[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Buddhist Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha) › [Buddhist Sanskrit literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit) › [Āgama sūtras of the mainstream schools](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama) › [Ekottarāgama (Sanskrit fragments)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama) › [增壹阿含經](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva) › [The Numbered Discourses (selected sutras)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton) › 13 # 增壹阿含經 13 The Numbered Discourses (selected sūtras) 13 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [13.1 Surādha](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1) — 7 parts - [13.2 Enjoyment of Desires](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2) — 8 parts - [13.3 Nāḷijaṅgha](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3) — 60 parts - [13.4 Nakula](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4) — 23 parts - [13.5 Sundarī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5) — 33 parts - [13.6 Good Deeds](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6) — 13 parts - [13.7 Śakra the Lord of Gods](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7) — 26 parts ### Surādha ### [13.1.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī. ### [13.1.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p2) It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “Someone taking profit is a serious thing, not an easy thing, for it prevents a person from reaching the unconditioned state. Why is that? If that monk Surādha hadn’t been greedy for profit, he never would have renounced the three Dharma robes and returned to being a householder. The monk Surādha had been a great forest-dweller who solicited alms when the time arrived. He would dwell in one place for one sitting, and he sometimes ate at midday. He would sit under a tree or on open ground, and he was happy living in a secluded placed. He wore the five-peice robe, and sometimes he kept three garments. Sometimes, he enjoyed being in a charnel ground. He applied himself to such hardship as he performed these ascetic practices. ### [13.1.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p3) “But then, the monk Surādha always accepted gifts when the King summoned him, who provided meals of a hundred flavors on the days that he came. That monk’s mind became attached to these meals, and he eventually abandoned the forest-dwelling life, soliciting alms when the time arrived, dwelling in one place for one sitting, eating at midday, sitting under a tree or on open ground, living in a secluded place, wearing the five-peice robe, sometimes keeping three garments, sometimes enjoying being in a charnel ground, and applying oneself to these hardships. Once he had abandoned these things completely, he left behind the three Dharma garments and returned to wearing white clothes. He became a butcher of cattle, killing an inestimable number of beings. He was born in Hell when his body broke up and his life ended. ### [13.1.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p4) “Therefore, monks, you should know from this that profit is a serious thing, for it prevents a person from reaching the unsurpassed and true awakening. If thoughts of profit have yet to arise, they should be controlled and prevented from arising. If they’ve already arisen, work to make them cease. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.” ### [13.1.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p5) When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved. ### [13.1.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p6) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.1.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.1.p7) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### Enjoyment of Desires ### [13.2.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī. ### [13.2.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p2) It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “Should you cease one thing, I’ll bear witness that you’ve achieved the fruit of spiritual knowledge and the end of the contaminants. What is that one thing? It’s enjoyment of desires. Therefore, monks, should you cease the enjoyment of desires, I’ll bear witness that you’ve achieved the fruit of spiritual knowledge and the end of the contaminants.” ### [13.2.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p3) The Bhagavān then spoke in verse: ### [13.2.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p4) “Sentient beings attached to enjoyments Fall to bad destinations when they die. If you should abandon these desires now, You’ll achieve the fruit of the arhats. ### [13.2.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p5) “Therefore, monks, you must always abandon notions that are attached to enjoyment \[of desires\]. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.” ### [13.2.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p6) When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved. ### [13.2.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p7) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.2.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.2.p8) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### Nāḷijaṅgha ### [13.3.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī. ### [13.3.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p2) It was then that there was a prominent man in the city of Śrāvastī who’s son had recently died. He had been loving and devoted, and they had never been apart before. When he saw his son dead, he became distraught as a result. He went in circles, came and went, and didn’t stay in one place. When he saw someone, he would ask them, “Have you seen my child?” ### [13.3.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p3) That man eventually made his way to Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove. He went to the Bhagavān and stood to one side. That man then asked the Bhagavān, “Ascetic Gautama, have you seen my child?” ### [13.3.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p4) The Bhagavān asked that prominent man, “Why do you look so unhappy and disturbed?” ### [13.3.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p5) The man replied, “Gautama, I couldn’t be otherwise. Why is that? Now, I had an only son who left me due to impermanence. He was loving and devoted, and he had never been out my sight before. I feel so much pity for my son, so much that I’ve gone mad. Now, I ask you, ascetic, ‘Have you seen my child?’” ### [13.3.