Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).
Evaṁ me sutaṁ—
So I have heard.
ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā icchānaṅgale viharati icchānaṅgalavanasaṇḍe.
At one time the Buddha was staying in a forest near Icchānaṅgala.
Tena kho pana samayena sambahulā abhiññātā abhiññātā brāhmaṇamahāsālā icchānaṅgale paṭivasanti, seyyathidaṁ—
Now at that time several very well-known well-to-do brahmins were residing in Icchānaṅgala. They included
caṅkī brāhmaṇo, tārukkho brāhmaṇo, pokkharasāti brāhmaṇo, jāṇussoṇi brāhmaṇo, todeyyo brāhmaṇo, aññe ca abhiññātā abhiññātā brāhmaṇamahāsālā.
the brahmins Caṅkī, Tārukkha, Pokkharasāti, Jānussoṇi, Todeyya, and others.
Atha kho vāseṭṭhabhāradvājānaṁ māṇavānaṁ jaṅghāvihāraṁ anucaṅkamantānaṁ anuvicarantānaṁ ayamantarākathā udapādi:
Then as the students Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja were going for a walk they began to discuss the question:
“kathaṁ, bho, brāhmaṇo hotī”ti?
“How do you become a brahmin?”
Bhāradvājo māṇavo evamāha:
Bhāradvāja said this:
“yato kho, bho, ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena—
“When you’re well born on both your mother’s and father’s side, stemming from a clean vessel, with irrefutable and impeccable genealogy back to the seventh paternal generation—
ettāvatā kho, bho, brāhmaṇo hotī”ti.
then you’re a brahmin.”
Vāseṭṭho māṇavo evamāha:
Vāseṭṭha said this:
“yato kho, bho, sīlavā ca hoti vattasampanno ca—
“When you’re ethical and accomplished in doing your duties—
ettāvatā kho, bho, brāhmaṇo hotī”ti.
then you’re a brahmin.”
Neva kho asakkhi bhāradvājo māṇavo vāseṭṭhaṁ māṇavaṁ saññāpetuṁ, na pana asakkhi vāseṭṭho māṇavo bhāradvājaṁ māṇavaṁ saññāpetuṁ.
But neither was able to persuade the other.
Atha kho vāseṭṭho māṇavo bhāradvājaṁ māṇavaṁ āmantesi:
So Vāseṭṭha said to Bhāradvāja,
“ayaṁ kho, bho bhāradvāja, samaṇo gotamo sakyaputto sakyakulā pabbajito icchānaṅgale viharati icchānaṅgalavanasaṇḍe.
“Worthy Bhāradvāja, the ascetic Gotama—a Sakyan, gone forth from a Sakyan family—is staying in a forest near Icchānaṅgala.
Taṁ kho pana bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato:
He has this good reputation:
‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti.
‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’
Āyāma, bho bhāradvāja, yena samaṇo gotamo tenupasaṅkamissāma; upasaṅkamitvā samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ etamatthaṁ pucchissāma.
Come, let’s go to see him and ask him about this matter.
Yathā no samaṇo gotamo byākarissati tathā naṁ dhāressāmā”ti.
As he answers, so we’ll remember it.”
“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho bhāradvājo māṇavo vāseṭṭhassa māṇavassa paccassosi.
“Yes, worthy sir,” replied Bhāradvāja.
Atha kho vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā māṇavā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodiṁsu.
So they went to the Buddha and exchanged greetings with him.
Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu.
When the greetings and polite conversation were over, they sat down to one side,
Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho vāseṭṭho māṇavo bhagavantaṁ gāthāhi ajjhabhāsi:
and Vāseṭṭha addressed the Buddha in verse:
“Anuññātapaṭiññātā,
“We’re both authorized masters
tevijjā mayamasmubho;
of the three Vedas.
Ahaṁ pokkharasātissa,
I’m a student of Pokkharasāti,
tārukkhassāyaṁ māṇavo.
and he of Tārukkha.
Tevijjānaṁ yadakkhātaṁ,
We’re fully qualified
tatra kevalinosmase;
in all the Vedic experts teach.
Padakasmā veyyākaraṇā,
As philologists and grammarians,
jappe ācariyasādisā;
we match our tutors in recitation.
Tesaṁ no jātivādasmiṁ,
We have a dispute
vivādo atthi gotama.
regarding genealogy.
Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti,
For Bhāradvāja says that
bhāradvājo iti bhāsati;
one is a brahmin due to birth,
Ahañca kammunā brūmi,
but I declare it’s because of one’s deeds.
evaṁ jānāhi cakkhuma.
Oh Clear-eyed One, know this as our debate.
Te na sakkoma ñāpetuṁ,
Since neither of us was able
aññamaññaṁ mayaṁ ubho;
to convince the other,
Bhavantaṁ puṭṭhumāgamā,
we’ve come to ask you, sir,
sambuddhaṁ iti vissutaṁ.
renowned as the awakened one.
