MN 97 With Dhanañjāni – Dhanañjānisutta

Medium Discourses Collection 97 – Majjhima Nikāya 97

1.1

So I have heard.

Evaṁ me sutaṁ—

1.2

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground.

ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe.

2.1

Now at that time Venerable Sāriputta was wandering in the Southern Hills together with a large Saṅgha of bhikkhū.

Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā sāriputto dakkhiṇāgirismiṁ cārikaṁ carati mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ.

2.2

Then a certain bhikkhu who had completed the rainy season residence in Rājagaha went to the Southern Hills, where he approached Venerable Sāriputta, and exchanged greetings with him.

Atha kho aññataro bhikkhu rājagahe vassaṁvuṭṭho yena dakkhiṇāgiri yenāyasmā sāriputto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmatā sāriputtena saddhiṁ sammodi.

2.3

When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side. Sāriputta said to him,

Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho taṁ bhikkhuṁ āyasmā sāriputto etadavoca:

2.4

“Reverend, I hope the Buddha is healthy and well?”

“kaccāvuso, bhagavā arogo ca balavā cā”ti?

2.5

“He is, reverend.”

“Arogo cāvuso, bhagavā balavā cā”ti.

2.6

“And I hope that the bhikkhu Saṅgha is healthy and well.”

“Kacci panāvuso, bhikkhusaṅgho arogo ca balavā cā”ti?

2.7

“It is.”

“Bhikkhusaṅghopi kho, āvuso, arogo ca balavā cā”ti.

2.8

“Reverend, at the rice checkpoint there is a brahmin named Dhanañjāni.

“Ettha, āvuso, taṇḍulapālidvārāya dhanañjāni nāma brāhmaṇo atthi.

2.9

I hope that he is healthy and well?”

Kaccāvuso, dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo arogo ca balavā cā”ti?

2.10

“He too is well.”

“Dhanañjānipi kho, āvuso, brāhmaṇo arogo ca balavā cā”ti.

2.11

“But is he diligent?”

“Kacci panāvuso, dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo appamatto”ti?

2.12

“How could he possibly be diligent?

“Kuto panāvuso, dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa appamādo?

2.13

Dhanañjāni robs the brahmins and householders in the name of the king, and he robs the king in the name of the brahmins and householders.

Dhanañjāni, āvuso, brāhmaṇo rājānaṁ nissāya brāhmaṇagahapatike vilumpati, brāhmaṇagahapatike nissāya rājānaṁ vilumpati.

2.14

His wife, a lady of faith who he married from a family of faith, has passed away.

Yāpissa bhariyā saddhā saddhakulā ānītā sāpi kālaṅkatā;

2.15

And he has taken a new wife who has no faith.”

aññāssa bhariyā assaddhā assaddhakulā ānītā”ti.

2.16

“Oh, it’s bad news

“Dussutaṁ vatāvuso, assumha, dussutaṁ vatāvuso, assumha;

2.17

to hear that Dhanañjāni is negligent.

ye mayaṁ dhanañjāniṁ brāhmaṇaṁ pamattaṁ assumha.

2.18

Hopefully, some time or other I’ll get to meet him, and we can have a discussion.”

Appeva ca nāma mayaṁ kadāci karahaci dhanañjāninā brāhmaṇena saddhiṁ samāgaccheyyāma, appeva nāma siyā kocideva kathāsallāpo”ti?

3.1

When Sāriputta had stayed in the Southern Hills as long as he wished, he set out for Rājagaha.

Atha kho āyasmā sāriputto dakkhiṇāgirismiṁ yathābhirantaṁ viharitvā yena rājagahaṁ tena cārikaṁ pakkāmi.

3.2

Traveling stage by stage, he arrived at Rājagaha,

Anupubbena cārikaṁ caramāno yena rājagahaṁ tadavasari.

3.3

where he stayed in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground.

Tatra sudaṁ āyasmā sāriputto rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe.

4.1

Then he robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for alms.

Atha kho āyasmā sāriputto pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya rājagahaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi.

4.2

Now at that time Dhanañjāni was having his cows milked in a cow-shed outside the city.

Tena kho pana samayena dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo bahinagare gāvo goṭṭhe duhāpeti.

