 3)rth b. direct
sensati)n, and (e in3er their e2istence in )thers b. anal)g.&
There are se5eral ?ali ter#s 3)r #ind& Mana, 4itta, ViQQana
are the #)st n)te()rth. )3 the#& 4)#+are the ?ali r))t #an, t)
thin;, (ith the English ()rd #an and the ?ali ()rd Manussa
(hich #eans he (h) has a de5el)+ed c)nsci)usness&
In Buddhis# n) distincti)n is #ade bet(een #ind and
c)nsci)usness& B)th are used as s.n)n.#)us ter#s& Mind
#a. be de3ined as si#+l. the a(areness )3 an )bHect since
there is n) agent )r a s)ul that directs all acti5ities& It c)nsists
)3 3leeting #ental states (hich c)nstantl. arise and +erish
(ith lightning ra+idit.& J'ith birth 3)r its s)urce and
death 3)r its #)uth it +ersistentl. 3l)(s )n li;e a ri5er recei5ing
3r)# the tributar. strea#s )3 sense c)nstant accreti)ns t)
its 3l))d&K Each #)#entar. c)nsci)usness )3 this e5er"changing
li3e"strea#, )n +assing a(a., trans#its its (h)le energ.,
all the indelibl. rec)rded i#+ressi)ns, t) its success)r& E5er.
3resh c)nsci)usness there3)re c)nsists )3 the +)tentialities )3
its +redecess)rs and s)#ething #)re& As all i#+ressi)ns are
876
indelibl. rec)rded in this e5er"changing +ali#+sest"li;e #ind,
and as all +)tentialities are trans#itted 3r)# li3e t) li3e, irres+ecti5e
)3 te#+)rar. +h.sical disintegrati)ns, re#iniscence
)3 +ast births )r +ast incidents bec)#es a +)ssibilit.& I3 #e#)r.
de+ends s)lel. )n brain cells, it bec)#es an i#+)ssibilit.&
indelibl. rec)rded in this e5er"changing +ali#+sest"li;e #ind,
and as all +)tentialities are trans#itted 3r)# li3e t) li3e, irres+ecti5e
)3 te#+)rar. +h.sical disintegrati)ns, re#iniscence
)3 +ast births )r +ast incidents bec)#es a +)ssibilit.& I3 #e#)r.
de+ends s)lel. )n brain cells, it bec)#es an i#+)ssibilit.&
t
that arises in this in5isible #ind can e5en sa5e )r destr). the
()rld& One such th)ught can either +)+ulate )r de+)+ulate a
(h)le c)untr.& It is #ind that creates )ne>s hea5en& It is #ind
that creates )ne>s hell&
Ous+ens;. (rites$N J4)ncerning the latent energ. c)ntained
in the +hen)#ena )3 c)nsci)usness, i&e& in th)ughts,
3eelings, desires, (e disc)5er that its +)tentialit. is e5en #)re
i##easurable, #)re b)undless& *r)# +ers)nal e2+erience,
3r)# )bser5ati)n, 3r)# hist)r., (e ;n)( that ideas, 3eelings,
desires, #ani3esting the#sel5es, can liberate en)r#)us Guantities
)3 energ., and create in3inite series )3 +hen)#ena& An
idea can act 3)r centuries and #illeniu#s and )nl. gr)( and
dee+en, e5);ing e5er ne( series )3 +hen)#ena, liberating e5er
3resh energ.& 'e ;n)( that th)ughts c)ntinue t) li5e and act
(hen e5en the 5er. na#e )3 the #an (h) created the# has
been c)n5erted int) a #.th, li;e the na#es )3 the 3)unders )3
ancient religi)ns, the creat)rs )3 the i##)rtal +)etical ()r;s
)3 antiGuit., her)es, leaders, and +r)+hets& Their ()rds are re+eated
b. innu#erable li+s, their ideas are studied and c)##ented
u+)n&
JUnd)ubtedl. each th)ught )3 a +)et c)ntains en)r#)us
+)tential 3)rce, li;e the +)(er c)n3ined in a +iece )3 c)al )r
in a li5ing cell, but in3initel. #)re subtle, i#+)nderable and
877
+)tent&K+)tent&K
