Evaṃ me sutaṃ: ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā sakkesu viharati kapilavatthusmiṃ nigrodhārāme. Tena kho pana samayena kapilavatthuvāsīnaṃ sakyānaṃ navaṃ santhāgāraṃ acirakāritaṃ hoti anajjhāvuṭṭhaṃ samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā kenaci vā manussabhūtena. Atha kho kāpilavatthavā sakyā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṃsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu. Ekamantaṃ nisinnā kho kāpilavatthavā sakyā bhagavantaṃ etadavocuṃ:

I have heard that: on one occasion the Blessed One was staying among the Sakyans at Kapilavatthu in the Banyan Park. Now at that time a new reception hall had just been built by the Kapilavatthu Sakyans, and it had not yet been dwelled in by any contemplative, brahman, or anyone at all in human form. So the Kapilavatthu Sakyans went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down, sat to one side. As they were sitting there they said to him:

– Idha, bhante, kāpilavatthavānaṃ sakyānaṃ navaṃ santhāgāraṃ acirakāritaṃ hoti anajjhāvuṭṭhaṃ samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā kenaci vā manussabhūtena. Taṃ, bhante, bhagavā paṭhamaṃ paribhuñjatu. Bhagavatā paṭhamaṃ paribhuttaṃ pacchā kāpilavatthavā sakyā paribhuñjissanti. Tadassa kāpilavatthavānaṃ sakyānaṃ dīgharattaṃ hitāya sukhāyā ti.

– Lord, a new reception hall has just been built by the Kapilavatthu Sakyans, and it has not yet been dwelled in by any contemplative, brahman, or anyone at all in human form. May the Blessed One be the first to use it. When the Blessed One has used it first, the Kapilavatthu Sakyans will use it afterwards. That will be for their long-term welfare & happiness.

Adhivāsesi bhagavā tuṇhībhāvena. Atha kho kāpilavatthavā sakyā bhagavato adhivāsanaṃ viditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṃ katvā yena navaṃ santhāgāraṃ tenupasaṅkamiṃsu; upasaṅkamitvā sabbasanthariṃ santhāgāraṃ santharitvā āsanāni paññapetvā udakamaṇikaṃ upaṭṭhapetvā telappadīpaṃ āropetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṃsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ aṭṭhaṃsu. Ekamantaṃ ṭhitā kho kāpilavatthavā sakyā bhagavantaṃ etadavocuṃ:

The Blessed One acquiesced with silence. Sensing his acquiescence, the Kapilavatthu Sakyans got up from their seats, bowed down to him, circumambulated him, and then went to the new reception hall. On arrival, they spread it all over with felt rugs, arranged seats, set out a water vessel, and raised an oil lamp. Then they went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down, stood to one side. As they were standing there they said to him:

– Sabbasanthariṃ santhataṃ, bhante, santhāgāraṃ, āsanāni paññattāni, udakamaṇiko upaṭṭhāpito, telappadīpo āropito. Yassadāni, bhante, bhagavā kālaṃ maññatī ti.

– Lord, the reception hall has been covered all over with felt rugs, seats have been arranged, a water vessel has been set out, and an oil lamp raised. It is now time for the Blessed One to do as he sees fit.

Atha kho bhagavā nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya saddhiṃ bhikkhusaṅghena yena santhāgāraṃ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā pāde pakkhāletvā santhāgāraṃ pavisitvā majjhimaṃ thambhaṃ nissāya puratthābhimukho nisīdi. Bhikkhusaṅghopi kho pāde pakkhāletvā santhāgāraṃ pavisitvā pacchimaṃ bhittiṃ nissāya puratthābhimukho nisīdi, bhagavantaṃyeva purakkhatvā. Kāpilavatthavāpi kho sakyā pāde pakkhāletvā santhāgāraṃ pavisitvā puratthimaṃ bhittiṃ nissāya pacchimābhimukhā nisīdiṃsu, bhagavantaṃyeva purakkhatvā. Atha kho bhagavā kāpilavatthave sakye bahudeva rattiṃ dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṃsetvā āyasmantaṃ ānandaṃ āmantesi:

So the Blessed One, putting on his robe and taking up his bowl & outer robe, went together with a community of monks to the reception hall. On arrival he washed his feet, entered the hall, and sat with his back to the central post, facing east. The community of monks washed their feet, entered the hall, and sat with their backs to the western wall, facing east, ranged around the Blessed One. The Kapilavatthu Sakyans washed their feet, entered the hall, and sat with their backs to the eastern wall, facing west, ranged around the Blessed One. Then the Blessed One, having spent most of the night instructing, urging, rousing, & encouraging the Kapilavatthu Sakyans with a Dhamma talk, said to Ven. Ananda:

Paṭibhātu taṃ, ānanda, kāpilavatthavānaṃ sakyānaṃ sekho paṭipado. Piṭṭhi me āgilāyati; tamahaṃ āyamissāmī ti.

Ananda, speak to the Kapilavatthu Sakyans about the person who follows the practice for one in training. My back aches. I will rest it.

Evaṃ, bhante ti kho āyasmā ānando bhagavato paccassosi. Atha kho bhagavā catugguṇaṃ saṅghāṭiṃ paññāpetvā dakkhiṇena passena sīhaseyyaṃ kappesi, pāde pādaṃ accādhāya, sato sampajāno, uṭṭhānasaññaṃ manasi karitvā. Atha kho āyasmā ānando mahānāmaṃ sakkaṃ āmantesi:

As you say, lord, Ven. Ananda responded. Then the Blessed One, having arranged his outer robe folded in four, lay down on his right side in the lion's sleeping posture, with one foot on top of the other, mindful & alert, having made a mental note to get up.{1} Then Ven. Ananda addressed Mahanama the Sakyan:

Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sīlasampanno hoti, indriyesu guttadvāro hoti, bhojane mattaññū hoti, jāgariyaṃ anuyutto hoti, sattahi saddhammehi samannāgato hoti, catunnaṃ jhānānaṃ ābhicetasikānaṃ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṃ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī.

There is the case, Mahanama, where a disciple of the noble ones is consummate in virtue, guards the doors to his sense faculties, knows moderation in eating, is devoted to wakefulness, is endowed with seven qualities, and obtains at will — without trouble or difficulty — the four jhanas that constitute heightened awareness and a pleasant abiding in the here-and-now.

Kathañca, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sīlasampanno hoti? Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sīlavā hoti, pātimokkhasaṃvarasaṃvuto viharati ācāragocarasampanno aṇumattesu vajjesu bhayadassāvī, samādāya sikkhati sikkhāpadesu. Evaṃ kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sīlasampanno hoti.

And how is the disciple of the noble ones consummate in virtue? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones is virtuous. He dwells restrained in accordance with the Patimokkha, consummate in his behavior & sphere of activity. He trains himself, having undertaken the training rules, seeing danger in the slightest faults. This is how the disciple of the noble ones is consummate in virtue.

Kathañca, mahānāma, ariyasāvako indriyesu guttadvāro hoti? Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako cakkhunā rūpaṃ disvā na nimittaggāhī hoti nānubyañjanaggāhī. Yatvādhikaraṇamenaṃ cakkhundriyaṃ asaṃvutaṃ viharantaṃ abhijjhādomanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṃ tassa saṃvarāya paṭipajjati, rakkhati cakkhundriyaṃ, cakkhundriye saṃvaraṃ āpajjati.

And how does the disciple of the noble ones guard the doors to his sense faculties? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones, on seeing a form with the eye, doesn't grasp at any theme or variations by which — if he were to dwell without restraint over the faculty of the eye — evil, unskillful qualities such as greed or distress might assail him. He practices for its restraint. He guards the faculty of the eye. He achieves restraint with regard to the faculty of the eye.

