Saṃyutta Nikāya
I. Sagatha Vagga
8. Vangisa-Thera Saṃyutta

Sutta 4

Ānanda Sutta

Ānanda (Instructions to Vaṇgīsa)

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Provenance, terms and conditons

 

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[4.1] On one occasion Ven. Ānanda was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Then early in the morning he put on his robes and, carrying his bowl and outer robe, went into Sāvatthī for alms with Ven. Vaṇgīsa as his attendant monk. Now at that time dissatisfaction (with the chaste life) had arisen in Ven. Vaṇgīsa. Lust invaded his mind. So he addressed Ven. Ānanda with this verse:

With sensual lust     I burn.
My mind     is on fire.
Please, Gotama,     from compassion,
        tell me how
        to put it out.

[Ven. Ānanda:]

From distorted perception
        your mind is on fire.
Shun the theme         of the beautiful
                accompanied by lust.
See mental fabrications     as other,
                as stress,
                and not-self.

    Extinguish your great lust.
    Don't keep burning again and again.

Develop the mind
    — well-centered and one —
        in the foul,
        through the foul.
Have your mindfulness
    immersed in the body.
Be one who pursues
    disenchantment.
Develop the theme-less.
Cast out conceit.
Then, from breaking through
        conceit,
    you will go on your way
                at peace.