4👑☸ Cattāri Ariya-saccaṃ 四聖諦

4👑☸MN‍MN 77    🔝
 MN 77 – MN 77 Mahā-sakuludāyi: Longer Discourse with Sakuludāyī
    MN 77.3 - (five Dharmas which engender loyalty for Buddha)
    MN 77.4 - (Buddha says udayi’s 5 Dharmas are ascetic practices that not the most important)
    MN 77.5 - (five Dharmas the Buddha sees in himself)
        MN 77.5.1 - (Adhi-sīla / higher ethics)
        MN 77.5.2 - (Knowledge and vision)
        MN 77.5.3 - (Adhi-paññāya / higher discernment-wisdom)
        MN 77.5.4 - (Four noble truths is practical and applies to people’s real problems)
        MN 77.5.5 - (Dharma teachings including… 37bp = 7 sets of bodhi-pakkhiya)
    MN 77.24 - (conclusion)

detailed TOC

 MN 77 – MN 77 Mahā-sakuludāyi: Longer Discourse with Sakuludāyī
    MN 77.3 - (five Dharmas which engender loyalty for Buddha)
    MN 77.4 - (Buddha says udayi’s 5 Dharmas are ascetic practices that not the most important)
    MN 77.5 - (five Dharmas the Buddha sees in himself)
        MN 77.5.1 - (Adhi-sīla / higher ethics)
        MN 77.5.2 - (Knowledge and vision)
        MN 77.5.3 - (Adhi-paññāya / higher discernment-wisdom)
        MN 77.5.4 - (Four noble truths is practical and applies to people’s real problems)
        MN 77.5.5 - (Dharma teachings including… 37bp = 7 sets of bodhi-pakkhiya)
    MN 77.10 - (37bp🕊️‍ 4sp🐘 )
    MN 77.11 - (37bp🕊️‍ 4pd🏹️ )
    MN 77.12 - (37bp🕊️‍ 4ip 🌕⚡ )
    MN 77.13 - (37bp🕊️‍ 5ind🖐️ )
    MN 77.14 - (37bp🕊️‍ 5bal👊️ )
    MN 77.15 - (37bp🕊️‍ 7sb☀️ )
    MN 77.16 - (37bp🕊️‍ 👑8☸ )
    MN 77.17 - (8 vimokkha )
    MN 77.18 - (8 abhi-bh-āyatana )
    MN 77.19 - (ten kasinas)
    MN 77.20 - (STED 4 jhānas and similes)
    MN 77.21 - (four elements meditation and simile)
    MN 77.22 - (mind made body with simile)
    MN 77.23 - (6ab ⚡☸ higher knowledges with similes)
    MN 77.24 - (conclusion)

