Aṅguttara Nikāya
IX. Navaka Nipāta
II. Sīhanāda Vagga
Sutta 18
Nav'Aṅg'Uposatha Suttaɱ
Full Moon Observance with Nine Factors
Translated from the Pali
by Sister Upalavanna
At that time The Blessed One was abiding in Sāvatthi.
'Bhikkhus, the full moon observance endowed with nine factors if observed is very fruitful, beneficial, sacrificial and has a great spread out.
Bhikkhus, the full moon observance endowed with nine factors, observed in which manner is very fruitful, beneficial, sacrificial and has a great spread out?
Here, bhikkhus, the noble disciple reflects:
'As long as life lasts the noble ones have given up destroying living things, become ashamed throwing away stick and weapon abide arousing compassion for all living things.
I too this night and day will give up destroying living things, become ashamed will throw away stick and weapon and will abide arousing compassion for all living things.
By this factor I imitate the worthy state and my full moon observance gets completed.
Bhikkhus, endowed with this first factor the full moon observance is very fruitful, beneficial, sacrificial and has a great spread out.
[Omitted: taking what is not given; living the chast life; abstaining from lying; drinking strong drink; eating one meal; looking at shows]
As long as life lasts the noble ones have given up high and stately beds and seats.
They take a low seat and a spread of grass for the bed.
I too this night and day will give up high and stately beds and seats.
Will take a low seat and a spread of grass for the bed.
By this factor I imitate the worthy state and my full moon observance gets completed.
Bhikkhus, abide with a mind of loving kindness pervading one direction, the second, the third, the fourth, above, below and across everywhere, for all purposes, entirely.
Abide with the thought of lovingkindness for the whole world, grown great and immeasurable, without anger or ill will Be endowed with this ninth factor.
Bhikkhus, the full moon observance endowed with these nine factors if observed is very fruitful, beneficial, sacrificial and has a great spread out.