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p6) The Bhagavān told him, “So it is, prominent man. As you’ve asked, birth, old age, illness, and death are the constant principles of the world. It’s painful to be separated from loved ones and painful to associate with enemies. Your son left you due to impermanence, so how could you not think of him?” ### [13.3.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p7) That man heard what the Bhagavān taught, but it didn’t enter his heart, so he disregarded it and left. He saw someone in front of him as he was walking and said to them, “The ascetic Gautama told me, ‘Separation from love ones is delightful.’ How could that ascetic be teaching the actual fact of the matter?” ### [13.3.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p8) That person in front of him replied, “What happiness is there in being separated from loved ones?” ### [13.3.p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p9) At some point later, he left the city of Śrāvastī. Not far away, there was a group of people who were playing a gambling game. The man thought, “These men are intelligent and wise. There’s nothing they don’t know. I’ll ask them about this matter.” ### [13.3.p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p10) He went to those gamblers and asked them, “The ascetic Gautama told me, ‘It’s painful to be separated from loved ones and painful to associate with enemies. These things are delightful.’ What do you men think about that?” ### [13.3.p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p11) Those gamblers then replied to him, “What happiness is there in being separated from loved ones?! Calling that delightful makes no sense.” ### [13.3.p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p12) That man then thought, “It’s a fact that the Tathāgata’s words are never false, but what happiness would there be in being separated from loved ones? It makes no sense.” ### [13.3.p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p13) That man then went into Śrāvastī and stood at the palace gate. From outside, he called, “The ascetic Gautama has taught this: ‘Separation from loved ones and association with enemies are both delightful!’” Everyone in Śrāvastī and inside the palace told each other what he said. There wasn’t anyone who didn’t hear about it. ### [13.3.p14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p14) At some point later, Great King Prasenajit and Queen Mālikā were up in their high tower entertaining each other. King Prasenajit said to Queen Mālikā, “The ascetic Gautama has in fact said this: ‘Separation from loved ones and association with enemies are both delightful.’” ### [13.3.p15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p15) The Queen replied, “I haven’t heard the Tathāgata teach this. If the Tathāgata did teach this, then it must not be false.” ### [13.3.p16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p16) King Prasenajit told her, “The teacher instructs his disciple, ‘Do this, abandon that.’ The disciple replies, ‘Yes, great teacher!’ You’re like that, Mālikā. Although the ascetic Gautama said that, your response is to say, ‘Yes, it’s not otherwise. There’s nothing false about it.’ You can go now. I have no need of you in my presence.” ### [13.3.p17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p17) Queen Mālikā then said to the priest Nāḷijaṅgha, “Go now to visit Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove. Go to the Tathāgata in my name and kneel at the Tathāgata’s feet. Then tell the Bhagavān all about this matter: ‘Everyone in Śrāvastī and inside the palace are talking about this: “The ascetic Gautama has taught: ‘Separation from loves ones and association with enemies are both delightful.’ Is it a fact that the Bhagavān has taught this?”’ If the Bhagavān has anything to say, make sure to remember it well and then come back and tell me.” ### [13.3.p18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p18) The priest Nāḷijaṅgha accepted the queen’s instructions and went immediately to Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park. When he reached the Bhagavān, he exchanged greetings with him. After they had exchanged greetings, he sat to one side. ### [13.3.p19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p19) The priest then said to the Bhagavān, “Queen Mālikā bows to the Bhagavān’s feet and sends her polite inquiries: ‘Are you getting around easily? Have your travels been difficult? Is your eyesight going dark? Are you without troubles?’ She also said this: ‘Everyone in the city of Śrāvastī and the palace have been telling each other this, “The ascetic Gautama said: ‘Separation from loved ones and association with enemies are both delightful’!” Is it inaccurate to say that the Bhagavān taught this?’” ### [13.3.p20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p20) The Bhagavān then told the priest Nāḷijaṅgha, “There’s a prominent man here in Śrāvastī whose only son has died. He became distraught thinking about his son, and he lost his composure. He rushed east and west, asking anyone whom he met, ‘Has anyone seen my son?’ Indeed, priest, it’s painful to be separated from loved ones and painful to associate with enemies. There’s no joy in either of these things. ### [13.3.p21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p21) “There was once a day when the impermanence of an elderly mother also made a person so distraught they didn’t know east from west. It’s the same with the impermanence of an elderly father and the impermanence of brothers and sisters. Seeing these impermanent changes, people become distraught and lose their composure, not knowing east from west. ### [13.3.p22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p22) “Priest, there was once a newly married man in Śrāvastī whose handsomeness was unmatched. It wasn’t long before that man became impoverished. His wife’s parents saw this man’s impoverishment and thought, ‘We ought to take our daughter back and marry her to another man!’ That man heard this from his wife’s family. ‘Her parents want to take her back and give her to another family!’ ### [13.3.p23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p23) “That man then hid a sharp knife in his clothes and went to his wife’s family. On that occasion, his wife was outside of the house spinning thread. The man went to his wife’s parents and asked, ‘Where is my wife?’ ### [13.3.p24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p24) “His mother-in-law replied, ‘Your wife is outside in the shade spinning thread.’ ### [13.3.p25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p25) “That man then went to his wife. Reaching her, he asked his wife, ‘How can your parents take you back and marry you to someone else?’ ### [13.3.p26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p26) “His wife replied, ‘I believe they did say that, but I’m not happy to hear them say it.’ ### [13.3.p27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p27) “That man then drew his sharp sword, grabbed his wife, and stabbed her to death. He also ran that sword through his own belly. As he did, he said, ‘I choose for both of us to die!’ ### [13.3.p28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p28) “Priest, you should know in this way that it’s painful to be separated from loved ones and to associate with enemies. These are sorrows that truly can’t be described.” ### [13.3.p29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p29) The priest Nāḷijaṅgha then said to the Bhagavān, “So it is, Bhagavān. These torments are truly painful and unpleasant. Why is that? I once had a son who left me due to impermanence. I couldn’t stop thinking about him, day and night. He hasn’t left my heart. When I thought of that child, my mind was maddened. I rushed east and west and asked people I saw, ‘Has anyone seen my child?’ What the ascetic Gautama has said here is an honest statement. Now, I must get back to the many duties and problems of state.” ### [13.3.p30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p30) The Bhagavān told him, “Now is a good time to do that.” ### [13.3.p31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p31) The priest Nāḷijaṅgha then rose from his seat, circled the Buddha three times, and departed. He went to Queen Mālikā and related to her what had transpired. ### [13.3.p32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p32) Queen Mālikā then went back to King Prasenajit. Arriving, she said to the Great King, “Now, I want to ask you a question. Please, Great King, respond according to what your own experience has been. How is it, Great King? Do you think about Prince \*Vaiḍūrya?” ### [13.3.p33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p33) The King replied, “How I do think of him! My love for him never leaves my heart.” ### [13.3.p34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p34) The Queen asked, “Suppose that something were to happen to the Prince. Great King, would it make you sad?” ### [13.3.p35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p35) The King again replied, “Yes, Queen, it’s as you say.” ### [13.3.p36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p36) The Queen said, “Great King, you should know that notions of grief arise from being separated from loved ones. How is it, Great King? Do you think about Prince Ela?” ### [13.3.p37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p37) The King replied, “I love and respect him very much.” ### [13.3.p38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p38) The Queen said, “Suppose that something were to happen to the Prince. Great King, would it make you sad?” ### [13.3.p39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p39) The King again replied, “It would be very sad.” ### [13.3.p40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p40) The Queen replied, “You should know in this way that there’s no joy in being separated from loved ones. How is it, Great King? Do you think about \*Śaradā of the warrior tribe?” ### [13.3.p41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p41) The King replied, “I think lovingly and respectfully of her.” ### [13.3.p42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p42) The Queen said, “How is it, Great King? If something were to happen to Queen Śaradā, would it make the Great King sad?” ### [13.3.p43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p43) The King replied, “I would be saddened by that.” ### [13.3.p44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p44) The Queen said, “Great King, you should know that these are all pains of being separated from loved ones.” ### [13.3.p45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p45) The Queen said, “Does the King think about me?” ### [13.3.p46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p46) The King said, “I think lovingly of you.” ### [13.3.p47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p47) The Queen said, “Suppose that something were to happen to me. Would it make the Great King sad?” ### [13.3.p48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p48) The King said, “If something were to happen to you, I would be saddened by that.” ### [13.3.p49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p49) “Great King, you should know from this that there’s no joy in being separated from loved ones or associating with enemies.” ### [13.3.p50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p50) The Queen said, “How is it, Great King? Do you think about the people of Kāśī and Kośala?” ### [13.3.p51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p51) The King said, “I think lovingly about the people of Kāśī and Kośala.” ### [13.3.p52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p52) The Queen said, “Suppose something were to happen to the people of Kāśī and Kośala. Would that make the Great King sad?” ### [13.3.p53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p53) The King said, “If something were to happen to the people of Kāśī and Kośala, I wouldn’t be able to continue living, to say nothing of becoming sad. Why is that? I’m sustained by the strength of the Kāśī and Kośala people, so I know from this that I wouldn’t survive it. How could I not be sad?” ### [13.3.p54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p54) The Queen said, “We know in these ways that there’s no joy in these pains of being separated from loved ones.” ### [13.3.p55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p55) King Prasenajit then knelt down on his right knee, pressed his palms together, and faced towards the Bhagavān. He said, “Amazing! It’s amazing that the Bhagavān teaches such a principle. If that ascetic Gautama were to come here, then I would like to have a conversation with him!” He also said to the Queen, “From this day on, I will consult with you every day, and you’ll wear the same clothes and ornaments as I do!” ### [13.3.p56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p56) The Bhagavān heard that conversation between Queen Mālikā and the Great King. He told the monks, “Queen Mālikā is really quite intelligent. If King Prasenajit were to ask me about this saying, I would also teach this meaning to the King. I would do it in the same way as the Queen, without any difference.” ### [13.3.p57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p57) He also told the monks, “The best realized laywoman among my disciples who is devoted and steadfast is that Queen Mālikā.” ### [13.3.p58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p58) When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved of it. ### [13.3.p59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p59) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.3.p60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.3.p60) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### Nakula ### [13.4.