Candaṁ yathā khayātītaṁ,
As people honor with cupped palms
pecca pañjalikā janā;
the moon on the cusp of waxing,
Vandamānā namassanti,
bowing, they revere
lokasmiṁ gotamaṁ.
Gotama in the world.
Cakkhuṁ loke samuppannaṁ,
We ask this of Gotama,
mayaṁ pucchāma gotamaṁ;
the Eye arisen in the world:
Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti,
is one a brahmin due to birth,
udāhu bhavati kammunā;
or else because of deeds?
Ajānataṁ no pabrūhi,
We don’t know, please tell us,
yathā jānemu brāhmaṇan”ti.
so we can recognize a brahmin.”
“Tesaṁ vo ahaṁ byakkhissaṁ,
“I shall explain to you,”
(vāseṭṭhāti bhagavā)
said the Buddha,
Anupubbaṁ yathātathaṁ;
“accurately and in sequence,
Jātivibhaṅgaṁ pāṇānaṁ,
the taxonomy of living creatures,
Aññamaññāhi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Tiṇarukkhepi jānātha,
Know the grass and trees,
na cāpi paṭijānare;
though they lack self-awareness.
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
They’re defined by birth,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Tato kīṭe paṭaṅge ca,
Next there are bugs that crawl or fly,
yāva kunthakipillike;
and so on, to ants and termites.
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
They’re defined by birth,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Catuppadepi jānātha,
Know the quadrupeds, too,
khuddake ca mahallake;
both small and large.
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
They’re defined by birth,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Pādudarepi jānātha,
Know, too, the long-backed snakes,
urage dīghapiṭṭhike;
crawling on their bellies.
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
They’re defined by birth,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Tato macchepi jānātha,
Next know the fish,
udake vārigocare;
whose range is the water.
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
They’re defined by birth,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Tato pakkhīpi jānātha,
Next know the birds,
pattayāne vihaṅgame;
winged chariots in flight.
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
They’re defined by birth,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
for species are indeed diverse.
Yathā etāsu jātīsu,
While the differences between these species
liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu;
are defined by birth,
Evaṁ natthi manussesu,
the differences between humans
liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu.
are not defined by birth.
Na kesehi na sīsehi,
Not by hair nor by head,
na kaṇṇehi na akkhīhi;
not by ear nor by eye,
Na mukhena na nāsāya,
not by mouth nor by nose,
na oṭṭhehi bhamūhi vā.
not by lips nor by eyebrow,
Na gīvāya na aṁsehi,
not by shoulder nor by neck,
na udarena na piṭṭhiyā;
not by belly nor by back,
Na soṇiyā na urasā,
not by buttocks nor by breast,
na sambādhe na methune.
not by groin nor by genitals,
Na hatthehi na pādehi,
not by hands nor by feet,
naṅgulīhi nakhehi vā;
not by fingers nor by nails,
Na jaṅghāhi na ūrūhi,
not by knees nor by thighs,
na vaṇṇena sarena vā;
not by color nor by voice:
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ neva,
none of these are defined by birth
yathā aññāsu jātisu.
as it is for other species.
Paccattañca sarīresu,
In specific human bodies
manussesvetaṁ na vijjati;
you can’t find such distinctions.
Vokārañca manussesu,
The distinctions among humans
samaññāya pavuccati.
are spoken of by convention.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
gorakkhaṁ upajīvati;
who lives off keeping cattle:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
kassako so na brāhmaṇo.
as a farmer, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
puthusippena jīvati;
who lives off various professions:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
sippiko so na brāhmaṇo.
as a professional, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
vohāraṁ upajīvati;
who lives off trade:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
vāṇijo so na brāhmaṇo.
as a trader, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
parapessena jīvati;
who lives off serving others:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
pessako so na brāhmaṇo.
as a servant, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
adinnaṁ upajīvati;
who lives off stealing:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
coro eso na brāhmaṇo.
as a bandit, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
issatthaṁ upajīvati;
who lives off archery:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
yodhājīvo na brāhmaṇo.
as a warrior, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
porohiccena jīvati;
who lives off priesthood:
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
yājako so na brāhmaṇo.
as a sacrificer, not a brahmin.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
Anyone among humans
gāmaṁ raṭṭhañca bhuñjati;
who taxes village and nation,
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
rājā eso na brāhmaṇo.
as a ruler, not a brahmin.
Na cāhaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ brūmi,
I don’t call someone a brahmin
yonijaṁ mattisambhavaṁ;
after the mother’s womb they’re born from.
Bhovādi nāma so hoti,
If they still have attachments,
sace hoti sakiñcano;
they’re just someone who says ‘worthy’.
Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ,
Having nothing, taking nothing:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Sabbasaṁyojanaṁ chetvā,
Having cut off all fetters
yo ve na paritassati;
they have no anxiety;
Saṅgātigaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ,
they’ve slipped their chains and are detached:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Chetvā naddhiṁ varattañca,
They’ve cut the strap and harness,
sandānaṁ sahanukkamaṁ;
the halter and bridle too;
Ukkhittapalighaṁ buddhaṁ,
with cross-bar lifted, they’re awakened:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Akkosaṁ vadhabandhañca,
Abuse, killing, caging:
aduṭṭho yo titikkhati;
they endure these without anger.
Khantībalaṁ balānīkaṁ,
Patience is their powerful army:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Akkodhanaṁ vatavantaṁ,
Not irritable or pretentious,
sīlavantaṁ anussadaṁ;
dutiful in precepts and observances,
Dantaṁ antimasārīraṁ,
tamed, bearing their final body:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Vāripokkharapatteva,
Like rain off a lotus leaf,
āraggeriva sāsapo;
like a mustard seed off the point of a pin,
Yo na limpati kāmesu,
sensual pleasures slip off them:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yo dukkhassa pajānāti,
They understand for themselves
idheva khayamattano;
the end of suffering in this life;
Pannabhāraṁ visaṁyuttaṁ,
with burden put down, detached:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Gambhīrapaññaṁ medhāviṁ,
Deep in wisdom, intelligent,
maggāmaggassa kovidaṁ;
expert in what is the path and what is not the path;
Uttamatthamanuppattaṁ,
arrived at the highest goal:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Asaṁsaṭṭhaṁ gahaṭṭhehi,
Mixing with neither
anāgārehi cūbhayaṁ;
householders nor the homeless;
Anokasārimappicchaṁ,
a migrant with no bastion, few in wishes:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Nidhāya daṇḍaṁ bhūtesu,
They’ve laid aside violence
tasesu thāvaresu ca;
against creatures firm and frail;
Yo na hanti na ghāteti,
not killing or making others kill:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Aviruddhaṁ viruddhesu,
Not fighting among those who fight,
attadaṇḍesu nibbutaṁ;
quenched among those who have taken up arms,
Sādānesu anādānaṁ,
not grasping among those who grasp:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yassa rāgo ca doso ca,
They’ve discarded greed and hate,
māno makkho ca ohito;
along with conceit and contempt,
Sāsaporiva āraggā,
like a mustard seed off the point of a pin:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Akakkasaṁ viññāpaniṁ,
The words they utter
giraṁ saccaṁ udīraye;
are polished, informative, and true,
Yāya nābhisajje kiñci,
and don’t offend anyone:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yo ca dīghaṁ va rassaṁ vā,
They don’t steal anything in the world,
aṇuṁ thūlaṁ subhāsubhaṁ;
long or short,
Loke adinnaṁ nādeti,
fine or coarse, beautiful or ugly:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Āsā yassa na vijjanti,
They have no hope
asmiṁ loke paramhi ca;
for this world or the next;
Nirāsāsaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ,
with no need for hope, detached:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yassālayā na vijjanti,
They have no clinging,
aññāya akathaṅkathiṁ;
knowledge has freed them of indecision,
Amatogadhaṁ anuppattaṁ,
they’ve arrived at the objective of freedom from death:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yodhapuññañca pāpañca,
They’ve escaped the snare
ubho saṅgaṁ upaccagā;
of both good and bad deeds;
Asokaṁ virajaṁ suddhaṁ,
sorrowless, stainless, pure:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Candaṁ va vimalaṁ suddhaṁ,
Pure as the spotless moon,
vippasannaṁ anāvilaṁ;
clear and undisturbed,
Nandībhavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
they’ve ended relish for rebirth:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yo imaṁ palipathaṁ duggaṁ,
They’ve got past this grueling swamp
saṁsāraṁ mohamaccagā;
of delusion, transmigration.
Tiṇṇo pāraṅgato jhāyī,
Meditating in stillness, free of indecision,
anejo akathaṅkathī;
they have crossed over to the far shore.
Anupādāya nibbuto,
They’re quenched by not grasping:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yodhakāme pahantvāna,
They’ve given up sensual stimulations,
anāgāro paribbaje;
and have gone forth from lay life;
Kāmabhavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
they’ve ended rebirth in the sensual realm:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yodhataṇhaṁ pahantvāna,
They’ve given up craving,
anāgāro paribbaje;
and have gone forth from lay life;
Taṇhābhavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
they’ve ended craving to be reborn:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Hitvā mānusakaṁ yogaṁ,
They’ve thrown off the human yoke,
dibbaṁ yogaṁ upaccagā;
and slipped out of the heavenly yoke;
Sabbayogavisaṁyuttaṁ,
unyoked from all yokes:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Hitvā ratiñca aratiṁ,
Giving up desire and discontent,
sītībhūtaṁ nirūpadhiṁ;
they’re cooled and free of attachments;
Sabbalokābhibhuṁ vīraṁ,
a hero, master of the whole world:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Cutiṁ yo vedi sattānaṁ,
They know the passing away
upapattiñca sabbaso;
and rebirth of all beings;
Asattaṁ sugataṁ buddhaṁ,
unattached, holy, awakened:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yassa gatiṁ na jānanti,
Gods, centaurs, and humans
devā gandhabbamānusā;
don’t know their destiny;
Khīṇāsavaṁ arahantaṁ,
the perfected ones with defilements ended:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Yassa pure ca pacchā ca,
They have nothing before or after,
majjhe ca natthi kiñcanaṁ;
or even in between.
Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ,
Having nothing, taking nothing:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Usabhaṁ pavaraṁ vīraṁ,
Captain of the herd, excellent hero,
mahesiṁ vijitāvinaṁ;
great seer and victor;
Anejaṁ nhātakaṁ buddhaṁ,
unstirred, washed, awakened:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Pubbenivāsaṁ yo vedi,
They who know their past lives,
saggāpāyañca passati;
see heaven and places of loss,
Atho jātikkhayaṁ patto,
and have attained the end of rebirth:
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Samaññā hesā lokasmiṁ,
For name and clan are formulated
nāmagottaṁ pakappitaṁ;
as mere convention in the world.
Sammuccā samudāgataṁ,
Produced by mutual agreement,
tattha tattha pakappitaṁ.
they’re formulated in each case.
Dīgharattānusayitaṁ,
For a long time this misconception
diṭṭhigatamajānataṁ;
has prejudiced those who don’t understand.
Ajānantā no pabrunti,
Ignorant, they declare
jātiyā hoti brāhmaṇo.
that one is a brahmin by birth.
Na jaccā brāhmaṇo hoti,
You’re not a brahmin by birth,
na jaccā hoti abrāhmaṇo;
nor by birth a non-brahmin.
Kammunā brāhmaṇo hoti,
You’re a brahmin by your deeds,
kammunā hoti abrāhmaṇo.
and by deeds a non-brahmin.
Kassako kammunā hoti,
You’re a farmer by your deeds,
sippiko hoti kammunā;
by deeds you’re a professional;
Vāṇijo kammunā hoti,
you’re a trader by your deeds,
pessako hoti kammunā.
by deeds are you a servant;
Coropi kammunā hoti,
you’re a bandit by your deeds,
yodhājīvopi kammunā;
by deeds you’re a warrior;
Yājako kammunā hoti,
you’re a sacrificer by your deeds,
rājāpi hoti kammunā.
by deeds you’re a ruler.
Evametaṁ yathābhūtaṁ,
In this way the astute regard deeds
kammaṁ passanti paṇḍitā;
in accord with truth.
Paṭiccasamuppādadassā,
Seeing dependent origination,
kammavipākakovidā.
they’re expert in deeds and their results.
Kammunā vattati loko,
Deeds make the world go on,
kammunā vattati pajā;
deeds make people go on;
Kammanibandhanā sattā,
sentient beings are bound by deeds,
rathassāṇīva yāyato.
like a moving chariot’s linchpin.
Tapena brahmacariyena,
By fervor and spiritual practice,
saṁyamena damena ca;
by restraint and by self-control:
Etena brāhmaṇo hoti,
that’s how to become a brahmin,
etaṁ brāhmaṇamuttamaṁ.
this is the supreme brahmin.
Tīhi vijjāhi sampanno,
Accomplished in the three knowledges,
santo khīṇapunabbhavo;
peaceful, with rebirth ended,
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
brahmā sakko vijānatan”ti.
as the Divinity and Sakka to the wise.”
Evaṁ vutte, vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā māṇavā bhagavantaṁ etadavocuṁ:
When he had spoken, Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja said to him,
“abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama, abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama.
“Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent!
Seyyathāpi, bho gotama, nikkujjitaṁ vā ukkujjeyya, paṭicchannaṁ vā vivareyya, mūḷhassa vā maggaṁ ācikkheyya, andhakāre vā telapajjotaṁ dhāreyya ‘cakkhumanto rūpāni dakkhantī’ti; evamevaṁ bhotā gotamena anekapariyāyena dhammo pakāsito.
As if he were righting the overturned, or revealing the hidden, or pointing out the path to the lost, or lighting a lamp in the dark so people with clear eyes can see what’s there, worthy Gotama has made the teaching clear in many ways.
Ete mayaṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāma dhammañca bhikkhusaṅghañca.
We go for refuge to the worthy Gotama, to the teaching, and to the mendicant Saṅgha.
Upāsake no bhavaṁ gotamo dhāretu ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gate”ti.
From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember us as lay followers who have gone for refuge for life.”
Vāseṭṭhasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.
Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).
So I have heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying in a forest near Icchānaṅgala.
