AN 7 The Book of the Sevens – Sattakanipāta > AN 7.72 The Simile of the Bonfire

Numbered Discourses 7.72 – Aṅguttara Nikāya 7.72

7. The Great Chapter – 7. Mahāvagga

AN 7.72 The Simile of the Bonfire – Aggikkhandhopamasutta

1.1

So I have heard.

Evaṁ me sutaṁ—

1.2

At one time the Buddha was wandering in the land of the Kosalans together with a large Saṅgha of bhikkhū.

ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā kosalesu cārikaṁ carati mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ.

1.3

While walking along the road, at a certain spot he saw a bonfire burning, blazing, and glowing.

Addasā kho bhagavā addhānamaggappaṭipanno aññatarasmiṁ padese mahantaṁ aggikkhandhaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ.

1.4

Seeing this he left the road, sat at the root of a tree on a seat spread out,

Disvāna maggā okkamma aññatarasmiṁ rukkhamūle paññatte āsane nisīdi.

1.5

and addressed the bhikkhū,

Nisajja kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:

1.6

“Bhikkhū, do you see that bonfire burning, blazing, and glowing?”

“passatha no tumhe, bhikkhave, amuṁ mahantaṁ aggikkhandhaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtan”ti?

1.7

“Yes, sir.”

“Evaṁ, bhante”ti.

2.1

“What do you think, bhikkhū?

“Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave?

2.2

Which is better—to sit or lie down embracing that bonfire? Or to sit or lie down embracing a girl of the aristocrats or brahmins or householders with soft and tender hands and feet?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ amuṁ mahantaṁ aggikkhandhaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ āliṅgetvā upanisīdeyya vā upanipajjeyya vā, yaṁ vā khattiyakaññaṁ vā brāhmaṇakaññaṁ vā gahapatikaññaṁ vā mudutalunahatthapādaṁ āliṅgetvā upanisīdeyya vā upanipajjeyya vā”ti?

2.3

“Sir, it would be much better to sit or lie down embracing a girl of the aristocrats or brahmins or householders with soft and tender hands and feet. For it would be painful to sit or lie down embracing that bonfire.”

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyakaññaṁ vā brāhmaṇakaññaṁ vā gahapatikaññaṁ vā mudutalunahatthapādaṁ āliṅgetvā upanisīdeyya vā upanipajjeyya vā, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ amuṁ mahantaṁ aggikkhandhaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ āliṅgetvā upanisīdeyya vā upanipajjeyya vā”ti.

3.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man—of bad qualities, filthy, with suspicious behavior, underhand, no true ascetic or spiritual practitioner, though claiming to be one, rotten inside, corrupt, and depraved—to sit or lie down embracing that bonfire.

“Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa pāpadhammassa asucisaṅkassarasamācārassa paṭicchannakammantassa assamaṇassa samaṇapaṭiññassa abrahmacārissa brahmacāripaṭiññassa antopūtikassa avassutassa kasambujātassa yaṁ amuṁ mahantaṁ aggikkhandhaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ āliṅgetvā upanisīdeyya vā upanipajjeyya vā.

3.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

3.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Tatonidānañhi so, bhikkhave, maraṇaṁ vā nigaccheyya maraṇamattaṁ vā dukkhaṁ, na tveva tappaccayā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjeyya.

4.1

But when such an unethical man sits or lies down embracing a girl of the aristocrats or brahmins or householders with soft and tender hands and feet, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo pāpadhammo asucisaṅkassarasamācāro …pe… kasambujāto khattiyakaññaṁ vā brāhmaṇakaññaṁ vā gahapatikaññaṁ vā mudutalunahatthapādaṁ āliṅgetvā upanisīdati vā upanipajjati vā, tañhi tassa, bhikkhave, hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

5.1

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

5.2

Which is better—to have a strong man twist a tough horse-hair rope around both shins and tighten it so that it cuts through your outer skin, your inner skin, your flesh, sinews, and bones, until it reaches your marrow and stays pressing there? Or to consent to well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders bowing down to you?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ balavā puriso daḷhāya vālarajjuyā ubho jaṅghā veṭhetvā ghaṁseyya—sā chaviṁ chindeyya chaviṁ chetvā cammaṁ chindeyya cammaṁ chetvā maṁsaṁ chindeyya maṁsaṁ chetvā nhāruṁ chindeyya nhāruṁ chetvā aṭṭhiṁ chindeyya aṭṭhiṁ chetvā aṭṭhimiñjaṁ āhacca tiṭṭheyya, yaṁ vā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā abhivādanaṁ sādiyeyyā”ti?

