So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Kosambī in Ghosita’s monastery. Now at that time the mendicants of Kosambī were fighting, quarreling, and disputing, continually wounding each other with barbed words. Then a mendicant went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and told him what was happening, adding:
“Enough, mendicants! Stop fighting, quarreling, and disputing.” When he said this, one of the mendicants said to the Buddha, “Wait, sir! Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma,
remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in this life. We will be known for this fighting, quarreling, arguing, and disputing.” For a second time …
and a third time the Buddha said to those mendicants, “Enough, mendicants! Stop fighting, quarreling, and disputing.” For a third time, that mendicant said to the Buddha,
“Wait, sir! Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma, remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in this life. We will be known for this fighting, quarreling, arguing, and disputing.”
Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Kosambī for alms. After the meal, on his return from almsround, he set his lodgings in order. Taking his bowl and robe, he recited these verses while standing right there: “Many voices shout at once, yet no one thinks that they’re the fool.
They blab at will, their mouths agape, and not one knows what leads them on. ‘They abused me, they hit me! They beat me, they robbed me!’
PL
Yāvicchanti mukhāyāmaṁ, yena nītā na taṁ vidū. Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ, ajini maṁ ahāsi me;
EN
For those bearing such a grudge, hatred is never laid to rest. ‘They abused me, they hit me! They beat me, they robbed me!’
PL
Ye ca taṁ upanayhanti, veraṁ tesaṁ na sammati. Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ, ajini maṁ ahāsi me;
EN
For those who bear no such grudge, hatred is laid to rest. For never is hatred laid to rest by hate,
PL
Ye ca taṁ nupanayhanti, veraṁ tesūpasammati. Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṁ;
EN
it’s laid to rest by love: this is an ancient teaching. When others do not understand, let us, who do understand this,
PL
Averena ca sammanti, esa dhammo sanantano. Pare ca na vijānanti, mayamettha yamāmase;
EN
restrain ourselves in this regard; for that is how conflicts are laid to rest. Breakers of bones and takers of life, thieves of cattle, horses, wealth,
PL
Ye ca tattha vijānanti, tato sammanti medhagā. Aṭṭhicchinnā pāṇaharā, gavassadhanahārino;
EN
those who plunder the nation: even they can come together, so why can’t you? If you find an alert companion,
an attentive friend to live happily together, then, overcoming all adversities, wander with them, joyful and mindful. If you find no alert companion,
PL
Saddhiṁ caraṁ sādhuvihāri dhīraṁ; Abhibhuyya sabbāni parissayāni, Careyya tenattamano satīmā. No ce labhetha nipakaṁ sahāyaṁ,
EN
no attentive friend to live happily together, then, like a king who flees his conquered realm, wander alone like a tusker in the wilds. It’s better to wander alone,
there’s no fellowship with fools. Wander alone and do no wrong, at ease like a tusker in the wilds.” After speaking these verses while standing, the Buddha went to the village of the child salt-miners,
PL
Natthi bāle sahāyatā; Eko care na ca pāpāni kayirā, Appossukko mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo”ti. Atha kho bhagavā ṭhitakova imā gāthā bhāsitvā yena bālakaloṇakāragāmo tenupasaṅkami.
EN
where Venerable Bhagu was staying at the time. Bhagu saw the Buddha coming off in the distance, so he spread out a seat and placed water for washing the feet. The Buddha sat down on the seat spread out,
and washed his feet. Bhagu bowed to the Buddha and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him, “I hope you’re keeping well, mendicant, I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”
“I’m keeping well, Blessed One, I’m all right. And I’m having no trouble getting almsfood.” Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired Bhagu with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and set out for the Park of the East-Raftered Hall. Now at that time the venerables Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila were staying in the Park of the East-Raftered Hall.
PL
“Khamanīyaṁ bhagavā, yāpanīyaṁ bhagavā, na cāhaṁ, bhante, piṇḍakena kilamāmī”ti. Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ bhaguṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṁsetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā yena pācīnavaṁsadāyo tenupasaṅkami. Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo pācīnavaṁsadāye viharanti.
EN
The park keeper saw the Buddha coming off in the distance and said to the Buddha, “Don’t come into this park, ascetic. There are three gentlemen staying here whose nature is to desire self-knowledge.
Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived.” Then Anuruddha went to Nandiya and Kimbila, and said to them, “Come forth, venerables, come forth! Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived!” Then Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila came out to greet the Buddha.
PL
Satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti. Atha kho āyasmā anuruddho yenāyasmā ca nandiyo yenāyasmā ca kimilo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmantañca nandiyaṁ āyasmantañca kimilaṁ etadavoca: “abhikkamathāyasmanto, abhikkamathāyasmanto, satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti. Atha kho āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo bhagavantaṁ paccuggantvā
EN
One received his bowl and robe, one spread out a seat, and one set out water for washing his feet. The Buddha sat down on the seat spread out, and washed his feet. Those venerables bowed and sat down to one side.
The Buddha said to Anuruddha, “I hope you’re keeping well, Anuruddha and friends, I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.” “We’re keeping well, Blessed One, we’re getting by. And we have no trouble getting almsfood.” “I hope you’re living in harmony, appreciating each other, without quarreling, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes?”
‘I’m fortunate, so very fortunate, to live together with spiritual companions such as these.’ I consistently treat these venerables with kindness by way of body, speech, and mind, both in public and in private.
PL
‘lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me yohaṁ evarūpehi sabrahmacārīhi saddhiṁ viharāmī’ti. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, imesu āyasmantesu mettaṁ kāyakammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca, mettaṁ vacīkammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,
EN
I think: ‘Why don’t I set aside my own ideas and just go along with these venerables’ ideas?’ And that’s what I do.
“That’s how we live in harmony, appreciating each other, without dispute, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes.” “Good, good, Anuruddha and friends! But I hope you’re living diligently, keen, and resolute?”
“Indeed, sir, we live diligently.” “But how do you live this way?” “In this case, sir, whoever returns first from almsround prepares the seats, and puts out the drinking water and the rubbish bin.
If there’s remainder, whoever returns last eats it if they like. Otherwise they throw it out where there is little that grows, or drop it into water that has no living creatures. Then they put away the seats, drinking water, and rubbish bin, and sweep the refectory. If someone sees that the pot of water for washing, drinking, or the toilet is empty they set it up.
PL
Yo pacchā gāmato piṇḍāya paṭikkamati—sace hoti bhuttāvaseso, sace ākaṅkhati, bhuñjati; no ce ākaṅkhati, appaharite vā chaḍḍeti apāṇake vā udake opilāpeti— so āsanāni paṭisāmeti, pānīyaṁ paribhojanīyaṁ paṭisāmeti, avakkārapātiṁ dhovitvā paṭisāmeti, bhattaggaṁ sammajjati. Yo passati pānīyaghaṭaṁ vā paribhojanīyaghaṭaṁ vā vaccaghaṭaṁ vā rittaṁ tucchaṁ so upaṭṭhāpeti.
EN
If he can’t do it, he summons another with a wave of the hand, and they set it up by lending each other a hand to lift. But we don’t break into speech for that reason. And every five days we sit together for the whole night and discuss the teachings. That’s how we live diligently, keen, and resolute.”
“Good, good, Anuruddha and friends! But as you live diligently like this, have you achieved any superhuman distinction in knowledge and vision worthy of the noble ones, a comfortable meditation?” “Well, sir, while meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, we perceive both light and vision of forms. But before long the light and the vision of forms vanish.
We haven’t worked out the basis of that.” “Well, you should work out the basis of that. Before my awakening—when I was still unawakened but intent on awakening—I too perceived light and vision of forms. But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.
It occurred to me: ‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’ It occurred to me: ‘Doubt arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti? Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘vicikicchā kho me udapādi, vicikicchādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.
EN
When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. I’ll make sure that doubt will not arise in me again.’ While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light and vision of forms. But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.
PL
Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissatī’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ. So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
It occurred to me: ‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’ It occurred to me: ‘Loss of focus arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti? Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘amanasikāro kho me udapādi, amanasikārādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.
EN
When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘Dullness and drowsiness arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
‘thinamiddhaṁ kho me udapādi, thinamiddhādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhan’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…
EN
‘Terror arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. Suppose a person was traveling along a road, and killers were to spring out at them from both sides. They’d feel terrified because of that.
