MN 128 Corruptions – Upakkilesasutta

Medium Discourses Collection 128 – Majjhima Nikāya 128

1.1

So I have heard.

Evaṁ me sutaṁ—

1.2

At one time the Buddha was staying near Kosambi, in Ghosita’s Monastery.

ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā kosambiyaṁ viharati ghositārāme.

2.1

Now at that time the bhikkhū of Kosambi were arguing, quarreling, and disputing, continually wounding each other with barbed words.

Tena kho pana samayena kosambiyaṁ bhikkhū bhaṇḍanajātā kalahajātā vivādāpannā aññamaññaṁ mukhasattīhi vitudantā viharanti.

3.1

Then a bhikkhu went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and told him what was happening, adding:

Atha kho aññataro bhikkhu yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhito kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

3.2

“idha, bhante, kosambiyaṁ bhikkhū bhaṇḍanajātā kalahajātā vivādāpannā aññamaññaṁ mukhasattīhi vitudantā viharanti.

3.3

“Please, sir go to those bhikkhū out of compassion.”

Sādhu, bhante, bhagavā yena te bhikkhū tenupasaṅkamatu anukampaṁ upādāyā”ti.

3.4

The Buddha consented in silence.

Adhivāsesi bhagavā tuṇhībhāvena.

4.1

Then the Buddha went up to those bhikkhū and said,

Atha kho bhagavā yena te bhikkhū tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā te bhikkhū etadavoca:

4.2

“Enough, bhikkhū! Stop arguing, quarreling, and disputing.”

“alaṁ, bhikkhave, mā bhaṇḍanaṁ, mā kalahaṁ, mā viggahaṁ, mā vivādan”ti.

4.3

When he said this, one of the bhikkhū said to the Buddha,

Evaṁ vutte, aññataro bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

4.4

“Wait, sir!

“āgametu, bhante.

4.5

Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma,

Bhagavā dhammassāmī;

4.6

remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in the present life.

appossukko, bhante, bhagavā diṭṭhadhammasukhavihāraṁ anuyutto viharatu;

4.7

We will be known for this arguing, quarreling, and disputing.”

mayametena bhaṇḍanena kalahena viggahena vivādena paññāyissāmā”ti.

4.8

For a second time …

Dutiyampi kho bhagavā te bhikkhū etadavoca:

4.9

“alaṁ, bhikkhave, mā bhaṇḍanaṁ, mā kalahaṁ, mā viggahaṁ, mā vivādan”ti.

4.10

Dutiyampi kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

4.11

“āgametu, bhante.

4.12

Bhagavā dhammassāmī;

4.13

appossukko, bhante, bhagavā diṭṭhadhammasukhavihāraṁ anuyutto viharatu;

4.14

mayametena bhaṇḍanena kalahena viggahena vivādena paññāyissāmā”ti.

4.15

and a third time the Buddha said to those bhikkhū,

Tatiyampi kho bhagavā te bhikkhū etadavoca:

4.16

“Enough, bhikkhū! Stop arguing, quarreling, and disputing.”

“alaṁ, bhikkhave, mā bhaṇḍanaṁ, mā kalahaṁ, mā viggahaṁ, mā vivādan”ti.

4.17

For a third time that bhikkhu said to the Buddha,

Tatiyampi kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

4.18

“Wait, sir!

“āgametu, bhante.

4.19

Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma,

Bhagavā dhammassāmī;

4.20

remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in the present life.

appossukko, bhante, bhagavā diṭṭhadhammasukhavihāraṁ anuyutto viharatu;

4.21

We will be known for this arguing, quarreling, and disputing.”

mayametena bhaṇḍanena kalahena viggahena vivādena paññāyissāmā”ti.

5.1

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

Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya kosambiṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi.

5.2

After the meal, on his return from almsround, he set his lodgings in order. Taking his bowl and robe, he recited these verses while standing right there:

Kosambiyaṁ piṇḍāya caritvā pacchābhattaṁ piṇḍapātapaṭikkanto senāsanaṁ saṁsāmetvā pattacīvaramādāya ṭhitakova imā gāthā abhāsi:

6.1

“When many voices shout at once,

“Puthusaddo samajano,

6.2

no-one thinks that they’re a fool!

na bālo koci maññatha;

6.3

While the Saṅgha’s being split,

Saṅghasmiṁ bhijjamānasmiṁ,

6.4

none thought another to be better.

nāññaṁ bhiyyo amaññaruṁ.