77 – MN 77 Mahā-sakuludāyi: Longer Discourse with Sakuludāyī



(derived from B. Sujato 2018/12)
Evaṃ me sutaṃ—​
So I have heard.
ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe.
At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground.
Tena kho pana samayena sambahulā abhiññātā abhiññātā paribbājakā moranivāpe paribbājakārāme paṭivasanti, seyyathidaṃ—
Now at that time several very well-known wanderers were residing in the monastery of the wanderers in the peacocks’ feeding ground.
annabhāro varadharo sakuludāyī ca paribbājako aññe ca abhiññātā abhiññātā paribbājakā.
They included Annabhāra, Varadhara, Sakuludāyī, and other very well-known wanderers.
Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṃ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya rājagahaṃ piṇḍāya pāvisi.
Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for alms.
Atha kho bhagavato etadahosi:
Then it occurred to the Buddha:
“atippago kho tāva rājagahe piṇḍāya carituṃ.
“It’s too early to wander for alms in Rājagaha.
Yannūnāhaṃ yena moranivāpo paribbājakārāmo yena sakuludāyī paribbājako tenupasaṅkameyyan”ti.
Why don’t I visit the wanderer Sakuludāyī at the monastery of the wanderers in the peacocks’ feeding ground?”
Atha kho bhagavā yena moranivāpo paribbājakārāmo tenupasaṅkami.
Then the Buddha went to the monastery of the wanderers.
Tena kho pana samayena sakuludāyī paribbājako mahatiyā paribbājakaparisāya saddhiṃ nisinno hoti unnādiniyā uccāsaddamahāsaddāya anekavihitaṃ tiracchānakathaṃ kathentiyā, seyyathidaṃ—
Now at that time, Sakuludāyī was sitting together with a large assembly of wanderers making an uproar, a dreadful racket. They engaged in all kinds of unworthy talk, such as
rājakathaṃ corakathaṃ mahāmattakathaṃ senākathaṃ bhayakathaṃ yuddhakathaṃ annakathaṃ pānakathaṃ vatthakathaṃ sayanakathaṃ mālākathaṃ gandhakathaṃ ñātikathaṃ yānakathaṃ gāmakathaṃ nigamakathaṃ nagarakathaṃ janapadakathaṃ itthikathaṃ sūrakathaṃ visikhākathaṃ kumbhaṭṭhānakathaṃ pubbapetakathaṃ nānattakathaṃ lokakkhāyikaṃ samuddakkhāyikaṃ itibhavābhavakathaṃ iti vā.
talk about kings, bandits, and ministers; talk about armies, threats, and wars; talk about food, drink, clothes, and beds; talk about garlands and fragrances; talk about family, vehicles, villages, towns, cities, and countries; talk about women and heroes; street talk and well talk; talk about the departed; motley talk; tales of land and sea; and talk about being reborn in this or that state of existence.
Addasā kho sakuludāyī paribbājako bhagavantaṃ dūratova āgacchantaṃ.
Sakuludāyī saw the Buddha coming off in the distance,
Disvāna sakaṃ parisaṃ saṇṭhāpeti:
and hushed his own assembly:
“appasaddā bhonto hontu;
“Be quiet, good sirs, don’t make a sound.
mā bhonto saddamakattha.
Ayaṃ samaṇo gotamo āgacchati;
Here comes the ascetic Gotama.
appasaddakāmo kho pana so āyasmā appasaddassa vaṇṇavādī.
The venerable likes quiet and praises quiet.
Appeva nāma appasaddaṃ parisaṃ viditvā upasaṅkamitabbaṃ maññeyyā”ti.
Hopefully if he sees that our assembly is quiet he’ll see fit to approach.”
Atha kho te paribbājakā tuṇhī ahesuṃ.
Then those wanderers fell silent.
Atha kho bhagavā yena sakuludāyī paribbājako tenupasaṅkami.
Then the Buddha approached Sakuludāyī,
Atha kho sakuludāyī paribbājako bhagavantaṃ etadavoca:
who said to him:
“etu kho, bhante, bhagavā.
“Come, Blessed One!
Svāgataṃ, bhante, bhagavato.
Welcome, Blessed One!
Cirassaṃ kho, bhante, bhagavā imaṃ pariyāyamakāsi yadidaṃ idhāgamanāya.
It’s been a long time since you took the opportunity to come here.
Nisīdatu, bhante, bhagavā;
Please, sir, sit down, this seat is ready.”
idamāsanaṃ paññattan”ti.
Nisīdi bhagavā paññatte āsane.
The Buddha sat on the seat spread out,
Sakuludāyīpi kho paribbājako aññataraṃ nīcaṃ āsanaṃ gahetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdi.
while Sakuludāyī took a low seat and sat to one side.
Ekamantaṃ nisinnaṃ kho sakuludāyiṃ paribbājakaṃ bhagavā etadavoca:
The Buddha said to him:
“Kāya nuttha, udāyi, etarahi kathāya sannisinnā, kā ca pana vo antarākathā vippakatā”ti?
“Udāyī, what were you sitting talking about just now? What conversation was unfinished?”
“Tiṭṭhatesā, bhante, kathā yāya mayaṃ etarahi kathāya sannisinnā.
“Sir, leave aside what we were sitting talking about just now.
Nesā, bhante, kathā bhagavato dullabhā bhavissati pacchāpi savanāya.
It won’t be hard for you to hear about that later.
Purimāni, bhante, divasāni purimatarāni nānātitthiyānaṃ samaṇabrāhmaṇānaṃ kutūhalasālāyaṃ sannisinnānaṃ sannipatitānaṃ ayamantarākathā udapādi:
Sir, a few days ago several ascetics and brahmins who follow various other paths were sitting together at the debating hall, and this discussion came up among them:
‘lābhā vata, bho, aṅgamagadhānaṃ, suladdhalābhā vata, bho, aṅgamagadhānaṃ.
‘The people of Aṅga and Magadha are so fortunate, so very fortunate!
Tatrime samaṇabrāhmaṇā saṃghino gaṇino gaṇācariyā ñātā yasassino titthakarā sādhusammatā bahujanassa rājagahaṃ vassāvāsaṃ osaṭā.
For there are these ascetics and brahmins who lead an order and a community, and teach a community. They’re well-known and famous religious founders, regarded as holy by many people. And they have come down for the rainy season residence at Rājagaha.
Ayampi kho pūraṇo kassapo saṃghī ceva gaṇī ca gaṇācariyo ca ñāto yasassī titthakaro sādhusammato bahujanassa;
They include Pūraṇa Kassapa,
sopi rājagahaṃ vassāvāsaṃ osaṭo.
Ayampi kho makkhali gosālo … pe …
Makkhali Gosāla,
ajito kesakambalo …
Ajita Kesakambala,
pakudho kaccāyano …
Pakudha Kaccāyana,
sañjayo belaṭṭhaputto …
Sañjaya Belaṭṭhiputta,
nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto saṃghī ceva gaṇī ca gaṇācariyo ca ñāto yasassī titthakaro sādhusammato bahujanassa;
and Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta.
sopi rājagahaṃ vassāvāsaṃ osaṭo.
Ayampi kho samaṇo gotamo saṃghī ceva gaṇī ca gaṇācariyo ca ñāto yasassī titthakaro sādhusammato bahujanassa;
This ascetic Gotama also leads an order and a community, and teaches a community. He’s a well-known and famous religious founder, regarded as holy by many people.
sopi rājagahaṃ vassāvāsaṃ osaṭo.
And he too has come down for the rains residence at Rājagaha.
Ko nu kho imesaṃ bhavataṃ samaṇabrāhmaṇānaṃ saṃghīnaṃ gaṇīnaṃ gaṇācariyānaṃ ñātānaṃ yasassinaṃ titthakarānaṃ sādhusammatānaṃ bahujanassa sāvakānaṃ sakkato garukato mānito pūjito, kañca pana sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharantī’ti?
Which of these ascetics and brahmins is honored, respected, revered, and venerated by their disciples? And how do their disciples, after honoring and respecting them, remain loyal?’
Tatrekacce evamāhaṃsu:
Some of them said:
‘ayaṃ kho pūraṇo kassapo saṅghī ceva gaṇī ca gaṇācariyo ca ñāto yasassī titthakaro sādhusammato bahujanassa;
‘This Pūraṇa Kassapa leads an order and a community, and teaches a community. He’s a well-known and famous religious founder, regarded as holy by many people.
so ca kho sāvakānaṃ na sakkato na garukato na mānito na pūjito, na ca pana pūraṇaṃ kassapaṃ sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
But he’s not honored, respected, revered, venerated, and esteemed by his disciples. And his disciples, not honoring and respecting him, don’t remain loyal to him.
Bhūtapubbaṃ pūraṇo kassapo anekasatāya parisāya dhammaṃ deseti.
Once it so happened that he was teaching an assembly of many hundreds.
Tatraññataro pūraṇassa kassapassa sāvako saddamakāsi:
Then one of his disciples made a noise:
“mā bhonto pūraṇaṃ kassapaṃ etamatthaṃ pucchittha;
“My good sirs, don’t ask Pūraṇa Kassapa about that.
neso etaṃ jānāti;
He doesn’t know that.
mayametaṃ jānāma, amhe etamatthaṃ pucchatha;
I know it. Ask me about it,
mayametaṃ bhavantānaṃ byākarissāmā”ti.
and I’ll answer you.”
Bhūtapubbaṃ pūraṇo kassapo bāhā paggayha kandanto na labhati:
It happened that Pūraṇa Kassapa didn’t get his way, though he called out with raised arms:
“appasaddā bhonto hontu, mā bhonto saddamakattha.
“Be quiet, good sirs, don’t make a sound.
Nete, bhavante, pucchanti, amhe ete pucchanti;
They’re not asking you, they’re asking me!
mayametesaṃ byākarissāmā”ti.
I’ll answer you!”
Bahū kho pana pūraṇassa kassapassa sāvakā vādaṃ āropetvā apakkantā:
Indeed, many of his disciples have left him after refuting his doctrine:
“na tvaṃ imaṃ dhammavinayaṃ ājānāsi, ahaṃ imaṃ dhammavinayaṃ ājānāmi, kiṃ tvaṃ imaṃ dhammavinayaṃ ājānissasi? Micchāpaṭipanno tvamasi, ahamasmi sammāpaṭipanno, sahitaṃ me, asahitaṃ te, purevacanīyaṃ pacchā avaca, pacchāvacanīyaṃ pure avaca, adhiciṇṇaṃ te viparāvattaṃ, āropito te vādo, niggahitosi, cara vādappamokkhāya, nibbeṭhehi vā sace pahosī”ti.
“You don’t understand this teaching and training. I understand this teaching and training. What, you understand this teaching and training? You’re practicing wrong. I’m practicing right. I stay on topic, you don’t. You said last what you should have said first. You said first what you should have said last. What you’ve thought so much about has been disproved. Your doctrine is refuted. Go on, save your doctrine! You’re trapped; get yourself out of this—if you can!”
Iti pūraṇo kassapo sāvakānaṃ na sakkato na garukato na mānito na pūjito, na ca pana pūraṇaṃ kassapaṃ sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
That’s how Pūraṇa Kassapa is not honored, respected, revered, venerated, and esteemed by his disciples. On the contrary, his disciples, not honoring and respecting him, don’t remain loyal to him.
Akkuṭṭho ca pana pūraṇo kassapo dhammakkosenā’ti.
Rather, he’s reviled, and rightly so.’
Ekacce evamāhaṃsu:
Others said:
‘ayampi kho makkhali gosālo … pe …
'This Makkhali Gosāla …
ajito kesakambalo …
Ajita Kesakambala …
pakudho kaccāyano …
Pakudha Kaccāyana …
sañjayo belaṭṭhaputto …
Sañjaya Belaṭṭhiputta …
nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto saṅghī ceva gaṇī ca gaṇācariyo ca ñāto yasassī titthakaro sādhusammato bahujanassa;
Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta leads an order and a community, and teaches a community. He’s a well-known and famous religious founder, regarded as holy by many people.
so ca kho sāvakānaṃ na sakkato na garukato na mānito na pūjito, na ca pana nigaṇṭhaṃ nāṭaputtaṃ sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
But he’s not honored, respected, revered, and venerated by his disciples. And his disciples, not honoring and respecting him, don’t remain loyal to him.
Bhūtapubbaṃ nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto anekasatāya parisāya dhammaṃ deseti.
Once it so happened that he was teaching an assembly of many hundreds.
Tatraññataro nigaṇṭhassa nāṭaputtassa sāvako saddamakāsi:
Then one of his disciples made a noise:
“mā bhonto nigaṇṭhaṃ nāṭaputtaṃ etamatthaṃ pucchittha;
“My good sirs, don’t ask Nigaṇṭha Nātaputta about that.
neso etaṃ jānāti;
He doesn’t know that.
mayametaṃ jānāma, amhe etamatthaṃ pucchatha;
I know it. Ask me about it,
mayametaṃ bhavantānaṃ byākarissāmā”ti.
and I’ll answer you.”
Bhūtapubbaṃ nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto bāhā paggayha kandanto na labhati:
It happened that Nigaṇṭha Nātaputta didn’t get his way, though he called out with raised arms:
“appasaddā bhonto hontu, mā bhonto saddamakattha.
“Be quiet, good sirs, don’t make a sound.
Nete bhavante pucchanti, amhe ete pucchanti;
They’re not asking you, they’re asking me!
mayametesaṃ byākarissāmā”ti.
I’ll answer you!”
Bahū kho pana nigaṇṭhassa nāṭaputtassa sāvakā vādaṃ āropetvā apakkantā:
Indeed, many of his disciples have left him after refuting his doctrine:
“na tvaṃ imaṃ dhammavinayaṃ ājānāsi, ahaṃ imaṃ dhammavinayaṃ ājānāmi. Kiṃ tvaṃ imaṃ dhammavinayaṃ ājānissasi? Micchāpaṭipanno tvamasi. Ahamasmi sammāpaṭipanno. Sahitaṃ me asahitaṃ te, purevacanīyaṃ pacchā avaca, pacchāvacanīyaṃ pure avaca, adhiciṇṇaṃ te viparāvattaṃ, āropito te vādo, niggahitosi, cara vādappamokkhāya, nibbeṭhehi vā sace pahosī”ti.
"You don’t understand this teaching and training. I understand this teaching and training. What, you understand this teaching and training? You’re practicing wrong. I’m practicing right. I stay on topic, you don’t. You said last what you should have said first. You said first what you should have said last. What you’ve thought so much about has been disproved. Your doctrine is refuted. Go on, save your doctrine! You’re trapped; get yourself out of this—if you can!”
Iti nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto sāvakānaṃ na sakkato na garukato na mānito na pūjito, na ca pana nigaṇṭhaṃ nāṭaputtaṃ sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
That’s how Nigaṇṭha Nātaputta is not honored, respected, revered, and venerated by his disciples. On the contrary, his disciples, not honoring and respecting him, don’t remain loyal to him.
Akkuṭṭho ca pana nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto dhammakkosenā’ti.
Rather, he’s reviled, and rightly so.’
Ekacce evamāhaṃsu:
Others said:
‘ayampi kho samaṇo gotamo saṃghī ceva gaṇī ca gaṇācariyo ca ñāto yasassī titthakaro sādhusammato bahujanassa;
‘This ascetic Gotama leads an order and a community, and teaches a community. He’s a well-known and famous religious founder, regarded as holy by many people.
so ca kho sāvakānaṃ sakkato garukato mānito pūjito, samaṇañca pana gotamaṃ sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
He’s honored, respected, revered, and venerated by his disciples. And his disciples, honoring and respecting him, remain loyal to him.
Bhūtapubbaṃ samaṇo gotamo anekasatāya parisāya dhammaṃ desesi.
Once it so happened that he was teaching an assembly of many hundreds.
Tatraññataro samaṇassa gotamassa sāvako ukkāsi.
Then one of his disciples cleared their throat.
Tamenāññataro sabrahmacārī jaṇṇukena ghaṭṭesi:
And one of their spiritual companions nudged them with their knee, to indicate:
“appasaddo āyasmā hotu, māyasmā saddamakāsi, satthā no bhagavā dhammaṃ desesī”ti.
“Hush, venerable, don’t make sound! Our teacher, the Blessed One, is teaching!”
Yasmiṃ samaye samaṇo gotamo anekasatāya parisāya dhammaṃ deseti, neva tasmiṃ samaye samaṇassa gotamassa sāvakānaṃ khipitasaddo vā hoti ukkāsitasaddo vā.
While the ascetic Gotama is teaching an assembly of many hundreds, there is no sound of his disciples coughing or clearing their throats.
Tamenaṃ mahājanakāyo paccāsīsamānarūpo paccupaṭṭhito hoti:
That large crowd is poised on the edge of their seats, thinking:
“yaṃ no bhagavā dhammaṃ bhāsissati taṃ no sossāmā”ti.
“Whatever the Buddha teaches, we shall listen to it.”
Seyyathāpi nāma puriso cātummahāpathe khuddamadhuṃ anelakaṃ pīḷeyya.
It’s like when there’s a person at the crossroads pressing out pure manuka honey,
Tamenaṃ mahājanakāyo paccāsīsamānarūpo paccupaṭṭhito assa.
and a large crowd is poised on the edge of their seats.
Evameva yasmiṃ samaye samaṇo gotamo anekasatāya parisāya dhammaṃ deseti, neva tasmiṃ samaye samaṇassa gotamassa sāvakānaṃ khipitasaddo vā hoti ukkāsitasaddo vā.
In the same way, while the ascetic Gotama is teaching an assembly of many hundreds, there is no sound of his disciples coughing or clearing their throats.
Tamenaṃ mahājanakāyo paccāsīsamānarūpo paccupaṭṭhito hoti:
That large crowd is poised on the edge of their seats, thinking:
“yaṃ no bhagavā dhammaṃ bhāsissati taṃ no sossāmā”ti.
“Whatever the Buddha teaches, we shall listen to it.”
Yepi samaṇassa gotamassa sāvakā sabrahmacārīhi sampayojetvā sikkhaṃ paccakkhāya hīnāyāvattanti tepi satthu ceva vaṇṇavādino honti, dhammassa ca vaṇṇavādino honti, saṃghassa ca vaṇṇavādino honti, attagarahinoyeva honti anaññagarahino, “mayamevamhā alakkhikā mayaṃ appapuññā te mayaṃ evaṃ svākkhāte dhammavinaye pabbajitvā nāsakkhimhā yāvajīvaṃ paripuṇṇaṃ parisuddhaṃ brahmacariyaṃ caritun”ti.
Even when a disciple of the ascetic Gotama rejects the training and returns to a lesser life, having been overly attached to their spiritual companions, they speak only praise of the teacher, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They blame only themselves, not others: “We were unlucky, we had little merit. For even after going forth in such a well explained teaching and training we weren’t able to practice for life the perfectly full and pure spiritual life.”
Te ārāmikabhūtā vā upāsakabhūtā vā pañcasikkhāpade samādāya vattanti.
They become monastery workers or lay followers, and they proceed having undertaken the five precepts.
Iti samaṇo gotamo sāvakānaṃ sakkato garukato mānito pūjito, samaṇañca pana gotamaṃ sāvakā sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharantī’”ti.
That’s how the ascetic Gotama is honored, respected, revered, and venerated by his disciples. And that’s how his disciples, honoring and respecting him, remain loyal to him.’”

