evaṃ me sutaṃ: ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṃ viharati pubbārāme migāramātupāsāde. atha kho visākhā migāramātā tadahuposathe yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdi. ekamantaṃ nisinnaṃ kho visākhaṃ migāramātaraṃ bhagavā etadavoca:

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying in Savatthi at the Eastern Monastery, the palace of Migara's mother. Now at that time — it being the Uposatha day — Visakha, Migara's mother, went to the Blessed One in the middle of the day and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As she was sitting there the Blessed One said to her:

— “handa kuto nu tvaṃ, visākhe, āgacchasi divā divassā”ti?

— "Well now, Visakha, why are you coming in the middle of the day?"

— “uposathāhaṃ, bhante, ajja upavasāmī”ti.

— "Today I am observing the Uposatha, Lord."

“tayo khome, visākhe, uposathā. katame tayo? gopālakuposatho, nigaṇṭhuposatho, ariyuposatho.

"Visakha, there are these three Uposathas. Which three? The Uposatha of a cowherd, the Uposatha of the Jains, and the Uposatha of the Noble Ones.

kathañca, visākhe, gopālakuposatho hoti? seyyathāpi, visākhe, gopālako sāyanhasamaye sāmikānaṃ gāvo niyyātetvā iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘ajja kho gāvo amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese cariṃsu, amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese pānīyāni piviṃsu; sve dāni gāvo amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese carissanti, amukasmiñca amukasmiñca padese pānīyāni pivissantī’ti; evamevaṃ kho, visākhe, idhekacco uposathiko iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘ahaṃ khvajja idañcidañca khādanīyaṃ khādiṃ, idañcidañca bhojanīyaṃ bhuñjiṃ; sve dānāhaṃ idañcidañca khādanīyaṃ khādissāmi, idaṃ cidañca bhojanīyaṃ bhuñjissāmī’ti. so tena abhijjhāsahagatena cetasā divasaṃ atināmeti. evaṃ kho visākhe, gopālakuposatho hoti. evaṃ upavuttho kho, visākhe, gopālakuposatho na mahapphalo hoti na mahānisaṃso na mahājutiko na mahāvipphāro.

"And what is the Uposatha of a cowherd? Just as when a cowherd returns the cattle to their owners in the evening, he reflects: 'Today the cattle wandered to that spot and this, drank at this spot and that; tomorrow they will wander to that spot and this, will drink at this spot and that'; in the same way, there is the case where a certain person observing the Uposatha reflects, 'Today I ate this sort of non-staple food and that sort of staple food. Tomorrow I will eat that sort of non-staple food and this sort of staple food.' He spends the day with an awareness imbued with that covetousness, with that greed. Such is the Uposatha of a cowherd, Visakha. When this Uposatha of a cowherd is undertaken, it is not of great fruit or great benefit, not of great glory or great radiance.

“kathañca, visākhe, nigaṇṭhuposatho hoti? atthi, visākhe, nigaṇṭhā nāma samaṇajātikā. te sāvakaṃ evaṃ samādapenti — ‘ehi tvaṃ, ambho purisa, ye puratthimāya disāya pāṇā paraṃ yojanasataṃ tesu daṇḍaṃ nikkhipāhi; ye pacchimāya disāya pāṇā paraṃ yojanasataṃ tesu daṇḍaṃ nikkhipāhi; ye uttarāya disāya pāṇā paraṃ yojanasataṃ tesu daṇḍaṃ nikkhipāhi; ye dakkhiṇāya disāya pāṇā paraṃ yojanasataṃ tesu daṇḍaṃ nikkhipāhī’ti. iti ekaccānaṃ pāṇānaṃ anuddayāya anukampāya samādapenti, ekaccānaṃ pāṇānaṃ nānuddayāya nānukampāya samādapenti.

