MN 81 With Ghaṭīkāra – Ghaṭikārasutta

Medium Discourses Collection 81 – Majjhima Nikāya 81

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.

2.1

Then the Buddha left the road, and at a certain spot he smiled.

Atha kho bhagavā maggā okkamma aññatarasmiṁ padese sitaṁ pātvākāsi.

2.2

Then Venerable Ānanda thought,

Atha kho āyasmato ānandassa etadahosi:

2.3

“What is the cause, what is the reason why the Buddha smiled?

“ko nu kho hetu, ko paccayo bhagavato sitassa pātukammāya?

2.4

Realized Ones do not smile for no reason.”

Na akāraṇena tathāgatā sitaṁ pātukarontī”ti.

2.5

So Ānanda arranged his robe over one shoulder, raised his joined palms toward the Buddha, and said,

Atha kho āyasmā ānando ekaṁsaṁ cīvaraṁ katvā yena bhagavā tenañjaliṁ paṇāmetvā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

2.6

“What is the cause, what is the reason why the Buddha smiled?

“ko nu kho, bhante, hetu, ko paccayo bhagavato sitassa pātukammāya?

2.7

Realized Ones do not smile for no reason.”

Na akāraṇena tathāgatā sitaṁ pātukarontī”ti.

3.1

“Once upon a time, Ānanda, there was a market town in this spot named Vebhaliṅga. It was successful and prosperous and full of people.

“Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, imasmiṁ padese vegaḷiṅgaṁ nāma gāmanigamo ahosi iddho ceva phīto ca bahujano ākiṇṇamanusso.

3.2

And Kassapa, a blessed one, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, lived supported by Vebhaliṅga.

Vegaḷiṅgaṁ kho, ānanda, gāmanigamaṁ kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho upanissāya vihāsi.

3.3

It was here, in fact, that he had his monastery,

Idha sudaṁ, ānanda, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa ārāmo ahosi.

3.4

where he sat and advised the bhikkhu Saṅgha.”

Idha sudaṁ, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho nisinnako bhikkhusaṅghaṁ ovadatī”ti.

4.1

Then Ānanda spread out his outer robe folded in four and said to the Buddha,

Atha kho āyasmā ānando catugguṇaṁ saṅghāṭiṁ paññapetvā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

4.2

“Well then, sir, may the Blessed One sit here!

“tena hi, bhante, bhagavā nisīdatu ettha.

4.3

Then this piece of land will have been occupied by two perfected ones, fully awakened Buddhas.”

Ayaṁ bhūmipadeso dvīhi arahantehi sammāsambuddhehi paribhutto bhavissatī”ti.

4.4

The Buddha sat on the seat spread out.

Nisīdi bhagavā paññatte āsane.

4.5

When he was seated he said to Venerable Ānanda:

Nisajja kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ ānandaṁ āmantesi:

5.1

“Once upon a time, Ānanda, there was a market town in this spot named Vebhaliṅga. It was successful and prosperous and full of people.

“Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, imasmiṁ padese vegaḷiṅgaṁ nāma gāmanigamo ahosi iddho ceva phīto ca bahujano ākiṇṇamanusso.

5.2

And Kassapa, a blessed one, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, lived supported by Vebhaliṅga.

Vegaḷiṅgaṁ kho, ānanda, gāmanigamaṁ kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho upanissāya vihāsi.

5.3

It was here, in fact, that he had his monastery,

Idha sudaṁ, ānanda, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa ārāmo ahosi.

5.4

where he sat and advised the bhikkhu Saṅgha.

Idha sudaṁ, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho nisinnako bhikkhusaṅghaṁ ovadati.

6.1

The Buddha Kassapa had as chief supporter in Vebhaliṅga a potter named Ghaṭīkāra.

Vegaḷiṅge kho, ānanda, gāmanigame ghaṭikāro nāma kumbhakāro kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa upaṭṭhāko ahosi aggupaṭṭhāko.

6.2

Ghaṭīkāra had a dear friend named Jotipāla, a brahmin student.

Ghaṭikārassa kho, ānanda, kumbhakārassa jotipālo nāma māṇavo sahāyo ahosi piyasahāyo.

