{"collection":"Digha Nikaya","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/suttacentral_dn19/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/suttacentral_dn19","id":"suttacentral_dn19","license":"CC0","rights_basis":"suttacentral_bilara_data_cc0","source":"suttacentral","source_url":"https://suttacentral.net/dn19/en/sujato","summary":null,"tags":["Digha Nikaya","Early Buddhist Texts"],"text":"So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near R\u0101jagaha, on the Vulture\u2019s Peak Mountain. Then, late at night, the centaur Pa\u00f1casikha, lighting up the entire Vulture\u2019s Peak, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and said to him, \u201cSir, I would tell you of what I heard and learned directly from the gods of the thirty-three.\u201d \u201cTell me, Pa\u00f1casikha,\u201d said the Buddha. 1. The Council of the Gods \u201cSir, it was more than a few days ago\u2014on the fifteenth day sabbath on the full moon day at the invitation to admonish held at the end of the rainy season\u2014when all the gods of the thirty-three were sitting together in the Hall of Clear Right. A large assembly of gods was sitting all around, and the four great kings were seated at the four quarters. The Great King Dhatara\u1e6d\u1e6dha was seated to the east, facing west, in front of his gods. The Great King Vir\u016b\u1e37haka was seated to the south, facing north, in front of his gods. The Great King Vir\u016bpakkha was seated to the west, facing east, in front of his gods. The Great King Vessava\u1e47a was seated to the north, facing south, in front of his gods. When the gods of the thirty-three have a gathering like this, that is how they are seated. After that come our seats. Sir, those gods who had been recently reborn in the company of the thirty-three after leading the spiritual life under the Buddha outshine the other gods in beauty and glory. The gods of the thirty-three became uplifted and overjoyed at that, full of rapture and happiness, saying, \u2018The heavenly hosts swell, while the titan hosts dwindle!\u2019 Seeing the joy of those gods, Sakka, lord of gods, celebrated with these verses: \u2018The gods rejoice\u2014 the thirty-three with their Lord\u2014 revering the Realized One, and the clear rightness of the teaching; and seeing the new gods, so beautiful and glorious, who have come here after leading the spiritual life under the Buddha! They outshine the others in beauty, glory, and lifespan. Here are the distinguished disciples of he whose wisdom is vast. Seeing this, they delight\u2014 the thirty-three with their Lord\u2014 revering the Realized One, and the clear rightness of the teaching!\u2019 The gods of the thirty-three became even more uplifted and overjoyed at that, full of rapture and happiness, saying, \u2018The heavenly hosts swell, while the titan hosts dwindle!\u2019 2. Eight Genuine Praises Seeing the joy of those gods, Sakka, lord of gods, addressed them, \u2018Gentlemen, would you like to hear eight genuine praises of the Buddha?\u2019 \u2018Indeed we would, sir.\u2019 Then Sakka proffered these eight genuine praises of the Buddha: \u2018What do the good gods of the thirty-three think? How the Buddha has acted for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans! I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who has such sympathy for the world, apart from the Buddha. Also, the Buddha has explained the teaching well\u2014apparent in the present life, immediately effective, inviting inspection, relevant, so that sensible people can know it for themselves. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who explains such a relevant teaching, apart from the Buddha. Also, the Buddha has well described what is skillful and what is unskillful, what is blameworthy and what is blameless, what should be cultivated and what should not be cultivated, what is inferior and what is superior, and what has a portion of dark or bright. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who so clearly describes all these things, apart from the Buddha. Also, the Buddha has well described the practice that leads to extinguishment for his disciples. And extinguishment converges with the practice, as the waters of the Ganges join together and converge with the waters of the Yamun\u0101. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who so clearly describes the practice that leads to extinguishment for his disciples, apart from the Buddha. Also, possessions and popularity have accrued to the Buddha, so much that you\u2019d think it would thrill even the aristocrats. But he takes his food free of vanity. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who takes their food so free of vanity, apart from the Buddha. Also, the Buddha has gained companions, both trainees who are practicing, and those with defilements ended who have completed their journey. The Buddha is committed to the joy of solitude, but doesn\u2019t send them away. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, so committed to the joy of solitude, apart from the Buddha. Also, the Buddha does as he says, and says as he does, thus: he does as he says, and says as he does. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who so practices in line with the teaching, apart from the Buddha. Also, the Buddha has gone beyond doubt and got rid of indecision. He has achieved all he wished for regarding the fundamental goal of the spiritual life. I don\u2019t see any Teacher, past or present, who has achieved these things, apart from the Buddha.