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying in the Deer Park of the Yakṣiṇī’s Grove at Śiśumāragiri in the country of Bharga. ### [13.4.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p2) It was then that the wealthy man Grandfather Nakula came to the Bhagavān, bowed at his feet, and sat to one side. Immediately upon withdrawing to his seat, he said to the Bhagavān, “I’m old and weak and wrapped in illness on top of that. My miseries are many. Please, Bhagavān, give instruction on this occasion so that sentient beings will obtain their safety for the long night.” ### [13.4.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p3) The Bhagavān then said to that wealthy man, “As you say, how can one depend upon a body with its many infirmities? It has just this thin skin covering it. Wealthy man, you should know that, even when happy momentarily, relying on this body is a foolish idea not valued by the wise. ### [13.4.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p4) “Therefore, wealthy man, although the body has its illness, make your heart healthy. Thus, wealthy man, you should train yourself.” ### [13.4.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p5) Upon hearing these words, that wealthy man then rose from his seat, bowed at the Bhagavān’s feet, withdrew, and departed. That wealthy man then thought, “Now, I could go over to Venerable Śāriputra and ask him the meaning of this.” Śāriputra had departed, but he was sitting not far away under a tree. Grandfather Nakula went to Śāriputra, bowed his head at his feet, and then sat to one side. ### [13.4.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p6) Śāriputra then asked the wealthy man, “You are looking cheerful today. What’s caused your faculties to be so peaceful? Could it be, wealthy man, that you’ve heard Dharma from the Buddha?” ### [13.4.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p7) The wealthy man then said to Śāriputra, “How is it, Venerable Śāriputra? Has my appearance become cheerful? Why would that be? A while ago, the Bhagavān watered my heart with the Dharma of ambrosia.” ### [13.4.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p8) Śāriputra asked, “How does a wealthy man’s heart get watered with the Dharma of ambrosia?” ### [13.4.p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p9) The wealthy man replied, “Here, Śāriputra, I went to the Bhagavān, bowed my head at his feet, and sat to one side. Then, I said to him, ‘I’ve grown old and weak, and I’m always wrapped in illness. My many pains are indescribable. Please, Bhagavān, discern this body so that sentient beings everywhere will obtain their safety.’ ### [13.4.p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p10) “The Bhagavān then told me, ‘So it is, wealthy man. This body has many infirmities, and it has just this thin skin covering it. Wealthy man, you should know that, even when momentarily happy, one who relies on this body doesn’t know the long night of suffering they’ve experienced, which is measureless. Therefore, wealthy man, though this body has its troubles, you should make your heart untroubled. Thus, wealthy man, you should train yourself.’ That was how the Bhagavān watered me with the Dharma of ambrosia.” ### [13.4.p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p11) Śāriputra said, “How is it, wealthy man? Did you not ask more questions of the Tathāgata about what he meant? ‘How can the body have its troubles but the mind not be troubled? How can the body have its illness but the mind be healthy?’” ### [13.4.p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p12) The wealthy man said to Śāriputra, “It’s true that I didn’t ask the Bhagavān questions about the body having its troubles and the mind being troubled, or about the body having its troubles but the mind being untroubled. But Venerable Śāriputra surely has an explanation. I would like a complete analysis of this.” ### [13.4.p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p13) Śāriputra said, “Listen closely! Listen closely, and consider it well. I will give you a detailed explanation of what he meant.” ### [13.4.p14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p14) He replied, “Yes, Śāriputra,” and accepted a teaching from him. ### [13.4.p15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p15) Śāriputra told the wealthy man, “Here, wealthy man, there’s an ordinary person who doesn’t meet a noble person. They don’t receive the noble teaching or follow its instruction. They don’t meet good friends or accompany good friends. As a result of this, they imagine that form is self, that form belongs to self, that self belongs to form, that self is in form, or that form is in self. \[They imagine that\] other form and self form combine in one place, or that other form and self form collect in one place. Form then deteriorates, changes, and doesn’t remain. Sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble arise from that. ### [13.4.p16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p16) “Regarding feeling … conception … volition … consciousness, they observe that self possesses consciousness … that self is in consciousness, or that consciousness is in self. \[They observe\] that other consciousness and self consciousness combine in one place or that other consciousness and self consciousness collect in one place. Consciousness deteriorates, changes, and doesn’t remain. Sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble arise from that. In this way, wealthy man, the body has its troubles, and the mind is also troubled.” ### [13.4.p17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p17) The wealthy man asked Śāriputra, “How does the body have its trouble but the mind is untroubled?” ### [13.4.p18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p18) Śāriputra said, “Here, wealthy man, a noble disciple serves a noble, cultivates the discipline, and accompanies good friends. From this, they are close to good friends. They don’t observe self as possessing form, and they don’t view self as being in form or that form is in self. They don’t view form as belonging to self or that self belongs to form. That form \[deteriorates,\] changes, and doesn’t