6.3

Then Ghaṭīkāra addressed Jotipāla,

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro jotipālaṁ māṇavaṁ āmantesi:

6.4

‘Come, dear Jotipāla, let’s go to see the Blessed One Kassapa, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.

‘āyāma, samma jotipāla, kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāma.

6.5

For I regard it as holy to see that Blessed One.’

Sādhusammatañhi me tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

6.6

When he said this, Jotipāla said to him,

Evaṁ vutte, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

6.7

‘Enough, dear Ghaṭīkāra.

‘alaṁ, samma ghaṭikāra.

6.8

What’s the use of seeing that baldy, that fake ascetic?’

Kiṁ pana tena muṇḍakena samaṇakena diṭṭhenā’ti?

6.9

For a second time …

Dutiyampi kho, ānanda …pe…

6.10

and a third time, Ghaṭīkāra addressed Jotipāla,

tatiyampi kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro jotipālaṁ māṇavaṁ etadavoca:

6.11

‘Come, dear Jotipāla, let’s go to see the Blessed One Kassapa, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.

‘āyāma, samma jotipāla, kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāma.

6.12

For I regard it as holy to see that Blessed One.’

Sādhusammatañhi me tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

6.13

For a third time, Jotipāla said to him,

Tatiyampi kho, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

6.14

‘Enough, dear Ghaṭīkāra.

‘alaṁ, samma ghaṭikāra.

6.15

What’s the use of seeing that baldy, that fake ascetic?’

Kiṁ pana tena muṇḍakena samaṇakena diṭṭhenā’ti?

6.16

‘Well then, dear Jotipāla, let’s take some bathing paste of powdered shell and go to the river to bathe.’

‘Tena hi, samma jotipāla, sottisināniṁ ādāya nadiṁ gamissāma sināyitun’ti.

6.17

‘Yes, dear,’ replied Jotipāla.

‘Evaṁ, sammā’ti kho, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa paccassosi.

6.18

So that’s what they did.

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro ca kumbhakāro jotipālo ca māṇavo sottisināniṁ ādāya nadiṁ agamaṁsu sināyituṁ.

7.1

Then Ghaṭīkāra addressed Jotipāla,

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro jotipālaṁ māṇavaṁ āmantesi:

7.2

‘Dear Jotipāla, the Buddha Kassapa’s monastery is not far away.

‘ayaṁ, samma jotipāla, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa avidūre ārāmo.

7.3

Let’s go to see the Blessed One Kassapa, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.

Āyāma, samma jotipāla, kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāma.

7.4

For I regard it as holy to see that Blessed One.’

Sādhusammatañhi me tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

7.5

When he said this, Jotipāla said to him,

Evaṁ vutte, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

7.6

‘Enough, dear Ghaṭīkāra.

‘alaṁ, samma ghaṭikāra.

7.7

What’s the use of seeing that baldy, that fake ascetic?’

Kiṁ pana tena muṇḍakena samaṇakena diṭṭhenā’ti?

7.8

For a second time …

Dutiyampi kho, ānanda …pe…

7.9

and a third time, Ghaṭīkāra addressed Jotipāla,

tatiyampi kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro jotipālaṁ māṇavaṁ etadavoca:

7.10

‘Dear Jotipāla, the Buddha Kassapa’s monastery is not far away.

‘ayaṁ, samma jotipāla, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa avidūre ārāmo.

7.11

Let’s go to see the Blessed One Kassapa, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.

Āyāma, samma jotipāla, kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāma.

7.12

For I regard it as holy to see that Blessed One.’

Sādhusammatañhi me tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

7.13

For a third time, Jotipāla said to him,

Tatiyampi kho, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

7.14

‘Enough, dear Ghaṭīkāra.

‘alaṁ, samma ghaṭikāra.

7.15

What’s the use of seeing that baldy, that fake ascetic?’

Kiṁ pana tena muṇḍakena samaṇakena diṭṭhenā’ti?

