- 0.1Dīgha Nikāya 4Long Discourses 4
0.2SoṇadaṇḍasuttaWith Soṇadaṇḍa
1.01. Campeyyakabrāhmaṇagahapatikā1. The Brahmins and Householders of Campā
1.1PTS 1.111Evaṁ me sutaṁ—So I have heard.11.2ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā aṅgesu cārikaṁ caramāno mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi yena campā tadavasari.At one time the Buddha was wandering in the land of the Aṅgas together with a large Saṅgha of five hundred mendicants when he arrived at Campā,21.3Tatra sudaṁ bhagavā campāyaṁ viharati gaggarāya pokkharaṇiyā tīre.where he stayed by the banks of the Gaggarā Lotus Pond.3
1.4Tena kho pana samayena soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo campaṁ ajjhāvasati sattussadaṁ satiṇakaṭṭhodakaṁ sadhaññaṁ rājabhoggaṁ raññā māgadhena seniyena bimbisārena dinnaṁ rājadāyaṁ brahmadeyyaṁ.Now at that time the brahmin Soṇadaṇḍa was living in Campā. It was a crown property given by King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha, teeming with living creatures, full of hay, wood, water, and grain, a royal park endowed to a brahmin.4
2.1PTS 1.112Assosuṁ kho campeyyakā brāhmaṇagahapatikā:The brahmins and householders of Campā heard:5
2.2“samaṇo khalu bho gotamo sakyaputto sakyakulā pabbajito aṅgesu cārikaṁ caramāno mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi campaṁ anuppatto campāyaṁ viharati gaggarāya pokkharaṇiyā tīre.“It seems the ascetic Gotama—a Sakyan, gone forth from a Sakyan family—has arrived at Campā and is staying on the banks of the Gaggarā Lotus Pond.2.3Taṁ kho pana bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato:He has this good reputation:2.4‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’.‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’2.5So imaṁ lokaṁ sadevakaṁ samārakaṁ sabrahmakaṁ sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiṁ pajaṁ sadevamanussaṁ sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā pavedeti.He has realized with his own insight this world—with its gods, Māras, and divinities, this population with its ascetics and brahmins, gods and humans—and he makes it known to others.2.6So dhammaṁ deseti ādikalyāṇaṁ majjhekalyāṇaṁ pariyosānakalyāṇaṁ sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ pakāseti.He teaches Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And he reveals a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure.2.7Sādhu kho pana tathārūpānaṁ arahataṁ dassanaṁ hotī”ti.It’s good to see such perfected ones.”2.8Atha kho campeyyakā brāhmaṇagahapatikā campāya nikkhamitvā saṅghasaṅghī gaṇībhūtā yena gaggarā pokkharaṇī tenupasaṅkamanti.Then, exiting Campā, they formed into companies and headed to the Gaggarā Lotus Pond.
3.1PTS 1.113Tena kho pana samayena soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo uparipāsāde divāseyyaṁ upagato hoti.Now at that time the brahmin Soṇadaṇḍa had retired to the upper floor of his stilt longhouse for his midday nap.3.2Addasā kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo campeyyake brāhmaṇagahapatike campāya nikkhamitvā saṅghasaṅghī gaṇībhūte yena gaggarā pokkharaṇī tenupasaṅkamante.He saw the brahmins and householders heading for the lotus pond,3.3Disvā khattaṁ āmantesi:and addressed his butler,3.4“kiṁ nu kho, bho khatte, campeyyakā brāhmaṇagahapatikā campāya nikkhamitvā saṅghasaṅghī gaṇībhūtā yena gaggarā pokkharaṇī tenupasaṅkamantī”ti?“My butler, why are the brahmins and householders headed for the Gaggarā Lotus Pond?”
3.5“Atthi kho, bho, samaṇo gotamo sakyaputto sakyakulā pabbajito aṅgesu cārikaṁ caramāno mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi campaṁ anuppatto campāyaṁ viharati gaggarāya pokkharaṇiyā tīre.“The ascetic Gotama has arrived at Campā and is staying on the banks of the Gaggarā Lotus Pond.3.6Taṁ kho pana bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato:He has this good reputation:3.7‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti.‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’3.8Tamete bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamantī”ti.They’re going to see that worthy Gotama.”
3.9“Tena hi, bho khatte, yena campeyyakā brāhmaṇagahapatikā tenupasaṅkama, upasaṅkamitvā campeyyake brāhmaṇagahapatike evaṁ vadehi:“Well then, go to the brahmins and householders and say to them:3.10‘soṇadaṇḍo, bho, brāhmaṇo evamāha—‘Sirs, the brahmin Soṇadaṇḍa asks3.11āgamentu kira bhavanto, soṇadaṇḍopi brāhmaṇo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissatī’”ti.you to wait, as he will also go to see the ascetic Gotama.’”
3.12“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho so khattā soṇadaṇḍassa brāhmaṇassa paṭissutvā yena campeyyakā brāhmaṇagahapatikā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā campeyyake brāhmaṇagahapatike etadavoca:“Yes, worthy sir,” replied the butler, and did as he was asked.3.13“soṇadaṇḍo bho brāhmaṇo evamāha:3.14‘āgamentu kira bhavanto, soṇadaṇḍopi brāhmaṇo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissatī’”ti.
4.02. Soṇadaṇḍaguṇakathā2. The Qualities of Soṇadaṇḍa
4.1Tena kho pana samayena nānāverajjakānaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ pañcamattāni brāhmaṇasatāni campāyaṁ paṭivasanti kenacideva karaṇīyena.Now at that time around five hundred brahmins from abroad were residing in Campā on some business.4.2Assosuṁ kho te brāhmaṇā:They heard that4.3“soṇadaṇḍo kira brāhmaṇo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissatī”ti.the brahmin Soṇadaṇḍa was going to see the ascetic Gotama.4.4Atha kho te brāhmaṇā yena soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā soṇadaṇḍaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ etadavocuṁ:They approached Soṇadaṇḍa and said to him,4.5“saccaṁ kira bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissatī”ti?“Is it really true that you are going to see the ascetic Gotama?”
4.6“Evaṁ kho me, bho, hoti:“Yes, gentlemen, it is true.”4.7‘ahampi samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāmī’”ti.