77.3 - (five Dharmas which engender loyalty for Buddha)


“Kati pana tvaṃ, udāyi, mayi dhamme samanupassasi, yehi mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharantī”ti?
“But Udāyī, how many Dharmas do you see in me, because of which my disciples honor, respect, revere, and venerate me; and after honoring and respecting me, they remain loyal to me?”
“Pañca kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati dhamme samanupassāmi yehi bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
“Sir, I see five such Dharmas in the Buddha.
Katame pañca?
What five?
Bhagavā hi, bhante, appāhāro, appāhāratāya ca vaṇṇavādī.
The Buddha eats little and praises eating little.
Yampi, bhante, bhagavā appāhāro, appāhāratāya ca vaṇṇavādī imaṃ kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati paṭhamaṃ dhammaṃ samanupassāmi yena bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti. (1)
This is the first such Dharma I see in the Buddha.
Puna caparaṃ, bhante, bhagavā santuṭṭho itarītarena cīvarena, itarītaracīvarasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī.
Furthermore, the Buddha is content with any kind of robe, and praises such contentment.
Yampi, bhante, bhagavā santuṭṭho itarītarena cīvarena, itarītaracīvarasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī, imaṃ kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati dutiyaṃ dhammaṃ samanupassāmi yena bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti. (2)
This is the second such Dharma I see in the Buddha.
Puna caparaṃ, bhante, bhagavā santuṭṭho itarītarena piṇḍapātena, itarītarapiṇḍapātasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī.
Furthermore, the Buddha is content with any kind of almsfood, and praises such contentment.
Yampi, bhante, bhagavā santuṭṭho itarītarena piṇḍapātena, itarītarapiṇḍapātasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī, imaṃ kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati tatiyaṃ dhammaṃ samanupassāmi yena bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti. (3)
This is the third such Dharma I see in the Buddha.
Puna caparaṃ, bhante, bhagavā santuṭṭho itarītarena senāsanena, itarītarasenāsanasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī.
Furthermore, the Buddha is content with any kind of lodging, and praises such contentment.
Yampi, bhante, bhagavā santuṭṭho itarītarena senāsanena, itarītarasenāsanasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī, imaṃ kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati catutthaṃ dhammaṃ samanupassāmi yena bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti. (4)
This is the fourth such Dharma I see in the Buddha.
Puna caparaṃ, bhante, bhagavā pavivitto, pavivekassa ca vaṇṇavādī.
Furthermore, the Buddha is secluded, and praises seclusion.
Yampi, bhante, bhagavā pavivitto, pavivekassa ca vaṇṇavādī, imaṃ kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati pañcamaṃ dhammaṃ samanupassāmi yena bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti. (5)
This is the fifth such Dharma I see in the Buddha.
Ime kho ahaṃ, bhante, bhagavati pañca dhamme samanupassāmi yehi bhagavantaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharantī”ti.
These are the five Dharmas I see in the Buddha, because of which his disciples honor, respect, revere, and venerate him; and after honoring and respecting him, they remain loyal to him.”

77.4 - (Buddha says udayi’s 5 Dharmas are ascetic practices that not the most important)


“‘Appāhāro samaṇo gotamo, appāhāratāya ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, santi kho pana me, udāyi, sāvakā kosakāhārāpi aḍḍhakosakāhārāpi beluvāhārāpi aḍḍhabeluvāhārāpi.
“Suppose, Udāyī, my disciples were loyal to me because I eat little. Well, there are disciples of mine who eat a cupful of food, or half a cupful; they eat a wood apple, or half a wood apple.
Ahaṃ kho pana, udāyi, appekadā iminā pattena samatittikampi bhuñjāmi bhiyyopi bhuñjāmi.
But sometimes I even eat this bowl full to the brim, or even more.
‘Appāhāro samaṇo gotamo, appāhāratāya ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, ye te, udāyi, mama sāvakā kosakāhārāpi aḍḍhakosakāhārāpi beluvāhārāpi aḍḍhabeluvāhārāpi na maṃ te iminā dhammena sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ. (1)
So if it were the case that my disciples are loyal to me because I eat little, then those disciples who eat even less would not be loyal to me.
‘Santuṭṭho samaṇo gotamo itarītarena cīvarena, itarītaracīvarasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, santi kho pana me, udāyi, sāvakā paṃsukūlikā lūkhacīvaradharā te susānā vā saṅkārakūṭā vā pāpaṇikā vā nantakāni uccinitvā saṅghāṭiṃ karitvā dhārenti.
Suppose my disciples were loyal to me because I’m content with any kind of robe. Well, there are disciples of mine who have rag robes, wearing shabby robes. They gather scraps from charnel grounds, rubbish dumps, and shops, make them into a patchwork robe and wear it.
Ahaṃ kho panudāyi, appekadā gahapaticīvarāni dhāremi daḷhāni satthalūkhāni alābulomasāni.
But sometimes I wear robes offered by householders that are strong, yet next to which bottle-gourd down is coarse.
‘Santuṭṭho samaṇo gotamo itarītarena cīvarena, itarītaracīvarasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, ye te, udāyi, mama sāvakā paṃsukūlikā lūkhacīvaradharā te susānā vā saṅkārakūṭā vā pāpaṇikā vā nantakāni uccinitvā saṅghāṭiṃ karitvā dhārenti, na maṃ te iminā dhammena sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ. (2)
So if it were the case that my disciples are loyal to me because I’m content with any kind of robe, then those disciples who wear rag robes would not be loyal to me.
‘Santuṭṭho samaṇo gotamo itarītarena piṇḍapātena, itarītarapiṇḍapātasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, santi kho pana me, udāyi, sāvakā piṇḍapātikā sapadānacārino uñchāsake vate ratā, te antaragharaṃ paviṭṭhā samānā āsanenapi nimantiyamānā na sādiyanti.
Suppose my disciples were loyal to me because I’m content with any kind of alms-food. Well, there are disciples of mine who eat only alms-food, wander indiscriminately for alms-food, happy to eat whatever they glean. When they’ve entered an inhabited area, they don’t consent when invited to sit down.
Ahaṃ kho panudāyi, appekadā nimantanepi bhuñjāmi sālīnaṃ odanaṃ vicitakāḷakaṃ anekasūpaṃ anekabyañjanaṃ.
But sometimes I even eat by invitation boiled fine rice with the dark grains picked out, served with many soups and sauces.
‘Santuṭṭho samaṇo gotamo itarītarena piṇḍapātena, itarītarapiṇḍapātasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, ye te, udāyi, mama sāvakā piṇḍapātikā sapadānacārino uñchāsake vate ratā te antaragharaṃ paviṭṭhā samānā āsanenapi nimantiyamānā na sādiyanti, na maṃ te iminā dhammena sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ. (3)
So if it were the case that my disciples are loyal to me because I’m content with any kind of alms-food, then those disciples who eat only alms-food would not be loyal to me.
‘Santuṭṭho samaṇo gotamo itarītarena senāsanena, itarītarasenāsanasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, santi kho pana me, udāyi, sāvakā rukkhamūlikā abbhokāsikā, te aṭṭhamāse channaṃ na upenti.
Suppose my disciples were loyal to me because I’m content with any kind of lodging. Well, there are disciples of mine who stay at the root of a tree, in the open air. For eight months they don’t go under a roof.
Ahaṃ kho panudāyi, appekadā kūṭāgāresupi viharāmi ullittāvalittesu nivātesu phusitaggaḷesu pihitavātapānesu.
But sometimes I even stay in bungalows, plastered inside and out, draft-free, with latches fastened and windows shuttered.
‘Santuṭṭho samaṇo gotamo itarītarena senāsanena, itarītarasenāsanasantuṭṭhiyā ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, ye te, udāyi, mama sāvakā rukkhamūlikā abbhokāsikā te aṭṭhamāse channaṃ na upenti, na maṃ te iminā dhammena sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ. (4)
So if it were the case that my disciples are loyal to me because I’m content with any kind of lodging, then those disciples who stay at the root of a tree would not be loyal to me.
‘Pavivitto samaṇo gotamo, pavivekassa ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ, santi kho pana me, udāyi, sāvakā āraññikā pantasenāsanā araññavanapatthāni pantāni senāsanāni ajjhogāhetvā viharanti, te anvaddhamāsaṃ saṅghamajjhe osaranti pātimokkhuddesāya.
Suppose my disciples were loyal to me because I’m secluded and I praise seclusion. Well, there are disciples of mine who live in the wilderness, in remote lodgings. Having ventured deep into remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest, they live there, coming down to the midst of the Saṅgha each fortnight for the recitation of the monastic code.
Ahaṃ kho panudāyi, appekadā ākiṇṇo viharāmi bhikkhūhi bhikkhunīhi upāsakehi upāsikāhi raññā rājamahāmattehi titthiyehi titthiyasāvakehi.
But sometimes I live crowded by monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen; by rulers and their ministers, and teachers of other paths and their disciples.
‘Pavivitto samaṇo gotamo, pavivekassa ca vaṇṇavādī’ti, iti ce maṃ, udāyi, sāvakā sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ. Ye te, udāyi, mama sāvakā āraññakā pantasenāsanā araññavanapatthāni pantāni senāsanāni ajjhogāhetvā viharanti te anvaddhamāsaṃ saṅghamajjhe osaranti pātimokkhuddesāya, na maṃ te iminā dhammena sakkareyyuṃ garuṃ kareyyuṃ māneyyuṃ pūjeyyuṃ, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya vihareyyuṃ. (5)
So if it were the case that my disciples are loyal to me because I’m secluded and praise seclusion, then those disciples who live in the wilderness would not be loyal to me.
Iti kho, udāyi, na mamaṃ sāvakā imehi pañcahi dhammehi sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
So, Udāyī, it’s not because of these five Dharmas that my disciples honor, respect, revere, and venerate me; and after honoring and respecting me, they remain loyal to me.