8.1

Then Ghaṭīkāra grabbed Jotipāla by the belt and said,

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro jotipālaṁ māṇavaṁ ovaṭṭikāyaṁ parāmasitvā etadavoca:

8.2

‘Dear Jotipāla, the Buddha Kassapa’s monastery is not far away.

‘ayaṁ, samma jotipāla, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa avidūre ārāmo.

8.3

Let’s go to see the Blessed One Kassapa, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.

Āyāma, samma jotipāla, kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāma.

8.4

For I regard it as holy to see that Blessed One.’

Sādhusammatañhi me tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

8.5

So Jotipāla undid his belt and said to Ghaṭīkāra,

Atha kho, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ovaṭṭikaṁ vinivaṭṭetvā ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

8.6

‘Enough, dear Ghaṭīkāra.

‘alaṁ, samma ghaṭikāra.

8.7

What’s the use of seeing that baldy, that fake ascetic?’

Kiṁ pana tena muṇḍakena samaṇakena diṭṭhenā’ti?

9.1

Then Ghaṭīkāra grabbed Jotipāla by the hair of his freshly-washed head and said,

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro jotipālaṁ māṇavaṁ sīsaṁnhātaṁ kesesu parāmasitvā etadavoca:

9.2

‘Dear Jotipāla, the Buddha Kassapa’s monastery is not far away.

‘ayaṁ, samma jotipāla, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa avidūre ārāmo.

9.3

Let’s go to see the Blessed One Kassapa, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.

Āyāma, samma jotipāla, kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāma.

9.4

For I regard it as holy to see that Blessed One.’

Sādhusammatañhi me tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

9.5

Then Jotipāla thought,

Atha kho, ānanda, jotipālassa māṇavassa etadahosi:

9.6

‘It’s incredible, it’s amazing,

‘acchariyaṁ vata bho, abbhutaṁ vata bho.

9.7

how this potter Ghaṭīkāra, though born in a lower caste, should presume to grab me by the hair of my freshly-washed head!

Yatra hi nāmāyaṁ ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro ittarajacco samāno amhākaṁ sīsaṁnhātānaṁ kesesu parāmasitabbaṁ maññissati;

9.8

This must be no ordinary matter.’

na vatidaṁ kira orakaṁ maññe bhavissatī’ti;

9.9

He said to Ghaṭīkāra,

ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

9.10

‘You’d even milk it to this extent, dear Ghaṭīkāra?’

‘yāvatādohipi, samma ghaṭikārā’ti?

9.11

‘I even milk it to this extent, dear Jotipāla.

‘Yāvatādohipi, samma jotipāla.

9.12

For that is how holy I regard it to see that Blessed One.’

Tathā hi pana me sādhusammataṁ tassa bhagavato dassanaṁ arahato sammāsambuddhassā’ti.

9.13

‘Well then, dear Ghaṭīkāra, release me, we shall go.’

‘Tena hi, samma ghaṭikāra, muñca; gamissāmā’ti.

10.1

Then Ghaṭīkāra the potter and Jotipāla the brahmin student went to the Buddha Kassapa. Ghaṭīkāra bowed and sat down to one side, but Jotipāla exchanged greetings with the Buddha and sat down to one side.

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro ca kumbhakāro jotipālo ca māṇavo yena kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Jotipālo pana māṇavo kassapena bhagavatā arahatā sammāsambuddhena saddhiṁ sammodi. Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.

10.2

Ghaṭīkāra said to the Buddha Kassapa,

Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ etadavoca:

10.3

‘Sir, this is my dear friend Jotipāla, a brahmin student.

‘ayaṁ me, bhante, jotipālo māṇavo sahāyo piyasahāyo.

10.4

Please teach him the Dhamma.’

Imassa bhagavā dhammaṁ desetū’ti.

10.5

Then the Buddha Kassapa educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired Ghaṭīkāra and Jotipāla with a Dhamma talk.

Atha kho, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho ghaṭikārañca kumbhakāraṁ jotipālañca māṇavaṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassesi samādapesi samuttejesi sampahaṁsesi.

10.6

Then they got up from their seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha Kassapa, keeping him on their right, before leaving.