5.1“Mā bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkami.“Please don’t, worthy Soṇadaṇḍa!5.2Na arahati bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.It’s not appropriate for you to go to see the ascetic Gotama.65.3Sace bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissati, bhoto soṇadaṇḍassa yaso hāyissati, samaṇassa gotamassa yaso abhivaḍḍhissati.For if you do so, your reputation will diminish and his will increase.5.4Yampi bhoto soṇadaṇḍassa yaso hāyissati, samaṇassa gotamassa yaso abhivaḍḍhissati, imināpaṅgena na arahati bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ;For this reason it’s not appropriate for you to go to see the ascetic Gotama;5.5samaṇo tveva gotamo arahati bhavantaṁ soṇadaṇḍaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.it’s appropriate that he comes to see you.
5.6Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca, saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena.You are well born on both your mother’s and father’s side, stemming from a pure vessel, with irrefutable and impeccable genealogy back to the seventh paternal generation.75.7Yampi bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca, saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena, imināpaṅgena na arahati bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ;For this reason it’s not appropriate for you to go to see the ascetic Gotama;5.8samaṇo tveva gotamo arahati bhavantaṁ soṇadaṇḍaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.it’s appropriate that he comes to see you.
5.9Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo aḍḍho mahaddhano mahābhogo …pe…You’re rich, affluent, and wealthy. …
5.10PTS 1.114Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo ajjhāyako mantadharo tiṇṇaṁ vedānaṁ pāragū sanighaṇḍukeṭubhānaṁ sākkharappabhedānaṁ itihāsapañcamānaṁ padako veyyākaraṇo, lokāyatamahāpurisalakkhaṇesu anavayo …pe…You recite and remember the hymns, and have mastered the three Vedas, together with their vocabularies and ritual performance, their phonology and word classification, and the testaments as fifth. You know them word-by-word, and their grammar. You are well versed in cosmology and the marks of a great man. …
5.11Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo abhirūpo dassanīyo pāsādiko paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgato brahmavaṇṇī brahmavacchasī akhuddāvakāso dassanāya …pe…You are attractive, good-looking, lovely, of surpassing beauty. You have divine looks and lustre, remarkable to behold. …8
5.12Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo sīlavā vuddhasīlī vuddhasīlena samannāgato …pe…You are ethical, mature in ethical conduct. …
5.13Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo kalyāṇavāco kalyāṇavākkaraṇo poriyā vācāya samannāgato vissaṭṭhāya anelagalāya atthassa viññāpaniyā …pe…You’re a good speaker who enunciates well, with a polished, clear, and articulate voice that expresses the meaning. …
5.14Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo bahūnaṁ ācariyapācariyo tīṇi māṇavakasatāni mante vāceti. Bahū kho pana nānādisā nānājanapadā māṇavakā āgacchanti bhoto soṇadaṇḍassa santike mantatthikā mante adhiyitukāmā …pe…You’re the tutor of tutors for many, and teach three hundred young students to recite the hymns. Many students come from various districts and countries for the sake of the hymns, wishing to learn the hymns. …9
5.15Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo jiṇṇo vuddho mahallako addhagato vayoanuppatto;You’re old, elderly and senior, advanced in years, and have reached the final stage of life.5.16samaṇo gotamo taruṇo ceva taruṇapabbajito ca …pe…The ascetic Gotama is young, and has newly gone forth. …
5.17Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo rañño māgadhassa seniyassa bimbisārassa sakkato garukato mānito pūjito apacito …pe…You’re honored, respected, revered, venerated, and esteemed by King Bimbisāra of Magadha …
5.18Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇassa pokkharasātissa sakkato garukato mānito pūjito apacito …pe…and the brahmin Pokkharasāti. …
5.19Bhavañhi soṇadaṇḍo campaṁ ajjhāvasati sattussadaṁ satiṇakaṭṭhodakaṁ sadhaññaṁ rājabhoggaṁ, raññā māgadhena seniyena bimbisārena dinnaṁ, rājadāyaṁ brahmadeyyaṁ.You live in Campā, a crown property given by King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha, teeming with living creatures, full of hay, wood, water, and grain, a royal park endowed to a brahmin.5.20Yampi bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo campaṁ ajjhāvasati sattussadaṁ satiṇakaṭṭhodakaṁ sadhaññaṁ rājabhoggaṁ, raññā māgadhena seniyena bimbisārena dinnaṁ, rājadāyaṁ brahmadeyyaṁ.5.21Imināpaṅgena na arahati bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ;For this reason, too, it’s not appropriate for you to go to see the ascetic Gotama;5.22samaṇo tveva gotamo arahati bhavantaṁ soṇadaṇḍaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamitun”ti.it’s appropriate that he comes to see you.”
6.03. Buddhaguṇakathā3. The Qualities of the Buddha
6.1Evaṁ vutte, soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo te brāhmaṇe etadavoca:When they had spoken, Soṇadaṇḍa said to those brahmins:
6.2PTS 1.115“Tena hi, bho, mamapi suṇātha, yathā mayameva arahāma taṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ;“Well then, gentlemen, listen to why it’s appropriate for me to go to see the ascetic Gotama,6.3na tveva arahati so bhavaṁ gotamo amhākaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.and it’s not appropriate for him to come to see me.6.4Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca, saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā, akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena.He is well born on both his mother’s and father’s side, stemming from a clean vessel, with irrefutable and impeccable genealogy back to the seventh paternal generation.6.5Yampi, bho, samaṇo gotamo ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā, akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena, imināpaṅgena na arahati so bhavaṁ gotamo amhākaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ;For this reason it’s not appropriate for the ascetic Gotama to come to see me;6.6atha kho mayameva arahāma taṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.rather, it’s appropriate for me to go to see him.