77.5 - (five Dharmas the Buddha sees in himself)

77.5.1 - (Adhi-sīla / higher ethics)


Atthi kho, udāyi, aññe ca pañca dhammā yehi pañcahi dhammehi mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
There are five other Dharmas because of which my disciples honor, respect, revere, and venerate me; and after honoring and respecting me, they remain loyal to me.
Katame pañca?
What five?
Idhudāyi, mamaṃ sāvakā adhisīle sambhāventi:
Firstly, my disciples esteem me for the higher ethics:
‘sīlavā samaṇo gotamo paramena sīlakkhandhena samannāgato’ti.
‘The ascetic Gotama is ethical. He possesses the entire spectrum of ethical conduct to the highest degree.’
Yampudāyi, mamaṃ sāvakā adhisīle sambhāventi:
Since this is so,
‘sīlavā samaṇo gotamo paramena sīlakkhandhena samannāgato’ti, ayaṃ kho, udāyi, paṭhamo dhammo yena mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
this is the first Dharma because of which my disciples are loyal to me.

77.5.2 - (Knowledge and vision)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, mamaṃ sāvakā abhikkante ñāṇadassane sambhāventi:
Furthermore, my disciples esteem me for my excellent knowledge and vision:
‘jānaṃyevāha samaṇo gotamo—jānāmīti,
‘The ascetic Gotama only claims to know when he does in fact know.
passaṃyevāha samaṇo gotamo—passāmīti;
He only claims to see when he really does see.
abhiññāya samaṇo gotamo dhammaṃ deseti no anabhiññāya;
He teaches based on direct knowledge, not without direct knowledge.
sanidānaṃ samaṇo gotamo dhammaṃ deseti no anidānaṃ;
He teaches based on reason, not without reason.
sappāṭihāriyaṃ samaṇo gotamo dhammaṃ deseti no appāṭihāriyan’ti.
He teaches with a demonstrable basis, not without it.’
Yampudāyi, mamaṃ sāvakā abhikkante ñāṇadassane sambhāventi:
Since this is so,
‘jānaṃyevāha samaṇo gotamo—jānāmīti,
passaṃyevāha samaṇo gotamo—passāmīti;
abhiññāya samaṇo gotamo dhammaṃ deseti no anabhiññāya;
sanidānaṃ samaṇo gotamo dhammaṃ deseti no anidānaṃ;
sappāṭihāriyaṃ samaṇo gotamo dhammaṃ deseti no appāṭihāriyan’ti, ayaṃ kho, udāyi, dutiyo dhammo yena mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
this is the second Dharma because of which my disciples are loyal to me.

77.5.3 - (Adhi-paññāya / higher discernment-wisdom)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, mamaṃ sāvakā adhipaññāya sambhāventi:
Furthermore, my disciples esteem me for my higher wisdom:
‘paññavā samaṇo gotamo paramena paññākkhandhena samannāgato;
‘The ascetic Gotama is wise. He possesses the entire spectrum of wisdom to the highest degree.
taṃ vata anāgataṃ vādapathaṃ na dakkhati, uppannaṃ vā parappavādaṃ na sahadhammena suniggahitaṃ niggaṇhissatīti—netaṃ ṭhānaṃ vijjati’.
It’s not possible that he would fail to foresee grounds for future criticism, or to legitimately and completely refute the doctrines of others that come up.’
Taṃ kiṃ maññasi, udāyi,
What do you think, Udāyī?
api nu me sāvakā evaṃ jānantā evaṃ passantā antarantarā kathaṃ opāteyyun”ti?
Would my disciples, knowing and seeing this, break in and interrupt me?”
“No hetaṃ, bhante”.
“No, sir.”
“Na kho panāhaṃ, udāyi, sāvakesu anusāsaniṃ paccāsīsāmi;
“That’s because I don’t expect to be instructed by my disciples.
aññadatthu mamayeva sāvakā anusāsaniṃ paccāsīsanti.
Invariably, my disciples expect instruction from me.
Yampudāyi, mamaṃ sāvakā adhipaññāya sambhāventi:
Since this is so,
‘paññavā samaṇo gotamo paramena paññākkhandhena samannāgato;
taṃ vata anāgataṃ vādapathaṃ na dakkhati, uppannaṃ vā parappavādaṃ na sahadhammena niggahitaṃ niggaṇhissatīti—
netaṃ ṭhānaṃ vijjati’.
Ayaṃ kho, udāyi, tatiyo dhammo yena mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
this is the third Dharma because of which my disciples are loyal to me.

77.5.4 - (Four noble truths is practical and applies to people’s real problems)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, mama sāvakā yena dukkhena dukkhotiṇṇā dukkhaparetā te maṃ upasaṅkamitvā dukkhaṃ ariyasaccaṃ pucchanti, tesāhaṃ dukkhaṃ ariyasaccaṃ puṭṭho byākaromi, tesāhaṃ cittaṃ ārādhemi pañhassa veyyākaraṇena;
Furthermore, my disciples come to me and ask how the noble truth of suffering applies to the suffering in which they are swamped and mired. And I provide them with a satisfying answer to their question.
te maṃ dukkhasamudayaṃ …
They ask how the noble truths of the origin of suffering,
dukkhanirodhaṃ …
the cessation of suffering,
dukkhanirodhagāminiṃ paṭipadaṃ ariyasaccaṃ pucchanti, tesāhaṃ dukkhanirodhagāminiṃ paṭipadaṃ ariyasaccaṃ puṭṭho byākaromi, tesāhaṃ cittaṃ ārādhemi pañhassa veyyākaraṇena.
and the practice that leads to the cessation of suffering apply to the suffering that has overwhelmed them and brought them low. And I provide them with satisfying answers to their questions.
Yampudāyi, mama sāvakā yena dukkhena dukkhotiṇṇā dukkhaparetā te maṃ upasaṅkamitvā dukkhaṃ ariyasaccaṃ pucchanti, tesāhaṃ dukkhaṃ ariyasaccaṃ puṭṭho byākaromi, tesāhaṃ cittaṃ ārādhemi pañhassa veyyākaraṇena.
Since this is so,
Te maṃ dukkhasamudayaṃ …
dukkhanirodhaṃ …
dukkhanirodhagāminiṃ paṭipadaṃ ariyasaccaṃ pucchanti.
Tesāhaṃ dukkhanirodhagāminiṃ paṭipadaṃ ariyasaccaṃ puṭṭho byākaromi.
Tesāhaṃ cittaṃ ārādhemi pañhassa veyyākaraṇena.
Ayaṃ kho, udāyi, catuttho dhammo yena mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
this is the fourth Dharma because of which my disciples are loyal to me.

77.5.5 - (Dharma teachings including… 37bp = 7 sets of bodhi-pakkhiya)

77.10 - (37bp🕊️‍ 4sp🐘 )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā cattāro satipaṭṭhāne bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the four kinds of remembering meditation.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu kāye kāyānupassī viharati ātāpī sampajāno satimā vineyya loke abhijjhādomanassaṃ;
It’s when a monk meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and rememberful, rid of desire and aversion for the world.
vedanāsu vedanānupassī viharati …
They meditate observing an aspect of feelings …
citte cittānupassī viharati …
mind …
dhammesu dhammānupassī viharati ātāpī sampajāno satimā vineyya loke abhijjhādomanassaṃ.
principles—keen, aware, and rememberful, rid of desire and aversion for the world.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.11 - (37bp🕊️‍ 4pd🏹️ )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā cattāro sammappadhāne bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the four right efforts.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu anuppannānaṃ pāpakānaṃ akusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ anuppādāya chandaṃ janeti, vāyamati, vīriyaṃ ārabhati, cittaṃ paggaṇhāti, padahati;
It’s when a monk generates enthusiasm, tries, makes an effort, exerts the mind, and strives so that bad, unskillful Dharmas don’t arise.
uppannānaṃ pāpakānaṃ akusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ pahānāya chandaṃ janeti, vāyamati, vīriyaṃ ārabhati, cittaṃ paggaṇhāti, padahati;
They generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that bad, unskillful Dharmas that have arisen are given up.
anuppannānaṃ kusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ uppādāya chandaṃ janeti, vāyamati, vīriyaṃ ārabhati, cittaṃ paggaṇhāti, padahati;
They generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that skillful Dharmas arise.
uppannānaṃ kusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ ṭhitiyā asammosāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā chandaṃ janeti, vāyamati, vīriyaṃ ārabhati, cittaṃ paggaṇhāti, padahati.
They generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that skillful Dharmas that have arisen remain, are not lost, but increase, mature, and are fulfilled by development.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.12 - (37bp🕊️‍ 4ip 🌕⚡ )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā cattāro iddhipāde bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the four bases of psychic power.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu chandasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṃ iddhipādaṃ bhāveti,
It’s when a monk develops the basis of psychic power that has undistractible-lucidity due to enthusiasm, and active effort.
vīriyasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṃ iddhipādaṃ bhāveti,
They develop the basis of psychic power that has undistractible-lucidity due to energy, and active effort.
cittasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṃ iddhipādaṃ bhāveti,
They develop the basis of psychic power that has undistractible-lucidity due to mental development, and active effort.
vīmaṃsāsamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṃ iddhipādaṃ bhāveti.
They develop the basis of psychic power that has undistractible-lucidity due to inquiry, and active effort.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.13 - (37bp🕊️‍ 5ind🖐️ )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā pañcindriyāni bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the five faculties.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu saddhindriyaṃ bhāveti upasamagāmiṃ sambodhagāmiṃ;
It’s when a monk develops the faculties of faith,
vīriyindriyaṃ bhāveti … pe …
energy,
satindriyaṃ bhāveti …
remembering,
samādhindriyaṃ bhāveti …
undistractible-lucidity,
paññindriyaṃ bhāveti upasamagāmiṃ sambodhagāmiṃ.
and wisdom, which lead to peace and awakening.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.14 - (37bp🕊️‍ 5bal👊️ )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā pañca balāni bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the five powers.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu saddhābalaṃ bhāveti upasamagāmiṃ sambodhagāmiṃ;
It’s when a monk develops the powers of faith,
vīriyabalaṃ bhāveti … pe …
energy,
satibalaṃ bhāveti …
remembering,
samādhibalaṃ bhāveti …
undistractible-lucidity,
paññābalaṃ bhāveti upasamagāmiṃ sambodhagāmiṃ.
and wisdom, which lead to peace and awakening.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.15 - (37bp🕊️‍ 7sb☀️ )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā sattabojjhaṅge bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the seven awakening factors.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu satisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti vivekanissitaṃ virāganissitaṃ nirodhanissitaṃ vossaggapariṇāmiṃ; dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti … pe … vīriyasambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti … pītisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti … passaddhisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti … samādhisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti … upekkhāsambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāveti vivekanissitaṃ virāganissitaṃ nirodhanissitaṃ vossaggapariṇāmiṃ.
It’s when a monk develops the awakening factors of remembering, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, pacification, undistractible-lucidity, and equanimity, which rely on seclusion, fading away, and cessation, and ripen as letting go.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.16 - (37bp🕊️‍ 👑8☸ )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā ariyaṃ aṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the noble eightfold path.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu sammādiṭṭhiṃ bhāveti, sammāsaṅkappaṃ bhāveti, sammāvācaṃ bhāveti, sammākammantaṃ bhāveti, sammāājīvaṃ bhāveti, sammāvāyāmaṃ bhāveti, sammāsatiṃ bhāveti, sammāsamādhiṃ bhāveti.
It’s when a monk develops right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right remembering, and right undistractible-lucidity.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.17 - (8 vimokkha )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā aṭṭha vimokkhe bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the eight liberations.