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro ca kumbhakāro jotipālo ca māṇavo kassapena bhagavatā arahatā sammāsambuddhena dhammiyā kathāya sandassitā samādapitā samuttejitā sampahaṁsitā kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa bhāsitaṁ abhinanditvā anumoditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā pakkamiṁsu.

11.1

Then Jotipāla said to Ghatīkāra,

Atha kho, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ etadavoca:

11.2

‘Dear Ghaṭīkāra, you have heard this teaching, so why don’t you go forth from the lay life to homelessness?’

‘imaṁ nu tvaṁ, samma ghaṭikāra, dhammaṁ suṇanto atha ca pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ na pabbajissasī’ti?

11.3

‘Don’t you know, dear Jotipāla, that I look after my blind old parents?’

‘Nanu maṁ, samma jotipāla, jānāsi, andhe jiṇṇe mātāpitaro posemī’ti?

11.4

‘Well then, dear Ghaṭīkāra, I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.’

‘Tena hi, samma ghaṭikāra, ahaṁ agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajissāmī’ti.

12.1

Then Ghaṭīkāra and Jotipāla went to the Buddha Kassapa, bowed and sat down to one side. Ghaṭīkāra said to the Buddha Kassapa,

Atha kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro ca kumbhakāro jotipālo ca māṇavo yena kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho, ānanda, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ etadavoca:

12.2

‘Sir, this is my dear friend Jotipāla, a brahmin student.

‘ayaṁ me, bhante, jotipālo māṇavo sahāyo piyasahāyo.

12.3

Please give him the going forth.’

Imaṁ bhagavā pabbājetū’ti.

12.4

And Jotipāla the brahmin student received the going forth, the ordination in the Buddha’s presence.

Alattha kho, ānanda, jotipālo māṇavo kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa santike pabbajjaṁ, alattha upasampadaṁ.

13.1

Not long after Jotipāla’s ordination, a fortnight later, the Buddha Kassapa—having stayed in Vebhaliṅga as long as he wished—set out for Benares.

Atha kho, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho acirūpasampanne jotipāle māṇave aḍḍhamāsupasampanne vegaḷiṅge yathābhirantaṁ viharitvā yena bārāṇasī tena cārikaṁ pakkāmi.

13.2

Traveling stage by stage, he arrived at Benares,

Anupubbena cārikaṁ caramāno yena bārāṇasī tadavasari.

13.3

where he stayed near Benares, in the deer park at Isipatana.

Tatra sudaṁ, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho bārāṇasiyaṁ viharati isipatane migadāye.

14.1

King Kikī of Kāsi heard that he had arrived.

Assosi kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā: ‘kassapo kira bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho bārāṇasiṁ anuppatto bārāṇasiyaṁ viharati isipatane migadāye’ti.

14.2

He had the finest carriages harnessed. He then mounted a fine carriage and, along with other fine carriages, set out in full royal pomp from Benares to see the Buddha Kassapa.

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā bhadrāni bhadrāni yānāni yojāpetvā bhadraṁ yānaṁ abhiruhitvā bhadrehi bhadrehi yānehi bārāṇasiyā niyyāsi mahaccarājānubhāvena kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ dassanāya.

14.3

He went by carriage as far as the terrain allowed, then descended and approached the Buddha Kassapa on foot. He bowed and sat down to one side.

Yāvatikā yānassa bhūmi yānena gantvā yānā paccorohitvā pattikova yena kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.

14.4

The Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired him with a Dhamma talk.

Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho, ānanda, kikiṁ kāsirājānaṁ kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho dhammiyā kathāya sandassesi samādapesi samuttejesi sampahaṁsesi.

14.5

Then King Kikī said to the Buddha,

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā kassapena bhagavatā arahatā sammāsambuddhena dhammiyā kathāya sandassito samādapito samuttejito sampahaṁsito kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ etadavoca:

14.6

‘Sir, would the Buddha together with the bhikkhu Saṅgha please accept tomorrow’s meal from me?’

‘adhivāsetu me, bhante, bhagavā svātanāya bhattaṁ saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghenā’ti.