"And what is the Uposatha of the Jains? There are the contemplatives called the Niganthas (Jains). They get their disciple to undertake the following practice: 'Here, my good man. Lay down the rod with regard to beings who live more than 100 leagues to the east... more than 100 leagues to the west... more than 100 leagues to the north... more than 100 leagues to the south.' Thus they get the disciple to undertake kindness & sympathy to some beings, but not to others.

te tadahuposathe sāvakaṃ evaṃ samādapenti: ‘ehi tvaṃ, ambho purisa, sabbacelāni nikkhipitvā evaṃ vadehi: nāhaṃ kvacani kassaci kiñcanatasmiṃ, na ca mama kvacani katthaci kiñcanatatthī’ti. jānanti kho panassa mātāpitaro: ‘ayaṃ amhākaṃ putto’ti; sopi jānāti: ‘ime mayhaṃ mātāpitaro’ti. jānāti kho panassa puttadāro: ‘ayaṃ mayhaṃ bhattā’ti; sopi jānāti: ‘ayaṃ mayhaṃ puttadāro’ti. jānanti kho panassa dāsakammakaraporisā: ‘ayaṃ amhākaṃ ayyo’ti; sopi jānāti: ‘ime mayhaṃ dāsakammakaraporisā’ti. iti yasmiṃ samaye sacce samādapetabbā musāvāde tasmiṃ samaye samādapenti. idaṃ tassa musāvādasmiṃ vadāmi. so tassā rattiyā accayena bhoge adinnaṃyeva paribhuñjati. idaṃ tassa adinnādānasmiṃ vadāmi. evaṃ kho, visākhe, nigaṇṭhuposatho hoti. evaṃ upavuttho kho, visākhe, nigaṇṭhuposatho na mahapphalo hoti na mahānisaṃso na mahājutiko na mahāvipphāro.

"On the Uposatha day, they get their disciple to undertake the following practice: 'Here, my good man. Having stripped off all your clothing, say this: "I am nothing by anything or of anything. Thus there is nothing by anything or of anything that is mine."' Yet in spite of that, his parents know of him that 'This is our child.' And he knows of them that 'These are my parents.' His wives & children know of him that 'This is our husband & father.' And he knows of them that 'These are my wives & children.' His workers & slaves know of him that 'This is our master.' And he knows of them that 'These are my workers & slaves.' Thus at a time when he should be persuaded to undertake truthfulness, he is persuaded to undertake falsehood. At the end of the night, he resumes the consumption of his belongings, even though they aren't given back to him. This counts as stealing, I tell you. Such is the Uposatha of the Jains, Visakha. When this Uposatha of the Jains is undertaken, it is not of great fruit or great benefit, not of great glory or great radiance.

“kathañca, visākhe, ariyuposatho hoti? upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

"And what is the Uposatha of the Noble Ones? It is the cleansing of the defiled mind through the proper technique. And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique?

idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako tathāgataṃ anussarati: ‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṃ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṃ buddho bhagavā’ti. tassa tathāgataṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati. ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa sīsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

"There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the Tathagata, thus: 'Indeed, the Blessed One is worthy and rightly self-awakened, consummate in knowledge & conduct, well-gone, an expert with regard to the world, unexcelled as a trainer for those people fit to be tamed, the Teacher of divine & human beings, awakened, blessed.' As he is recollecting the Tathagata, his mind is calmed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned, just as when the head is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa sīsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? kakkañca paṭicca mattikañca paṭicca udakañca paṭicca purisassa ca tajjaṃ vāyāmaṃ paṭicca, evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa sīsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. evamevaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the head cleansed through the proper technique? Through the use of cosmetic paste & clay & the appropriate human effort. This is how the head is cleansed through the proper technique. In the same way, the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako tathāgataṃ anussarati: ‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṃ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṃ buddho bhagavā’ti. tassa tathāgataṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti. ayaṃ vuccati, visākhe: ‘ariyasāvako brahmuposathaṃ upavasati, brahmunā saddhiṃ saṃvasati, brahmañcassa ārabbha cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the Tathagata, thus: 'Indeed, the Blessed One is worthy and rightly self-awakened, consummate in knowledge & conduct, well-gone, an expert with regard to the world, unexcelled as a trainer for those people fit to be tamed, the Teacher of divine & human beings, awakened, blessed.' As he is recollecting the Tathagata, his mind is cleansed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned. He is thus called a disciple of the noble ones undertaking the Brahma-Uposatha. He lives with Brahma [= the Buddha]. It is owing to Brahma that his mind is calmed, that joy arises, and that whatever defilements there are in his mind are abandoned. This is how the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

