增壹阿含經 10
The Numbered Discourses (selected sūtras) 10
- Language
- English
Contents
- 10.1 No Pride — 11 parts
- 10.2 No Pride (2) — 9 parts
- 10.3 Recollecting Generosity — 16 parts
- 10.4 Generosity — 24 parts
- 10.5 Generosity (2) — 13 parts
- 10.6 The Stingy and the Tireless — 11 parts
- 10.7 Merits of Generosity — 12 parts
- 10.8 Māra the Wicked One — 11 parts
- 10.9 Bad Destinies — 8 parts
- 10.10 One Person — 7 parts
No Pride
10.1.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.1.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “One should cultivate one thing and disseminate one thing. Having cultivated one thing and disseminated one thing, they’ll attain spiritual knowledge, pacify their conditioned thinking, attain the fruits of the ascetic, and reach the abode of Nirvāṇa. What’s that one thing? It’s the practice of carefulness. What is the practice of carefulness? It’s guarding the mind. And what is guarding the mind?
10.1.p3
“Here, a monk always guards his mind against being contaminated and contaminating things. When he guards his mind against being contaminated and contaminating things, then he’ll feel comfortable around contaminating things. He’ll also become confident, remain unmoved, keep his thinking focused, and encourage himself.
10.1.p4
“Thus, monks, his practice is careful and he’s always cautious with himself. Then, the contaminants of desire that have yet to arise don’t arise, and the contaminants of desire that have arisen can cease. The contaminants of existence that have yet to arise don’t arise, and the contaminants of existence that have arisen can cease. The contaminants of ignorance that have yet to arise don’t arise, and the contaminants of ignorance that have arisen can cease.
10.1.p5
While practicing that carefulness, a monk secludes himself in a quiet place, and he’s constantly aware of himself and explores himself. He’s freed from thoughts contaminated by desire and freed from thoughts contaminated by existence and ignorance. Once he’s freed from them, he attains knowledge of that liberation: ‘Birth and death has been ended, the religious life has been established, and the task has been accomplished. I truly know that I won’t be subject to another existence.’”
10.1.p6
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.1.p7
“The path of sweet dew lacks pride;
Carelessness is the road of death.
Without pride, one doesn’t die,
While the prideful do die.
10.1.p8
“Therefore, monks, one must mindfully cultivate the practice of carefulness. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”
10.1.p9
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.1.p10
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.1.p11
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
No Pride (2)
10.2.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.2.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “One must develop one thing and disseminate one thing. Having cultivated one thing and disseminated one thing, they’ll then attain spiritual knowledge, pacify their conditioned thinking, attain the fruits of the ascetic, and reach the abode of Nirvāṇa. What’s that one thing? It’s the practice of carefulness in the good teachings.
10.2.p3
“What is this practice of carefulness? It means not harassing any sentient being, not harming any sentient being, and not troubling any sentient being. This is called the practice of carefulness. What’s called the good teachings? It means the noble eightfold path, which is right view, right method, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right discipline, right mindfulness, and right samādhi. These are the good teachings.”
10.2.p4
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.2.p5
“Being generous to all sentient beings
Is not the same as giving Dharma to someone.
Although being generous has its merit,
Giving Dharma to one person is greater.”
10.2.p6
“Therefore, monks, one should cultivate the good teaching. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”
10.2.p7
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.2.p8
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.2.p9
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Recollecting Generosity
10.3.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.3.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “How should one investigate donors and almsgivers?”
10.3.p3
The monks said to the Bhagavān, “The Bhagavān is the king of teachings! Please, Bhagavān, teach the monks about the meaning of this. Once we’ve heard it, the monks will approve of it.”
10.3.p4
The Bhagavān then told the monks, “Listen closely! Listen closely, and consider it well. I will discern the meaning of this for you.”
10.3.p5
They replied, “Yes, Bhagavān!” The monks then accepted the teaching from the Bhagavān.
10.3.p6
The Bhagavān told them, “A donor or almsgiver should be respectful like a devoted son who supports and helps his parents. Increasing the five aggregates, he manifests various aims in this land of Jambudvīpa. Examine a donor’s ability to achieve human precepts, learning, samādhi, and wisdom. Monks, many are the benefits of the Three Jewels when they have no obstructions for those who can give you clothing, meals, furnishings, lodging, and medicine for illnesses.
