Aṇguttara Nikāya
IV. Catukka Nipāta
II. Cara Vagga
The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Fours
Chapter II: Deportment
Sutta 15
Paññatti Suttaṃ
Types[1]
Translated from the Pali by F. L. Woodward, M.A.
Copyright The Pali Text Society
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On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," they replied, and the Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these four chief types (of beings).
What four?
Chief of those who have personality is[2] Rahu, lord of the Asuras.
Chief of those who are given to the pleasures of sense is Mandhātā[3] the rajah.
Chief of those who have lordship is Māra the Wicked One.
In the world of Devas, Māras and Brahmās, together with recluses and brahmins, devas and mankind, a Tathāgata is reckoned chief, an Arahant, a perfectly Enlightened One.
These, monks, are the four chief types.
Rahu is chief of persons: chief of those
Enjoying sense-delights is Mandhātā:
Māra is chief of those who lordship own:
With power and glory[4] is he radiant.
Above, across, and back again returning,
Whatever be one's bourn in all the world,[5]
Of world and devas chief is held a Buddha.'
[1] Paññattiyo.
[2] Attabhāvin.
[3] Cf. JA. ii, 310; Mil. 115; Thag. 485.
[4] Text should read yasasā for yassā.