6.7Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo mahantaṁ ñātisaṅghaṁ ohāya pabbajito …pe…When he went forth he abandoned a large family circle. …
6.8Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo pahūtaṁ hiraññasuvaṇṇaṁ ohāya pabbajito bhūmigatañca vehāsaṭṭhaṁ ca …pe…When he went forth he abandoned abundant gold, both coined and uncoined, stored above and below ground. …
6.9Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo daharova samāno yuvā susukāḷakeso bhadrena yobbanena samannāgato paṭhamena vayasā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajito …pe…He went forth from the lay life to homelessness while still a youth, young, with pristine black hair, blessed with youth, in the prime of life. …
6.10Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo akāmakānaṁ mātāpitūnaṁ assumukhānaṁ rudantānaṁ kesamassuṁ ohāretvā kāsāyāni vatthāni acchādetvā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajito …pe…Though his mother and father wished otherwise, weeping with tearful faces, he shaved off his hair and beard, dressed in ocher robes, and went forth from the lay life to homelessness. …10
6.11Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo abhirūpo dassanīyo pāsādiko paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgato, brahmavaṇṇī, brahmavacchasī, akhuddāvakāso dassanāya …pe…He is attractive, good-looking, lovely, of surpassing beauty. He has divine looks and lustre, remarkable to behold. …
6.12Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo sīlavā ariyasīlī kusalasīlī kusalasīlena samannāgato …pe…He is ethical, possessing ethical conduct that is noble and skillful. …
6.13Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo kalyāṇavāco kalyāṇavākkaraṇo poriyā vācāya samannāgato vissaṭṭhāya anelagalāya atthassa viññāpaniyā …pe…He’s a good speaker who enunciates well, with a polished, clear, and articulate voice that expresses the meaning. …
6.14Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo bahūnaṁ ācariyapācariyo …pe…He’s a tutor of tutors. …
6.15Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo khīṇakāmarāgo vigatacāpallo …pe…He has ended sensual desire, and is rid of caprice. …
6.16Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo kammavādī kiriyavādī apāpapurekkhāro brahmaññāya pajāya …pe…He teaches the efficacy of deeds and action. He doesn’t wish any harm upon the community of brahmins. …11
6.17Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo uccā kulā pabbajito asambhinnakhattiyakulā …pe…He went forth from an eminent family of unbroken aristocratic lineage. …
6.18Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo aḍḍhā kulā pabbajito mahaddhanā mahābhogā …pe…He went forth from a rich, affluent, and wealthy family. …
6.19PTS 1.116Samaṇaṁ khalu, bho, gotamaṁ tiroraṭṭhā tirojanapadā pañhaṁ pucchituṁ āgacchanti …pe…People come from distant lands and distant countries to question him. …
6.20Samaṇaṁ khalu, bho, gotamaṁ anekāni devatāsahassāni pāṇehi saraṇaṁ gatāni …pe…Many thousands of deities have gone for refuge for life to him. …
6.21Samaṇaṁ khalu, bho, gotamaṁ evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato:He has this good reputation:6.22‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti …pe…‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’ …
6.23Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo dvattiṁsamahāpurisalakkhaṇehi samannāgato …pe…He has the thirty-two marks of a great man. …
6.24Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo ehisvāgatavādī sakhilo sammodako abbhākuṭiko uttānamukho pubbabhāsī …pe…He is welcoming, congenial, polite, smiling, open, the first to speak. …12
6.25Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo catunnaṁ parisānaṁ sakkato garukato mānito pūjito apacito …pe…He’s honored, respected, revered, venerated, and esteemed by the four assemblies. …13
6.26Samaṇe khalu, bho, gotame bahū devā ca manussā ca abhippasannā …pe…Many gods and humans are devoted to him. …
6.27Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo yasmiṁ gāme vā nigame vā paṭivasati, na tasmiṁ gāme vā nigame vā amanussā manusse viheṭhenti …pe…While he is residing in a village or town, non-human entities do not harass them. …
6.28Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo saṅghī gaṇī gaṇācariyo puthutitthakarānaṁ aggamakkhāyati. Yathā kho pana, bho, etesaṁ samaṇabrāhmaṇānaṁ yathā vā tathā vā yaso samudāgacchati, na hevaṁ samaṇassa gotamassa yaso samudāgato.He leads an order and a community, and tutors a community, and is said to be the best of the various religious founders. He didn’t come by his fame in the same ways as those other ascetics and brahmins.146.29Atha kho anuttarāya vijjācaraṇasampadāya samaṇassa gotamassa yaso samudāgato …pe…Rather, he came by his fame due to his supreme knowledge and conduct. …
6.30Samaṇaṁ khalu, bho, gotamaṁ rājā māgadho seniyo bimbisāro saputto sabhariyo sapariso sāmacco pāṇehi saraṇaṁ gato …pe…King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha and his wives and children have gone for refuge for life to the ascetic Gotama. …15
6.31Samaṇaṁ khalu, bho, gotamaṁ rājā pasenadi kosalo saputto sabhariyo sapariso sāmacco pāṇehi saraṇaṁ gato …pe…King Pasenadi of Kosala and his wives and children have gone for refuge for life to the ascetic Gotama. …16
6.32Samaṇaṁ khalu, bho, gotamaṁ brāhmaṇo pokkharasāti saputto sabhariyo sapariso sāmacco pāṇehi saraṇaṁ gato …pe…The brahmin Pokkharasāti and his wives and children have gone for refuge for life to the ascetic Gotama. …17
6.33Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo rañño māgadhassa seniyassa bimbisārassa sakkato garukato mānito pūjito apacito …pe…He’s honored, respected, revered, venerated, and esteemed by King Bimbisāra of Magadha …
6.34Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo rañño pasenadissa kosalassa sakkato garukato mānito pūjito apacito …pe…King Pasenadi of Kosala …
6.35Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo brāhmaṇassa pokkharasātissa sakkato garukato mānito pūjito apacito …pe…and the brahmin Pokkharasāti.
6.36PTS 1.117Samaṇo khalu, bho, gotamo campaṁ anuppatto, campāyaṁ viharati gaggarāya pokkharaṇiyā tīre.The ascetic Gotama has arrived at Campā and is staying at the Gaggarā Lotus Pond.6.37Ye kho pana, bho, keci samaṇā vā brāhmaṇā vā amhākaṁ gāmakhettaṁ āgacchanti atithī no te honti.Any ascetic or brahmin who comes to stay in our village district is our guest,6.38Atithī kho panamhehi sakkātabbā garukātabbā mānetabbā pūjetabbā apacetabbā.and should be honored and respected as such.6.39Yampi, bho, samaṇo gotamo campaṁ anuppatto campāyaṁ viharati gaggarāya pokkharaṇiyā tīre, atithimhākaṁ samaṇo gotamo;6.40atithi kho panamhehi sakkātabbo garukātabbo mānetabbo pūjetabbo apacetabbo.6.41Imināpaṅgena na arahati so bhavaṁ gotamo amhākaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.For this reason, too, it’s not appropriate for the worthy Gotama to come to see me;6.42Atha kho mayameva arahāma taṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ.rather, it’s appropriate for me to go to see him.6.43Ettake kho ahaṁ, bho, tassa bhoto gotamassa vaṇṇe pariyāpuṇāmi, no ca kho so bhavaṁ gotamo ettakavaṇṇo.This is the extent of the worthy Gotama’s praise that I have memorized. But his praises are not confined to this,6.44Aparimāṇavaṇṇo hi so bhavaṁ gotamo”ti.for the praise of the worthy Gotama is limitless.”
