1Thus have I heard.[n.810] This is a parallel fable to the previous Sutta, giving a slightly different account of 'origins', and including a devastating attack on the pretensions of the Brahmins. It has close links with Sutta 3, and RD refers to it in some detail in the introduction to that Sutta. He calls it a kind of Buddhist book of Genesis, which is fair enough if one pays attention to the differences. Here there is no creator god, and though we start (at verse 10) with something like the same state 'in the beginning', this is of course no absolute beginning but one of the eternally recurring 'fresh starts' in saṁsāra. Once the Lord was staying at Sāvatthī, at the mansion of Migara's mother[n.811] She was called Visākhā, and her 'mansion' was a comparatively splendid structure, though still small to the modern way of thinking. in the East Park. And at that time Vasettha and Bhāradvāja[n.812] See also DN 13.3. were living among the monks, hoping to become monks themselves. And in the evening, the Lord rose from his secluded meditation and came out of the mansion, and started walking up and down in its shade.

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2Vasettha noticed this, and he said to Bhāradvāja: 'Friend Bharadvaja, the Lord has come out and is walking up and down. Let us approach him. We might be fortunate enough to hear a talk on Dhamma from the Lord himself.' 'Yes, indeed', said Bharadvaja, ..

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3So they went up to the Lord, saluted him, and fell into step with him.

Then the Lord said to Vasettha: 'Vāseṭṭha,[n.813] Or Vāseṭṭhā (vocative plural) with some manuscripts, as a way of addressing the two. you two are Brahmins born and bred, and you have gone forth from the household life into homelessness from Brahmin families. Do not the Brahmins revile and abuse you?' 'Indeed, Lord, the Brahmins do revile and abuse us. They don't hold back with their usual flood of reproaches.' 'Well, Vasettha, what kind of reproaches do they fling at you?' 'Lord, what the Brahmins say is this: "The Brahmin caste[n.814] Cf. DN 3.1.14, and also MN 84 and 93. is the highest caste, other castes are base; the Brahmin caste is fair, other castes are dark; Brahmins are purified, non-Brahmins are not, the Brahmins are the true children of Brahmā,[n.815] They are of course priests of Brahmā. born from his mouth, born of Brahma, created by Brahma, heirs of Brahma. And you, you have deserted the highest class and gone over to the base class of shaveling petty ascetics, servants, dark fellows born of Brahmā's foot![n.816] DN 3.1.14. It's not right, it's not proper for you to mix with such people!" That is the way the Brahmins abuse us, Lord.'

4'Then, Vasettha, the Brahmins have forgotten their ancient tradition when they say that. Because we can see Brahmin women, the wives of Brahmins, who menstruate and become pregnant, have babies and give suck. And yet these womb-born Brahmins talk about being born from Brahma's mouth … These Brahmins misrepresent Brahma, tell lies and earn much demerit.

Purifying the Four Castes

5'There are, Vasettha, these four castes: the Khattiyas, the Brahmins, the merchants and the artisans.[n.817] The Buddhists always place the Khattiyas first. This was their original position, and still applied in the area of the Buddha’s ministry. And sometimes a Khattiya takes life, takes what is not given, commits sexual misconduct, tells lies, indulges in slander, harsh speech or idle chatter, is grasping, malicious, or of wrong views. Thus such things as are immoral and considered so, blameworthy and considered so, to be avoided and considered so, ways unbefitting an Ariyan and considered so, black with black result[n.818] Cf. DN 33.11. (29), also MN 57. and blamed by the wise, are sometimes to be found among the Khattiyas, and the same applies to Brahmins, merchants and artisans.

6'Sometimes, too, a Khattiya refrains from taking life,… is not grasping, malicious, or of wrong views. Thus such things as are moral and considered so, blameless and considered so, to be followed and considered so, ways befitting an Ariyan and considered so, bright with bright results and praised by the wise, are sometimes to be found among the Khattiyas, and likewise among Brahmins, merchants and artisans.

7'Now since both dark and bright qualities, which are blamed and praised by the wise, are scattered indiscriminately among the four castes, the wise do not recognise the claim about the Brahmin caste being the highest. Why is that? Because, Vasettha, anyone from the four castes who becomes a monk, an Arahant who has destroyed the corruptions, who has lived the life, done what had to be done, laid down the burden,[n.819] Ohita-bhāro. reached the highest goal, destroyed the fetter of becoming, and become emancipated through super-knowledge — he is proclaimed supreme by virtue of Dhamma and not of non-Dhamma.

8Dhamma's the best thing for people
In this life and the next as well.

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9'This illustration will make clear to you how Dhamma is best in this world and in the next. King Pasenadi of Kosala knows: "The ascetic Gotama has gone forth from the neighbouring clan of the Sakyans." Now the Sakyans are vassals of the King of Kosala. They offer him humble service and salute him, rise and do him homage and pay him fitting service. And, just as the Sakyans offer the King humble service…, so likewise does the King offer humble service to the Tathāgata,[n.820] Cf. DN 2.35 for the respect accorded to ascetics in general. thinking: "If the ascetic Gotama is well-born, I am ill-born; if the ascetic Gotama is strong, I am weak; if the ascetic Gotama is pleasant to look at, I am ill-favoured; if the ascetic Gotama is influential, I am of little influence." Now it is because of honouring the Dhamma, making much of the Dhamma, esteeming the Dhamma, doing reverent homage to the Dhamma that King Pasenadi does humble service to the Tathagata and pays him fitting service:

Dhamma's the best thing for people
In this life and the next as well.

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10'Vasettha, all of you, though of different birth, name, clan and family, who have gone forth from the household life into homelessness, if you are asked who you are, should reply: "We are ascetics, followers of the Sakyan."[n.821] Sakyaputta: 'Son of the Sakyans'. He whose faith in the Tathagata is settled, rooted, established, solid, unshakeable by any ascetic or Brahmin, any deva or mara or Brahma or anyone in the world, can truly say: "I am a true son of Blessed Lord, born of his mouth, born of Dhamma, created by Dhamma, an heir of Dhamma." Why is that? Because, Vasettha, this designates the Tathagata: "The Body of Dhamma",[n.822] Dhamma-kāya: a term which, as Dharmakāya, was destined to play a great role in Mahayana Buddhism. that is, "The Body of Brahma",[n.823] Brahmā here means 'the highest' but is used because the Buddha is speaking to Brahmins. or "Become Dhamma", that is, "Become Brahma".[n.824] The Tathagata, by his gaining of enlightenment by his own efforts, has become 'the highest'.

11'There comes a time, Vasettha, when, sooner or later after a long period, this world contracts.[n.825] Cf. DN 1.2.2. At a time of contraction, beings are mostly born in the Abhassara Brahma world. And there they dwell, mind-made, feeding on delight, self-luminous, moving through the air, glorious — and they stay like that for a very long time.

12But sooner or later, after a very long period, this world begins to expand again. At a time of expansion, the beings from the Abhassara Brahma world, having passed away from there, are mostly reborn in this world. Here they dwell, mind-made, feeding on delight, self-luminous, moving through the air, glorious[n.826] Though born on earth they are still devas, not human beings. — and they stay like that for a very long time.