\u2019 These are the eight genuine praises of the Buddha proffered by Sakka. Hearing them, the gods of the thirty-three became even more uplifted and overjoyed. Then some gods thought, \u2018If only four fully awakened Buddhas might arise in the world and teach the Dhamma, just like the Blessed One! That would be for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans!\u2019 Other gods thought, \u2018Let alone four fully awakened Buddhas; if only three fully awakened Buddhas, or two fully awakened Buddhas might arise in the world and teach the Dhamma, just like the Blessed One! That would be for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans!\u2019 When they said this, Sakka said, \u2018It is impossible, gentlemen, for two perfected ones, fully awakened Buddhas to arise in the same solar system at the same time. May that Blessed One be healthy and well, and remain with us for a long time! That would be for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans!\u2019 Then the gods of the thirty-three, having considered and deliberated on the matter for which they were seated together in the Hall of Clear Right, advised and instructed the four great kings on the subject. Each one, having been advised, stood at his own seat without leaving. The Kings were instructed, and heeded good advice. With clear and peaceful minds, they stood by their own seats. Then in the northern quarter a magnificent light arose and radiance appeared, surpassing the glory of the gods. Then Sakka, lord of gods, addressed the gods of the thirty-three, \u2018As indicated by the signs\u2014light arising and radiance appearing\u2014the Divinity will appear. For this is the harbinger for the appearance of the Divinity, namely light arising and radiance appearing.\u2019 As indicated by the signs, the Divinity will appear. For this is the sign of the Divinity: a light vast and great. 3. On Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra Then the gods of the thirty-three sat in their own seats, saying, \u2018We shall find out what has caused that light, and only when we have realized it shall we go to it.\u2019 And the four great kings did likewise. Hearing that, the gods of the thirty-three agreed in unison, \u2018We shall find out what has caused that light, and only when we have realized it shall we go to it.\u2019 When the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra appears to the gods of the thirty-three, he does so after manifesting in a solid life-form. For a Divinity\u2019s normal appearance is imperceptible in the visual range of the gods of the thirty-three. When the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra appears to the gods of the thirty-three, he outshines the other gods in beauty and glory, as a golden statue outshines the human form. When the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra appears to the gods of the thirty-three, not a single god in that assembly greets him by bowing down or rising up or inviting him to a seat. They all sit silently on their couches with their cupped palms raised, thinking, \u2018Now the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra will sit on the couch of whatever god he chooses.\u2019 And the god on whose couch the Divinity sits is overjoyed and brimming with happiness, like a king on the day of his coronation. Seeing the joy of those gods, the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra celebrated with these verses: \u2018The gods rejoice\u2014 the thirty-three with their Lord\u2014 revering the Realized One, and the clear rightness of the teaching; and seeing the new gods, so beautiful and glorious, who have come here after leading the spiritual life under the Buddha! They outshine the others in beauty, glory, and lifespan. Here are the distinguished disciples of he whose wisdom is vast. Seeing this, they delight\u2014 the thirty-three with their Lord\u2014 revering the Realized One, and the clear rightness of the teaching!\u2019 That is the topic on which the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra spoke. And while he was speaking on that topic, his voice had eight qualities: it was clear, comprehensible, charming, audible, lucid, undistorted, deep, and resonant. He makes sure his voice is intelligible as far as the assembly goes, but the sound doesn\u2019t extend outside the assembly. When someone has a voice like this, they\u2019re said to have the voice of the Divinity. Then the gods of the thirty-three said to the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra, \u2018Good, Great Divinity! Having appraised this, we rejoice. And there are the eight genuine praises of the Buddha spoken by Sakka\u2014 having appraised them, too, we rejoice.\u2019 4. Eight Genuine Praises Then the Divinity said to Sakka, \u2018It would be good, lord of gods, if I could also hear the eight genuine praises of the Buddha.