In the same way, terror arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
evameva kho me, anuruddhā, chambhitattaṁ udapādi, chambhitattādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattan’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…
EN
‘Elation arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. Suppose a person was looking for the entrance to a treasure trove. And all at once they’d come across five entrances! They’d feel excited because of that.
In the same way, elation arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
evameva kho me, anuruddhā, uppilaṁ udapādi, uppilādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilan’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…
EN
‘Discomfort arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort will arise in me again.’
PL
tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘duṭṭhullaṁ kho me udapādi, duṭṭhullādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullan’ti.
EN
While meditating … ‘Excessive energy arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
Suppose a person was to grip a quail too tightly in their hands—it would die right there. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy will arise in me again.’
PL
Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso ubhohi hatthehi vaṭṭakaṁ gāḷhaṁ gaṇheyya, so tattheva patameyya; evameva kho me, anuruddhā, accāraddhavīriyaṁ udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyan’ti.
EN
While meditating … ‘Overly lax energy arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘atilīnavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
Suppose a person was to grip a quail too loosely—it would fly out of their hands. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy will arise in me again.’
PL
Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso vaṭṭakaṁ sithilaṁ gaṇheyya, so tassa hatthato uppateyya; evameva kho me, anuruddhā, atilīnavīriyaṁ udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyan’ti.
EN
While meditating … ‘Longing arose in me …
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘abhijappā kho me udapādi, abhijappādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing will arise in me again.’ While meditating … ‘Perceptions of diversity arose in me …
PL
Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘nānattasaññā kho me udapādi, nānattasaññādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.
EN
I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity will arise in me again.’ While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light and vision of forms.
PL
Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā, na nānattasaññā’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
But before long my light and vision of forms vanished. It occurred to me: ‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’ It occurred to me:
PL
So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Tassa mayhaṁ anuruddhā etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti. Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘Excessive concentration on forms arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity nor excessive concentration on forms will arise in me again.’
PL
‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ kho me rūpānaṁ udapādi, atinijjhāyitattādhikaraṇañca pana me rūpānaṁ samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā, na nānattasaññā, na atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānan’ti.
EN
When I understood that doubt is a corruption of the mind, I gave it up. When I understood that loss of focus, dullness and drowsiness,
While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light but did not see forms, or I saw forms, but did not see light. And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day. I thought:
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi; rūpāni hi kho passāmi, na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi: ‘kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivaṁ’. Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’ It occurred to me:
PL
‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi na ca rūpāni passāmi; rūpāni hi kho passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi— kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti. Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘When I don’t focus on the basis of the forms, but focus on the basis of the light, then I perceive light and do not see forms. But when I don’t focus on the basis of the light, but focus on the basis of the forms, then I see forms and do not perceive light.
PL
‘yasmiñhi kho ahaṁ samaye rūpanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā obhāsanimittaṁ manasi karomi, obhāsañhi kho tasmiṁ samaye sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi. Yasmiṁ panāhaṁ samaye obhāsanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā rūpanimittaṁ manasi karomi, rūpāni hi kho tasmiṁ samaye passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi—
EN
And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’ While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived limited light and saw limited forms, or I perceived limitless light and saw limitless forms. And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.
I thought: ‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi; appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi— kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.
EN
It occurred to me: ‘When my immersion is limited, then my vision is limited, and with limited vision I perceive limited light and see limited forms. But when my immersion is limitless, then my vision is limitless,
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘yasmiṁ kho me samaye paritto samādhi hoti, parittaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti. Sohaṁ parittena cakkhunā parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi. Yasmiṁ pana me samaye appamāṇo samādhi hoti, appamāṇaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti.
EN
and with limitless vision I perceive limitless light and see limitless forms. And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’ After understanding that doubt, loss of focus,
I thought: ‘I’ve given up my mental corruptions. Now let me develop immersion in three ways.’ I developed immersion while placing the mind and keeping it connected; without placing the mind, merely keeping it connected; without placing the mind or keeping it connected; with rapture; without rapture; with pleasure; with equanimity.
the knowledge and vision arose in me: ‘My freedom is unshakable; this is my last rebirth; now there’ll be no more future lives.’” That is what the Buddha said. Satisfied, Venerable Anuruddha approved what the Buddha said.