10.3.p7
“Therefore, monks, one should have kind thoughts towards a donor. Never forget small favors, not to mention the large ones. Always be kind to those donors and teach them pure conduct in body, speech, and thought, which cannot be estimated or delimited. Kindness in physical action, kindness in verbal action, and kindness in mental action ensures that the gifts that donors give will never be fruitless. They will obtain great fruit, achieve great fortune, and possess great fame that’s heard throughout the world and that has the Dharma flavor of sweet dew. Thus, you monks should train yourselves.”
10.3.p8
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.3.p9
“Generosity achieves great riches,
And it accomplishes one’s wishes, too.
Neither the king nor bandits
Can take that away from you.
10.3.p10
Generosity gains the royal status
In a line of noble wheel-turning kings.
Being replete with the seven treasures
Is the result of past generosity.
10.3.p11
Generosity achieves a god’s body,
Wearing a crown of various jewels
And roaming with a harem of women.
That’s a reward of past generosity.
10.3.p12
A donor becomes Śakra the Lord of Gods.
That god king’s authority is abundant,
And he’s adorned with a thousand eyes.
That’s a reward of past generosity.
10.3.p13
Generosity achieves the Buddha’s path.
Endowed with the thirty-two signs,
They turn the unsurpassed Dharma wheel.
That’s a reward of past generosity.”
10.3.p14
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.3.p15
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.3.p16
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Generosity
10.4.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.4.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “What services and gifts should donors and almsgivers provide to diligent noble people who observe the precepts?”
10.4.p3
The monks then said to the Bhagavān, “The Bhagavān is the king of teachings! Please, Bhagavān, teach the monks about the meaning of this. Once we’ve heard it, the monks will approve of it.”
10.4.p4
The Bhagavān told the monks, “Listen closely! Listen closely and consider it well. I will discern the meaning of this for you.”
10.4.p5
They replied, “Yes, Bhagavān!” The monks then accepted the teaching from the Buddha.
10.4.p6
The Bhagavān told them, “A donor or almsgiver who renders services and gives offerings to diligent and learned people who observe the precepts is like someone who shows the way to the lost. They’re like someone who provides meals to those in need of food. They’re like someone who puts anxious people at ease. They’re like someone who instructs the fearful to not be afraid. They’re like someone who gives shelter to those without refuge. They’re like someone who serves as eyes for the blind or a king of medicine for the sick.
10.4.p7
“They’re like a farmer cultivating their land. They remove debris and weeds so that they can harvest their crop. A monk must constantly abandon the illness of the five proliferating aggregates as he seeks to enter the city of Nirvāṇa fearlessly. Thus, monks, should a donor or almsgiver be generous when providing services and offerings to diligent and learned people who observe the precepts.”
10.4.p8
The wealthy man Anāthapiṇḍada was in the audience at the time. He then said to the Bhagavān, “So it is, Bhagavān! So it is, Tathāgata! All donors and their recipients are like auspicious vases. Those who accept their donations are like King Vaiśravaṇa. They encourage people to practice generosity like a friend or parent. A person who accepts donations will have excellent fortune in the next life. All donors and their recipients are like householders.”
10.4.p9
The Bhagavān told him, “So it is, wealthy man. It’s as you say.”
10.4.p10
The wealthy man Anāthapiṇḍada said to the Bhagavān, “From now on, my door won’t be guarded, nor will monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, or travelers be refused who are in need of a meal.”
10.4.p11
Anāthapiṇḍada then said to the Bhagavān, “Please let the Bhagavān and the assembly of monks accept a disciple’s invitation.”
10.4.p12
The Bhagavān then silently accepted that wealthy man’s invitation.
10.4.p13
Seeing that the Bhagavān had silently accepted his invitation, that wealthy man then bowed to the Buddha, circled him three times, and returned to his home. Arriving at his house, he prepared a variety of sweet delicacies for the evening and arranged for a sitting area. He then sent word, “When you arrive, the meal will be fully prepared. Please let the Bhagavān come when it’s convenient.”
10.4.p14
The Bhagavān then led the assembly of monks, putting on his robes and taking his bowl to that wealthy man’s household in Śrāvastī. When they arrived, he prepared his own seat, and the assembly of monks each seated themselves in their order.
10.4.p15
Seeing that the Buddha and assembly of monks were seated and settled, the wealthy man then served them a variety of foods with his own hands. As he gave out those various meals, they each took a bowl and sat. He then brought out a humble chair and sat in front of the Buddha hoping to hear the Dharma.
10.4.p16
That wealthy man then said to the Bhagavān, “It’d be good if the Tathāgata permitted the monks to have the things that they need, such as three robes, a bowl, needle, tube, sitting mat, filter cloth, water basin, and the rest of an ascetic’s items. Permit them all to get these things from my family.”
