Aṇguttara Nikāya
Catukka Nipāta
XXIV: Kamma Vagga
The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Fours
Chapter XXIV: The Deed
Sutta 239
Samaṇa Suttaṃ
The Recluse[1]
Translated from the Pali by F. L. Woodward, M.A.
Copyright The Pali Text Society
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[1] Thus have I heard:
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:
"'In this teaching,
the recluse is to be found,
also the second recluse,
third recluse,
and fourth recluse.
Void of such recluses
are the systems
of those who teach contrary views.'[2]
Thus, monks, do ye rightly roar
this lion's roar.
§
And of what sort, monks,
is the recluse?
Herein a monk, by the utter destruction
of three fetters,[3]
is a Stream-winner,
one not destined to the Downfall,
one assured,
bound for enlightenment.
This is the recluse.
■
And of what sort, monks,
is the second recluse?
Herein a monk, by the utter destruction
of three fetters,
by wearing down lust,
hatred,
delusion,
is a Once-returner.
Coming back to this world once more
he makes an end of Ill.
This is the second recluse.
■
[243] And of what sort, monks,
is the third recluse?
Herein a monk, by the utter destruction
of the five fetters that lead to rebirth,
is born apparitionally,
there meanwhile to win release,[4]
not destined to return from that world.
This is the third recluse.
■
And of what sort, monks,
is the fourth recluse?
Herein a monk, by the destruction
of the āsavas,
attains the heart's release,
the release by wisdom
in this very life of himself comprehending it,
and realizing it,
having attained thereto,
abides therein.
This is the fourth recluse.
§
'In this teaching[ed1]
the recluse is to be found,
also the second recluse,
the third recluse
and fourth recluse.
Void of such recluses
are the systems
of those who teach contrary views.'
Thus, monks, do ye rightly roar this lion's roar."
[1] Cf. D. ii, 151; M. i, 63; VM. i, 141, 268 (Path of Purity, ii, 162, 307); Types, 88; Expos. i, 219, ii, 451; SnA. 161; Vibh. 244; VibhA. 323. Idh'eva,' in this teaching.' Comy.
[2] Comy. refers to Ito bahiddhā samaṇo pi n'atthi of D. ii, 151.
[4] Tattha parinibbāyin (sometimes called antarā-p.); cf. supra, § 169. This formula is peculiar to the Saṃyutta and Aṇguttara, and recurs some ten times. [Ed.: see MN 6]
[ed1] Both Woodward and the Pali do not note where what Gotama is saying is something to be said by the Bhikkhus, as their lion's roar, not a direct statement. I have eliminated the misplaced 'Monks,' or 'bhikkhave.'