14.7

The Buddha Kassapa consented in silence.

Adhivāsesi kho, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho tuṇhībhāvena.

15.1

Then, knowing that the Buddha had consented, King Kikī got up from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before leaving.

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā kassapassa bhagavato sammāsambuddhassa adhivāsanaṁ viditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā pakkāmi.

16.1

And when the night had passed, King Kikī had a variety of delicious foods prepared in his own home—soft saffron rice with the dark grains picked out, served with many soups and sauces. Then he had the Buddha informed of the time, saying,

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā tassā rattiyā accayena sake nivesane paṇītaṁ khādanīyaṁ bhojanīyaṁ paṭiyādāpetvā paṇḍupuṭakassa sālino vigatakāḷakaṁ anekasūpaṁ anekabyañjanaṁ, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa kālaṁ ārocāpesi:

16.2

‘Sir, it’s time. The meal is ready.’

‘kālo, bhante, niṭṭhitaṁ bhattan’ti.

17.1

Then Kassapa Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, went to the home of King Kikī, where he sat on the seat spread out, together with the Saṅgha of bhikkhū.

Atha kho, ānanda, kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya yena kikissa kāsirañño nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā paññatte āsane nisīdi saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghena.

17.2

Then King Kikī served and satisfied the bhikkhu Saṅgha headed by the Buddha with his own hands with a variety of delicious foods.

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā buddhappamukhaṁ bhikkhusaṅghaṁ paṇītena khādanīyena bhojanīyena sahatthā santappesi sampavāresi.

17.3

When the Buddha Kassapa had eaten and washed his hand and bowl, King Kikī took a low seat and sat to one side.

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ bhuttāviṁ onītapattapāṇiṁ aññataraṁ nīcaṁ āsanaṁ gahetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.

17.4

There he said to the Buddha Kassapa,

Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ etadavoca:

17.5

‘Sir, may the Buddha please accept my invitation to reside in Benares for the rainy season.

‘adhivāsetu me, bhante, bhagavā bārāṇasiyaṁ vassāvāsaṁ;

17.6

The Saṅgha will be looked after in the same style.’

evarūpaṁ saṅghassa upaṭṭhānaṁ bhavissatī’ti.

17.7

‘Enough, great king.

‘Alaṁ, mahārāja.

17.8

I have already accepted an invitation for the rains residence.’

Adhivuttho me vassāvāso’ti.

17.9

For a second time …

Dutiyampi kho, ānanda …

17.10

and a third time King Kikī said to the Buddha Kassapa,

tatiyampi kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ etadavoca:

17.11

‘Sir, may the Buddha please accept my invitation to reside in Benares for the rainy season.

‘adhivāsetu me, bhante, bhagavā bārāṇasiyaṁ vassāvāsaṁ;

17.12

The Saṅgha will be looked after in the same style.’

evarūpaṁ saṅghassa upaṭṭhānaṁ bhavissatī’ti.

17.13

‘Enough, Great King.

‘Alaṁ, mahārāja.

17.14

I have already accepted an invitation for the rains residence.’

Adhivuttho me vassāvāso’ti.

17.15

Then King Kikī, thinking, ‘The Buddha does not accept my invitation to reside for the rains in Benares,’ became sad and upset.

Atha kho, ānanda, kikissa kāsirañño ‘na me kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho adhivāseti bārāṇasiyaṁ vassāvāsan’ti ahudeva aññathattaṁ, ahu domanassaṁ.

17.16

Then King Kikī said to the Buddha Kassapa,

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā kassapaṁ bhagavantaṁ arahantaṁ sammāsambuddhaṁ etadavoca:

17.17

‘Sir, do you have another supporter better than me?’

‘atthi nu kho, bhante, añño koci mayā upaṭṭhākataro’ti?

18.1

‘Great king, there is a market town named Vebhaliṅga,

‘Atthi, mahārāja, vegaḷiṅgaṁ nāma gāmanigamo.

18.2

where there’s a potter named Ghaṭīkāra.

Tattha ghaṭikāro nāma kumbhakāro;

18.3

He is my chief supporter.

so me upaṭṭhāko aggupaṭṭhāko.