6.5

Dolts pretending to be astute,

Parimuṭṭhā paṇḍitābhāsā,

6.6

they talk, their words right out of bounds.

vācāgocarabhāṇino;

6.7

They blab at will, their mouths agape,

Yāvicchanti mukhāyāmaṁ,

6.8

and no-one knows what leads them on.

yena nītā na taṁ vidū.

6.9

“They abused me, they hit me!

Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ,

6.10

They beat me, they robbed me!”

ajini maṁ ahāsi me;

6.11

For those who bear such a grudge,

Ye ca taṁ upanayhanti,

6.12

hatred never ends.

veraṁ tesaṁ na sammati.

6.13

“They abused me, they hit me!

Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ,

6.14

They beat me, they robbed me!”

ajini maṁ ahāsi me;

6.15

For those who bear no such grudge,

Ye ca taṁ nupanayhanti,

6.16

hatred has an end.

veraṁ tesūpasammati.

6.17

For never is hatred

Na hi verena verāni,

6.18

settled by hate,

sammantīdha kudācanaṁ;

6.19

it’s only settled by love:

Averena ca sammanti,

6.20

this is an eternal truth.

esa dhammo sanantano.

6.21

Others don’t understand

Pare ca na vijānanti,

6.22

that here we need to be restrained.

mayamettha yamāmase;

6.23

But those who do understand this,

Ye ca tattha vijānanti,

6.24

being clever, settle their conflicts.

tato sammanti medhagā.

6.25

Breakers of bones and takers of life,

Aṭṭhicchinnā pāṇaharā,

6.26

thieves of cattle, horses, wealth,

gavassadhanahārino;

6.27

those who plunder the nation:

Raṭṭhaṁ vilumpamānānaṁ,

6.28

even they can come together,

tesampi hoti saṅgati;

6.29

so why on earth can’t you?

Kasmā tumhākaṁ no siyā.

6.30

If you find an alert companion,

Sace labhetha nipakaṁ sahāyaṁ,

6.31

a wise and virtuous friend,

Saddhiṁ caraṁ sādhuvihāri dhīraṁ;

6.32

then, overcoming all adversities,

Abhibhuyya sabbāni parissayāni,

6.33

wander with them, joyful and mindful.

Careyya tenattamano satīmā.

6.34

If you find no alert companion,

No ce labhetha nipakaṁ sahāyaṁ,

6.35

no wise and virtuous friend,

Saddhiṁ caraṁ sādhuvihāri dhīraṁ;

6.36

then, like a king who flees his conquered realm,

Rājāva raṭṭhaṁ vijitaṁ pahāya,

6.37

wander alone like a tusker in the wilds.

Eko care mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo.

6.38

It’s better to wander alone,

Ekassa caritaṁ seyyo,

6.39

there’s no fellowship with fools.

Natthi bāle sahāyatā;

6.40

Wander alone and do no wrong,

Eko care na ca pāpāni kayirā,

6.41

at ease like a tusker in the wilds.”

Appossukko mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo”ti.

7.1

After speaking these verses while standing, the Buddha went to the village of the child salt-miners,

Atha kho bhagavā ṭhitakova imā gāthā bhāsitvā yena bālakaloṇakāragāmo tenupasaṅkami.

7.2

where Venerable Bhagu was staying at the time.

Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā bhagu bālakaloṇakāragāme viharati.

7.3

Bhagu saw the Buddha coming off in the distance,

Addasā kho āyasmā bhagu bhagavantaṁ dūratova āgacchantaṁ.

7.4

so he spread out a seat and placed water for washing the feet.

Disvāna āsanaṁ paññapesi udakañca pādānaṁ dhovanaṁ.

7.5

The Buddha sat on the seat spread out,

Nisīdi bhagavā paññatte āsane.

7.6

and washed his feet.

Nisajja pāde pakkhālesi.

7.7

Bhagu bowed to the Buddha and sat down to one side.

Āyasmāpi kho bhagu bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.

7.8

The Buddha said to him,

Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho āyasmantaṁ bhaguṁ bhagavā etadavoca:

7.9

“I hope you’re keeping well, bhikkhu; I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”

“kacci, bhikkhu, khamanīyaṁ, kacci yāpanīyaṁ, kacci piṇḍakena na kilamasī”ti?

7.10

“I’m keeping well, sir; I’m all right. And I’m having no trouble getting almsfood.”

“Khamanīyaṁ bhagavā, yāpanīyaṁ bhagavā, na cāhaṁ, bhante, piṇḍakena kilamāmī”ti.