4.3

Then Sāriputta wandered for alms in Rājagaha. After the meal, on his return from almsround, he approached Dhanañjāni.

Atha kho āyasmā sāriputto rājagahe piṇḍāya caritvā pacchābhattaṁ piṇḍapātapaṭikkanto yena dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo tenupasaṅkami.

4.4

Seeing Sāriputta coming off in the distance,

Addasā kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo āyasmantaṁ sāriputtaṁ dūratova āgacchantaṁ.

4.5

Dhanañjāni went to him and said,

Disvāna yenāyasmā sāriputto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmantaṁ sāriputtaṁ etadavoca:

4.6

“Here, Master Sāriputta, drink some fresh milk before the meal time.”

“ito, bho sāriputta, payo, pīyataṁ tāva bhattassa kālo bhavissatī”ti.

4.7

“Enough, brahmin,

“Alaṁ, brāhmaṇa.

4.8

I’ve finished eating for today.

Kataṁ me ajja bhattakiccaṁ.

4.9

I shall be at the root of that tree for the day’s meditation.

Amukasmiṁ me rukkhamūle divāvihāro bhavissati.

4.10

Come see me there.”

Tattha āgaccheyyāsī”ti.

4.11

“Yes, sir,” replied Dhanañjāni.

“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo āyasmato sāriputtassa paccassosi.

5.1

When Dhanañjāni had finished breakfast he went to Sāriputta and exchanged greetings with him.

Atha kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo pacchābhattaṁ bhuttapātarāso yenāyasmā sāriputto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmatā sāriputtena saddhiṁ sammodi.

5.2

When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side. Sāriputta said to him,

Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho dhanañjāniṁ brāhmaṇaṁ āyasmā sāriputto etadavoca:

5.3

“I hope you’re diligent, Dhanañjāni?”

“kaccāsi, dhanañjāni, appamatto”ti?

5.4

“How can I possibly be diligent, Master Sāriputta? I have to provide for my mother and father, my wives and children, and my bondservants and workers. And I have to make the proper offerings to friends and colleagues, relatives and kin, guests, ancestors, deities, and king. And then this body must also be fattened and built up.”

“Kuto, bho sāriputta, amhākaṁ appamādo yesaṁ no mātāpitaro posetabbā, puttadāro posetabbo, dāsakammakarā posetabbā, mittāmaccānaṁ mittāmaccakaraṇīyaṁ kātabbaṁ, ñātisālohitānaṁ ñātisālohitakaraṇīyaṁ kātabbaṁ, atithīnaṁ atithikaraṇīyaṁ kātabbaṁ, pubbapetānaṁ pubbapetakaraṇīyaṁ kātabbaṁ, devatānaṁ devatākaraṇīyaṁ kātabbaṁ, rañño rājakaraṇīyaṁ kātabbaṁ, ayampi kāyo pīṇetabbo brūhetabbo”ti?

6.1

“What do you think, Dhanañjāni?

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni,

6.2

Suppose someone was to behave in an unprincipled and unjust way for the sake of their parents. Because of this the wardens of hell would drag them to hell.

idhekacco mātāpitūnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

6.3

Could they get out of being dragged to hell by pleading that they had acted for the sake of their parents? Or could their parents save them by pleading that the acts had been done for their sake?”

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho mātāpitūnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, mātāpitaro vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

6.4

“No, Master Sāriputta.

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

6.5

Rather, even as they were wailing the wardens of hell would cast them down into hell.”

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

7.1

“What do you think, Dhanañjāni?

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni,

7.2

Suppose someone was to behave in an unprincipled and unjust way for the sake of their wives and children …

idhekacco puttadārassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

7.3

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho puttadārassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, puttadāro vā panassa labheyya ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

7.4

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

7.5

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

8.1

bondservants and workers …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco dāsakammakaraporisassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

8.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho dāsakammakaraporisassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, dāsakammakaraporisā vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

8.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

8.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

9.1

friends and colleagues …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco mittāmaccānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

9.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho mittāmaccānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, mittāmaccā vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

9.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

9.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

10.1

relatives and kin …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco ñātisālohitānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

10.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho ñātisālohitānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, ñātisālohitā vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

10.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

10.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

11.1

guests …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco atithīnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

11.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho atithīnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, atithī vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

11.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

11.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

12.1

ancestors …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco pubbapetānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

12.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho pubbapetānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, pubbapetā vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

12.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

12.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

13.1

deities …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco devatānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

13.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho devatānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, devatā vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

13.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

13.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

14.1

king …

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco rañño hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

14.2

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho rañño hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, rājā vā panassa labheyya ‘eso kho amhākaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

14.3

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

14.4

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

15.1

fattening and building up their body. Because of this the wardens of hell would drag them to hell.