The Delicious Earth Appears

13'At that period, Vāseṭṭha, there was just one mass of water, and all was darkness, blinding darkness. Neither moon nor sun appeared, no constellations or stars appeared, night and day were not distinguished, nor months and fortnights, no years or seasons, and no male and female, beings being reckoned just as beings.[n.827] As devas from the Brahma World they are sexless. And sooner or later, after a very long period of time, savoury earth[n.828] Rasa-paṭhavī. Note that all the various forms of food mentioned are vegetarian. spread itself over the waters where those beings were. It looked just like the skin that forms itself over hot milk as it cools. It was endowed with colour, smell and taste. It was the colour of fine ghee or butter, and it was very sweet, like pure wild honey.

The Appearance of the Sun and Moon

14'Then some being of a greedy nature said: "I say, what can this be?" and tasted the savoury earth on its finger. In so doing, it became taken with the flavour, and craving arose in it.[n.829] In terms of a 'Buddhist book of Genesis' this would correspond to the eating of the fruit — but not of knowledge. Then other beings, taking their cue from that one, also tasted the stuff with their fingers. They too were taken with the flavour, and craving arose in them. So they set to with their hands, breaking off pieces of the stuff in order to eat it. And the result of this was that their self-luminance disappeared. And as a result of the disappearance of their self-luminance, the moon and the sun appeared, night and day were distinguished, months and fortnights appeared, and the year and its seasons. To that extent the world re-evolved.

15'And those beings continued for a very long time feasting on this savoury earth, feeding on it and being nourished by it. And as they did so, their bodies became coarser,[n.830] Since these beings, however glorious, are unenlightened, they fall victim to craving (taṇhā) and thereby progressively lose their ethereal qualities. and a difference in looks developed among them. Some beings became good-looking, others ugly. And the good-looking ones despised the others, saying: "We are better-looking than they are." And because they became arrogant and conceited about their looks, the savoury earth disappeared. At this they came together and lamented, crying: "Oh that flavour! Oh that flavour!" And so nowadays when people say: "Oh that flavour!" when they get something nice, they are repeating an ancient saying without realising it.

The Appearance of Mushrooms

16'And then, when the savoury earth had disappeared, a fungus[n.831] Bhūmi-pappaṭaka: the exact meaning is unknown. RD has 'outgrowths'. cropped up, in the manner of a mushroom. It was of a good colour, smell, and taste. It was the colour of fine ghee or butter, and it was very sweet, like pure wild honey.

17And those beings set to and ate the fungus. And this lasted for a very long time. And as they continued to feed on the fungus, so their bodies became coarser still, and the difference in their looks increased still more. And the good-looking ones despised the others … And because they became arrogant and conceited about their looks, the sweet fungus disappeared.

Shoots and Creepers

18Next, creepers appeared, shooting up like bamboo …, and they too were very sweet, like pure wild honey.

19'And those beings set to and fed on those creepers. And as they did so, their bodies became even coarser, and the difference in their looks increased still more… And they became still more arrogant, and so the creepers disappeared too.

20At this they came together and lamented, crying: "Alas, our creeper's gone! What have we lost!" And so now today when people, on being asked why they are upset, say: "Oh, what have we lost!" they are repeating an ancient saying without realising it.

Good Rice

21'And then, after the creepers had disappeared, rice appeared in open spaces,[n.832] In land free from the jungle (DA). free from powder and from husks, fragrant and clean-grained.[n.833] This phrase may be a fragment of verse. And what they had taken in the evening for supper had grown again and was ripe in the morning, and what they had taken in the morning for breakfast was ripe again by evening, with no sign of reaping. And these beings set to and fed on this rice, and this lasted for a very long time.

Women's Physical Development

22And as they did so, their bodies became coarser still, and the difference in their looks became even greater. And the females developed female sex-organs,[n.834] As noted above, these beings were previously sexless. DA says 'those who were women in a previous life.' and the males developed male organs. And the women became excessively preoccupied with men, and the men with women. Owing to this excessive preoccupation with each other, passion was aroused, and their bodies burnt with lust. And later, because of this burning, they indulged in sexual activity.[n.835] Hitherto they had been 'spontaneously born', a process assumed to continue (see n.849).

23But those who saw them indulging threw dust, ashes or cow-dung at them, crying: "Die, you filthy beast! How can one being do such things to another!" Just as today, in some districts, when a daughter-in-law is led out, some people throw dirt at her, some ashes, and some cow-dung, without realising that they are repeating an ancient observance. What was considered bad form in those days is now considered good form.[n.836] RD has gone wrong here, rendering this: 'That which was considered immoral…' The reference is not to the sexual activity, but to the throwing of dirt, etc. I have therefore transferred this sentence back from verse 17.

Sexual Conduct

24'And those beings who in those days indulged in sex were not allowed into a village or town for one or two months. Accordingly those who indulged for an excessively long period in such immoral practices began to build themselves dwellings so as to indulge under cover.[n.837] The dwellings were constructed not for concealment (as implied by RD) so much as for shelter.

25'Now it occurred to one of those beings who was inclined to laziness: "Well now, why should I be bothered to gather rice in the evening for supper and in the morning for breakfast? Why shouldn't I gather it all at once for both meals?" And he did so.

26Then another one came to him and said: "Come on, let's go rice-gathering." "No need, my friend, I've gathered enough for both meals." Then the other, following his example, gathered enough rice for two days at a time, saying: "That should be about enough."

27Then another being came and said to that second one: "Come on, let's go rice-gathering." "No need, my friend, I've gathered enough for two days." The same for 4, then 8, days.

28However, when those beings made a store of rice and lived on that, husk-powder and husk began to envelop the grain, and where it was reaped it did not grow again, and the cut place showed, and the rice grew in separate clusters.

Distributing Rice

29'And then those beings came together lamenting: "Wicked ways have become rife among us: at first we were mind-made, feeding on delight… all events repeated down to the latest development, each fresh change being said to be due to 'wicked and unwholesome ways'… and the rice grows in separate clusters. So now let us divide up the rice into fields with boundaries." So they did so.

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30'Then, Vāseṭṭha, one greedy-natured being, while watching over his own plot, took another plot that was not given to him, and enjoyed the fruits of it. So they seized hold of him and said: "You've done a wicked thing, taking another's plot like that! Don't ever do such a thing again!" "I won't", he said, but he did the same thing a second and a third time. Again he was seized and rebuked, and some hit him with their fists, some with stones, and some with sticks. And in this way, Vasettha, taking what was not given, and censuring, and lying, and punishment, took their origin.

The People's Choice

31'Then those beings came together and lamented the arising of these evil things among them: taking what was not given, censuring, lying and punishment. And they thought: "Suppose we were to appoint a certain being who would show anger where anger was due, censure those who deserved it, and banish those who deserved banishment! And in return, we would grant him a share of the rice."

32So they went to the one among them who was the handsomest, the best-looking, the most pleasant and capable, and asked him to do this for them in return for a share of the rice, and he agreed.

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33"'The People's Choice" is the meaning of Mahā-Sammata,[n.838] Name of the first king of the solar race and ancestor, among others, of the Sakyan rulers (and hence of Gotama). which is the first regular title[n.839] Akkhara: later meaning letter (of the syllabary): see n.30. to be introduced. "Lord Of The Fields" is the meaning of Khattiya,[n.840] Associated with khetta 'field', an etymology which may not be altogether incorrect. the second such title. And "He Gladdens Others With Dhamma" is the meaning of Raja,[n.841] Rājā: cognate with Latin rex, rēgis 'king', is here linked with the root of rāga 'desire, lust'. the third title to be introduced. This, then, Vāseṭṭha, is the origin of the class of Khattiyas, in accordance with the ancient titles that were introduced for them. They originated among these very same beings, like ourselves, no different, and in accordance with Dhamma, not otherwise.