Obser5e, 3)r instance, the +)tential 3)rce that lies in the
3)ll)(ing signi3icant ()rds )3 the Buddha$
D Man)+ubbaQga#a
dha##a #an) settha#an)#a.a&
Mind 3)reruns
deedsL #ind is chie3, and #ind#ade
are the.&
Mind )r c)nsci)usness, acc)rding t) Buddhis#, arises at the
5er. #)#ent )3 c)nce+ti)n, t)gether (ith #atter& 4)nsci)usness
is there3)re +resent in the 3)etus& This initial c)nsci)usness,
technicall. ;n)(n as rebirth"c)nsci)usness )r relin;ingc)nsci)usness
@?atisandhi 5iQQanaA, is c)nditi)ned b. +ast
;a##a )3 the +ers)n c)ncerned& The subtle #ental, intellec
tual, and #)ral di33erences that e2ist a#)ngst #an;ind are
due t) this Ka##a c)nditi)ned c)nsci)usness, the sec)nd
3act)r )3 #an&
T) c)#+lete the tri) that c)nstitutes #an there is a third
3act)r, the +hen)#en)n )3 li3e that 5italiIes b)th #ind and
#atter& Due t) the +resence )3 li3e re+r)ducti)n bec)#es +)ssible&
Li3e #ani3ests itsel3 b)th in +h.sical and #ental +hen)#ena&
In ?ali the t() 3)r#s )3 li3e are ter#ed Na#a Hi5itindri.a
and u+a Hi5itindri.a D +s.chic and +h.sical li3e&
Matter, #ind, and li3e are there3)re the three distinct 3act)rs
that c)nstitute #an& 'ith their c)#binati)n a +)(er3ul
3)rce ;n)(n as #an (ith inc)ncei5able +)ssibilities c)#es
int) being& He bec)#es his )(n creat)r and destr).er& In hi#
are 3)und a rubbish"hea+ )3 e5il and a st)reh)use )3 5irtue& In
hi# are 3)und the ()r#, the brute, the #an, the su+er#an, the
de5a, the Brah#a& B)th cri#inal tendencies and saintl. characteristics
are d)r#ant in hi#& He #a. either be a blessing )r a
curse t) hi#sel3 and )thers& In 3act #an is a ()rld b. hi#sel3&
& Ous+ens;. D Tertiu# Organu# +& /6
879
6A
'henceB is )ur sec)nd Guesti)n&
H)( did #an )riginate>B
Either there #ust be a beginning 3)r #an )r there cann)t
be a beginning& Th)se (h) bel)ng t) the 3irst sch))l +)stulate
a 3irst cause, (hether as a c)s#ic 3)rce )r as an Al#ight. Being&
Th)se (h) bel)ng t) the sec)nd sch))l den. a 3irst cause 3)r,
in c)##)n e2+erience, the cause e5er bec)#es the e33ect and
the e33ect bec)#es the cause& In a circle )3 cause and e33ect a
3irst cause is inc)ncei5able& Acc)rding t) the 3)r#er li3e has
had a beginningL (hile acc)rding t) the latter it is beginning"
less& In the )+ini)n )3 s)#e the c)nce+ti)n )3 a 3irst cause is as
ridicul)us as a r)und triangle&
Acc)rding t) the scienti3ic stand+)int, #an is the direct
+r)duct )3 the s+er# and )5u# cells +r)5ided b. his +arents&
Scientists (hile asserting JO#ne 5i5u# e2 5i5)K N all
li3e 3r)# li3e, #aintain, that #ind and li3e e5)l5ed 3r)# the
li3eless&
N)(, 3r)# the scienti3ic stand+)int, #an is abs)lutel. +arent"
b)rn& As such li3e +recedes li3e& 'ith regard t) the )ri
gin )3 the 3irst +r)t)+las# )3 li3e, )r Jc)ll)idK @(hiche5er (e
+lease t) call itA, scientists +lead ign)rance&
Acc)rding t) Buddhis# #an is b)rn 3r)# the #atri2 )3
acti)n @;a##a.)niA& ?arents #erel. +r)5ide #an (ith a #aterial
la.er& As such being +recedes being& At the #)#ent )3
c)nce+ti)n, it is Ka##a that c)nditi)ns the initial c)nsci)usness
that 5italiIes the 3)etus& It is this in5isible Ka##ic energ.