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, idhekacco kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, tamenaṁ adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhetu nirayaṁ nirayapālā upakaḍḍheyyuṁ.

15.2

Could they get out of being dragged to hell by pleading that they had acted for the sake of fattening and building up their body? Or could anyone else save them by pleading that the acts had been done for that reason?”

Labheyya nu kho so ‘ahaṁ kho kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosiṁ, mā maṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’ti, pare vā panassa labheyyuṁ ‘eso kho kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu adhammacārī visamacārī ahosi, mā naṁ nirayaṁ nirayapālā’”ti?

15.3

“No, Master Sāriputta.

“No hidaṁ, bho sāriputta.

15.4

Rather, even as they were wailing the wardens of hell would cast them down into hell.”

Atha kho naṁ vikkandantaṁyeva niraye nirayapālā pakkhipeyyuṁ”.

16.1

“Who do you think is better, Dhanañjāni? Someone who, for the sake of their parents, behaves in an unprincipled and unjust manner, or someone who behaves in a principled and just manner?”

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā mātāpitūnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā mātāpitūnaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

16.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

16.3

“Someone who behaves in a principled and just manner for the sake of their parents.

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, mātāpitūnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

16.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, mātāpitūnaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

16.5

For principled and moral conduct is better than unprincipled and immoral conduct.”

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

16.6

“Dhanañjāni, there are other livelihoods that are both profitable and legitimate. By means of these it’s possible to provide for your parents, avoid bad deeds, and practice the path of goodness.

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā mātāpitaro ceva posetuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

17.1

Who do you think is better, Dhanañjāni? Someone who, for the sake of their wives and children …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā puttadārassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā puttadārassa hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

17.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

17.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, puttadārassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

17.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, puttadārassa hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

17.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

17.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā yehi sakkā puttadārañceva posetuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

18.1

bondservants and workers …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā dāsakammakaraporisassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā dāsakammakaraporisassa hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

18.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

18.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, dāsakammakaraporisassa hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

18.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, dāsakammakaraporisassa hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

18.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

18.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā dāsakammakaraporise ceva posetuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

19.1

friends and colleagues …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā mittāmaccānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā mittāmaccānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

19.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

19.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, mittāmaccānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

19.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, mittāmaccānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

19.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

19.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā mittāmaccānañceva mittāmaccakaraṇīyaṁ kātuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

20.1

relatives and kin …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā ñātisālohitānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā ñātisālohitānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

20.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

20.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, ñātisālohitānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

20.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, ñātisālohitānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

20.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

20.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā ñātisālohitānañceva ñātisālohitakaraṇīyaṁ kātuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

21.1

guests …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā atithīnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā atithīnaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

21.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

21.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, atithīnaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

21.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, atithīnaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

21.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

21.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā atithīnañceva atithikaraṇīyaṁ kātuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

22.1

ancestors …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā pubbapetānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā pubbapetānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

22.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

22.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, pubbapetānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

22.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, pubbapetānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

22.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

22.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā pubbapetānañceva pubbapetakaraṇīyaṁ kātuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

23.1

deities …

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā devatānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā devatānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

23.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

23.3

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, devatānaṁ hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

23.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, devatānaṁ hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

23.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

23.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā devatānañceva devatākaraṇīyaṁ kātuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

24.1

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā rañño hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā rañño hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

24.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

24.3

king …

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, rañño hetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

24.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, rañño hetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

24.5

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

24.6

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā rañño ceva rājakaraṇīyaṁ kātuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjituṁ.

