AN 3 The Book of the Threes – Tikanipāta > AN 3.70 Sabbath

Numbered Discourses 3.70 – Aṅguttara Nikāya 3.70

7. The Great Chapter – 7. Mahāvagga

AN 3.70 Sabbath – Uposathasutta

1.1

So I have heard.

Evaṁ me sutaṁ—

1.2

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the Eastern Monastery, the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother.

ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati pubbārāme migāramātupāsāde.

1.3

Then Visākhā, Migāra’s mother, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to her,

Atha kho visākhā migāramātā tadahuposathe yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho visākhaṁ migāramātaraṁ bhagavā etadavoca:

1.4

“So, Visākhā, where are you coming from in the middle of the day?”

“handa kuto nu tvaṁ, visākhe, āgacchasi divā divassā”ti?

1.5

“Today, sir, I’m observing the sabbath.”

“Uposathāhaṁ, bhante, ajja upavasāmī”ti.

2.1

“There are, Visākhā, these three sabbaths.

“Tayo khome, visākhe, uposathā.

2.2

What three?

Katame tayo?

2.3

The sabbath of the cowherds, the sabbath of the Jains, and the sabbath of the noble ones.

Gopālakuposatho, nigaṇṭhuposatho, ariyuposatho.

2.4

And what is the sabbath of the cowherds?

Kathañca, visākhe, gopālakuposatho hoti?

2.5

It’s just like a cowherd who, in the late afternoon, takes the cows back to their owners. They reflect:

Seyyathāpi, visākhe, gopālako sāyanhasamaye sāmikānaṁ gāvo niyyātetvā iti paṭisañcikkhati:

2.6

‘Today the cows grazed in this place and that, and they drank in this place and that.

‘ajja kho gāvo amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese cariṁsu, amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese pānīyāni piviṁsu;

2.7

Tomorrow the cows will graze in this place and that, and drink in this place and that.’

sve dāni gāvo amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese carissanti, amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese pānīyāni pivissantī’ti;

2.8

In the same way, someone keeping the sabbath reflects:

evamevaṁ kho, visākhe, idhekacco uposathiko iti paṭisañcikkhati:

2.9

‘Today I ate this and that, and had a meal of this and that.

‘ahaṁ khvajja idañcidañca khādanīyaṁ khādiṁ, idañcidañca bhojanīyaṁ bhuñjiṁ;

2.10

Tomorrow I’ll eat this and that, and have a meal of this and that.’

sve dānāhaṁ idañcidañca khādanīyaṁ khādissāmi, idañcidañca bhojanīyaṁ bhuñjissāmī’ti.

2.11

And so they spend their day with a mind full of covetousness.

So tena abhijjhāsahagatena cetasā divasaṁ atināmeti.

2.12

That’s the sabbath of the cowherds.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, gopālakuposatho hoti.

2.13

When the cowherd’s sabbath is observed like this it’s not very fruitful or beneficial or splendid or bountiful.

Evaṁ upavuttho kho, visākhe, gopālakuposatho na mahapphalo hoti na mahānisaṁso na mahājutiko na mahāvipphāro.

3.1

And what is the sabbath of the Jains?

Kathañca, visākhe, nigaṇṭhuposatho hoti?

3.2

There’s a kind of ascetic belonging to a group called the Jains.

Atthi, visākhe, nigaṇṭhā nāma samaṇajātikā.

3.3

They encourage their disciples:

Te sāvakaṁ evaṁ samādapenti:

3.4

‘Please, good people, don’t hurt any living creatures more than a hundred leagues away to the east.

‘ehi tvaṁ, ambho purisa, ye puratthimāya disāya pāṇā paraṁ yojanasataṁ tesu daṇḍaṁ nikkhipāhi;

3.5

Don’t hurt any living creatures more than a hundred leagues away to the west.

ye pacchimāya disāya pāṇā paraṁ yojanasataṁ tesu daṇḍaṁ nikkhipāhi;

3.6

Don’t hurt any living creatures more than a hundred leagues away to the north.

ye uttarāya disāya pāṇā paraṁ yojanasataṁ tesu daṇḍaṁ nikkhipāhi;

3.7

Don’t hurt any living creatures more than a hundred leagues away to the south.’

ye dakkhiṇāya disāya pāṇā paraṁ yojanasataṁ tesu daṇḍaṁ nikkhipāhī’ti.