Now at that time several very well-known well-to-do brahmins were residing in Icchānaṅgala. They included
the brahmins Caṅkī, Tārukkha, Pokkharasāti, Jānussoṇi, Todeyya, and others.
Then as the students Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja were going for a walk they began to discuss the question:
“How do you become a brahmin?”
Bhāradvāja said this:
“When you’re well born on both your mother’s and father’s side, stemming from a clean vessel, with irrefutable and impeccable genealogy back to the seventh paternal generation—
then you’re a brahmin.”
Vāseṭṭha said this:
“When you’re ethical and accomplished in doing your duties—
then you’re a brahmin.”
But neither was able to persuade the other.
So Vāseṭṭha said to Bhāradvāja,
“Worthy Bhāradvāja, the ascetic Gotama—a Sakyan, gone forth from a Sakyan family—is staying in a forest near Icchānaṅgala.
He has this good reputation:
‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’
Come, let’s go to see him and ask him about this matter.
As he answers, so we’ll remember it.”
“Yes, worthy sir,” replied Bhāradvāja.
So they went to the Buddha and exchanged greetings with him.
When the greetings and polite conversation were over, they sat down to one side,
and Vāseṭṭha addressed the Buddha in verse:
“We’re both authorized masters
of the three Vedas.
I’m a student of Pokkharasāti,
and he of Tārukkha.
We’re fully qualified
in all the Vedic experts teach.
As philologists and grammarians,
we match our tutors in recitation.
We have a dispute
regarding genealogy.
For Bhāradvāja says that
one is a brahmin due to birth,
but I declare it’s because of one’s deeds.
Oh Clear-eyed One, know this as our debate.
Since neither of us was able
to convince the other,
we’ve come to ask you, sir,
renowned as the awakened one.
As people honor with cupped palms
the moon on the cusp of waxing,
bowing, they revere
Gotama in the world.
We ask this of Gotama,
the Eye arisen in the world:
is one a brahmin due to birth,
or else because of deeds?
We don’t know, please tell us,
so we can recognize a brahmin.”
“I shall explain to you,”
said the Buddha,
“accurately and in sequence,
the taxonomy of living creatures,
for species are indeed diverse.
Know the grass and trees,
though they lack self-awareness.
They’re defined by birth,
for species are indeed diverse.
Next there are bugs that crawl or fly,
and so on, to ants and termites.
They’re defined by birth,
for species are indeed diverse.
Know the quadrupeds, too,
both small and large.
They’re defined by birth,
for species are indeed diverse.
Know, too, the long-backed snakes,
crawling on their bellies.
They’re defined by birth,
for species are indeed diverse.
Next know the fish,
whose range is the water.
They’re defined by birth,
for species are indeed diverse.
Next know the birds,
winged chariots in flight.
They’re defined by birth,
for species are indeed diverse.
While the differences between these species
are defined by birth,
the differences between humans
are not defined by birth.
Not by hair nor by head,
not by ear nor by eye,
not by mouth nor by nose,
not by lips nor by eyebrow,
not by shoulder nor by neck,
not by belly nor by back,
not by buttocks nor by breast,
not by groin nor by genitals,
not by hands nor by feet,
not by fingers nor by nails,
not by knees nor by thighs,
not by color nor by voice:
none of these are defined by birth
as it is for other species.
In specific human bodies
you can’t find such distinctions.
The distinctions among humans
are spoken of by convention.
Anyone among humans
who lives off keeping cattle:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a farmer, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who lives off various professions:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a professional, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who lives off trade:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a trader, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who lives off serving others:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a servant, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who lives off stealing:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a bandit, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who lives off archery:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a warrior, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who lives off priesthood:
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a sacrificer, not a brahmin.
Anyone among humans
who taxes village and nation,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as a ruler, not a brahmin.
I don’t call someone a brahmin
after the mother’s womb they’re born from.
If they still have attachments,
they’re just someone who says ‘worthy’.
Having nothing, taking nothing:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Having cut off all fetters
they have no anxiety;
they’ve slipped their chains and are detached:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve cut the strap and harness,
the halter and bridle too;
with cross-bar lifted, they’re awakened:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Abuse, killing, caging:
they endure these without anger.
Patience is their powerful army:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Not irritable or pretentious,
dutiful in precepts and observances,
tamed, bearing their final body:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Like rain off a lotus leaf,
like a mustard seed off the point of a pin,
sensual pleasures slip off them:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They understand for themselves
the end of suffering in this life;
with burden put down, detached:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Deep in wisdom, intelligent,
expert in what is the path and what is not the path;
arrived at the highest goal:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Mixing with neither
householders nor the homeless;
a migrant with no bastion, few in wishes:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve laid aside violence
against creatures firm and frail;
not killing or making others kill:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Not fighting among those who fight,
quenched among those who have taken up arms,
not grasping among those who grasp:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve discarded greed and hate,
along with conceit and contempt,
like a mustard seed off the point of a pin:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
The words they utter
are polished, informative, and true,
and don’t offend anyone:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They don’t steal anything in the world,
long or short,
fine or coarse, beautiful or ugly:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They have no hope
for this world or the next;
with no need for hope, detached:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They have no clinging,
knowledge has freed them of indecision,
they’ve arrived at the objective of freedom from death:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve escaped the snare
of both good and bad deeds;
sorrowless, stainless, pure:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Pure as the spotless moon,
clear and undisturbed,
they’ve ended relish for rebirth:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve got past this grueling swamp
of delusion, transmigration.