(1. Has rūpa, sees rūpa)

rūpī rūpāni passati.
[From a samādhi where the mind can perceive the 5 senses, the meditator] sees form [internally and externally, his own body and external objects].
ayaṃ paṭhamo vimokkho.
This is the first liberation.
[All four jhānas can fall under this first liberation, though the primary one must be the imperturbable version of 4th jhāna since only there is it strong and reliable enough to have all day luminosity, divine eye, and ability to see internal body organs and their colors as in the 8 abhi-bha-ayatana.]

(2. Doesn’t perceive internal rūpa, perceives external rūpa)

“ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī,
[From a samādhi where the mind is no longer connected to the 5 senses of the body, the meditator] can not see his own body and internal organs,
bahiddhā rūpāni passati.
but he can see external forms [and their colors as described in 8 abhi-bha-ayatana].
ayaṃ dutiyo vimokkho.
This is the second liberation.
[The four jhānas are not included in the second liberation, since one is in a formless attainment where one can not perceive the physical body.]

(3. Focused on ‘subha’ beautiful)

“subha-nteva adhimutto hoti.
They’re focused only on ‘beauty’ [, a code word referring to metta, friendly-kindness, or any of the four brahma vihāras, the divine abidings].
[Following the standard formula for brahma-vihāras, they pervade that energy in 8 directions.]
ayaṃ tatiyo vimokkho.
This is the third liberation.

(4. ākāsā-nañcā-(a)yatanaṃ: Dimension of infinite space)

sabbaso rūpa-saññānaṃ samatikkamā
Going totally beyond perceptions of [both the internal physical body and external] forms,
Paṭigha-saññānaṃ atthaṅgamā
with the ending of perceptions of impingement, [such as extreme cold, heat, bug bites that can only be felt when the mind is still connected to the 5 senses],
nānatta-saññānaṃ a-manasikārā
not focusing on perceptions of diversity [that occur when the five sense faculties are active],
‘an-anto ākāso’ti
[one perceives that] ‘space is infinite’,
ākāsānañcā-(a)yatanaṃ upasampajja viharati.
they enter and remain in the dimension of infinite space.
ayaṃ catuttho vimokkho.
This is the fourth liberation.

(5. Viññāṇañcā-(a)yatanaṃ: Dimension of infinite consciousness)

sabbaso ākāsānañcā-(a)yatanaṃ samatikkamma
Going totally beyond the dimension of infinite space,
'An-antaṃ viññāṇan’ti
[one perceives that] ‘the consciousness [that remains when the perception of infinite space drops out is also] infinite’,
viññāṇañcā-(a)yatanaṃ upasampajja viharati.
they enter and remain in the dimension of infinite consciousness.
ayaṃ pañcamo vimokkho.
This is the fifth liberation.

(6. ākiñcaññā-(a)yatanaṃ: Dimension of nothingness)

sabbaso viññāṇañcā-(a)yatanaṃ samatikkamma
Going totally beyond the dimension of infinite consciousness,
'N-atthi kiñcī’ti
[one perceives that] ‘there is nothing at all’ [after one drops the perception of infinite consciousness],
ākiñcaññā-(a)yatanaṃ upasampajja viharati.
they enter and remain in the dimension of nothingness.
ayaṃ chaṭṭho vimokkho.
This is the sixth liberation.

(7. Neva-saññā-nāsaññā-(a)yatanaṃ: Dimension of neither perception nor non-perception)

sabbaso ākiñcaññā-(a)yatanaṃ samatikkamma
Going totally beyond the dimension of nothingness,
Neva-saññā-nāsaññā-(a)yatanaṃ upasampajja viharati.
they enter and remain in the dimension of neither perception nor non-perception.
[This means that awareness is too subtle to be considered ‘perception’, but there is enough awareness to know you’re not unconscious.]
ayaṃ sattamo vimokkho.
This is the seventh liberation.

(8. Saññā-vedayita-nirodhaṃ: Cessation of perception and sensation)

sabbaso neva-saññā-nāsaññā-(a)yatanaṃ samatikkamma
Going totally beyond the dimension of neither perception nor non-perception,
Saññā-vedayita-nirodhaṃ upasampajja viharati
they enter and remain in the cessation of perception and sensation.
ayaṃ aṭṭhamo vimokkho.
This is the eighth liberation.



Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.18 - (8 abhi-bh-āyatana )


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā aṭṭha abhibhāyatanāni bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the eight dimensions of mastery.

(1. Perceives internal rūpa, sees external rūpa limited)

1. ajjhattaṃ rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
1. With the mind percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
parittāni suvaṇṇa-dubbaṇṇāni.
that are limited, beautiful, or ugly.
[he sees things such as realms of heaven and hell, and the denizens of those realms, or he sees accurate visions of his 31 body parts, or the body parts of other living beings.]
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ paṭhamaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the first dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(2. Perceives internal rūpa, sees external rūpa measureless)

2. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
2. With the mind percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
appamāṇāni suvaṇṇa-dubbaṇṇāni.
that are measureless, beautiful, or ugly.
[he sees things such as realms of heaven and hell, and the denizens of those realms, or he sees accurate visions of his 31 body parts, or the body parts of other living beings.]
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ dutiyaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the second dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(3. Does not perceive internal rūpa, sees external rūpa limited)

3. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
parittāni suvaṇṇa-dubbaṇṇāni. ‘
that are limited, beautiful, or ugly.
[he sees things such as realms of heaven and hell, and the denizens of those realms, or he sees accurate visions of his 31 body parts, or the body parts of other living beings.]
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ tatiyaṃ abhibh-āyatanaṃ.
This is the third dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(4. Does not perceive internal rūpa, sees external rūpa measureless)

4. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
appamāṇāni suvaṇṇa-dubbaṇṇāni.
that are measureless, beautiful, or ugly.
[he sees things such as realms of heaven and hell, and the denizens of those realms, or he sees accurate visions of his 31 body parts, or the body parts of other living beings.]
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ catutthaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the fourth dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(5-8 usually start with one of the 31 body parts of suitable color)

[For the next four dimensions, the meditator can directly conjure up a visual perception of a chosen color as the ‘external form’, but the preferred way is to use one of the 31 body parts of an external being as a starting point, then focus on the dominant color of that body part. For example, bones are white, blood is red, hair is black/dark-blue, urine is yellow.]

(5. Does not perceives internal rūpa, sees external rūpa blue color)

5. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
nīlāni nīlavaṇṇāni nīlanidassanāni nīlanibhāsāni.
that are blue, blue in their color, blue in their features, blue in their glow.
Seyyathāpi nāma umāpupphaṃ nīlaṃ nīlavaṇṇaṃ nīlanidassanaṃ nīlanibhāsaṃ, seyyathā vā pana taṃ vatthaṃ bārāṇaseyyakaṃ ubhatobhāgavimaṭṭhaṃ nīlaṃ nīlavaṇṇaṃ nīlanidassanaṃ nīlanibhāsaṃ;
They’re like a flax flower that’s blue, with blue color, blue hue, and blue tint. Or a cloth from Bāraṇasī that’s smoothed on both sides, blue, with blue color, blue hue, and blue tint.
evameva ajjhattaṃ arūpasaññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati nīlāni nīlavaṇṇāni nīlanidassanāni nīlanibhāsāni.
in the same way With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms that are blue, blue in their color, blue in their features, blue in their glow.
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ pañcamaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the fifth dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(6. Does not perceives internal rūpa, sees external rūpa yellow color)

6. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
pītāni pītavaṇṇāni pītanidassanāni pītanibhāsāni.
that are yellow, yellow in their color, yellow in their features, yellow in their glow.
Seyyathāpi nāma kaṇikārapupphaṃ pītaṃ pītavaṇṇaṃ pītanidassanaṃ pītanibhāsaṃ, seyyathā vā pana taṃ vatthaṃ bārāṇaseyyakaṃ ubhatobhāgavimaṭṭhaṃ pītaṃ pītavaṇṇaṃ pītanidassanaṃ pītanibhāsaṃ;
They’re like a champak flower that’s yellow, with yellow color, yellow hue, and yellow tint. Or a cloth from Bāraṇasī that’s smoothed on both sides, yellow, with yellow color, yellow hue, and yellow tint.
evameva ajjhattaṃ arūpasaññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati pītāni pītavaṇṇāni pītanidassanāni pītanibhāsāni.
in the same way With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms that are yellow, yellow in their color, yellow in their features, yellow in their glow.
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ chaṭṭhaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the sixth dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(7. Does not perceives internal rūpa, sees external rūpa red color)

7. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
lohitakāni lohitakavaṇṇāni lohitakanidassanāni lohitakanibhāsāni.
that are red, red in their color, red in their features, red in their glow.
Seyyathāpi nāma bandhujīvakapupphaṃ lohitakaṃ lohitakavaṇṇaṃ lohitakanidassanaṃ lohitakanibhāsaṃ, seyyathā vā pana taṃ vatthaṃ bārāṇaseyyakaṃ ubhatobhāgavimaṭṭhaṃ lohitakaṃ lohitakavaṇṇaṃ lohitakanidassanaṃ lohitakanibhāsaṃ;
They’re like a scarlet mallow flower that’s red, with red color, red hue, and red tint. Or a cloth from Bāraṇasī that’s smoothed on both sides, red, with red color, red hue, and red tint.
evameva ajjhattaṃ arūpasaññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati lohitakāni lohitakavaṇṇāni lohitakanidassanāni lohitakanibhāsāni.
in the same way With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms that are red, red in their color, red in their features, red in their glow.
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ sattamaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the seventh dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].