"[Again, the Uposatha of the Noble Ones] is the cleansing of the defiled mind through the proper technique. And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique?

idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako dhammaṃ anussarati: ‘svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko opaneyyiko paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhī’ti. tassa dhammaṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa kāyassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

"There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the Dhamma, thus: 'The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One, to be seen here & now, timeless, inviting verification, pertinent, to be realized by the wise for themselves.' As he is recollecting the Dhamma, his mind is calmed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned, just as when the body is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa kāyassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? sottiñca paṭicca, cuṇṇañca paṭicca, udakañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṃ vāyāmaṃ paṭicca. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa kāyassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. evamevaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the body cleansed through the proper technique? Through the use of scouring balls & bath powder & the appropriate human effort. This is how the body is cleansed through the proper technique. In the same way, the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako dhammaṃ anussarati: ‘svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko opaneyyiko paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhī’ti. tassa dhammaṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti. ayaṃ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako dhammuposathaṃ upavasati, dhammena saddhiṃ saṃvasati, dhammañcassa ārabbha cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the Dhamma, thus: 'The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One, to be seen here & now, timeless, inviting verification, pertinent, to be realized by the wise for themselves.' As he is recollecting the Dhamma, his mind is cleansed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned. He is thus called a disciple of the noble ones undertaking the Dhamma-Uposatha. He lives with Dhamma. It is owing to Dhamma that his mind is calmed, that joy arises, and that whatever defilements there are in his mind are abandoned. This is how the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

"[Again, the Uposatha of the Noble Ones] is the cleansing of the defiled mind through the proper technique. And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique?

idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako saṅghaṃ anussarati: ‘suppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, ujuppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, ñāyappaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, sāmīcippaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, yadidaṃ cattāri purisayugāni aṭṭha purisapuggalā esa bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassā’ti. tassa saṅghaṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa vatthassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

"There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the Sangha, thus: 'The Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced well... who have practiced straight-forwardly... who have practiced methodically... who have practiced masterfully — in other words, the four types [of noble disciples] when taken as pairs, the eight when taken as individual types — they are the Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples: worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect, the incomparable field of merit for the world.' As he is recollecting the Sangha, his mind is calmed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned, just as when clothing is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa vatthassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? usmañca paṭicca, khārañca paṭicca, gomayañca paṭicca, udakañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṃ vāyāmaṃ paṭicca. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa vatthassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. evamevaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is clothing cleansed through the proper technique? Through the use of salt earth & lye & cow dung & the appropriate human effort. This is how clothing is cleansed through the proper technique. In the same way, the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako saṅghaṃ anussarati: ‘suppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, ujuppaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, ñāyappaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, sāmīcippaṭipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho, yadidaṃ cattāri purisayugāni aṭṭha purisapuggalā esa bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassā’ti. tassa saṅghaṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti. ayaṃ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako saṅghuposathaṃ upavasati, saṅghena saddhiṃ saṃvasati, saṅghañcassa ārabbha cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the Sangha, thus: 'The Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced well... who have practiced straight-forwardly... who have practiced methodically... who have practiced masterfully — in other words, the four types [of noble disciples] when taken as pairs, the eight when taken as individual types — they are the Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples: worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect, the incomparable field of merit for the world.' As he is recollecting the Sangha, his mind is cleansed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned. He is thus called a disciple of the noble ones undertaking the Sangha-Uposatha. He lives with the Sangha. It is owing to the Sangha that his mind is calmed, that joy arises, and that whatever defilements there are in his mind are abandoned. This is how the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

"[Again, the Uposatha of the Noble Ones] is the cleansing of the defiled mind through the proper technique. And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique?

idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako attano sīlāni anussarati akhaṇḍāni acchiddāni asabalāni akammāsāni bhujissāni viññuppasatthāni aparāmaṭṭhāni samādhisaṃvattanikāni. tassa sīlaṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa ādāsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

"There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects his own virtues, thus: '[They are] untorn, unbroken, unspotted, unsplattered, liberating, praised by the wise, untarnished, conducive to concentration.' As he is recollecting virtue, his mind is calmed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned, just as when a mirror is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa ādāsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? telañca paṭicca, chārikañca paṭicca, vālaṇḍupakañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṃ vāyāmaṃ paṭicca. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa ādāsassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. evamevaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is a mirror cleansed through the proper technique? Through the use of oil & ashes & chamois & the appropriate human effort. This is how a mirror is cleansed through the proper technique. In the same way, the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako attano sīlāni anussarati akhaṇḍāni ... pe ... samādhisaṃvattanikāni. tassa sīlaṃ anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti. ayaṃ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako sīluposathaṃ upavasati, sīlena saddhiṃ saṃvasati, sīlañcassa ārabbha cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects his own virtues, thus: '[They are] untorn, unbroken, unspotted, unsplattered, liberating, praised by the wise, untarnished, conducive to concentration.' As he is recollecting virtue, his mind is cleansed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned. He is thus called a disciple of the noble ones undertaking the virtue-Uposatha. He lives with virtue. It is owing to virtue that his mind is calmed, that joy arises, and that whatever defilements there are in his mind are abandoned. This is how the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“upakkiliṭṭhassa, visākhe, cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti?

"[Again, the Uposatha of the Noble Ones] is the cleansing of the defiled mind through the proper technique. And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique?

idha visākhe, ariyasāvako devatā anussarati: ‘santi devā cātumahārājikā, santi devā tāvatiṃsā, santi devā yāmā, santi devā tusitā, santi devā nimmānaratino, santi devā paranimmitavasavattino, santi devā brahmakāyikā, santi devā tatuttari. yathārūpāya saddhāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā saddhā saṃvijjati. yathārūpena sīlena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpaṃ sīlaṃ saṃvijjati. yathārūpena sutena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpaṃ sutaṃ saṃvijjati. yathārūpena cāgena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpo cāgo saṃvijjati. yathārūpāya paññāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā paññā saṃvijjatī’ti. tassa attano ca tāsañca devatānaṃ saddhañca sīlañca sutañca cāgañca paññañca anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti, seyyathāpi, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa jātarūpassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

"There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the devas, thus: 'There are the Devas of the Four Great Kings, the Devas of the Thirty-three, the Yama Devas, the Contented Devas, the devas who delight in creation, the devas who have power over the creations of others, the devas of Brahma's retinue, the devas beyond them. Whatever conviction they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of conviction is present in me as well. Whatever virtue they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of virtue is present in me as well. Whatever learning they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of learning is present in me as well. Whatever generosity they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of generosity is present in me as well. Whatever discernment they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of discernment is present in me as well.' As he is recollecting the devas, his mind is calmed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned, just as when gold is cleansed through the proper technique.

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa jātarūpassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? ukkañca paṭicca, loṇañca paṭicca, gerukañca paṭicca, nāḷikasaṇḍāsañca paṭicca, purisassa ca tajjaṃ vāyāmaṃ paṭicca. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa jātarūpassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti. evamevaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is gold cleansed through the proper technique? Through the use of a furnace, salt earth, red chalk, a blow-pipe, tongs, & the appropriate human effort. This is how gold is cleansed through the proper technique. In the same way, the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique

“kathañca, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti? idha, visākhe, ariyasāvako devatā anussarati: ‘santi devā cātumahārājikā, santi devā tāvatiṃsā, santi devā yāmā, santi devā tusitā, santi devā nimmānaratino, santi devā paranimmitavasavattino, santi devā brahmakāyikā, santi devā tatuttari. yathārūpāya saddhāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā saddhā saṃvijjati. yathārūpena sīlena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpaṃ sīlaṃ saṃvijjati. yathārūpena sutena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpaṃ sutaṃ saṃvijjati. yathārūpena cāgena samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpo cāgo saṃvijjati. yathārūpāya paññāya samannāgatā tā devatā ito cutā tatthupapannā, mayhampi tathārūpā paññā saṃvijjatī’ti. tassa attano ca tāsañca devatānaṃ saddhañca sīlañca sutañca cāgañca paññañca anussarato cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti. ayaṃ vuccati, visākhe, ‘ariyasāvako devatuposathaṃ upavasati, devatāhi saddhiṃ saṃvasati, devatā ārabbha cittaṃ pasīdati, pāmojjaṃ uppajjati, ye cittassa upakkilesā te pahīyanti’. evaṃ kho, visākhe, upakkiliṭṭhassa cittassa upakkamena pariyodapanā hoti.

And how is the defiled mind cleansed through the proper technique? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones recollects the devas, thus: 'There are the Devas of the Four Great Kings, the Devas of the Thirty-three, the Yama Devas, the Contented Devas, the devas who delight in creation, the devas who have power over the creations of others, the devas of Brahma's retinue, the devas beyond them. Whatever conviction they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of conviction is present in me as well. Whatever virtue they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of virtue is present in me as well. Whatever learning they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of learning is present in me as well. Whatever generosity they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of generosity is present in me as well. Whatever discernment they were endowed with that — when falling away from this life — they re-arose there, the same sort of discernment is present in me as well.' As he is recollecting the devas, his mind is cleansed, and joy arises; the defilements of his mind are abandoned. He is thus called a disciple of the noble ones undertaking the Deva-Uposatha. He lives with the devas. It is owing to the devas that his mind is calmed, that joy arises, and that whatever defilements there are in his mind are abandoned. This is how the defiled mind is cleansed through the proper technique.

“sa kho so, visākhe, ariyasāvako iti paṭisañcikkhati — ‘yāvajīvaṃ arahanto pāṇātipātaṃ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā nihitadaṇḍā nihitasatthā lajjī dayāpannā sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharanti; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ pāṇātipātaṃ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī viharāmi. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"Furthermore, the disciple of the noble ones reflects thus: 'As long as they live, the arahants — abandoning the taking of life — abstain from the taking of life. They dwell with their rod laid down, their knife laid down, scrupulous, merciful, compassionate for the welfare of all living beings. Today I too, for this day & night — abandoning the taking of life — abstain from the taking of life. I dwell with my rod laid down, my knife laid down, scrupulous, merciful, compassionate for the welfare of all living beings. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto adinnādānaṃ pahāya adinnādānā paṭiviratā dinnādāyī dinnapāṭikaṅkhī, athenena sucibhūtena attanā viharanti; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ adinnādānaṃ pahāya adinnādānā paṭivirato dinnādāyī dinnapāṭikaṅkhī, athenena sucibhūtena attanā viharāmi. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"'As long as they live, the arahants — abandoning the taking of what is not given — abstain from taking what is not given. They take only what is given, accept only what is given, live not by stealing but by means of a self that has become pure. Today I too, for this day & night — abandoning the taking of what is not given — abstain from taking what is not given. I take only what is given, accept only what is given, live not by stealing but by means of a self that has become pure. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto abrahmacariyaṃ pahāya brahmacārī ārācārī viratā methunā gāmadhammā; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ abrahmacariyaṃ pahāya brahmacārī ārācārī virato methunā gāmadhammā. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"'As long as they live, the arahants — abandoning uncelibacy — live a celibate life, aloof, refraining from the sexual act that is the villager's way. Today I too, for this day & night — abandoning uncelibacy — live a celibate life, aloof, refraining from the sexual act that is the villager's way. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto musāvādaṃ pahāya musāvādā paṭiviratā saccavādī saccasandhā thetā paccayikā avisaṃvādakā lokassa; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ musāvādaṃ pahāya musāvādā paṭivirato saccavādī saccasandho theto paccayiko avisaṃvādako lokassa. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"'As long as they live, the arahants — abandoning false speech — abstain from false speech. They speak the truth, hold to the truth, are firm, reliable, no deceivers of the world. Today I too, for this day & night — abandoning false speech — abstain from false speech. I speak the truth, hold to the truth, am firm, reliable, no deceiver of the world. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṃ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṃ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"'As long as they live, the arahants — abandoning fermented & distilled liquors that cause heedlessness — abstain from fermented & distilled liquors that cause heedlessness. Today I too, for this day & night — abandoning fermented & distilled liquors that cause heedlessness — abstain from fermented & distilled liquors that cause heedlessness. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto ekabhattikā rattūparatā viratā vikālabhojanā; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ ekabhattiko rattūparato virato vikālabhojanā. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"'As long as they live, the arahants live on one meal a day, abstaining from food at night, refraining from food at the wrong time of day [from noon until dawn]. Today I too, for this day & night, live on one meal, abstaining from food at night, refraining from food at the wrong time of day. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto nacca-gīta-vādita-visūka-dassana-mālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ nacca-gīta-vādita-visūka-dassana-mālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā paṭivirato. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissati.