3.8

So they encourage kindness and compassion for some creatures and not others.

Iti ekaccānaṁ pāṇānaṁ anuddayāya anukampāya samādapenti, ekaccānaṁ pāṇānaṁ nānuddayāya nānukampāya samādapenti.

3.9

On the sabbath, they encourage their disciples:

Te tadahuposathe sāvakaṁ evaṁ samādapenti:

3.10

‘Please, good people, take off all your clothes and say:

‘ehi tvaṁ, ambho purisa, sabbacelāni nikkhipitvā evaṁ vadehi—

3.11

“I don’t belong to anyone anywhere! And nothing belongs to me anywhere!”’

nāhaṁ kvacani kassaci kiñcanatasmiṁ, na ca mama kvacani katthaci kiñcanatatthī’ti.

3.12

But their mother and father still know,

Jānanti kho panassa mātāpitaro:

3.13

‘This is our child.’

‘ayaṁ amhākaṁ putto’ti;

3.14

And they know,

sopi jānāti:

3.15

‘This is my mother and father.’

‘ime mayhaṁ mātāpitaro’ti.

3.16

Partner and child still know,

Jānāti kho panassa puttadāro:

3.17

‘This is our supporter.’

‘ayaṁ mayhaṁ bhattā’ti;

3.18

And they know,

sopi jānāti:

3.19

‘This is my partner and child.’

‘ayaṁ mayhaṁ puttadāro’ti.

3.20

Bondservants, workers, and staff still know:

Jānanti kho panassa dāsakammakaraporisā:

3.21

‘This is our master.’

‘ayaṁ amhākaṁ ayyo’ti;

3.22

And they know,

sopi jānāti:

3.23

‘These are my bondservants, workers, and staff.’

‘ime mayhaṁ dāsakammakaraporisā’ti.

3.24

So, at a time when they should be encouraged to speak the truth, the Jains encourage them to lie.

Iti yasmiṁ samaye sacce samādapetabbā musāvāde tasmiṁ samaye samādapenti.

3.25

This, I say, is lying.

Idaṁ tassa musāvādasmiṁ vadāmi.

3.26

When the night has passed they use their possessions once more, though they’ve not been given back to them.

So tassā rattiyā accayena bhoge adinnaṁyeva paribhuñjati.

3.27

This, I say, is stealing.

Idaṁ tassa adinnādānasmiṁ vadāmi.

3.28

That’s the sabbath of the Jains.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, nigaṇṭhuposatho hoti.

3.29

When the Jain’s sabbath is observed like this it’s not very fruitful or beneficial or splendid or bountiful.

Evaṁ upavuttho kho, visākhe, nigaṇṭhuposatho na mahapphalo hoti na mahānisaṁso na mahājutiko na mahāvipphāro.

4.1

And what is the sabbath of the noble ones?

Kathañca, visākhe, ariyuposatho hoti?

4.2

A corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

4.3

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

4.4

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the Realized One:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako tathāgataṁ anussarati:

4.5

‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those who wish to train, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’

‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti.

4.6

As they recollect the Realized One, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up. It’s just like cleaning a dirty head by applying effort.

Tassa tathāgataṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa sīsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

5.1

And how is a dirty head cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa sīsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

5.2

With cleansing paste, clay, and water, and by applying the appropriate effort.

Kakkañca paṭicca mattikañca paṭicca udakañca paṭicca purisassa ca tajjaṁ vāyāmaṁ paṭicca, evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa sīsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

5.3

In the same way, a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evamevaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

6.1

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

6.2

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the Realized One:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako tathāgataṁ anussarati:

6.3

‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti.