Brahman Caste

34'Then some of these beings thought: "Evil things have appeared among beings, such as taking what is not given, censuring, lying, punishment and banishment. We ought to put aside evil and unwholesome things." And they did so. "They Put Aside[n.842] Bāhenti. Evil And Uwholesome Things" is the meaning of Brahmin,[n.843] A wholly fanciful etymology, but one which throws a light on what was considered to be the ideal of a Brahmin. which is the first regular title to be introduced for such people. They made leaf-huts in forest places and meditated in them. With the smoking fire gone out, with pestle cast aside, gathering alms for their evening and morning meals, they went away to a village, town or royal city to seek their food, and then they returned to their leaf-huts to meditate. People saw this and noted how they meditated. "They Meditate"[n.844] Jhāyanti: from the same root as jhāna, a pre-Buddhist type of meditation. is the meaning of Jhayaka,[n.845] 'Meditator'. which is the second regular title to be introduced.

'However, some of those beings, not being able to meditate in leaf-huts, settled around towns and villages and compiled books.[n.846] Ganthe: to assume written books would be anachronistic. DA says compiling the Vedas and teaching them. People saw them doing this and not meditating. "Now These Do Not Meditate"[n.847] Na dan' ime jhāyanti. is the meaning of Ajjhāyaka,[n.848] Ajjhāyaka: 'repeater' is for adhy-āyaka, but could also be taken as a-jhāyaka 'non-meditator'. which is the third regular title to be introduced. At that time it was regarded as a low designation, but now it is the higher. This, then, Vāseṭṭha, is the origin of the class of Brahmins in accordance with the ancient titles that were introduced for them. Their origin was from among these very same beings, like themselves, no different, and in accordance with Dhamma, not otherwise.

Dhamma's the best thing for people
In this life and the next as well.

Merchants and Artesians Caste

35'And then, Vāseṭṭha, some of those beings, having paired off,[n.849] 'Adopting the sexual practice' (methuna-dhamma), thus implying that the others were celibate. adopted various trades, and this "Various"[n.850] Vissa: 'various', hence, allegedly, vessa 'merchant'. is the meaning of Vessa, which came to be the regular title for such people. This, then, is the origin of the class of Vessas, in accordance with the ancient titles that were introduced for them. Their origin was from among these very same beings…

Low-Caste

36'And then, Vāseṭṭha, those beings that remained went in for hunting. "They Are Base Who Live By The Chase", and that is the meaning of Sudda,[n.851] A play on ludda 'hunting', khudda 'mean fellow', sudda 'low grade (RD's renderings). RD remarks: 'Our modem nobles would lift their eyebrows at so amazing a mixture of epithets'. Today many would agree with the sentiment expressed. which came to be the regular title for such people. This, then, is the origin of the class of Suddas[n.852] 'Artisans'. in accordance with the ancient titles that were introduced for them. Their origin was from among these very same beings…

37'And then, Vāseṭṭha, it came about that some Khattiya, dissatisfied with his own Dhamma,[n.853] I have retained the word 'Dhamma' here (RD, as usual, has Norm'), though it is obviously not the Buddha’s Dhamma — that is what he goes forth to seek! went forth from the household life into homelessness, thinking: "I will become an ascetic." And a Brahmin did likewise, a Vessa did likewise, and so did a Sudda. And from these four classes the class of ascetics came into existence. Their origin was from among these very same beings, like themselves, no different, and in accordance with Dhamma, not otherwise.

Dhamma's the best thing for people
In this life and the next as well.

Bad Conduct

38'And, Vāseṭṭha, a Khattiya who has led a bad life in body, speech and thought, and who has wrong view will, in consequence of such wrong views and deeds, at the breaking-up of the body after death, be reborn in a state of loss, an ill fate, the downfall, the hell-state. So too will a Brahmin, a Vessa or a Sudda.

39'Likewise, a Khattiya who has led a good life in body, speech and thought, and who has right view will, in consequence of such right view and deeds, at the breaking-up of the body after death, be reborn in a good destiny, in a heaven-state. So too will a Brahmin, a Vessa or a Sudda.

40'And a Khattiya who has performed deeds of both kinds in body, speech and thought, and whose view is mixed will, in consequence of such mixed views and deeds, at the breaking-up of the body after death, experience both pleasure and pain. So too will a Brahmin, a Vessa or a Sudda.

A Khattiya's Enlightenment

41'And a Khattiya who is restrained in body, speech and thought, and who has developed the seven requisites of enlightenment,[n.854] See DN 22.16 and notes there. will attain to Parinibbana[n.855] Parinibbāna is the attainment of final Nibbāna, as in DN 16. in this very life. So too will a Brahmin, a Vessa or a Sudda.

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42'And, Vasettha, whoever of these four castes, as a monk, becomes an Arahant who has destroyed the corruptions, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, attained to the highest goal, completely destroyed the fetter of becoming, and become liberated by the highest insight, he is declared to be chief among them in accordance with Dhamma, and not otherwise.

Dhamma's the best thing for people
In this life and the next as well.

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43'Vasettha, it was Brahma Sanankumara who spoke this verse:

44"The Khattiya's best among those who value clan;
He with knowledge and conduct is best of gods and men."

45This verse was rightly sung, not wrongly, rightly spoken, not wrongly, connected with profit, not unconnected. I too say, Vasettha:

46"The Khattiya's best among those who value clan;
He with knowledge and conduct is best of gods and men."'

47Thus the Lord spoke, and Vasettha and Bharadvaja were derighted and rejoiced at his words.

1Evaṁ me sutaṁ—​ ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati pubbārāme migāramātupāsāde. Tena kho pana samayena vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā bhikkhūsu parivasanti bhikkhubhāvaṁ ākaṅkhamānā. Atha kho bhagavā sāyanhasamayaṁ paṭisallānā vuṭṭhito pāsādā orohitvā pāsādapacchāyāyaṁ abbhokāse caṅkamati.

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2Addasā kho vāseṭṭho bhagavantaṁ sāyanhasamayaṁ paṭisallānā vuṭṭhitaṁ pāsādā orohitvā pāsādapacchāyāyaṁ abbhokāse caṅkamantaṁ. Disvāna bhāradvājaṁ āmantesi: "Ayaṁ, āvuso bhāradvāja, bhagavā sāyanhasamayaṁ paṭisallānā vuṭṭhito pāsādā orohitvā pāsādapacchāyāyaṁ abbhokāse caṅkamati. Āyāmāvuso bhāradvāja, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamissāma; appeva nāma labheyyāma bhagavato santikā dhammiṁ kathaṁ savanāyā"ti. "Evamāvuso"ti kho bhāradvājo vāseṭṭhassa paccassosi.

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3Atha kho vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā bhagavantaṁ caṅkamantaṁ anucaṅkamiṁsu.