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Kosambī in Ghosita’s monastery. Now at that time the mendicants of Kosambī were fighting, quarreling, and disputing, continually wounding each other with barbed words. Then a mendicant went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and told him what was happening, adding:
“Enough, mendicants! Stop fighting, quarreling, and disputing.” When he said this, one of the mendicants said to the Buddha, “Wait, sir! Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma,
remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in this life. We will be known for this fighting, quarreling, arguing, and disputing.” For a second time …
and a third time the Buddha said to those mendicants, “Enough, mendicants! Stop fighting, quarreling, and disputing.” For a third time, that mendicant said to the Buddha,
“Wait, sir! Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma, remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in this life. We will be known for this fighting, quarreling, arguing, and disputing.”
Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Kosambī for alms. After the meal, on his return from almsround, he set his lodgings in order. Taking his bowl and robe, he recited these verses while standing right there: “Many voices shout at once, yet no one thinks that they’re the fool.
They blab at will, their mouths agape, and not one knows what leads them on. ‘They abused me, they hit me! They beat me, they robbed me!’
PL
Yāvicchanti mukhāyāmaṁ, yena nītā na taṁ vidū. Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ, ajini maṁ ahāsi me;
EN
For those bearing such a grudge, hatred is never laid to rest. ‘They abused me, they hit me! They beat me, they robbed me!’
PL
Ye ca taṁ upanayhanti, veraṁ tesaṁ na sammati. Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ, ajini maṁ ahāsi me;
EN
For those who bear no such grudge, hatred is laid to rest. For never is hatred laid to rest by hate,
PL
Ye ca taṁ nupanayhanti, veraṁ tesūpasammati. Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṁ;
EN
it’s laid to rest by love: this is an ancient teaching. When others do not understand, let us, who do understand this,
PL
Averena ca sammanti, esa dhammo sanantano. Pare ca na vijānanti, mayamettha yamāmase;
EN
restrain ourselves in this regard; for that is how conflicts are laid to rest. Breakers of bones and takers of life, thieves of cattle, horses, wealth,
PL
Ye ca tattha vijānanti, tato sammanti medhagā. Aṭṭhicchinnā pāṇaharā, gavassadhanahārino;
EN
those who plunder the nation: even they can come together, so why can’t you? If you find an alert companion,
an attentive friend to live happily together, then, overcoming all adversities, wander with them, joyful and mindful. If you find no alert companion,
PL
Saddhiṁ caraṁ sādhuvihāri dhīraṁ; Abhibhuyya sabbāni parissayāni, Careyya tenattamano satīmā. No ce labhetha nipakaṁ sahāyaṁ,
EN
no attentive friend to live happily together, then, like a king who flees his conquered realm, wander alone like a tusker in the wilds. It’s better to wander alone,
there’s no fellowship with fools. Wander alone and do no wrong, at ease like a tusker in the wilds.” After speaking these verses while standing, the Buddha went to the village of the child salt-miners,
PL
Natthi bāle sahāyatā; Eko care na ca pāpāni kayirā, Appossukko mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo”ti. Atha kho bhagavā ṭhitakova imā gāthā bhāsitvā yena bālakaloṇakāragāmo tenupasaṅkami.
EN
where Venerable Bhagu was staying at the time. Bhagu saw the Buddha coming off in the distance, so he spread out a seat and placed water for washing the feet. The Buddha sat down on the seat spread out,
and washed his feet. Bhagu bowed to the Buddha and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him, “I hope you’re keeping well, mendicant, I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”
“I’m keeping well, Blessed One, I’m all right. And I’m having no trouble getting almsfood.” Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired Bhagu with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and set out for the Park of the East-Raftered Hall. Now at that time the venerables Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila were staying in the Park of the East-Raftered Hall.
PL
“Khamanīyaṁ bhagavā, yāpanīyaṁ bhagavā, na cāhaṁ, bhante, piṇḍakena kilamāmī”ti. Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ bhaguṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṁsetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā yena pācīnavaṁsadāyo tenupasaṅkami. Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo pācīnavaṁsadāye viharanti.
EN
The park keeper saw the Buddha coming off in the distance and said to the Buddha, “Don’t come into this park, ascetic. There are three gentlemen staying here whose nature is to desire self-knowledge.
Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived.” Then Anuruddha went to Nandiya and Kimbila, and said to them, “Come forth, venerables, come forth! Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived!” Then Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila came out to greet the Buddha.