6.4

As they recollect the Realized One, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.

Tassa tathāgataṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti.

6.5

This is called:

Ayaṁ vuccati, visākhe:

6.6

‘A noble disciple who observes the sabbath of Brahmā, living together with Brahmā. And because they think of Brahmā their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.’

‘ariyasāvako brahmuposathaṁ upavasati, brahmunā saddhiṁ saṁvasati, brahmañcassa ārabbha cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’.

6.7

That’s how a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. .1

7.1

A corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

7.2

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

7.3

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the teaching:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako dhammaṁ anussarati:

7.4

‘The teaching is well explained by the Buddha—visible in this very life, immediately effective, inviting inspection, relevant, so that sensible people can know it for themselves.’

‘svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko opaneyyiko paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhī’ti.

7.5

As they recollect the teaching, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up. It’s just like cleaning a dirty body by applying effort.

Tassa dhammaṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa kāyassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

8.1

And how is a dirty body cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa kāyassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

8.2

With pastes of powdered shells and herbs, water, and by applying the appropriate effort.

Sottiñca paṭicca, cuṇṇañca paṭicca, udakañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṁ vāyāmaṁ paṭicca.

8.3

That’s how a dirty body is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa kāyassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

8.4

In the same way, a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evamevaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

9.1

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

9.2

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the teaching:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako dhammaṁ anussarati:

9.3

‘The teaching is well explained by the Buddha—visible in this very life, immediately effective, inviting inspection, relevant, so that sensible people can know it for themselves.’

‘svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko opaneyyiko paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhī’ti.

9.4

As they recollect the teaching, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.

Tassa dhammaṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti.

9.5

This is called: ‘A noble disciple who observes the sabbath of Dhamma, living together with Dhamma. And because they think of the Dhamma their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.’

Ayaṁ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako dhammuposathaṁ upavasati, dhammena saddhiṁ saṁvasati, dhammañcassa ārabbha cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’.

9.6

That’s how a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. .2

10.1

A corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

10.2

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

10.3

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the Saṅgha:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako saṅghaṁ anussarati:

10.4

‘The Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples is practicing the way that’s good, direct, methodical, and proper. It consists of the four pairs, the eight individuals. This is the Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples that is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of greeting with joined palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world.’

‘suppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, ujuppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, ñāyappaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, sāmīcippaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, yadidaṁ cattāri purisayugāni aṭṭha purisapuggalā esa bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā’ti.

10.5

As they recollect the Saṅgha, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up. It’s just like cleaning a dirty cloth by applying effort.

Tassa saṅghaṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa vatthassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

11.1

And how is a dirty cloth cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa vatthassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

11.2

With salt, lye, cow dung, and water, and by applying the appropriate effort.

Usmañca paṭicca, khārañca paṭicca, gomayañca paṭicca, udakañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṁ vāyāmaṁ paṭicca.

11.3

That’s how a dirty cloth is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa vatthassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

11.4

In the same way, a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evamevaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

12.1

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

12.2

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the Saṅgha:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako saṅghaṁ anussarati:

12.3

‘The Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples is practicing the way that’s good, direct, methodical, and proper. It consists of the four pairs, the eight individuals. This Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, and worthy of veneration with joined palms. It is the supreme field of merit for the world.’

‘suppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho …pe… anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā’ti.

12.4

As they recollect the Saṅgha, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.

Tassa saṅghaṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti.

12.5

This is called: ‘A noble disciple who observes the sabbath of the Saṅgha, living together with the Saṅgha. And because they think of the Saṅgha their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.’

Ayaṁ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako saṅghuposathaṁ upavasati, saṅghena saddhiṁ saṁvasati, saṅghañcassa ārabbha cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’.

12.6

That’s how a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. .3

13.1

A corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

13.2

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

13.3

It’s when a noble disciple recollects their own ethical conduct, which is unbroken, impeccable, spotless, and unmarred, liberating, praised by sensible people, not mistaken, and leading to samādhi.

