D 1.

3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

3 Ambaṭṭha Sutta
The Ambaṭṭha Discourse | D 30
Theme: Religious arrogance versus spiritual openness
Translated by Piya Tan ©2007
1 Introduction
1.0 THE AMBAṬṬHA SUTTA. The Ambaṭṭha Sutta (D 3)1 has at least two levels of meanings: first, it
is a social comment made by the Buddha against the class system of his times, and second, more import-
antly, it is a prophetic message of sort, that is, Buddhism always needs the Dharma to be alive. This mes-
sage is ever more relevant today as monasticism has reached such an unprecedented level of laicization
and brahminization [5]. If our choice is the spiritual path to self-awakening, then the Ambaṭṭha Sutta is a
vital vehicle to expedite our journey.
The Aṅguttara Commentary, commenting on cārikā (the Buddha‘s teaching tours), refers to the com-
mentary on the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, where a detailed explanation of the term is found.2 Along with such sut-
tas as the Soṇa,daṇḍa Sutta (D 4) and the Kūṭa,danta Sutta (D 5), the Ambaṭṭha Sutta is regarded as one of
the major debates (mahā,vāda) that the Buddha has had with the brahmins.3 The eight kinds of know-
ledges (vijjā) are also detailed therein.4
1.1 SUTTA SUMMARY
1.1.1 Ambaṭṭha sees the Buddha. The Ambaṭṭha Sutta (D 3) is divided into two general sections
according to recital cycle (bhāṇa,vāra): the first, on the Buddha‘s debate with Ambaṭṭha [§§1.1-28], and
the second, on the fruits of recluseship, Ambaṭṭha‘s failures, and Pokkhara,sāti‘s conversion [§§2.1-22].
The sutta opens with Pokkhara,sāti [§1.2.1], hearing that the Buddha is staying in the Icchānaṅgala
forest [§§1.1-2], sends the arrogant brahmin youth (māṇava) Ambaṭṭha to find out if the Buddha really
has the 32 ―marks of the great man‖ (mahā,purisa,lakkhaṇa) [§§1.3-5; 2.2.1].
1.1.2 Ambaṭṭha’s accusations. Ambaṭṭha goes to meet the Buddha [§§1.6-9], but is arrogant towards
him, not showing proper social decorum during the conversation and calling him a ―menial,‖ so that the
Buddha reprimands him [§1.10.1]. Upset, Ambaṭṭha retorts with these accusations:
 that the Sakyas are fierce, harsh, touchy and violent [§§1.10.2-12];
 that the Sakyas were discourteous to Ambaṭṭha when he was in Kapilavatthu [§13];
 that like everyone else, the Sakyas should wait upon the brahmins, who are the highest of four
classes;5 (here is where the Buddha gives the famous parable of the quails) [§§14-15].
The Buddha rejects all these allegations, and recounts the origin of the Sakyas [§1.16.2] and the hum-
ble beginnings of the Kaṇhâyana (Kṛṣṇâyana) clan, to which Ambaṭṭha belongs [§1.16.3]. The Buddha is
not trying to humiliate Ambaṭṭha, but trying to show him that class is not due to birth (not birth alone,
anyway). The other brahmin youths present then protest, reminding the Buddha of Ambaṭṭha‘s brahmini-
cal qualities [§1.17], but interestingly omit mention of his complexion (the reason for which will be
apparent soon). The Buddha then clarifies as to with whom he should be debating so that the discussion is
focussed, and the brahmin youths relent [§1.19].
1.1.3 “Reasonable question.” The Buddha continues to question Ambaṭṭha on his origins, charging
that a ―reasonable question‖ (saha,dhammika pañha)6 has arisen, and if he fails to answer it, his head will
1
The Chin parallels for Ambaṭṭha S are: DĀ20 = T1.82, T20 = T.259. The Tib Tripiṭaka (Beijing ed. Ōtani repr,
Tokyo, 1956): P1030 = P41.143, P1035 = P44.198. The Skt fragments: Jens-Uwe Hartmann, ―Fragmente aus dem
Dīrghâgama der Sarvāstivādins, in ENOMOTO Fumio et al (eds), Sanskrit-Texte aus dem buddhistischen Kanon: Neu-
endeckungen und Neueditionen (= Sanskrit-Wörterbuch der buddhistischen Texte aus den Turfan-Funden, Beiheft
2), Göttingen, 1989: 61-67.
2
AA 2:285 f, ie to DA 1:239-243.
3
MA 3:242.
4
The 8 knowledges are insight knowledge (vipassanā,ñāṇa) [D 2.83], psychic power of the mind-made body
(mano,mayā iddhi) [D 2.85], and the six direct knowledges (cha abhiññā) [D 2,87-2.98] (VA 1:116, 2:495).
5
These 4 were the classes (vaa) of ancient India: generally the kshatriya was a noble; the brahmin, a priest; the
vaisya, a merchant; the shudra (or helot), a menial worker. See Kaaka-t,thala S (M 90), SD 10.8 (6).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

―shatter into seven pieces‖ [§1.20], a common expression, as we shall see [4.1]. Vajira,pāṇī [4.2] appears,
acting as a bailiff, as it were. The terrified Ambaṭṭha cowers behind the Buddha, relents and owns up
everything [§1.21].
1.1.4 Ambaṭṭha humbled. At this new revelation, the other brahmin youths are appalled and con-
demn Ambaṭṭha [§1.22], but the Buddha moderates them, reminding them that the powerful rishi Kaṇha
was Ambaṭṭha‘s ancestor [§§1.23]. Having dealt with Ambaṭṭha personally, the Buddha now goes on to
debate against the brahmins as a class. He asks a series of questions on how to distinguish the class of an
offspring of a kshatriya and a brahmin in various cases of mixed marriage [§§1.24-27]. He concludes his
debate with a quote from the brahma Sanaṅ,kumāra (Skt Sanat,umāra), who, according to Vedic tradition,
is one of the five mind-born sons of Brahmā, on the superiorty of the kshatriya [§1.28]. The first recital
cycle (bhāṇavāra) ends here, for an intermission, as it were.
1.1.5 Knowledge and conduct. In the second half of the sutta (the second recital cycle), the Buddha,
in answer to Ambaṭṭha, begins to explain Sanaṅ,kumāra‘s verse in terms of the fruits of asceticism (sām-
añña,phala), in terms of knowledge and conduct (vijja,caraṇa)7 [§2.1]. This twofold approach is signi-
ficant as the Buddha wishes to impress on Ambaṭṭha‘s mind the importance of both theoretical knowledge
and the trained mind [3.1]. The Buddha expounds the well known sāmañña,phala stock passage on the
threefold training in moral virtue, mental cultivation and wisdom [§2.2], found in the first 13 suttas of the
Dīgha Nikāya.
A full listing and definition of this knowledge and conduct is given in the Sekha Sutta (M 53), which
goes on to define in some detail (including a delightful parable of the hatchlings), 15 qualities of the
learner given in six sets (which are also the Buddha‘s qualities by way of ―conduct,‖ caraṇa),8 and the 3
kinds of knowledges (vijjā).9 The listing in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, however, is shorter, giving only the
following 6 sets on conduct, namely:
(1) Restraint by moral virtue (training in moral virtue) (sīla,saṁvara) [§§2.2.1-D 1.27],
(2) Sense-restraint (indriya,saṁvara) [D 2.64],
(3) Mindfulness and clear knowledge (sati,sampajañña) [D 2.65],
(4) Contentment (santuṭṭhi) [D 2.66],
(5) Abandoning the mental hindrances, ie meditation (samādhi) [D 2.67-75.1], and
(6) The 4 dhyanas (jhāna) [D 2.75.2-82].
And the 7 knowledges, as follows:
Knowledge and vision (insight knowledge) (ñāṇa,dassana)10 [D 2.83-84],
Knowledge of the mind-made body (mano.mayā,kāya,ñāṇa) [D2.85-86],
Psychic powers (iddhi,vidhā) [D 2.89-90],
The divine ear (clairaudience) (dibba,sota) [D 2.91-92],
Mind-reading (ceto,pariya,ñāṇa) [D 2.93-94],
The divine eye (retrocognition) (dibba,cakkhu) [D 2.95-96], and
The knowledge of the destruction of the influxes (āsava-k,khaya,ñāṇa) [D 2.97-98].
It is clear here that while the emphasis in the Sekha Sutta (M 53) lists is on conduct and wisdom, the
Ambaṭṭha Sutta listing is on superhuman knowledges. This is understandable as the audience is Ambaṭṭha
and the brahmin youths, who are not followers of the teaching.
1.1.6 The 4 sources of loss. Then the Buddha gives a special teaching to Ambaṭṭha by way of ―the
four sources of loss‖ (āpaya,mukha) [2.2], charging that the brahmins of the day do not behave as true
brahmins, namely, the ancient rishis [§2.3-5]. Furthermore, although rajah Pasenadi of Kosala is a sup-
porter of Pokkhara,sāti, the rajah does not deal with him directly [§2.6], and in an ironic simile, illustrates

6
D 3,1.21/1.94 f & M 35,14/1:231 respectively. See M:H 1: 285 n2.
7
See Gethin 2001:207 n79.
8
Noted briefly at AA 3:151 and SA 1:217, and more fully at SA 1:219.
9
See M 53/1:353-359, SD 21.14 (2.2-2.3).
10
On ñāṇa,dassana and claims of omniscience, see Jayatilleke 1963:419 (§720).

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

how one‘s birth, or proximity with the rajah, does not make one a rajah (that is, class does not truly arise
from birth).
1.1.7 Invoking history. The Buddha then invokes ancient brahminical history or hagiography, re-
minding those present of how the ancient rishis lived simply and spiritually, unlike the brahmins of the
day [§§2.8-10]. The Buddha then offers Ambaṭṭha an opportunity to clear his spiritual doubts [§2.10.2],
but Ambaṭṭha is too engrossed in investigating whether the Buddha has all the 32 marks of the great man
to respond [§§2.11-12].
Satisfied that he has accomplished his mission, Ambaṭṭha returns to Pokkhara,sāti at the Subhaga,-
vana [1.2], and recounts to him what has transpired [§§2.13-14]. Pokkhara,sāti, shocked, terrified and
angered at Ambaṭṭha‘s insolence towards the Buddha, scolds and kicks him [§2.15]. Pokkhara,sāti then
expresses his desires to meet the Buddha, but is advised on the late hour. In his eagerness, he immediately
gets the meal offering ready, and leaves at dawn [§2.16].
1.1.8 Pokkhara,sāti’s Dharma-eye. On meeting the Buddha, Pokkhara,sāti shows him every court-
esy [§2.17], and on confirming that the Buddha has all the 32 marks [§§2.18-19], invites him for the
morning meal [§2.20]. The Buddha prepares Pokkhara,sāti (and the audience) with a gradual discourse
and the four nohle truths, as a result of which Pokkhara,sāti attains the Dharma-eye [§2.21], and he, along
with his family and retinue, takes refuge in the Three Jewels [§2.22].
1.2 POKKHARA,SĀTI. Pokkhara,sāti was a brahmin of great wealth (mahā,sāla),11 great learning, and
a sign-reader or physiognomist,12 who lived in Ukkaṭṭhā.13 The (Brahma,vihāra) Subha Sutta (M 99)
gives his full name as Pokkhara,sāti (or Pokkhara,sādi) Opamañña Subhaga,vanika, meaning ―Pokkha-
ra,sāti of the Upamañña clan, lord of Subhaga Grove.‖14 His personal name (or nick-name) was Pok-
khara,sāti, or Puśkara,sādi in Sanskrit, meaning ―blue-lotus teacher.‖ ―Opamañña‖ means ―of the Upa-
mañña clan,‖15 which in Sanskrit could be Upamanyu.16 The Divyâvadāna calls him Puśkara,sārī,17 and
relates a story of his daughter, Prakṛti.18

11
Mahā,sāla, lit ―having great halls,‖ an epithet signifying great wealth (D 1:136, 235, 3:16, 20; J 2:272, 4:237,
325, 5:227; Pug 56; VbhA 519; DhA 3:193). This should not be confounded with the village of Mahā,sālā, east of
Kajaṅgalā, which the eastern border of Majjhima,desa crossed (V 1:197; J 1:49, Mahā,sāla).
12
Nemittika, like Jāṇussoṇī (SnA 462; cf KhpA 107).
13
DA 399. Comy says that Upamañña (prob, Skt upamanyu) is his gotra or clan (opamañño’ti upamañña,gotto,
MA 3:337,4), and glosses subhaga,vanika as ―the supreme lord of the Subhaga forest near Ukkaṭṭhā‖ (ukkaṭṭhāya
subhaga,vanassa issaro) (MA 3:447,5). Ukkah (Skt Utkaṭa or Utkaṭā) is a town in Kosala, near the Himlaya.
Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala has given it as brahmadeya (fief) to Pokkharastī, in recognition of his skills. It is well
populated and had much grassland, woodland and corn. The Icch,naṅgala jungle is in the neighbourhood. There is a
road connecting Ukkah with Setavy (A 2:37) and with Vesli (J 3:259). The brahmin youth Chaha travels
from Setavy to Ukkah to learn under Pokkharastī (VvA 229; cf AA 3:75). Ukkah was also the residence of
the monk Aṅganika Bhradvja (ThaA 2:83). Buddhaghosa explains that Ukkhaṭṭhā was so called because it was
built by the light of torches (ukk) at night, so that it might be completed within the auspicious time. Skt sources:
Utkaṭo nāma,droṇa,mukhaṁ (Mvyut 5285); Utkaṭaṁ nāma droṇa,mukhaṁ (Divy 620.12). Droṇa,mukha (found
only of Utkaṭa) means prob = AMg doṇa,muha, ―a city near a port.‖ Tib gloss (of Mvyut 5285) is luṅ paḥi mdaḥ,
―outlet of a valley.‖ Divyvadna calls it Utkūṭ at Divy 319.10. See BHSD: sv Utkaṭa.
14
M 99.10/2:200. Subhaga,vana, a grove in Ukkah belongs to the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti. Once, when the
Buddha is there, he visits the Avih gods (D 2:50) and, again, from there he visits the brahm Baka, recounted in the
Brahma,nimantanika S (M 49/1:326; cf S 1:142, where it is set in the Jetavana at Svatthī). The forest is called
Subhaga (―agreeable‖) because of its beauty. People often go there for pleasure, and, influenced by the pleasant nat-
ure of the surroundings, would plan pleasant things, which will come to pass (MA 1:10). The Subhaga Grove has a
royal sal tree (sāla,rāja), under which the Buddha delivers Mūla,pariyāya S (M 1/1:1-6) & Brahma,nimantanika
S (M 49/1:326-331).
15
MA 3:447; Opamañña is also the name of a god mentioned in Mahā,samaya S (D 20.10/2:258) = Āṭānāṭiya S
(D 32.10/3:204).
16
SED sv: ―striving after, zealous‖ (in the quest for knowledge and wisdom), Ṛgveda 1.102.9.
17
Divy (ed L Vidya, 1959) 319.10-354.5 (passim), but this person does not seem identical to Pokkhara,sāti.
18
Divy (ed L Vidya, 1959) 319.16, 22, 320.10+18.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Since he resided in Subhaga Grove (subhaga,vanika), he was known as its lord (issara).19 He was
also lord of the prosperous and well-populated Ukkaṭṭhā [§1.1.2], which he received as fief or brahma-
deya (brahma,deyya) from rajah Pasenadi of Kosala.20 Owing to his eminence,21 he was present at the
meetings of other eminent brahmins held in Manasākaṭa22 and in Icchā,naṅgala.23
The Commentaries contain lengthy passages24 on Pokkhara,sāti. In the time of Kassapa Buddha, he
was a brahmin, well versed in the three Vedas who, having heard the Dharma and given alms, was reborn
in the deva world. Thereafter, scorning birth in a human womb, in our Buddha‘s time, he was said to have
arisen in a lotus, growing in a pond in Himāva (the Himalayas). An ascetic saw the lotus, adopted the lot-
us boy, and taught him the Vedas. The king, pleased with his great learning, gave him Ukkaṭṭhā as brah-
madeya [§1.1.2].
The name Pokkhara,sāti was given to him owing to his being lotus-born. Pokkhara,sāti had a regal
appearance. His body was of the hue of a white lotus, shining like the silver of a celestial city; his hair
was black, as if made of sapphire; his beard was like the moon-disc lined by black clouds; his eyes like
blue lotuses, and so on.25 The Ambaṭṭha Sutta (D 3) closes, recording that as a result of the Buddha‘s
teaching, Pokkharasāti becomes a streamwinner (D 3,2.21-22/106 f).
Buddhaghosa says that Vāseha26 was Pokkhara,sti‘s chief disciple.27 In the (Brahma,vihāra) Su-
bha Sutta (M 99), Subha Todeyya,putta, another disciple, reports that Pokkhara,sāti believes that it is
impossible for recluses or brahmins to attain superhuman states, excellence in knowledge and vision wor-
thy of the noble ones. This clearly refers to a time before his conversion.28 The same Sutta mentions Puṇ-
ṇikā, a slave girl of Pokkhara,sāti.29 The Vimāna,vatthu mentions another of his disciples, the brahmin
youth Chatta, who was killed while bringing his teacher‘s honorarium.30
1.3 AMBAṬṬHA
1.3.1 The Ambaṭṭha clan. In the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, if Ambaṭṭha is taken as the villain, Pokkhara,sāti
may be regarded as the hero who finally gains the Dharma-eye [§2.21], that is, becomes a streamwinner.31
In fact, more than half the sutta centres around Ambaṭṭha, while his teacher Pokkhara,sāti appears only
near the end, as if by way of a climax [§2.13]. It is Ambaṭṭha, however, who gives his name to the sutta,
and there are good reasons, as we shall soon see [2.1].
According to the Mānava Dharma,śāstra (10.8+47),32 the Ambaṣṭha (Sanskrit cognate of Ambaṭṭha)
clan did not arise from the union of a kshatriya father and a slave mother (presumably a shudra), as stated
in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta [§1.16.3], but from a brahmin father and a vaishya mother (a fact reflected in the
SED definition of Ambaṣṭha).33 This clan name, to which Ambaṭṭha Māṇava belongs, as such, is ancient,
one that had arisen from mixed marriages. The Dictionary of Pali Proper Names says that ―the Kaṇhāya-