25.1

fattening and building up their body, behaves in an unprincipled and unjust manner, or someone who behaves in a principled and just manner?”

Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, yo vā kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, yo vā kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu dhammacārī samacārī assa;

25.2

katamaṁ seyyo”ti?

25.3

“Someone who behaves in a principled and just manner.

“Yo hi, bho sāriputta, kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu adhammacārī visamacārī assa, na taṁ seyyo;

25.4

yo ca kho, bho sāriputta, kāyassa pīṇanāhetu brūhanāhetu dhammacārī samacārī assa, tadevettha seyyo.

25.5

For principled and moral conduct is better than unprincipled and immoral conduct.”

Adhammacariyāvisamacariyāhi, bho sāriputta, dhammacariyāsamacariyā seyyo”ti.

25.6

“Dhanañjāni, there are other livelihoods that are both profitable and legitimate. By means of these it’s possible to fatten and build up your body, avoid bad deeds, and practice the path of goodness.”

“Atthi kho, dhanañjāni, aññesaṁ hetukā dhammikā kammantā, yehi sakkā kāyañceva pīṇetuṁ brūhetuṁ, na ca pāpakammaṁ kātuṁ, puññañca paṭipadaṁ paṭipajjitun”ti.

26.1

Then Dhanañjāni the brahmin, having approved and agreed with what Venerable Sāriputta said, got up from his seat and left.

Atha kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo āyasmato sāriputtassa bhāsitaṁ abhinanditvā anumoditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkāmi.

27.1

Some time later Dhanañjāni became sick, suffering, gravely ill.

Atha kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo aparena samayena ābādhiko ahosi dukkhito bāḷhagilāno.

27.2

Then he addressed a man,

Atha kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo aññataraṁ purisaṁ āmantesi:

27.3

“Please, mister, go to the Buddha, and in my name bow with your head to his feet. Say to him:

“ehi tvaṁ, ambho purisa, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkama; upasaṅkamitvā mama vacanena bhagavato pāde sirasā vandāhi:

27.4

‘Sir, the brahmin Dhanañjāni is sick, suffering, gravely ill.

‘dhanañjāni, bhante, brāhmaṇo ābādhiko dukkhito bāḷhagilāno.

27.5

He bows with his head to your feet.’

So bhagavato pāde sirasā vandatī’ti.

27.6

Then go to Venerable Sāriputta, and in my name bow with your head to his feet. Say to him:

Yena cāyasmā sāriputto tenupasaṅkama; upasaṅkamitvā mama vacanena āyasmato sāriputtassa pāde sirasā vandāhi:

27.7

‘Sir, the brahmin Dhanañjāni is sick, suffering, gravely ill.

‘dhanañjāni, bhante, brāhmaṇo ābādhiko dukkhito bāḷhagilāno.

27.8

He bows with his head to your feet.’

So āyasmato sāriputtassa pāde sirasā vandatī’ti.

27.9

And then say:

Evañca vadehi:

27.10

‘Sir, please visit Dhanañjāni at his home out of compassion.’”

‘sādhu kira, bhante, āyasmā sāriputto yena dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkamatu anukampaṁ upādāyā’”ti.

27.11

“Yes, sir,” that man replied. He did as Dhanañjāni asked.

“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho so puriso dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa paṭissutvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho so puriso bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

27.12

“dhanañjāni, bhante, brāhmaṇo ābādhiko dukkhito bāḷhagilāno.

27.13

So bhagavato pāde sirasā vandatī”ti.

27.14

Yena cāyasmā sāriputto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmantaṁ sāriputtaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho so puriso āyasmantaṁ sāriputtaṁ etadavoca:

27.15

“dhanañjāni, bhante, brāhmaṇo ābādhiko dukkhito bāḷhagilāno.

27.16

So āyasmato sāriputtassa pāde sirasā vandati, evañca vadeti:

27.17

‘sādhu kira, bhante, āyasmā sāriputto yena dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkamatu anukampaṁ upādāyā’”ti.

27.18

Sāriputta consented in silence.

Adhivāsesi kho āyasmā sāriputto tuṇhībhāvena.