remain. The changing of that form doesn’t give rise to the suffering of sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble. ### [13.4.p19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p19) “They don’t view feeling … conception … volition … consciousness \[as self\], and they don’t view that self as being in consciousness or that consciousness is in self. They don’t view consciousness as belonging to self or that self belongs to consciousness. \[They don’t view\] other consciousness and self consciousness as combining in one place … Consciousness then deteriorates … This doesn’t give rise to sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble. In this way, wealthy man, the body has its troubles, but the mind is untroubled. ### [13.4.p20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p20) “Therefore, wealthy man, you should perform this training: Let go of the body, leave behind the mind, and have no attachments. Thus, wealthy man, you should train yourself.” ### [13.4.p21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p21) When Grandfather Nakula heard what Śāriputra had taught, he rejoiced and approved. ### [13.4.p22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p22) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.4.p23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.4.p23) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### Sundarī ### [13.5.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī. At the time, he was teaching Dharma to an assembly numbering in the hundreds of thousands that surrounded him front and back. ### [13.5.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p2) At the time, a priest on the bank of a river went to the Bhagavān while carrying a heavy load. When he arrived, he set his load down to one side and stood silently in front of the Bhagavān. That priest then had this thought, “Today, the ascetic Gautama is teaching Dharma to an assembly numbering in the hundreds of thousands that surrounds him front and back. Now, I’m equally as clean as that ascetic Gautama, without any difference. Why is that? The ascetic Gautama eats excellent rice and a variety of delicacies. I’m eating fruits and vegetables to sustain myself.” ### [13.5.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p3) Knowing the thought that was in that priest’s mind, the Bhagavān then addressed the monks, “The minds of some sentient beings are defiled by twenty-one bonds. One should observe those people as sure to fall into bad destinies and not be born in a good place. What are the twenty-one bonds? Anger is a mental bond, hatefulness is a mental bond, sleepiness is a mental bond, restlessness is a mental bond, doubt is a mental bond, wrath is a mental bond, jealousy is a mental bond, frustration is a mental bond, envy is a mental bond, dislike is a mental bond, shamelessness is a mental bond, lack of conscience is a mental bond, deception is a mental bond, fraud is a mental bond, dishonesty is a mental bond, enmity is a mental bond, haughtiness is a mental bond, pride is a mental bond, spitefulness is a mental bond, arrogance is a mental bond, and greed is a mental bond. ### [13.5.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p4) “Monks, if someone’s mind is defiled by these twenty-one bonds, one should observe those people as sure to fall into bad destinies and not be be born in a good place. They’re like a new garment made of white cloth. As it gets older, it picks up many dirty stains. When someone decides to dye it a certain color, whether blue, yellow, red, or black, it can never be accomplished. Why is that? Because it’s been soiled. ### [13.5.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p5) “Thus, monks, if someone’s mind is defiled by these twenty-one bonds, one should observe that person as sure to fall into bad destinies and not be born in a good place. Supposing, again, that someone’s mind isn’t defiled by any of these twenty-one bonds, one should know that this person is sure to be born up in Heaven and not fall to Hell. They’re like a fresh and clean white cloth that’ll accept any color one decides to give it, whether it be blue, yellow, red, or black. It’s sure to become that color, and it’ll never fade. Why is that? Because it’s clean. Likewise, when someone’s mind isn’t defiled by any of these twenty-one bonds, one should know that this person is sure to be born up in Heaven and not fall to Hell. ### [13.5.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p6) “Suppose that noble disciple produces the mental bond of anger. Once they observe it, they can stop it … produces the mental bond of hatefulness … produces the mental bond of sleepiness … produces the mental bond of restlessness … produces the mental bond of doubt … produces the mental bond of wrath … produces the mental bond of jealousy … produces the mental bond of frustration … produces the mental bond of envy … produces the mental bond of dislike … produces the mental bond of shamelessnes … produces the mental bond of lacking conscience … produces the mental bond of deception … produces the mental bond of fraud … produces the mental bond of dishonesty … produces the mental bond of enmity … produces the mental bond of haughtiness … produces the mental bond of pride … produces the mental bond of spitefulness … produces the mental bond of arrogance … produces the mental the bond of greed … ### [13.5.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p7) “If that noble disciple has no anger, no hate, and no delusions, his mind will become peaceful and cheerful. He completely fills one direction with kindness, and he delights himself. He does the same in two, three, and four directions, the four counterpoints, above, and below. He does likewise in all these directions of the whole world, which is limitless, measureless, and inestimable. His mind has no anger or hate, and he delights himself. Once he completely fills them with kindness and becomes joyous, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p8) “Again, he completely fills one direction with compassion, and he delights himself. He does the same in two, three, and four directions, the four counterpoints, above, and below. He does likewise in all these directions of the whole world, which is limitless, measureless, and inestimable. His mind has no anger or hate, and he delights himself. Once he completely fills them with compassion and becomes joyous, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p9) “Again, he completely fills one direction with joy, and he delights himself. He does the same in two, three, and four directions, the four counterpoints, above, and below. He does likewise in all these