\u2019 Saying, \u2018Yes, Great Divinity,\u2019 Sakka repeated the eight genuine praises for him. Hearing them, the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra was uplifted and overjoyed, full of rapture and happiness. Then the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra manifested in a solid life-form, taking on the appearance of the youth Pa\u00f1casikha, and appeared to the gods of the thirty-three. Rising into the air, he sat cross-legged in the sky, like a strong man might sit cross-legged on a well-appointed couch or on level ground. There he addressed the gods of the thirty-three: 5. The Story of the Steward \u2018What do the gods of the thirty-three think about the extent of the Buddha\u2019s great wisdom? Once upon a time, there was a king named Disampati. He had a brahmin high priest named the Steward. Disampati\u2019s son was the prince named Re\u1e47u, while the Steward\u2019s son was the student named Jotip\u0101la. There were Re\u1e47u the prince, Jotip\u0101la the student, and six other aristocrats; these eight became friends. In due course the brahmin Steward passed away. At his passing, King Disampati lamented, \u201cAt a time when I have relinquished all my duties to the brahmin Steward and amuse myself, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation, he passes away!\u201d When he said this, Prince Re\u1e47u said to him, \u201cYour Majesty, don\u2019t lament too much at the Steward\u2019s passing. He has a son named Jotip\u0101la, who is even more astute and expert than his father. He should manage the affairs that were managed by his father.\u201d \u201cIs that so, my prince?\u201d \u201cThat is so, Your Majesty.\u201d 6. The Story of the Great Steward So King Disampati addressed one of his men, \u201cPlease, my man, go to the student Jotip\u0101la, and say to him, \u2018Best wishes, Jotip\u0101la! You are summoned by King Disampati; he wants to see you.\u2019\u201d \u201cYes, Your Majesty,\u201d replied that man, and did as he was asked. Then Jotip\u0101la went to the king and exchanged greetings with him. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side, and the king said to him, \u201cMay you, Jotip\u0101la, manage my affairs\u2014please don\u2019t turn me down! I shall appoint you to your father\u2019s position, and anoint you as Steward.\u201d \u201cYes, worthy sir,\u201d replied Jotip\u0101la. So the king anointed him as Steward and appointed him to his father\u2019s position. After his appointment, the Steward Jotip\u0101la managed both the affairs that his father had managed, and other affairs that his father had not managed. He organized both the works that his father had organized, and other works that his father had not organized. When people noticed this they said, \u201cThe brahmin is indeed a Steward, a Great Steward!\u201d And that\u2019s how the student Jotip\u0101la came to be known as the Great Steward. 6.1. Dividing the Realm Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats and said, \u201cKing Disampati is old, elderly and senior, advanced in years, and has reached the final stage of life. Who knows how long he has to live? It\u2019s likely that when he passes away the king-makers will anoint Prince Re\u1e47u as king. Come, sirs, go to Prince Re\u1e47u and say, \u2018Prince Re\u1e47u, we are your friends, dear, beloved, and cherished. We have shared your joys and sorrows. King Disampati is old, elderly and senior, advanced in years, and has reached the final stage of life. Who knows how long he has to live? It\u2019s likely that when he passes away the king-makers will anoint you as king. If you should gain kingship, share it with us.\u2019\u201d \u201cYes, worthy sir,\u201d replied the six aristocrats. They went to Prince Re\u1e47u and put the proposal to him. The prince replied, \u201cWho else, sirs, in my realm ought to prosper if not you? If I gain kingship, I will share it with you all.\u201d In due course King Disampati passed away. At his passing, the king-makers anointed Prince Re\u1e47u as king. But after being anointed, King Re\u1e47u amused himself, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation. Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats and said, \u201cKing Disampati has passed away. But after being anointed, King Re\u1e47u amused himself, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation. Who knows the intoxicating power of sensual pleasures? Come, sirs, go to King Re\u1e47u and say, \u2018Worthy sir, King Disampati has passed away, and you have been anointed as king. Do you remember what you said?\u2019\u201d \u201cYes, worthy sir,\u201d replied the six aristocrats. They went to King Re\u1e47u and said, \u201cWorthy sir, King Disampati has passed away, and you have been anointed as king. Do you remember what you said?\u201d \u201cI remember, sirs. Who is able to neatly divide into seven equal parts this great land, so broad in the north and narrow as the front of a cart in the south?\u201d \u201cWho else, sir, if not the Great Steward?\u201d So King Re\u1e47u addressed one of his men, \u201cPlease, my man, go to the brahmin Great Steward and say that King Re\u1e47u summons him.\u201d \u201cYes, Your Majesty,\u201d replied that man, and did as he was asked. Then the Great Steward went to the king and exchanged greetings with him. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side, and the king said to him, \u201cCome, let the good Steward neatly divide into seven equal parts this great land, so broad in the north and narrow as the front of a cart in the south.\u201d \u201cYes, worthy sir,\u201d replied the Great Steward, and did as he was asked. All were arranged like the fronts of carts, and right in the middle was King Re\u1e47u\u2019s nation. Dantapura for the Kali\u1e45gas; Potana for the Assakas; M\u0101hissat\u012b for the Avantis; Roruka for the Sov\u012bras; Mithil\u0101 for the Videhas; Camp\u0101 was laid out for the A\u1e45gas; and Varanasi for the K\u0101sis: these were laid out by the Steward. Then those six aristocrats were delighted with their respective gains, having achieved all they wished for, \u201cWe have received exactly what we wanted, what we wished for, what we desired, what we yearned for.