18.4

Now, great king, you thought, “The Buddha does not accept my invitation to reside for the rains in Benares,” and you became sad and upset.

Tuyhaṁ kho pana, mahārāja, na me kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho adhivāseti bārāṇasiyaṁ vassāvāsanti attheva aññathattaṁ, atthi domanassaṁ.

18.5

But Ghaṭīkāra doesn’t get upset, nor will he.

Tayidaṁ ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa natthi ca na ca bhavissati.

18.6

Ghaṭīkāra has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gato.

18.7

He doesn’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or take alcoholic drinks that cause negligence.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro pāṇātipātā paṭivirato, adinnādānā paṭivirato, kāmesumicchācārā paṭivirato, musāvādā paṭivirato, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato.

18.8

He has experiential confidence in the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha, and has the ethics loved by the noble ones.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro buddhe aveccappasādena samannāgato, dhamme aveccappasādena samannāgato, saṅghe aveccappasādena samannāgato, ariyakantehi sīlehi samannāgato.

18.9

He is free of doubt regarding suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the practice that leads to its cessation.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro dukkhe nikkaṅkho, dukkhasamudaye nikkaṅkho, dukkhanirodhe nikkaṅkho, dukkhanirodhagāminiyā paṭipadāya nikkaṅkho.

18.10

He eats in one part of the day; he’s celibate, ethical, and of good character.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro ekabhattiko brahmacārī sīlavā kalyāṇadhammo.

18.11

He has set aside gems and gold, and rejected gold and money.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro nikkhittamaṇisuvaṇṇo apetajātarūparajato.

18.12

He’s put down the shovel and doesn’t dig the earth with his own hands.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro pannamusalo na sahatthā pathaviṁ khaṇati.

18.13

He takes what has crumbled off by a riverbank or been dug up by mice, and brings it back in a carrier. When he has made a pot, he says,

Yaṁ hoti kūlapaluggaṁ vā mūsikukkaro vā taṁ kājena āharitvā bhājanaṁ karitvā evamāha:

18.14

“Anyone may leave bagged sesame, mung beans, or chickpeas here and take what they wish.”

“ettha yo icchati taṇḍulapaṭibhastāni vā muggapaṭibhastāni vā kaḷāyapaṭibhastāni vā nikkhipitvā yaṁ icchati taṁ haratū”ti.

18.15

He looks after his blind old parents.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro andhe jiṇṇe mātāpitaro poseti.

18.16

And since he has ended the five lower fetters, Ghaṭīkāra will be reborn spontaneously and will become extinguished there, not liable to return from that world.

Ghaṭikāro kho, mahārāja, kumbhakāro pañcannaṁ orambhāgiyānaṁ saṁyojanānaṁ parikkhayā opapātiko tattha parinibbāyī anāvattidhammo tasmā lokā.

19.1

This one time, great king, I was staying near the market town of Vebhaliṅga.

Ekamidāhaṁ, mahārāja, samayaṁ vegaḷiṅge nāma gāmanigame viharāmi.

19.2

Then I robed up in the morning and, taking my bowl and robe, went to the home of Ghaṭīkāra’s parents, where I said to them,

Atha khvāhaṁ, mahārāja, pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya yena ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa mātāpitaro tenupasaṅkamiṁ; upasaṅkamitvā ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa mātāpitaro etadavocaṁ:

19.3

“Excuse me, where has Bhaggava gone?”

“handa ko nu kho ayaṁ bhaggavo gato”ti?

19.4

“Your supporter has gone out, sir. But take rice from the pot and sauce from the pan and eat.”

“Nikkhanto kho te, bhante, upaṭṭhāko antokumbhiyā odanaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjā”ti.

19.5

So that’s what I did. And after eating I got up from my seat and left.

Atha khvāhaṁ, mahārāja, kumbhiyā odanaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjitvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkamiṁ.

19.6

Then Ghaṭīkāra went up to his parents and said,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro yena mātāpitaro tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā mātāpitaro etadavoca:

19.7

“Who took rice from the pot and sauce from the pan, ate it, and left?”

