MN 25 Fodder – Nivāpasutta

Medium Discourses Collection 25 – Majjhima Nikāya 25

1.1

So I have heard.

Evaṁ me sutaṁ—

1.2

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.

ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.

1.3

There the Buddha addressed the bhikkhū,

Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:

1.4

“Bhikkhū!”

“bhikkhavo”ti.

1.5

“Venerable sir,” they replied.

“Bhadante”ti te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ.

1.6

The Buddha said this:

Bhagavā etadavoca:

2.1

“Bhikkhū, a trapper doesn’t cast bait for deer thinking,

“Na, bhikkhave, nevāpiko nivāpaṁ nivapati migajātānaṁ:

2.2

‘May the deer, enjoying this bait, be healthy and in good condition. May they live long and prosper!’

‘imaṁ me nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ migajātā paribhuñjantā dīghāyukā vaṇṇavanto ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ yāpentū’ti.

2.3

A trapper casts bait for deer thinking,

Evañca kho, bhikkhave, nevāpiko nivāpaṁ nivapati migajātānaṁ:

2.4

‘When these deer intrude on where I cast the bait, they’ll recklessly enjoy eating it. They’ll become indulgent, then they’ll become negligent, and then I’ll be able to do what I want with them on account of this bait.’

‘imaṁ me nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ migajātā anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjissanti, anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā madaṁ āpajjissanti, mattā samānā pamādaṁ āpajjissanti, pamattā samānā yathākāmakaraṇīyā bhavissanti imasmiṁ nivāpe’ti.

3.1

And indeed, the first herd of deer intruded on where the trapper cast the bait and recklessly enjoyed eating it. They became indulgent, then they became negligent, and then the trapper was able to do what he wanted with them on account of that bait.

Tatra, bhikkhave, paṭhamā migajātā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu, te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, mattā samānā pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, pamattā samānā yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe.

3.2

And that’s how the first herd of deer failed to get free from the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

4.1

So then a second herd of deer thought up a plan,

Tatra, bhikkhave, dutiyā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

4.2

‘The first herd of deer became indulgent …

‘ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

4.3

Te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, mattā samānā pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, pamattā samānā yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe.

4.4

and failed to get free of the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

4.5

Why don’t we avoid eating the bait altogether? Avoiding dangerous food, we can venture deep into a wilderness region and live there.’

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā’ti.

4.6

And that’s just what they did.

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭiviramiṁsu, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihariṁsu.

4.7

But when it came to the last month of summer, the grass and water ran out. Their bodies became much too thin,

Tesaṁ gimhānaṁ pacchime māse, tiṇodakasaṅkhaye, adhimattakasimānaṁ patto kāyo hoti.

4.8

and they lost their strength and energy.

Tesaṁ adhimattakasimānaṁ pattakāyānaṁ balavīriyaṁ parihāyi.

4.9

So they went back to that same place where the trapper had cast bait.

Balavīriye parihīne tameva nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa paccāgamiṁsu.

4.10

Intruding on that place, they recklessly enjoyed eating it …

Te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

4.11

4.12

And that’s how the second herd failed to get free from the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, dutiyāpi migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

5.1

So then a third herd of deer thought up a plan,

Tatra, bhikkhave, tatiyā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

5.2

‘The first …

‘ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa …pe…

5.3

evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

5.4

and second herds of deer …

Yepi te dutiyā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

5.5

“ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa …pe…

5.6

evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

5.7

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā”ti.

5.8

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭiviramiṁsu, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihariṁsu.

5.9

Tesaṁ gimhānaṁ pacchime māse tiṇodakasaṅkhaye adhimattakasimānaṁ patto kāyo hoti.

5.10

Tesaṁ adhimattakasimānaṁ pattakāyānaṁ balavīriyaṁ parihāyi.

5.11

Balavīriye parihīne tameva nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa paccāgamiṁsu.

5.12

Te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

5.13

5.14

failed to get free of the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te dutiyāpi migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

5.15

Why don’t we set up our lair close by the place where the trapper has cast the bait?

Yannūna mayaṁ amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa upanissāya āsayaṁ kappeyyāma.

5.16

Then we can intrude on it and enjoy eating without being reckless. We won’t become indulgent, then we won’t become negligent, and then the trapper won’t be able to do what he wants with us on account of that bait.’

Tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjissāma, ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjissāma, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjissāma, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā bhavissāma nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe’ti.

5.17

And that’s just what they did.

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa upanissāya āsayaṁ kappayiṁsu.

5.18

Tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu, te tattha ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe.

5.19

So the trapper and his companions thought,

Tatra, bhikkhave, nevāpikassa ca nevāpikaparisāya ca etadahosi:

5.20

‘Wow, this third herd of deer is so sneaky and devious, they must be some kind of unnatural spirits with psychic power!

‘saṭhāssunāmime tatiyā migajātā ketabino, iddhimantāssunāmime tatiyā migajātā parajanā;

5.21

For they eat the bait we’ve cast without us knowing how they come and go.

imañca nāma nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ paribhuñjanti, na ca nesaṁ jānāma āgatiṁ vā gatiṁ vā.

5.22

Why don’t we surround the bait on all sides by staking out high nets? Hopefully we might get to see their lair, where they go to hide out.’

Yannūna mayaṁ imaṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mahatīhi daṇḍavākarāhi samantā sappadesaṁ anuparivāreyyāma, appeva nāma tatiyānaṁ migajātānaṁ āsayaṁ passeyyāma, yattha te gāhaṁ gaccheyyun’ti.

5.23

And that’s just what they did.

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mahatīhi daṇḍavākarāhi samantā sappadesaṁ anuparivāresuṁ.

5.24

And they saw where the third herd of deer had their lair, where they went to hide out.

Addasaṁsu kho, bhikkhave, nevāpiko ca nevāpikaparisā ca tatiyānaṁ migajātānaṁ āsayaṁ, yattha te gāhaṁ agamaṁsu.

5.25

And that’s how the third herd failed to get free from the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, tatiyāpi migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.1

So then a fourth herd of deer thought up a plan,

Tatra, bhikkhave, catutthā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

6.2

‘The first …

‘ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā …pe…

6.3

evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.4

second …

Yepi te dutiyā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

6.5

“ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā …pe…

6.6

evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.7

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā”ti.

6.8

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭiviramiṁsu …pe…

6.9

evañhi te dutiyāpi migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.10

and third herds of deer …

Yepi te tatiyā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

6.11

“ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā …pe…

6.12

evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.13

Yepi te dutiyā migajātā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

6.14

‘ye kho te paṭhamā migajātā …pe…

6.15

evañhi te paṭhamā migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.16

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā’ti.

6.17

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā paṭiviramiṁsu …pe…

6.18

evañhi te dutiyāpi migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.19

Yannūna mayaṁ amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa upanissāya āsayaṁ kappeyyāma, tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjissāma, ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjissāma, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjissāma, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā bhavissāma nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe”ti.

6.20

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa upanissāya āsayaṁ kappayiṁsu, tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu, te tattha ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe.

6.21

Tatra nevāpikassa ca nevāpikaparisāya ca etadahosi:

6.22

“saṭhāssunāmime tatiyā migajātā ketabino, iddhimantāssunāmime tatiyā migajātā parajanā, imañca nāma nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ paribhuñjanti.

6.23

Na ca nesaṁ jānāma āgatiṁ vā gatiṁ vā.

6.24

6.25

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mahatīhi daṇḍavākarāhi samantā sappadesaṁ anuparivāresuṁ.

6.26

Addasaṁsu kho nevāpiko ca nevāpikaparisā ca tatiyānaṁ migajātānaṁ āsayaṁ, yattha te gāhaṁ agamaṁsu.

6.27

failed to get free of the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te tatiyāpi migajātā na parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

6.28

Why don’t we set up our lair somewhere the trapper and his companions can’t go? Then we can intrude on where the trapper has cast the bait and enjoy eating it without being reckless. We won’t become indulgent, then we won’t become negligent, and then the trapper won’t be able to do what he wants with them on account of that bait.’

Yannūna mayaṁ yattha agati nevāpikassa ca nevāpikaparisāya ca tatrāsayaṁ kappeyyāma, tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ nevāpikassa ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjissāma, ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjissāma, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjissāma, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā bhavissāma nevāpikassa amusmiṁ nivāpe’ti.

6.29

And that’s just what they did.

Te yattha agati nevāpikassa ca nevāpikaparisāya ca tatrāsayaṁ kappayiṁsu.