6.45Evaṁ vutte, te brāhmaṇā soṇadaṇḍaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ etadavocuṁ:When he had spoken, those brahmins said to him,6.46“yathā kho bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇassa gotamassa vaṇṇe bhāsati ito cepi so bhavaṁ gotamo yojanasate viharati, alameva saddhena kulaputtena dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ api puṭosenā”ti.“According to Soṇadaṇḍa’s praises, if the worthy Gotama were staying within a hundred leagues, it’d be worthwhile for a faithful gentleman to go to see him, even if he had to carry his own provisions in a knapsack.”18
6.47“Tena hi, bho, sabbeva mayaṁ samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāmā”ti.“Well then, gentlemen, let’s all go to see the ascetic Gotama.”
7.04. Soṇadaṇḍaparivitakka4. Soṇadaṇḍa Has Second Thoughts
7.1PTS 1.118Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo mahatā brāhmaṇagaṇena saddhiṁ yena gaggarā pokkharaṇī tenupasaṅkami.Then Soṇadaṇḍa together with a large group of brahmins approached the Gaggarā Lotus Pond.
8.1Atha kho soṇadaṇḍassa brāhmaṇassa tirovanasaṇḍagatassa evaṁ cetaso parivitakko udapādi:But as he reached the far side of the forest, this thought came to mind,8.2“ahañceva kho pana samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ pañhaṁ puccheyyaṁ;“Suppose I was to ask the ascetic Gotama a question.8.3tatra ce maṁ samaṇo gotamo evaṁ vadeyya:He might say to me:8.4‘na kho esa, brāhmaṇa, pañho evaṁ pucchitabbo, evaṁ nāmesa, brāhmaṇa, pañho pucchitabbo’ti, tena maṁ ayaṁ parisā paribhaveyya:‘Brahmin, you shouldn’t ask your question like that. This is how you should ask it.’ And the assembly might disparage me for that:8.5‘bālo soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo abyatto, nāsakkhi samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ yoniso pañhaṁ pucchitun’ti.‘Soṇadaṇḍa is foolish and incompetent. He’s not able to ask the ascetic Gotama a rational question.’198.6Yaṁ kho panāyaṁ parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha.And when you’re disparaged by the assembly, your reputation diminishes.8.7Yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ.When your reputation diminishes, your wealth also diminishes.8.8Yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā.But my wealth relies on my reputation.
8.9Mamañceva kho pana samaṇo gotamo pañhaṁ puccheyya, tassa cāhaṁ pañhassa veyyākaraṇena cittaṁ na ārādheyyaṁ;Or if the ascetic Gotama asks me a question, I might not satisfy him with my answer.8.10tatra ce maṁ samaṇo gotamo evaṁ vadeyya:He might say to me:8.11‘na kho esa, brāhmaṇa, pañho evaṁ byākātabbo, evaṁ nāmesa, brāhmaṇa, pañho byākātabbo’ti, tena maṁ ayaṁ parisā paribhaveyya:‘Brahmin, you shouldn’t answer the question like that. This is how you should answer it.’ And the assembly might disparage me for that:8.12‘bālo soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo abyatto, nāsakkhi samaṇassa gotamassa pañhassa veyyākaraṇena cittaṁ ārādhetun’ti.‘Soṇadaṇḍa is foolish and incompetent. He’s not able to satisfy the ascetic Gotama’s mind with his answer.’8.13Yaṁ kho panāyaṁ parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha.And when you’re disparaged by the assembly, your reputation diminishes.8.14Yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ.When your reputation diminishes, your wealth also diminishes.8.15Yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā.But my wealth relies on my reputation.
8.16Ahañceva kho pana evaṁ samīpagato samāno adisvāva samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ nivatteyyaṁ, tena maṁ ayaṁ parisā paribhaveyya:On the other hand, if I were to turn back after having come so far without having seen the ascetic Gotama, the assembly might disparage me for that:8.17‘bālo soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo abyatto mānathaddho bhīto ca, no visahati samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamituṁ, kathañhi nāma evaṁ samīpagato samāno adisvā samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ nivattissatī’ti.‘Soṇadaṇḍa is foolish and incompetent. He’s stuck-up and scared. He doesn’t dare to go and see the ascetic Gotama. For how on earth can he turn back after having come so far without having seen the ascetic Gotama!’8.18Yaṁ kho panāyaṁ parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha.And when you’re disparaged by the assembly, your reputation diminishes.8.19Yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ,When your reputation diminishes, your wealth also diminishes.8.20yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā”ti.But my wealth relies on my reputation.”
9.1Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodi.Then Soṇadaṇḍa went up to the Buddha, and exchanged greetings with him.209.2Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side.9.3Campeyyakāpi kho brāhmaṇagahapatikā appekacce bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu; appekacce bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodiṁsu; sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu; appekacce yena bhagavā tenañjaliṁ paṇāmetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu; appekacce nāmagottaṁ sāvetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu; appekacce tuṇhībhūtā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu.Before sitting down to one side, some of the brahmins and householders of Campā bowed, some exchanged greetings and polite conversation, some held up their cupped palms toward the Buddha, some announced their name and clan, while some kept silent.21
10.1PTS 1.119Tatrapi sudaṁ soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo etadeva bahulamanuvitakkento nisinno hoti:But while sitting there, Soṇadaṇḍa continued to be plagued by many second thoughts. He thought,10.2“ahañceva kho pana samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ pañhaṁ puccheyyaṁ;10.3tatra ce maṁ samaṇo gotamo evaṁ vadeyya:10.4‘na kho esa, brāhmaṇa, pañho evaṁ pucchitabbo, evaṁ nāmesa, brāhmaṇa, pañho pucchitabbo’ti, tena maṁ ayaṁ parisā paribhaveyya:10.5‘bālo soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo abyatto, nāsakkhi samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ yoniso pañhaṁ pucchitun’ti.10.6Yaṁ kho panāyaṁ parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha.10.7Yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ.10.8Yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā.10.9Mamañceva kho pana samaṇo gotamo pañhaṁ puccheyya, tassa cāhaṁ pañhassa veyyākaraṇena cittaṁ na ārādheyyaṁ;10.10tatra ce maṁ samaṇo gotamo evaṁ vadeyya:10.11‘na kho esa, brāhmaṇa, pañho evaṁ byākātabbo, evaṁ nāmesa, brāhmaṇa, pañho byākātabbo’ti, tena maṁ ayaṁ parisā paribhaveyya:10.12‘bālo soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo abyatto, nāsakkhi samaṇassa gotamassa pañhassa veyyākaraṇena cittaṁ ārādhetun’ti.10.13Yaṁ kho panāyaṁ parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha.10.14Yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ.10.15Yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā.10.16Aho vata maṁ samaṇo gotamo sake ācariyake tevijjake pañhaṁ puccheyya, addhā vatassāhaṁ cittaṁ ārādheyyaṁ pañhassa veyyākaraṇenā”ti.“If only the ascetic Gotama would ask me about my own tutor’s scriptural heritage of the three Vedas! Then I could definitely satisfy his mind with my answer.”