“ko kumbhiyā odanaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjitvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkanto”ti?

19.8

“It was the Buddha Kassapa, my dear.”

“Kassapo, tāta, bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho kumbhiyā odanaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjitvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkanto”ti?

19.9

Then Ghaṭīkāra thought,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa etadahosi:

19.10

“I’m so fortunate, so very fortunate,

“lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me,

19.11

in that the Buddha Kassapa trusts me so much!”

yassa me kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho evaṁ abhivissattho”ti.

19.12

Then joy and happiness did not leave him for a fortnight, or his parents for a week.

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ aḍḍhamāsaṁ pītisukhaṁ na vijahati, sattāhaṁ mātāpitūnaṁ.

20.1

Another time, great king, I was staying near that same market town of Vebhaliṅga.

Ekamidāhaṁ, mahārāja, samayaṁ tattheva vegaḷiṅge nāma gāmanigame viharāmi.

20.2

Then I robed up in the morning and, taking my bowl and robe, went to the home of Ghaṭīkāra’s parents, where I said to them,

20.3

“Excuse me, where has Bhaggava gone?”

“handa ko nu kho ayaṁ bhaggavo gato”ti?

20.4

“Your supporter has gone out, sir. But take porridge from the pot and sauce from the pan and eat.”

“Nikkhanto kho te, bhante, upaṭṭhāko anto kaḷopiyā kummāsaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjā”ti.

20.5

So that’s what I did. And after eating I got up from my seat and left.

Atha khvāhaṁ, mahārāja, kaḷopiyā kummāsaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjitvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkamiṁ.

20.6

Then Ghaṭīkāra went up to his parents and said,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro yena mātāpitaro tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā mātāpitaro etadavoca:

20.7

“Who took porridge from the pot and sauce from the pan, ate it, and left?”

“ko kaḷopiyā kummāsaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjitvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkanto”ti?

20.8

“It was the Buddha Kassapa, my dear.”

“Kassapo, tāta, bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho kaḷopiyā kummāsaṁ gahetvā pariyogā sūpaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjitvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkanto”ti.

20.9

Then Ghaṭīkāra thought,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa etadahosi:

20.10

“I’m so fortunate, so very fortunate,

“lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me,

20.11

to be trusted so much by the Buddha Kassapa!”

yassa me kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho evaṁ abhivissattho”ti.

20.12

Then joy and happiness did not leave him for a fortnight, or his parents for a week.

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ aḍḍhamāsaṁ pītisukhaṁ na vijahati, sattāhaṁ mātāpitūnaṁ.

21.1

Another time, great king, I was staying near that same market town of Vebhaliṅga.

Ekamidāhaṁ, mahārāja, samayaṁ tattheva vegaḷiṅge nāma gāmanigame viharāmi.

21.2

Now at that time my hut leaked.

Tena kho pana samayena kuṭi ovassati.

21.3

So I addressed the bhikkhū,

Atha khvāhaṁ, mahārāja, bhikkhū āmantesiṁ:

21.4

“Bhikkhū, go to Ghaṭīkāra’s home and find some grass.”

“gacchatha, bhikkhave, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa nivesane tiṇaṁ jānāthā”ti.

21.5

When I said this, those bhikkhū said to me,

Evaṁ vutte, mahārāja, te bhikkhū maṁ etadavocuṁ:

21.6

“Sir, there’s no grass there, but his workshop has a grass roof.”

“natthi kho, bhante, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa nivesane tiṇaṁ, atthi ca khvāssa āvesane tiṇacchadanan”ti.

21.7

“Then go to the workshop and strip the grass.”

“Gacchatha, bhikkhave, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa āvesanaṁ uttiṇaṁ karothā”ti.

21.8

So that’s what they did.

Atha kho te, mahārāja, bhikkhū ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa āvesanaṁ uttiṇamakaṁsu.

21.9

Then Ghaṭīkāra’s parents said to those bhikkhū,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa mātāpitaro te bhikkhū etadavocuṁ:

21.10

“Who’s stripping the grass from the workshop?”