5.3

“Sir, it would be much better to consent to well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders bowing down. For it would be painful to have a strong man twist a tough horse-hair rope around your shins and tighten it so that it cut through the outer skin until it reached the marrow and stayed pressing there.”

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā abhivādanaṁ sādiyeyya, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ balavā puriso daḷhāya vālarajjuyā …pe… aṭṭhimiñjaṁ āhacca tiṭṭheyyā”ti.

6.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man to have a strong man twist a tough horse-hair rope around both shins and tighten it until it reached the marrow and stayed pressing there.

Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa …pe… kasambujātassa yaṁ balavā puriso daḷhāya vālarajjuyā ubho jaṅghā veṭhetvā …pe… aṭṭhimiñjaṁ āhacca tiṭṭheyya.

6.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

6.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

6.4

But when such an unethical man consents to well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders bowing down, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo …pe… kasambujāto khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā abhivādanaṁ sādiyati, tañhi tassa, bhikkhave, hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

7.1

What do you think, bhikkhū?

“Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

7.2

Which is better—to have a strong man stab you in the chest with a sharp, oiled sword? Or to consent to well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders revering you with joined palms?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ balavā puriso tiṇhāya sattiyā teladhotāya paccorasmiṁ pahareyya, yaṁ vā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā añjalikammaṁ sādiyeyyā”ti?

7.3

“Sir, it would be much better to consent to well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders revering you with joined palms. For it would be painful to have a strong man stab you in the chest with a sharp, oiled sword.”

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā añjalikammaṁ sādiyeyya, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ balavā puriso tiṇhāya sattiyā teladhotāya paccorasmiṁ pahareyyā”ti.

8.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man to have a strong man stab him in the chest with a sharp, oiled sword.

“Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa …pe… kasambujātassa yaṁ balavā puriso tiṇhāya sattiyā teladhotāya paccorasmiṁ pahareyya.

8.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

8.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

8.4

But when such an unethical man consents to well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders revering him with joined palms, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo pāpadhammo …pe… kasambujāto khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā añjalikammaṁ sādiyati, tañhi tassa, bhikkhave, hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

9.1

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

9.2

Which is better—to have a strong man wrap you up in a red-hot sheet of iron, burning, blazing, and glowing? Or to enjoy the use of a robe given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ balavā puriso tattena ayopaṭṭena ādittena sampajjalitena sajotibhūtena kāyaṁ sampaliveṭheyya, yaṁ vā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ cīvaraṁ paribhuñjeyyā”ti?

9.3

“Sir, it would be much better to enjoy the use of a robe given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders.

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā …pe…

9.4

For it would be painful to have a strong man wrap you up in a red-hot sheet of iron, burning, blazing, and glowing.”

saddhādeyyaṁ cīvaraṁ paribhuñjeyya, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ balavā puriso tattena ayopaṭṭena ādittena sampajjalitena sajotibhūtena kāyaṁ sampaliveṭheyyā”ti.

10.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man to have a strong man wrap him up in a red-hot sheet of iron, burning, blazing, and glowing.

“Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa …pe… kasambujātassa yaṁ balavā puriso tattena ayopaṭṭena ādittena sampajjalitena sajotibhūtena kāyaṁ sampaliveṭheyya.

10.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

10.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

10.4

But when such an unethical man enjoys the use of a robe given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo …pe… kasambujāto khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ cīvaraṁ paribhuñjati, tañhi tassa, bhikkhave, hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

11.1

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

11.2

Which is better—to have a strong man force your mouth open with a hot iron spike and shove in a red-hot copper ball, burning, blazing, and glowing, that burns your lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach before coming out below dragging your entrails? Or to enjoy almsfood given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ balavā puriso tattena ayosaṅkunā mukhaṁ vivaritvā tattaṁ lohaguḷaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ mukhe pakkhipeyya—taṁ tassa oṭṭhampi daheyya mukhampi daheyya jivhampi daheyya kaṇṭhampi daheyya urampi daheyya antampi antaguṇampi ādāya adhobhāgā nikkhameyya, yaṁ vā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ piṇḍapātaṁ paribhuñjeyyā”ti?