generated 3r)# the +ast birth that +r)duces #ental +hen)#
ena and the +hen)#en)n )3 li3e in an alread. e2tant +h.sical
+hen)#en)n, t) c)#+lete the tri) that c)nstitutes #an&
Dealing (ith the c)nce+ti)n )3 beings the Buddha
states$N
878
J'here three are 3)und in c)#binati)n, there a ger# )3
li3e is +lanted& I3 #)ther and 3ather c)#e t)gether, but it is n)t
the #)ther>s +eri)d, and the Mbeing"t)"be b)rn> @gandhabbaA is
n)t +resent, then n) ger# )3 li3e is +lanted& I3 #)ther and
3ather c)#e t)gether, and it is the #)ther>s +eri)d, but the
J'here three are 3)und in c)#binati)n, there a ger# )3
li3e is +lanted& I3 #)ther and 3ather c)#e t)gether, but it is n)t
the #)ther>s +eri)d, and the Mbeing"t)"be b)rn> @gandhabbaA is
n)t +resent, then n) ger# )3 li3e is +lanted& I3 #)ther and
3ather c)#e t)gether, and it is the #)ther>s +eri)d, but the
Here Candhabba @X gantabbaA re3ers t) a suitable being read.
t) be b)rn in that +articular ()#b& This ter# is used )nl. in
this +articular c)nnecti)n, and #ust n)t be #ista;en 3)r a
+er#anent s)ul&
*)r a being t) be b)rn here a being #ust die s)#e(here&
The birth )3 a being c)rres+)nds t) the death )3 a being in a
+ast li3eL Hust as, in c)n5enti)nal ter#s, the rising )3 the sun in
)ne +lace #eans the setting )3 the sun in an)ther +lace&
The Buddha states$N Ja 3irst beginning )3 beings (h), )bstructed
b. ign)rance and 3ettered b. cra5ing, (ander and
3are )n, is n)t t) be +ercei5ed&K
This li3e"strea# 3l)(s ad in3initu# as l)ng as it is 3ed (ith
the #udd. (aters )3 ign)rance and cra5ing& 'hen these t()
are c)#+letel. cut )33, then )nl. d)es the li3e"strea# cease t)
3l)(L rebirth ends as in the case )3 Buddhas and Arahants& An
ulti#ate beginning )3 this li3e"strea# cann)t be deter#ined,
as a stage cann)t be +ercei5ed (hen this li3e 3)rce (as n)t
3raught (ith ign)rance and cra5ing&
The Buddha has here re3erred #erel. t) the beginning )3
the li3e"strea# )3 li5ing beings& It is le3t t) scientists t) s+eculate
)n the )rigin and the e5)luti)n )3 the uni5erse&
87:
A
'hitherB is )ur third Guesti)n&
'here g)es #anB
Acc)rding t) ancient #aterialis# (hich, in ?ali and Sa#s;rit,
is ;n)(n as L);a.ata, #an is annihilated a3ter death,
lea5ing behind hi# an. 3)rce generated b. hi#& JMan is c)#+)sed
)3 3)ur ele#ents& 'hen #an dies the earth. ele#ent returns
and rela+ses int) the earthL the (ater. ele#ent returns
int) the (aterL the 3ier. ele#ent returns int) the 3ireL the air.