Meditating in stillness, free of indecision,
they have crossed over to the far shore.
They’re quenched by not grasping:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve given up sensual stimulations,
and have gone forth from lay life;
they’ve ended rebirth in the sensual realm:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve given up craving,
and have gone forth from lay life;
they’ve ended craving to be reborn:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They’ve thrown off the human yoke,
and slipped out of the heavenly yoke;
unyoked from all yokes:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Giving up desire and discontent,
they’re cooled and free of attachments;
a hero, master of the whole world:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They know the passing away
and rebirth of all beings;
unattached, holy, awakened:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Gods, centaurs, and humans
don’t know their destiny;
the perfected ones with defilements ended:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They have nothing before or after,
or even in between.
Having nothing, taking nothing:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
Captain of the herd, excellent hero,
great seer and victor;
unstirred, washed, awakened:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
They who know their past lives,
see heaven and places of loss,
and have attained the end of rebirth:
that’s who I declare a brahmin.
For name and clan are formulated
as mere convention in the world.
Produced by mutual agreement,
they’re formulated in each case.
For a long time this misconception
has prejudiced those who don’t understand.
Ignorant, they declare
that one is a brahmin by birth.
You’re not a brahmin by birth,
nor by birth a non-brahmin.
You’re a brahmin by your deeds,
and by deeds a non-brahmin.
You’re a farmer by your deeds,
by deeds you’re a professional;
you’re a trader by your deeds,
by deeds are you a servant;
you’re a bandit by your deeds,
by deeds you’re a warrior;
you’re a sacrificer by your deeds,
by deeds you’re a ruler.
In this way the astute regard deeds
in accord with truth.
Seeing dependent origination,
they’re expert in deeds and their results.
Deeds make the world go on,
deeds make people go on;
sentient beings are bound by deeds,
like a moving chariot’s linchpin.
By fervor and spiritual practice,
by restraint and by self-control:
that’s how to become a brahmin,
this is the supreme brahmin.
Accomplished in the three knowledges,
peaceful, with rebirth ended,
know them, Vāseṭṭha,
as the Divinity and Sakka to the wise.”
When he had spoken, Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja said to him,
“Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent!
As if he were righting the overturned, or revealing the hidden, or pointing out the path to the lost, or lighting a lamp in the dark so people with clear eyes can see what’s there, worthy Gotama has made the teaching clear in many ways.
We go for refuge to the worthy Gotama, to the teaching, and to the mendicant Saṅgha.
From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember us as lay followers who have gone for refuge for life.”
Evaṁ me sutaṁ—
ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā icchānaṅgale viharati icchānaṅgalavanasaṇḍe.
Tena kho pana samayena sambahulā abhiññātā abhiññātā brāhmaṇamahāsālā icchānaṅgale paṭivasanti, seyyathidaṁ—
caṅkī brāhmaṇo, tārukkho brāhmaṇo, pokkharasāti brāhmaṇo, jāṇussoṇi brāhmaṇo, todeyyo brāhmaṇo, aññe ca abhiññātā abhiññātā brāhmaṇamahāsālā.
Atha kho vāseṭṭhabhāradvājānaṁ māṇavānaṁ jaṅghāvihāraṁ anucaṅkamantānaṁ anuvicarantānaṁ ayamantarākathā udapādi:
“kathaṁ, bho, brāhmaṇo hotī”ti?
Bhāradvājo māṇavo evamāha:
“yato kho, bho, ubhato sujāto mātito ca pitito ca saṁsuddhagahaṇiko yāva sattamā pitāmahayugā akkhitto anupakkuṭṭho jātivādena—
ettāvatā kho, bho, brāhmaṇo hotī”ti.
Vāseṭṭho māṇavo evamāha:
“yato kho, bho, sīlavā ca hoti vattasampanno ca—
ettāvatā kho, bho, brāhmaṇo hotī”ti.
Neva kho asakkhi bhāradvājo māṇavo vāseṭṭhaṁ māṇavaṁ saññāpetuṁ, na pana asakkhi vāseṭṭho māṇavo bhāradvājaṁ māṇavaṁ saññāpetuṁ.