19
MA 3:447.
20
Brahma,deyya: see §1.1b n below.
21
DA 2:399.
22
Tevijja S (D 13,2/1:235), SD 1.8.
23
Vāseṭṭha S (Sn p115).
24
DA 1:243-247; MA 3:446 f; SnA 462; VvA 229 f, 234.
25
DA 1:244 f = MA 3:446.
26
Sn 594.
27
D 2:399; SnA 2:463; cf Sn p116.
28
M 99,10/2:200 f; also Caṅkī S (M 95.9/2:167), where ―Pokkhara,sāti and his wife and children‖ are said to
have taken refuge in the Buddha; and also here in Ambaṭṭha S (D 3,2.22/1:110); see also Soṇa,daṇḍa S (D 4,6/-
1:116), Kūṭa,danta S (D 5,7/1:133); Vāseṭṭha S (M 98,5/2:196) = Sn p115.
29
M 99,11/2:201. The Buddha says that Pokkhara,sāti is not a mind-reader, unable to know what is on even in the
slave-girl Puṇṇikā‘s mind, much less know the minds of recluses and brahmins.
30
Vv 53.5.3/79-83; VvA 229-243.
31
Technically, attained to the path of stream-winning (sotāpatti,maggo adhippeto), DA 1:278.
32
See Olivelle 2004.
33
This explanation makes better sense if they were ―conventionally‖ (vohāra,vasena) accepted as brahmins (J 4:-
363, 366), and which explains why the retinue of brahmin youths‘ accept and support Ambaṭṭha (§1.17+19).

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na-gotta was probably one of its chief sections, or, perhaps, the family of its original ancestors‖ (sv Am-
baṭṭha-gotta).
In the Buddha‘s time, the clan is probably considered very aristocratic, at least by its own members,
because they look down upon the Sakyas as ―menials‖ [§1.10.2]. Evidently, the Sakyas do not take this
claim seriously [§§1.12-13]. As demonstrated by the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, the Ambaṭṭhas are not brahmins by
birth [§1.16.3]. Some of them are farmers and traders, and some even sell their daughters for gold.34 Be-
sides the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha, another namesake, called Sūra Ambaṭṭha, is mentioned in the Aṅgut-
tara.35
1.3.2 Ambaṭṭha Māṇava. We know the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha by his clan name, as Ambaṭṭha
Māṇava. The Ambaṭṭha Sutta tells us that he is a resident student (antevāsī) of Pokkhara,sāti, at Ukkaṭṭhā.
He has mastered the mantras, that is, the Three Vedas, and their related branches [§1.3]. Like his teacher,
a physiognomist or sign-reader (nemittika), Ambaṭṭha, too, is also familiar with the 32 signs of the great
man. As such, when the Buddha is staying in the nearby forest, Pokkhara,sāti sends Ambaṭṭha to investi-
gate if the Buddha has all of them [§1.4.3].
In the sutta, Ambaṭṭha appears as a tragic figure, arrogantly priding in his brahminical status, but for-
getting his humble roots. As such, he represents one who is very status-conscious, and takes learning or
academic qualification as a status marker, rather than as just another step in a life-long learning towards
spiritual liberation.
Indeed, Ambaṭṭha, on meeting the Buddha is almost immediately hostile to him, simply because the
Buddha is not a brahmin! [§1.9-10]. From the ensuing conversation, we can surmise that he has had some
bad experience with the Sakyas [§1.12-13], a point which actually confirms that the Sakyas do not take
the Ambaṭṭhas‘ claim to brahminhood seriously [1.3.1].
Apparently, Ambaṭṭha‘s hostility towards the Buddha is deep-rooted, going back to a past life. For, he
appears in the Mahā Ummagga Jātaka (J 546) as Kāvinda, one of the four sages of rajah Vedeha of
Mithila, and Pokkhara,sāti (Ambaṭṭha‘s teacher) is identified as Pukkusa.36 The other two sages of rajah
Vedeha are Devinda (identified with the wanderer Pilotika),37 and Senaka (identified with the nirgantha
Saccaka).38 In the Buddha‘s times, all except Ambaṭṭha become the Buddha‘s disciples.39
Ambaṭṭha comes to see the Buddha, as instructed by his teacher, to ascertain if the Buddha has all the
32 marks of the great man. Aware as he is of the fact that the Buddha is a great and awakened teacher
[§1.4], he shows no interest whatsoever in the Buddha‘s spirituality or in learning the Dharma. He is only
interested in knowing the Buddha‘s external and physical features that qualifies him as a ―great man‖
(māha,purisa). And despite the Buddha‘s willingness to teach him the Dharma [§2.10.2], Ambaṭṭha, hav-
ing completed his set task, immediately leaves [§2.12].
The Ambaṭṭha Sutta account of Ambaṭṭha Māṇava ends rather abruptly by his being ignominiously
kicked by Pokkhara,sāti [§2.15]. Nothing more is heard of him after that. Buddhaghosa, however, notes:
―Whereas before he would, as charioteer, ride the chariot with his teacher, after being deprived of that
status, he went his way on foot before the chariot.‖40 In that case, it is possible that he could have follow-
ed Pokkhara,sāti when he himself meets the Buddha.
Buddhaghosa adds that the Buddha knows that for Ambaṭṭha, ―there is no attaining the path with this
(present) personality,‖41 that is, he thinks that it would be futile for the Buddha to teach him the Dharma.

34
J 4:363. They were called brahmins by convention (vohāra,vasena) (J 4:363, 366).
35
A 1:26, 3:451.
36
J 546/6:329-478, esp J 6:478.
37
Cūḷa Hatthi,padopama S (M 27/1:175-184).
38
Cūḷa Saccaka S (M 35/1:227-237), Mahā Saccaka S (M 36/1:237-251).
39
If we go by the Buddha‘s track record, it is likely that Ambaṭṭha, like Upaka (who is one of the first humans to
meet the newly-awakened Buddha), in due course does become a saint, but apparently we do not have or have lost
any such account.
40
Yañ ca so pubbe ācariyena saddhiṁ rathaṁ āruhitvā sārathi hutvā agamāsi, tam pi’ssa ṭhānaṁ acchinditvā
rathassa purato padasā yev’assa gamanaṁ akāsi (DA 1:277).
41
Iminā atta.bhāvena magga,pātubhāvo n’atthi (DA 1:274).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Ambaṭṭha himself has not freely come to the Buddha, much less to seek the Dharma, but is on an errand
to investigate if the Buddha has all the 32 marks of the great man. According to Buddhaghosa, the Bud-
dha gives him lengthy teachings so that these may be repeated to Pokkhara,sāti.42 However, it is interest-
ing that Buddhaghosa makes this remark after his glosses on ―doubt‖ (kaṅkhā) and ―perplexity‖ (vimati),
that is, after the Buddha has said, ―Anyway, be that as it may, Ambaṭṭha, as regards your doubt or per-
plexity, question me, I will clarify it with an explanation.‖ [§2.10.2]. It is Ambaṭṭha who does not res-
pond, being engrossed in his investigation of the Buddha‘s 32 marks. Clearly, the Buddha would have
taught him the Dharma if he had directed his attention to it.43
1.3.3 The Ambaṭṭha Māṇavas of today. The Ambaṭṭha Sutta records the remarkable Living Word
of the Buddha, highly relevant even today, to warn us against turning Buddhism into a worldly system,
but to keep to its original role of being a spiritual path. An important lesson from the Ambaṭṭha Sutta is
that we should never take Buddhism, or any form of Buddhism, or Buddhist learning (consciously or un-
consciously), as a status marker.44
To regard Buddhism or learning as a status marker is to equate our paper qualification with personal
experience.45 Although the two may overlap as we mature in life, for the most part, they are worlds apart.
Paper qualification is generally for the sake of earning a living and supporting ourselves in a mundane
sense, but religious commitment, or better, spiritual experience, arises from a mature acceptance and
understanding of the Dharma, providing us with insight and compassion that no paper qualification can.
Many mature western Buddhist practitioners, for example, would be perplexed, if not flabbergasted, if
Asian Buddhists were to perceive a white speaker, on account of skin colour, as being a better teacher or
speaker than a non-white, or that someone with a ―Dr‖ title or any kind of academic qualification, is, on
that account alone, qualified to speak on Buddhism!46
Although Gautama Buddha may not physically be with us here today to personally admonish us, or
that Pokkhara,sāti is not able to helpfully kick us into reality today, the Ambaṭṭha Sutta is still with us, as
are many other even more practice-centred texts, to guide us along the true and clear path to awakening.
We can begin by letting go of status consciousness and religious materialism.
With advancement and availability of printing and books, and the interconnectivity of the internet, we
can easily collect the best information on Buddhism, and with a dash of ego we can easily set up a web-
site to market our ideas to the world. Never before is wrong view and hubris so easily self-propelled onto
such a global scale! The bottom line is that we simply become Buddhist orphans undernourished by in-
stant Buddhism, stamping our names onto the labours of others without giving due credit!47
Then there are those who pontificate with their ―two cents‖ worth of grand remarks and sweeping
opinions regarding issues that need careful survey, thought and action. For such generous but penurious
babblers, it is wiser to save up, before their imperial clothes wear even thinner.

42
DA 1:274.
43
In Kandaraka S (M 51), Pessa the elephant trainer‘s son, leaves before the Buddha could finish his instruction
on the 4 types of persons (in terms torturing self and others), but if he had stayed on to listen to the admonition, he
would have become a stream-winner (M 51.4-7/1:340-342).
44
Soṇa,daṇḍa S (D 4) records how Soṇa,daṇḍa, on meeting the Buddha, is initially reluctant to ask him anything
for fear of saying the wrong thing, and so losing face! Indeed, at the end of the discourse, even after having gone for
refuge, he tells the Buddha that he would in public show his respect to the Buddha in other ways than rising, so that
he does not lose face before other brahmins! We have a very status-conscious brahmin here. (D 4,26/1:126), SD
30.5.
45
I would like to mention attainment, too, but this is very subjective: however, see Jaṭila S (S 3.11/1:77-79, SD
14.11) & Ṭhānāni S (A 4.93/2:187-190 @ SD 14.12).
46
For further discussion, see “Me”: the problem of conceit, SD 19.2a(2.3-4). Please note that I am not against
those with a doctorate in the healing profession or the humanities (or any academically or professionally qualified
person) speaking on Buddhism, but we should not confuse one qualification for another, that a turtle, because it
swims in water, is also a fish. I am addressing a special problem in traditional Buddhist circles especially in Asia.
47
On problem of personal status-consciousness in Buddhism, see eg Me: The nature of conceit, SD 19.2a.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

The point is that we need good teachers and better teachings. If we are without true teachers, the ego
will be our teacher, but the selfish ego is a bad learner and a worse teacher! Or, perhaps we are self-pro-
pelled by a sense of psychological sublimation, an unconscious defence48 rooted in a deep sense of guilt
over our personality, or sexuality, or past ―sins‖ and omissions. Or, worse, it makes us think we have al-
ready known enough, and to stop searching the scriptures, to question wise teachers, to consider the
thoughts of others, or to look for the stillness within ourselves. Only as healed beings, or with some level
of healing, will we be able to heal more beings.
The point is that even the Buddha, immediately after his awakening, seeks a teacher to bow to. And
not finding such a teacher—for, who could be more spiritually liberated than a Buddha—he still feels that
he should at least respect the Dharma.
One dwells in suffering if one is without respect, without deference (to another).49 Now what
ascetic or brahmin can I, honouring, respecting, dwell in dependence on?...
What now, if I, honouring, respecting this very Dharma, to which I have fully awakened,
were to dwell in dependence on it? (Gārava Sutta, S 6.2/1:138-140), SD 12.3