PL
Satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti. Atha kho āyasmā anuruddho yenāyasmā ca nandiyo yenāyasmā ca kimilo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmantañca nandiyaṁ āyasmantañca kimilaṁ etadavoca: “abhikkamathāyasmanto, abhikkamathāyasmanto, satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti. Atha kho āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo bhagavantaṁ paccuggantvā
EN
One received his bowl and robe, one spread out a seat, and one set out water for washing his feet. The Buddha sat down on the seat spread out, and washed his feet. Those venerables bowed and sat down to one side.
The Buddha said to Anuruddha, “I hope you’re keeping well, Anuruddha and friends, I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.” “We’re keeping well, Blessed One, we’re getting by. And we have no trouble getting almsfood.” “I hope you’re living in harmony, appreciating each other, without quarreling, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes?”
‘I’m fortunate, so very fortunate, to live together with spiritual companions such as these.’ I consistently treat these venerables with kindness by way of body, speech, and mind, both in public and in private.
PL
‘lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me yohaṁ evarūpehi sabrahmacārīhi saddhiṁ viharāmī’ti. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, imesu āyasmantesu mettaṁ kāyakammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca, mettaṁ vacīkammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,
EN
I think: ‘Why don’t I set aside my own ideas and just go along with these venerables’ ideas?’ And that’s what I do.
“That’s how we live in harmony, appreciating each other, without dispute, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes.” “Good, good, Anuruddha and friends! But I hope you’re living diligently, keen, and resolute?”
“Indeed, sir, we live diligently.” “But how do you live this way?” “In this case, sir, whoever returns first from almsround prepares the seats, and puts out the drinking water and the rubbish bin.
If there’s remainder, whoever returns last eats it if they like. Otherwise they throw it out where there is little that grows, or drop it into water that has no living creatures. Then they put away the seats, drinking water, and rubbish bin, and sweep the refectory. If someone sees that the pot of water for washing, drinking, or the toilet is empty they set it up.
PL
Yo pacchā gāmato piṇḍāya paṭikkamati—sace hoti bhuttāvaseso, sace ākaṅkhati, bhuñjati; no ce ākaṅkhati, appaharite vā chaḍḍeti apāṇake vā udake opilāpeti— so āsanāni paṭisāmeti, pānīyaṁ paribhojanīyaṁ paṭisāmeti, avakkārapātiṁ dhovitvā paṭisāmeti, bhattaggaṁ sammajjati. Yo passati pānīyaghaṭaṁ vā paribhojanīyaghaṭaṁ vā vaccaghaṭaṁ vā rittaṁ tucchaṁ so upaṭṭhāpeti.
EN
If he can’t do it, he summons another with a wave of the hand, and they set it up by lending each other a hand to lift. But we don’t break into speech for that reason. And every five days we sit together for the whole night and discuss the teachings. That’s how we live diligently, keen, and resolute.”
“Good, good, Anuruddha and friends! But as you live diligently like this, have you achieved any superhuman distinction in knowledge and vision worthy of the noble ones, a comfortable meditation?” “Well, sir, while meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, we perceive both light and vision of forms. But before long the light and the vision of forms vanish.
We haven’t worked out the basis of that.” “Well, you should work out the basis of that. Before my awakening—when I was still unawakened but intent on awakening—I too perceived light and vision of forms. But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.
It occurred to me: ‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’ It occurred to me: ‘Doubt arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti? Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘vicikicchā kho me udapādi, vicikicchādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.
EN
When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. I’ll make sure that doubt will not arise in me again.’ While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light and vision of forms. But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.
PL
Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissatī’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ. So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
It occurred to me: ‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’ It occurred to me: ‘Loss of focus arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti? Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘amanasikāro kho me udapādi, amanasikārādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.
EN
When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘Dullness and drowsiness arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
‘thinamiddhaṁ kho me udapādi, thinamiddhādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhan’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…
EN
‘Terror arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. Suppose a person was traveling along a road, and killers were to spring out at them from both sides. They’d feel terrified because of that.
In the same way, terror arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
evameva kho me, anuruddhā, chambhitattaṁ udapādi, chambhitattādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattan’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…
EN
‘Elation arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. Suppose a person was looking for the entrance to a treasure trove. And all at once they’d come across five entrances! They’d feel excited because of that.