ele#ent returns int) the air, the senses +ass int) s+ace&
'ise and 3))ls ali;e, (hen the b)d. diss)l5es& are cut )33,
+erish, d) n)t e2ist an. l)nger& There is n) )ther ()rld& Death
is the end )3 all& This +resent ()rld al)ne is real&
The s)"called eternal hea5en and hell are the in5enti)ns )3
i#+)sters&8
Materialists belie5e )nl. in (hat is c)gniIable b. the
senses& As such #atter al)ne is real& The ulti#ate +rinci+les
are the 3)ur ele#ents D earth, (ater, 3ire and air& The sel3 c)nsci)us
li3e #.steri)usl. s+rings 3)rth 3r)# the#, Hust as the
genie #a;es its a++earance (hen Aladdin rubs his la#+& The
brain secretes th)ught Hust as li5er secretes bile&
In the 5ie( )3 #aterialists the belie3 in the )ther ()rld, as
Sri adha;rishna states, Jis a sign )3 #endaci)usness, 3e#inis#,
(ea;ness, c)(ardice and dish)nest.&K
Acc)rding t) 4hristianit. there is n) +ast 3)r #an& The
+resent is )nl. a +re+arati)n 3)r t() eternities )3 hea5en and
hell& 'hether the. are 5ie(ed as +laces )r states #an has 3)r
his 3uture endless 3elicit. in hea5en )r endless su33ering in
hell& Man is there3)re n)t annihilated a3ter death, but his essence
g)es t) eternit.&
J'h)e5er,K as Sch)+enhaeur sa.s, Jregards hi#sel3 as
& Sri adha;rishna D Indian ?hil)s)+h.& V)l& /& +& 6<1&
87<
ha5ing bec)#e )ut )3 n)thing #ust als) thin; that he (ill
again bec)#e n)thingL )r that an eternit. has +assed be3)re
he (as, and then a sec)nd eternit. had begun, thr)ugh (hich
he (ill ne5er cease t) be, is a #)nstr)us th)ught&K
ha5ing bec)#e )ut )3 n)thing #ust als) thin; that he (ill
again bec)#e n)thingL )r that an eternit. has +assed be3)re
he (as, and then a sec)nd eternit. had begun, thr)ugh (hich
he (ill ne5er cease t) be, is a #)nstr)us th)ught&K
Buddhis# belie5es in the +resent& 'ith the +resent as the
basis it argues the +ast and 3uture& -ust as an electric light is
the )ut(ard #ani3estati)n )3 in5isible electric energ. e5en s)
#an is #erel. the )ut(ard #ani3estati)n )3 an in5isible energ.
;n)(n as Ka##a& The bulb #a. brea;, and the light #a.
be e2tinguished, but the current re#ains and the light #a.
be re+r)duced in an)ther bulb& In the sa#e (a. the Ka##ic
3)rce re#ains undisturbed b. the disintegrati)n )3 the +h.sical
b)d., and the +assing a(a. )3 the +resent c)nsci)usness
leads t) the arising )3 a 3resh )ne in an)ther birth& Here the
electric current is li;e the Ka##ic 3)rce, and the bulb #a. be
c)#+ared t) the egg"cell +r)5ided b. the +arents&
?ast Ka##a c)nditi)ns the +resent birthL and +resent
Ka##a, in c)#binati)n (ith +ast Ka##a, c)nditi)ns the 3uture&
The +resent is the )33s+ring )3 the +ast, and bec)#es in
turn the +arent )3 the 3uture&
Death is there3)re n)t the c)#+lete annihilati)n )3 #an,
3)r th)ugh that +articular li3e s+an ended, the 3)rce (hich
hithert) actuated it is n)t destr).ed&
1