11.05. Brāhmaṇapaññatti5. What Makes a Brahmin
11.1Atha kho bhagavato soṇadaṇḍassa brāhmaṇassa cetasā cetoparivitakkamaññāya etadahosi:Then, knowing Soṇadaṇḍa’s train of thought, it occurred to the Buddha,11.2“vihaññati kho ayaṁ soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo sakena cittena.“This brahmin Soṇadaṇḍa is troubled by his own thoughts.11.3Yannūnāhaṁ soṇadaṇḍaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ sake ācariyake tevijjake pañhaṁ puccheyyan”ti.Why don’t I ask him about his own tutor’s scriptural heritage of the three Vedas?”22
11.4Atha kho bhagavā soṇadaṇḍaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ etadavoca:So he said to Soṇadaṇḍa,11.5“katihi pana, brāhmaṇa, aṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;“Brahmin, how many factors must a brahmin possess for the brahmins to describe him as a brahmin;11.6‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti?and so that when he says ‘I am a brahmin’ he speaks rightly, without falling into falsehood?”
12.1PTS 1.120Atha kho soṇadaṇḍassa brāhmaṇassa etadahosi:Then Soṇadaṇḍa thought,12.2“yaṁ vata no ahosi icchitaṁ, yaṁ ākaṅkhitaṁ, yaṁ adhippetaṁ, yaṁ abhipatthitaṁ:“The ascetic Gotama has asked me about exactly what I wanted, what I wished for, what I desired, what I yearned for; that is, my own scriptural heritage.12.3‘aho vata maṁ samaṇo gotamo sake ācariyake tevijjake pañhaṁ puccheyya, addhā vatassāhaṁ cittaṁ ārādheyyaṁ pañhassa veyyākaraṇenā’ti, tatra maṁ samaṇo gotamo sake ācariyake tevijjake pañhaṁ pucchati.12.4Addhā vatassāhaṁ cittaṁ ārādhessāmi pañhassa veyyākaraṇenā”ti.I can definitely satisfy his mind with my answer.”
13.1Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo abbhunnāmetvā kāyaṁ anuviloketvā parisaṁ bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:Then Soṇadaṇḍa straightened his back, looked around the assembly, and said to the Buddha,13.2“pañcahi, bho gotama, aṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;“Worthy Gotama, a brahmin must possess five factors for the brahmins to describe him as a brahmin;13.3‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyya.and so that when he says ‘I am a brahmin’ he speaks rightly, without falling into falsehood.13.4Katamehi pañcahi?What five?13.5Idha, bho gotama, brāhmaṇo ubhato sujāto hoti mātito ca pitito ca, saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena;It’s when a brahmin is well born on both his mother’s and father’s side, stemming from a clean vessel, with irrefutable and impeccable genealogy back to the seventh paternal generation.13.6ajjhāyako hoti mantadharo tiṇṇaṁ vedānaṁ pāragū sanighaṇḍukeṭubhānaṁ sākkharappabhedānaṁ itihāsapañcamānaṁ padako veyyākaraṇo lokāyatamahāpurisalakkhaṇesu anavayo;He recites and remembers the hymns, and has mastered the three Vedas, together with their vocabularies and ritual performance, their phonology and word classification, and the testaments as fifth. He knows them word-by-word, and their grammar. He is well versed in cosmology and the marks of a great man.13.7abhirūpo hoti dassanīyo pāsādiko paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgato brahmavaṇṇī brahmavacchasī akhuddāvakāso dassanāya;He is attractive, good-looking, lovely, of surpassing beauty. He has divine looks and lustre, remarkable to behold.13.8sīlavā hoti vuddhasīlī vuddhasīlena samannāgato;He is ethical, mature in ethical conduct.13.9paṇḍito ca hoti medhāvī paṭhamo vā dutiyo vā sujaṁ paggaṇhantānaṁ.He’s astute and intelligent, being the first or second to hold the sacrificial ladle.2313.10Imehi kho, bho gotama, pañcahi aṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;These are the five factors which a brahmin must possess for the brahmins to describe him as a brahmin;13.11‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti.and so that when he says ‘I am a brahmin’ he speaks rightly, without falling into falsehood.”
14.1PTS 1.121“Imesaṁ pana, brāhmaṇa, pañcannaṁ aṅgānaṁ sakkā ekaṁ aṅgaṁ ṭhapayitvā catūhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapetuṁ;“But brahmin, is it possible to set aside one of these five factors and still rightly describe someone as a brahmin?”2414.2‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti?
14.3“Sakkā, bho gotama.“It is possible, worthy Gotama.14.4Imesañhi, bho gotama, pañcannaṁ aṅgānaṁ vaṇṇaṁ ṭhapayāma.We could leave appearance out of the five factors.14.5Kiñhi vaṇṇo karissati?For what does appearance matter?14.6Yato kho, bho gotama, brāhmaṇo ubhato sujāto hoti mātito ca pitito ca saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena;14.7ajjhāyako ca hoti mantadharo ca tiṇṇaṁ vedānaṁ pāragū sanighaṇḍukeṭubhānaṁ sākkharappabhedānaṁ itihāsapañcamānaṁ padako veyyākaraṇo lokāyatamahāpurisalakkhaṇesu anavayo;14.8sīlavā ca hoti vuddhasīlī vuddhasīlena samannāgato;14.9paṇḍito ca hoti medhāvī paṭhamo vā dutiyo vā sujaṁ paggaṇhantānaṁ.14.10Imehi kho, bho gotama, catūhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;A brahmin must possess the remaining four factors for the brahmins to rightly describe him as a brahmin.”14.11‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti.