2 The Ambaṭṭha Sutta as propaganda

2.1 DĪGHA NIKĀYA AND MISSIONIZING. For any religion to succeed, it has to win followers and
change lives. In short, and crudely put, it has to propagandize, that is, sell itself. The Buddha and the ear-
ly saints often effectively propagate the Dharma by their own exemplary conduct. The wanderer Upaka,
for example, is moved by the Buddha demeanour,50 and in due course joins the order and becomes a non-
returner.51 Another famous example is that of Assaji, whose calm and radiant demeanour inspires the
wanderer Upatissa (Sāriputta) to ask him about the spiritual life, and which in due course makes him
(Sāriputta) the right-hand monk of the Buddha.52
A whole collection of accounts of the Buddha‘s missionizing, especially by way of philosophical,
social and inter-religious debates are found especially in the Dīgha Nikāya, the collection of ―long dis-
course,‖ and the first of the five Nikayas. Joy Manné, in her analytical study of the divisions of the Pali
Canon, explains the nature of the first Sutta collection, the Dgha Nikāya, thus:
The early Buddhists had two important and urgent purposes. One was to gain converts and lay
support; the other was to ensure the survival of their religion. Without success in both of these
their Teaching would die out. How were they to realize these purposes? Obviously a body of
(oral) literature was necessary. To attract convert the early Buddhists first needed an audience.
For that their initial communications had at least to be attractive and entertaining.
Of the first four Nikāyas by far the most entertaining texts occur in the [Dgha Nikāya].53 The
most dramatic Debates are there, for example, in the Sāmaaphala Sutta (D 2), the Ambaha
Sutta (D 3), and the Soa,daa Sutta [D 4], and the most philosophical debates, eg in the Kassa-
pa Shanāda Sutta (D 8) and the Pohapāda Sutta (D 9). The most magical and inspirational leg-
ends are also found there, for instance, that of the lives of the Buddha in the Mahāpadāna Sutta (D
14), the legend of Mahāvijita‘s sacrifice in the Kadanta Sutta (D 5); the legend of Brahmā‘s re-
spect for the Buddha in the Kevaha Sutta (D 11); the history of the town Kusinārā in the Mahā-
48
On unconscious defence mechanisms, see Khaluṅka S (A 8.14/4:190-195), SD 7.9; also SD 24.10b (2).
49
Dukkha kho agravo viharati appaisso (S 1:139 = A 2:20; qu at MA 2:136; also V 2:89 = D 3:244 = M 2:245
= Vbh 381).
50
V 1:8; M 1:171; J 1:81; DhA 4:71 f; cf Miln 235; UA 54; Kvu 289; Mvst 3:326.
51
MA 2:189-91; ThiA 220 ff; cf S 1:35, 60. See SD 12.1(4-5).
52
V 1:39-42; Ap 24; VA 965; MA 2:192, 346; AA 1:157; J 1:83, 85; DhA 1:91, 4:75.
53
Monks would, of course, not have been excluded from this entertainment. Without radio or TV, society at the
time of the Buddha was dependent on locally generated entertainment. The Brahmajāla Sutta (D 1) give a rather full
catalogue of what was available. But monks were excluded from or at least discouraged from participating in all of
these forms. Only one form of entertainment was available to them: the hearing and reciting of suttas. The Brahma-
jāla leaves nothing over but this, I think. (Manné‘s fn)

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

sudassana Sutta (D 17); the Buddha‘s encounter with the gandhabba Janavasabha, the claimed
reincarnation of King Bimbisāra, with its tale of rebirth and life amongst the gods (D 18); and so
forth.
My argument is that for the purposes of propaganda, to attract converts and lay-supporters to
the new religion and to spreads its message, it was necessary to have a particular type of commu-
nication. This would have to be entertaining, viz, stories and accounts, capable of spreading the
fame of the founder, of giving some idea of his character and attainments, of providing enough of
the Teaching to arouse interest and to inspire conversion, and, not the least, containing accounts
of converts and supporters from many different areas of society to serve as examples to the pre-
sent audience. The Dgha Nikāya conforms to this requirement. This may be why the Mahāpari-
nibbāna Sutta found its way into this collection. (Manné 1990:38; emphases added)
2.2 ANTI-BRAHMIN PROPAGANDA. That the Ambaṭṭha Sutta works as an effective propaganda
against the brahmins is clear and unmistakable:
(1) The Buddha is said to be endowed with the 32 marks of the great man, which first attracts the
attention of the sign-reader Pokkhara,sāti.
(2) The brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha plays the role of the Buddha‘s antagonizer and suffers humiliation
from his own teacher.
(3) The sutta recounts the humble beginnings of the Ambaṭṭhas and the ―noble‖ origins of the Sakyas.
(4) The Buddha is presented as a master of the brahmodya, the Vedic institution of religious debate
[3.3].
Let us examine each of these points in turn.
2.2.1 The Buddha’s 32 marks of the great man. The eminent brahmin and sign-reader Pokkhara,-
sāti is first attracted to the Buddha because the latter is said to be endowed with the 32 marks. The full list
of the marks appears in the following suttas:54 the Lakkhaṇa Sutta (D 30),55 the Mahā’padāna Sutta
(D 14)56 and the Brahm’āyu Sutta (M 91).57 The 32 marks are alluded to in the Ambattha Sutta, where it
is stated that that the 32 marks form a part of Ambaṭṭha‘s education [§ 1.3], and that they are found in the

54
The 32 major marks of the great man (mah purisa,lakkhaa): (1) He has feet with a level tread; (2) On the
soles of his feet are wheels, each with a thousand spokes, all rimmed and hubbed, complete in every way; (3) He has
projecting heels; (4) He has long fingers; (5) He has soft, tender hands and feet; (6) His fingers and toes are net-like
[reticulated or evenly spaced]; (7) His ankles are high-raised [over the exact middle of the tread]; (8) His legs are
shapely like an antelope‘s; (9) Without stooping, he can touch and rub his knees with both hands at once; (10) His
male organ is covered with a sheath; (11) He has a golden complexion; (12) His skin is so delicate and smooth that
no dust or dirt settle on it; (13) His body-hairs are separate, one to a pore; (14) They grow upwards, bluish-black like
collyrium, curling to the right; (15) His body is perfectly straight [like Brahm‘s]; (16) He has seven convex surfac-
es [on hands, feet, shoulders, trunk]; (17) The front of his body is like a lion‘s; (18) There is no hollow between his
shoulders; (19) His proportions are like a banyan tree: his arm-span equals his height; (20) The curve of his should-
ers is evenly rounded; (21) He has a perfect sense of taste; (22) His jaw is like a lion‘s; (23) He has forty teeth; (24)
His teeth are even; (25) There are no spaces between his teeth; (26) His canine teeth are very bright; (27) His tongue
is very long and flexible [able to touch his forehead]; (28) His perfect voice [like Brahm‘s] is sweet like the sound
of a karavīka [Indian cuckoo]; (29) His eyes are deep blue; (30) His eye-lashes are [long and shapely] like a cow‘s;
(31) The hair between his eye-brows is white, soft like cotton-down; (32) His head is shaped like a royal turban (D
14/2:17 f, 136 f; D 30/3:142 ff). See: E J Thomas, The Life of Buddha as Legend and History, 3rd ed 1949:21, 38-43
(Asita), 218-226, 260; E Lamotte, History of Indian Buddhism, 1988a:666-679. For details, see Lakkhaṇa S (D 30),
SD 36.9 Intro.
55
D 30/3:143 f @ SD 36.9. According to Lakkhaṇa S (D 30), these marks are entirely the result of past good
deeds, and can only continue in the present life by means of current goodness.
56
D 14/2:17-19; cf Mahā‘vadāna Sūtra, ed Waldschmidt 101 f.
57
M 91/2:136 f.

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brahminical mantras (ie, the Vedas). Furthermore, in the Buddhist hagiographies, it is a brahmin who as-
certains the 32 marks of the Buddha.58
For example, in the Mahā’padāna Sutta (D 14), it is the brahmins, ―skilled in signs,‖ who examine
the body of prince Vipassī and determine that he has the 32 marks of the great man.59 Another famous
example is found in the Jātaka Nidāna: eight of the 108 brahmin sages,60 invited by the rajah Suddho-
dana, to foresee the Bodhisattva‘s future, are Vedic masters and sign-readers. Seven of them raise two
fingers, prognosticating that the child Siddhattha would either become a universal monarch (Skt cakra-
varti), if he lives the household life, or a universal teacher, if he renounces the world. Koṇḍañña, how-
ever, raises only one finger and declares that the Bodhisattva is sure to renounce the world to become a
world teacher.61
What is significant in all the accounts relating to the 32 marks, is that the sign-readers are always the
brahmins, and the person endowed with all of them is always the Buddha. This is an effective application
of the myth of the ideal man for the benefit of the kshatriyas. While the brahmins often declare themselv-
es as the highest caste and boast of being born from the mouth of the cosmic man (puruṣa),62 the Buddh-
ists have invented the myth of the great man (mahā,purisa) to show that it is they who actually have the
palpable proof of a living cosmic man in the mahā,purisa!63
2.2.2 Ambaṭṭha Māṇava as the Buddha’s antagonist. According to the Mānava Dharma,śāstra
(10.8+47),64 the Ambaṣṭha clan arose from the union of a brahmin father and a vaishya mother, and the
clan name, in fact, was synonymous for a ―mixed marriage‖ [1.3.1]. It is significant that we know Pok-
khara,sāti‘s full name [1.2], but we know Ambaṭṭha only by his clan name, as Ambaṭtha Māṇava, ―the
youth Ambaṭṭha‖ or ―the Ambaṭṭha youth.‖ In fact, his personal name is immaterial; for, this is a cosmic
drama of awakening, and Ambaṭṭha is the bāla, the immature boy, the spiritually undeveloped protagonist
of the sutta named after him.
The lesson of the drama is that we should not disrespect or look down on wisdom. To do so reflects
the worst in us: we lack spiritual training and experience; and any wise teacher would disapprove of such
insolence and hubris. For the concerned Buddhist audience of our times, listening to or reading the Am-
baṭṭha Sutta brings to mind the self-proclaimed religious zealot or self-propelled drumbeater in Buddhist
circles. If such self-centred tendencies prevail, he is likely to become a future Ambaṭṭha, whom a Pokkha-
ra,sāti of the future would kick.
2.2.3 The humble origins of the Ambaṭṭhas. The Ambaṭṭha Sutta is the only canonical work that
mentions the mythical rajah Okkāka and such details of the Sakyas‘ noble origins [§1.16.2].65 The pur-
pose here is to show the origin and perpetuation of the pure bloodline (jāti) of the Sakya kshatriyas. So
adamant are they in doing so, that they went to the extent of committing incest, the brothers marrying

58
Eg, D 1:89, 114, 120; A 1:163; M 2:136; Sn 600, 1000.
59
D 14,1.1/2:1.
60
That is, Rāma (father of Uddaka Rāma,putta), Dhaja, Lakkhaṇa, Mantī, Koṇḍañña (youngest of these eight, but
the eldest of the five monks), Bhoja, Suyāma, and Sudatta.
61
J 1:55 f.
62
Puruṣa Śūkta, hymn 10.90 of Ṛgveda. This is the oldest ref to the puruṣa. See further Aggañña S (D 27.3/3:81)
n, SD 2.19.
63
For details, see Buddhânussati, SD 15.7 (4.1) n; see also Lakkhaṇa S (D 30/3:142-179), SD 36.9 Intro.
64
See Olivelle 2004.
65
Okkāka is thrice mentioned (without further detail) in Sn: Brāhmaṇa,dhammika S (Sn 2.7/302b+306f) , 991c),
a text dealing with the true duties of the brahmins, and the late Vatthu,gāthā of Pārāyaṇa Vagga (Sn 5.1/991c). The
Apadāna also mentions Okkāka at least a dozen times (as Okkāka,sambhava in a time-marker stock): Sāriputta (Ap
1.113/1:22), Mahā Kassapa (Ap 3.12/1:2), Upāli (Ap 6.13/1:38, 43/1:40), Añña Koṇḍñña (Ap 7.11/1:49), Khadira,-
vaniya Revata (Ap 9.9/1:52), Kuṇḍa,dhana (Ap 31.8/1:82), Sonā Koḷivisa Therâpadāna (Ap 42.14/1:94), Sa,parivāra
Chatta Dāyaka (Ap 330.8/1:266), Pilinda,vaccha (Ap 388.82/307), Ñāṇatthavika (Ap 481.21/2:423), Vakkali (Ap
529.16/2:466), Kāḷudayī (Ap 543.13/2:501).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

their own sisters.66 The brahmins, however, in accepting halfbloods, are, as such, not as strict at the ksha-
triyas [§§1.24-27].
The sutta redactors present Ambaṭṭha Māṇava as knowing, or perhaps forgetting, his humble origins
in a mixed marriage.67 But on being told so by the Buddha, Ambaṭṭha refuses to own up, which clearly is
his moral weakness. The Buddha‘s purpose is not that of humiliating Ambaṭṭha; for, when the other brah-
min youths, shocked at the revelation (surprisingly, they do not know of Ambaṭṭha‘s origins), denounce
him, the Buddha tells them not to be too harsh in passing judgement.
It should be noted, declares the Buddha, that the halfblood child born of the ancient mixed marriage
was none other than the mighty rishi Kaṇha. Furthermore, this great rishi, in due course, by way of his
great psychic power (the Ambaṭṭha mantra, DA 1:266), convinced the rajah Okkāka (the ancestor of the
Sakyas) to give the hand of his daughter, Madda,rūpī, to him (Kaṇha) in marriage [§1.23].
The irony or wry humour here is often missed: rishis are best when they are celibate, but here is one
who chooses to marry. For a rishi to fall in love with a woman (or anyone) surely belies his attainments;
for, how could a highly attained rishi fall into lust? But Kaṇha is not the first or only such loving rishi.
There is another even more famous case: that of Upaka, but who in due course becomes a monk and then
an arhat.68 Apparently other systems do not work as well as the Buddha‘s training. This is the kind of tale
that would rivet and liven up an Indian audience, even today!
The main case against Ambaṭṭha, however, is that he knowingly holds back the truth, refusing to ac-
cept the account of his humble origins. Obviously, his teacher Pokkhara,sāti is well aware of his pupil‘s
humble origins, in which case the teacher would be more to be blamed for not training the pupil well, or
worse, for shielding a pupil‘s failure [§§1.11, 2.5].
2.2.4 The Buddha as a master of the brahmodya. The most important secret of the Buddha‘s suc-
cess is his protean teaching style, or to be more exact, his debating ability. In fact, the dramatic debate
that dominate the first part of the Ambaṭṭha Sutta closely follows the principles of the Upanishadic brah-
modya or formal philosophical debate [3.3], replete with the threat (as it were) of head-shattering! [§§1.-
9b-1.28; 4.1]. Indeed, as Joy Manné has pointed out, 18 of the 34 Dīgha suttas centre around such de-
bates, and her observation is helpful:
A sutta can be categorised as a Debate when it has at least the following features: two opponents,
viz, the Buddha or a senior monk, and an adversary; a challenge; a refutation; and an admission
of defeat. (Joy Manné 1990:45)
AS BLIND AS AN EVANGELIST. Ambaṭṭha, however, does not admit defeat even in the face of the over-
whelming facts of his humble origins, and despite the Buddha‘s admonition. As such, he may be as dis-
honest or blind as a modern evangelical zealot trying to talk down others into his faith when he is himself

66
It is important to note here that the Buddha does not approve of incest. Apparently, incest was not a taboo in
such ancient times. In fact, it is practised in some societies, such as ancient Egypt and Achaemenid Persia, for sake
of preserving the bloodline. The Buddha‘s wry humour is evident here. Apparently, by the Buddha‘s time (certainly
by commentarial times), incest was unacceptable. For, we have an account of an inter-tribal quarrel, where the Koli-
yas derided the Sakyas as ―descendents of those who married their own sisters, like dogs or foxes!‖ (DhA 3:254). In
the Chinese translations, this sibling marriage was replaced by those ―within the third degree of kinship, that is, un-
cles and nieces, and aunts and nephews‖ (Nakamura 2000: 33). The Dīgha Comy actually classes incest as ―abnorm-
al lust‖ (adhamma,rga), ie, ―lust between mother and mother‘s sister and father‘s sister and maternal uncle‘s wife
and other such improper situations‖ (mt mtucch pitucch mtulnī ti dike ayutta-,hne rgo) (DA 3:853): see
SD 8.7 (2).
67
That is, between a kshatriya man and a slave-girl (presumably a shudra) [1.3.1], or, according to brahminical
literature, between a brahmin and a vaishya woman (Mānava Dharma,śāstra 10.8+47).
68
On Upaka, see V 1:8; M 1:171; J 1:81; DhA 4:71 f; cf Miln 235; UA 54; Kvu 289; Mvst 3:326. See SD 12.1 (4-
5).