Atha kho bhagavā vāseṭṭhaṁ āmantesi: "Tumhe khvattha, vāseṭṭha, brāhmaṇajaccā brāhmaṇakulīnā brāhmaṇakulā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajitā, kacci vo, vāseṭṭha, brāhmaṇā na akkosanti na paribhāsantī"ti? "Taggha no, bhante, brāhmaṇā akkosanti paribhāsanti attarūpāya paribhāsāya paripuṇṇāya, no aparipuṇṇāyā"ti. "Yathā kathaṁ pana vo, vāseṭṭha, brāhmaṇā akkosanti paribhāsanti attarūpāya paribhāsāya paripuṇṇāya, no aparipuṇṇāyā"ti? "Brāhmaṇā, bhante, evamāhaṁsu: 'brāhmaṇova seṭṭho vaṇṇo, hīnā aññe vaṇṇā. Brāhmaṇova sukko vaṇṇo, kaṇhā aññe vaṇṇā. Brāhmaṇāva sujjhanti, no abrāhmaṇā. Brāhmaṇāva brahmuno puttā orasā mukhato jātā brahmajā brahmanimmitā brahmadāyādā. Te tumhe seṭṭhaṁ vaṇṇaṁ hitvā hīnamattha vaṇṇaṁ ajjhupagatā, yadidaṁ muṇḍake samaṇake ibbhe kaṇhe bandhupādāpacce. Tayidaṁ na sādhu, tayidaṁ nappatirūpaṁ, yaṁ tumhe seṭṭhaṁ vaṇṇaṁ hitvā hīnamattha vaṇṇaṁ ajjhupagatā yadidaṁ muṇḍake samaṇake ibbhe kaṇhe bandhupādāpacce'ti. Evaṁ kho no, bhante, brāhmaṇā akkosanti paribhāsanti attarūpāya paribhāsāya paripuṇṇāya, no aparipuṇṇāyā"ti.

4"Taggha vo, vāseṭṭha, brāhmaṇā porāṇaṁ assarantā evamāhaṁsu: 'brāhmaṇova seṭṭho vaṇṇo, hīnā aññe vaṇṇā; brāhmaṇova sukko vaṇṇo, kaṇhā aññe vaṇṇā; brāhmaṇāva sujjhanti, no abrāhmaṇā; brāhmaṇāva brahmuno puttā orasā mukhato jātā brahmajā brahmanimmitā brahmadāyādā'ti. Dissanti kho pana, vāseṭṭha, brāhmaṇānaṁ brāhmaṇiyo utuniyopi gabbhiniyopi vijāyamānāpi pāyamānāpi. Te ca brāhmaṇā yonijāva samānā evamāhaṁsu: 'brāhmaṇova seṭṭho vaṇṇo, hīnā aññe vaṇṇā; brāhmaṇova sukko vaṇṇo, kaṇhā aññe vaṇṇā; brāhmaṇāva sujjhanti, no abrāhmaṇā; brāhmaṇāva brahmuno puttā orasā mukhato jātā brahmajā brahmanimmitā brahmadāyādā'ti. Te brahmānañceva abbhācikkhanti, musā ca bhāsanti, bahuñca apuññaṁ pasavanti.

1. Catuvaṇṇasuddhi

5Cattārome, vāseṭṭha, vaṇṇā—khattiyā, brāhmaṇā, vessā, suddā. Khattiyopi kho, vāseṭṭha, idhekacco pāṇātipātī hoti adinnādāyī kāmesumicchācārī musāvādī pisuṇavāco pharusavāco samphappalāpī abhijjhālu byāpannacitto micchādiṭṭhī. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, yeme dhammā akusalā akusalasaṅkhātā sāvajjā sāvajjasaṅkhātā asevitabbā asevitabbasaṅkhātā naalamariyā naalamariyasaṅkhātā kaṇhā kaṇhavipākā viññugarahitā, khattiyepi te idhekacce sandissanti. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha, idhekacco pāṇātipātī hoti adinnādāyī kāmesumicchācārī musāvādī pisuṇavāco pharusavāco samphappalāpī abhijjhālu byāpannacitto micchādiṭṭhī. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, yeme dhammā akusalā akusalasaṅkhātā … pe … kaṇhā kaṇhavipākā viññugarahitā; suddepi te idhekacce sandissanti.

6Khattiyopi kho, vāseṭṭha, idhekacco pāṇātipātā paṭivirato hoti, adinnādānā paṭivirato, kāmesumicchācārā paṭivirato, musāvādā paṭivirato, pisuṇāya vācāya paṭivirato, pharusāya vācāya paṭivirato, samphappalāpā paṭivirato, anabhijjhālu abyāpannacitto, sammādiṭṭhī. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, yeme dhammā kusalā kusalasaṅkhātā anavajjā anavajjasaṅkhātā sevitabbā sevitabbasaṅkhātā alamariyā alamariyasaṅkhātā sukkā sukkavipākā viññuppasatthā, khattiyepi te idhekacce sandissanti. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha, idhekacco pāṇātipātā paṭivirato hoti … pe … anabhijjhālu, abyāpannacitto, sammādiṭṭhī. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, yeme dhammā kusalā kusalasaṅkhātā anavajjā anavajjasaṅkhātā sevitabbā sevitabbasaṅkhātā alamariyā alamariyasaṅkhātā sukkā sukkavipākā viññuppasatthā; suddepi te idhekacce sandissanti.

7Imesu kho, vāseṭṭha, catūsu vaṇṇesu evaṁ ubhayavokiṇṇesu vattamānesu kaṇhasukkesu dhammesu viññugarahitesu ceva viññuppasatthesu ca yadettha brāhmaṇā evamāhaṁsu: 'brāhmaṇova seṭṭho vaṇṇo, hīnā aññe vaṇṇā; brāhmaṇova sukko vaṇṇo, kaṇhā aññe vaṇṇā; brāhmaṇāva sujjhanti, no abrāhmaṇā; brāhmaṇāva brahmuno puttā orasā mukhato jātā brahmajā brahmanimmitā brahmadāyādā'ti. Taṁ tesaṁ viññū nānujānanti. Taṁ kissa hetu? Imesañhi, vāseṭṭha, catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ yo hoti bhikkhu arahaṁ khīṇāsavo vusitavā katakaraṇīyo ohitabhāro anuppattasadattho parikkhīṇabhavasaṁyojano sammadaññāvimutto, so nesaṁ aggamakkhāyati dhammeneva, no adhammena. Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ, diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

8Tadamināpetaṁ, vāseṭṭha, pariyāyena veditabbaṁ, yathā dhammova seṭṭho janetasmiṁ, diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

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9Jānāti kho, vāseṭṭha, rājā pasenadi kosalo: 'samaṇo gotamo anantarā sakyakulā pabbajito'ti. Sakyā kho pana, vāseṭṭha, rañño pasenadissa kosalassa anuyuttā bhavanti. Karonti kho, vāseṭṭha, sakyā raññe pasenadimhi kosale nipaccakāraṁ abhivādanaṁ paccuṭṭhānaṁ añjalikammaṁ sāmīcikammaṁ. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, yaṁ karonti sakyā raññe pasenadimhi kosale nipaccakāraṁ abhivādanaṁ paccuṭṭhānaṁ añjalikammaṁ sāmīcikammaṁ, karoti taṁ rājā pasenadi kosalo tathāgate nipaccakāraṁ abhivādanaṁ paccuṭṭhānaṁ añjalikammaṁ sāmīcikammaṁ, na naṁ 'sujāto samaṇo gotamo, dujjātohamasmi. Balavā samaṇo gotamo, dubbalohamasmi. Pāsādiko samaṇo gotamo, dubbaṇṇohamasmi. Mahesakkho samaṇo gotamo, appesakkhohamasmī'ti. Atha kho naṁ dhammaṁyeva sakkaronto dhammaṁ garuṁ karonto dhammaṁ mānento dhammaṁ pūjento dhammaṁ apacāyamāno evaṁ rājā pasenadi kosalo tathāgate nipaccakāraṁ karoti, abhivādanaṁ paccuṭṭhānaṁ añjalikammaṁ sāmīcikammaṁ.