(8. Does not perceives internal rūpa, sees external rūpa white color)

8. ♦ “ajjhattaṃ a-rūpa-saññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati
With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms
odātāni odātavaṇṇāni odātanidassanāni odātanibhāsāni.
That are white, white in their color, white in their features, white in their glow.
Seyyathāpi nāma osadhitārakā odātā odātavaṇṇā odātanidassanā odātanibhāsā, seyyathā vā pana taṃ vatthaṃ bārāṇaseyyakaṃ ubhatobhāgavimaṭṭhaṃ odātaṃ odātavaṇṇaṃ odātanidassanaṃ odātanibhāsaṃ;
They’re like the morning star that’s white, with white color, white hue, and white tint. Or a cloth from Bāraṇasī that’s smoothed on both sides, white, with white color, white hue, and white tint.
evameva ajjhattaṃ arūpasaññī eko bahiddhā rūpāni passati odātāni odātavaṇṇāni odātanidassanāni odātanibhāsāni.
in the same way With the mind no longer percipient of the internal [five physical sense bases], he sees external forms That are white, white in their color, white in their features, white in their glow.
‘tāni abhibhuyya jānāmi passāmī’ti, evaṃ-saññī hoti.
He perceives that, “Having mastered this, I know and I see.”
idaṃ aṭṭhamaṃ abhibh'-āyatanaṃ.
This is the eighth dimension of mastery [of knowledge and vision].



Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.19 - (ten kasinas)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā dasa kasiṇāyatanāni bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the ten universal dimensions of meditation.
Pathavīkasiṇameko sañjānāti uddhamadho tiriyaṃ advayaṃ appamāṇaṃ;
Someone perceives the meditation on universal earth above, below, across, non-dual and limitless.
āpokasiṇameko sañjānāti … pe …
They perceive the meditation on universal water …
tejokasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal fire …
vāyokasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal air …
nīlakasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal blue …
pītakasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal yellow …
lohitakasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal red …
odātakasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal white …
ākāsakasiṇameko sañjānāti …
the meditation on universal space …
viññāṇakasiṇameko sañjānāti uddhamadho tiriyaṃ advayaṃ appamāṇaṃ.
the meditation on universal consciousness above, below, across, non-dual and limitless.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.20 - (STED 4 jhānas and similes)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā cattāri jhānāni bhāventi.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to develop the four jhānas.
Idhudāyi, bhikkhu vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṃ savicāraṃ vivekajaṃ pītisukhaṃ paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati.
It’s when a monk, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unskillful Dharmas, enters and remains in the first jhāna, which has the rapture and pleasure born of seclusion, while directing-thought and evaluation.
So imameva kāyaṃ vivekajena pītisukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripūreti parippharati, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa vivekajena pītisukhena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
They drench, steep, fill, and spread their body with rapture and pleasure born of seclusion. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with rapture and pleasure born of seclusion.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, dakkho nhāpako vā nhāpakantevāsī vā kaṃsathāle nhānīyacuṇṇāni ākiritvā udakena paripphosakaṃ paripphosakaṃ sanneyya, sāyaṃ nhānīyapiṇḍi snehānugatā snehaparetā santarabāhirā phuṭā snehena na ca pagghariṇī;
It’s like when an expert bathroom attendant or their apprentice pours bath powder into a bronze dish, sprinkling it little by little with water. They knead it until the ball of bath powder is soaked and saturated with moisture, spread through inside and out; yet no moisture oozes out.
evameva kho, udāyi, bhikkhu imameva kāyaṃ vivekajena pītisukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripūreti parippharati, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa vivekajena pītisukhena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
In the same way, a monk drenches, steeps, fills, and spreads their body with rapture and pleasure born of seclusion. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with rapture and pleasure born of seclusion.
Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, bhikkhu vitakkavicārānaṃ vūpasamā ajjhattaṃ sampasādanaṃ … pe … dutiyaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati.
Furthermore, as the directed-thought and evaluation are stilled, a monk enters and remains in the second jhāna. It has the rapture and pleasure born of undistractible-lucidity, with internal clarity and confidence, and unified mind, without directing-thought and evaluation.
So imameva kāyaṃ samādhijena pītisukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripūreti parippharati, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa samādhijena pītisukhena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
They drench, steep, fill, and spread their body with rapture and pleasure born of undistractible-lucidity. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with rapture and pleasure born of undistractible-lucidity.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, udakarahado gambhīro ubbhidodako. Tassa nevassa puratthimāya disāya udakassa āyamukhaṃ, na pacchimāya disāya udakassa āyamukhaṃ, na uttarāya disāya udakassa āyamukhaṃ, na dakkhiṇāya disāya udakassa āyamukhaṃ, devo ca na kālena kālaṃ sammā dhāraṃ anuppaveccheyya;
It’s like a deep lake fed by spring water. There’s no inlet to the east, west, north, or south, and no rainfall to replenish it from time to time.
atha kho tamhāva udakarahadā sītā vāridhārā ubbhijjitvā tameva udakarahadaṃ sītena vārinā abhisandeyya parisandeyya paripūreyya paripphareyya, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato udakarahadassa sītena vārinā apphuṭaṃ assa.
But the stream of cool water welling up in the lake drenches, steeps, fills, and spreads throughout the lake. There’s no part of the lake that’s not spread through with cool water.
Evameva kho, udāyi, bhikkhu imameva kāyaṃ samādhijena pītisukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripūreti parippharati, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa samādhijena pītisukhena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
In the same way, a monk drenches, steeps, fills, and spreads their body with rapture and pleasure born of undistractible-lucidity. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with rapture and pleasure born of undistractible-lucidity.
Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, bhikkhu pītiyā ca virāgā … pe … tatiyaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati.
Furthermore, with the fading away of rapture, a monk enters and remains in the third jhāna. They meditate with equanimity, rememberful and aware, personally experiencing the pleasure of which the noble ones declare, ‘Equanimous and rememberful, one meditates in pleasure.’
So imameva kāyaṃ nippītikena sukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripūreti parippharati, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa nippītikena sukhena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
They drench, steep, fill, and spread their body with pleasure free of rapture. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with pleasure free of rapture.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, uppaliniyaṃ vā paduminiyaṃ vā puṇḍarīkiniyaṃ vā appekaccāni uppalāni vā padumāni vā puṇḍarīkāni vā udake jātāni udake saṃvaḍḍhāni udakānuggatāni anto nimuggaposīni, tāni yāva caggā yāva ca mūlā sītena vārinā abhisannāni parisannāni paripūrāni paripphuṭāni, nāssa kiñci sabbāvataṃ, uppalānaṃ vā padumānaṃ vā puṇḍarīkānaṃ vā sītena vārinā apphuṭaṃ assa;
It’s like a pool with blue water lilies, or pink or white lotuses. Some of them sprout and grow in the water without rising above it, thriving underwater. From the tip to the root they’re drenched, steeped, filled, and soaked with cool water. There’s no part of them that’s not soaked with cool water.
evameva kho, udāyi, bhikkhu imameva kāyaṃ nippītikena sukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripūreti parippharati, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa nippītikena sukhena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
In the same way, a monk drenches, steeps, fills, and spreads their body with pleasure free of rapture. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with pleasure free of rapture.
Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, bhikkhu sukhassa ca pahānā dukkhassa ca pahānā pubbeva somanassadomanassānaṃ atthaṅgamā adukkhamasukhaṃ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṃ catutthaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati.
Furthermore, giving up pleasure and pain, and ending former happiness and sadness, a monk enters and remains in the fourth jhāna. It is without pleasure or pain, with pure equanimity and remembering.
So imameva kāyaṃ parisuddhena cetasā pariyodātena pharitvā nisinno hoti, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa parisuddhena cetasā pariyodātena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
They sit spreading their body through with pure bright mind. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with pure bright mind.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, puriso odātena vatthena sasīsaṃ pārupitvā nisinno assa, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa odātena vatthena apphuṭaṃ assa;
It’s like someone sitting wrapped from head to foot with white cloth. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread over with white cloth.
evameva kho, udāyi, bhikkhu imameva kāyaṃ parisuddhena cetasā pariyodātena pharitvā nisinno hoti, nāssa kiñci sabbāvato kāyassa parisuddhena cetasā pariyodātena apphuṭaṃ hoti.
In the same way, they sit spreading their body through with pure bright mind. There’s no part of the body that’s not spread with pure bright mind.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.21 - (four elements meditation and simile)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā evaṃ pajānanti:
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to understand this:
‘ayaṃ kho me kāyo rūpī cātumahābhūtiko mātāpettikasambhavo odanakummāsūpacayo aniccucchādanaparimaddanabhedanaviddhaṃsanadhammo;
‘This body of mine is physical. It’s made up of the four primary elements, produced by mother and father, built up from rice and porridge, liable to impermanence, to wearing away and erosion, to breaking up and destruction.
idañca pana me viññāṇaṃ ettha sitaṃ ettha paṭibaddhaṃ’.
And this consciousness of mine is attached to it, tied to it.’
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, maṇi veḷuriyo subho jātimā aṭṭhaṃso suparikammakato accho vippasanno sabbākārasampanno;
Suppose there was a beryl gem that was naturally beautiful, eight-faceted, with expert workmanship, transparent and clear, endowed with all good Dharmas.
tatridaṃ suttaṃ āvutaṃ nīlaṃ vā pītaṃ vā lohitaṃ vā odātaṃ vā paṇḍusuttaṃ vā.
And it was strung with a thread of blue, yellow, red, white, or golden brown.
Tamenaṃ cakkhumā puriso hatthe karitvā paccavekkheyya:
And someone with good eyesight were to take it in their hand and examine it:
‘ayaṃ kho maṇi veḷuriyo subho jātimā aṭṭhaṃso suparikammakato accho vippasanno sabbākārasampanno;
‘This beryl gem is naturally beautiful, eight-faceted, with expert workmanship, transparent and clear, endowed with all good Dharmas.
tatridaṃ suttaṃ āvutaṃ nīlaṃ vā pītaṃ vā lohitaṃ vā odātaṃ vā paṇḍusuttaṃ vā’ti.
And it’s strung with a thread of blue, yellow, red, white, or golden brown.’
Evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā evaṃ pajānanti:
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to understand this:
‘ayaṃ kho me kāyo rūpī cātumahābhūtiko mātāpettikasambhavo odanakummāsūpacayo aniccucchādanaparimaddanabhedanaviddhaṃsanadhammo;
‘This body of mine is physical. It’s made up of the four primary elements, produced by mother and father, built up from rice and porridge, liable to impermanence, to wearing away and erosion, to breaking up and destruction.
idañca pana me viññāṇaṃ ettha sitaṃ ettha paṭibaddhan’ti.
And this consciousness of mine is attached to it, tied to it.’
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.22 - (mind made body with simile)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā imamhā kāyā aññaṃ kāyaṃ abhinimminanti rūpiṃ manomayaṃ sabbaṅgapaccaṅgiṃ ahīnindriyaṃ.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to create from this body another body, consisting of form, mind-made, complete in all its various parts, not deficient in any faculty.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, puriso muñjamhā īsikaṃ pabbāheyya;
Suppose a person was to draw a reed out from its sheath.
tassa evamassa:
They’d think:
‘ayaṃ muñjo, ayaṃ īsikā; añño muñjo, aññā īsikā; muñjamhā tveva īsikā pabbāḷhā’ti.
‘This is the reed, this is the sheath. The reed and the sheath are different things. The reed has been drawn out from the sheath.’
Seyyathā vā panudāyi, puriso asiṃ kosiyā pabbāheyya;
Or suppose a person was to draw a sword out from its scabbard.
tassa evamassa:
They’d think:
‘ayaṃ asi, ayaṃ kosi; añño asi aññā kosi; kosiyā tveva asi pabbāḷho’ti.
‘This is the sword, this is the scabbard. The sword and the scabbard are different things. The sword has been drawn out from the scabbard.’
Seyyathā vā, panudāyi, puriso ahiṃ karaṇḍā uddhareyya;
Or suppose a person was to draw a snake out from its slough.
tassa evamassa:
They’d think:
‘ayaṃ ahi, ayaṃ karaṇḍo; añño ahi, añño karaṇḍo; karaṇḍā tveva ahi ubbhato’ti.
‘This is the snake, this is the slough. The snake and the slough are different things. The snake has been drawn out from the slough.’
Evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā imamhā kāyā aññaṃ kāyaṃ abhinimminanti rūpiṃ manomayaṃ sabbaṅgapaccaṅgiṃ ahīnindriyaṃ.
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to create from this body another body, consisting of form, mind-made, complete in all its various parts, not deficient in any faculty.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.23 - (6ab ⚡☸ higher knowledges with similes)