Sotena saddaṃ sutvā na nimitta'g'gāhī hoti n'ānubyañjana'g'gāhī yatvādhikaraṇamenaṃ sotindriyaṃ asaṃvutaṃ viharantaṃ, abhijjhā-domanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṃ, tassa saṃvarāya paṭipajjati; rakkhati sotindriyaṃ; sotindriye saṃvaraṃ āpajjati.

On hearing a sound with the ear, he doesn't grasp at any theme or variations by which — if he were to dwell without restraint over the faculty of the ear — evil, unskillful qualities such as greed or distress might assail him. He practices for its restraint. He guards the faculty of the ear. He achieves restraint with regard to the faculty of the ear.

Ghānena gandhaṃ ghāyitvā na nimitta'g'gāhī hoti n'ānubyañjana'g'gāhī yatvādhikaraṇamenaṃ ghāṇindriyaṃ asaṃvutaṃ viharantaṃ, abhijjhā-domanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṃ, tassa saṃvarāya paṭipajjati; rakkhati ghāṇindriyaṃ; ghāṇindriye saṃvaraṃ āpajjati.

On smelling an aroma with the nose, he doesn't grasp at any theme or variations by which — if he were to dwell without restraint over the faculty of the nose — evil, unskillful qualities such as greed or distress might assail him. He practices for its restraint. He guards the faculty of the nose. He achieves restraint with regard to the faculty of the nose.

Jivhāya rasaṃ sāyitvā na nimitta'g'gāhī hoti n'ānubyañjana'g'gāhī yatvādhikaraṇamenaṃ jivhindriyaṃ asaṃvutaṃ viharantaṃ, abhijjhā-domanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṃ, tassa saṃvarāya paṭipajjati; rakkhati jivhindriyaṃ; jivhindriye saṃvaraṃ āpajjati.

On tasting a flavor with the tongue, he doesn't grasp at any theme or variations by which — if he were to dwell without restraint over the faculty of the tongue — evil, unskillful qualities such as greed or distress might assail him. He practices for its restraint. He guards the faculty of the tongue. He achieves restraint with regard to the faculty of the tongue.

Kāyena phoṭṭhabbaṃ phusitvā na nimitta'g'gāhī hoti n'ānubyañjana'g'gāhī yatvādhikaraṇamenaṃ kāyindriyaṃ asaṃvutaṃ viharantaṃ, abhijjhā-domanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṃ, tassa saṃvarāya paṭipajjati; rakkhati kāyindriyaṃ; kāyindriye saṃvaraṃ āpajjati.

On feeling a tactile sensation with the body, he doesn't grasp at any theme or variations by which — if he were to dwell without restraint over the faculty of the body — evil, unskillful qualities such as greed or distress might assail him. He practices for its restraint. He guards the faculty of the body. He achieves restraint with regard to the faculty of the body.

Manasā dhammaṃ viññāya na nimittaggāhī hoti nānubyañjanaggāhī. Yatvādhikaraṇamenaṃ manindriyaṃ asaṃvutaṃ viharantaṃ abhijjhādomanassā pāpakā akusalā dhammā anvāssaveyyuṃ tassa saṃvarāya paṭipajjati, rakkhati manindriyaṃ, manindriye saṃvaraṃ āpajjati. Evaṃ kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako indriyesu guttadvāro hoti.

On cognizing an idea with the intellect, he doesn't grasp at any theme or variations by which — if he were to dwell without restraint over the faculty of the intellect — evil, unskillful qualities such as greed or distress might assail him. He practices for its restraint. He guards the faculty of the intellect. He achieves restraint with regard to the faculty of the intellect. This is how the disciple of the noble ones guards the doors to his sense faculties.

Kathañca, mahānāma, ariyasāvako bhojane mattaññū hoti? Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako paṭisaṅkhā yoniso āhāraṃ āhāreti – ‘neva davāya na madāya na maṇḍanāya na vibhūsanāya; yāvadeva imassa kāyassa ṭhitiyā yāpanāya vihiṃsūparatiyā brahmacariyānuggahāya. Iti purāṇañca vedanaṃ paṭihaṅkhāmi, navañca vedanaṃ na uppādessāmi, yātrā ca me bhavissati anavajjatā ca phāsuvihāro cā’ti. Evaṃ kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako bhojane mattaññū hoti.