28.1

He robed up, and, taking his bowl and robe, went to Dhanañjāni’s home, where he sat on the seat spread out and said to Dhanañjāni,

Atha kho āyasmā sāriputto nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya yena dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā paññatte āsane nisīdi. Nisajja kho āyasmā sāriputto dhanañjāniṁ brāhmaṇaṁ etadavoca:

28.2

“I hope you’re keeping well, Dhanañjāni; I hope you’re alright. And I hope the pain is fading, not growing, that its fading is evident, not its growing.”

“kacci te, dhanañjāni, khamanīyaṁ, kacci yāpanīyaṁ? Kacci dukkhā vedanā paṭikkamanti, no abhikkamanti? Paṭikkamosānaṁ paññāyati, no abhikkamo”ti?

29.1

“I’m not keeping well, Master Sāriputta, I’m not alright. The pain is terrible and growing, not fading; its growing is evident, not its fading.

“Na me, bho sāriputta, khamanīyaṁ na yāpanīyaṁ. Bāḷhā me dukkhā vedanā abhikkamanti, no paṭikkamanti. Abhikkamosānaṁ paññāyati, no paṭikkamo.

29.2

The winds piercing my head are so severe, it feels like a strong man drilling into my head with a sharp point.

Seyyathāpi, bho sāriputta, balavā puriso tiṇhena sikharena muddhani abhimattheyya; evameva kho, bho sāriputta, adhimattā vātā muddhani ca ūhananti.

29.3

I’m not keeping well.

Na me, bho sāriputta, khamanīyaṁ, na yāpanīyaṁ. Bāḷhā me dukkhā vedanā abhikkamanti, no paṭikkamanti. Abhikkamosānaṁ paññāyati, no paṭikkamo.

29.4

The pain in my head is so severe, it feels like a strong man tightening a tough leather strap around my head.

Seyyathāpi, bho sāriputta, balavā puriso daḷhena varattakkhaṇḍena sīse sīsaveṭhaṁ dadeyya; evameva kho, bho sāriputta, adhimattā sīse sīsavedanā.

29.5

I’m not keeping well.

Na me, bho sāriputta, khamanīyaṁ na yāpanīyaṁ. Bāḷhā me dukkhā vedanā abhikkamanti, no paṭikkamanti. Abhikkamosānaṁ paññāyati, no paṭikkamo.

29.6

The winds slicing my belly are so severe, like a deft butcher or their apprentice were slicing open a cows’s belly open with a meat cleaver.

Seyyathāpi, bho sāriputta, dakkho goghātako vā goghātakantevāsī vā tiṇhena govikantanena kucchiṁ parikanteyya; evameva kho, bho sāriputta, adhimattā vātā kucchiṁ parikantanti.

29.7

I’m not keeping well.

Na me, bho sāriputta, khamanīyaṁ, na yāpanīyaṁ. Bāḷhā me dukkhā vedanā abhikkamanti, no paṭikkamanti. Abhikkamosānaṁ paññāyati, no paṭikkamo.

29.8

The burning in my body is so severe, it feels like two strong men grabbing a weaker man by the arms to burn and scorch him on a pit of glowing coals.

Seyyathāpi, bho sāriputta, dve balavanto purisā dubbalataraṁ purisaṁ nānābāhāsu gahetvā aṅgārakāsuyā santāpeyyuṁ samparitāpeyyuṁ; evameva kho, bho sāriputta, adhimatto kāyasmiṁ ḍāho.

29.9

I’m not keeping well, Master Sāriputta, I’m not alright. The pain is terrible and growing, not fading; its growing is evident, not its fading.”

Na me, bho sāriputta, khamanīyaṁ na yāpanīyaṁ. Bāḷhā me dukkhā vedanā abhikkamanti, no paṭikkamanti. Abhikkamosānaṁ paññāyati, no paṭikkamo”ti.

30.1

“Dhanañjāni, which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.2

hell or the animal realm?”

nirayo vā tiracchānayoni vā”ti?

30.3

“The animal realm is better.”

“Nirayā, bho sāriputta, tiracchānayoni seyyo”ti.

30.4

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.5

the animal realm or the ghost realm?”

tiracchānayoni vā pettivisayo vā”ti?

30.6

“The ghost realm is better.”