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

unable to see the beam of faithlessness in his own eye.69 None is so blind as an evangelist who is unwill-
ing or unable to see or value the true pearls of inner stillness that are cast before him.
Ambaṭṭha refuses to admit his ―failings,‖ even after the Buddha reassures everyone present that there
is a radiant silver lining to that cloud, that is, Ambaṭṭha‘s ancestor, the powerful rishi Kaṇha [§1.23].
Ambaṭṭha‘s preoccupation with the 32 marks deafens him from responding to the Buddha‘s invitation to
question him [§2.10.2].
Apparently, Ambaṭṭha, already harbouring a dislike for the Sakyas [§§1.13-15], is intent on debating
with the Buddha, even knocking him down (just as Nigrodha boasts of in the Udumbarikā Sutta).70 Per-
haps that is why Ambaṭṭha brings his own retinue comprising of ―some‖ (sambahula) other brahmin
youths [§1.6]. As noted by Manné, references to the audience are another frequent feature of debate suttas
(1990: 49).
A STUDENT‘S ARROGANCE. Further notes Brian Black, ―another potential marker that this [Ambaṭṭha
Sutta] is a debate sutta is that both Ambaṭṭha and Pokkharasāti are depicted riding chariots (2007b:17),
―the motor-cars‖ of the Vedic elite.71 Indeed, the young Ambaṭṭha goes against his own teacher‘s instruct-
tions and insubordinates another teacher. As Joy Manné observes: ―This detail shows that Ambaṭṭha is so
presumptuous as to intend to challenge the Buddha, rather than simply to make the inquiry about him that
he has been sent by his teacher to make‖ (1993:53).
The debate section of the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, that is, the brahmodya between the Buddha and Ambaṭṭha
[§§1.9b-1.28], is uncharacteristic of the Buddha‘s usual Dharma teaching methods. Although the Buddha
(or the sutta redactors) presents the whole sāmañña,phala teaching to Ambaṭṭha, he is apparently unim-
pressed, or simply distracted (reflecting a bad pupil, by Vedic and by canonical standards).
THE FIRST 13 DĪGHA SUTTAS. It is a famous fact that all the 13 suttas of the first chapter of the Dīgha
Nikāya, the Sīla-k,khandha Vagga, have the sāmañña,phala passage, all identical in form, each varying
only by way of presentation.
Dīgha Nikāya sutta Audience Result
D 1 Brahma,jāla Sutta the monks rejoice in the teaching
D 2 Sāmañña,phala Sutta rajah Ajāta,sattu (―rejoiced‖) ―the monks rejoiced‖
D 3 Ambaṭṭha Sutta mainly Ambaṭṭha (reprimanded) Pokkhara,sāti etc take refuge
D 4 Soṇa,daṇḍa Sutta the brahmin Soṇa,daṇḍa takes refuge
D 5 Kūṭa,danta Sutta the brahmin Kūṭa,danta takes refuge, gains Dharma-eye
D 6 Mahāli Sutta Oṭṭhaddha the Licchavi ―rejoiced‖
D 7 Jāliya Sutta the wanderers Maṇḍissa & Jāliya rejoice in the teaching
D 8 Mahā Sīha,nāda Sutta the naked ascetic Kassapa renounces, later becomes arhat
D 9 Poṭṭha,pāda Sutta the brahmin Poṭṭhapāda & Poṭṭhapāda takes refuge
Citta the elephant trainer‘s son renounces, later becomes arhat
D 10 (Ānanda) Subha Sutta Subha Todeyya,putta takes refuge
D 11 Kevaḍḍha Sutta the houselord Kevaḍḍha rejoices in the teaching
D 12 Lohicca Sutta the layman Lohicca takes refuge
D 13 Tevijja Sutta Vāseṭṭha & Bhāra,dvāja take refuge

From the above list, we can see that only three suttas—nos 5, 8, and 9 (underscored)—record the
audience as attaining to the path as a result of the Buddha‘s instructions. Suttas 1 and 2 are taught to ―the

69
This is an allusion to the Bible: ―Why do you see the speck that is in your brother‘s eye, but don‘t consider the
beam that is in your own eye?‖ (Matt 7.3). One of the psychological explanations for the zealotry of an aggressive
evangelist in converting others is to remind himself that he, after all, does have faith in his religion: this is known as
the defence mechanism of reaction formation, or even compensation, where there is really a lack of faith.
70
D 3,5/3:38 @ SD 1.4.
71
Patrick Olivelle 1974:90 n17. See also Black 2007b:17 f. However, scholars like HW Bodewitz warns against
an ―over-sensitiveness with regards to chariots‖ (1974:90 n17). For example, despite the fact that Pokkhara,sāti
drives a chariot to meet the Buddha, he does not challenge the Buddha, but shows him every respect.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

converted,‖ that is, the monks. At the end of Suttas 3, 4, 10, 12, and 13, the listeners ―take refuge,‖ that is,
become lay followers. Suttas 6 and 11 are teachings given to laymen, who merely ―rejoice‖ in them. Sutta
7 is identical to sutta 6, except for the ending, mentioning that the two wanderers ―rejoice‖ in the teach-
ing.
Only in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, the protagonist, Ambaṭṭha Māṇava, neither rejoices in the teaching nor
takes refuge as a lay follower. In fact, the last we hear of him is that he is ignominiously kicked by his
teacher, Pokkhara,sāti [§2.15].
However, in all the Sīla-k,khandha Vagga suttas (except for the Ambaṭṭha Sutta), the audience either
rejoices in the teaching, become lay followers or attain to the path. Even in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, Pokkha-
ra,sāti (Ambaṭṭha‘s teacher), his family and retinue take refuge as lay followers. Although there is no
mention of Ambaṭṭha in Pokkhara,sāti‘s audience with the Buddha, it is possible that he is present, too,
despite what happened to him. This is hinted in Buddhaghosa‘s remark, ―Whereas before he would, as
charioteer, ride the chariot with his teacher, after being deprived of that status, he went his way on foot
before the chariot.‖72 In that case, all is not lost for Ambaṭṭha.

3 Brahminical background to the Ambaṭṭha Sutta

3.1 THE UPANIṢADS. Buddhism arose in India during the 6th-5th century BCE, a period of great spi-
ritual and intellectual turmoil, and political growth (especially the beginnings of the Indian empire that
would culminate in Asoka‘s time). An understanding of the religious background of these times is helpful
in a better understanding of the early Buddhist teachings, such as the Ambaṭṭha Sutta. Hinduism scholar,
Brian Black, for example, has noted that one of the most colourful characters of Indian religious philoso-
phy, called Śveta,ketu, appears as Ambaṭṭha, or is used by the Buddha, to bring across important Buddhist
teachings. More specifically, this is the ―young‖ Śveta,ketu, an arrogant, impetuous but ignorant brahmin
youth, of the Upaniṣads [3.2].
The Sanskrit term upaniṣad comes from upa- (near, close up to), ni- (down) and sad (to sit), that is,
―sitting down close to‖ a spiritual teacher to receive instructions in the teacher-pupil (guru,śisya) tradi-
tion. The teachings of such nature are compiled and formalized as the Upaniṣads, which form a vital part
of the Vedas, and as such of the Hindu scriptures. They primarily discuss religious philosophy, medita-
tion, and the nature of God, and form the spiritual core and putative goal of Vedantic religion, hence are
known as Vedânta (―the end or culmination of the Vedas‖).
The Upanishads evolved over a long period of Indian religious literary development spanning over
two millennia. The Bṛhad Āraṇyaka (BAU) and Chāndogya Upanishads (ChU), for example, probably
date to the Brāhmaṇa period (before 7th century BCE), while the youngest Upanishad may date to the
medieval or early modern period. Like all religious texts, the Upanishads are subject to various interpre-
tations and uses, depending on the ―branch‖ (śākhā, literally ―branch‖ (as of a tree) or ―arm‖) or school of
the Vedas, or to the traditional texts followed by a school.
The related term, caraṇa, meaning ―conduct of life‖ or ―behavior,‖ is also used to refer to a school or
branch of any of the Vedic tradition. Monier-Williams says that ―although the words caraṇa and śākhā
are sometimes used synonymously, yet caraṇa properly applies to the sect or collection of persons united
in one school, and śākhā to the traditional text followed, as in the phrase śākhām adhite, he recites a parti-
cular version of the Veda.‖ (SED: śākhā).
In the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, the Buddha skillfully presents the sāmañña,phala teachings by way of caraṇa
(ts) (conduct) and vidyā (P vijjā) (knowledge or wisdom), instead of the more usual threefold training of
moral virtue (sīla), mental concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā).73 Caraṇa here encompasses
both moral virtue and mental concentration. Both these terms (caraṇa and vidyā) are familiar to Ambaṭ-
ṭha, that is, to the brahmins, to whom such teachings are directed.

72
Yañ ca so pubbe ācariyena saddhiṁ rathaṁ āruhitvā sārathi hutvā agamāsi, tam pi’ssa ṭhānaṁ acchinditvā
rathassa purato padasā yev’assa gamanaṁ akāsi (DA 1:277).
73
See §2.2a header n.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

3.2 ŚVETA,KETU AND AMBAṬṬHA. Brian Black, in a very informative and thoughtful study, says
that an understanding of the literary connection between ancient brahmanical literature and the early Bud-
dhist texts is useful in better understanding various Buddhist narratives in the early suttas (2007b:30,
31n).74 Black, in fact, shows how the Ambaṭṭha Māṇava story is closely linked to that of the young Śve-
ta,ketu, ―the spoiled little brat‖75 of the Upaniṣads. Black‘s thesis is ―that Śvetaketu‘s appearance in the
early Buddhist literature has important implications for how we view the relationship between the Upani-
sads and early Buddhist narratives.‖
Black builds on the work of Patrick Olivelle, who has done an insightful literary analysis of the Śve-
ta,ketu story that appears in three different Upaniṣads, where he maintains his ―proud and impetuous
image‖ (1996:67). Olivelle argues that the various versions of the Śvetaketu story ―are not accidental
creations but deliberate literary inventions‖ (1999:46). From Black‘s paper, we have the following con-
cordance of Śveta,ketu‘s appearances in ancient brahminical literature:76
(1) Bṛhad Āraṇyaka Upaniṣad 6.2.1-16 Uddālaka, Śveta,ketu and the rajah;
(2) Chāndogya Upaniṣad 5.3.1-5.10.10 Uddālaka, Śveta,ketu and the rajah;
(3) Kauṣītaki Upaniṣad 1.1-2 Uddālaka, Śveta,ketu and the rajah;
(4) Jaiminīya Brāhmaṇa 2.239 he feels jealousy when Jala becomes purohit;
(5) Śāṅkhāyana Śrauta,sūtra 19.29.6-11 (as in the preceding); and
(6) Mahābharata 3.132-134 feels jealousy when his father adopts nephew Aṣṭāvakra.
The narrative episode of the arrogant young Śveta,ketu, his father Uddālaka Āruṇi (or Gautama), and the
rajah Pravāhaṇa Jaivali, is the only one that recurs in first three Upaniṣads. Olivelle says that they all give
a negative portrayal of the young Śveta,ketu.77
The Upaniṣadic tale of Śveta,ketu and his father, Uddālaka, however, is apparently known to the early
Buddhists. Both of them figure in their own Jātaka story—the Seta,ketu Jātaka (J 377) and the Uddāla-
ka Jātaka (J 487)—both relating to the same occasion, but told from their separate narrative view-
points.78 They relate the tale of how a wise outcaste (caṇḍāla) outwits and shames an arrogant Udicca
(―northern‖) brahmin youth, Seta,ketu, and of his wise and compassionate father, Uddālaka.
The first three versions of the Śveta,ketu are closely related, but it is the Bṛhad Āraṇyaka that has
the most similarities with the Ambaṭṭha Māṇava account of the Ambaṭṭha Sutta. According to Black, the
Ambaṭṭha Sutta, as such, is ―a retelling of the Śvetaketu story‖:
Both Śveta,ketu and Ambaṭṭha are depicted as brahmin students who are young and arrogant
as they approach the domain of a non-brahmin. In the case of Śvetaketu, he is rude in his encoun-
ter with the king, whereas Ambattha is disrespectful to the Buddha. In both cases the young brah-
min leaves the non-brahmin after being defeated in debate, without having learned from him a
valuable teaching. Finally, both brahmins are replaced by their teachers, who in contrast are more
refined and humble. The parallels do not end with the similarities between Śvetaketu and Ambat-
tha, as both stories feature the same three central characters: a brahmin student, his teacher/father,
and a non-brahmin, as well as a fourth ―character‖ in the teaching offered at the end of the tale.
(Brian Black 2007b:2)
In the Upaniṣad tale, Śveta,ketu seeks to ask the kind and generous rajah Jaivali Pravāhaṇa (or Citra
Gāṅgyāyani) of the Pañcālas questions on secret religious teachings known only to the kshatriyas, but