And how does the disciple of the noble ones know moderation in eating? There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones, considering it appropriately, takes his food not playfully, nor for intoxication, nor for putting on bulk, nor for beautification, but simply for the survival & continuance of this body, for ending its afflictions, for the support of the holy life, thinking, 'I will destroy old feelings [of hunger] & not create new feelings [from overeating]. Thus I will maintain myself, be blameless, & live in comfort.' This is how the disciple of the noble ones knows moderation in eating.

Kathañca, mahānāma, ariyasāvako jāgariyaṃ anuyutto hoti? Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako divasaṃ caṅkamena nisajjāya āvaraṇīyehi dhammehi cittaṃ parisodheti, rattiyā paṭhamaṃ yāmaṃ caṅkamena nisajjāya āvaraṇīyehi dhammehi cittaṃ parisodheti, rattiyā majjhimaṃ yāmaṃ dakkhiṇena passena sīhaseyyaṃ kappeti, pāde pādaṃ accādhāya, sato sampajāno, uṭṭhānasaññaṃ manasi karitvā, rattiyā pacchimaṃ yāmaṃ paccuṭṭhāya caṅkamena nisajjāya āvaraṇīyehi dhammehi cittaṃ parisodheti. Evaṃ kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako jāgariyaṃ anuyutto hoti.

And how is the disciple of the noble ones devoted to wakefulness? There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones, during the day, sitting & pacing back & forth, cleanses his mind of any qualities that would hold the mind in check. During the first watch of the night [dusk to 10 p.m.], sitting & pacing back & forth, he cleanses his mind of any qualities that would hold the mind in check. During the second watch of the night [10 p.m. to 2 a.m.], reclining on his right side, he takes up the lion's posture, one foot placed on top of the other, mindful, alert, with his mind set on getting up [either as soon as he awakens or at a particular time]. During the last watch of the night [2 a.m. to dawn], sitting & pacing back & forth, he cleanses his mind of any qualities that would hold the mind in check. This is how the disciple of the noble ones is devoted to wakefulness.

Kathañca, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sattahi saddhammehi samannāgato hoti?

And how is the disciple of the noble ones endowed with seven qualities?

(1) Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako saddho hoti, saddahati tathāgatassa bodhiṃ – ‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṃ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṃ buddho bhagavā’ti.

(1) There is the case where the disciple of the noble ones has conviction, is convinced of the Tathagata's Awakening: 'Indeed, the Blessed One is worthy and rightly self-awakened, consummate in clear-knowing & 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.'

(2) Hirimā hoti, hirīyati kāyaduccaritena vacīduccaritena manoduccaritena, hirīyati pāpakānaṃ akusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ samāpattiyā.

(2) He feels shame at [the thought of engaging in] bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, mental misconduct.

(3) Ottappī hoti, ottappati kāyaduccaritena vacīduccaritena manoduccaritena, ottappati pāpakānaṃ akusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ samāpattiyā.

(3) He feels concern for [the suffering that results from] bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, mental misconduct.

(4) Bahussuto hoti sutadharo sutasannicayo. Ye te dhammā ādikalyāṇā majjhekalyāṇā pariyosānakalyāṇā sātthā sabyañjanā kevalaparipuṇṇaṃ parisuddhaṃ brahmacariyaṃ abhivadanti tathārūpāssa dhammā bahussutā honti dhatā vacasā paricitā manasānupekkhitā diṭṭhiyā suppaṭividdhā.

(4) He has heard much, has retained what he has heard, has stored what he has heard. Whatever teachings are admirable in the beginning, admirable in the middle, admirable in the end, that — in their meaning & expression — proclaim the holy life that is entirely complete & pure: those he has listened to often, retained, discussed, accumulated, examined with his mind, and well-penetrated in terms of his views.