10.4.p17
The Bhagavān then addressed the monks, “If you need robes, bowls, sitting mats, water basins, or any other items of an ascetic, you may get them here. Don’t hesitate or make excuses about attachment.”
10.4.p18
Then, the Bhagavān and Anāthapiṇḍada had a discussion about the sublime Dharma. After discussing the sublime Dharma, the Buddha rose from his seat and departed.
10.4.p19
At a later time, Anāthapiṇḍada gave out gifts broadly at each of the city’s four gates, a fifth in the market, and a sixth at his home. He gave food if people needed food and drink if drink was needed. He provided to everyone what carts, music, incense, and jewelry that they needed.
10.4.p20
The Bhagavān heard about Anāthapiṇḍada giving out gifts broadly at the city’s four gates, that he had also given to the needy in the marketplace, and that he again gave measureless gifts from inside his own home.
10.4.p21
The Bhagavān then told the monks, “Among my disciples, the layman who delights most in charity is that wealthy man Sudatta.”
10.4.p22
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.4.p23
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.4.p24
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Generosity (2)
10.5.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.5.p2
It was then that the wealthy man Anāthapiṇḍada went to visit the Bhagavān. He bowed his head at the Bhagavān’s feet and then sat to one side.
10.5.p3
The Bhagavān asked him, “How are you, wealthy man? Has your rich family continued to give to the needy?”
10.5.p4
That wealthy man replied, “Yes, Bhagavān. We continue to give to the needy. We distribute gifts at the city’s four gates, and I also provide what they need from my home.
10.5.p5
“Bhagavān, sometimes I think, ‘I’d like to be generous to the likes of wild birds, pigs, and dogs.’ But I don’t have this thought, ‘I should give to them,’ or ‘I shouldn’t give to them.’ Nor do I have the thought, ‘I should give more to them,’ or ‘I should give less to them.’ I always think, ‘All sentient beings depend on food to continue to live. With food, they survive. Without food, they die.’”
10.5.p6
The Bhagavān told him, “Good, wealthy man! Good! You focus on this one thought of giving widely with a bodhisattva’s heart. Indeed, these sentient beings depend on food for their survival. Without food, they die.
10.5.p7
“Wealthy man, you’ll win a great reward and get a great reputation for that great reward. Your name will travel in all directions, and you’ll gain the Dharma flavor of the sweet dew. Why is that? The bodhisattva’s abode is to give with an equitable heart. He focuses on this one thought, being mindful of the varieties of sentient beings that depend on food to live. With food, they survive. Without food, they die. This, wealthy man, is called a bodhisattva whose heart abides securely and gives broadly.”
10.5.p8
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.5.p9
All should focus on broad generosity
And never feel any regret about it.
They’ll surely encounter good friends
Who’ll help them cross over to the far shore.
10.5.p10
“Therefore, wealthy man, you should think equitably and focus on broad generosity. Thus, wealthy man, you should train yourself.”
10.5.p11
When that wealthy man heard what the Buddha taught, he rejoiced and approved.
10.5.p12
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.5.p13
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
The Stingy and the Tireless
10.6.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.6.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “Just as I know now the source of the destinies of sentient beings, I also know the rewards of generosity. Even the last lump of food that one doesn’t eat themselves should be given to someone else. Then, they won’t allow themselves to have even a hair’s breadth of stinginess. These sentient beings don’t know the rewards of generosity like I know them in their entirety. They are no different than the rewards of an equitable heart. Therefore, sentient beings who aren’t capable of equitable generosity bring their own downfalls. Their minds are constantly wrapped in stingy thoughts.”
10.6.p3
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.6.p4
“Sentient beings don’t realize it themselves,
But this is what the Tathāgata teaches:
One should always be generous to all
And focus on becoming a true man.
10.6.p5
When their inclinations are purified,
The merits gained are multiplied many times.
Sharing equal parts of their merit,
They later obtain a great reward.
10.6.p6
What they give in the present is good!
Their hearts head for a broad field of merit.
They depart from among humans,
Sure to be born up in Heaven.
10.6.p7
By reaching that good place,
They’ll enjoy their own happiness.
They’ll rejoice over their good fortune,
And won’t be in want of anything.
10.6.p8
With heavenly authority and deeds,
Beautiful women will be their followers.
The rewards of equitable giving,
Therefore, obtain these fortunes.”
10.6.p9
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.6.p10
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.6.p11
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Merits of Generosity
10.7.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.7.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “Don’t be afraid of the rewards of merit. Why is that? It gets pleasures that should be desirable and respectable. The reason it’s called ‘merit’ is that it has great rewards. What you should fear is having no merit. Why is that? That’s the name for the source of suffering. Indescribable sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble and the lack of desirable pleasure is called ‘having no merit.’