(#1 supernormal powers)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā anekavihitaṃ iddhividhaṃ paccanubhonti—ekopi hutvā bahudhā honti, bahudhāpi hutvā eko hoti; āvibhāvaṃ, tirobhāvaṃ; tirokuṭṭaṃ tiropākāraṃ tiropabbataṃ asajjamānā gacchanti, seyyathāpi ākāse; pathaviyāpi ummujjanimujjaṃ karonti, seyyathāpi udake; udakepi abhijjamāne gacchanti, seyyathāpi pathaviyaṃ; ākāsepi pallaṅkena kamanti, seyyathāpi pakkhī sakuṇo; imepi candimasūriye evaṃmahiddhike evaṃmahānubhāve pāṇinā parimasanti parimajjanti, yāva brahmalokāpi kāyena vasaṃ vattenti.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to wield the many kinds of psychic power: multiplying themselves and becoming one again; appearing and disappearing; going unimpeded through a wall, a rampart, or a mountain as if through space; diving in and out of the earth as if it were water; walking on water as if it were earth; flying cross-legged through the sky like a bird; touching and stroking with the hand the sun and moon, so mighty and powerful. They control the body as far as the Brahmā realm.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, dakkho kumbhakāro vā kumbhakārantevāsī vā suparikammakatāya mattikāya yaṃ yadeva bhājanavikatiṃ ākaṅkheyya taṃ tadeva kareyya abhinipphādeyya;
Suppose an expert potter or their apprentice had some well-prepared clay. They could produce any kind of pot that they like.
seyyathā vā panudāyi, dakkho dantakāro vā dantakārantevāsī vā suparikammakatasmiṃ dantasmiṃ yaṃ yadeva dantavikatiṃ ākaṅkheyya taṃ tadeva kareyya abhinipphādeyya;
Or suppose an expert ivory-carver or their apprentice had some well-prepared ivory. They could produce any kind of ivory item that they like.
seyyathā vā panudāyi, dakkho suvaṇṇakāro vā suvaṇṇakārantevāsī vā suparikammakatasmiṃ suvaṇṇasmiṃ yaṃ yadeva suvaṇṇavikatiṃ ākaṅkheyya taṃ tadeva kareyya abhinipphādeyya.
Or suppose an expert goldsmith or their apprentice had some well-prepared gold. They could produce any kind of gold item that they like.
Evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā anekavihitaṃ iddhividhaṃ paccanubhonti—ekopi hutvā bahudhā honti, bahudhāpi hutvā eko hoti; āvibhāvaṃ, tirobhāvaṃ; tirokuṭṭaṃ tiropākāraṃ tiropabbataṃ asajjamānā gacchanti, seyyathāpi ākāse; pathaviyāpi ummujjanimujjaṃ karonti, seyyathāpi udake; udakepi abhijjamāne gacchanti, seyyathāpi pathaviyaṃ; ākāsepi pallaṅkena kamanti, seyyathāpi pakkhī sakuṇo; imepi candimasūriye evaṃmahiddhike evaṃmahānubhāve pāṇinā parimasanti parimajjanti, yāva brahmalokāpi kāyena vasaṃ vattenti.
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to wield the many kinds of psychic power …
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

(#2 divine ear)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā dibbāya sotadhātuyā visuddhāya atikkantamānusikāya ubho sadde suṇanti—dibbe ca mānuse ca, ye dūre santike ca.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use so that, with clairaudience that is purified and superhuman, they hear both kinds of sounds, human and divine, whether near or far.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, balavā saṅkhadhamo appakasireneva cātuddisā viññāpeyya;
Suppose there was a powerful horn blower. They’d easily make themselves heard in the four directions.
evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā dibbāya sotadhātuyā visuddhāya atikkantamānusikāya ubho sadde suṇanti—dibbe ca mānuse ca, ye dūre santike ca.
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use so that, with clairaudience that is purified and superhuman, they hear both kinds of sounds, human and divine, whether near or far.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

(#3 mind reading)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā parasattānaṃ parapuggalānaṃ cetasā ceto paricca pajānanti—sarāgaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘sarāgaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, vītarāgaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘vītarāgaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; sadosaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘sadosaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, vītadosaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘vītadosaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; samohaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘samohaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, vītamohaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘vītamohaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; saṃkhittaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘saṃkhittaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, vikkhittaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘vikkhittaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; mahaggataṃ vā cittaṃ ‘mahaggataṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, amahaggataṃ vā cittaṃ ‘amahaggataṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; sauttaraṃ vā cittaṃ ‘sauttaraṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, anuttaraṃ vā cittaṃ ‘anuttaraṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; samāhitaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘samāhitaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, asamāhitaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘asamāhitaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti; vimuttaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘vimuttaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, avimuttaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘avimuttaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to understand the minds of other beings and individuals, having comprehended them with their own mind. They understand mind with greed as ‘mind with greed’, and mind without greed as ‘mind without greed’; mind with hate as ‘mind with hate’, and mind without hate as ‘mind without hate’; mind with delusion as ‘mind with delusion’, and mind without delusion as ‘mind without delusion’; contracted mind as ‘contracted mind’, and scattered mind as ‘scattered mind’; expansive mind as ‘expansive mind’, and unexpansive mind as ‘unexpansive mind’; mind that is not supreme as ‘mind that is not supreme’, and mind that is supreme as ‘mind that is supreme’; mind undistractified-&-lucidified in samādhi as ‘mind undistractified-&-lucidified in samādhi’, and mind not undistractified-&-lucidified in samādhi as ‘mind not undistractified-&-lucidified in samādhi’; freed mind as ‘freed mind’, and unfreed mind as ‘unfreed mind’.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, itthī vā puriso vā daharo yuvā maṇḍanakajātiko ādāse vā parisuddhe pariyodāte acche vā udakapatte sakaṃ mukhanimittaṃ paccavekkhamāno sakaṇikaṃ vā ‘sakaṇikan’ti jāneyya, akaṇikaṃ vā ‘akaṇikan’ti jāneyya;
Suppose there was a woman or man who was young, youthful, and fond of adornments, and they check their own reflection in a clean bright mirror or a clear bowl of water. If they had a spot they’d know ‘I have a spot’, and if they had no spots they’d know ‘I have no spots’.
evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā parasattānaṃ parapuggalānaṃ cetasā ceto paricca pajānanti—sarāgaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘sarāgaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti, vītarāgaṃ vā cittaṃ … pe … sadosaṃ vā cittaṃ … vītadosaṃ vā cittaṃ … samohaṃ vā cittaṃ … vītamohaṃ vā cittaṃ … saṃkhittaṃ vā cittaṃ … vikkhittaṃ vā cittaṃ … mahaggataṃ vā cittaṃ … amahaggataṃ vā cittaṃ … sauttaraṃ vā cittaṃ … anuttaraṃ vā cittaṃ … samāhitaṃ vā cittaṃ … asamāhitaṃ vā cittaṃ … vimuttaṃ vā cittaṃ … avimuttaṃ vā cittaṃ ‘avimuttaṃ cittan’ti pajānanti.
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to understand the minds of other beings and individuals, having comprehended them with their own mind …
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

(#4 recollect past lives)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā anekavihitaṃ pubbenivāsaṃ anussaranti, seyyathidaṃ—ekampi jātiṃ dvepi jātiyo tissopi jātiyo catassopi jātiyo pañcapi jātiyo dasapi jātiyo vīsampi jātiyo tiṃsampi jātiyo cattālīsampi jātiyo paññāsampi jātiyo jātisatampi jātisahassampi jātisatasahassampi, anekepi saṃvaṭṭakappe anekepi vivaṭṭakappe anekepi saṃvaṭṭavivaṭṭakappe: ‘amutrāsiṃ evaṃnāmo evaṅgotto evaṃvaṇṇo evamāhāro evaṃsukhadukkhappaṭisaṃvedī evamāyupariyanto, so tato cuto amutra udapādiṃ; tatrāpāsiṃ evaṃnāmo evaṅgotto evaṃvaṇṇo evamāhāro evaṃsukhadukkhappaṭisaṃvedī evamāyupariyanto, so tato cuto idhūpapanno’ti. Iti sākāraṃ sauddesaṃ anekavihitaṃ pubbenivāsaṃ anussarati.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to recollect the many kinds of past lives. That is: one, two, three, four, five, ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, a hundred, a thousand, a hundred thousand rebirths; many eons of the world contracting, many eons of the world evolving, many eons of the world contracting and evolving. ‘There, I was named this, my clan was that, I looked like this, and that was my food. This was how I felt pleasure and pain, and that was how my life ended. When I passed away from that place I was reborn somewhere else. There, too, I was named this, my clan was that, I looked like this, and that was my food. This was how I felt pleasure and pain, and that was how my life ended. When I passed away from that place I was reborn here.’ And so they recollect their many kinds of past lives, with features and details.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, puriso sakamhā gāmā aññaṃ gāmaṃ gaccheyya, tamhāpi gāmā aññaṃ gāmaṃ gaccheyya; so tamhā gāmā sakaṃyeva gāmaṃ paccāgaccheyya; tassa evamassa: ‘ahaṃ kho sakamhā gāmā aññaṃ gāmaṃ agacchiṃ, tatra evaṃ aṭṭhāsiṃ evaṃ nisīdiṃ evaṃ abhāsiṃ evaṃ tuṇhī ahosiṃ; tamhāpi gāmā amuṃ gāmaṃ agacchiṃ, tatrāpi evaṃ aṭṭhāsiṃ evaṃ nisīdiṃ evaṃ abhāsiṃ evaṃ tuṇhī ahosiṃ, somhi tamhā gāmā sakaṃyeva gāmaṃ paccāgato’ti.
Suppose a person was to leave their home village and go to another village. From that village they’d go to yet another village. And from that village they’d return to their home village. They’d think: ‘I went from my home village to another village. There I stood like this, sat like that, spoke like this, or kept silent like that. From that village I went to yet another village. There too I stood like this, sat like that, spoke like this, or kept silent like that. And from that village I returned to my home village.’
Evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā anekavihitaṃ pubbenivāsaṃ anussaranti, seyyathidaṃ—ekampi jātiṃ … pe … iti sākāraṃ sauddesaṃ anekavihitaṃ pubbenivāsaṃ anussaranti.
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to recollect the many kinds of past lives.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