15.1“Imesaṁ pana, brāhmaṇa, catunnaṁ aṅgānaṁ sakkā ekaṁ aṅgaṁ ṭhapayitvā tīhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapetuṁ;“But brahmin, is it possible to set aside one of these four factors and still rightly describe someone as a brahmin?”15.2‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti?
15.3“Sakkā, bho gotama.“It is possible, worthy Gotama.15.4Imesañhi, bho gotama, catunnaṁ aṅgānaṁ mante ṭhapayāma.We could leave the hymns out of the four factors.15.5Kiñhi mantā karissanti?For what do the hymns matter?15.6Yato kho, bho gotama, brāhmaṇo ubhato sujāto hoti mātito ca pitito ca saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena;15.7sīlavā ca hoti vuddhasīlī vuddhasīlena samannāgato;15.8paṇḍito ca hoti medhāvī paṭhamo vā dutiyo vā sujaṁ paggaṇhantānaṁ.15.9Imehi kho, bho gotama, tīhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;A brahmin must possess the remaining three factors for the brahmins to rightly describe him as a brahmin.”15.10‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti.
16.1“Imesaṁ pana, brāhmaṇa, tiṇṇaṁ aṅgānaṁ sakkā ekaṁ aṅgaṁ ṭhapayitvā dvīhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapetuṁ;“But brahmin, is it possible to set aside one of these three factors and still rightly describe someone as a brahmin?”16.2‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti?
16.3“Sakkā, bho gotama.“It is possible, worthy Gotama.16.4Imesañhi, bho gotama, tiṇṇaṁ aṅgānaṁ jātiṁ ṭhapayāma.We could leave birth out of the three factors.16.5Kiñhi jāti karissati?For what does birth matter?16.6Yato kho, bho gotama, brāhmaṇo sīlavā hoti vuddhasīlī vuddhasīlena samannāgato;It’s when a brahmin is ethical, mature in ethical conduct;16.7paṇḍito ca hoti medhāvī paṭhamo vā dutiyo vā sujaṁ paggaṇhantānaṁ.and he’s astute and intelligent, being the first or second to hold the sacrificial ladle.16.8Imehi kho, bho gotama, dvīhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;A brahmin must possess these two factors for the brahmins to rightly describe him as a brahmin.”16.9‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti.
17.1PTS 1.122Evaṁ vutte, te brāhmaṇā soṇadaṇḍaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ etadavocuṁ:When he had spoken, those brahmins said to him,17.2“mā bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo evaṁ avaca, mā bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo evaṁ avaca.“Please don’t say that, worthy Soṇadaṇḍa, please don’t say that!17.3Apavadateva bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo vaṇṇaṁ, apavadati mante, apavadati jātiṁ, ekaṁsena bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇasseva gotamassa vādaṁ anupakkhandatī”ti.You’re just condemning appearance, the hymns, and birth! You’re totally going over to the ascetic Gotama’s doctrine!”
18.1Atha kho bhagavā te brāhmaṇe etadavoca:So the Buddha said to them,18.2“sace kho tumhākaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ evaṁ hoti:“Well, brahmins, if you think that18.3‘appassuto ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, akalyāṇavākkaraṇo ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, duppañño ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, na ca pahoti soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo samaṇena gotamena saddhiṁ asmiṁ vacane paṭimantetun’ti, tiṭṭhatu soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, tumhe mayā saddhiṁ mantavho asmiṁ vacane.Soṇadaṇḍa is unlearned, a poor speaker, witless, and not capable of debating with me about this, then leave him aside and you can debate with me.18.4Sace pana tumhākaṁ brāhmaṇānaṁ evaṁ hoti:But if you think that18.5‘bahussuto ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, kalyāṇavākkaraṇo ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, paṇḍito ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo, pahoti ca soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo samaṇena gotamena saddhiṁ asmiṁ vacane paṭimantetun’ti, tiṭṭhatha tumhe, soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo mayā saddhiṁ paṭimantetū”ti.he’s learned, a good speaker who enunciates well, astute, and capable of debating with me about this, then you should stand aside and let him debate with me.”
19.1PTS 1.123Evaṁ vutte, soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:When he said this, Soṇadaṇḍa said to the Buddha,19.2“tiṭṭhatu bhavaṁ gotamo, tuṇhī bhavaṁ gotamo hotu, ahameva tesaṁ sahadhammena paṭivacanaṁ karissāmī”ti.“Let it be, worthy Gotama, be silent. I myself will respond to them in a legitimate manner.”19.3Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo te brāhmaṇe etadavoca:Then he said to those brahmins,19.4“mā bhavanto evaṁ avacuttha, mā bhavanto evaṁ avacuttha:“Don’t say this, good fellows, don’t say this:19.5‘apavadateva bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo vaṇṇaṁ, apavadati mante, apavadati jātiṁ, ekaṁsena bhavaṁ soṇadaṇḍo samaṇasseva gotamassa vādaṁ anupakkhandatī’ti.‘You’re just condemning appearance, the hymns, and birth! You’re totally going over to the ascetic Gotama’s doctrine!’19.6Nāhaṁ, bho, apavadāmi vaṇṇaṁ vā mante vā jātiṁ vā”ti.I’m not condemning appearance, hymns, or birth.”
20.1Tena kho pana samayena soṇadaṇḍassa brāhmaṇassa bhāgineyyo aṅgako nāma māṇavako tassaṁ parisāyaṁ nisinno hoti.Now at that time Soṇadaṇḍa’s nephew, the young student Aṅgaka was sitting in that assembly.20.2Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo te brāhmaṇe etadavoca:Then Soṇadaṇḍa said to those brahmins,20.3“passanti no bhonto imaṁ aṅgakaṁ māṇavakaṁ amhākaṁ bhāgineyyan”ti?“Gentlemen, do you see my nephew, the young student Aṅgaka?”
20.4“Evaṁ, bho”.“Yes, sir.”