Imināpi kho etaṁ, vāseṭṭha, pariyāyena veditabbaṁ, yathā dhammova seṭṭho janetasmiṁ, diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

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10Tumhe khvattha, vāseṭṭha, nānājaccā nānānāmā nānāgottā nānākulā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajitā. 'Ke tumhe'ti—puṭṭhā samānā 'samaṇā sakyaputtiyāmhā'ti – paṭijānātha. Yassa kho panassa, vāseṭṭha, tathāgate saddhā niviṭṭhā mūlajātā patiṭṭhitā daḷhā asaṁhāriyā samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ, tassetaṁ kallaṁ vacanāya: 'bhagavatomhi putto oraso mukhato jāto dhammajo dhammanimmito dhammadāyādo'ti. Taṁ kissa hetu? Tathāgatassa hetaṁ, vāseṭṭha, adhivacanaṁ 'dhammakāyo' itipi, 'brahmakāyo' itipi, 'dhammabhūto' itipi, 'brahmabhūto' itipi.

11Hoti kho so, vāseṭṭha, samayo yaṁ kadāci karahaci dīghassa addhuno accayena ayaṁ loko saṁvaṭṭati. Saṁvaṭṭamāne loke yebhuyyena sattā ābhassarasaṁvattanikā honti. Te tattha honti manomayā pītibhakkhā sayaṁpabhā antalikkhacarā subhaṭṭhāyino ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ tiṭṭhanti.

12Hoti kho so, vāseṭṭha, samayo yaṁ kadāci karahaci dīghassa addhuno accayena ayaṁ loko vivaṭṭati. Vivaṭṭamāne loke yebhuyyena sattā ābhassarakāyā cavitvā itthattaṁ āgacchanti. Tedha honti manomayā pītibhakkhā sayaṁpabhā antalikkhacarā subhaṭṭhāyino ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ tiṭṭhanti.

2. Rasapathavipātubhāva

13Ekodakībhūtaṁ kho pana, vāseṭṭha, tena samayena hoti andhakāro andhakāratimisā. Na candimasūriyā paññāyanti, na nakkhattāni tārakarūpāni paññāyanti, na rattindivā paññāyanti, na māsaḍḍhamāsā paññāyanti, na utusaṁvaccharā paññāyanti, na itthipumā paññāyanti, sattā sattātveva saṅkhyaṁ gacchanti. Atha kho tesaṁ, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁ kadāci karahaci dīghassa addhuno accayena rasapathavī udakasmiṁ samatani; seyyathāpi nāma payaso tattassa nibbāyamānassa upari santānakaṁ hoti; evameva pāturahosi. Sā ahosi vaṇṇasampannā gandhasampannā rasasampannā, seyyathāpi nāma sampannaṁ vā sappi sampannaṁ vā navanītaṁ evaṁvaṇṇā ahosi. Seyyathāpi nāma khuddamadhuṁ aneḷakaṁ; evamassādā ahosi. Atha kho, vāseṭṭha, aññataro satto lolajātiko: 'ambho, kimevidaṁ bhavissatī'ti rasapathaviṁ aṅguliyā sāyi. Tassa rasapathaviṁ aṅguliyā sāyato acchādesi, taṇhā cassa okkami. Aññepi kho, vāseṭṭha, sattā tassa sattassa diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjamānā rasapathaviṁ aṅguliyā sāyiṁsu. Tesaṁ rasapathaviṁ aṅguliyā sāyataṁ acchādesi, taṇhā ca tesaṁ okkami.

3. Candimasūriyādipātubhāva

14Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā rasapathaviṁ hatthehi āluppakārakaṁ upakkamiṁsu paribhuñjituṁ. Yato kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā rasapathaviṁ hatthehi āluppakārakaṁ upakkamiṁsu paribhuñjituṁ. Atha tesaṁ sattānaṁ sayaṁpabhā antaradhāyi. Sayaṁpabhāya antarahitāya candimasūriyā pāturahesuṁ. Candimasūriyesu pātubhūtesu nakkhattāni tārakarūpāni pāturahesuṁ. Nakkhattesu tārakarūpesu pātubhūtesu rattindivā paññāyiṁsu. Rattindivesu paññāyamānesu māsaḍḍhamāsā paññāyiṁsu. Māsaḍḍhamāsesu paññāyamānesu utusaṁvaccharā paññāyiṁsu. Ettāvatā kho, vāseṭṭha, ayaṁ loko puna vivaṭṭo hoti.

15Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā rasapathaviṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Yathā yathā kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā rasapathaviṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu tathā tathā tesaṁ sattānaṁ rasapathaviṁ paribhuñjantānaṁ kharattañceva kāyasmiṁ okkami,vaṇṇavevaṇṇatā ca paññāyittha. Ekidaṁ sattā vaṇṇavanto honti, ekidaṁ sattā dubbaṇṇā. Tattha ye te sattā vaṇṇavanto, te dubbaṇṇe satte atimaññanti: 'mayametehi vaṇṇavantatarā, amhehete dubbaṇṇatarā'ti. Tesaṁ vaṇṇātimānapaccayā mānātimānajātikānaṁ rasapathavī antaradhāyi. Rasāya pathaviyā antarahitāya sannipatiṁsu. Sannipatitvā anutthuniṁsu: 'aho rasaṁ, aho rasan'ti. Tadetarahipi manussā kañcideva surasaṁ labhitvā evamāhaṁsu: 'aho rasaṁ, aho rasan'ti. Tadeva porāṇaṁ aggaññaṁ akkharaṁ anusaranti, na tvevassa atthaṁ ājānanti.

4. Bhūmipappaṭakapātubhāva

16Atha kho tesaṁ, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁ rasāya pathaviyā antarahitāya bhūmipappaṭako pāturahosi. Seyyathāpi nāma ahicchattako; evameva pāturahosi. So ahosi vaṇṇasampanno gandhasampanno rasasampanno, seyyathāpi nāma sampannaṁ vā sappi sampannaṁ vā navanītaṁ evaṁvaṇṇo ahosi. Seyyathāpi nāma khuddamadhuṁ aneḷakaṁ; evamassādo ahosi.

17Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā bhūmipappaṭakaṁ upakkamiṁsu paribhuñjituṁ. Te taṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Yathā yathā kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā bhūmipappaṭakaṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu tathā tathā tesaṁ sattānaṁ bhiyyoso mattāya kharattañceva kāyasmiṁ okkami, vaṇṇavevaṇṇatā ca paññāyittha. Ekidaṁ sattā vaṇṇavanto honti, ekidaṁ sattā dubbaṇṇā. Tattha ye te sattā vaṇṇavanto, te dubbaṇṇe satte atimaññanti: 'mayametehi vaṇṇavantatarā, amhehete dubbaṇṇatarā'ti. Tesaṁ vaṇṇātimānapaccayā mānātimānajātikānaṁ bhūmipappaṭako antaradhāyi.