(5) Āraddhavīriyo viharati akusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ pahānāya, kusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ upasampadāya, thāmavā daḷhaparakkamo anikkhittadhuro kusalesu dhammesu.

(5) He keeps his persistence aroused for abandoning unskillful mental qualities and taking on skillful mental qualities. He is steadfast, solid in his effort, not shirking his duties with regard to skillful mental qualities.

(6) Satimā hoti, paramena satinepakkena samannāgato, cirakatampi cirabhāsitampi saritā anussaritā.

(6) He is mindful, highly meticulous, remembering & able to call to mind even things that were done & said long ago.

(7) Paññavā hoti, udayatthagāminiyā paññāya samannāgato, ariyāya nibbedhikāya sammā dukkhakkhayagāminiyā.

(7) He is discerning, endowed with discernment of arising & passing away — noble, penetrating, leading to the right ending of stress.

Evaṃ kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sattahi saddhammehi samannāgato hoti.

This is how the disciple of the noble ones is endowed with seven qualities.

Kathañca, mahānāma, ariyasāvako catunnaṃ jhānānaṃ ābhicetasikānaṃ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṃ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī? Idha, mahānāma, ariyasāvako vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṃ savicāraṃ vivekajaṃ pītisukhaṃ paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati. Vitakkavicārānaṃ vūpasamā ajjhattaṃ sampasādanaṃ cetaso ekodibhāvaṃ avitakkaṃ avicāraṃ samādhijaṃ pītisukhaṃ dutiyaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati. Pītiyā ca virāgā upekkhako ca viharati sato ca sampajāno sukhañca kāyena paṭisaṃvedeti yaṃ taṃ ariyā ācikkhanti: ‘upekkhako satimā sukhavihārī’ti tatiyaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati. Sukhassa ca pahānā dukkhassa ca pahānā pubbeva somanassadomanassānaṃ atthaṅgamā adukkhamasukhaṃ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṃ catutthaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati.. Evaṃ kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako catunnaṃ jhānānaṃ ābhicetasikānaṃ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṃ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī.

And how does the disciple of the noble ones obtain at will — without trouble or difficulty — the four jhanas that constitute heightened awareness and a pleasant abiding in the here-&-now? There is the case where, quite withdrawn from sensuality, withdrawn from unskillful mental qualities, the disciple of the noble ones enters & remains in the first jhana: rapture & pleasure born from withdrawal, accompanied by directed thought & evaluation. With the stilling of directed thoughts & evaluations, he enters & remains in the second jhana: rapture & pleasure born of composure, unification of awareness free from directed thought & evaluation — internal assurance. With the fading of rapture, he remains equanimous, mindful, & alert, and senses pleasure with the body. He enters & remains in the third jhana, of which the Noble Ones declare, 'Equanimous & mindful, he has a pleasant abiding.' With the abandoning of pleasure & pain — as with the earlier disappearance of elation & distress — he enters & remains in the fourth jhana: purity of equanimity & mindfulness, neither pleasure nor pain. This is how the disciple of the noble ones obtains at will — without trouble or difficulty — the four jhanas that constitute heightened awareness and a pleasant abiding in the here-and-now.

Yato kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako evaṃ sīlasampanno hoti, evaṃ indriyesu guttadvāro hoti, evaṃ bhojane mattaññū hoti, evaṃ jāgariyaṃ anuyutto hoti, evaṃ sattahi saddhammehi samannāgato hoti, evaṃ catunnaṃ jhānānaṃ ābhicetasikānaṃ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṃ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī, ayaṃ vuccati, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sekho pāṭipado apuccaṇḍatāya samāpanno, bhabbo abhinibbhidāya, bhabbo sambodhāya, bhabbo anuttarassa yogakkhemassa adhigamāya.