"'As long as they live, the arahants abstain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, beautifying themselves with perfumes & cosmetics. Today I too, for this day & night, abstain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, beautifying myself with perfumes & cosmetics. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.

“yāvajīvaṃ arahanto uccāsayana-mahāsayanaṃ pahāya uccāsayana-mahāsayanā paṭiviratā nīcaseyyaṃ kappenti mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā; ahampajja imañca rattiṃ imañca divasaṃ uccāsayana-mahāsayanaṃ pahāya uccāsayanamahāsayanā paṭivirato nīcaseyyaṃ kappemi mañcake vā tiṇasanthārake vā. imināpi aṅgena arahataṃ anukaromi, uposatho ca me upavuttho bhavissatī”ti.

"'As long as they live, the arahants — abandoning high & imposing seats & beds — abstain from high & imposing seats & beds. They make low beds, on a pallet or a spread of straw. Today I too, for this day & night — abandoning high & imposing seats & beds — abstain from high & imposing seats & beds. I make a low bed, on a pallet or a spread of straw. By means of this factor I emulate the arahants, and my Uposatha will be observed.'

“evaṃ kho, visākhe, ariyuposatho hoti. evaṃ upavuttho kho, visākhe, ariyuposatho mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṃso mahājutiko mahāvipphāro. kīvamahapphalo hoti kīvamahānisaṃso kīvamahājutiko kīvamahāvipphāro”?

"Such is the Uposatha of the Noble Ones, Visakha. When this Uposatha of the Noble Ones is undertaken, it is of great fruit & great benefit, of great glory & great radiance. And how is it of great fruit & great benefit, of great glory & great radiance?

“seyyathāpi, visākhe, yo imesaṃ soḷasannaṃ mahājanapadānaṃ pahūtarattaratanānaṃ issariyādhipaccaṃ rajjaṃ kāreyya, seyyathidaṃ aṅgānaṃ, magadhānaṃ, kāsīnaṃ, kosalānaṃ, vajjīnaṃ, mallānaṃ, cetīnaṃ, vaṅgānaṃ, kurūnaṃ, pañcālānaṃ, macchānaṃ, sūrasenānaṃ, assakānaṃ, avantīnaṃ, gandhārānaṃ, kambojānaṃ, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatassa uposathassa etaṃ kalaṃ nāgghati soḷasiṃ. taṃ kissa hetu? kapaṇaṃ, visākhe, mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāya”.

"Suppose that one were to exercise kingship, rule, & sovereignty over these sixteen great lands replete with the seven treasures, i.e., over the Angas, Maghadans, Kasis, Kosalans, Vajjians, Mallas, Cetis, Vansans, Kurus, Pañcalas, Macchas, Surasenas, Assakas, Avantis, Gandharans, & Kambojans: It would not be worth one-sixteenth of this Uposatha endowed with eight factors. Why is that? Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni paññāsa vassāni, cātumahārājikānaṃ devānaṃ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṃsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṃvaccharo. Tena saṃvaccharena dibbāni pañca vassasatāni cātumahārājikānaṃ devānaṃ āyuppamāṇaṃ. Ṭhānaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, vijjati yaṃ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṃ uposathaṃ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṃ devānaṃ sahabyataṃ upapajjeyya. Idaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṃ: ‘kapaṇaṃ mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāya'.