74
Refs to Black‘s paper follows the pre-publication draft (paginated 1-33) that he has kindly sent me. Most of this
section is based on his instructive paper.
75
Patrick Olivelle 1999:46, 69, or ―spoiled brat,‖ 63, 67.
76
See Olivelle 1999:47 for a schematic view of the Śveta,ketu literary context & 1999:54-57 for a concordance of
parallel passages of the three Upaniṣad versions of the Śveta,ketu story.
77
For a recent retelling of the Śveta,ketu story, see Karline Mclain 2007. On Uddālaka Āruṇī & Pravāhaṇa Jaivali,
see P Olivelle 1996:xxxiv-lx.
78
J 377/3:232-237 & J 487/4:292-304 respectively. See Black 2007b:3.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Śveta,ketu‘s ignorance and arrogance get in his way. His patient and humble father, Uddālaka Āruṇi,
however, in due course becomes the rajah‘s pupil and learns those secret teachings. In the Buddhist
account, Ambaṭṭha is sent on an errand to meet the Buddha and ascertain that he has all the 32 marks of
the great man [§1.5].
The Bṛhad Āraṇyaka account opens with Śveta,ketu barging into the rajah‘s presence, awkwardly in-
terrupting his meal, while he is being entertained (paricārayamāṇam)79 by palace women. Ambaṭṭha,
however, starts off on a right foot: on arriving at the Buddha‘s residence, he asks for the Buddha, and first
approaches with proper decorum [§1.8-1.9.1]. On personally meeting the Buddha, the brahmin youths
accompanying Ambaṭṭha exchange pleasantries with him, and then ―sat down at one side.‖
Ambaṭtha, however, does not do so. Instead, he arrogantly remains standing or paces up and down as
he greets and speaks with the Buddha [§1.9.2]. Not only is this impolite, but it is also improper, as it is
very inconvenient to carry a meaningful conversation when the two parties are on different levels, as it
were!80
When the Buddha immediately inquires Ambaṭṭha of his strange behaviour [§1.10.1], he retorts with a
series of accusations against the Sakyas, such as calling them ―menials‖ (ibbha) and ―blacks‖ (kaṇha)
[§§1.10b-15]. The Buddha‘s reply is that Ambaṭṭha himself has forgotten his own humble origins, that is,
he is descended from a mixed marriage between a kshatriya man and a slave girl [§§1.24-27], or, accord-
ing to brahminical literature, between a brahmin and a vaishya woman (Mānava Dharma,śāstra 10.8+47).
The Buddha questions Ambaṭṭha whether he has heard this account of his own descent directly from
his teacher, and that if he does not answer this ―reasonable question‖ (saha,dhammika pañha), his head
will shatter into seven pieces [§1.20; 4.1]. As Black observes:
Not only does the Buddha, with his ability to remember ancestral lineages, expose the impurity of
Ambattha‘s family pedigree, but by asking this question directly to the young brahmin he also
makes the accusation that Ambattha and his teachers are aware that their claim to superiority is
false, but are knowingly suppressing the truth. (Brian Black 2007b:8)
In the Bṛhad Āraṇyaka and Chāndogya accounts, the rajah asks him five questions,81 but he fails to
answer any of them. The Bṛhad Āraṇyaka then says that the rajah invites him to stay, but spurning the
invitation, he runs off (BĀU 6.2.3). In the Chāndogya account, the rajah scolds him for calling himself
educated when he is unable to answer the questions, and he returns to Uddālaka and in turns blames his
father. In the Kauṣītaki, the rajah asks Śveta,ketu only one questions, which he is unable to answer, but he

79
This verb form usually means the serving of food, but has sexual connotations as well (Olivelle 1999:58 &
n29): cf paricārenti at §2.10a n.
80
In Sāmañña,phala S (D 2), Ajāta,sattu, on meeting the Buddha for the first time as a rajah, initially stands and
nostalgically surveys the peace pervading the community of monks assembled, and then, after cordial greetings, sits
down at one side (D 2.12/1:50 @ SD 8.10). Mahā Sīha,nāda S (D 8) opens with Acela Kassapa, having exchanged
greetings with the Buddha, standing at one side, and apparently does so throughout the session. However, at the end
of the teaching, he joins the order, and in due course becomes an arhat (D 8.1/1:161). In the case of Ambaṭṭha, his
refusal to sit is expressly a show of his disrespect for the Buddha and the Sakyas. Ironically, his brash actions actual-
ly act as a foil to the Buddha‘s calm and wise response, thus increasing the latter‘s prestige. See Manné 1990:52.
81
The 5 questions or ―five fires‖ are: (1) Do you know on account of what, these people keep wandering on?‖
(vettha yathemāḥ prajāḥ prayatyo vipratipadyantā iti); (2) ―Do you know how they return to this world?‖ (vettho
yathemaṁ lokaṁ punar āpadyantā iti); (3) ―Do you know how the world is never filled full even though so many
again and again go there?‖ (vettho yathāsau loka evaṁ bahubhiḥ punaḥ punaḥ prayadbhir na saṁpūryatā iti); (4)
Do you know after how many offerings of the libation does this water, becoming a human voice, arise and speak?‖
(vettho yatithyām āhutyāṁ hutâyām āpaḥ puruṣa,vāco bhūtvā samutthāya vadantī iti); (5) ―Do you know the path or
way leading to the devas, or leading to the fathers (the departed); that is, having done what does one walk the path
that leads to the devas or that leads to the fathers?‖ (vettho devayānasya vā pathaḥ pratipadaṁ pitṛyāṇasya vā | yat
kṛtvā devayānaṁ vā panthānaṁ pratipadyante pitṛyāṇaṁ vā) (BU 6.2.2). The answers are found at BU 6.2.9-13;
ChU 5.3-10; KṣU 1.2. ―The secret teaching‖ here, which the kshatriyas knew, but not the brahmins, is about rebirth.
See Obeyesekera 2002:6-14.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

tells the rajah that he will ask his father (the teacher) about it (and does so). In all these three accounts,
Uddālaka admits, he too does not know the answer, and he decides to see the rajah himself, although
Śveta,ketu refuses to do so.
The Buddhist version of the young Śvetaketu tale is more detailed and interesting. At this point, when
Ambaṭṭha does not answer the Buddha‘s question on the third count, the sutta introduces the fearful figure
of Vajrapani [4], threatening to hurl a huge mass of blazing iron at him, and the terrified Ambaṭṭha owns
up [§1.21]. At this revelation, Ambaṭṭha‘s retinue of brahmin youth are ―hurt, crestfallen, and enraged‖—
best informed by the term āyasta—that actually applies to Śveta,ketu, when rajah Jaivali charges that he
is not anu,śiṣṭa (that is, he is uneducated) (ChU 5.3.4).
At this point, there are interesting differences between the Upaniṣadic and the Buddhist accounts.
Neither the kind rajah Jaivali nor the Buddha punishes the young visiting student, but both of them offer
to teach the student. Śveta,ketu however ―spurns the invitation and runs off‖ (BU 6.2.3), while Ambaṭṭha,
having accomplished what he has come for (ascertaining the Buddha‘s 32 marks), mounts his chariot and
leaves [§2.12]. Both the brahmin youths return to their respective teachers. The patient and humble father-
/teacher, Uddālaka, comforts Śveta,ketu, but the flabbergasted Pokkhara,sāti scolds and kicks Ambaṭṭha
[§2.15].
Both brahmin teachers—Uddālaka and Pokkhara,sāti—on acount of their humility and eagerness to
learn, spiritually benefit from their new kshatriya teachers, the rajah Jaivali and the Buddha, respectively.
According to the Bṛhad Āraṇyaka, Uddālaka formally requests to become a student of rajah Jaivali (BU
6.2.7).82 Pokkhara,sāti, his family and retinue declare themselves as the Buddha‘s followers [§2.22].
While Uddālaka learns the five fires and the two ways of the dead,83 Pokkhara,sāti learns the four noble
truths and becomes a streamwinner [§2.21].
The lesson of both tales is remarkably the same. While Vedic studentship (brahma,carya) is central to
the entire Upaniṣadic system, for the Buddha‘s system the ―holy life‖ (brahma,cariya) well-lived is the
key to spiritual liberation.84 Both Śveta,ketu and Ambaṭṭha can be characterized as foolish and arrogant
students, lacking respect for learning, but their teachers are humble and wise in their eagerness to learn
despite their high status.85 As the Buddha declares in the Mahā,parinibbāna Sutta (D 16), we must have
the desire to learn,86 otherwise, we will be caught in the mindset of ―spoiled little brats‖ like the young
Śveta,ketu or Ambaṭṭha.
3.3 THE BRAHMODYA. The early Buddhist equivalent of the brahmodya is the kathojja,87 but they are
not synonyms. While the brahmodya is ritualized philosophical debate of the brahminical system, the
kathojja (translated as ―dispute, quarrel‖) is an open debate or verbal dispute, which is discouraged by the
Buddha.88 The brahmodya (or brahma,vadya) or ritualized philosophical debate of the ancient brahmins
has been briefly mentioned above [2.2.4]. While in the Upaniṣads, debates are a way of showing the
superiority of individual teachers such as Yājña,valkya, in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta we see the Buddha using
the very same brahmodya, to show his superiority over the brahmins.

82
See Olivelle 1996:xxxiv f; 1999:61.
83
These teachings are those of the two kshatriyas, Jaivali (ChU 5.3-10) and Aśvapati (ChU 5.11-24).
84
As stated in Bālena Paṇḍita S (S 12.19), ―the wise has lived the holy life for the utter destruction of sufferng.‖
(S 12.19/2:23-25 @ SD 21.2)
85
The good news is that the ―young‖ Śveta,ketu will in due course become a ―mature‖ Śveta,ketu, an authority in
Vedic rituals: see Olivelle 1999:68 f. In the lineage of teachers at BU 6.5.3 and BU 6.4.3, Uddālaka is said to be the
teacher of Yājña,valkya (one of the most important Vedic sages). If so, Śveta,ketu and Yājña,valkya were contem-
poraries, possibly even classmates. It is likely, too, that Ambaṭṭha is present amongst who take refuge with Pokkha-
ra,sāti at the close of the sutta [1.3.2].
86
Ye keci sikkhā,kāmā ti, D 2:101/3:58, 77; S 3:42, 5:154, 163, 164.
87
kathā + ujja < Skt udya (Sn 823c); cf Pāṇini 3.1.106; SnA 672: -ujja-; prob backformation from *kathodya, by
influence of Skt brahmodya. See Jayatilleke 1963:231 (§361).
88
―One should abstain from debating [verbal dispute]‖ (virame kathojjaṁ, Sn 838); Sn 828, 925; explained by
Comy as kathojjaṁ vuccati kalaho…vivādo (―a quarrel, a dispute…is called kathojja‖ (Nm 163).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Apparently, in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta, it is Ambaṭṭha Māṇava who initiates the debate with the Buddha.
He makes a grand entrance in his chariot, with a retinue of some of his young colleagues, and his intial
display of hubris, clearly show that he is intent on challenging, or at least, rejecting, the Buddha‘s author-
ity, not just to ascertain the 32 marks of the Buddha. Brian Black helpfully explains:

In addition to sharing features of debate with other Buddhist suttas, there are a number of de-
tails in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta that are specifically related to accounts of debate in the Upanishadic
literature. One such similarity is an emphasis on the debating techniques of its interlocutors. As I
have argued elsewhere [2007a], an integral aspect of philosophical debate in the Upanisads is the
attention paid to tactics. In the Upanishadic brahmodya, contestants win debates as much by how
they conduct their arguments as by the particular discourses that they know.
Similarly, the Buddha defeats Ambaṭṭha, not because he convinces the young brahmin with
Buddhist doctrine, but rather because of his method of argumentation. The Buddha employs a
number of debating tactics that are characteristic of the ways that brahmins establish their know-
ledge in the Upanisads. In particular, the Buddha uses an etymology, appeals to the authority of
ancient verses, and invokes the authority of Vedic sages. None of these debating tactics are usual
methods of the Buddha, but he employs all of them as a way to demonstrate that he knows the
Vedic tradition better than Ambaṭṭha knows it himself. (Brian Black 2007b:18; emphases added)
When Ambaṭṭha informs the Buddha that he is from the Kaṇhâyana stock, the Buddha, by way of
explaining the etymology of kaṇha (―black‖), that his ancestors were of mixed marriage that gave birth to
a black child, appropriately names Kaṇha. While etymology deals with the origin of words, genealogy
concerns the origins of lineages and families. The most comprehensive use of etymology and genealogy
in debunking the brahmin claim to superiority is found in the Aggañña Sutta (D 27), where originally
the classes are occupation-based:
 The great elect (the popularly elected ruler) mahā,jana,sammato ti mahā,sammato.
 The kshatriyas are lords of the fields khettānam patî ti khattiyo.
 The rajahs bring joy to the people dhammena pare rañjetî ti rājā.
 The brahmins keep away from evil pāpake akusale dhamme bāhentî ti brāhmaṇā.
 The forest-dwelling meditators jhāyantî ti jhayakā.
 The text-reciters (who do not meditate) na dān’ime jhāyantî ti ajjhayakā.
 The vaishyas enjoy sex and keep prestigious jobs vissuta,kammante payojentî ti vessā.
 The shudras lead cruel, mean lives ludd’ācārā khudd’ācārâ ti suddā.
The terms in bold print are their occupational class names (akkhara; Skt akṣara). Everyone at that
time keeps to same moral code (dhamma; Skt dharma). As such, the class members are highly mobile;
for, anyone who chooses to leave his class and become ascetics, would form their own ―circle‖ (maṇ-
ḍala).89 In both suttas—the Ambaṭṭha Sutta and the Aggañña Sutta—the haughty brahmins are charged:
you have forgotten your past!90
After pointing out the inconsistencies in Ambaṭṭha‘s notions of brahminical superiority, the Buddha
quotes an ancient verse—―For those people who value clan, the kshatriya is the best in this generation; |
But the one endowed with knowledge and conduct is the best amongst gods and humans‖—attributed the
brahma Sanaṅ,kumāra (Skt Saṇat,kumāra), one of the four mind-born sons of the Almighty Brahmā him-
self,91 proclaiming the supreme social state of the kshatriya [§1.28].
The Buddha does not stop here; for, then he would be a mere politician promoting the supremacy of
one group over all others. He bring the discussion to the intended level—he explains in great detail what

89
B 27.20-29/3:92-97 @ SD 2.19.
90
D 27,4/3:81 f @ SD 2.19; D 3.1.16/1:92 f.
91
They are called the 4 Kumāras (―sons‖) or Catuḥ,sana (―the 4 beginning with sana‖) in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa
2.7.5 (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.15.12), and named Sanaka, Sanātana, Sanandana and Saṇat,kumāra.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

―knowledge and conduct‖ that would make anyone supreme. He goes on to expound the sāmañña,phala,
that is, the fruits of recluseship.