5. Padālatāpātubhāva

18Bhūmipappaṭake antarahite padālatā pāturahosi, seyyathāpi nāma kalambukā; evameva pāturahosi. Sā ahosi vaṇṇasampannā gandhasampannā rasasampannā, seyyathāpi nāma sampannaṁ vā sappi sampannaṁ vā navanītaṁ evaṁvaṇṇā ahosi. Seyyathāpi nāma khuddamadhuṁ aneḷakaṁ; evamassādā ahosi.

19Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā padālataṁ upakkamiṁsu paribhuñjituṁ. Te taṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Yathā yathā kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā padālataṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu tathā tathā tesaṁ sattānaṁ bhiyyoso mattāya kharattañceva kāyasmiṁ okkami, vaṇṇavevaṇṇatā ca paññāyittha. Ekidaṁ sattā vaṇṇavanto honti, ekidaṁ sattā dubbaṇṇā. Tattha ye te sattā vaṇṇavanto, te dubbaṇṇe satte atimaññanti: 'mayametehi vaṇṇavantatarā, amhehete dubbaṇṇatarā'ti. Tesaṁ vaṇṇātimānapaccayā mānātimānajātikānaṁ padālatā antaradhāyi.

20Padālatāya antarahitāya sannipatiṁsu. Sannipatitvā anutthuniṁsu: 'ahu vata no, ahāyi vata no padālatā'ti. Tadetarahipi manussā kenaci dukkhadhammena phuṭṭhā evamāhaṁsu: 'ahu vata no, ahāyi vata no'ti. Tadeva porāṇaṁ aggaññaṁ akkharaṁ anusaranti, na tvevassa atthaṁ ājānanti.

6. Akaṭṭhapākasālipātubhāva

21Atha kho tesaṁ, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁ padālatāya antarahitāya akaṭṭhapāko sāli pāturahosi akaṇo athuso suddho sugandho taṇḍulapphalo. Yaṁ taṁ sāyaṁ sāyamāsāya āharanti, pāto taṁ hoti pakkaṁ paṭivirūḷhaṁ. Yaṁ taṁ pāto pātarāsāya āharanti, sāyaṁ taṁ hoti pakkaṁ paṭivirūḷhaṁ; nāpadānaṁ paññāyati. Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā akaṭṭhapākaṁ sāliṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu.

7. Itthipurisaliṅgapātubhāva

22Yathā yathā kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā akaṭṭhapākaṁ sāliṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu tathā tathā tesaṁ sattānaṁ bhiyyoso mattāya kharattañceva kāyasmiṁ okkami, vaṇṇavevaṇṇatā ca paññāyittha, itthiyā ca itthiliṅgaṁ pāturahosi purisassa ca purisaliṅgaṁ. Itthī ca purisaṁ ativelaṁ upanijjhāyati puriso ca itthiṁ. Tesaṁ ativelaṁ aññamaññaṁ upanijjhāyataṁ sārāgo udapādi, pariḷāho kāyasmiṁ okkami. Te pariḷāhapaccayā methunaṁ dhammaṁ paṭiseviṁsu.

23Ye kho pana te, vāseṭṭha, tena samayena sattā passanti methunaṁ dhammaṁ paṭisevante, aññe paṁsuṁ khipanti, aññe seṭṭhiṁ khipanti, aññe gomayaṁ khipanti: 'nassa asuci, nassa asucī'ti. 'Kathañhi nāma satto sattassa evarūpaṁ karissatī'ti. Tadetarahipi manussā ekaccesu janapadesu vadhuyā nibbuyhamānāya aññe paṁsuṁ khipanti, aññe seṭṭhiṁ khipanti, aññe gomayaṁ khipanti. Tadeva porāṇaṁ aggaññaṁ akkharaṁ anusaranti, na tvevassa atthaṁ ājānanti.

8. Methunadhammasamācāra

24Adhammasammataṁ kho pana, vāseṭṭha, tena samayena hoti, tadetarahi dhammasammataṁ. Ye kho pana, vāseṭṭha, tena samayena sattā methunaṁ dhammaṁ paṭisevanti, te māsampi dvemāsampi na labhanti gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā pavisituṁ. Yato kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā tasmiṁ asaddhamme ativelaṁ pātabyataṁ āpajjiṁsu. Atha agārāni upakkamiṁsu kātuṁ tasseva asaddhammassa paṭicchādanatthaṁ. Atha kho, vāseṭṭha, aññatarassa sattassa alasajātikassa etadahosi: 'ambho, kimevāhaṁ vihaññāmi sāliṁ āharanto sāyaṁ sāyamāsāya pāto pātarāsāya. Yannūnāhaṁ sāliṁ āhareyyaṁ sakideva sāyapātarāsāyā'ti.

25Atha kho so, vāseṭṭha, satto sāliṁ āhāsi sakideva sāyapātarāsāya. Atha kho, vāseṭṭha, aññataro satto yena so satto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā taṁ sattaṁ etadavoca: 'ehi, bho satta, sālāhāraṁ gamissāmā'ti. 'Alaṁ, bho satta, āhato me sāli sakideva sāyapātarāsāyā'ti. Atha kho so, vāseṭṭha, satto tassa sattassa diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjamāno sāliṁ āhāsi sakideva dvīhāya. 'Evampi kira, bho, sādhū'ti.

26Atha kho, vāseṭṭha, aññataro satto yena so satto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā taṁ sattaṁ etadavoca: 'ehi, bho satta, sālāhāraṁ gamissāmā'ti. 'Alaṁ, bho satta, āhato me sāli sakideva dvīhāyā'ti. Atha kho so, vāseṭṭha, satto tassa sattassa diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjamāno sāliṁ āhāsi sakideva catūhāya, 'evampi kira, bho, sādhū'ti.

27Atha kho, vāseṭṭha, aññataro satto yena so satto tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā taṁ sattaṁ etadavoca: 'ehi, bho satta, sālāhāraṁ gamissāmā'ti. 'Alaṁ, bho satta, āhato me sāli sakideva catūhāyā'ti. Atha kho so, vāseṭṭha, satto tassa sattassa diṭṭhānugatiṁ āpajjamāno sāliṁ āhāsi sakideva aṭṭhāhāya, 'evampi kira, bho, sādhū'ti.

28Yato kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā sannidhikārakaṁ sāliṁ upakkamiṁsu paribhuñjituṁ. Atha kaṇopi taṇḍulaṁ pariyonandhi, thusopi taṇḍulaṁ pariyonandhi; lūnampi nappaṭivirūḷhaṁ, apadānaṁ paññāyittha, saṇḍasaṇḍā sālayo aṭṭhaṁsu.