directions of the whole world, which is limitless, measureless, and inestimable. His mind has no anger or hate, and he delights himself. Once he completely fills them with equanimity and becomes joyous, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p10) “Again, he completely fills one direction with equanimity, and he delights himself. He does the same in two, three, and four directions, the four counterpoints, above, and below. He does likewise in all these directions of the whole world, which is limitless, measureless, and inestimable. His mind has no anger or hate, and he delights himself. Once he completely fills them with joy and becomes joyous, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p11) “He then achieves the faculty of faith in the Tathāgata. Having planted a sturdy and tall banner, he’s unmoved by gods, nāgas, spirits, asuras, ascetics, priests, or worldly people. Having attained that joy, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p12) “‘This is the Tathāgata, Arhat, Completely Awakened One, Complete in Wisdom and Conduct, the Well Gone One, Understander of the World, the Unsurpassed Man, Trainer in the Path and Dharma, and Teacher of Gods and Humans, who is called a Buddha, a Bhagavān.’ Having attained that joy, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p13) “He accomplishes this regarding the Dharma: ‘The Tathāgata’s Dharma is quite pure, unchanging, and loved and respected by people.’ The wise should observe it in this way. Having attained that joy, \[his mind is proper.\] ### [13.5.p14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p14) “He also accomplishes this regarding the Saṅgha: ‘The Tathāgata’s Saṅgha is quite pure. In disposition and conduct, they are in harmony. They accomplish one thing and the next, accomplish the precepts, accomplish samādhi, accomplish wisdom, accomplish liberation, and accomplish seeing and knowing liberation. The Noble Saṅgha has four pairs and eight ranks. This is the Tathāgata’s noble Saṅgha that’s cherished, worthy of trust, and worthy of service.’ Attaining that joy, his mind is proper. ### [13.5.p15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p15) “He, again, purifies his mind with this samādhi, and it has no pollution. The bonds are made to end, and he has no stains. His disposition and conduct are gentle, and he obtains spiritual knowledge. He then attains awareness of his own measureless past lives. From his present standpoint, there are no past lives he doesn’t know. ‘Whether it’s one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births, twenty births, thirty births, forty births, fifty births, a hundred births, a thousand births, a hundred thousand births, eons of formation and destruction, eons not of formation and destruction, eons both of formation and destruction and not of formation and destruction, countless eons of formation and destruction, or countless eons not of formation and destruction, I was there with such-and-such a name from such-and-such a family. Such was my birth, such my food, I experienced such pleasures and pains, and my life was long or short. I died there and was born elsewhere. I died there and was born here.’ In this way, he’s aware of the events of his own countless past lives. ### [13.5.p16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p16) “Again, he purifies his mind with this samādhi, and it has no pollution. He knows the things that sentient beings think about. He also observes the classes of sentient beings with the heavenly eye. Some are being born, and some are dying. They have good and ugly forms and good and bad destinations. Whether they’re beautiful or disgusting depends upon to their conduct. He perceives all the rewards that they make for themselves. ### [13.5.p17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p17) “Sometimes, there are sentient beings who behave badly with their bodies, badly with their speech, and badly with their thoughts. They slander noble people, have wrong views, and behave according to wrong views. When their bodies break up and their lives end, they’re born in the three bad destinies, headed for Hell. Sometimes, other sentient beings behave well with their bodies, well with their speech, and well with their thoughts. They don’t slander noble people, have right views, and have no wrong views. When their bodies break up and their lives end, they are born up in Heaven, in a good place. This is called observing the classes of sentient beings with the clear heavenly eye. Some are being born, and some are dying. They have good and ugly forms and good and bad destinations. Whether they’re beautiful or disgusting depends upon to their conduct. He perceives all the rewards that they make for themselves. ### [13.5.p18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p18) “Again, he purifies his mind with this samādhi, and it has no pollution or bonds. His mind becomes gentle in nature, and he obtains spiritual knowledge. He also understands that his contamination has ended, and he delights himself. He observes, ‘This is suffering,’ and he truly knows it. Again, he observes ‘This is the formation of suffering’ … Again, he observes, ‘This is the end of suffering,’ … Again, he observes, ‘This is the escape from suffering,’ and he truly knows it. Once he makes these observations, his mind attains its freedom from the contaminants of desire … from the contaminants of existence … and attains freedom from the contaminants of ignorance. Once he’s liberated, he obtains the knowledge that he’s been liberated: ‘Birth and death have been ended, the religious life has been established, and the task has been accomplished. I truly know that I’ll no longer be subject to existence.’ ### [13.5.p19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p19) “In this way, monks, the noble disciple’s mind becomes liberated. Although he eats rice and delicious dishes, even as much as Sumeru, he never commits any sin. Why is that? It’s because he has no desire and has ended craving, because he has no anger and has ended hate, and because he has no delusion and has ended igornance. This is called a monk among monks who has been completely cleansed on the inside.” ### [13.5.p20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p20) That priest by the river then said to the Bhagavān, “Ascetic Gautama, might you go to the Sundara River and bathe on its shore?” ### [13.5.p21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p21) The Bhagavān told him, “For what, priest, is the Sundara River named?” ### [13.5.p22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p22) The priest said, “The Sundara River is both a blessed depth and a light of the world. When people bathe in that river, all their evils are completely removed by it.” ### [13.5.p23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p23) The Bhagavān then spoke these verses: ### [13.5.p24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p24) “This body for countless eons Has been washed in that river, As well as in smaller ponds and lakes, But it was never thoroughgoing. ### [13.5.p25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p25) A fool often enjoys that, While walking in darkness and impurity. Once past misdeeds fill his insides, That river cannot be of any help. ### [13.5.p26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p26) Pure people are always happy And their pure discipline pleases them. Clean people act cleanly, Their hoped for rewards surely come. ### [13.5.p27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p27) If they don’t take what’s not given, Have mercy and don’t kill beings, Keep themselves honest and don’t speak falsely, Their hearts don’t increase or decrease. ### [13.5.p28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p28) Now, when you bathe in this way, You’ll surely find a place of safety. But where does that river lead? It’s like a blind man thrown into darkness!” ### [13.5.p29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p29) The priest then said to the Bhagavān, “Stop, Gautama, stop! The ascetic Gautama is like a hunchback who’s straightened out, someone in darkness who sees light, someone confused shown the way, or someone blind who’s given eyes. Countless are the ways he teaches this sublime Dharma. I’d like to listen to that path.” ### [13.5.p30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p30) That priest on the river shore then was allowed to practice the path, accepted the full precepts, and thereby became a clansmen. He left home to train on the path and cultivated the unsurpassed religious life. He ended birth and death, established the religious life, and accomplished the task. He truly knew that he was no longer subject to existence. At that point, Venerable Sundarastrī became an arhat. ### [13.5.p31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p31) When Venerable Sundarastrī heard what the Buddha taught, he rejoiced and approved. ### [13.5.p32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p32) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.5.p33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.5.p33) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### Good Deeds ### [13.6.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying on Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa near Rājagṛha. He was accompanied by a large assembly of five hundred monks. ### [13.6.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p2) One day, Śakra the Lord of Gods visited the Bhagavān after nightfall. He bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet and then stood to one side. Śakra then asked about the Tathāgata’s teaching in verse: ### [13.6.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p3) “Could you say, could you explain in detail, How to cross the flood and be uncontaminated, How to cross the sea of mortality? I now ask Gautama about this subject. ### [13.6.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p4) I’ve observed these sentient beings here And their performance of blessed deeds. Of the many kinds of practitioners, A gift to whom is a blessing most honored? ### [13.6.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p5) To the sage who’s here now on Vulture’s Peak: Please give me a teaching on this subject, So I’ll know the gist of the Śākyan’s thought And get an explanation on giving.” ### [13.6.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p6) “The four who make merit for cessation, And the four who’ve fully achieved the fruits. It’s the trainees and realizers of the path Who ought to be believed, their Dharma served. ### [13.6.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p7) When someone lacks any desire or anger, Their foolishness and contamination ends. Those who completely cross the whole ocean, Giving to them achieves a great reward. ### [13.6.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p8) These are the classes of sentient beings Who do virtuous deeds that make merit. Of the many kinds of practitioners, Giving to the Saṅgha obtains much merit. ### [13.6.p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p9) The assemblies are broad and measureless Like the treasures that come from the ocean. The noble assemblies are just the same, For they explain the wise Dharma of light.” ### [13.6.p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p10) Kauśika, a good place is Where one can give to the Saṅgha. They’ll obtain merits inestimable, For their teaching is the Supreme Victor’s.” ### [13.6.p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p11) Once Śakra the Lord of Gods heard what the Buddha taught, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, withdrew from him, and departed. When Śakra the Lord of Gods heard what the Buddha taught, he rejoiced and approved. ### [13.6.p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p12) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.6.p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.6.p13) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### Śakra the Lord of Gods ### [13.7.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p1) Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying on Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa near Rājagṛha. He was accompanied by a large assembly of five hundred monks. At the time, Venerable Subhūti was also staying on the side of Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa near Rājagṛha. He had built a separate hut where he sat in meditation. ### [13.7.p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p2) Venerable Subhūti then experienced physical pain that became a serious burden, and he thought, “What is producing these painful feelings of mine? What would cease them? Where would they go?” Venerable Subhūti then prepared a seat out in the open. He sat there cross-legged with upright body, proper mindfulness, and focused mind. He contemplated the senses in order to impede his painful feelings. ### [13.7.p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p3) Then, Śakra the Lord of Gods knew what Venerable Subhūti was thinking. He gave Pañcaśikha this order using verse: ### [13.7.p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p4) “Subhūti has been freed from his bondage And is now living there on Vulture’s Peak. And he’s been stricken with such suffering That he’s peacefully enjoying