Aṇguttara Nikāya
IV. Catukka Nipāta
II. Cara Vagga
The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Fours
Chapter II: Deportment
Sutta 17
Agati Suttaṃ
No-Bourn[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 goings to the no-bourn.
What four?
One goes to the no-bourn through desire,
one goes to the no-bourn through ill-will,
one goes to the no-bourn through delusion,
one goes to the no-bourn through fear.[2]
These are the four.
Led by desire, ill-will, delusion, fear,
If one transgresses Dhamma, his good name
Fades as the moon in the dark fortnight wanes.'
[1] Agati, not leading to the gati or bourn: sometimes taken as Nibbāna (for one who has reached it there is no goal further, acc. to the orthodox interpretation). Here def. by Comy. (as at VM. ii, 683) as wrong action done under the influence of desire, hate or delusion.
[2] Quoted Netti, 129, 162, where it is added that the Teacher spoke these gathas.
Of Related Interest:
This sutta should be read in conjunction with AN 4. 18