11.3

“Sir, it would be much better to enjoy almsfood given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders. For it would be painful to have a strong man force your mouth open with a hot iron spike and shove in a red-hot copper ball, burning, blazing, and glowing, that burns your lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach before coming out below dragging your entrails.”

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ piṇḍapātaṁ paribhuñjeyya, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ balavā puriso tattena ayosaṅkunā mukhaṁ vivaritvā tattaṁ lohaguḷaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ mukhe pakkhipeyya—taṁ tassa oṭṭhampi daheyya mukhampi daheyya jivhampi daheyya kaṇṭhampi daheyya urampi daheyya antampi antaguṇampi ādāya adhobhāgaṁ nikkhameyyā”ti.

12.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man to have a strong man force his mouth open with a hot iron spike and shove in a red-hot copper ball, burning, blazing, and glowing, that burns his lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach before coming out below with his entrails.

“Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa …pe… kasambujātassa yaṁ balavā puriso tattena ayosaṅkunā mukhaṁ vivaritvā tattaṁ lohaguḷaṁ ādittaṁ sampajjalitaṁ sajotibhūtaṁ mukhe pakkhipeyya—taṁ tassa oṭṭhampi daheyya mukhampi daheyya jivhampi daheyya kaṇṭhampi daheyya urampi daheyya antampi antaguṇampi ādāya adhobhāgaṁ nikkhameyya.

12.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

12.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

12.4

But when such an unethical man enjoy almsfood given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo pāpadhammo …pe… kasambujāto khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ piṇḍapātaṁ paribhuñjati, tañhi tassa hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

13.1

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

13.2

Which is better—to have a strong man grab you by the head or shoulders and make you sit or lie down on red-hot iron bed or seat? Or to enjoy the use of beds and chairs given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ balavā puriso sīse vā gahetvā khandhe vā gahetvā tattaṁ ayomañcaṁ vā ayopīṭhaṁ vā abhinisīdāpeyya vā abhinipajjāpeyya vā, yaṁ vā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ mañcapīṭhaṁ paribhuñjeyyā”ti?

13.3

“Sir, it would be much better to enjoy the use of beds and chairs given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders. For it would be painful to have a strong man grab you by the head or shoulders and make you sit or lie down on a red-hot iron bed or seat.”

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ mañcapīṭhaṁ paribhuñjeyya, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ balavā puriso sīse vā gahetvā khandhe vā gahetvā tattaṁ ayomañcaṁ vā ayopīṭhaṁ vā abhinisīdāpeyya vā abhinipajjāpeyya vā”ti.

14.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man to have a strong man grab him by the head or shoulders and make him sit or lie down on a red-hot iron bed or seat.

“Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa …pe… kasambujātassa yaṁ balavā puriso sīse vā gahetvā khandhe vā gahetvā tattaṁ ayomañcaṁ vā ayopīṭhaṁ vā abhinisīdāpeyya vā abhinipajjāpeyya vā.

14.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

14.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

14.4

But when such an unethical man enjoys the use of beds and seats given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo pāpadhammo …pe… kasambujāto khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ mañcapīṭhaṁ paribhuñjati. Tañhi tassa, bhikkhave, hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

15.1

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

15.2

Which is better—to have a strong man grab you, turn you upside down, and shove you in a red-hot copper pot, burning, blazing, and glowing, where you’re seared in boiling scum, and swept up and down and round and round. Or to enjoy the use of dwellings given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders?”

katamaṁ nu kho varaṁ—yaṁ balavā puriso uddhampādaṁ adhosiraṁ gahetvā tattāya lohakumbhiyā pakkhipeyya ādittāya sampajjalitāya sajotibhūtāya—so tattha pheṇuddehakaṁ paccamāno sakimpi uddhaṁ gaccheyya sakimpi adho gaccheyya sakimpi tiriyaṁ gaccheyya, yaṁ vā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ vihāraṁ paribhuñjeyyā”ti?