A3ter death the li3e"3lu2 )3 #an c)ntinues ad in3initu# as
l)ng as it is 3ed (ith the (aters )3 ign)rance and cra5ing& In
c)n5enti)nal ter#s #an need n)t necessaril. be b)rn as a
#an because hu#ans are n)t the )nl. li5ing beings& M)re
A3ter death the li3e"3lu2 )3 #an c)ntinues ad in3initu# as
l)ng as it is 3ed (ith the (aters )3 ign)rance and cra5ing& In
c)n5enti)nal ter#s #an need n)t necessaril. be b)rn as a
#an because hu#ans are n)t the )nl. li5ing beings& M)res
n)t the )nl. +lace in (hich he (ill see; rebirth& He #a. be
b)rn in )ther habitable +lanes as (ell&:
I3 #an (ishes t) +ut and end t) this re+eated series )3
births, he can d) s) as the Buddha and Arahants ha5e d)ne
b. realiIing Nibbana, the c)#+lete cessati)n )3 all 3)r#s )3
cra5ing&
'here d)es #an g)B He can g) (here5er he (ills )r li;es
i3 he is 3it 3)r it& I3, (ith n) +articular (ish, he lea5es his +ath
t) be +re+ared b. the c)urse )3 e5ents, he (ill g) t) the +lace
)r state he 3ull. deser5es in acc)rdance (ith his Ka##a&
9A
'h.B is )ur last Guesti)n&
'h. is #anB Is there a +ur+)se in li3eB This is rather a
c)ntr)5ersial Guesti)n&
'hat is the #aterialistic stand+)intB Scientists ans(er$N
JHas li3e +ur+)seB 'hat, )r (here, )r (henB
Out )3 s+ace ca#e Uni5erse, ca#e Sun,
4a#e Earth, ca#e Li3e, ca#e Man, and #)re #ust c)#e&
But as t) ?ur+)se$ (h)se )r (henceB 'h., N)ne&K
As #aterialists c)n3ine the#sel5es +urel. t) sense"data and
the +resent #aterial (el3are ign)ring all s+iritual 5alues, the.
h)ld a 5ie( dia#etricall. )++)site t) that )3 #)ralists& In their
)+ini)n there is n) +ur+)ser D hence there cann)t be a +ur+)se&
N)n"theists, t) (hich categ)r. bel)ng Buddhists as (ell,
& JThere are ab)ut /,===,=== +lanetar. s.ste#s in the Mil;. 'a. in (hich li3e
#a. e2ist&K See *red H).le, The Nature )3 the Uni5erse ++& 1<"10&
0
d) n)t belie5e in a creati5e +ur+)ser&
d) n)t belie5e in a creati5e +ur+)ser&
JEat, drin;, and be #err., 3)r death c)#es t) all, cl)sing
)ur li5es,K a++ears t) be the ethical ideal )3 their s.ste#& In
their )+ini)n, as Sri adha;rishna (rites$N Virtue is a delusi)n
and enH).#ent is the )nl. realit.& Death is the end )3 li3e&
eligi)n is a 3))lish aberrati)n, a #ental disease& There (as
a distrust )3 e5er.thing g))d, high, +ure, and c)#+assi)nate&
The the)r. stands 3)r sensualis# and sel3ishness and the
gr)ss a33ir#ati)n )3 the l)ud (ill& There is n) need t) c)ntr)l
+assi)n and instinct, since the. are nature>s legac. t) #en&K<
Sar5adarsana Sangraha sa.s$N
J'hile li3e is .)urs, li5e H).)usl., N)ne can esca+e Death>s
searching e.eL 'hen )nce this 3ra#e )3 )urs the. burn, H)(
shall it e>er again returnBK1
J'hile li3e re#ains let a #an li5e ha++il., let hi# 3eed )n
ghee e5en th)ugh he runs in debt&K
N)( let us turn t)(ards science t) get a s)luti)n t) the
Guesti)n J(h.&K
It sh)uld be n)ted that Jscience is a stud. )3 things, a stud.