Fifty human years are equal to one day & night among the Devas of the Four Great Kings. Thirty such days & nights make a month. Twelve such months make a year. Five hundred such heavenly years constitute the life-span among the Devas of the Four Great Kings. Now, it is possible that a certain man or woman — from having observed this Uposatha endowed with eight factors — on the break-up of the body, after death, might be reborn among the Devas of the Four Great Kings. It was in reference to this that it was said, 'Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.'

Yaṃ, visākhe, mānusakaṃ vassasataṃ, tāvatiṃsānaṃ devānaṃ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṃsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṃvaccharo. Tena saṃvaccharena dibbaṃ vassasahassaṃ tāvatiṃsānaṃ devānaṃ āyuppamāṇaṃ. Ṭhānaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, vijjati yaṃ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṃ uposathaṃ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā tāvatiṃsānaṃ devānaṃ sahabyataṃ upapajjeyya. Idaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṃ: ‘kapaṇaṃ mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāya'.

A human century is equal to one day & night among the Devas of the Thirty-Three. Thirty such days & nights make a month. Twelve such months make a year. One thousand such heavenly years constitute the life-span among the Devas of the Thirty-Three. Now, it is possible that a certain man or woman — from having observed this Uposatha endowed with eight factors — on the break-up of the body, after death, might be reborn among the Devas of the Thirty-Three. It was in reference to this that it was said, 'Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.'

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni dve vassasatāni, yāmānaṃ devānaṃ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṃsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṃvaccharo. Tena saṃvaccharena dibbāni dve vassasahassāni yāmānaṃ devānaṃ āyuppamāṇaṃ. Ṭhānaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, vijjati yaṃ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṃ uposathaṃ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā yāmānaṃ devānaṃ sahabyataṃ upapajjeyya. Idaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṃ: ‘kapaṇaṃ mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāya'.

Two human centuries are equal to one day & night among the Yama Devas. Thirty such days & nights make a month. Twelve such months make a year. Two thousand such heavenly years constitute the life-span among the Yama Devas. Now, it is possible that a certain man or woman — from having observed this Uposatha endowed with eight factors — on the break-up of the body, after death, might be reborn among the Yama Devas. It was in reference to this that it was said, 'Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.'

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni cattāri vassasatāni, tusitānaṃ devānaṃ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṃsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṃvaccharo. Tena saṃvaccharena dibbāni cattāri vassasahassāni tusitānaṃ devānaṃ āyuppamāṇaṃ. Ṭhānaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, vijjati yaṃ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṃ uposathaṃ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā tusitānaṃ devānaṃ sahabyataṃ upapajjeyya. Idaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṃ: ‘kapaṇaṃ mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāya'.

Four human centuries are equal to one day & night among the Contented Devas. Thirty such days & nights make a month. Twelve such months make a year. Four thousand such heavenly years constitute the life-span among the Contented Devas. Now, it is possible that a certain man or woman — from having observed this Uposatha endowed with eight factors — on the break-up of the body, after death, might be reborn among the Contented Devas. It was in reference to this that it was said, 'Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.'

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni aṭṭha vassasatāni, nimmānaratīnaṃ devānaṃ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṃsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṃvaccharo. Tena saṃvaccharena dibbāni aṭṭha vassasahassāni nimmānaratīnaṃ devānaṃ āyuppamāṇaṃ. Ṭhānaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, vijjati yaṃ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṃ uposathaṃ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā nimmānaratīnaṃ devānaṃ sahabyataṃ upapajjeyya. Idaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṃ: ‘kapaṇaṃ mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāya'.