Atha kho vāseṭṭho māṇavo bhāradvājaṁ māṇavaṁ āmantesi:
“ayaṁ kho, bho bhāradvāja, samaṇo gotamo sakyaputto sakyakulā pabbajito icchānaṅgale viharati icchānaṅgalavanasaṇḍe.
Taṁ kho pana bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ evaṁ kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggato:
‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti.
Āyāma, bho bhāradvāja, yena samaṇo gotamo tenupasaṅkamissāma; upasaṅkamitvā samaṇaṁ gotamaṁ etamatthaṁ pucchissāma.
Yathā no samaṇo gotamo byākarissati tathā naṁ dhāressāmā”ti.
“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho bhāradvājo māṇavo vāseṭṭhassa māṇavassa paccassosi.
Atha kho vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā māṇavā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodiṁsu.
Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu.
Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho vāseṭṭho māṇavo bhagavantaṁ gāthāhi ajjhabhāsi:
“Anuññātapaṭiññātā,
tevijjā mayamasmubho;
Ahaṁ pokkharasātissa,
tārukkhassāyaṁ māṇavo.
Tevijjānaṁ yadakkhātaṁ,
tatra kevalinosmase;
Padakasmā veyyākaraṇā,
jappe ācariyasādisā;
Tesaṁ no jātivādasmiṁ,
vivādo atthi gotama.
Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti,
bhāradvājo iti bhāsati;
Ahañca kammunā brūmi,
evaṁ jānāhi cakkhuma.
Te na sakkoma ñāpetuṁ,
aññamaññaṁ mayaṁ ubho;
Bhavantaṁ puṭṭhumāgamā,
sambuddhaṁ iti vissutaṁ.
Candaṁ yathā khayātītaṁ,
pecca pañjalikā janā;
Vandamānā namassanti,
lokasmiṁ gotamaṁ.
Cakkhuṁ loke samuppannaṁ,
mayaṁ pucchāma gotamaṁ;
Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti,
udāhu bhavati kammunā;
Ajānataṁ no pabrūhi,
yathā jānemu brāhmaṇan”ti.
“Tesaṁ vo ahaṁ byakkhissaṁ,
(vāseṭṭhāti bhagavā)
Anupubbaṁ yathātathaṁ;
Jātivibhaṅgaṁ pāṇānaṁ,
Aññamaññāhi jātiyo.
Tiṇarukkhepi jānātha,
na cāpi paṭijānare;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
Tato kīṭe paṭaṅge ca,
yāva kunthakipillike;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
Catuppadepi jānātha,
khuddake ca mahallake;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
Pādudarepi jānātha,
urage dīghapiṭṭhike;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
Tato macchepi jānātha,
udake vārigocare;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
Tato pakkhīpi jānātha,
pattayāne vihaṅgame;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ,
aññamaññā hi jātiyo.
Yathā etāsu jātīsu,
liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu;
Evaṁ natthi manussesu,
liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu.
Na kesehi na sīsehi,
na kaṇṇehi na akkhīhi;
Na mukhena na nāsāya,
na oṭṭhehi bhamūhi vā.
Na gīvāya na aṁsehi,
na udarena na piṭṭhiyā;
Na soṇiyā na urasā,
na sambādhe na methune.
Na hatthehi na pādehi,
naṅgulīhi nakhehi vā;
Na jaṅghāhi na ūrūhi,
na vaṇṇena sarena vā;
Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ neva,
yathā aññāsu jātisu.
Paccattañca sarīresu,
manussesvetaṁ na vijjati;
Vokārañca manussesu,
samaññāya pavuccati.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
gorakkhaṁ upajīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
kassako so na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
puthusippena jīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
sippiko so na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
vohāraṁ upajīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
vāṇijo so na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
parapessena jīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
pessako so na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
adinnaṁ upajīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
coro eso na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
issatthaṁ upajīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
yodhājīvo na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
porohiccena jīvati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
yājako so na brāhmaṇo.
Yo hi koci manussesu,
gāmaṁ raṭṭhañca bhuñjati;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
rājā eso na brāhmaṇo.