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako attano sīlāni anussarati akhaṇḍāni acchiddāni asabalāni akammāsāni bhujissāni viññuppasatthāni aparāmaṭṭhāni samādhisaṁvattanikāni.

13.4

As they recollect their ethical conduct, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up. It’s just like cleaning a dirty mirror by applying effort.

Tassa sīlaṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa ādāsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

14.1

And how is a dirty mirror cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa ādāsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

14.2

With oil, ash, a rolled-up cloth, and by applying the appropriate effort.

Telañca paṭicca, chārikañca paṭicca, vālaṇḍupakañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṁ vāyāmaṁ paṭicca.

14.3

That’s how a dirty mirror is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa ādāsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

14.4

In the same way, a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evamevaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

15.1

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

15.2

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako attano sīlāni anussarati akhaṇḍāni …pe… samādhisaṁvattanikāni.

15.3

As they recollect their ethical conduct, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.

Tassa sīlaṁ anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti.

15.4

This is called: ‘A noble disciple who observes the sabbath of ethical conduct, living together with ethics. And because they think of their ethical conduct their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.’

Ayaṁ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako sīluposathaṁ upavasati, sīlena saddhiṁ saṁvasati, sīlañcassa ārabbha cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’.

15.5

That’s how a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. .4

16.1

A corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

16.2

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

16.3

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the deities:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako devatā anussarati:

16.4

‘There are the Gods of the Four Great Kings, the Gods of the Thirty-Three, the Gods of Yama, the Joyful Gods, the Gods Who Love to Create, the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others, the Gods of Brahmā’s Host, and gods even higher than these.

‘santi devā cātumahārājikā, santi devā tāvatiṁsā, santi devā yāmā, santi devā tusitā, santi devā nimmānaratino, santi devā paranimmitavasavattino, santi devā brahmakāyikā, santi devā tatuttari.

16.5

When those deities passed away from here, they were reborn there because of their faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom. I, too, have the same kind of faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom.’

Yathārūpāya saddhāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā saddhā saṁvijjati.

16.6

Yathārūpena sīlena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpaṁ sīlaṁ saṁvijjati.

16.7

Yathārūpena sutena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpaṁ sutaṁ saṁvijjati.

16.8

Yathārūpena cāgena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpo cāgo saṁvijjati.

16.9

Yathārūpāya paññāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā paññā saṁvijjatī’ti.

16.10

As they recollect the faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom of both themselves and those deities, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up. It’s just like cleaning dirty gold by applying effort.

Tassa attano ca tāsañca devatānaṁ saddhañca sīlañca sutañca cāgañca paññañca anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa jātarūpassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

17.1

And how is dirty gold cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa jātarūpassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

17.2

With a furnace, flux, a blowpipe, and tongs, and by applying the appropriate effort.

Ukkañca paṭicca, loṇañca paṭicca, gerukañca paṭicca, nāḷikasaṇḍāsañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṁ vāyāmaṁ paṭicca.

17.3

That’s how dirty gold is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa jātarūpassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

17.4

In the same way, a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evamevaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

18.1

And how is a corrupt mind cleaned by applying effort?

Kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

18.2

It’s when a noble disciple recollects the deities:

Idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako devatā anussarati:

18.3

‘santi devā cātumahārājikā, santi devā tāvatiṁsā …pe… santi devā tatuttari.

18.4

Yathārūpāya saddhāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā saddhā saṁvijjati.

18.5

Yathārūpena sīlena …

18.6

sutena …

18.7

cāgena …

18.8

paññāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā paññā saṁvijjatī’ti.

18.9

As they recollect the faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom of both themselves and those deities, their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.

Tassa attano ca tāsañca devatānaṁ saddhañca sīlañca sutañca cāgañca paññañca anussarato cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti.

18.10

This is called: ‘A noble disciple who observes the sabbath of the deities, living together with the deities. And because they think of the deities their mind becomes clear, joy arises, and mental corruptions are given up.’