\u201d Sattabh\u016b and Brahmadatta, Vessabh\u016b and Bharata, Re\u1e47u and the two Dhatara\u1e6d\u1e6dhas: these were the seven Bh\u0101ratas. The first recitation section is complete. 6.2. A Good Reputation Then the six aristocrats approached the Great Steward and said, \u201cSteward, just as you are King Re\u1e47u\u2019s friend, dear, beloved, and cherished, you are also our friend. Would you manage our affairs? Please don\u2019t turn us down!\u201d \u201cYes, worthy sirs,\u201d replied the Great Steward. Then the Great Steward managed the realms of the seven kings. And he taught seven well-to-do brahmins, and seven hundred bathed initiates to recite the hymns. After some time he got this good reputation, \u201cThe Great Steward sees the Divinity in person! The Great Steward discusses, converses, and consults with the Divinity in person!\u201d The Great Steward thought, \u201cI have the reputation of seeing the Divinity in person, and discussing with him in person. But I don\u2019t. I have heard that brahmins of the past who were elderly and senior, the tutors of tutors, said: \u2018Whoever goes on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practices the absorption on compassion sees the Divinity and discusses with him.\u2019 Why don\u2019t I do that?\u201d So the Great Steward went to King Re\u1e47u and told him of the situation, saying, \u201cSir, I wish to go on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practice the absorption on compassion. No one should approach me, except the one who serves my meal.\u201d \u201cPlease do so, Steward, at your convenience.\u201d Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats to put the same proposal, and received the same reply. He also went to the seven well-to-do brahmins and seven hundred bathed initiates and put to them the same proposal, adding, \u201cSirs, rehearse the hymns in detail as you have learned and memorized them, and teach each other how to recite.\u201d And they too said, \u201cPlease do so, Steward, at your convenience.\u201d Then the Great Steward went to his forty equal wives to put the same proposal to them, and received the same reply. Then the Great Steward had a new ceremonial hall built to the east of his citadel, where he went on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practiced the absorption on compassion. And no one approached him except the one who served his meals. But then, when the four months had passed, the Great Steward became dissatisfied and anxious, \u201cI have heard that brahmins of the past said that whoever goes on retreat for the four months of the rainy season and practices the absorption on compassion sees the Divinity and discusses with him. But I neither see the Divinity nor discuss with him.\u201d 6.3. A Discussion With the Divinity And then the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra, knowing the Great Steward\u2019s train of thought, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, vanished from the realm of divinity and reappeared in the Great Steward\u2019s presence. At that, the Great Steward became frightened, scared, his hair standing on end, as he had never seen such a sight before. So he addressed the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra in verse: \u201cWho might you be, sir, so beautiful, glorious, majestic? Not knowing, I ask\u2014 how am I to know who you are?\u201d \u201cIn the realm of divinity they know me as \u2018The Eternal Youth\u2019. All the gods know me thus, and so you should know me, Steward.\u201d \u201cA Divinity deserves a seat and water, foot-salve, and sweet cakes. Sir, I ask you to please accept these gifts of hospitality.\u201d \u201cI accept the gifts of hospitality of which you speak. I grant you the opportunity to ask whatever you desire\u2014 about welfare and benefit in this life, or happiness in lives to come.\u201d Then the Great Steward thought, \u201cthe divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra has granted me an opportunity. Should I ask him about what is beneficial for this life or lives to come?\u201d Then he thought, \u201cI\u2019m skilled in what is beneficial for this life, and others even ask me about it. Why don\u2019t I ask the Divinity about the benefit that specifically applies to lives to come?\u201d So he addressed the divinity Sana\u1e45kum\u0101ra in verse: \u201cI\u2019m in doubt, so I ask the Divinity\u2014<j>who is free of doubt\u2014 about things one may learn from another. Standing on what, training in what may a mortal reach the deathless realm of divinity?\u201d \u201cHe among mankind, O brahmin, <j>has given up possessiveness, at one, compassionate, free of putrefaction, and refraining from sex. Standing on that, training in that a mortal may reach the deathless realm of divinity.