7.11

Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired Bhagu with a Dhamma talk, after which he got up from his seat and set out for the Eastern Bamboo Park.

Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ bhaguṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṁsetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā yena pācīnavaṁsadāyo tenupasaṅkami.

8.1

Now at that time the venerables Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila were staying in the Eastern Bamboo Park.

Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo pācīnavaṁsadāye viharanti.

8.2

The park keeper saw the Buddha coming off in the distance

Addasā kho dāyapālo bhagavantaṁ dūratova āgacchantaṁ.

8.3

and said to the Buddha,

Disvāna bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

8.4

“Don’t come into this park, ascetic.

“mā, mahāsamaṇa, etaṁ dāyaṁ pāvisi.

8.5

There are three gentlemen who love themselves staying here.

Santettha tayo kulaputtā attakāmarūpā viharanti.

8.6

Don’t disturb them.”

Mā tesaṁ aphāsumakāsī”ti.

9.1

Anuruddha heard the park keeper conversing with the Buddha,

Assosi kho āyasmā anuruddho dāyapālassa bhagavatā saddhiṁ mantayamānassa.

9.2

and said to him,

Sutvāna dāyapālaṁ etadavoca:

9.3

“Don’t keep the Buddha out, good park keeper!

“mā, āvuso dāyapāla, bhagavantaṁ vāresi.

9.4

Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived.”

Satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti.

10.1

Then Anuruddha went to Nandiya and Kimbila, and said to them,

Atha kho āyasmā anuruddho yenāyasmā ca nandiyo yenāyasmā ca kimilo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmantañca nandiyaṁ āyasmantañca kimilaṁ etadavoca:

10.2

“Come forth, venerables, come forth! Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived!”

“abhikkamathāyasmanto, abhikkamathāyasmanto, satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti.

10.3

Then Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila came out to greet the Buddha.

Atha kho āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo bhagavantaṁ paccuggantvā

10.4

One received his bowl and robe, one spread out a seat, and one set out water for washing his feet.

eko bhagavato pattacīvaraṁ paṭiggahesi, eko āsanaṁ paññapesi, eko pādodakaṁ upaṭṭhapesi.

10.5

The Buddha sat on the seat spread out

Nisīdi bhagavā paññatte āsane.

10.6

and washed his feet.

Nisajja pāde pakkhālesi.

10.7

Those venerables bowed and sat down to one side.

Tepi kho āyasmanto bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu.

10.8

The Buddha said to Anuruddha,

Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho āyasmantaṁ anuruddhaṁ bhagavā etadavoca:

10.9

“I hope you’re keeping well, Anuruddha and friends; I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”

“kacci vo, anuruddhā, khamanīyaṁ, kacci yāpanīyaṁ, kacci piṇḍakena na kilamathā”ti?

10.10

“We’re keeping well, sir; we’re all right. And we’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”

“Khamanīyaṁ bhagavā, yāpanīyaṁ bhagavā, na ca mayaṁ, bhante, piṇḍakena kilamāmā”ti.

11.1

“I hope you’re living in harmony, appreciating each other, without quarreling, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes?”

“Kacci pana vo, anuruddhā, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharathā”ti?

11.2

“Indeed, sir, we live in harmony as you say.”

“Taggha mayaṁ, bhante, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharāmā”ti.

11.3

“But how do you live this way?”

“Yathā kathaṁ pana tumhe, anuruddhā, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharathā”ti?

12.1

“In this case, sir, I think:

“Idha mayhaṁ, bhante, evaṁ hoti:

12.2

‘I’m fortunate, so very fortunate,

‘lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me

12.3

to live together with spiritual companions such as these.’

yohaṁ evarūpehi sabrahmacārīhi saddhiṁ viharāmī’ti.

12.4

I consistently treat these venerables with kindness by way of body, speech, and mind, both in public and in private.

Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, imesu āyasmantesu mettaṁ kāyakammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,

12.5

mettaṁ vacīkammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,

12.6

mettaṁ manokammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca.

12.7

I think:

Tassa, mayhaṁ, bhante, evaṁ hoti:

12.8

‘Why don’t I set aside my own ideas and just go along with these venerables’ ideas?’

‘yannūnāhaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vatteyyan’ti.

12.9

And that’s what I do.

So kho ahaṁ, bhante, sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vattāmi.

12.10

Though we’re different in body, sir, we’re one in mind, it seems to me.”

Nānā hi kho no, bhante, kāyā, ekañca pana maññe cittan”ti.