4 Head-shattering and Vajra,pānī

4.1 HEAD-SHATTERING
4.1.1 The most dramatic moment of the Ambaṭṭha Sutta is when Vajrapani, the thunderbolt-wielding
yaksha, appears, visible only to the Buddha and Ambaṭṭha, ready to hurl his mass of blazing iron at Am-
baṭṭha if he fails to answer the Buddha‘s ―reasonable question‖ after the third time [§1.21]. Firstly, what is
a ―reasonable question‖ (saha,dhammika pañha)? The Commentaries gloss saha,dhammika as sa,kara-
ṇaṁ, ―with reason‖ (AA 2:268), or as sa,hetuko sa,kāraṇo, ―with cause, with reason‖ (DA 1:263). The
sutta commentary notes that ―even if he himself does not desire to answer, it must necessarily be clarifi-
ed‖92 (id). In other words, it is a fair question, relevant to the discussion at hand, especially one that must
be clarified before the discussion could usefully continue and conclude. In this sense, it can also be ren-
dered as ―fundamental question,‖ as Brian Black has done (2007b:8).
Furthermore, it is helpful to examine the term saha,dhammika in relation to the Sanskrit saha,dhar-
ma, ―community of duty or law, common usage or characteristics‖ (SED), that is, a matter of common
law, as Ambaṭṭha has effectively slandered against the Buddha and the kshatriyas: therefore, the truth
must out. Understandably, for a brahmodya (brahminical philosophical debate) to proceed properly, fair
questions have to be duly answered. In this case, Ambaṭṭha has made some grave charges against the
kshatriyas, claiming that they are ―menials, blacks,‖ and so on [§1.10.2], but the Buddha replies that
actually it is Ambaṭṭha who really is menial and black, because of his humble beginnings [§1.16c; 1.3.2].
4.1.2 By the Buddha‘s questioning Ambaṭṭha directly regarding his humble origins, he also accuses
both Ambaṭṭha and his teachers that they must be aware that their claim to superiority is false, and they
are knowingly suppressing the truth. Understandably, Ambaṭṭha is caught in a rut: he has run out of argu-
ments, and yet to admit to the charge would prove himself wrong. With anyone else less than the Buddha,
Ambaṭṭha might perhaps get away with such a furtive silence.
The ―reasonable question‖ is not asked only by the Buddha, but by any wise person. 93 However, if it
is the Buddha who asks it, the implication is significant and beneficial in due course. Sadly, Ambaṭṭha
chooses not to engage himself further with the Buddha. Indeed, like Śveta,ketu, in the Bṛhad Āraṇyaka,
who spurns rajah Jaivali‘s invitation to stay on and learn, and runs off,94 Ambaṭṭha, too, having completed
his errand, summarily leaves in his chariot [§2.12].
4.1.3 And why does the Buddha threaten Ambaṭṭha with ―head-shattering‖: etth’eva te sattadhā
muddhā phalissati, ―your head will right here shatter into seven pieces!‖ [§1.20]? As far we know from
extant Suttas, the Buddha is depicted as making this threat only twice. 95 The Buddha‘s humour is at work
here, and with his favourite audience, too!96 This sutta is clearly directed at a brahmin audience. The

92
Attanā anicchantena pi vyākaritabbo, avassaṁ vissajetabbo (DA 1:263).
93
Besides Ambaṭṭha S (D 3.1.21/1.94 f), the Buddha puts a saha,dhammika pañha to Saccaka (Cūḷa Saccaka S,
M 35.14/1:231), but without any head-splitting threat (Vajra,pāṇī appears on his own); Ānanda puts it to Saṅgārava
((Pāṭihāriya) Saṅgārava S, A 3.60/1:170); and 10 such questions are found in conenction with Citta the houselord
in the Nigaṇṭha Nāṭa,putta S (S 41.8/4:297-300).
94
BU 6.2.3
95
Ie, in Ambaṭṭha S (D 3.1.20-21/1:94 f), SD 21.3 & Cūḷa Saccaka S (M 35.13b/1:231), SD 26.5. Vajra,pāṇī,
however, does not appear to Saṅgārava in (Pāṭihāriya) Saṅgārava S (A 3.60/1:170) even when such a question is
asked by Ānanda, but the Buddha himself intervenes to free Saṅgārava from the predicament. Similarly, ten ―reason-
able questions‖ are mentioned in Nigaṇṭha Nāṭa,putta S (S 41.8/4:297-300) without Vajra,pāṇī appearing.
96
Most of the Buddha‘s humour is directed at the brahmins‘ pride, arrogance and immorality: see eg Kevaḍḍha S
(D 11.67-85/1:215-223): even Brahmā does not know the answer; Aggañña S (D 27.3-4/3:81 f), brahmins, like
humans, are not born of God‘s mouth, but of a woman‘s womb; Akkosaka S (S 7.2/1:161-163): the gift not taken
belongs to the giver; Vasala S (Sn 116, 117): the truly twice-born. See The Buddha’s humour, SD 43.1.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

head-shattering threat is well known to the brahmins and, as evident here, to the early Buddhists and com-
mentators:97
Ambaṭṭha Sutta (D 3/1:87-110: with appearance of Vajrapāṇī)
D 3,1.20 te sattadhā muddhā phalissati your head will shatter into seven pieces
D 3,1.20 etth’ev’assa sattadhā muddhā phalissati his head will shatter sevenfold right here
D 3,1.21 etth’ev’assa sattadhā muddhaṁ phalessāmi I will shatter his head sevenfold right here
Cūḷa Saccaka Sutta (M 35/1:227-237: with appearance of Vajrapāṇī)
M 35,13 assa sattadhā muddhā phalati his head shatters into seven pieces
M 35,14 assa sattadhā muddhaṁ phalessāmi his head will shatter into seven pieces
Candimā Sutta (S 2.9/1:50)
S 284* sattadhā me phale muddhā my head will shatter into seven pieces
Vuṭṭhā Sutta (A 9.11/4:373-378) the head will shatter sevenfold right there
A 9.11.6 tatth’eva sattadhā muddhā phalati (unless Sāriputta forgives the person)
Verañja Sutta (A 8.11.1/4:173)
A 8.11.1 muddhā pi tassa vipateyya your head would split
Pārāyaṇa Vagga Vatthu,gāthā (Sn 976-1031) = Cull,niddesa (Nc 1)
Sn 983 sattame divase tuyhaṁ muddhā phalatu in seven days your head will shatter
sattadhā sevenfold
Sn 1025 muddhaṁ muddhâdhipātañ ca about the head and head-falling:
Sn 102698 avijjā muddhā ti jānāti Know thus: ignorance is ―the head,‖
vijjā muddhâdhipātinī Knowledge is ―the head-falling,‖
saddhā,sati,samādhīhi With faith, mindfulness, concentration,
chanda,viriyena saṁyutta Joined with will-power and effort.
Dhammapada
Dh 72 muddhaṁ assa vipātayaṁ (knowledge and fame) shatter his head;
Jātaka Nidāna,kathā
J 1:54 sattadhā tassa muddhā phaleyya your head would shatter into seven pieces;
Jayaddisa Jātaka (J 513/5:21-36)
J 513/5:33 muddhāpi tassa viphaleyya sattadhā his head will shatter into seven pieces;
Paṇḍara Jātaka (J 518/5:75-88)
J 518/5:87 muddhā te phalatu sattadhā99 may your head shatter into seven pieces;
Sambhula Jātaka (J 519/5:88-98)
J 519/5:92 muddhā hi sattadhā te phaleyya for, his head will shatter into seven pieces;
Mahā Suta,soma Jātaka (J 537/5:456-511)
J 537/5:493 Ce muddhāpi tassa viphaleyya100 sattadhā his head will shatter into seven pieces, too;
Be Ee muddhāpi tassa vipateyya sattadhā his head will fall in seven pieces, too;
Bhūridatta Jātaka (J 543/6:157-219)
J 543/6:213 na tassa muddhā pi phaleyya101 sattadhā his head will not shatter sevenfold;
Milinda,pañha
Miln 157 phaleyya tassa muddhā satadhā vā his head would shatter into seven pieces o
sahassadhā vā a thousand pieces.
4.1.4 According to Stanley Insler, the decapitation threat is given under two circumstances. The first
is when one party accuses the other of not knowing the answers to the answers. The second is when ―one

97
See BAU 3.6.1, 3.9.27; cf 3.7.2; ChU 5.12.2; cf 1.3.26. See also H Nakamura, Budda no kotoba [The words of
the Buddha, Jap tr of Sn] Tokyo: Iwanami Shoten, 1984:415-417.
98
This is the Buddha‘s answer to Bāvarī‘s question on head-shattering.
99
The full spell is etena sacca,vajjena | muddhā te phalatu sattadhā, ―by the power of this truth, | may your head
shatter into seven pieces!‖
100
Se vipaleyya.
101
Ee pi phaleyya; Be Ce viphaleyya

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

opponent concedes the superiority of the other and offers firewood as a gesture of asking to be the student
of the opponent‖ (1989-90:97 f). And Brian Black suggests a third situation: ―when one character uses
the threat of head shattering to force his or her opponent into answering a direct question‖ (2007b:23).
As an example, Black quotes the encounter between Yājña,valkya and the Kuru-Pañcāla brahmins,
whose leader Śākalya, is cursed by Yājña,valkya: Murdha te vipatisyatî ti, ―Your head will fall!‖ if you
cannot answer…he is unable to answer, so tasya ha mūrdhā
vipapāta, ―his head fell‖ (BU 3.9.26).102 And it is this scenario,
he proposes, that characterizes the Buddha‘s challenge to
Ambaṭṭha (id).
It should be noted, however, that in the brahminical threat,
the head ―will fall‖ (vipatisyati), but in the Buddhist case, it
―will shatter‖ (phalissati). While in the brahminical situation,
the decapitation occurs by itself as a result of a curse, in the
Buddhist case, Vajrapani threatens to hurl his mass of blazing
iron at the person [4.2]. However, in the brahminical context,
the decapitation sometimes occurs literally, but in the Buddhist Fig 4.2a. Greek scroll supported by
case, the threat has never been carried out, but is merely a Indian Yaksha, Amaravati, 3rd cent CE,
face-saving device for the threatened party. Tokyo National Museum. [§1.21.1]
4.2 VAJIRA,PANI. We meet Vajira,pāṇī (P) or Vajra,-
pāṇī (Skt) [Fig 4.2.1]—anglicized as Vajrapani —on only two occasions, as a yaksha (a tutelary spirit), in
the Pali Canon (as a collection), that is, in the Ambaṭṭha Sutta [§1.21] and to the Saccaka Nigaṇṭha,putta
in the Cūḷa Saccaka Sutta (M 35), when they, separately, are thrice asked a saha,dhammika pañha. Al-
though ―reasonable questions‖ are asked in other suttas, Vajrapani does not appear there because they are
not asked by the Buddha. In fact, he is visible only to the Buddha and the person questioned. [4.1]
Vajrapani apparently also appears in the Mahā,samaya Sutta (D 20), a late text on protective chants,
where he is called Vajira,hattha (―thunderbolt hand‖).103 Comy says that he is Sakra, king of the gods
(Sakka Deva,rāja, MA 2:277). In Vedic mythology, the thunderbolt (Skt vajra; P vajira) is Indra‘s wea-
pon.104 In Buddhist mythology, Indra or Sakra is variously called Inda or Sakka (Skt Śakra), and wields
the same weapon.105 Buddhaghosa, understandably, identifies Vajira,pāṇi with Sakka (anglicized as
Sakra), and describes the fierce form he assumes as Vajrapani. This is the task that Sakra promises before
Brahmā, on the occasion of his inviting the Buddha to teach the Dharma (V 1:5 f).106
The Aya,kūṭa Jātaka (J 347) is an account of how Sakra makes the same promise to protect the Bo-
dhisattva in a past life. In the distant past, the Bodhisattva is born as the crown prince of Brahma,datta,
ruling in Benares. At that time, bloody animal sacrifices are often and regularly made to the yakshas.
When the Bodhisattva sits on the Benares throne, he commands that all such sacrifices stop. The furious
yakshas sent one of them to kill him.
The yaksha (unnamed) wields a huge mass of blazing iron above the Bodhisattva‘s head as he sleeps,
ready to strike him dead. Sakra‘s seat heats up, and he rushes down and stands mid-air, wielding his thun-
derbolt over the yaksha‘s head. The Bodhisattva then awakes but sees only the yaksha, who after being
asked, tells the Bodhisattva his true intent, and that the fear of Sakra stops him from doing so. Sakra, hav-
ing put the yaksha to flight, then declares that he would thenceforth protect the Bodhisattva.107

102
See also Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa 11.4.19 (SBE 44:53 n2): asya puruṣya mūrdhā vipatet, ―Let this person‘s head
fall!‖ (in a debate). See Jayatilleke 1963: 238 & Insler 1989-90.
103
D 20.12/2:259.
104
Like Thor‘s hammer, the famed Mjöllnir.
105
In the west, Indra became the Donner (―Thunderer‖) of the Teutonic (Germanic) tribes, the Þorr (Porr) of Old
Norse mythology, Old English Þunor (Punor), and in ancient Greece and Rome, he was associated with Zeus-Jupiter
(Skt dyaus,pitar). Like Thor of Norse mythology, he is described in the Rigveda as red- or tawny-bearded (RV
10.23.4). See Ṛgveda 1.32.1-15.
106
DA 1:264 (where he is said to be a yaksha, yakkha); MA 2:277; cf Divy 8.27.
107
J 347/1:145-147. Cf Mahā Kaṇha J (J 469/4:180-186), which shares the same origin story.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Sakra also wields his fiery ―iron hammer‖ (ayo,kūṭa) in the Sambula Jātaka (J 519/5:92) and in the
Khaṇḍha,hāla Jātaka (J 542/6:155). The fact that the yaksa wields an aya,kūṭa or ayo,kūṭa, ―iron ham-
mer‖108—actually said to be the size of a house‘s ―peaked roof‖ (kūṭa)—reflects the importance of the
metal (aya, ayo) during that period. Northern India during the Buddha‘s time was undergoing the Iron
Age, also known as the Indo-Gangetic Tradition (1200-300 BCE).109 Magadha had rich deposits of iron
ore which gave her the lead in technology to make better weapons to wage successful wars and build an
empire.
The club is Hercules‘ traditional weapon (in Greek mythology); the blazing iron is clearly Indian.
Sakra, being a celestial deva, understandably has a more sophisticated weapon. In our own times, if the
yaksha‘s weapon were a bazooka, Sakra‘s thunderbolt would be a powerful laser gun. Apparently, in due
course, these two roles—the yaksha wielding a huge mass of blazing iron and Sakra with his thunderbolt
—conflated into Vajirapani.
The yakshas (Skt yakṣa; P yakkha) are indigenous Indian nature-spirits or tutelary deities, who in
Buddhist mythology are of two kinds: the terrestrial yakshas, who are like the rakshashas (rākṣasa), that
is, a kind of cannibalistic ogre or demon that haunts the wilderness to waylay and devour unwary travel-
lers. The celestial yakshas are the attendants of Vaiśravaṇa (P Vessavaṇa), the guardian divine king of the
northern quarter. It is possible that the two are identical beings, differentiated only by their habitat.
Between the time of Alexander‘s advent in northwest India (4th cent BCE) and the Muslim conquests
(7th century), Buddhist art in northern India and its northern neighbours were heavily influenced by
Greek art. The Greek Buddhists in the region indigenized the Buddha and Buddhist images, and recast

Fig 4.2b. Iconographical evolution of the Greek Herakles into the Japanese Shukongoshin. (1) Herakles (Lou-
vre Museum); (2) Herakles on coin of Graeco-Bactrian king Demetrius I; (3) Vajrapani, the protector of the
Buddha, depicted as Herakles in the Graeco-Buddhist art of Gandhara; (4) Naraen Kongō 那羅延金剛, manifest-
ation of Vajrapani, as a protector deity of the Asakusa-ji in Japan. [§1.21.1]
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Heracles-Shukongoshin.JPG.

them after the Greek pantheon. Heracles (or Hercules in Latin), for example, became a protector of the
Buddha, flanking him in the sculptured panels. In due course, the figure of Vajrapani merged with that of
Hercules. And as Buddhism spread beyond India, the pantheon images evolved into colourful indigenous
forms. In Tibet icongraphy, for example, Vajrapani is presented in a yellow peaceful form or a dark blue
wrathful form. In East Asia, they are simply known as vajra, and are models for various martial art pos-
tures. [Fig 4.2.2]