6.30

6.31

So the trapper and his companions thought,

Tatra, bhikkhave, nevāpikassa ca nevāpikaparisāya ca etadahosi:

6.32

‘Wow, this fourth herd of deer is so sneaky and devious, they must be some kind of unnatural spirits with psychic power!

‘saṭhāssunāmime catutthā migajātā ketabino, iddhimantāssunāmime catutthā migajātā parajanā.

6.33

For they eat the bait we’ve cast without us knowing how they come and go.

Imañca nāma nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ paribhuñjanti, na ca nesaṁ jānāma āgatiṁ vā gatiṁ vā.

6.34

Why don’t we surround the bait on all sides by staking out high nets? Hopefully we might get to see their lair, where they go to hide out.’

Yannūna mayaṁ imaṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mahatīhi daṇḍavākarāhi samantā sappadesaṁ anuparivāreyyāma, appeva nāma catutthānaṁ migajātānaṁ āsayaṁ passeyyāma yattha te gāhaṁ gaccheyyun’ti.

6.35

And that’s just what they did.

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mahatīhi daṇḍavākarāhi samantā sappadesaṁ anuparivāresuṁ.

6.36

But they couldn’t see where the fourth herd of deer had their lair, where they went to hide out.

Neva kho, bhikkhave, addasaṁsu nevāpiko ca nevāpikaparisā ca catutthānaṁ migajātānaṁ āsayaṁ, yattha te gāhaṁ gaccheyyuṁ.

6.37

So the trapper and his companions thought,

Tatra, bhikkhave, nevāpikassa ca nevāpikaparisāya ca etadahosi:

6.38

‘If we disturb this fourth herd of deer, they’ll disturb others, who in turn will disturb even more.

‘sace kho mayaṁ catutthe migajāte ghaṭṭessāma, te ghaṭṭitā aññe ghaṭṭissanti te ghaṭṭitā aññe ghaṭṭissanti.

6.39

Then all of the deer will be free from this bait we’ve cast.

Evaṁ imaṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ sabbaso migajātā parimuñcissanti.

6.40

Why don’t we just keep an eye on that fourth herd?’

Yannūna mayaṁ catutthe migajāte ajjhupekkheyyāmā’ti.

6.41

And that’s just what they did.

Ajjhupekkhiṁsu kho, bhikkhave, nevāpiko ca nevāpikaparisā ca catutthe migajāte.

6.42

And that’s how the fourth herd of deer got free from the trapper’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, catutthā migajātā parimucciṁsu nevāpikassa iddhānubhāvā.

7.1

I’ve made up this simile to make a point.

Upamā kho me ayaṁ, bhikkhave, katā atthassa viññāpanāya.

7.2

And this is what it means.

Ayaṁ cevettha attho—

7.3

‘Bait’ is a term for the five kinds of sensual stimulation.

nivāpoti kho, bhikkhave, pañcannetaṁ kāmaguṇānaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

7.4

‘Trapper’ is a term for Māra the Wicked.

Nevāpikoti kho, bhikkhave, mārassetaṁ pāpimato adhivacanaṁ.

7.5

‘Trapper’s companions’ is a term for Māra’s assembly.

Nevāpikaparisāti kho, bhikkhave, māraparisāyetaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

7.6

‘Deer’ is a term for ascetics and brahmins.

Migajātāti kho, bhikkhave, samaṇabrāhmaṇānametaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

8.1

Now, the first group of ascetics and brahmins intruded on where the bait and the material delights of the world were cast by Māra and recklessly enjoyed eating it.

Tatra, bhikkhave, paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

8.2

They became indulgent, then they became negligent, and then Māra was able to do what he wanted with them on account of that bait and the material delights of the world.

Te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, mattā samānā pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, pamattā samānā yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ mārassa amusmiṁ nivāpe amusmiñca lokāmise.

8.3

And that’s how the first group of ascetics and brahmins failed to get free from Māra’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

8.4

This first group of ascetics and brahmins is just like the first herd of deer, I say.

Seyyathāpi te, bhikkhave, paṭhamā migajātā tathūpame ahaṁ ime paṭhame samaṇabrāhmaṇe vadāmi.

9.1

So then a second group of ascetics and brahmins thought up a plan,

Tatra, bhikkhave, dutiyā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

9.2

‘The first group of ascetics and brahmins became indulgent …

‘ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

9.3

9.4

and failed to get free of Māra’s power.