10.7.p3
“Monks, I recall in the past I had practiced kindness for seven years. After that, I didn’t return to this world for seven eons. During those seven eons, I was born in the Ābhāsvara Heaven. I was born in an empty Brahma Heaven as the god Mahābrahmā during those seven eons. I was the unmatched ruler of a hundred thousand worlds. I was reborn thirty-six times as Śakra the Lord of Gods. I also became a noble wheel-turning king countless times.
10.7.p4
“Therefore, monks, don’t be cautious about making merit. Why is that? This is called getting pleasures that should be very desirable and respectable. This is the reason it’s called ‘merit.’ What you should fear is having no merit. Why is that? That’s the source of suffering. Indescribable sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble is called ‘having no merit.’”
10.7.p5
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.7.p6
“Happy are the rewards of merit,
And obtaining what one wishes.
Go quickly to complete extinguishment;
Arrive at the unconditioned state.
10.7.p7
Even if the schemer
Were the god Māra the Wicked One,
He couldn’t cause trouble for
Someone whose works make merit.
10.7.p8
Always seek for oneself
The path of noble people,
And then suffering will be completely ended,
And afterward there’s no more sorrow.
10.7.p9
“Therefore, monks, don’t reject making merit. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”
10.7.p10
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.7.p11
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.7.p12
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Māra the Wicked One
10.8.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.8.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “If someone accepts one thing and doesn’t part with one thing, then Māra the Wicked One won’t be able to get an advantage over them. He won’t be able to come and harass them, either. What is that one thing? It’s virtuous, meritorious deeds. Why is that?
10.8.p3
“I recall in the past when I was sitting under the tree of awakening with the bodhisattvas who had gathered in one place. Deceitful Māra the Wicked One led an army numbering in the hundreds of thousands of millions. His soldiers had all sorts of indescribable forms with animal heads and human bodies. The gods, nāgas, yakṣas, asuras, garuḍas, and mahoragas all came and assembled.
10.8.p4
“Māra the Wicked One then said to me, ‘Ascetic, I’ll quickly throw you to the ground!’ But the Buddha defeated that Māra foe with merit, virtue, and great power. His impurities being extinguished and having no defilement, he then achieved the unsurpassed and true awakening.
10.8.p5
“Monks, one should contemplate the meaning of this. Deceitful Māra the Wicked One can’t find an advantage over a monk who has perfected his virtue, nor can he ruin his virtue.”
10.8.p6
The Bhagavān then spoke in verse:
10.8.p7
“Someone with merits is happy;
Someone lacking merits will suffer.
In this life and the next,
Making merit brings happiness.
10.8.p8
“Therefore, monks, don’t be cautious about making merit. [Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.]”
10.8.p9
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.8.p10
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.8.p11
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Bad Destinies
10.9.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.9.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “If a monk cultivates one thing, then he won’t be able to destroy the bad destinies and make a destiny that’s either good or nirvāṇa. What is the one thing that when cultivated isn’t able to destroy the bad destinies? It’s a heart that lacks sincere belief. Cultivating this one thing, one won’t destroy the bad destinies.
10.9.p3
“What one thing when cultivated leads to a good place? That refers to a heart that practices sincere belief. Cultivating this one thing leads to a good place.
10.9.p4
“What one thing when cultivated reaches nirvāṇa? That refers to the constant focus of mindfulness. Cultivating this thing reaches nirvāṇa.
10.9.p5
“Therefore, monks, focus your thinking and be mindful of the roots of goodness. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”
10.9.p6
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.9.p7
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.9.p8
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
One Person
10.10.p1
Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.
10.10.p2
It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “When one person appears in the world, it increases the life spans of sentient beings and makes their complexions brighter, their health more vigorous, their happiness unsurpassed, and their voices gentle. Who is that one person? It’s the Tathāgata, the Arhat, and the Completely Awakened One. He is that one person who appears in the world and increases the life spans of sentient beings and makes their complexions brighter, their health more vigorous, their happiness unsurpassed, and their voices gentle.
10.10.p3
“Therefore, monks, always focus and unify your mind on recollecting the Buddha. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”
10.10.p4
When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.
10.10.p5
Two on no pride, recollecting generosity,
Two on giving, the stingy and the tireless,
Merits of giving, Māra the Wicked One,
Bad destinies, and one person.
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
10.10.p6
This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project.
10.10.p7
Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral.
Linked texts (1)
- 增壹阿含經 — Classical Chinese