\u201d \u201cSir, I understand what \u2018giving up possessiveness\u2019 means. It\u2019s when someone gives up a large or small fortune, and a large or small family circle. They shave off hair and beard, dress in ocher robes, and go forth from the lay life to homelessness. That\u2019s how I understand \u2018giving up possessiveness\u2019. Sir, I understand what \u2018at one\u2019 means. It\u2019s when someone frequents a secluded lodging\u2014a wilderness, the root of a tree, a hill, a ravine, a mountain cave, a charnel ground, a forest, the open air, a heap of straw. That\u2019s how I understand \u2018at one\u2019. Sir, I understand what \u2018compassionate\u2019 means. It\u2019s when someone meditates spreading a heart full of compassion to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, they spread a heart full of compassion to the whole world\u2014abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. That\u2019s how I understand \u2018compassionate\u2019. But I don\u2019t understand what you say about putrefaction. What among mankind, O the Divinity, is putrefaction? I don\u2019t understand, so tell me, attentive one: wrapped in what do people stink, headed for hell, shut out of the realm of divinity?\u201d \u201cAnger, lies, cheating, and treachery, miserliness, vanity, jealousy, desire, stinginess, harassing others, greed, hate, vanity, and delusion\u2014 those bound to such things <j>are not devoid of putrefaction; they\u2019re headed for hell, <j>shut out of the realm of divinity.\u201d \u201cAs I understand what you say about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness!\u201d \u201cPlease do so, Steward, at your convenience.\u201d 6.4. Informing King Re\u1e47u So the Great Steward went to King Re\u1e47u and said, \u201cWorthy sir, please now find another high priest to manage the affairs of state for you. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness. I announce to King Re\u1e47u, the lord of the land: you must learn how to rule, for I no longer care for my ministry.\u201d \u201cIf you\u2019re lacking any pleasures, I\u2019ll supply them for you. I\u2019ll protect you from any harm, for I command the nation\u2019s army. You are my father, I am your son! O Steward, please don\u2019t leave!\u201d \u201cI\u2019m lacking no pleasures, and no one is harming me. I\u2019ve heard a non-human voice, so I no longer care for lay life.\u201d \u201cWhat was that non-human like? What did he say to you, hearing which you would abandon our house and all our people?\u201d \u201cBefore entering this retreat, I only liked to sacrifice. I kindled the sacred flame, strewn about with kusa grass. But then the Divinity the Eternal Youth appeared to me from the realm of divinity. He answered my question, hearing which I no longer care for lay life.\u201d \u201cI have faith, O Steward, in that of which you speak. Having heard a non-human voice, what else could you do? We will follow your example, Steward, be my Teacher! Like a gem of beryl\u2014 flawless, immaculate, beautiful\u2014 that\u2019s how pure we shall live, in the Steward\u2019s dispensation. If the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d 6.5. Informing the Six Aristocrats Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats and said, \u201cGood fellows, please now find another high priest to manage the affairs of state for you. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness!\u201d Then the six aristocrats withdrew to one side and thought up a plan, \u201cThese brahmins are greedy for wealth. Why don\u2019t we bestow him with wealth?\u201d They returned to the Great Steward and said, \u201cIn these seven kingdoms there is abundant wealth. We\u2019ll get you as much as you want.\u201d \u201cEnough, sirs. I already have abundant wealth, owing to my lords. Giving up all that, I shall go forth.\u201d Then the six aristocrats withdrew to one side and thought up a plan, \u201cThese brahmins are greedy for women. Why don\u2019t we bestow him with women?\u201d They returned to the Great Steward and said, \u201cIn these seven kingdoms there are many women. We\u2019ll get you as many as you want.\u201d \u201cEnough, sirs. I already have forty equal wives. Giving up all them, I shall go forth.\u201d \u201cIf the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d \u201cIf you all give up sensual pleasures, to which ordinary people are attached, exert yourselves, being strong, and possessing the power of patience. This path is the straight path, this path is supreme. Guarded by the good, the true teaching leads to rebirth in the realm of divinity.\u201d \u201cWell then, sir, please wait for seven years. When seven years have passed, we shall go forth with you. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d \u201cSeven years is too long, sirs. I cannot wait that long. Who knows what will happen to the living? We are headed for lives to come. We must be thoughtful and wake up! We must do what\u2019s good and lead the spiritual life, for no one born can escape death. I shall go forth.\u201d \u201cWell then, sir, please wait for six years, five years, four years, three years, two years, one year, seven months, six months, five months, four months, three months, two months, one month, or even a fortnight. When a fortnight has passed, we shall go forth. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d \u201cA fortnight is too long, sirs. I cannot wait that long. Who knows what will happen to the living? We are headed for lives to come. We must be thoughtful and wake up! We must do what\u2019s good and lead the spiritual life, for no one born can escape death. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.\u201d \u201cWell then, sir, please wait for a week, so that we can instruct our sons and brothers in kingship. When a week has passed, we shall go forth. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d \u201cA week is not too long, sirs. I will wait that long.