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

9.5

Why don’t we avoid eating the bait and the world’s material delights altogether? Avoiding dangerous food, we can venture deep into a wilderness region and live there.’

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā’ti.

9.6

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭiviramiṁsu, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmāti.

9.7

And that’s just what they did.

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭiviramiṁsu, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihariṁsu.

9.8

They ate herbs, millet, wild rice, poor rice, water lettuce, rice bran, scum from boiling rice, sesame flour, grass, or cow dung. They survived on forest roots and fruits, or eating fallen fruit.

Te tattha sākabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, sāmākabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, nīvārabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, daddulabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, haṭabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, kaṇabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, ācāmabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, piññākabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, tiṇabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, gomayabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ, vanamūlaphalāhārā yāpesuṁ pavattaphalabhojī.

9.9

But when it came to the last month of summer, the grass and water ran out. Their bodies became much too thin,

Tesaṁ gimhānaṁ pacchime māse, tiṇodakasaṅkhaye, adhimattakasimānaṁ patto kāyo hoti.

9.10

and they lost their strength and energy.

Tesaṁ adhimattakasimānaṁ pattakāyānaṁ balavīriyaṁ parihāyi.

9.11

Because of this, they lost their heart’s release,

Balavīriye parihīne cetovimutti parihāyi.

9.12

so they went back to that same place where Māra had cast the bait and the material delights of the world.

Cetovimuttiyā parihīnāya tameva nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa paccāgamiṁsu tāni ca lokāmisāni.

9.13

Intruding on that place, they recklessly enjoyed eating them …

Te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

9.14

9.15

And that’s how the second group of ascetics and brahmins failed to get free from Māra’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, dutiyāpi samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

9.16

This second group of ascetics and brahmins is just like the second herd of deer, I say.

Seyyathāpi te, bhikkhave, dutiyā migajātā tathūpame ahaṁ ime dutiye samaṇabrāhmaṇe vadāmi.

10.1

So then a third group of ascetics and brahmins thought up a plan,

Tatra, bhikkhave, tatiyā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

10.2

‘The first …

‘ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni …pe….

10.3

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

10.4

and second groups of ascetics and brahmins …

Yepi te dutiyā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

10.5

“ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni …pe….

10.6

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

10.7

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā”ti.

10.8

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭiviramiṁsu.

10.9

Bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihariṁsu.

10.10

Te tattha sākabhakkhāpi ahesuṁ …pe… pavattaphalabhojī.

10.11

Tesaṁ gimhānaṁ pacchime māse tiṇodakasaṅkhaye adhimattakasimānaṁ patto kāyo hoti.

10.12

Tesaṁ adhimattakasimānaṁ pattakāyānaṁ balavīriyaṁ parihāyi, balavīriye parihīne cetovimutti parihāyi, cetovimuttiyā parihīnāya tameva nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa paccāgamiṁsu tāni ca lokāmisāni.

10.13

Te tattha anupakhajja mucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

10.14

10.15

failed to get free of Māra’s power.

Evañhi te dutiyāpi samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

10.16

Why don’t we set up our lair close by the place where Māra has cast the bait and those material delights of the world? Then we can intrude on it and enjoy eating without being reckless. We won’t become indulgent, then we won’t become negligent, and then Māra won’t be able to do what he wants with us on account of that bait and those material delights of the world.’

Yannūna mayaṁ amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni upanissāya āsayaṁ kappeyyāma, tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjissāma, ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjissāma, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjissāma, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā bhavissāma mārassa amusmiṁ nivāpe amusmiñca lokāmise’ti.

10.17

And that’s just what they did.

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni upanissāya āsayaṁ kappayiṁsu.

10.18

Tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

10.19

Te tattha ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ mārassa amusmiṁ nivāpe amusmiñca lokāmise.

10.20

Still, they had such views as these:

Api ca kho evaṁdiṭṭhikā ahesuṁ—

10.21

‘The cosmos is eternal’ or ‘The cosmos is not eternal’;

sassato loko itipi, asassato loko itipi;

10.22

‘The world is finite’ or ‘The world is infinite’;

antavā loko itipi, anantavā loko itipi;

10.23

‘The soul and the body are the same thing’ or ‘The soul and the body are different things’;

taṁ jīvaṁ taṁ sarīraṁ itipi, aññaṁ jīvaṁ aññaṁ sarīraṁ itipi;

10.24

or that after death, a Realized One exists, or doesn’t exist, or both exists and doesn’t exist, or neither exists nor doesn’t exist.

hoti tathāgato paraṁ maraṇā itipi, na hoti tathāgato paraṁ maraṇā itipi, hoti ca na ca hoti tathāgato paraṁ maraṇā itipi, neva hoti na na hoti tathāgato paraṁ maraṇā itipi.

