About Udāyin (On Teaching the Dhamma)

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Proofed against and modified in accordance with the revised edition at dhammatalks.org
For free distribution only.

[1][pts] I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Kosambī, at Ghosita's Park.

Now at that time Ven. Udayin was sitting surrounded by a large assembly of householders, teaching the Dhamma.

Ven. Ānanda saw Ven. Udayin sitting surrounded by a large assembly of householders, teaching the Dhamma, and on seeing him went to the Blessed One.

On arrival, he bowed down to the Blessed One and sat to one side.

As he was sitting there he said to the Blessed One:

"Ven. Udayin, lord, is sitting surrounded by a large assembly of householders, teaching the Dhamma."

"It's not easy to teach the Dhamma to others, Ānanda.

The Dhamma should be taught to others
only when five qualities are established
within the person teaching.

Which five?

"The Dhamma should be taught with the thought,
'I will speak step-by-step.'

"The Dhamma should be taught with the thought,
'I will speak explaining the sequence [of cause and effect].'

"The Dhamma should be taught with the thought,
'I will speak out of compassion.'

"The Dhamma should be taught with the thought,
'I will speak not for the purpose of material reward.'

"The Dhamma should be taught with the thought,
'I will speak without hurting myself or others.'^[1]

"It's not easy to teach the Dhamma to others, Ānanda.

The Dhamma should be taught to others
only when these five qualities are established within the person teaching."

^[1] According to the Commentary, hurting oneself and others means exalting oneself and disparaging others.

Of Related Interest:

AN 2:92;
AN 3.72;
Sn 4.8;
AN 5:202;
AN 6:86—88
DN 16 (the Buddha's answer to Subhadda's question)