In the same way, elation arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation will arise in me again.’ While meditating …
PL
evameva kho me, anuruddhā, uppilaṁ udapādi, uppilādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilan’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…
EN
‘Discomfort arose in me … I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort will arise in me again.’
PL
tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘duṭṭhullaṁ kho me udapādi, duṭṭhullādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullan’ti.
EN
While meditating … ‘Excessive energy arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
Suppose a person was to grip a quail too tightly in their hands—it would die right there. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy will arise in me again.’
PL
Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso ubhohi hatthehi vaṭṭakaṁ gāḷhaṁ gaṇheyya, so tattheva patameyya; evameva kho me, anuruddhā, accāraddhavīriyaṁ udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyan’ti.
EN
While meditating … ‘Overly lax energy arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘atilīnavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
Suppose a person was to grip a quail too loosely—it would fly out of their hands. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy will arise in me again.’
PL
Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso vaṭṭakaṁ sithilaṁ gaṇheyya, so tassa hatthato uppateyya; evameva kho me, anuruddhā, atilīnavīriyaṁ udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyan’ti.
EN
While meditating … ‘Longing arose in me …
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘abhijappā kho me udapādi, abhijappādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing will arise in me again.’ While meditating … ‘Perceptions of diversity arose in me …
PL
Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe… tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘nānattasaññā kho me udapādi, nānattasaññādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.
EN
I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity will arise in me again.’ While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light and vision of forms.
PL
Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā, na nānattasaññā’ti. So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.
EN
But before long my light and vision of forms vanished. It occurred to me: ‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’ It occurred to me:
PL
So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Tassa mayhaṁ anuruddhā etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti. Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘Excessive concentration on forms arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away. When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish. I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity nor excessive concentration on forms will arise in me again.’
PL
‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ kho me rūpānaṁ udapādi, atinijjhāyitattādhikaraṇañca pana me rūpānaṁ samādhi cavi. Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ. Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā, na nānattasaññā, na atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānan’ti.
EN
When I understood that doubt is a corruption of the mind, I gave it up. When I understood that loss of focus, dullness and drowsiness,
While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light but did not see forms, or I saw forms, but did not see light. And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day. I thought:
PL
So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi; rūpāni hi kho passāmi, na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi: ‘kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivaṁ’. Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’ It occurred to me:
PL
‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi na ca rūpāni passāmi; rūpāni hi kho passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi— kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti. Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:
EN
‘When I don’t focus on the basis of the forms, but focus on the basis of the light, then I perceive light and do not see forms. But when I don’t focus on the basis of the light, but focus on the basis of the forms, then I see forms and do not perceive light.
PL
‘yasmiñhi kho ahaṁ samaye rūpanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā obhāsanimittaṁ manasi karomi, obhāsañhi kho tasmiṁ samaye sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi. Yasmiṁ panāhaṁ samaye obhāsanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā rūpanimittaṁ manasi karomi, rūpāni hi kho tasmiṁ samaye passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi—
EN
And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’ While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived limited light and saw limited forms, or I perceived limitless light and saw limitless forms. And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.
I thought: ‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi; appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi— kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.
EN
It occurred to me: ‘When my immersion is limited, then my vision is limited, and with limited vision I perceive limited light and see limited forms. But when my immersion is limitless, then my vision is limitless,
PL
Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi: ‘yasmiṁ kho me samaye paritto samādhi hoti, parittaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti. Sohaṁ parittena cakkhunā parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi. Yasmiṁ pana me samaye appamāṇo samādhi hoti, appamāṇaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti.
EN
and with limitless vision I perceive limitless light and see limitless forms. And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’ After understanding that doubt, loss of focus,
I thought: ‘I’ve given up my mental corruptions. Now let me develop immersion in three ways.’ I developed immersion while placing the mind and keeping it connected; without placing the mind, merely keeping it connected; without placing the mind or keeping it connected; with rapture; without rapture; with pleasure; with equanimity.
the knowledge and vision arose in me: ‘My freedom is unshakable; this is my last rebirth; now there’ll be no more future lives.’” That is what the Buddha said. Satisfied, Venerable Anuruddha approved what the Buddha said.
Sutraya