Difference between revisions of "Sāmaññaphala Sutta"
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[[File:221.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:221.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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| − | [[Sāmaññaphala Sutta]]: The | + | [[Sāmaññaphala Sutta]]: The [[second sutta of the Dīgha Nikāya]]. [[Ajātasattu]], accompanied by [[Jīvaka]], visits the [[Buddha]] at [[Jīvaka's]] [[Ambavana]] and questions him on the {{Wiki|fruits}} of [[recluse]] ship, wherefore men join the [[Buddha's Order]]. The [[Buddha]] answers and includes in his answer his [[justification]] for the foundation of the Order, for the enunciation of the [[Vinaya]], and the {{Wiki|practical}} {{Wiki|rules}} by which [[life]] in the Order is regulated. |
The [[sutta]] also contains a list of ordinary occupations followed by [[people]] in the [[Buddha's]] day, which [[forms]] [[interesting]] reading. | The [[sutta]] also contains a list of ordinary occupations followed by [[people]] in the [[Buddha's]] day, which [[forms]] [[interesting]] reading. | ||
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[[Pakudha Kaccāyana]], | [[Pakudha Kaccāyana]], | ||
[[Nigantha Nātaputta]] | [[Nigantha Nātaputta]] | ||
| − | [[Sañjaya]] | + | [[Sañjaya Belatthiputta]]. |
But these [[teachers]], instead of answering his questions, give a general statement of their theories. | But these [[teachers]], instead of answering his questions, give a general statement of their theories. | ||
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The summaries given here of their teachings are of great [[interest]], because they [[form]] some sort of {{Wiki|evidence}}, at least, as to the speculations favoured by them. By means of a counter question, the [[Buddha]] finds from [[Ajātasattu]] that even if a servant of his joined the Order, he would receive the king's honour and [[respect]]. Then the [[Buddha]] proceeds to show, step by step, the {{Wiki|fruits}} higher and nobler, which await the [[samana]], immediate in their effect, culminating in the six fold [[abhiññā]] of the [[arahant]]. The [[king]] is greatly impressed, takes [[refuge]] in the [[Buddha]], and expresses his [[remorse]] for [[having killed]] his father. The [[Buddha]] utters no [[word]] of blame, but after the departure of the [[king]], he informs the [[monks]] that if [[Ajātasattu]] had not been guilty of {{Wiki|patricide}} he would have [[realized]] the first fruit of the [[Path]] (D.i.47 86). | The summaries given here of their teachings are of great [[interest]], because they [[form]] some sort of {{Wiki|evidence}}, at least, as to the speculations favoured by them. By means of a counter question, the [[Buddha]] finds from [[Ajātasattu]] that even if a servant of his joined the Order, he would receive the king's honour and [[respect]]. Then the [[Buddha]] proceeds to show, step by step, the {{Wiki|fruits}} higher and nobler, which await the [[samana]], immediate in their effect, culminating in the six fold [[abhiññā]] of the [[arahant]]. The [[king]] is greatly impressed, takes [[refuge]] in the [[Buddha]], and expresses his [[remorse]] for [[having killed]] his father. The [[Buddha]] utters no [[word]] of blame, but after the departure of the [[king]], he informs the [[monks]] that if [[Ajātasattu]] had not been guilty of {{Wiki|patricide}} he would have [[realized]] the first fruit of the [[Path]] (D.i.47 86). | ||
| − | The Commentary adds (DA.i.238) that as a result of hearing this [[discourse]], [[Ajātasattu]] would, in the {{Wiki|future}}, become a [[Pacceka Buddha]] named Viditavisesa. From this moment, [[Ajātasattu]] was one of the [[Buddha's]] most devoted followers. It is said that, after his father's [[death]], [[Ajātasattu]] could never [[sleep]] at night until he had heard the [[Buddha]], after which he enjoyed [[peaceful]] [[sleep]]. | + | The Commentary adds (DA.i.238) that as a result of hearing this [[discourse]], [[Ajātasattu]] would, in the {{Wiki|future}}, become a [[Pacceka Buddha]] named [[Viditavisesa]]. From this moment, [[Ajātasattu]] was one of the [[Buddha's]] most devoted followers. It is said that, after his father's [[death]], [[Ajātasattu]] could never [[sleep]] at night until he had heard the [[Buddha]], after which he enjoyed [[peaceful]] [[sleep]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Revision as of 05:46, 30 December 2014
Sāmaññaphala Sutta: The second sutta of the Dīgha Nikāya. Ajātasattu, accompanied by Jīvaka, visits the Buddha at Jīvaka's Ambavana and questions him on the fruits of recluse ship, wherefore men join the Buddha's Order. The Buddha answers and includes in his answer his justification for the foundation of the Order, for the enunciation of the Vinaya, and the practical rules by which life in the Order is regulated.
The sutta also contains a list of ordinary occupations followed by people in the Buddha's day, which forms interesting reading.
In the introductory story, Ajātasattu explains that he has already put the question to the founders of six other Orders:
Pūrana Kassapa,
Makkhali Gosāla,
Ajita Kesakambala,
Pakudha Kaccāyana,
Nigantha Nātaputta
Sañjaya Belatthiputta.
But these teachers, instead of answering his questions, give a general statement of their theories.
The summaries given here of their teachings are of great interest, because they form some sort of evidence, at least, as to the speculations favoured by them. By means of a counter question, the Buddha finds from Ajātasattu that even if a servant of his joined the Order, he would receive the king's honour and respect. Then the Buddha proceeds to show, step by step, the fruits higher and nobler, which await the samana, immediate in their effect, culminating in the six fold abhiññā of the arahant. The king is greatly impressed, takes refuge in the Buddha, and expresses his remorse for having killed his father. The Buddha utters no word of blame, but after the departure of the king, he informs the monks that if Ajātasattu had not been guilty of patricide he would have realized the first fruit of the Path (D.i.47 86).
The Commentary adds (DA.i.238) that as a result of hearing this discourse, Ajātasattu would, in the future, become a Pacceka Buddha named Viditavisesa. From this moment, Ajātasattu was one of the Buddha's most devoted followers. It is said that, after his father's death, Ajātasattu could never sleep at night until he had heard the Buddha, after which he enjoyed peaceful sleep.