12.11

And the venerables Nandiya and Kimbila spoke likewise, and they added:

Āyasmāpi kho nandiyo …pe…

12.12

āyasmāpi kho kimilo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

12.13

“mayhampi kho, bhante, evaṁ hoti:

12.14

‘lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me

12.15

yohaṁ evarūpehi sabrahmacārīhi saddhiṁ viharāmī’ti.

12.16

Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, imesu āyasmantesu mettaṁ kāyakammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,

12.17

mettaṁ vacīkammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,

12.18

mettaṁ manokammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca.

12.19

Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, evaṁ hoti:

12.20

‘yannūnāhaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vatteyyan’ti.

12.21

So kho ahaṁ, bhante, sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vattāmi.

12.22

Nānā hi kho no, bhante, kāyā, ekañca pana maññe cittanti.

12.23

“That’s how we live in harmony, appreciating each other, without quarreling, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes.”

Evaṁ kho mayaṁ, bhante, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharāmā”ti.

13.1

“Good, good, Anuruddha and friends!

“Sādhu sādhu, anuruddhā.

13.2

But I hope you’re living diligently, keen, and resolute?”

Kacci pana vo, anuruddhā, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharathā”ti?

14.1

“Indeed, sir, we live diligently.”

“Taggha mayaṁ, bhante, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharāmā”ti.

14.2

“But how do you live this way?”

“Yathā kathaṁ pana tumhe, anuruddhā, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharathā”ti?

14.3

“In this case, sir, whoever returns first from almsround prepares the seats, and puts out the drinking water and the rubbish bin.

“Idha, bhante, amhākaṁ yo paṭhamaṁ gāmato piṇḍāya paṭikkamati, so āsanāni paññapeti, pānīyaṁ paribhojanīyaṁ upaṭṭhāpeti, avakkārapātiṁ upaṭṭhāpeti.

14.4

If there’s anything left over, whoever returns last eats it if they like. Otherwise they throw it out where there is little that grows, or drop it into water that has no living creatures.

Yo pacchā gāmato piṇḍāya paṭikkamati—sace hoti bhuttāvaseso, sace ākaṅkhati, bhuñjati; no ce ākaṅkhati, appaharite vā chaḍḍeti apāṇake vā udake opilāpeti—

14.5

Then they put away the seats, drinking water, and rubbish bin, and sweep the refectory.

so āsanāni paṭisāmeti, pānīyaṁ paribhojanīyaṁ paṭisāmeti, avakkārapātiṁ dhovitvā paṭisāmeti, bhattaggaṁ sammajjati.

14.6

If someone sees that the pot of water for washing, drinking, or the toilet is empty they set it up.

Yo passati pānīyaghaṭaṁ vā paribhojanīyaghaṭaṁ vā vaccaghaṭaṁ vā rittaṁ tucchaṁ so upaṭṭhāpeti.

14.7

If he can’t do it, he summons another with a wave of the hand, and they set it up by lifting it with their hands. But we don’t break into speech for that reason.

Sacassa hoti avisayhaṁ, hatthavikārena dutiyaṁ āmantetvā hatthavilaṅghakena upaṭṭhāpema, na tveva mayaṁ, bhante, tappaccayā vācaṁ bhindāma.

14.8

And every five days we sit together for the whole night and discuss the teachings.

Pañcāhikaṁ kho pana mayaṁ, bhante, sabbarattiṁ dhammiyā kathāya sannisīdāma.

14.9

That’s how we live diligently, keen, and resolute.”

Evaṁ kho mayaṁ, bhante, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharāmā”ti.

15.1

“Good, good, Anuruddha and friends!

“Sādhu sādhu, anuruddhā.

15.2

But as you live diligently like this, have you achieved any superhuman distinction in knowledge and vision worthy of the noble ones, a meditation at ease?”

Atthi pana vo, anuruddhā, evaṁ appamattānaṁ ātāpīnaṁ pahitattānaṁ viharataṁ uttari manussadhammā alamariyañāṇadassanaviseso adhigato phāsuvihāro”ti?

15.3

“Well, sir, while meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, we perceive both light and vision of forms.

“Idha mayaṁ, bhante, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharantā obhāsañceva sañjānāma dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

15.4

But before long the light and the vision of forms vanish.

So kho pana no obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ;

15.5

We haven’t worked out the reason for that.”

tañca nimittaṁ nappaṭivijjhāmā”ti.

16.1

“Well, you should work out the reason for that.

“Taṁ kho pana vo, anuruddhā, nimittaṁ paṭivijjhitabbaṁ.