10.25

And that’s how the third group of ascetics and brahmins failed to get free from Māra’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, tatiyāpi samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

10.26

This third group of ascetics and brahmins is just like the third herd of deer, I say.

Seyyathāpi te, bhikkhave, tatiyā migajātā tathūpame ahaṁ ime tatiye samaṇabrāhmaṇe vadāmi.

11.1

So then a fourth group of ascetics and brahmins thought up a plan,

Tatra, bhikkhave, catutthā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

11.2

‘The first …

‘ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa …pe….

11.3

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.4

second …

Yepi te dutiyā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ:

11.5

‘ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā …pe….

11.6

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.7

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭivirameyyāma bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā’ti.

11.8

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭiviramiṁsu …pe….

11.9

Evañhi te dutiyāpi samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.10

and third groups of ascetics and brahmins …

Yepi te tatiyā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā …pe….

11.11

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.12

Yepi te dutiyā samaṇabrāhmaṇā evaṁ samacintesuṁ ye kho te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā …pe….

11.13

Evañhi te paṭhamā samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.14

Yannūna mayaṁ sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭivirameyyāma, bhayabhogā paṭiviratā araññāyatanāni ajjhogāhetvā vihareyyāmā’ti.

11.15

Te sabbaso nivāpabhojanā lokāmisā paṭiviramiṁsu …pe….

11.16

Evañhi te dutiyāpi samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.17

Yannūna mayaṁ amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni upanissāya āsayaṁ kappeyyāma.

11.18

Tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjissāma, ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjissāma, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjissāma, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā bhavissāma mārassa amusmiṁ nivāpe amusmiñca lokāmiseti.

11.19

Te amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni upanissāya āsayaṁ kappayiṁsu.

11.20

Tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu.

11.21

Te tattha ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjiṁsu.

11.22

Amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu.

11.23

Appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ mārassa amusmiṁ nivāpe amusmiñca lokāmise.

11.24

Api ca kho evaṁdiṭṭhikā ahesuṁ sassato loko itipi …pe…

11.25

neva hoti na na hoti tathāgato paraṁ maraṇā itipi.

11.26

failed to get free of Māra’s power.

Evañhi te tatiyāpi samaṇabrāhmaṇā na parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.27

Why don’t we set up our lair somewhere Māra and his assembly can’t go?

Yannūna mayaṁ yattha agati mārassa ca māraparisāya ca tatrāsayaṁ kappeyyāma.

11.28

Then we can intrude on where Māra has cast the bait and those material delights of the world, and enjoy eating without being reckless. We won’t become indulgent, then we won’t become negligent, and then Māra won’t be able to do what he wants with us on account of that bait and those material delights of the world.’

11.29

And that’s just what they did.

Te yattha agati mārassa ca māraparisāya ca tatrāsayaṁ kappayiṁsu.

11.30

Tatrāsayaṁ kappetvā amuṁ nivāpaṁ nivuttaṁ mārassa amūni ca lokāmisāni ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjiṁsu, te tattha ananupakhajja amucchitā bhojanāni bhuñjamānā na madaṁ āpajjiṁsu, amattā samānā na pamādaṁ āpajjiṁsu, appamattā samānā na yathākāmakaraṇīyā ahesuṁ mārassa amusmiṁ nivāpe amusmiñca lokāmise.

11.31

And that’s how the fourth group of ascetics and brahmins got free from Māra’s power.

Evañhi te, bhikkhave, catutthā samaṇabrāhmaṇā parimucciṁsu mārassa iddhānubhāvā.

11.32

This fourth group of ascetics and brahmins is just like the fourth herd of deer, I say.

Seyyathāpi te, bhikkhave, catutthā migajātā tathūpame ahaṁ ime catutthe samaṇabrāhmaṇe vadāmi.

12.1

And where is it that Māra and his assembly can’t go?