Now, when a disciple of the noble ones is consummate in virtue in this way, guards the doors to his sense faculties in this way, knows moderation in eating in this way, is devoted to wakefulness in this way, is endowed with seven qualities in this way, and obtains at will — without trouble or difficulty — the four jhanas that constitute heightened awareness and a pleasant abiding in the here-and-now in this way, then he is called a disciple of the noble ones who follows the practice for one in training, whose eggs are unspoiled, who is capable of breaking out, capable of awakening, capable of attaining the supreme rest from the yoke.

Seyyathāpi, mahānāma, kukkuṭiyā aṇḍāni aṭṭha vā dasa vā dvādasa vā tānāssu kukkuṭiyā sammā adhisayitāni sammā pariseditāni sammā paribhāvitāni, kiñcāpi tassā kukkuṭiyā na evaṃ icchā uppajjeyya – ‘aho vatime kukkuṭapotakā pādanakhasikhāya vā mukhatuṇḍakena vā aṇḍakosaṃ padāletvā sotthinā abhinibbhijjeyyu’nti, atha kho bhabbāva te kukkuṭapotakā pādanakhasikhāya vā mukhatuṇḍakena vā aṇḍakosaṃ padāletvā sotthinā abhinibbhijjituṃ.

Just as if a hen had eight, ten, or twelve eggs that she covered rightly, warmed rightly, & incubated rightly: Even though this wish did not occur to her — 'O that my chicks might break through the egg shells with their spiked claws or beaks and hatch out safely!' — still it is possible that the chicks would break through the shells with their spiked claws or beaks and hatch out safely.

Evameva kho, mahānāma, yato ariyasāvako evaṃ sīlasampanno hoti, evaṃ indriyesu guttadvāro hoti, evaṃ bhojane mattaññū hoti, evaṃ jāgariyaṃ anuyutto hoti, evaṃ sattahi saddhammehi samannāgato hoti, evaṃ catunnaṃ jhānānaṃ ābhicetasikānaṃ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṃ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī, ayaṃ vuccati, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sekho pāṭipado apuccaṇḍatāya samāpanno, bhabbo abhinibbhidāya, bhabbo sambodhāya, bhabbo anuttarassa yogakkhemassa adhigamāya.

In the same way, when a disciple of the noble ones is consummate in virtue in this way, guards the doors to his sense faculties in this way, knows moderation in eating in this way, is devoted to wakefulness in this way, is endowed with seven qualities in this way, and obtains at will — without trouble or difficulty — the four jhanas that constitute heightened awareness and a pleasant abiding in the here-and-now in this way, then he is called a disciple of the noble ones who follows the practice for one in training, whose eggs are unspoiled, who is capable of breaking out, capable of awakening, capable of attaining the supreme rest from the yoke.

Sa kho so, mahānāma, ariyasāvako imaṃyeva anuttaraṃ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṃ āgamma aneka-vihitaṃ pubbe-nivāsaṃ anussarati, seyyathidaṃ: ekam-pi jātiṃ dve-pi jātiyo tisso-pi jātiyo catasso-pi jātiyo pañca-pi jātiyo dasa-pi jātiyo vīsam-pi jātiyo tiṃsam-pi jātiyo cattālīsam-pi jātiyo paññāsam-pi jātiyo jāti-satam-pi jāti-sahassam-pi jāti-sata-sahassam-pi aneke-pi saṃvaṭṭa-kappe aneke-pi vivaṭṭa-kappe aneke-pi saṃvaṭṭa-vivaṭṭa-kappe: ‘amutr-āsiṃ evaṃ-nāmo evaṃ-gotto evaṃ-vaṇṇo evam-āhāro evaṃ-sukha-dukkha-p'paṭisaṃvedī evam-āyu-pariyanto, so tato cuto amutra udapādiṃ; tatrā-p'āsiṃ evaṃ-nāmo evaṃ-gotto evaṃ-vaṇṇo evam-āhāro evaṃ-sukha-dukkha-p'paṭisaṃvedī evam-āyu-pariyanto, so tato cuto idh-ūpapanno’ ti. Iti s'ākāraṃ sa-uddesaṃ aneka-vihitaṃ pubbe-nivāsaṃ anussarati. Ayamassa paṭhamābhinibbhidā hoti kukkuṭacchāpakasseva aṇḍakosamhā.