(#5 divine eye)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkantamānusakena satte passanti cavamāne upapajjamāne hīne paṇīte suvaṇṇe dubbaṇṇe sugate duggate yathākammūpage satte pajānanti: ‘ime vata bhonto sattā kāyaduccaritena samannāgatā vacīduccaritena samannāgatā manoduccaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṃ upavādakā micchādiṭṭhikā micchādiṭṭhikammasamādānā, te kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā apāyaṃ duggatiṃ vinipātaṃ nirayaṃ upapannā; ime vā pana bhonto sattā kāyasucaritena samannāgatā vacīsucaritena samannāgatā manosucaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṃ anupavādakā sammādiṭṭhikā sammādiṭṭhikammasamādānā, te kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā sugatiṃ saggaṃ lokaṃ upapannā’ti. Iti dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkantamānusakena satte passanti cavamāne upapajjamāne hīne paṇīte suvaṇṇe dubbaṇṇe sugate duggate yathākammūpage satte pajānanti.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use so that, with clairvoyance that is purified and superhuman, they see sentient beings passing away and being reborn—inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, in a good place or a bad place. They understand how sentient beings are reborn according to their deeds: ‘These dear beings did bad things by way of body, speech, and mind. They spoke ill of the noble ones; they had wrong view; and they chose to act out of that wrong view. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell. These dear beings, however, did good things by way of body, speech, and mind. They never spoke ill of the noble ones; they had right view; and they chose to act out of that right view. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm.’ And so, with clairvoyance that is purified and superhuman, they see sentient beings passing away and being reborn—inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, in a good place or a bad place. They understand how sentient beings are reborn according to their deeds.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, dve agārā sadvārā. Tatra cakkhumā puriso majjhe ṭhito passeyya manusse gehaṃ pavisantepi nikkhamantepi anucaṅkamantepi anuvicarantepi;
Suppose there were two houses with doors. A person with good eyesight standing in between them would see people entering and leaving a house and wandering to and fro.
evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkantamānusakena satte passanti cavamāne upapajjamāne hīne paṇīte suvaṇṇe dubbaṇṇe sugate duggate yathākammūpage satte pajānanti … pe …
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use so that, with clairvoyance that is purified and superhuman, they see sentient beings passing away and being reborn …
tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

(#6 destruction of asinine inclinations)


Puna caparaṃ, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā āsavānaṃ khayā anāsavaṃ cetovimuttiṃ paññāvimuttiṃ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṃ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharanti.
Furthermore, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom in this very life. And they live having realized it with their own insight due to the ending of defilements.
Seyyathāpi, udāyi, pabbatasaṅkhepe udakarahado accho vippasanno anāvilo, tattha cakkhumā puriso tīre ṭhito passeyya sippisambukampi sakkharakaṭhalampi macchagumbampi carantampi tiṭṭhantampi. Tassa evamassa: ‘ayaṃ kho udakarahado accho vippasanno anāvilo, tatrime sippisambukāpi sakkharakaṭhalāpi macchagumbāpi carantipi tiṭṭhantipī’ti.
Suppose there was a lake that was transparent, clear, and unclouded. A person with good eyesight standing on the bank would see the mussel shells, gravel and pebbles, and schools of fish swimming about or staying still. They’d think: ‘This lake is transparent, clear, and unclouded. And here are the mussel shells, gravel and pebbles, and schools of fish swimming about or staying still.’
Evameva kho, udāyi, akkhātā mayā sāvakānaṃ paṭipadā, yathāpaṭipannā me sāvakā āsavānaṃ khayā anāsavaṃ cetovimuttiṃ paññāvimuttiṃ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṃ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharanti.
In the same way, I have explained to my disciples a practice that they use to realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom in this very life. And they live having realized it with their own insight due to the ending of defilements.
Tatra ca pana me sāvakā bahū abhiññāvosānapāramippattā viharanti.
And many of my disciples meditate on that having attained perfection and consummation of insight.

77.24 - (conclusion)

(this concludes section MN 77.5.5)

Ayaṃ kho, udāyi, pañcamo dhammo yena mama sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharanti.
[All of these Dharma teachings that lead to awakening] is the fifth Dharma because of which my disciples are loyal to me.
Ime kho, udāyi, pañca dhammā yehi mamaṃ sāvakā sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, sakkatvā garuṃ katvā upanissāya viharantī”ti.
These are the five Dharmas because of which my disciples honor, respect, revere, and venerate me; and after honoring and respecting me, they remain loyal to me.”
Idamavoca bhagavā.
That is what the Buddha said.
Attamano sakuludāyī paribbājako bhagavato bhāsitaṃ abhinandīti.
Satisfied, the wanderer Sakuludāyī was happy with what the Buddha said.
(end of sutta⏹️)


MN 77 commentary

B. Thanissaro from his MN 77 intro

https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN77.html
Introduction

This sutta illustrates a principle set forth in DN 1: that run-of-the-mill people, when praising the Buddha, tend to speak only of minor matters, connected with virtue. They don’t really understand the higher reasons for giving the Buddha the praise he rightly deserves.

Sakuludāyin the wanderer, in conversation with the Buddha, here states that the Buddha is respected by his followers because he eats little; he is content with little in terms of food, clothing, and shelter; and he practices seclusion. The Buddha replies that he has students who eat less than he does; who are more ascetic than he is in terms of food, clothing, and shelter; and who practice seclusion more stringently than he does. If Sakuludāyin’s reasons were the only ones for which the Buddha’s followers respected him, these more stringent followers wouldn’t respect him at all.

The Buddha then goes on to explain five deeper reasons for which his followers respect him. The five fall into two sorts: Dharmas of his character, and his ability to teach them to master many skills, all the way to the total ending of suffering.

Because the Buddha in this sutta states that he does not follow the strict ascetic regimen that some of his students do, some people have interpreted this sutta as an implied criticism of those students and of ascetic regimens in general. This interpretation, however, takes the Buddha’s statements out of two contexts: their context within this sutta, and their context within his statements about ascetic regimens in other suttas.

In terms of this sutta, there is nothing in the Buddha’s words in this sutta to suggest that he is criticizing his stricter followers in any way. And in terms of his statements about asceticism in other suttas, it’s easy to see why. MN 101 contains a passage that is particularly relevant here.

“Suppose a fletcher were to heat & warm an arrow shaft between two flames, making it straight & pliable. Then at a later time he would no longer heat & warm the shaft between two flames, making it straight & pliable. Why is that? Because he has attained the goal for which he was heating & warming the shaft. That is why at a later time he would no longer heat & warm the shaft between two flames, making it straight & pliable.

“In the same way, the monk notices this: ‘When I live according to my pleasure, unskillful Dharmas increase in me & skillful Dharmas decline. When I exert myself with stress & pain, though, unskillful Dharmas decline in me & skillful Dharmas increase. Why don’t I exert myself with stress & pain?’ So he exerts himself with stress & pain, and while he is exerting himself with stress & pain, unskillful Dharmas decline in him, & skillful Dharmas increase. Then at a later time he would no longer exert himself with stress & pain. Why is that? Because he has attained the goal for which he was exerting himself with stress & pain. That is why, at a later time, he would no longer exert himself with stress & pain.” — MN 101

This passage makes two points. The first is that some people find that they cannot indulge in certain pleasures without provoking unskillful Dharmas in the mind. In cases like that, they have to avoid those pleasure and practice with pain. This would be the legitimate reason for which the Buddha’s followers would follow a stricter ascetic regimen than the Buddha, and there would be no reason for him to criticize them for doing so.

The second point explains why the Buddha himself no longer adheres to an ascetic regimen: He has already achieved his goal, and so is in no danger of falling back, even when eating larger amounts of food; when making use of exquisite food, clothing, and shelter; and when living surrounded by students and visitors. He is like the fletcher who has succeeded in straightening the arrow and no longer has to heat it between two flames.

Rather than taking a categorical position that all asceticism is bad or all asceticism is good, the Buddha took an analytical approach to the issue:

“If, when an asceticism is pursued, unskillful Dharmas increase and skillful Dharmas decline, then I tell you that that sort of asceticism is not to be pursued. But if, when an asceticism is pursued, unskillful Dharmas decline and skillful Dharmas increase, then I tell you that that sort of asceticism is to be pursued.” — AN 10:94

“Headman, those who say, ‘Gotama the contemplative criticizes all asceticism, that he categorically denounces & disparages all ascetics who live the rough life,’ are not saying what I have said, and they slander me with what is unfactual & untrue.…

“As for the ascetic living the rough life who afflicts & torments himself, who doesn’t attain a skilled state, and doesn’t realize a superior human state, a truly noble distinction of knowledge & vision: This ascetic living the rough life can be criticized on three grounds. On which three grounds can he be criticized? ‘He afflicts & torments himself’: This is the first ground on which he can be criticized. ‘He doesn’t attain a skilled state’: This is the second ground on which he can be criticized. ‘He doesn’t realize a superior human state, a truly noble distinction of knowledge & vision’: This is the third ground on which he can be criticized.…

“As for the ascetic living the rough life who afflicts & torments himself, who attains a skilled state, and who realizes a superior human state, a truly noble distinction of knowledge & vision: This ascetic living the rough life can be criticized on one ground and praised on two. On which one ground can he be criticized? ‘He afflicts & torments himself’: This is the one ground on which he can be criticized.… On which two grounds can he be praised? ‘He attains a skilled state’: This is the first ground on which he can be praised. ‘He realizes a superior human state, a truly noble distinction of knowledge & vision’: This is the second ground on which he can be praised.” — SN 42:12

The last example shows that ascetic practices, in and of themselves, are not necessarily contrary to the middle way. It is possible to follow them all the way to the noble attainments. And, as this sutta shows, only when you have followed the path to its culmination and attained the noble attainments can you fully appreciate how skilled a teacher the Buddha was.


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