Ayaṁ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako devatuposathaṁ upavasati, devatāhi saddhiṁ saṁvasati, devatā ārabbha cittaṁ pasīdati, pāmojjaṁ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’.

18.11

That’s how a corrupt mind is cleaned by applying effort.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. .5

19.1

Then that noble disciple reflects:

Sa kho so, visākhe, ariyasāvako iti paṭisañcikkhati:

19.2

‘As long as they live, the perfected ones give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. They are scrupulous and kind, and live full of compassion for all living beings.

‘yāvajīvaṁ arahanto pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā nihitadaṇḍā nihitasatthā lajjī dayāpannā sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharanti;

19.3

I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. I’ll be scrupulous and kind, and live full of compassion for all living beings.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharāmi.

19.4

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

20.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones give up stealing. They take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given. They keep themselves clean by not thieving.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto adinnādānaṁ pahāya adinnādānā paṭiviratā dinnādāyī dinnapāṭikaṅkhī, athenena sucibhūtena attanā viharanti;

20.2

I, too, for this day and night will give up stealing. I’ll take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given. I’ll keep myself clean by not thieving.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ adinnādānaṁ pahāya adinnādānā paṭivirato dinnādāyī dinnapāṭikaṅkhī, athenena sucibhūtena attanā viharāmi.

20.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

21.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones give up unchastity. They are celibate, set apart, avoiding the common practice of sex.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto abrahmacariyaṁ pahāya brahmacārī ārācārī viratā methunā gāmadhammā;

21.2

I, too, for this day and night will give up unchastity. I will be celibate, set apart, avoiding the common practice of sex.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ abrahmacariyaṁ pahāya brahmacārī ārācārī virato methunā gāmadhammā.

21.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

22.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones give up lying. They speak the truth and stick to the truth. They’re honest and trustworthy, and don’t trick the world with their words.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto musāvādaṁ pahāya musāvādā paṭiviratā saccavādī saccasandhā thetā paccayikā avisaṁvādakā lokassa;

22.2

I, too, for this day and night will give up lying. I’ll speak the truth and stick to the truth. I’ll be honest and trustworthy, and won’t trick the world with my words.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ musāvādaṁ pahāya musāvādā paṭivirato saccavādī saccasandho theto paccayiko avisaṁvādako lokassa.

22.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

23.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones give up alcoholic drinks that cause negligence.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā;

23.2

I, too, for this day and night will give up alcoholic drinks that cause negligence.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato.

23.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

24.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones eat in one part of the day, abstaining from eating at night and from food at the wrong time.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto ekabhattikā rattūparatā viratā vikālabhojanā;

24.2

I, too, for this day and night will eat in one part of the day, abstaining from eating at night and food at the wrong time.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ ekabhattiko rattūparato virato vikālabhojanā.

24.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

25.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones avoid dancing, singing, music, and seeing shows; and beautifying and adorning themselves with garlands, fragrance, and makeup.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto naccagītavāditavisūkadassanamālāgandhavilepanadhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā;

25.2

I, too, for this day and night will avoid dancing, singing, music, and seeing shows; and beautifying and adorning myself with garlands, fragrance, and makeup.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ naccagītavāditavisūkadassanamālāgandhavilepanadhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānā paṭivirato.

25.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

26.1

As long as they live, the perfected ones give up high and luxurious beds. They sleep in a low place, either a cot or a straw mat.

Yāvajīvaṁ arahanto uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭiviratā nīcaseyyaṁ kappenti mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā;

26.2

I, too, for this day and night will give up high and luxurious beds. I’ll sleep in a low place, either a cot or a straw mat.

ahampajja imañca rattiṁ imañca divasaṁ uccāsayanamahāsayanaṁ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭivirato nīcaseyyaṁ kappemi mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā.

26.3

I will observe the sabbath by doing as the perfected ones do in this respect.’

Imināpi aṅgena arahataṁ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī’ti.

27.1

That’s the sabbath of the noble ones.