16.2

Before my awakening—when I was still unawakened but intent on awakening—I too perceived both light and vision of forms.

Ahampi sudaṁ, anuruddhā, pubbeva sambodhā anabhisambuddho bodhisattova samāno obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

16.3

But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.

So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

16.4

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

16.5

‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’

‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti?

16.6

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

16.7

‘Doubt arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘vicikicchā kho me udapādi, vicikicchādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

16.8

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

16.9

I’ll make sure that doubt will not arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissatī’ti.

17.1

While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived both light and vision of forms.

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

17.2

But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.

So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

17.3

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

17.4

‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’

‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti?

17.5

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

17.6

‘Loss of focus arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘amanasikāro kho me udapādi, amanasikārādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

17.7

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

17.8

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro’ti.

18.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

18.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

18.3

‘Dullness and drowsiness arose in me …

‘thinamiddhaṁ kho me udapādi, thinamiddhādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

18.4

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

18.5

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhan’ti.

19.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

19.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

19.3

‘Terror arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘chambhitattaṁ kho me udapādi, chambhitattādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

19.4

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

19.5

Suppose a person was traveling along a road, and killers were to spring out at them from both sides. They’d feel terrified because of that.

Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso addhānamaggappaṭipanno, tassa ubhatopasse vaṭṭakā uppateyyuṁ, tassa tatonidānaṁ chambhitattaṁ uppajjeyya;

19.6

In the same way, terror arose in me …

evameva kho me, anuruddhā, chambhitattaṁ udapādi, chambhitattādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

19.7

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

19.8

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattan’ti.

20.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

20.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

20.3

‘Excitement arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘uppilaṁ kho me udapādi, uppilādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

20.4

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

20.5

Suppose a person was looking for an entrance to a hidden treasure. And all at once they’d come across five entrances! They’d feel excited because of that.

Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso ekaṁ nidhimukhaṁ gavesanto sakideva pañcanidhimukhāni adhigaccheyya, tassa tatonidānaṁ uppilaṁ uppajjeyya;

20.6

In the same way, excitement arose in me …

evameva kho me, anuruddhā, uppilaṁ udapādi, uppilādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

20.7

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

20.8

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor excitement will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilan’ti.

21.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

21.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

21.3

‘Discomfort arose in me …

‘duṭṭhullaṁ kho me udapādi, duṭṭhullādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

21.4

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

21.5

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor excitement nor discomfort will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullan’ti.

22.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

22.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

22.3

‘Excessive energy arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

22.4

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

22.5

Suppose a person was to grip a quail too tightly in this hands—it would die right there.

Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso ubhohi hatthehi vaṭṭakaṁ gāḷhaṁ gaṇheyya, so tattheva patameyya;

22.6

evameva kho me, anuruddhā, accāraddhavīriyaṁ udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

22.7

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

22.8

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor excitement nor discomfort nor excessive energy will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyan’ti.

23.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

23.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

23.3

‘Overly lax energy arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘atilīnavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

23.4

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

23.5

Suppose a person was to grip a quail too loosely—it would fly out of their hands.

Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso vaṭṭakaṁ sithilaṁ gaṇheyya, so tassa hatthato uppateyya;

23.6

evameva kho me, anuruddhā, atilīnavīriyaṁ udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

23.7

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

23.8

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor excitement nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy will arise in me again.’

Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyan’ti.

24.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

24.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

24.3

‘Longing arose in me …

‘abhijappā kho me udapādi, abhijappādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

24.4

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

24.5

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor excitement nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing will arise in me again.’

25.1

While meditating …

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…

25.2

tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

25.3

‘Perceptions of diversity arose in me …

‘nānattasaññā kho me udapādi, nānattasaññādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.

25.4

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

25.5

I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor excitement nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity will arise in me again.’

26.1

While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived both light and vision of forms.

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

26.2

But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.

So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

26.3

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ anuruddhā etadahosi:

26.4

‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’

‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti.

26.5

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

26.6

‘Excessive concentration on forms arose in me, and because of that my samādhi fell away.

‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ kho me rūpānaṁ udapādi, atinijjhāyitattādhikaraṇañca pana me rūpānaṁ samādhi cavi.

26.7

When samādhi falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.

Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.

26.8

27.1

When I understood that doubt is a corruption of the mind, I gave it up.