20.5“Aṅgako kho, bho, māṇavako abhirūpo dassanīyo pāsādiko paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgato brahmavaṇṇī brahmavacchasī akhuddāvakāso dassanāya, nāssa imissaṁ parisāyaṁ samasamo atthi vaṇṇena ṭhapetvā samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ.“Aṅgaka is attractive, good-looking, lovely, of surpassing beauty. He has divine looks and lustre, remarkable to behold. There’s no one in this assembly so good-looking, apart from the ascetic Gotama.20.6Aṅgako kho māṇavako ajjhāyako mantadharo, tiṇṇaṁ vedānaṁ pāragū sanighaṇḍukeṭubhānaṁ sākkharappabhedānaṁ itihāsapañcamānaṁ padako veyyākaraṇo lokāyatamahāpurisalakkhaṇesu anavayo.Aṅgaka recites and remembers the hymns, and has mastered the three Vedas, together with their vocabularies and ritual performance, their phonology and word classification, and the testaments as fifth. He knows them word-by-word, and their grammar. He is well versed in cosmology and the marks of a great man.20.7Ahamassa mante vācetā.And I am the one who teaches him the hymns.20.8Aṅgako kho māṇavako ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena.Aṅgaka is well born on both his mother’s and father’s side, stemming from a clean vessel, with irrefutable and impeccable genealogy back to the seventh paternal generation.20.9Ahamassa mātāpitaro jānāmi.And I know his mother and father.20.10Aṅgako kho māṇavako pāṇampi haneyya, adinnampi ādiyeyya, paradārampi gaccheyya, musāvādampi bhaṇeyya, majjampi piveyya, ettha dāni, bho, kiṁ vaṇṇo karissati, kiṁ mantā, kiṁ jāti?But if Aṅgaka were to kill living creatures, steal, commit adultery, lie, and drink liquor, then what’s the use of his appearance, his hymns, or his birth?20.11Yato kho, bho, brāhmaṇo sīlavā ca hoti vuddhasīlī vuddhasīlena samannāgato,It’s when a brahmin is ethical, mature in ethical conduct;20.12paṇḍito ca hoti medhāvī paṭhamo vā dutiyo vā sujaṁ paggaṇhantānaṁ.and he’s astute and intelligent, being the first or second to hold the sacrificial ladle.20.13Imehi kho, bho, dvīhaṅgehi samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapenti;A brahmin must possess these two factors for the brahmins to rightly describe him as a brahmin.”20.14‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti.
21.06. Sīlapaññākathā6. The Discussion of Ethics and Wisdom
21.1PTS 1.124“Imesaṁ pana, brāhmaṇa, dvinnaṁ aṅgānaṁ sakkā ekaṁ aṅgaṁ ṭhapayitvā ekena aṅgena samannāgataṁ brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇaṁ paññapetuṁ;“But brahmin, is it possible to set aside one of these two factors and still rightly describe someone as a brahmin?”21.2‘brāhmaṇosmī’ti ca vadamāno sammā vadeyya, na ca pana musāvādaṁ āpajjeyyā”ti?
21.3“No hidaṁ, bho gotama.“No, worthy Gotama.21.4Sīlaparidhotā hi, bho gotama, paññā; paññāparidhotaṁ sīlaṁ.For wisdom is cleansed by ethics, and ethics are cleansed by wisdom.21.5Yattha sīlaṁ tattha paññā, yattha paññā tattha sīlaṁ.Ethics and wisdom always go together.21.6Sīlavato paññā, paññavato sīlaṁ.An ethical person is wise, and a wise person ethical.21.7Sīlapaññāṇañca pana lokasmiṁ aggamakkhāyati.And ethics and wisdom are said to be the best things in the world.21.8Seyyathāpi, bho gotama, hatthena vā hatthaṁ dhoveyya, pādena vā pādaṁ dhoveyya;It’s just like when you clean one hand with the other, or clean one foot with the other.21.9evameva kho, bho gotama, sīlaparidhotā paññā, paññāparidhotaṁ sīlaṁ.In the same way, wisdom is cleansed by ethics, and ethics are cleansed by wisdom.21.10Yattha sīlaṁ tattha paññā, yattha paññā tattha sīlaṁ.Ethics and wisdom always go together.21.11Sīlavato paññā, paññavato sīlaṁ.An ethical person is wise, and a wise person ethical.21.12Sīlapaññāṇañca pana lokasmiṁ aggamakkhāyatī”ti.And ethics and wisdom are said to be the best things in the world.”
22.1“Evametaṁ, brāhmaṇa, evametaṁ, brāhmaṇa, sīlaparidhotā hi, brāhmaṇa, paññā, paññāparidhotaṁ sīlaṁ.“That’s so true, brahmin, that’s so true! For wisdom is cleansed by ethics, and ethics are cleansed by wisdom.2522.2Yattha sīlaṁ tattha paññā, yattha paññā tattha sīlaṁ.Ethics and wisdom always go together.22.3Sīlavato paññā, paññavato sīlaṁ.An ethical person is wise, and a wise person ethical.22.4Sīlapaññāṇañca pana lokasmiṁ aggamakkhāyati.And ethics and wisdom are said to be the best things in the world.22.5Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, hatthena vā hatthaṁ dhoveyya, pādena vā pādaṁ dhoveyya;It’s just like when you clean one hand with the other, or clean one foot with the other.22.6evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, sīlaparidhotā paññā, paññāparidhotaṁ sīlaṁ.In the same way, wisdom is cleansed by ethics, and ethics are cleansed by wisdom.22.7Yattha sīlaṁ tattha paññā, yattha paññā tattha sīlaṁ.Ethics and wisdom always go together.22.8Sīlavato paññā, paññavato sīlaṁ.An ethical person is wise, and a wise person ethical.22.9Sīlapaññāṇañca pana lokasmiṁ aggamakkhāyati.And ethics and wisdom are said to be the best things in the world.
22.10Katamaṁ pana taṁ, brāhmaṇa, sīlaṁ?But what, brahmin, is that ethical conduct?2622.11Katamā sā paññā”ti?And what is that wisdom?”
22.12“Ettakaparamāva mayaṁ, bho gotama, etasmiṁ atthe.“That’s all I know about this matter, worthy Gotama.22.13Sādhu vata bhavantaṁyeva gotamaṁ paṭibhātu etassa bhāsitassa attho”ti.May the worthy Gotama himself please clarify the meaning of this.”