)3 (hat is and that religi)n is a stud. )3 ideals, a stud. )3 (hat
sh)uld be&K
Sir -& Arthur Th)#+s)n #aintains that science is inc)#
+lete because it cann)t ans(er the Guesti)n (h.&
Dealing (ith c)s#ic ?ur+)se, Bertrand ussell states
three ;inds )3 5ie(s D theistic, +antheistic, and e#ergent&
<& Indian ?hil)s)+h. V)l& I, +& 6=/&
1& Indian ?hil)s)+h. V)l& I, +& 6&
89=
JThe 3irstK, he (rites, Jh)lds that C)d created the ()rld and
decreed the la(s )3 nature because he 3)resa( that in ti#e
s)#e g))d ()uld be e5)l5ed& In this 5ie( +ur+)se e2ists c)n
sci)usl. in the #ind )3 the 4reat)r, (h) re#ains e2ternal t)
His creati)n&
JIn the M+antheistic> 3)r#, C)d is n)t e2ternal t) the uni5erse,
but is #erel. the uni5erse c)nsidered as a (h)le& There
cann)t there3)re be an act )3 creati)n, but there is a ;ind )3
creati5e 3)rce in the uni5erse, (hich causes it t) de5el)+ acc)rding
t) a +lan (hich this creati5e 3)rce #a. be said t) ha5e
had in #ind thr)ugh)ut the +r)cess&
JIn the Me#ergent> 3)r# the +ur+)se is #)re blind& At an
earlier stage, n)thing in the uni5erse 3)resees a later stage, but
a ;ind )3 blind i#+ulsi)n leads t) th)se changes (hich bring
#)re de5el)+ed 3)r#s int) e2istence, s) that, in s)#e rather
)bscure sense, the end is i#+licit in the beginning&K0
'e )33er n) c)##ents& These are #erel. the 5ie(s )3 di33erent
religi)nists and great thin;ers&
'hether there is a c)s#ic +ur+)se )r n)t a Guesti)n arises
as t) the use3ulness )3 the ta+e()r#, sna;es, #)sGuit)es and
s) 3)rth, and 3)r the e2istence )3 rabies& H)( d)es )ne acc)unt
3)r the +r)ble# )3 e5ilB Are earthGua;es, 3l))ds, +estilences,
and (ars designedB
E2+ressing his )(n 5ie( ab)ut 4)s#ic ?ur+)se, us
sell b)ldl. declares$N J'h. in an. case, this gl)ri3icati)n )3
#anB H)( ab)ut li)ns and tigersB The. destr). 3e(er ani#als
)r hu#an li5es than (e d), and the. are #uch #)re
beauti3ul than (e are& H)( ab)ut antsB The. #anage the 4)r
+)rate State #uch better than an. *ascist& ')uld n)t a ()rld
)3 nightingales and lar;s and deer be better than )ur hu#an
& Bertrand ussell, eligi)n and Science& +& /0/&
9/
()rld )3 cruelt. and inHustice and (arB
()rld )3 cruelt. and inHustice and (arB
/=
'hat is the +ur+)se )3 li3e acc)rding t) di33erent
religi)nsB
Acc)rding t) Hinduis# the +ur+)se )3 li3e is Jt) be )ne
(ith Brah#aK )r Jt) be reabs)rbed in the Di5ine Essence 3r)#
(hich his s)ul e#anated&K
Acc)rding t) -udais#, 4hristianit. and Isla#, it is Jt) gl)ri3.
C)d and t) enH). Hi# 3)r e5er&K
'ill an a5erage +ers)n )3 an. religi)n be +re+ared t) gi5e
u+ his earthl. li3e, t) (hich he tenaci)usl. clings, 3)r i##)rtalit.