Evaṁ kho, visākhe, ariyuposatho hoti.

27.2

When the sabbath of the noble ones is observed like this it’s very fruitful and beneficial and splendid and bountiful.

Evaṁ upavuttho kho, visākhe, ariyuposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṁso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro.

28.1

How much so?

Kīvamahapphalo hoti kīvamahānisaṁso kīvamahājutiko kīvamahāvipphāro?

28.2

Suppose you were to rule as sovereign lord over these sixteen great countries—Aṅga, Magadha, Kāsī, Kosala, Vajjī, Malla, Ceti, Vaṅga, Kuru, Pañcāla, Maccha, Sūrusena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhāra, and Kamboja—full of the seven treasures.

Seyyathāpi, visākhe, yo imesaṁ soḷasannaṁ mahājanapadānaṁ pahūtarattaratanānaṁ issariyādhipaccaṁ rajjaṁ kāreyya, seyyathidaṁ—

28.3

This wouldn’t be worth a sixteenth part of the sabbath with its eight factors.

aṅgānaṁ, magadhānaṁ, kāsīnaṁ, kosalānaṁ, vajjīnaṁ, mallānaṁ, cetīnaṁ, vaṅgānaṁ, kurūnaṁ, pañcālānaṁ, macchānaṁ, sūrasenānaṁ, assakānaṁ, avantīnaṁ, gandhārānaṁ, kambojānaṁ, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatassa uposathassa etaṁ kalaṁ nāgghati soḷasiṁ.

28.4

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

28.5

Because human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.

Kapaṇaṁ, visākhe, mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya.

29.1

Fifty years in the human realm is one day and night for the gods of the Four Great Kings.

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni paññāsa vassāni, cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo.

29.2

Thirty such days make up a month.

Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso.

29.3

Twelve such months make up a year.

Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo.

29.4

The life span of the gods of the Four Great Kings is five hundred of these divine years.

Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni pañca vassasatāni cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ.

29.5

It’s possible that a woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the gods of the Four Great Kings.

Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya.

29.6

This is what I was referring to when I said:

Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ:

29.7

‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’

‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.

30.1

A hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the Gods of the Thirty-Three.

Yaṁ, visākhe, mānusakaṁ vassasataṁ, tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo.

30.2

Thirty such days make up a month.

Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso.

30.3

Twelve such months make up a year.

Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo.

30.4

The life span of the Gods of the Thirty-Three is a thousand of these divine years.

Tena saṁvaccharena dibbaṁ vassasahassaṁ tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ.

30.5

It’s possible that a woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the Gods of the Thirty-Three.

Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya.

30.6

This is what I was referring to when I said:

Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ:

30.7

‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’

‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.

31.1

Two hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the Gods of Yama.

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni dve vassasatāni, yāmānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo.

31.2

Thirty such days make up a month.

Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso.

31.3

Twelve such months make up a year.

Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo.

31.4

The life span of the Gods of Yama is two thousand of these divine years.

Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni dve vassasahassāni yāmānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ.

31.5

It’s possible that a woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the Gods of Yama.

Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā yāmānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya.

31.6

This is what I was referring to when I said:

Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ:

31.7

‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’

‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.

32.1

Four hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the Joyful Gods.

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni cattāri vassasatāni, tusitānaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo.

32.2

Thirty such days make up a month.

Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso.

32.3

Twelve such months make up a year.

Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo.

32.4

The life span of the Joyful Gods is four thousand of these divine years.

Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni cattāri vassasahassāni tusitānaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ.

32.5

It’s possible that a woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the Joyful Gods.

Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tusitānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya.

32.6

This is what I was referring to when I said:

Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ:

32.7

‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’

‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.

33.1

Eight hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the Gods Who Love to Create.

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni aṭṭha vassasatāni, nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo.

33.2

Thirty such days make up a month.

Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso.

33.3

Twelve such months make up a year.

Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo.

33.4

The life span of the Gods Who Love to Create is eight thousand of these divine years.

Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni aṭṭha vassasahassāni nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ.