Now when the disciple of the noble ones has arrived at this purity of equanimity & mindfulness, he recollects his manifold past lives, i.e., one birth, two... five, ten... fifty, a hundred, a thousand, a hundred thousand, many eons of cosmic contraction, many eons of cosmic expansion, many eons of cosmic contraction & expansion: 'There I had such a name, belonged to such a clan, had such an appearance. Such was my food, such my experience of pleasure & pain, such the end of my life. Passing away from that state, I re-arose there. There too I had such a name, belonged to such a clan, had such an appearance. Such was my food, such my experience of pleasure & pain, such the end of my life. Passing away from that state, I re-arose here.' Thus he recollects his manifold past lives in their modes & details. This is his first breaking out, like that of the hen's chicks from their shells.

Sa kho so, mahānāma, ariyasāvako imaṃye anuttaraṃ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṃ āgamma dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkanta-mānusakena satte passati cavamāne upapajjamāne hīne paṇīte suvaṇṇe dubbaṇṇe sugate duggate yathā-kamm-ūpage satte pajānāti: ‘ime vata bhonto sattā kāya-duccaritena samannāgatā vacī-duccaritena samannāgatā mano-duccaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṃ upavādakā micchādiṭṭhi-kā micchādiṭṭhi-kamma-samādānā, te kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā apāyaṃ duggatiṃ vinipātaṃ nirayaṃ upapannā. Ime vā pana bhonto sattā kāya-succaritena samannāgatā vacī-succaritena samannāgatā mano-succaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṃ an-upavādakā sammādiṭṭhi-kā sammādiṭṭhi-kamma-samādānā; te kāyassa bhedā paraṃ maraṇā sugatiṃ saggaṃ lokaṃ upapannā’ ti. Iti dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkanta-mānusakena satte passati cavamāne upapajjamāne hīne paṇīte suvaṇṇe dubbaṇṇe sugate duggate yathā-kamm-ūpage satte pajānāti. Ayamassa dutiyābhinibbhidā hoti kukkuṭacchāpakasseva aṇḍakosamhā.

When the disciple of the noble ones has arrived at this purity of equanimity & mindfulness, he sees — by means of the divine eye, purified & surpassing the human — beings passing away & re-appearing, and he discerns how they are inferior & superior, beautiful & ugly, fortunate & unfortunate in accordance with their kamma: 'These beings — who were endowed with bad conduct of body, speech & mind, who reviled noble ones, held wrong views and undertook actions under the influence of wrong views — with the break-up of the body, after death, have re-appeared in the plane of deprivation, the bad destination, the lower realms, in hell. But these beings — who were endowed with good conduct of body, speech, & mind, who did not revile noble ones, who held right views and undertook actions under the influence of right views — with the break-up of the body, after death, have re-appeared in the good destinations, in the heavenly world.' Thus — by means of the divine eye, purified & surpassing the human — he sees beings passing away & re-appearing, and he discerns how they are inferior & superior, beautiful & ugly, fortunate & unfortunate in accordance with their kamma. This is his second breaking out, like that of the hen's chicks from their shells.

Sa kho so, mahānāma, ariyasāvako imaṃyeva anuttaraṃ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṃ āgamma āsavānaṃ khayā anāsavaṃ cetovimuttiṃ paññāvimuttiṃ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṃ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati, ayamassa tatiyābhinibbhidā hoti kukkuṭacchāpakasseva aṇḍakosamhā.

When the disciple of the noble ones has arrived at this purity of equanimity & mindfulness, he enters & remains in the fermentation-free awareness-release & discernment-release, having directly known & realized them for himself right in the here-and-now. This is his third breaking out, like that of the hen's chicks from their shells.

Yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sīlasampanno hoti, idampissa hoti caraṇasmiṃ; yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako indriyesu guttadvāro hoti, idampissa hoti caraṇasmiṃ; yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako bhojane mattaññū hoti, idampissa hoti caraṇasmiṃ; yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako jāgariyaṃ anuyutto hoti, idampissa hoti caraṇasmiṃ; yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako sattahi saddhammehi samannāgato hoti, idampissa hoti caraṇasmiṃ; yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako catunnaṃ jhānānaṃ ābhicetasikānaṃ diṭṭhadhammasukhavihārānaṃ nikāmalābhī hoti akicchalābhī akasiralābhī, idampissa hoti caraṇasmiṃ.

Now, when the disciple of the noble ones is consummate in virtue, that is a matter of his conduct. When he guards the doors to his sense faculties, that is a matter of his conduct. When he knows moderation in eating, that is a matter of his conduct. When he is devoted to wakefulness, that is a matter of his conduct. When he is endowed with seven qualities, that is a matter of his conduct. When he obtains at will — without trouble or difficulty — the four jhanas that constitute heightened awareness and a pleasant abiding in the here-and-now, that is a matter of his conduct.

Yañca kho, mahānāma, ariyasāvako... sākāraṃ sauddesaṃ anekavihitaṃ pubbenivāsaṃ anussarati, idampissa hoti vijjāya; yampi, mahānāma, ariyasāvako dibbena cakkhunā visuddhena atikkantamānusakena satte passati cavamāne upapajjamāne... āsavānaṃ khayā anāsavaṃ cetovimuttiṃ paññāvimuttiṃ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṃ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati, idampissa hoti vijjāya.

When he recollects his manifold past lives... in their modes & details, that is a matter of his clear-knowing. When he sees — by means of the divine eye, purified & surpassing the human — beings passing away & re-appearing... When he enters & remains in the fermentation-free awareness-release & discernment-release, having directly known & realized them for himself right in the here-and-now, that is a matter of his clear-knowing.

Ayaṃ vuccati, mahānāma, ariyasāvako vijjāsampanno itipi caraṇasampanno itipi vijjācaraṇasampanno itipi.

This, Mahanama, is called a disciple of the noble ones who is consummate in clear-knowing, consummate in conduct, consummate in clear-knowing & conduct.

Brahmunāpesā, mahānāma, sanaṅkumārena gāthā bhāsitā:

Khattiyo seṭṭho janetasmiṃ,
Ye gottapaṭisārino;
Vijjācaraṇasampanno,
So seṭṭho devamānuse’ti.

And by the Brahma Sanankumara this verse was said:

The noble warrior is the best among people
When judging by clan.
But a person consummate in clear-knowing & conduct,
Is the best of beings, human & divine.

Sā kho panesā, mahānāma, brahmunā sanaṅkumārena gāthā sugītā no duggītā, subhāsitā no dubbhāsitā, atthasaṃhitā no anatthasaṃhitā, anumatā bhagavatāti.

This verse was well-sung by the Brahma Sanankumara, not ill-sung; well-said, not ill-said; connected with the goal, not unconnected with the goal. It was endorsed by the Blessed One.

Atha kho bhagavā uṭṭhahitvā āyasmantaṃ ānandaṃ āmantesi:

Then the Blessed One got up and said to Ven. Ananda:

– Sādhu sādhu, ānanda, sādhu kho tvaṃ, ānanda, kāpilavatthavānaṃ sakyānaṃ sekhaṃ pāṭipadaṃ abhāsīti.

– Good, good, Ananda. What you have said to the Kapilavatthu Sakyans about the person who follows the practice for one in training is good.

Idamavocāyasmā ānando. Samanuñño satthā ahosi. Attamanā kāpilavatthavā sakyā āyasmato ānandassa bhāsitaṃ abhinandunti.

That is what Ven. Ananda said, and the Teacher approved. Gratified, the Kapilavatthu Sakyans delighted in Ven. Ananda's words.