emptiness. ### [13.7.p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p5) Quickly, go inquire about his ailment! Watch that superior sage’s face closely. Once one has gained such great merit as he, The virtue planted cannot be surpassed.” Pañcaśikha replied, “Yes, sir!” ### [13.7.p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p6) Śakra the Lord of Gods then led five hundred gods and Pañcaśikha as they disappeared from the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven and arrived on Vulture’s Peak in the time it takes for a strong man to flex his arm. They were not very far from Venerable Subhūti. Again, he addressed Pañcaśikha in verse: ### [13.7.p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p7) “Do you see Subhūti sitting there, Enjoying his dhyāna meditation? Use that gentle and pure voice of yours To wake him up from his meditation.” ### [13.7.p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p8) Pañcaśikha said, “Okay.” After hearing what Śakra had said, he took his beryl lute and stood in front of Subhūti. Then, he extolled Subhūti with these verses: ### [13.7.p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p9) “His bonds are ended without remainder, Your thinking is not confused or disturbed, And your defilements are now completely gone: I hope you’ll wake from meditation soon! ### [13.7.p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p10) His calm heart crossed the river of being; Māra defeated, he’s freed from bondage; His virtue is also like the ocean: I hope you’ll wake from meditation soon! ### [13.7.p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p11) With vision clean like a lotus flower, The pollutants never sticking to him, People without refuge find one in him: When will you rouse from your emptiness samādhi? ### [13.7.p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p12) Crossing the four floods to the unconditioned, He’s been well freed from old age and sickness And freed from the disaster of being conditioned: Please, sage, it’s time to wake from samādhi! ### [13.7.p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p13) Five hundred gods from the Heavens above Have come in person to the Śākya tribe. They want to see the noble sage’s face: Rise from the liberation of emptiness soon!” ### [13.7.p14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p14) Then, Venerable Subhūti rose from his seat and praised Pañcaśikha, “Good, Pañcaśikha! Your voice combines with your lute and your lute combines with your voice, so that there’s no difference between them. Indeed, the sound of your lute isn’t separate from the sound of your song, and the sound of your song isn’t separate from the sound of your lute. The two things merge together to become a sublime sound.” ### [13.7.p15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p15) Śakra the Lord of Gods then went up to Venerable Subhūti, bowed his head at his feet, and sat to one side. Śakra then said to Subhūti, “How does the pain that Subhūti is suffering increase or decrease? What has given rise to this physical ailement now? Is it born from the body, or is it from the mind?” ### [13.7.p16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p16) Venerable Subhūti then said to Śakra the Lord of Gods, “Good, Kauśika! One thing arises from another, and one thing ceases from another. One thing disturbs another, and one thing stills another. Kausika, it’s like one bitter medicine that also harms another bitter medicine. Lord of the Gods, this is likewise. One thing agitates another, and one thing is stilled by another. One thing can give rise to another, and one thing can cease another. Something black counteracts something white, and something white counteracts something black. Lord of Gods, the sickness of greed is counteracted by impurity. The sickness of anger is counteracted by kindness. The sickness of delusion is counteracted by wisdom. ### [13.7.p17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p17) “In this way, Śakra the Lord of Gods, all that exists returns to emptiness, selflessness, impersonality, absence of a life span, absence of life, absence of a worthy, absence of a man, shapelessness, imagelessness, and absence of male or female. Śakra, it’s like the wind destroying a large tree by stripping off its leaves and limbs. It’s like a hail storm destroying crops, flowers, and fruit. It’s like new sprouts dying without water. When the heavens open, the rain allows those new crops to survive. ### [13.7.p18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p18) “In this way, Lord of Gods, one thing agitates another, and one thing is settled by another. The source of my suffering, pain, and misery today has been removed, so I’ll not suffer from it again.” ### [13.7.p19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p19) Śakra the Lord of Gods then said to Subhūti, “I also have sorrow, lamentation, pain, and trouble. Now that I’ve heard this Dharma, I won’t have any more sorrow and lamentation. The problems of my assembly are many, so I’m going to go back up to Heaven. My own personal duties and the problems among the gods are all quite numerous.” ### [13.7.p20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p20) Subhūti then said, “Now is a good time. Now is the right time to go.” Śakra the Lord of Gods then rose from his seat, bowed in front of Subhūti’s feet, circled him three times, and departed. ### [13.7.p21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p21) Venerable Subhūti then spoke this verse: ### [13.7.p22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p22) “Śākyamuni himself spoke these words; The source of them all is full and complete. The wise person obtains their safe haven By hearing Dharma and ending their illnesses.” ### [13.7.p23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p23) When Śakra the Lord of Gods heard what Venerable Subhūti taught, he rejoiced and approved. ### [13.7.p24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p24) Two Devadatta sūtras (12.7-8), Skin (12.9) and Śrīla (12.10), Nāḷijaṅgha (13.3) and Sundarī (13.5), Good deeds (13.6) and Śakra the Lord of Gods (13.7). This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ### [13.7.p25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p25) This sūtra is part of the Dharma Pearls translation project. ### [13.7.p26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13.7.p26) Prepared by Charles Patton for SuttaCentral. ## Linked texts (1) - [增壹阿含經](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva.13.1.5-6) — Classical Chinese --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.sanskrit.agama.ekottaragama*zh-sanghadeva~en-patton.13) · Pramāṇa