Na cāhaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ brūmi,
yonijaṁ mattisambhavaṁ;
Bhovādi nāma so hoti,
sace hoti sakiñcano;
Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Sabbasaṁyojanaṁ chetvā,
yo ve na paritassati;
Saṅgātigaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Chetvā naddhiṁ varattañca,
sandānaṁ sahanukkamaṁ;
Ukkhittapalighaṁ buddhaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Akkosaṁ vadhabandhañca,
aduṭṭho yo titikkhati;
Khantībalaṁ balānīkaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Akkodhanaṁ vatavantaṁ,
sīlavantaṁ anussadaṁ;
Dantaṁ antimasārīraṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Vāripokkharapatteva,
āraggeriva sāsapo;
Yo na limpati kāmesu,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yo dukkhassa pajānāti,
idheva khayamattano;
Pannabhāraṁ visaṁyuttaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Gambhīrapaññaṁ medhāviṁ,
maggāmaggassa kovidaṁ;
Uttamatthamanuppattaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Asaṁsaṭṭhaṁ gahaṭṭhehi,
anāgārehi cūbhayaṁ;
Anokasārimappicchaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Nidhāya daṇḍaṁ bhūtesu,
tasesu thāvaresu ca;
Yo na hanti na ghāteti,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Aviruddhaṁ viruddhesu,
attadaṇḍesu nibbutaṁ;
Sādānesu anādānaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yassa rāgo ca doso ca,
māno makkho ca ohito;
Sāsaporiva āraggā,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Akakkasaṁ viññāpaniṁ,
giraṁ saccaṁ udīraye;
Yāya nābhisajje kiñci,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yo ca dīghaṁ va rassaṁ vā,
aṇuṁ thūlaṁ subhāsubhaṁ;
Loke adinnaṁ nādeti,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Āsā yassa na vijjanti,
asmiṁ loke paramhi ca;
Nirāsāsaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yassālayā na vijjanti,
aññāya akathaṅkathiṁ;
Amatogadhaṁ anuppattaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yodhapuññañca pāpañca,
ubho saṅgaṁ upaccagā;
Asokaṁ virajaṁ suddhaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Candaṁ va vimalaṁ suddhaṁ,
vippasannaṁ anāvilaṁ;
Nandībhavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yo imaṁ palipathaṁ duggaṁ,
saṁsāraṁ mohamaccagā;
Tiṇṇo pāraṅgato jhāyī,
anejo akathaṅkathī;
Anupādāya nibbuto,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yodhakāme pahantvāna,
anāgāro paribbaje;
Kāmabhavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yodhataṇhaṁ pahantvāna,
anāgāro paribbaje;
Taṇhābhavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Hitvā mānusakaṁ yogaṁ,
dibbaṁ yogaṁ upaccagā;
Sabbayogavisaṁyuttaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Hitvā ratiñca aratiṁ,
sītībhūtaṁ nirūpadhiṁ;
Sabbalokābhibhuṁ vīraṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Cutiṁ yo vedi sattānaṁ,
upapattiñca sabbaso;
Asattaṁ sugataṁ buddhaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yassa gatiṁ na jānanti,
devā gandhabbamānusā;
Khīṇāsavaṁ arahantaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Yassa pure ca pacchā ca,
majjhe ca natthi kiñcanaṁ;
Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Usabhaṁ pavaraṁ vīraṁ,
mahesiṁ vijitāvinaṁ;
Anejaṁ nhātakaṁ buddhaṁ,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Pubbenivāsaṁ yo vedi,
saggāpāyañca passati;
Atho jātikkhayaṁ patto,
tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.
Samaññā hesā lokasmiṁ,
nāmagottaṁ pakappitaṁ;
Sammuccā samudāgataṁ,
tattha tattha pakappitaṁ.
Dīgharattānusayitaṁ,
diṭṭhigatamajānataṁ;
Ajānantā no pabrunti,
jātiyā hoti brāhmaṇo.
Na jaccā brāhmaṇo hoti,
na jaccā hoti abrāhmaṇo;
Kammunā brāhmaṇo hoti,
kammunā hoti abrāhmaṇo.
Kassako kammunā hoti,
sippiko hoti kammunā;
Vāṇijo kammunā hoti,
pessako hoti kammunā.
Coropi kammunā hoti,
yodhājīvopi kammunā;
Yājako kammunā hoti,
rājāpi hoti kammunā.
Evametaṁ yathābhūtaṁ,
kammaṁ passanti paṇḍitā;
Paṭiccasamuppādadassā,
kammavipākakovidā.
Kammunā vattati loko,
kammunā vattati pajā;
Kammanibandhanā sattā,
rathassāṇīva yāyato.
Tapena brahmacariyena,
saṁyamena damena ca;
Etena brāhmaṇo hoti,
etaṁ brāhmaṇamuttamaṁ.
Tīhi vijjāhi sampanno,
santo khīṇapunabbhavo;
Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi,
brahmā sakko vijānatan”ti.
Evaṁ vutte, vāseṭṭhabhāradvājā māṇavā bhagavantaṁ etadavocuṁ:
“abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama, abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama.
Seyyathāpi, bho gotama, nikkujjitaṁ vā ukkujjeyya, paṭicchannaṁ vā vivareyya, mūḷhassa vā maggaṁ ācikkheyya, andhakāre vā telapajjotaṁ dhāreyya ‘cakkhumanto rūpāni dakkhantī’ti; evamevaṁ bhotā gotamena anekapariyāyena dhammo pakāsito.
Ete mayaṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāma dhammañca bhikkhusaṅghañca.
Upāsake no bhavaṁ gotamo dhāretu ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gate”ti.
Vāseṭṭhasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.