33.5

It’s possible that a woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the Gods Who Love to Create.

Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya.

33.6

This is what I was referring to when I said:

Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ:

33.7

‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’

‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāya’.

34.1

Sixteen hundred years in the human realm is one day and night for the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others.

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni soḷasa vassasatāni, paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ eso eko rattindivo.

34.2

Thirty such days make up a month.

Tāya rattiyā tiṁsarattiyo māso.

34.3

Twelve such months make up a year.

Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṁvaccharo.

34.4

The life span of the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others is sixteen thousand of these divine years.

Tena saṁvaccharena dibbāni soḷasa vassasahassāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ āyuppamāṇaṁ.

34.5

It’s possible that a woman or man who has observed the eight-factored sabbath will—when their body breaks up, after death—be reborn in the company of the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others.

Ṭhānaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, vijjati yaṁ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṁ uposathaṁ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyya.

34.6

This is what I was referring to when I said:

Idaṁ kho panetaṁ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṁ:

34.7

‘Human kingship is a poor thing compared to the happiness of the gods.’

‘kapaṇaṁ mānusakaṁ rajjaṁ dibbaṁ sukhaṁ upanidhāyā’ti.

35.1

You shouldn’t kill living creatures, or steal,

Pāṇaṁ na haññe na cadinnamādiye,

35.2

or lie, or drink alcohol.

Musā na bhāse na ca majjapo siyā;

35.3

Be celibate, refraining from sex,

Abrahmacariyā virameyya methunā,

35.4

and don’t eat at night, the wrong time.

Rattiṁ na bhuñjeyya vikālabhojanaṁ.

36.1

Not wearing garlands or applying fragrance,

Mālaṁ na dhāre na ca gandhamācare,

36.2

you should sleep on a low bed, or a mat on the ground.

Mañce chamāyaṁ va sayetha santhate;

36.3

This is the eight-factored sabbath, they say,

Etañhi aṭṭhaṅgikamāhuposathaṁ,

36.4

explained by the Buddha, who has gone to suffering’s end.

Buddhena dukkhantagunā pakāsitaṁ.

37.1

The moon and sun are both fair to see,

Cando ca suriyo ca ubho sudassanā,

37.2

radiating as far as they revolve.

Obhāsayaṁ anupariyanti yāvatā;

37.3

Those shining ones in the sky light up the quarters,

Tamonudā te pana antalikkhagā,

37.4

dispelling the darkness as they traverse the heavens.

Nabhe pabhāsanti disāvirocanā.

38.1

All of the wealth that’s found in this realm—

Etasmiṁ yaṁ vijjati antare dhanaṁ,

38.2

pearls, gems, fine beryl too,

Muttā maṇi veḷuriyañca bhaddakaṁ;

38.3

rose-gold or pure gold,

Siṅgī suvaṇṇaṁ atha vāpi kañcanaṁ,

38.4

or natural gold dug up by marmots—

Yaṁ jātarūpaṁ haṭakanti vuccati.

39.1

they’re not worth a sixteenth part

Aṭṭhaṅgupetassa uposathassa,

39.2

of the sabbath with its eight factors,

Kalampi te nānubhavanti soḷasiṁ;

39.3

as starlight cannot rival the moon.

Candappabhā tāragaṇā ca sabbe.

40.1

So an ethical woman or man,

Tasmā hi nārī ca naro ca sīlavā,

40.2

who has observed the eight-factored sabbath,

Aṭṭhaṅgupetaṁ upavassuposathaṁ;

40.3

having made merit whose outcome is happiness,

Puññāni katvāna sukhudrayāni,

40.4

blameless, they go to a heavenly place.”

Aninditā saggamupenti ṭhānan”ti.

40.5

Dasamaṁ.

40.6

Mahāvaggo sattamo.

41.0

Tassuddānaṁ

41.1

Titthabhayañca venāgo,

41.2

sarabho kesamuttiyā;

41.3

Sāḷho cāpi kathāvatthu,

41.4

titthiyamūluposathoti.