15.3

“Sir, it would be much better to enjoy the use of dwellings given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders. For it would be painful to have a strong man grab you, turn you upside down, and shove you in a red-hot copper pot, burning, blazing, and glowing, where you’re seared in boiling scum, and swept up and down and round and round.”

“Etadeva, bhante, varaṁ—yaṁ khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ vihāraṁ paribhuñjeyya, dukkhañhetaṁ, bhante, yaṁ balavā puriso uddhampādaṁ adhosiraṁ gahetvā tattāya lohakumbhiyā pakkhipeyya ādittāya sampajjalitāya sajotibhūtāya—so tattha pheṇuddehakaṁ paccamāno sakimpi uddhaṁ gaccheyya sakimpi adho gaccheyya sakimpi tiriyaṁ gaccheyyā”ti.

16.1

“I declare this to you, bhikkhū, I announce this to you! It would be better for that unethical man to have a strong man grab him, turn him upside down, and shove him in a red-hot copper pot, burning, blazing, and glowing, where he’s seared in boiling scum, and swept up and down and round and round.

“Ārocayāmi vo, bhikkhave, paṭivedayāmi vo, bhikkhave, yathā etadeva tassa varaṁ dussīlassa pāpadhammassa …pe… kasambujātassa yaṁ balavā puriso uddhampādaṁ adhosiraṁ gahetvā …pe… sakimpi tiriyaṁ gaccheyya.

16.2

Why is that?

Taṁ kissa hetu?

16.3

Because that might result in death or deadly pain. But when his body breaks up, after death, it would not cause him to be reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

16.4

But when such an unethical man enjoys the use of dwellings given in faith by well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders, that brings him lasting harm and suffering. When his body breaks up, after death, he’s reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

Yañca kho so, bhikkhave, dussīlo pāpadhammo …pe… kasambujāto khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā saddhādeyyaṁ vihāraṁ paribhuñjati. Tañhi tassa, bhikkhave, hoti dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

17.1

So you should train like this:

Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, evaṁ sikkhitabbaṁ:

17.2

‘Our use of robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick shall be of great fruit and benefit for those who offered them. And our going forth will not be wasted, but will be fruitful and fertile.’

‘yesañca mayaṁ paribhuñjāma cīvarapiṇḍapātasenāsanagilānappaccayabhesajjaparikkhāraṁ tesaṁ te kārā mahapphalā bhavissanti mahānisaṁsā, amhākañcevāyaṁ pabbajjā avañjhā bhavissati saphalā saudrayā’ti.

17.3

That’s how you should train.

Evañhi vo, bhikkhave, sikkhitabbaṁ:

17.4

Considering what is good for yourself, bhikkhū, is quite enough for you to persist with diligence.

‘attatthaṁ vā, bhikkhave, sampassamānena alameva appamādena sampādetuṁ;

17.5

Considering what is good for others is quite enough for you to persist with diligence.

paratthaṁ vā, bhikkhave, sampassamānena alameva appamādena sampādetuṁ;

17.6

Considering what is good for both is quite enough for you to persist with diligence.”

ubhayatthaṁ vā, bhikkhave, sampassamānena alameva appamādena sampādetun’”ti.

18.1

That is what the Buddha said.

Idamavoca bhagavā.

18.2

And while this discourse was being spoken, sixty monks spewed hot blood from their mouths.

Imasmiñca pana veyyākaraṇasmiṁ bhaññamāne saṭṭhimattānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ uṇhaṁ lohitaṁ mukhato uggañchi.

18.3

Sixty bhikkhū resigned the training and returned to a lesser life, saying:

Saṭṭhimattā bhikkhū sikkhaṁ paccakkhāya hīnāyāvattiṁsu:

18.4

“It’s too hard, Blessed One! It’s just too hard!”

“sudukkaraṁ bhagavā, sudukkaraṁ bhagavā”ti.

18.5

And sixty monks were freed from defilements by not grasping.

Saṭṭhimattānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ anupādāya āsavehi cittāni vimucciṁsūti.

18.6

Aṭṭhamaṁ.