108
Ayo,kūṭa, ―iron club.‖ See UA 435; J 1:108, 5:270, 276, 6:371; DhA 2:69; PvA 284.
109
For refs on the Indian Iron Age, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Age_India.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

5 The Ambaṭṭha Sutta as prophecy

The section on ―the ancient rishis‖ [§§2.8-10] is especially relevant today with its prophetic irony.
Here the Buddha is pointing out to Ambaṭṭha that the brahmins of the day are not living the spiritual life
as they should, like their ancestors, the great rishis of the past. The Ambaṭṭha Sutta is especially relevant
today as the Buddha‘s warning to Buddhist monastics from turning into veritable brahmins. The level of
the brahminization of Buddhist monastics, especially in urban Buddhism, has reached such a dimension,
that we should carefully reflect on the social and spiritual implications of this important sutta.
By ―brahminization‖ I refer to these facts (where they are so) regarding monastics today:
(1) They have become an elite group with substantial income, land, businesses, assets and/or status.
(2) Their ―religious‖ lives revolve mostly around rituals of some kind (especially ritual friendship,
rituals for the dead, ritual presentation of scripture, or ritualized show of charity)110 and sim-
ony.111
(3) They are in some way gainfully employed, usually through the performance of rituals (esp for the
dead), and do not have to pay taxes.112
(4) Scripture and scriptural knowledge are commodified into academic qualifications and status
markers.113
Urban monastics today, as a rule, have undergone a very drastic process of ―laicization,‖ some of the
characteristics of which are as follows:
(5) They handle money, expect some kind of monetary payback for their services, have bank ac-
counts and give the highest priority (tacitly at least) to fund-raising and control of wealth.114
(6) They are often de facto owners or ―executive officers‖ of monasteries, property and institutions.
Monastic centres have become sole proprietorships run as very private limited religious enter-
prises working competitively to win as much of the Buddhist market as possible; in fact, for them
financial success is of the first priority, and Buddhism is commodified to attract more wealth and
power.115
(7) They enjoy sensual pleasures very much like, often even more so than, the laity, and their conduct
or activities are rarely directly questioned (in other words, they do not keep to the monastic disci-
pline, and discourage the laity from learning about the Vinaya).116
(8) The unquestioning loyalty of workers and members of many Buddhist group or organization
workers to the leader or authority figure (as is common in groups) suggests the psychological
process of transference117 and counter-transference118 powerfully at work, which are compounded
110
H L Seneviratne, ―Buddhist monks and ethinic politics,‖ Anthropology Today 17,2 April 2001:15-21.
111
Angie CHEW Monksfield (President, Buddhist Fellowship), Official reply to ―Stiff Competition,‖ Straits Times,
3 June 2006. http://www.buddhistfellowship.org/bf_new/pages/interests/nib_reply_stiff%20competition.html.
112
―[B]rahmins always get paid, whether they teach or not‖ (Brian Black 2007), ―For example, in the Chāndoya
Upaniṣad (5.11-24), Aśvapati offers to pay Uddālaka Āruṇi and a number of other brahmin householders the same
amount for receiving a teaching from him as he is paying the ritual priests for actually performing a sacrifice. For
further examples and discussion see Black [2007a].‖ (fn 18)
113
TAN Dawn Wei & Mavis TOH, ―Is the Buddha relic here the real McCoy?‖ The Sunday Times (Singapore), 15
July 2007, ―News‖ pp2-3
114
See Monastics and money, SD 4.19.
115
See eg Piyasilo, Buddhist Currents, 1992a:6-9 (§30.22); G Schopen, ―The good monk and his money in a Bud-
dhist monasticism of ‗the Mahāyāna period‘,‖ in Buddhist Monks and Business Matters, 2004:1-18 (ch 1).
116
Sandra Bell, ―‘Crazy wisdom,‘ charisma, and the transmission of Buddhism in the United States,‖ Nova
Religio 2,1 1998:55-75.
117
―Transference‖ here refers to behaviour connected with emotions related to people we know (usu our parents,
spouse, etc) which is directed to another (usu an authority figure, like a counsellor, religious figure, etc). In others,
we qualities previously found in persons we were attached to are superimposes or ―transferred‖ to the authority
figure. This is unhealthy when it leads to exploitation, abuse and psychological dependence. Such situations are
often characterized by defence mechanisms: see Khaluṇka S (A 8.14/4:190-195), SD 7.9. See foll n.
118
See prev n first: ―Counter-transference‖ is the behaviour that predominates when the authority figure returns
the other party‘s displacement of feelings, or the authority figure himself initiates such a transference. ―Maladapt-

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

by denial and co-dependence.119 Such relationships are psychological time-bombs waiting to ex-
plode into scandal and tragedy.120
There are two very important passages, veritably prophetic in tone, namely, that of the four ―sources
of loss‖ (āpaya,mukha) [§§2.3-5] and the ancient rishis [§§2.8-2.10]. The message of these passages are
clear: the brahmins of the Buddha‘s days do not act like their highly attained and exemplary ancestors, the
rishis. What is the Living Word of the Buddha that speaks out on the reality of our day with regards to
Buddhism?
The ―ancient rishis‖ passage significantly addresses the laicized monastics of today, that they have
strayed from the ancient path and should return to it [§2.3]:

Ambaṭṭha Sutta To the laicized monastics of today

Here, Ambaṭṭha, a certain ascetic or brahmin,
without fully realizing121 this peerless attainment
of knowledge and conduct,
(1) bearing his pole and khari, plunges into the Do you live on available almsfood, or on well-
depths of the forest, thinking: ―I will live on prepared regular meals throughout the day?
available fruits as food;‘ Where is your almsbowl?
(2) (but without realizing the above,) taking a Do you eat the kind of food that the Buddha and
hoe and a basket, plunges into a forest the early saints ate, or have you changed the
wilderness, thinking: ―I will live on bulbs, rules, or broken them, selective of the food
roots and fruits,‖ you take?
(3) (but without realizing the above,) builds him- Why have you borrowed outside rituals, and
self a fire shrine on the fringe of a village or a invented new dogmas, such as the fire puja,
market town, and there dwells, attending to the meaningless transference of merit, and
the fire god, rituals for the dead, and false lineages?122
(4) (but without realizing the above,) builds him- Why do you own huge buildings and organiza-
self a four-door almshouse at a crossroads, tions, run on huge amounts of money and man-
and dwells there, thinking: ―Whosoever, power, so that you neglect your own practice
whether recluse or brahmin, shall come here, and awakening? Why are you not really helping
from any of these four quarters, I shall honour the lowly, the poor, the needy, the superstitious,
according to my ability and according to my the troubled and the ignorant help themselves?
power.‘ Why do you abuse those who believe in you? 123

ive‖ mean ―unable to develop behaviours where needs are satisfied.‖ ―Compulsive‖ refers to a psychological state
that makes us act against our will or conscious desires, esp mechanically, as it were, reacting to people and
situations.
119
―Co-dependence‖ refers to maladaptive, compulsive behaviours learned by family or group members in order
to survive in a family or group which is experiencing great emotional pain and stress.
120
Sandra Bell, ―Change and identity in the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order,‖ Scottish Journal of Religious
Studies 17,2 1996:87-107.
121
―Without fully realizing,‖ anabhisambhuṇamāno [ppr med of na + abhi,sam + bhuṇāti (near-syn of pāpuṇā-
ti)] not obtaining or mastering, not being able to keep up with (D 1:101 = asampāpuṇanto avisahamāno vā, DA
1:268). CPD defs an-abhisambhunana (qv) as ―the not being able to comprehend‖; but see under abhisambhavati
(2): abhi-sambhuṇāti. DP defs abhisambhavati (= abhisambhoti, abhisambhuṇāti) as ―reaches, attains; is able, cap-
able (of); is adequate; masters; endures, bears.‖ Cf an-abhisambhuṇanto (Nm 76 = ~ vā ti asampāpuṇanto vā asak-
konto vā, ―~ means not attaining, not being able to,‖ NmA). The sense is that of neither fully attaining it, nor fully
comprehending it.
122
See eg Franz Michael, Rule By Incarnation: Tibetan Buddhism and its role in society and state, 1982.
123
See eg Katy Butler, ―Encountering the shadow in Buddhist America,‖ in J Abrams & C Zweig (eds), Meeting
the Shadow, 1991:137-147; Madeleine Bunting, ―The dark side of enlightenment,‖ The Guardian (UK) 27 Oct
1997; Yashomitra, ―Yashomitra‘s Shabda article March 2003,‖ http://www.fwbo-files.com/yashomitra.htm.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

But it turns out that he was only capable of being an attendant (paricāraka)124 to the one who has attained
peerless knowledge and conduct.
The ―ancient rishis‖ passage significantly and dramatically addresses the brahminized monastics of
today, that they have strayed from the ancient path and should return to it:
To the monastic brahmins of today
2.8.1 Even so, Ambaṭṭha, what about the ancient You claim to be an incarnation of a Bodhi-
rishis of the brahmins, mantra makers, mantra sattva or a deity, not mentioned in the
preachers—that is to say, Aaka, Vmaka, Buddha‘s teachings, but when were these
Vma,deva, Viv,mitra, Jamad-agni, Aṅgi,- ideas introduced and by whom really? Why
rasa, Bhra,dvja, Vsiha, Kayapa, and don‘t you tell your followers the truth?
Bhagu—whose ancient mantras and verses You give teachings that the Buddha never
are chanted, uttered and collected by the taught, and perform strange noisy rituals
brahmins of today, who sing them and recite (and expensive ones, too). Why are the
them, and having sung them make others intelligent young people turning away from
sing them, having recited them make others such a Buddhism? Why do you fight over
recite them?125 money and power?126
2.8.2 You say, ‗I, along with my teacher, know You claim you and your teacher have
by heart their mantras,‘ but on that very mastered the Buddha‘s teachings, but you
account you are not yourself a rishi, nor do neither keep to his Vinaya [monastic rules],
you know the state of a rishi, nor do you nor really practise for the sake of awakening
practise for the sake of rishihood! (bodhi) or of Bodhisattvahood.
2.9.2 Did they (those ancient rishis) find pleasure Did the ancient sanghins of the Buddha‘s
in being well-bathed, well-perfumed, with time leave their hair uncut, keep a beard,
hair and beard trimmed, decked in jewelled wear ornaments, in exquisite robes, or
ear-rings and ornaments, dressed in white enjoy various sense-pleasures, or own
garments, endowed with and enjoying the property, or handle money, or play politics?
five cords of sensual pleasures…?127 Why shouln‘t laypeople know the Vinaya?
2.10.1 Did they consume boiled sali rice,128 free of Did they enjoy specially prepared boiled
black specks, with pure meat, curries and high-grade rice, well-cleaned, with various
garnishings, with various curries, various dishes, all prepared in time, and where is
sauces…?‖129 your almsbowl?
―No, master Gotama.‖
Were they entertained by women, all dressed Were they waited on or entertained by loyal
up and bent on serving them, by their side?‖130 servants whom they abused on a whim?
―No, master Gotama.‖ [Fig 5.1]
―Did they go about driving chariots, drawn Did they go about in expensive cars, often
by mares with plaited manes and tails, whip- chauffered and pampered, and with young
ping them with long wands and goads…?‖131 companions?
―No, master Gotama.‖ [Fig 5.2]
124
This verb form usually means the serving of food, but has sexual connotations as well (Olivelle 1999:58 &
n29): cf the vb paricārenti at §2.10a n.
125
See (§2.8a) n ad loc below.
126
See eg Donald S Lopez, Jr, Prisoners of Shangri-la, 1998.
127
See (§2.9b) n ad loc below.
128
See (§2.10a) n ad loc below.
129
See (§2.10a) n ad loc below.
130
See Fig 5 here; see also (§2.10a) n ad loc below.
131
Bodewitz captures the sense in which the chariots are regarded as decadent by characterizing them as the
―motor cars‖ of the brahminical elite (1974:90 n17), quoted by Black 2007b:18. See (§2.10a) n ad loc below.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

―Did they have themselves guarded by men Did they live in secure and walled mansions,
with long swords, safe behind walled cities, with comfortable rooms, complete with variois
with moats around them, and with cross-bars modern accessories and means of entertainment?
(across their gates)…?‖132
―No, master Gotama.‖
2.10.2 ―So, you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, In that case, you are neither true renunciants
are neither rishi, nor do you live, practising, nor do you live practising for the sake of
for the sake of rishihood.‖ awakening or bodhisattvahood.
In short, who is a laicized monastic brahmin? He is a very busy monastic with so many things and
with so many things to do—so much having and doing—that it is hard for you to meet him, especially if
you have a question on Dharma, or need instructions on meditation, or a care that needs counselling. In
fact, it would be impossible to meet him if you do not have the means or status to do so. These teachings
of the Metta Sutta (Khp 9 = Sn 1.8) clearly admonish all Buddhists, especially those who are to be our
spiritual exemplars:
sakko ujū ca sūjū ca He should be able, upright, and thoroughly upright,
suvaco v’assa mudu anatimāni. easy to speak to, gentle and humble,
santussakso ca subharo ca contented and easily supportable,
appa,kicco ca sallahuja,vutti having little busyness and living a simple life,
santindriyo ca nipako ca with his senses calmed, and wise (in mind-watching),
appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho. unobtrusive, not greedily attached to families.
na ca khuddaṁ samācare kiñci And let one not do even a small wrong,
yena viññū pare upavadayyuṁ for which others who are wise might censure.
Khp 9 = Sn 1.8 (SD 38.3)
— — —

Fig 5a. Rich, well-dressed couple.

The woman [§2.10.1] wears a very
elaborate headdress and necklace, a
Fig 5b. Vessantara in his chariot, the kind of chariot
skirt from the waist to the ankles, and
used by Ambaṭṭha. Notice the plumes on the horses‘
a very broad girdle over her hips over
heads, and their elaborately plaited manes and tails.
the skirt. Detail from bas-relief on
(Bharhut Stupa panel, India, 200 BCE). [§2.10a]
Bharhut Stupa, India (200 BCE).

132
See (§2.10a) n ad loc below.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

The Ambaṭṭha Discourse

D3

[87] 1.1 Thus have I heard.

At one time, the Blessed was walking on a Dharma tour in Kosala country133 with a large company of
monks numbering some five hundred. And he arrived at the brahmin village called Icchā,naṅgala.134
There the Blessed One stayed in the Icchā,naṅgala jungle135 outside Icchā,naṅgala.