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, ‘vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā vicikicchaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.2

When I understood that loss of focus,

‘amanasikāro cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā amanasikāraṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.3

dullness and drowsiness,

‘thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.4

terror,

‘chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.5

excitement,

‘uppilaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā uppilaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.6

discomfort,

‘duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.7

excessive energy,

‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.8

overly lax energy,

‘atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.9

longing,

‘abhijappā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā abhijappaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.10

perception of diversity,

‘nānattasaññā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā nānattasaññaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,

27.11

and excessive concentration on forms are corruptions of the mind, I gave them up.

‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ.

28.1

While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light but did not see forms,

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi;

28.2

or I saw forms, but did not see light.

rūpāni hi kho passāmi, na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi:

28.3

And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.

‘kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivaṁ’.

28.4

I thought:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

28.5

‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’

‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi na ca rūpāni passāmi;

28.6

rūpāni hi kho passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi—

28.7

kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.

28.8

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

28.9

‘When I don’t focus on the foundation of the forms, but focus on the foundation of the light, then I perceive light and do not see forms.

‘yasmiñhi kho ahaṁ samaye rūpanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā obhāsanimittaṁ manasi karomi, obhāsañhi kho tasmiṁ samaye sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi.

28.10

But when I don’t focus on the foundation of the light, but focus on the foundation of the forms, then I see forms and do not perceive light.

Yasmiṁ panāhaṁ samaye obhāsanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā rūpanimittaṁ manasi karomi, rūpāni hi kho tasmiṁ samaye passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi—

28.11

And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’

kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.

29.1

While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived limited light and saw limited forms,

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi;

29.2

or I perceived limitless light and saw limitless forms.

appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi:

29.3

And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.

‘kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivaṁ’.

29.4

I thought:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

29.5

‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’

‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi;

29.6

appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi—

29.7

kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.

29.8

It occurred to me:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

29.9

‘When my samādhi is limited, then my vision is limited,

‘yasmiṁ kho me samaye paritto samādhi hoti, parittaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti.

29.10

and with limited vision I perceive limited light and see limited forms.

Sohaṁ parittena cakkhunā parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi.

29.11

But when my samādhi is limitless, then my vision is limitless,

Yasmiṁ pana me samaye appamāṇo samādhi hoti, appamāṇaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti.

29.12

and with limitless vision I perceive limitless light and see limitless forms.

Sohaṁ appamāṇena cakkhunā appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi—

29.13

And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’

kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.

30.1

After understanding that doubt,

Yato kho me, anuruddhā, ‘vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.2

loss of focus,

‘amanasikāro cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā amanasikāro cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.3

dullness and drowsiness,

‘thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.4

terror,

‘chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.5

excitement,

‘uppilaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā uppilaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.6

discomfort,

‘duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.7

excessive energy,

‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.8

overly lax energy,

‘atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.9

longing,

‘abhijappā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā abhijappā cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.10

perception of diversity,

‘nānattasaññā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā nānattasaññā cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,

30.11

and excessive concentration on forms are corruptions of the mind, I had given them up.

‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi.

31.1

I thought:

Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:

31.2

‘I’ve given up my mental corruptions.

‘ye kho me cittassa upakkilesā te me pahīnā.

31.3

Now let me develop samādhi in three ways.’

Handa dānāhaṁ tividhena samādhiṁ bhāvemī’ti.

31.4

I developed samādhi while placing the mind and keeping it connected; without placing the mind, but just keeping it connected; without placing the mind or keeping it connected; with rapture; without rapture; with pleasure; with equanimity.

So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, savitakkampi savicāraṁ samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, avitakkampi vicāramattaṁ samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, avitakkampi avicāraṁ samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, sappītikampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, nippītikampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, sātasahagatampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, upekkhāsahagatampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ.

32.1

When I had developed samādhi in these ways,

Yato kho me, anuruddhā, savitakkopi savicāro samādhi bhāvito ahosi, avitakkopi vicāramatto samādhi bhāvito ahosi, avitakkopi avicāro samādhi bhāvito ahosi, sappītikopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi, nippītikopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi, sātasahagatopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi, upekkhāsahagatopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi.

32.2

the knowledge and vision arose in me:

Ñāṇañca pana me dassanaṁ udapādi,

32.3

‘My freedom is unshakable; this is my last rebirth; now there are no more future lives.’”

akuppā me cetovimutti. Ayamantimā jāti, natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti.

32.4

That is what the Buddha said.

Idamavoca bhagavā.

32.5

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

Attamano āyasmā anuruddho bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandīti.

32.6

Upakkilesasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.