Eight human centuries is equal to one day & night among the Devas who delight in creation. Thirty such days & nights make a month. Twelve such months make a year. Eight thousand such heavenly years constitute the life-span among the Devas who delight in creation. Now, it is possible that a certain man or woman — from having observed this Uposatha endowed with eight factors — on the break-up of the body, after death, might be reborn among the Devas who delight in creation. It was in reference to this that it was said, 'Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.'

Yāni, visākhe, mānusakāni soḷasa vassasatāni, paranimmitavasavattīnaṃ devānaṃ eso eko rattindivo. Tāya rattiyā tiṃsarattiyo māso. Tena māsena dvādasamāsiyo saṃvaccharo. Tena saṃvaccharena dibbāni soḷasa vassasahassāni paranimmitavasavattīnaṃ devānaṃ āyuppamāṇaṃ. Ṭhānaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, vijjati yaṃ idhekacco itthī vā puriso vā aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgataṃ uposathaṃ upavasitvā kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṃ devānaṃ sahabyataṃ upapajjeyya. Idaṃ kho panetaṃ, visākhe, sandhāya bhāsitaṃ: ‘kapaṇaṃ mānusakaṃ rajjaṃ dibbaṃ sukhaṃ upanidhāyā'.

Sixteen human centuries are equal to one day & night among the Devas who have power over the creations of others. Thirty such days & nights make a month. Twelve such months make a year. Sixteen thousand such heavenly years constitute the life-span among the Devas who have power over the creations of others. Now, it is possible that a certain man or woman — from having observed this Uposatha endowed with eight factors — on the break-up of the body, after death, might be reborn among the Devas who have power over the creations of others. It was in reference to this that it was said, 'Kingship over human beings is a meager thing when compared with heavenly bliss.'

“pāṇaṃ na haññe na cadinnamādiye,
musā na bhāse na ca majjapo siyā.
abrahmacariyā virameyya methunā,
rattiṃ na bhuñjeyya vikālabhojanaṃ.
“mālaṃ na dhāre na ca gandhamācare,
mañce chamāyaṃ va sayetha santhate.
etañhi aṭṭhaṅgikamāhuposathaṃ,
buddhena dukkhantagunā pakāsitaṃ.

One should not kill a being
or take what is not given;
should not tell a lie
or be a drinker of strong drink;
should abstain from uncelibacy, the sexual act;
should not eat at night, the wrong time of day;
should not wear a garland or use a scent;
should sleep on a pallet, a mat spread on the ground —
for this eight-factored Uposatha
has been proclaimed by the Awakened One
to lead to the end of suffering & stress.

“cando ca sūriyo ca ubho sudassanā,
obhāsayaṃ anupariyanti yāvatā.
tamonudā te pana antalikkhagā,
nabhe pabhāsanti disāvirocanā.
“etasmiṃ yaṃ vijjati antare dhanaṃ,
muttā maṇi veḷuriyañca bhaddakaṃ.
siṅgī suvaṇṇaṃ atha vāpi kañcanaṃ,
yaṃ jātarūpaṃ haṭakanti vuccati.
“aṭṭhaṅgupetassa uposathassa,
kalampi te nānubhavanti soḷasiṃ.
candappabhā tāragaṇā ca sabbe.

The moon & sun, both fair to see,
shedding radiance wherever they go,
& scattering darkness as they move through space,
brighten the sky, illumining the quarters.
Within their range is found wealth:
pearl, crystal, beryl, lucky-gem, platinum, nugget-gold,
& the refined gold called 'Hataka.'
Yet they — like the light of all stars
when compared with the moon —
aren't worth one sixteenth
of the eight-factored Uposatha.

“tasmā hi nārī ca naro ca sīlavā,
aṭṭhaṅgupetaṃ upavassuposathaṃ.
puññāni katvāna sukhudrayāni,
aninditā saggamupenti ṭhānan”ti.

So whoever — man or woman —
is endowed with the virtues
of the eight-factored Uposatha,
having done meritorious deeds,
productive of bliss,
beyond reproach, goes
to the heavenly state.