Kathañca, bhikkhave, agati mārassa ca māraparisāya ca?

12.2

It’s when a bhikkhu, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unskillful qualities, enters and remains in the first absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of seclusion, while placing the mind and keeping it connected.

Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṁ savicāraṁ vivekajaṁ pītisukhaṁ paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati.

12.3

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra, put out his eyes without a trace, and gone where the Wicked One cannot see.

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhikkhu andhamakāsi māraṁ, apadaṁ vadhitvā māracakkhuṁ adassanaṁ gato pāpimato.

13.1

Furthermore, as the placing of the mind and keeping it connected are stilled, a bhikkhu enters and remains in the second absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of samādhi, with internal clarity and confidence, and unified mind, without placing the mind and keeping it connected.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vitakkavicārānaṁ vūpasamā ajjhattaṁ sampasādanaṁ cetaso ekodibhāvaṁ avitakkaṁ avicāraṁ samādhijaṁ pītisukhaṁ dutiyaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati.

13.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

14.1

Furthermore, with the fading away of rapture, a bhikkhu enters and remains in the third absorption, where they meditate with equanimity, mindful and aware, personally experiencing the bliss of which the noble ones declare, ‘Equanimous and mindful, one meditates in bliss.’

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu pītiyā ca virāgā upekkhako ca viharati sato ca sampajāno, sukhañca kāyena paṭisaṁvedeti yaṁ taṁ ariyā ācikkhanti ‘upekkhako satimā sukhavihārī’ti tatiyaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati.

14.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

15.1

Furthermore, giving up pleasure and pain, and ending former happiness and sadness, a bhikkhu enters and remains in the fourth absorption, without pleasure or pain, with pure equanimity and mindfulness.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sukhassa ca pahānā dukkhassa ca pahānā, pubbeva somanassadomanassānaṁ atthaṅgamā, adukkhamasukhaṁ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṁ catutthaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati.

15.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

16.1

Furthermore, a bhikkhu, going totally beyond perceptions of form, with the ending of perceptions of impingement, not focusing on perceptions of diversity, aware that ‘space is infinite’, enters and remains in the dimension of infinite space.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sabbaso rūpasaññānaṁ samatikkamā paṭighasaññānaṁ atthaṅgamā nānattasaññānaṁ amanasikārā ‘ananto ākāso’ti ākāsānañcāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati.

16.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

17.1

Furthermore, a bhikkhu, going totally beyond the dimension of infinite space, aware that ‘consciousness is infinite’, enters and remains in the dimension of infinite consciousness.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sabbaso ākāsānañcāyatanaṁ samatikkamma ‘anantaṁ viññāṇan’ti viññāṇañcāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati.

17.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

18.1

Furthermore, a bhikkhu, going totally beyond the dimension of infinite consciousness, aware that ‘there is nothing at all’, enters and remains in the dimension of nothingness.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sabbaso viññāṇañcāyatanaṁ samatikkamma ‘natthi kiñcī’ti ākiñcaññāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati.

18.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

19.1

Furthermore, a bhikkhu, going totally beyond the dimension of nothingness, enters and remains in the dimension of neither perception nor non-perception.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sabbaso ākiñcaññāyatanaṁ samatikkamma nevasaññānāsaññāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati.

19.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra …

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave …pe… pāpimato.

20.1

Furthermore, a bhikkhu, going totally beyond the dimension of neither perception nor non-perception, enters and remains in the cessation of perception and feeling. And, having seen with wisdom, their cravings come to an end.

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sabbaso nevasaññānāsaññāyatanaṁ samatikkamma saññāvedayitanirodhaṁ upasampajja viharati. Paññāya cassa disvā āsavā parikkhīṇā honti.

20.2

This is called a bhikkhu who has blinded Māra, put out his eyes without a trace, and gone where the Wicked One cannot see. And they’ve crossed over clinging to the world.”

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhikkhu andhamakāsi māraṁ, apadaṁ vadhitvā māracakkhuṁ adassanaṁ gato pāpimato tiṇṇo loke visattikan”ti.

20.3

That is what the Buddha said.

Idamavoca bhagavā.

20.4

Satisfied, the bhikkhū were happy with what the Buddha said.

Attamanā te bhikkhū bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandunti.

20.5

Nivāpasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ pañcamaṁ.