\u201d 6.6. Informing the Brahmins Then the Great Steward also went to the seven well-to-do brahmins and seven hundred bathed initiates and said, \u201cGood fellows, please now find another tutor to teach you to recite the hymns. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.\u201d \u201cPlease don\u2019t go forth from the lay life to homelessness! The life of one gone forth is of little influence or profit, whereas the life of a brahmin is of great influence and profit.\u201d \u201cPlease, good fellows, don\u2019t say that. Who has greater influence and profit than myself? For now I am like a king to kings, like the Divinity to brahmins, like a deity to householders. Giving up all that, I shall go forth. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.\u201d \u201cIf the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d 6.7. Informing the Wives Then the Great Steward went to his forty equal wives and said, \u201cLadies, please do whatever you wish, whether returning to your own families, or finding another husband. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what the Divinity says about putrefaction, it\u2019s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.\u201d \u201cYou are the only family we want! You are the only husband we want! If you are going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.\u201d 6.8. The Great Steward Goes Forth When a week had passed, the Great Steward shaved off his hair and beard, dressed in ocher robes, and went forth from the lay life to homelessness. And when he had gone forth, the seven anointed aristocrat kings, the seven brahmins with seven hundred initiates, the forty equal wives, and many thousands of aristocrats, brahmins, householders, and many harem women shaved off their hair and beards, dressed in ocher robes, and went forth from the lay life to homelessness. Escorted by that assembly, the Great Steward wandered on tour among the villages, towns, and capital cities. And at that time, whenever he arrived at a village or town, he was like a king to kings, like the Divinity to brahmins, like a deity to householders. And whenever people sneezed or tripped over they\u2019d say: \u201cHomage to the Great Steward! Homage to the high priest for the seven!\u201d And the Great Steward meditated spreading a heart full of love to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, he spread a heart full of love to the whole world\u2014abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. He meditated spreading a heart full of compassion \u2026 rejoicing \u2026 equanimity to one direction, and to the second, and to the third, and to the fourth. In the same way above, below, across, everywhere, all around, he spread a heart full of equanimity to the whole world\u2014abundant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. And he taught his disciples the path to rebirth in the company of Divinity. Those of his disciples who completely understood the Great Steward\u2019s instructions, at the breaking up of the body, after death, were reborn in the realm of divinity. Of those disciples who only partly understood the Great Steward\u2019s instructions, some were reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others, while some were reborn in the company of the gods who love to create, or the joyful gods, or the gods of Yama, or the gods of the thirty-three, or the gods of the four great kings. And at the very least they swelled the hosts of the centaurs. And so the going forth of all those gentlemen was not in vain, was not barren, but was fruitful and fertile.\u2019 Do you remember this, Blessed One?\u201d \u201cI remember, Pa\u00f1casikha. I myself was the brahmin Great Steward at that time. And I taught those disciples the path to rebirth in the company of Divinity. But that spiritual path of mine doesn\u2019t lead to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment. It only leads as far as rebirth in the realm of divinity. But this spiritual path does lead to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment. And what is the spiritual path that leads to extinguishment? It is simply this noble eightfold path, that is: right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion. This is the spiritual path that leads to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment. Those of my disciples who completely understand my instructions realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And they live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements. Of those disciples who only partly understand my instructions, some, with the ending of the five lower fetters, become reborn spontaneously. They are extinguished there, and are not liable to return from that world. Some, with the ending of three fetters, and the weakening of greed, hate, and delusion, become once-returners. They come back to this world once only, then make an end of suffering. And some, with the ending of three fetters, become stream-enterers, not liable to be reborn in the underworld, assured, destined for awakening. And so the going forth of all those gentlemen was not in vain, was not barren, but was fruitful and fertile.\u201d That is what the Buddha said. Delighted, the centaur Pa\u00f1casikha approved and agreed with what the Buddha said. He bowed and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before vanishing right there.","title":"The Great Steward","tradition":"Digha Nikaya","translated_text":null,"word_count":5553}