23.1“Tena hi, brāhmaṇa, suṇohi, sādhukaṁ manasikarohi, bhāsissāmī”ti.“Well then, brahmin, listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”
23.2“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo bhagavato paccassosi.“Yes, worthy sir,” Soṇadaṇḍa replied.23.3Bhagavā etadavoca:The Buddha said this:
23.4“idha, brāhmaṇa, tathāgato loke uppajjati arahaṁ sammāsambuddho …pe…“It’s when a Realized One arises in the world, perfected, a fully awakened Buddha …23.5Evaṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, bhikkhu sīlasampanno hoti.That’s how a mendicant is accomplished in ethics.23.6Idaṁ kho taṁ, brāhmaṇa, sīlaṁ …pe…This, brahmin, is that ethical conduct. …23.7paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati …They enter and remain in the first absorption …2723.8dutiyaṁ jhānaṁ …second absorption …23.9tatiyaṁ jhānaṁ …third absorption …23.10catutthaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati …pe…fourth absorption …23.11ñāṇadassanāya cittaṁ abhinīharati, abhininnāmeti …pe…They project and extend the mind toward knowledge and vision …23.12Idampissa hoti paññāya …pe…This pertains to their wisdom. …23.13nāparaṁ itthattāyāti pajānāti.They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’23.14Idampissa hoti paññāyaThis pertains to their wisdom.23.15ayaṁ kho sā, brāhmaṇa, paññā”ti.This, brahmin, is that wisdom.”
24.07. Soṇadaṇḍaupāsakattapaṭivedanā7. Soṇadaṇḍa Declares Himself a Lay Follower
24.1PTS 1.125Evaṁ vutte, soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:When he had spoken, Soṇadaṇḍa said to the Buddha,24.2“abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama, abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama.“Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent!24.3Seyyathāpi, bho gotama, nikkujjitaṁ vā ukkujjeyya, paṭicchannaṁ vā vivareyya, mūḷhassa vā maggaṁ ācikkheyya, andhakāre vā telapajjotaṁ dhāreyya: ‘cakkhumanto rūpāni dakkhantī’ti; evamevaṁ bhotā gotamena anekapariyāyena dhammo pakāsito.As if he were righting the overturned, or revealing the hidden, or pointing out the path to the lost, or lighting a lamp in the dark so people with clear eyes can see what’s there, worthy Gotama has made the Teaching clear in many ways.24.4Esāhaṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi, dhammañca, bhikkhusaṅghañca.I go for refuge to the worthy Gotama, to the teaching, and to the mendicant Saṅgha.24.5Upāsakaṁ maṁ bhavaṁ gotamo dhāretu ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gataṁ.From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.24.6Adhivāsetu ca me bhavaṁ gotamo svātanāya bhattaṁ saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghenā”ti.Would you and the mendicant Saṅgha please accept tomorrow’s meal from me?”24.7Adhivāsesi bhagavā tuṇhībhāvena.The Buddha consented with silence.
24.8Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo bhagavato adhivāsanaṁ viditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā pakkāmi.Then, knowing that the Buddha had consented, Soṇadaṇḍa rose from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before leaving.24.9Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo tassā rattiyā accayena sake nivesane paṇītaṁ khādanīyaṁ bhojanīyaṁ paṭiyādāpetvā bhagavato kālaṁ ārocāpesi:And when the night had passed Soṇadaṇḍa had delicious fresh and cooked foods prepared in his own home. Then he had the Buddha informed of the time, saying,24.10“kālo, bho gotama, niṭṭhitaṁ bhattan”ti.“It’s time, worthy Gotama, the meal is ready.”25.1Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghena yena soṇadaṇḍassa brāhmaṇassa nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā paññatte āsane nisīdi.Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, went to the home of Soṇadaṇḍa together with the mendicant Saṅgha, where he sat down on the seat spread out.25.2Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo buddhappamukhaṁ bhikkhusaṅghaṁ paṇītena khādanīyena bhojanīyena sahatthā santappesi sampavāresi.Then Soṇadaṇḍa served and satisfied the mendicant Saṅgha headed by the Buddha with his own hands with delicious fresh and cooked foods.
26.1PTS 1.126Atha kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ bhuttāviṁ onītapattapāṇiṁ aññataraṁ nīcaṁ āsanaṁ gahetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.When the Buddha had eaten and washed his hand and bowl, Soṇadaṇḍa took a low seat and sat to one side.26.2Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho soṇadaṇḍo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:Seated to one side he said to the Buddha:26.3“ahañceva kho pana, bho gotama, parisagato samāno āsanā vuṭṭhahitvā bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ abhivādeyyaṁ, tena maṁ sā parisā paribhaveyya.“Worthy Gotama, if, when I have gone to an assembly, I rise from my seat and bow to the worthy Gotama, that assembly might disparage me for that.26.4Yaṁ kho pana sā parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha.And when you’re disparaged by the assembly, your reputation diminishes.26.5Yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ.When your reputation diminishes, your wealth also diminishes.26.6Yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā.But my wealth relies on my reputation.26.7Ahañceva kho pana, bho gotama, parisagato samāno añjaliṁ paggaṇheyyaṁ, āsanā me taṁ bhavaṁ gotamo paccuṭṭhānaṁ dhāretu.If, when I have gone to an assembly, I raise my cupped palms, please take it that I have risen from my seat.26.8Ahañceva kho pana, bho gotama, parisagato samāno veṭhanaṁ omuñceyyaṁ, sirasā me taṁ bhavaṁ gotamo abhivādanaṁ dhāretu.And if I undo my turban, please take it that I have bowed.26.9Ahañceva kho pana, bho gotama, yānagato samāno yānā paccorohitvā bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ abhivādeyyaṁ, tena maṁ sā parisā paribhaveyya.And the worthy Gotama, if, when I am in a carriage, I get down from my carriage and bow to the worthy Gotama, that assembly might disparage me for that.26.10Yaṁ kho pana sā parisā paribhaveyya, yasopi tassa hāyetha, yassa kho pana yaso hāyetha, bhogāpi tassa hāyeyyuṁ.26.11Yasoladdhā kho panamhākaṁ bhogā.26.12Ahañceva kho pana, bho gotama, yānagato samāno patodalaṭṭhiṁ abbhunnāmeyyaṁ, yānā me taṁ bhavaṁ gotamo paccorohanaṁ dhāretu.If, when I am in a carriage, I hold up my goad, please take it that I have got down from my carriage.26.13Ahañceva kho pana, bho gotama, yānagato samāno chattaṁ apanāmeyyaṁ, sirasā me taṁ bhavaṁ gotamo abhivādanaṁ dhāretū”ti.And if I lower my parasol, please take it that I have bowed.”28
27.1Atha kho bhagavā soṇadaṇḍaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṁsetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkāmīti.Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired the brahmin Soṇadaṇḍa with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and left.
27.2Soṇadaṇḍasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ catutthaṁ.