“Tiracchānayoniyā, bho sāriputta, pettivisayo seyyo”ti.

30.7

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.8

the ghost realm or human life?”

pettivisayo vā manussā vā”ti?

30.9

“Human life is better.”

“Pettivisayā, bho sāriputta, manussā seyyo”ti.

30.10

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.11

human life or as one of the Gods of the Four Great Kings?”

manussā vā cātumahārājikā vā devā”ti?

30.12

“The Gods of the Four Great Kings.”

“Manussehi, bho sāriputta, cātumahārājikā devā seyyo”ti.

30.13

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.14

the Gods of the Four Great Kings or the Gods of the Thirty-Three?”

cātumahārājikā vā devā tāvatiṁsā vā devā”ti?

30.15

“The Gods of the Thirty-Three.”

“Cātumahārājikehi, bho sāriputta, devehi tāvatiṁsā devā seyyo”ti.

30.16

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.17

the Gods of the Thirty-Three or the Gods of Yama?”

tāvatiṁsā vā devā yāmā vā devā”ti?

30.18

“The Gods of Yama.”

“Tāvatiṁsehi, bho sāriputta, devehi yāmā devā seyyo”ti.

30.19

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.20

the Gods of Yama or the Joyful Gods?”

yāmā vā devā tusitā vā devā”ti?

30.21

“The Joyful Gods.”

“Yāmehi, bho sāriputta, devehi tusitā devā seyyo”ti.

30.22

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.23

the Joyful Gods or the Gods Who Love to Create?”

tusitā vā devā nimmānaratī vā devā”ti?

30.24

“The Gods Who Love to Create.”

“Tusitehi, bho sāriputta, devehi nimmānaratī devā seyyo”ti.

30.25

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo—

30.26

the Gods Who Love to Create or the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others?”

nimmānaratī vā devā paranimmitavasavattī vā devā”ti?

30.27

“The Gods Who Control the Creations of Others.”

“Nimmānaratīhi, bho sāriputta, devehi paranimmitavasavattī devā seyyo”ti.

31.1

“Which do you think is better:

“Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, dhanañjāni, katamaṁ seyyo

31.2

the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others or the Brahmā realm?”

paranimmitavasavattī vā devā brahmaloko vā”ti?

31.3

“Master Sāriputta speaks of the Brahmā realm!

“‘Brahmaloko’ti—bhavaṁ sāriputto āha;

31.4

Master Sāriputta speaks of the Brahmā realm!”

‘brahmaloko’ti—bhavaṁ sāriputto āhā”ti.

31.5

Then Sāriputta thought:

Atha kho āyasmato sāriputtassa etadahosi:

31.6

“These brahmins are devoted to the Brahmā realm.

“ime kho brāhmaṇā brahmalokādhimuttā.

31.7

Why don’t I teach him a path to the company of Brahmā?”

Yannūnāhaṁ dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa brahmānaṁ sahabyatāya maggaṁ deseyyan”ti.

31.8

“Dhanañjāni, I shall teach you a path to the company of Brahmā.

“Brahmānaṁ te, dhanañjāni, sahabyatāya maggaṁ desessāmi;

31.9

Listen and pay close attention, I will speak.”

taṁ suṇāhi, sādhukaṁ manasi karohi, bhāsissāmī”ti.

31.10

“Yes, sir,” replied Dhanañjāni.

“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo āyasmato sāriputtassa paccassosi.

31.11

Venerable Sāriputta said this:

Āyasmā sāriputto etadavoca:

32.1

“And what is a path to companionship with Brahmā?

“katamo ca, dhanañjāni, brahmānaṁ sahabyatāya maggo?

32.2

Firstly, a bhikkhu meditates spreading a heart full of love to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, they spread a heart full of love to the whole world—abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will.

Idha, dhanañjāni, bhikkhu mettāsahagatena cetasā ekaṁ disaṁ pharitvā viharati, tathā dutiyaṁ, tathā tatiyaṁ, tathā catutthaṁ; iti uddhamadho tiriyaṁ sabbadhi sabbattatāya sabbāvantaṁ lokaṁ mettāsahagatena cetasā vipulena mahaggatena appamāṇena averena abyābajjhena pharitvā viharati.