“ke āvesanaṁ uttiṇaṁ karontī”ti?

21.11

“It’s the bhikkhū, sister. The Buddha’s hut is leaking.”

“Bhikkhū, bhagini, kassapassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa kuṭi ovassatī”ti.

21.12

“Take it, sirs! Take it, my dears!”

“Haratha, bhante, haratha, bhadramukhā”ti.

21.13

Then Ghaṭīkāra went up to his parents and said,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro yena mātāpitaro tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā mātāpitaro etadavoca:

21.14

“Who stripped the grass from the workshop?”

“ke āvesanaṁ uttiṇamakaṁsū”ti?

21.15

“It was the bhikkhū, dear. It seems the Buddha’s hut is leaking.”

“Bhikkhū, tāta, kassapassa kira bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa kuṭi ovassatī”ti.

21.16

Then Ghaṭīkāra thought,

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa etadahosi:

21.17

“I’m so fortunate, so very fortunate,

“lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me,

21.18

to be trusted so much by the Buddha Kassapa!”

yassa me kassapo bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho evaṁ abhivissattho”ti.

21.19

Then joy and happiness did not leave him for a fortnight, or his parents for a week.

Atha kho, mahārāja, ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ aḍḍhamāsaṁ pītisukhaṁ na vijahati, sattāhaṁ mātāpitūnaṁ.

21.20

Then the workshop remained with the sky for a roof for the whole three months, but no rain fell on it.

Atha kho, mahārāja, āvesanaṁ sabbantaṁ temāsaṁ ākāsacchadanaṁ aṭṭhāsi, na devotivassi.

21.21

And that, great king, is what Ghaṭīkāra the potter is like.’

Evarūpo ca, mahārāja, ghaṭikāro kumbhakāro’ti.

21.22

‘Ghaṭīkāra the potter is fortunate, very fortunate,

‘Lābhā, bhante, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa, suladdhā, bhante, ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa

21.23

to be so trusted by the Buddha Kassapa.’

yassa bhagavā evaṁ abhivissattho’ti.

22.1

Then King Kikī sent around five hundred cartloads of rice, soft saffron rice, and suitable sauce to Ghaṭīkāra.

Atha kho, ānanda, kikī kāsirājā ghaṭikārassa kumbhakārassa pañcamattāni taṇḍulavāhasatāni pāhesi paṇḍupuṭakassa sālino tadupiyañca sūpeyyaṁ.

22.2

Then one of the king’s men approached Ghaṭīkāra and said,

Atha kho te, ānanda, rājapurisā ghaṭikāraṁ kumbhakāraṁ upasaṅkamitvā etadavocuṁ:

22.3

‘Sir, these five hundred cartloads of rice, soft saffron rice, and suitable sauce have been sent to you by King Kikī of Kāsī.

‘imāni kho, bhante, pañcamattāni taṇḍulavāhasatāni kikinā kāsirājena pahitāni paṇḍupuṭakassa sālino tadupiyañca sūpeyyaṁ.

22.4

Please accept them.’

Tāni, bhante, paṭiggaṇhathā’ti.

22.5

‘The king has many duties, and much to do.

‘Rājā kho bahukicco bahukaraṇīyo.

22.6

I have enough.

Alaṁ me.

22.7

Let this be for the king himself.’

Raññova hotū’ti.

23.1

Ānanda, you might think:

Siyā kho pana te, ānanda, evamassa:

23.2

‘Surely the brahmin student Jotipāla must have been someone else at that time?’

‘añño nūna tena samayena jotipālo māṇavo ahosī’ti.

23.3

But you should not see it like this.

Na kho panetaṁ, ānanda, evaṁ daṭṭhabbaṁ.

23.4

I myself was the student Jotipāla at that time.”

Ahaṁ tena samayena jotipālo māṇavo ahosin”ti.

23.5

That is what the Buddha said.

Idamavoca bhagavā.

23.6

Satisfied, Venerable Ānanda was happy with what the Buddha said.

Attamano āyasmā ānando bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandīti.

23.7

Ghaṭikārasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ paṭhamaṁ.