in their ulti#ate ha5ens )3 +eaceB
Ver. d)ubt3ul, indeedR
FFF
N)(, h)( d)es Buddhis# ans(er the Guesti)n J(h.BK
Buddhis# denies the e2istence )3 a 4reat)r& As such 3r)#
a Buddhist stand+)int there cann)t be a 3)re")rdained +ur+)se&
N)r d)es Buddhis# ad5)cate 3atalis#, deter#inis#, )r
+re"destinati)n (hich c)ntr)ls #an>s 3uture inde+endent )3
his 3ree acti)ns& In such a case 3ree(ill bec)#es an abs)lute
3arce and li3e bec)#es +urel. #echanistic&
T) a large e2tent #an>s acti)ns are #)re )r less #echanistic,
being in3luenced b. his )(n d)ings, u+bringing, en5ir)n#ent
and s) 3)rth& But t) a certain e2tent #an can e2ercise
his 3ree(ill& A +ers)n, 3)r instance, 3alling 3r)# a cli33 (ill be
/=& Bertrand ussel, eligi)n and Science, +&66/&
896
attracted t) the gr)und Hust as an inani#ate st)ne ()uld& In
this case he cann)t use his 3ree(ill alth)ugh he has a #ind unli;e
the st)ne& I3 he (ere t) cli#b a cli33, he c)uld certainl. use
his 3ree(ill and act as he li;es& A st)ne, )n the c)ntrar., is n)t
3ree t) d) s) )3 its )(n acc)rd& Man has the +)(er t) ch))se
bet(een right and (r)ng, g))d and bad& Man can either be
h)stile )r 3riendl. t) hi#sel3 and )thers& It all de+ends )n his
#ind and its de5el)+#ent&
attracted t) the gr)und Hust as an inani#ate st)ne ()uld& In
this case he cann)t use his 3ree(ill alth)ugh he has a #ind unli;e
the st)ne& I3 he (ere t) cli#b a cli33, he c)uld certainl. use
his 3ree(ill and act as he li;es& A st)ne, )n the c)ntrar., is n)t
3ree t) d) s) )3 its )(n acc)rd& Man has the +)(er t) ch))se
bet(een right and (r)ng, g))d and bad& Man can either be
h)stile )r 3riendl. t) hi#sel3 and )thers& It all de+ends )n his
#ind and its de5el)+#ent&
.et #an is 3ree t) ha5e s)#e +ur+)se in li3e&
'hat, there3)re, is the +ur+)se )3 li3eB
Ous+ens;. (rites$N JS)#e sa. that the #eaning )3 li3e is in
ser5ice, in the surrender )3 sel3, in sel3"sacri3ice, in the sacri3ice
)3 e5er.thing, e5en li3e itsel3& Others declare that the #eaning
)3 li3e is in the delight )3 it, relie5ed against Mthe e2+ectati)n
)3 the 3inal h)rr)r )3 death&> S)#e sa. that the #eaning )3 li3e
is in +er3ecti)n, and the creati)n )3 a better 3uture be.)nd the
gra5e, )r in 3uture li3e 3)r )ursel5es& Others sa. that the #ean
ing )3 li3e is in the a++r)ach t) n)n"e2istenceL still )thers, that
the #eaning )3 li3e is in the +er3ecti)n )3 the race, in the )rganiIati)n
)3 li3e )n earthL (hile there are th)se (h) den. the
+)ssibilit. )3 e5en atte#+ting t) ;n)( its #eaning&K
4riticising all these 5ie(s the learned (riter sa.s$N JThe
3ault )3 all these e2+lanati)ns c)nsists in the 3act that the. all
atte#+t t) disc)5er the #eaning )3 li3e )utside )3 itsel3, either
in the nature )3 hu#anit., )r in s)#e +r)ble#atical e2istence
be.)nd the gra5e, )r again in the e5)luti)n )3 the Eg) thr)ugh)ut
#an. successi5e incarnati)ns D al(a.s in s)#ething )utside
)3 the +resent li3e )3 #an& But i3 instead )3 thus s+eculating
ab)ut it, #en ()uld si#+l. l)); (ithin the#sel5es, then
897
the. ()uld see that in realit. the #eaning )3 li3e is n)t a3ter
all s) )bscure& It c)nsists in ;n)(ledge&K
the. ()uld see that in realit. the #eaning )3 li3e is n)t a3ter
all s) )bscure& It c)nsists in ;n)(ledge&K/
In the )+ini)n )3 a Buddhist, the +ur+)se )3 li3e is Su+re#e
Enlighten#ent @Sa#b)dhiA, i&e& understanding )3 )nesel3 as )ne
reall. is& This #a. be achie5ed thr)ugh subli#e c)nduct, #ental
culture, and +enetrati5e insightL )r in )ther ()rds, thr)ugh
ser5ice and +er3ecti)n&
In ser5ice are included b)undless l)5ing";indness, c)#
+assi)n, and abs)lute sel3lessness (hich +r)#+t #an t) be )3
ser5ice t) )thers& ?er3ecti)n e#braces abs)lute +urit. and abs)lute
(isd)#&
!!!
//& Tertiu# Organu#, +& /06&
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