32.3

This is a path to companionship with Brahmā.

Ayaṁ kho, dhanañjāni, brahmānaṁ sahabyatāya maggo.

33-35.1

Furthermore, a bhikkhu meditates spreading a heart full of compassion …

Puna caparaṁ, dhanañjāni, bhikkhu karuṇāsahagatena cetasā …pe…

33-35.2

They meditate spreading a heart full of rejoicing …

muditāsahagatena cetasā …

33-35.3

They meditate spreading a heart full of equanimity to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, they spread a heart full of equanimity to the whole world—abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will.

upekkhāsahagatena cetasā ekaṁ disaṁ pharitvā viharati, tathā dutiyaṁ, tathā tatiyaṁ, tathā catutthaṁ; iti uddhamadho tiriyaṁ sabbadhi sabbattatāya sabbāvantaṁ lokaṁ upekkhāsahagatena cetasā vipulena mahaggatena appamāṇena averena abyābajjhena pharitvā viharati.

33-35.4

This is a path to companionship with Brahmā.”

Ayaṁ kho, dhanañjāni, brahmānaṁ sahabyatāya maggo”ti.

36.1

“Well then, Master Sāriputta, in my name bow with your head at the Buddha’s feet. Say to him:

“Tena hi, bho sāriputta, mama vacanena bhagavato pāde sirasā vandāhi:

36.2

‘Sir, the brahmin Dhanañjāni is sick, suffering, gravely ill.

‘dhanañjāni, bhante, brāhmaṇo ābādhiko dukkhito bāḷhagilāno.

36.3

He bows with his head to your feet.’”

So bhagavato pāde sirasā vandatī’”ti.

36.4

Then Sāriputta, after establishing Dhanañjāni in the inferior Brahmā realm, got up from his seat and left while there was still more left to do.

Atha kho āyasmā sāriputto dhanañjāniṁ brāhmaṇaṁ sati uttarikaraṇīye hīne brahmaloke patiṭṭhāpetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkāmi.

36.5

Not long after Sāriputta had departed, Dhanañjāni passed away and was reborn in the Brahmā realm.

Atha kho dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo acirapakkante āyasmante sāriputte kālamakāsi, brahmalokañca upapajji.

37.1

Then the Buddha said to the bhikkhū,

Atha kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:

37.2

“Bhikkhū, Sāriputta, after establishing Dhanañjāni in the inferior Brahmā realm, got up from his seat and left while there was still more left to do.”

“eso, bhikkhave, sāriputto dhanañjāniṁ brāhmaṇaṁ sati uttarikaraṇīye hīne brahmaloke patiṭṭhāpetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkanto”ti.

38.1

Then Sāriputta went to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said,

Atha kho āyasmā sāriputto yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi, ekamantaṁ nisinno kho āyasmā sāriputto bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

38.2

“Sir, the brahmin Dhanañjāni is sick, suffering, gravely ill.

“dhanañjāni, bhante, brāhmaṇo ābādhiko dukkhito bāḷhagilāno,

38.3

He bows with his head to your feet.”

so bhagavato pāde sirasā vandatī”ti.

38.4

“But Sāriputta, after establishing Dhanañjāni in the inferior Brahmā realm, why did you get up from your seat and leave while there was still more left to do?”

“Kiṁ pana tvaṁ, sāriputta, dhanañjāniṁ brāhmaṇaṁ sati uttarikaraṇīye hīne brahmaloke patiṭṭhāpetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkanto”ti?

38.5

“Sir, I thought:

“Mayhaṁ kho, bhante, evaṁ ahosi:

38.6

‘These brahmins are devoted to the Brahmā realm. Why don’t I teach him a path to the company of Brahmā?’”

‘ime kho brāhmaṇā brahmalokādhimuttā, yannūnāhaṁ dhanañjānissa brāhmaṇassa brahmānaṁ sahabyatāya maggaṁ deseyyan’”ti.

38.7

“And Sāriputta, the brahmin Dhanañjāni has passed away and been reborn in the Brahmā realm.”

“Kālaṅkato ca, sāriputta, dhanañjāni brāhmaṇo, brahmalokañca upapanno”ti.

38.8

Dhanañjānisuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ sattamaṁ.