9. Sālivibhāga

29Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā sannipatiṁsu, sannipatitvā anutthuniṁsu: 'pāpakā vata, bho, dhammā sattesu pātubhūtā. Mayañhi pubbe manomayā ahumhā pītibhakkhā sayaṁpabhā antalikkhacarā subhaṭṭhāyino, ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhamhā. Tesaṁ no amhākaṁ kadāci karahaci dīghassa addhuno accayena rasapathavī udakasmiṁ samatani. Sā ahosi vaṇṇasampannā gandhasampannā rasasampannā. Te mayaṁ rasapathaviṁ hatthehi āluppakārakaṁ upakkamimha paribhuñjituṁ, tesaṁ no rasapathaviṁ hatthehi āluppakārakaṁ upakkamataṁ paribhuñjituṁ sayaṁpabhā antaradhāyi. Sayaṁpabhāya antarahitāya candimasūriyā pāturahesuṁ, candimasūriyesu pātubhūtesu nakkhattāni tārakarūpāni pāturahesuṁ, nakkhattesu tārakarūpesu pātubhūtesu rattindivā paññāyiṁsu, rattindivesu paññāyamānesu māsaḍḍhamāsā paññāyiṁsu. Māsaḍḍhamāsesu paññāyamānesu utusaṁvaccharā paññāyiṁsu. Te mayaṁ rasapathaviṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhamhā. Tesaṁ no pāpakānaṁyeva akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pātubhāvā rasapathavī antaradhāyi. Rasapathaviyā antarahitāya bhūmipappaṭako pāturahosi. So ahosi vaṇṇasampanno gandhasampanno rasasampanno. Te mayaṁ bhūmipappaṭakaṁ upakkamimha paribhuñjituṁ. Te mayaṁ taṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhamhā. Tesaṁ no pāpakānaṁyeva akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pātubhāvā bhūmipappaṭako antaradhāyi. Bhūmipappaṭake antarahite padālatā pāturahosi. Sā ahosi vaṇṇasampannā gandhasampannā rasasampannā. Te mayaṁ padālataṁ upakkamimha paribhuñjituṁ. Te mayaṁ taṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhamhā. Tesaṁ no pāpakānaṁyeva akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pātubhāvā padālatā antaradhāyi. Padālatāya antarahitāya akaṭṭhapāko sāli pāturahosi akaṇo athuso suddho sugandho taṇḍulapphalo. Yaṁ taṁ sāyaṁ sāyamāsāya āharāma, pāto taṁ hoti pakkaṁ paṭivirūḷhaṁ. Yaṁ taṁ pāto pātarāsāya āharāma, sāyaṁ taṁ hoti pakkaṁ paṭivirūḷhaṁ. Nāpadānaṁ paññāyittha. Te mayaṁ akaṭṭhapākaṁ sāliṁ paribhuñjantā tambhakkhā tadāhārā ciraṁ dīghamaddhānaṁ aṭṭhamhā. Tesaṁ no pāpakānaṁyeva akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pātubhāvā kaṇopi taṇḍulaṁ pariyonandhi, thusopi taṇḍulaṁ pariyonandhi, lūnampi nappaṭivirūḷhaṁ, apadānaṁ paññāyittha, saṇḍasaṇḍā sālayo ṭhitā. Yannūna mayaṁ sāliṁ vibhajeyyāma, mariyādaṁ ṭhapeyyāmā'ti. Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā sāliṁ vibhajiṁsu, mariyādaṁ ṭhapesuṁ.

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30Atha kho, vāseṭṭha, aññataro satto lolajātiko sakaṁ bhāgaṁ parirakkhantoaññataraṁ bhāgaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyitvā paribhuñji. Tamenaṁ aggahesuṁ, gahetvā etadavocuṁ: 'pāpakaṁ vata, bho satta, karosi, yatra hi nāma sakaṁ bhāgaṁ parirakkhanto aññataraṁ bhāgaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyitvā paribhuñjasi. Māssu, bho satta, punapi evarūpamakāsī'ti. 'Evaṁ, bho'ti kho, vāseṭṭha, so satto tesaṁ sattānaṁ paccassosi. Dutiyampi kho, vāseṭṭha, so satto … pe … tatiyampi kho, vāseṭṭha, so satto sakaṁ bhāgaṁ parirakkhanto aññataraṁ bhāgaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyitvā paribhuñji. Tamenaṁ aggahesuṁ, gahetvā etadavocuṁ: 'pāpakaṁ vata, bho satta, karosi, yatra hi nāma sakaṁ bhāgaṁ parirakkhanto aññataraṁ bhāgaṁ adinnaṁ ādiyitvā paribhuñjasi. Māssu, bho satta, punapi evarūpamakāsī'ti. Aññe pāṇinā pahariṁsu, aññe leḍḍunā pahariṁsu, aññe daṇḍena pahariṁsu. Tadagge kho, vāseṭṭha, adinnādānaṁ paññāyati, garahā paññāyati, musāvādo paññāyati, daṇḍādānaṁ paññāyati.

10. Mahāsammatarājā

31Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā sannipatiṁsu, sannipatitvā anutthuniṁsu: 'pāpakā vata bho dhammā sattesu pātubhūtā, yatra hi nāma adinnādānaṁ paññāyissati, garahā paññāyissati, musāvādo paññāyissati, daṇḍādānaṁ paññāyissati. Yannūna mayaṁ ekaṁ sattaṁ sammanneyyāma, yo no sammā khīyitabbaṁ khīyeyya, sammā garahitabbaṁ garaheyya, sammā pabbājetabbaṁ pabbājeyya. Mayaṁ panassa sālīnaṁ bhāgaṁ anuppadassāmā'ti.

32Atha kho te, vāseṭṭha, sattā yo nesaṁ satto abhirūpataro ca dassanīyataro ca pāsādikataro ca mahesakkhataro ca taṁ sattaṁ upasaṅkamitvā etadavocuṁ: 'ehi, bho satta, sammā khīyitabbaṁ khīya, sammā garahitabbaṁ garaha, sammā pabbājetabbaṁ pabbājehi. Mayaṁ pana te sālīnaṁ bhāgaṁ anuppadassāmā'ti. 'Evaṁ, bho'ti kho, vāseṭṭha, so satto tesaṁ sattānaṁ paṭissuṇitvā sammā khīyitabbaṁ khīyi, sammā garahitabbaṁ garahi, sammā pabbājetabbaṁ pabbājesi. Te panassa sālīnaṁ bhāgaṁ anuppadaṁsu.

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33Mahājanasammatoti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'mahāsammato, mahāsammato' tveva paṭhamaṁ akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Khettānaṁ adhipatīti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'khattiyo, khattiyo' tveva dutiyaṁ akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Dhammena pare rañjetīti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'rājā, rājā' tveva tatiyaṁ akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, evametassa khattiyamaṇḍalassa porāṇena aggaññena akkharena abhinibbatti ahosi tesaṁyeva sattānaṁ, anaññesaṁ. Sadisānaṁyeva, no asadisānaṁ. Dhammeneva, no adhammena.

Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

11. Brāhmaṇamaṇḍala

34Atha kho tesaṁ, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁyeva ekaccānaṁ etadahosi: 'pāpakā vata, bho, dhammā sattesu pātubhūtā, yatra hi nāma adinnādānaṁ paññāyissati, garahā paññāyissati, musāvādo paññāyissati, daṇḍādānaṁ paññāyissati, pabbājanaṁ paññāyissati. Yannūna mayaṁ pāpake akusale dhamme vāheyyāmā'ti. Te pāpake akusale dhamme vāhesuṁ. Pāpake akusale dhamme vāhentīti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'brāhmaṇā, brāhmaṇā' tveva paṭhamaṁ akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Te araññāyatane paṇṇakuṭiyo karitvā paṇṇakuṭīsu jhāyanti vītaṅgārā vītadhūmā pannamusalā sāyaṁ sāyamāsāya pāto pātarāsāya gāmanigamarājadhāniyo osaranti ghāsamesamānā. Te ghāsaṁ paṭilabhitvā punadeva araññāyatane paṇṇakuṭīsu jhāyanti. Tamenaṁ manussā disvā evamāhaṁsu: 'ime kho, bho, sattā araññāyatane paṇṇakuṭiyo karitvā paṇṇakuṭīsu jhāyanti, vītaṅgārā vītadhūmā pannamusalā sāyaṁ sāyamāsāya pāto pātarāsāya gāmanigamarājadhāniyo osaranti ghāsamesamānā. Te ghāsaṁ paṭilabhitvā punadeva araññāyatane paṇṇakuṭīsu jhāyantī'ti, jhāyantīti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'jhāyakā, jhāyakā' tveva dutiyaṁ akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ.

Tesaṁyeva kho, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁ ekacce sattā araññāyatane paṇṇakuṭīsu taṁ jhānaṁanabhisambhuṇamānā gāmasāmantaṁ nigamasāmantaṁ osaritvā ganthe karontā acchanti. Tamenaṁ manussā disvā evamāhaṁsu: 'ime kho, bho, sattā araññāyatane paṇṇakuṭīsu taṁ jhānaṁ anabhisambhuṇamānā gāmasāmantaṁ nigamasāmantaṁ osaritvā ganthe karontā acchanti, na dānime jhāyantī'ti. Na dānime jhāyantīti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'ajjhāyakā, ajjhāyakā' tveva tatiyaṁ akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Hīnasammataṁ kho pana, vāseṭṭha, tena samayena hoti, tadetarahi seṭṭhasammataṁ. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, evametassa brāhmaṇamaṇḍalassa porāṇena aggaññena akkharena abhinibbatti ahosi tesaṁyeva sattānaṁ, anaññesaṁ sadisānaṁyeva no asadisānaṁ dhammeneva, no adhammena.

Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

12. Vessamaṇḍala

35Tesaṁyeva kho, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁ ekacce sattā methunaṁ dhammaṁ samādāyavisukammante payojesuṁ. Methunaṁ dhammaṁ samādāya visukammante payojentīti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'vessā, vessā' tveva akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, evametassa vessamaṇḍalassa porāṇena aggaññena akkharena abhinibbatti ahosi tesaññeva sattānaṁ anaññesaṁ sadisānaṁyeva, no asadisānaṁ, dhammeneva no adhammena. Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

13. Suddamaṇḍala

36Tesaññeva kho, vāseṭṭha, sattānaṁ ye te sattā avasesā te luddācārā khuddācārā ahesuṁ. Luddācārā khuddācārāti kho, vāseṭṭha, 'suddā, suddā' tveva akkharaṁ upanibbattaṁ. Iti kho, vāseṭṭha, evametassa suddamaṇḍalassa porāṇena aggaññena akkharena abhinibbatti ahosi tesaṁyeva sattānaṁ anaññesaṁ, sadisānaṁyeva no asadisānaṁ, dhammeneva, no adhammena. Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

37Ahu kho so, vāseṭṭha, samayo, yaṁ khattiyopi sakaṁ dhammaṁ garahamāno agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati: 'samaṇo bhavissāmī'ti. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha, sakaṁ dhammaṁ garahamāno agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati: 'samaṇo bhavissāmī'ti. Imehi kho, vāseṭṭha, catūhi maṇḍalehi samaṇamaṇḍalassa abhinibbatti ahosi, tesaṁyeva sattānaṁ anaññesaṁ, sadisānaṁyeva no asadisānaṁ, dhammeneva no adhammena.

Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

14. Duccaritādikathā

38Khattiyopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena duccaritaṁ caritvā vācāya duccaritaṁ caritvā manasā duccaritaṁ caritvā micchādiṭṭhiko micchādiṭṭhikammasamādāno micchādiṭṭhikammasamādānahetu kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha … samaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena duccaritaṁ caritvā vācāya duccaritaṁ caritvā manasā duccaritaṁ caritvā micchādiṭṭhiko micchādiṭṭhikammasamādāno micchādiṭṭhikammasamādānahetu kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapajjati.

39Khattiyopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena sucaritaṁ caritvā vācāya sucaritaṁ caritvā manasā sucaritaṁ caritvā sammādiṭṭhiko samādāno sammādiṭṭhikammasamādānahetu kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha … samaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena sucaritaṁ caritvā vācāya sucaritaṁ caritvā manasā sucaritaṁ caritvā sammādiṭṭhiko sammādiṭṭhikammasamādāno sammādiṭṭhikammasamādānahetu kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati.

40Khattiyopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena dvayakārī, vācāya dvayakārī, manasā dvayakārī, vimissadiṭṭhiko vimissadiṭṭhikammasamādāno vimissadiṭṭhikammasamādānahetu kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sukhadukkhappaṭisaṁvedī hoti. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha … samaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena dvayakārī, vācāya dvayakārī, manasā dvayakārī, vimissadiṭṭhiko vimissadiṭṭhikammasamādāno vimissadiṭṭhikammasamādānahetu kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sukhadukkhappaṭisaṁvedī hoti.

15. Bodhipakkhiyabhāvanā

41Khattiyopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena saṁvuto vācāya saṁvuto manasā saṁvuto sattannaṁ bodhipakkhiyānaṁ dhammānaṁ bhāvanamanvāya diṭṭheva dhammeparinibbāyati. Brāhmaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha … pe … vessopi kho, vāseṭṭha … suddopi kho, vāseṭṭha … samaṇopi kho, vāseṭṭha, kāyena saṁvuto vācāya saṁvuto manasā saṁvuto sattannaṁ bodhipakkhiyānaṁ dhammānaṁ bhāvanamanvāya diṭṭheva dhamme parinibbāyati.

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42Imesañhi, vāseṭṭha, catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ yo hoti bhikkhu arahaṁ khīṇāsavo vusitavā katakaraṇīyo ohitabhāro anuppattasadattho parikkhīṇabhavasaṁyojano sammadaññāvimutto, so nesaṁ aggamakkhāyati dhammeneva, no adhammena.

Dhammo hi, vāseṭṭha, seṭṭho janetasmiṁ diṭṭhe ceva dhamme abhisamparāyañca.

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43Brahmunā pesā, vāseṭṭha, sanaṅkumārena gāthā bhāsitā:

44'Khattiyo seṭṭho janetasmiṁ,
ye gottapaṭisārino;
Vijjācaraṇasampanno,
so seṭṭho devamānuse'ti.

45Sā kho panesā, vāseṭṭha, brahmunā sanaṅkumārena gāthā sugītā, no duggītā. Subhāsitā, no dubbhāsitā. Atthasaṁhitā, no anatthasaṁhitā. Anumatā mayā. Ahampi, vāseṭṭha, evaṁ vadāmi –

46Khattiyo seṭṭho janetasmiṁ,
ye gottapaṭisārino;
Vijjācaraṇasampanno,
so seṭṭho devamānuse"ti.

47Idamavoca bhagavā. Attamanā vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandunti.

Aggaññasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ catutthaṁ.