Pokkhāra,sāti
1.1.2 Now at that time, the brahmin Pokkhāra,sāti136 was living [governing]137 in Ukkaṭṭhā,138 teem-
ing with life,139 with grass, wood and water, with rice, a royal domain presented (to him) by Pasenadi, the
rajah of Kosala, as a royal gift, a brahmadeya [a fief].140
1.2 Now the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti heard thus:
―It is said that the recluse Gotama,141 the Sakya son, who went forth from a Sakya family, is wander-
ing (on a Dharma-tour) in Kosala country with a large number of monks numbering some five hundred,
has arrived at Icchā,naṅgala, staying in the Icchā,naṅgala jungle outside Icchā,naṅgala.‖
1.2.2 Now a good report about that Master Gotama has been going around thus:142

133
Kosala is one of the 16 ―great countries‖ (mahā,janapada) of ancient India of the Buddha‘s time: see SD 9
(16a) & also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahajanapadas.
134
Icchānaṅgala is a brahmin village in Kosala, prob near to Pokkhara,sāti‘s fief of Ukkaṭṭhā, and a residence for
brahmins of ―great halls.‖ Sutta Nipāta (calling it Icchā,naṅkala) mentions prominent brahmins such as Caṅkī, Tā-
rukkha, Pokkhara,sāti, Jāṇussoṇi and Todeyya, as living there (Sn p115). The famous learned brahmin youths Vāseṭ-
ṭha and Bhāra,dvāja brahmin youths live there, too (Vāseṭṭha S, Sn p115 f = M 2:196). Buddhaghosa says that
learned brahmins of Kosala meet every 6 months under Pokkhara,sāti at Ukkhaṭṭhā for bloodline cleansing (jāti,-
sodhanatthaṁ), or at Icchānaṅgala for Veda recital and interpretation (MA 3:431). The Icchā,naṅgala S (S 54.11)
records the Buddha‘s 3-month rains retreat there in near-solitude, visited only by a monk attendant who brings him
almsfood (S 54.11/5:325-327). However, apparently, his stay is not so peaceful, as excited Icchā,naṅgala residents
would visit him in noisy droves, so that he has to send Nāgita (his attendant then) to quieten them down (A 5.30/-
3:30-32; cf A 6.42/3:341, 6.86/4:340-344). See Lohicca S (D 12) @ SD 34.8(1.3).
135
―Jungle,‖ vana,saṇḍa, or ―dense woods, jungle thicket.‖ See SD 34.8 (1.3).
136
Be Ce Se Pokkhara,sāti; Ee Pokkhara,sādi.
137
Ajjhāvasati has the senses of living (as in leading a household life) and living as a lord (over a fief, etc).
138
See Intro (1.2), sv Ukkaṭṭhā.
139
Satt’ussada = satta + ussada, lit ―abundance of beings,‖ ie densely populated with humans and animals.
Comy however refers only to humans: ―‗satt’ussada means crowded with beings, teeming with the masses, an abun-
dance of humans‖ (satt’ussadan ti sattehi ussadaṁ, ussannaṁ bahu,janaṁ ākiṇṇa,manussaṁ, DA 245,20).
140
Ukkaṭṭhaṁ ajjhāvasati satt’ussadaṁ sa,tiṇa,kaṭṭh’odakaṁ sa,dhaññaṁ rāja,bhoggaṁ raññā Pasenadinā Kosa-
lena dinnaṁ rājadāyaṁ brahma,deyyaṁ. This is stock with differing locations and donors: Ambaṭṭha S (Ukkaṭ-
ṭhaṁ…raññā Pasenadi,kosalena, D 3,1.1/1:87), Soṇa,daṇḍa S (Campaṁ…raññā Māgadhena Seniyena Bimbi-
sārena, D 1,1/1:111, 1.4/114), Kūṭa,danta S (Khāṇu,mataṁ…raññā Māgadhena Seniyena Bimbisārena, D 5,1/-
1:127, 131), Lohicca S (Sāla,vatikaṁ… raññā Pasenadi,kosalena, D 7,1/1:224), Pāyāsi S (Setavyāyaṁ… raññā
Pasenadi,kosalena, D 23,1/2:316); Caṅkī S (Opasādaṁ... raññā Pasenadinā Kosalena, M 95.1/2:164, 95.8/166); cf
Amba,sakkhara Pv: satt’ussadaṁ nirayaṁ, ―a hell crowded with beings‖ (Pv 4.1.8/46). Brahma,deyya, (Skt brah-
ma,deya) ―a supreme gift,‖ ie land granted to brahmins by the kings of Kosala (Ambaṭṭha S = D 3,1.1.2/1:87 @ SD
21.3) or of Magadha (Kūṭa,danta S = D 5,1.2/1:127 @ SD 22.8) for perpetuity. Unlike donated monastic lands,
which are the corporate property of the ―sangha of the four directions,‖ the brahmadeya is the brahmin‘s personal
property or fief, which he uses for agriculture. In the case of Ka,danta, for example, we see him using such income
to perform a large sacrifice (D 5/1:127-149 @ SD 22.8). See D:RD 1:108 n1 & Uma Chakravarti 1987:57.
141
This is a stock passage to show that the brahmin householders are well acquainted with the Buddha‘s back-
ground. This paragraph denotes the Buddha‘s social status (in the minds of the brahmins and the world), which adds
a significant sense of charisma to his personality.
142
For details on the recollection of the Buddha‘s virtues, see Buddhânussati, SD 15.7.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

―So too, is he the Blessed One:143 for, he is arhat, fully self-awakened, accomplished in wisdom and
conduct, well-farer, knower of worlds, peerless guide of tamable people, teacher of gods and humans,
awakened, blessed.
Having realized by his own direct knowledge this world with its gods, its Mras and its Brahms, this
generation with its recluses and brahmins, its rulers and people, he makes it known to others.
He teaches the Dharma, good in the beginning, good in the middle, good in the end, both in the spirit
and in the letter. [88]
He proclaims the holy life that is entirely complete and pure.
It is good to see arhats such as these.‖144

Pokkhara,sāti sends Ambaṭṭha to see the Buddha

1.3 Now at that time, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti had a brahmin youth (māṇava), Ambaṭṭha, as his
resident student, a mantra-reciter,145 a mantra-expert, a master of the Three Vedas, along with their invo-
cations and rituals, phonology and etymology, and the Iti,hsa Puras146 as the fifth; learned in the vedic
padas,147 grammarian,148 and well versed in the Lokāyata [nature-lore]149 and the marks of the great
man150—so that he is accepted and acknowledged by the words of his own noble [aryan] masters of the
Three Vedas, thus: ―What I know, you know that, too; what you know, I know that, too.‖151
1.4 Then the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti addressed the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha,

143
Alt tr: ―For the following reasons, too, he is the Blessed One [the Lord]…‖ On the meaning of iti pi so, see
Buddhânussati, SD 15.7 (2.2) & n.
144
Sādhu kho pana tathā,rūpānaṁ arahataṁ dassanaṁ hotî ti. Arahataṁ is 3 gen pl. For details on this statement,
see Kesa,puttiya S (A 3.65/1:188-193), SD 35.4a (comy n 1d).
145
―A mantra-reciter…the marks of the great man‖: ajjhāyako manta,dharo tiṇṇaṁ vedānaṁ pāragū sa,nighaṇ-
ḍu,keṭubhānaṁ sākkhara-p,pabhedānaṁ iti,hāsa,pañcamānaṁ padako veyyākaraṇo lokāyata,mahā.purisa.lakkha-
ṇesu anavayo. This is stock: Ambaṭṭha S (D 3.1.3/1:88), Soṇa,daṇḍa S (D 4.5(3)/1:114), Kūṭa,danta S (D 5.6(3)/-
1:130); Ti,kaṇṇa S (A 3.58.1/1:163), (Tevijja) Jāṇussoṇī S (A 3.59.1/1:166), Doṇa Brāhmaṇa S (A 5.192.2.4+6/-
3:223 f). Cf Tha 1171 (―expert in the Three Vedas,‖ tiṇṇaṁ vedāna pāragu); also Miln 10, Divy 619.20, 620.19.
The Majjhima ―brahmin pericope‖ omits ―a mantra-reciter, a mantra-expert‖ (ajjhāyako manta,dharo): Brahm’āyu
S (M 91.2/2:133), an aged brahmin; Sela S (M 92 = Sn 3.7/p105); Assalāyana S (M 93.3/2:147), a 16-year-old
brahmin youth (qqv). Cf Tha 1171 (―expert in the Three Vedas,‖ tiṇṇaṁ vedāna pāragu); also Miln 10, Divy 619.-
20, 620.19. Here mantra refers to specifics vedic hymns or sacrificial formulae. Ajjhāyaka (Skt ādhyāyika, adhyā-
yin) is a vedic student or scholar, one skilled in reciting the Vedas, a brahminical teacher. Aggaa S (D 27) plays a
humorous pun on its etym: na…jhāyanti, ―they do not meditate,‖ hence they are called ajjhāyaka, ie non-meditators:
see D 27,23/3:94 @ SD 2.19.
146
Iti,hsa Puras are the oral tradition of brahminical legends of kings and sages.
147
Padako veyyākaraṇo, ie, well versed in the pada,pāṭha of Sanskrit grammar. Technically, this refers to the
pada (or literal, word for word) method of reciting (or writing) Veda sentences, ie, ―a method of arranging each
word of a Vedic text separately in its original form [cf pada] without regard to the rules of [sandhi]; cf krama- and
saṁhitā-pāṭha.‖ (SED). By itself, pada can here be translated as ―word or word structure.‖
148
On veyyākaraṇa, see BHSD: sv vyākaraṇa, = vaiyākaraṇa (p517).
149
Lokāyata. This seems to be the early meaning of the term. Its reference of the materialistic philosophy of
Cārvāka is apparently later: see Rhys Davids, D:RD 1:166-172. See Lokāyatikā Brāhmaā S (A 9.38/4:428-432),
35.15. See also Jayatilleke 1963:48-58 (§§55-67).
150
See Intro (2.2.1).
151
Yam ahaṁ jānāmi taṁ tvaṁ jānasi, yaṁ tvaṁ jānāsi tam ahaṁ jānāmî ti. Cf Āḷāra Kālāma‘s words to the
Bodhisattva on completion of the latter‘s training: ―Thus, the Dharma that I know, you too know that same Dharma;
the Dharma that you know, I too know that same Dharma‖ (iti yâhaṁ dhammaṁ jānāmi taṁ tvaṁ dhammaṁ jānā-
mi, yaṁ tvaṁ dhammaṁ jānāsi tam ahaṁ dhammaṁ jānāmi, M 26,15.3/1:165 @ SD 1.11) & Uddaka Rāma,putta‘s
words on a similar occasion: ―Thus, the Dharma that Rāma knew, you too know that same Dharma; the Dharma that
you know, Rāma too knew that same Dharma‖ (iti yaṁ dhammaṁ Rāmo abhiññāsi taṁ dhammaṁ jānāsi, yaṁ tvaṁ
dhammaṁ jānāsī, taṁ dhammaṁ Rāmo abhiññāsi, M 26,16.3/1:166 @ SD 1.11).

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

―It is said, dear152 Ambaṭṭha, that the recluse Gotama, the Sakya son, who went forth from a Sakya
family, is wandering (on a Dharma-tour) in Kosala country with a large number of monks numbering
some five hundred, has arrived at Icchā,naṅgala, staying in the Icchā,naṅgala jungle outside Icchā,naṅga-
la.‖
1.4.2 Now, a good report about that Master Gotama has been going around thus:
‗So too, is he the Blessed One:153 for, he is arhat, fully self-awakened, accomplished in wisdom and
conduct, well-farer, knower of worlds, peerless guide of tamable people, teacher of gods and humans,
awakened, blessed.
Having realized by his own direct knowledge this world with its gods, its Mras and its Brahms, this
generation with its recluses and brahmins, its rulers and people, he makes it known to others.
He teaches the Dharma, good in the beginning, good in the middle, good in the end, both in the spirit
and in the letter.
He proclaims the holy life that is entirely complete and pure.
It is good to see arhats such as these.‘
1.4.3 Now, dear Ambaṭṭha, you go to the ascetic Gotama. Having gone to the ascetic Gotama, find
out whether the word going around about the master Gotama is true or not, whether the master Gotama is
such or not. Thus will I know the truth about the master Gotama.‖

The 32 marks of the great man

1.5 ―But how, sir,154 will I know whether the word going around about the master Gotama is true or
not, whether the master Gotama is such or not?‖
1.5.2 ―Dear Ambaṭṭha, in the mantras that have been handed down to us, there are the 32 marks of
the great man.
Such a great man thus endowed have only two destinies, no other. If they live a household life, they
will become a wheel-turning king, a Dharma-rajah [a just king], a victor over the four quarters, a country
blessed with stability, and a possessor of the seven jewels. [89] These are seven jewels, that is to say: the
wheel jewel, the elephant jewel, the horse jewel, the gem jewel, the woman jewel, the houselord jewel,
and the advisor jewel as the seventh.155
And he has more than a thousand sons, brave, heroic in form, crushing the armies of others.
And he dwells over this earth bound by the ocean, holding it in his sway with neither rod nor
sword.156
If he were to go forth from the house into the houseless state, he will become the fully self-awakened
Buddha, who removes the veil over the world.
Dear Ambaṭṭha, I am a giver of mantras; you are a receiver of mantras.‖

152
Tata.
153
Alt tr: ―For the following reasons, too, he is the Blessed One [the Lord]…‖ On the meaning of iti pi so, see
Buddhânussati, SD 15.7 (2.2) & n.
154
Bho. In Buddhist literature, this is regarded as a neutral, albeit slightly condescending, mode of address, usu
used by brahmins with equals to others as a polite vocative. In brahminical literature, however, bhoḥ (tr as ―hey,
you!‖) is a disrespectful mode of address, often used in anger. The polite form would be the obsequious ārya. The
Mahābharata, describing the social upheavels in the Kāli,yuga (end of times), say: bho,vādinas tathā śūdrā brāhma-
ṇāś cârya,vādinaḥ, tr by JAB van Buitenen as ―The serfs [= Śūdras] will say ‗Hey you!,‘ the brahmins will say
‗Pray, sir!‘‖ (3.186.33). See Olivelle 1999:58 f.
155
Āgatāni kho tāta Ambaṭṭha amhākaṃ mantesu dvattiṃsa,mahā.purisa,lakkhaṇāni yehi samannāgatassa mahā,-
purisassa dve’va gatiyo bhavanti anaññā: sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati rājā hoti cakka,vatti dhammiko dhamma,rājā
cātur-anto vijitāvī janapada-t,thāvariya-p,patto satta,ratana,samannāgato. Tass’imāni satta,ratanāni bhavanti. Sey-
yathîdaṁ cakka,ratanaṁ hatthi,ratanaṁ assa,ratanaṁ maṇi,ratanaṁ itthi,ratanaṁ gaha.pati,ratanaṁ parināyaka,-
ratanam eva sattamaṁ. See Ambaṭṭha S (D 3.1.5/1:88 f) = Mahâpadāna S (D 14.1.31/2:16 f) = Lakkhaṇa S (D
30.1.1.2/3:142) = Sela S (Sn p106; cf SnA 450 = DA 1:250); for details, see Mahā Sudassana S (D 17.1.7-17/2:-
172-177), SD 36.12; cf Miln 37 f; Divy 467.012-016.
156
So imaṁ pathaviṁ sāgara,pariyantaṁ adaṇḍena asatthena dhammena abhivijiya ajjhāvasati.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Ambaṭṭha goes to see the Buddha

1.6 ―Yes, sir,‖ the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha replied the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti. Rising from his seat,
he saluted the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, circumambulated him and then mounted a chariot drawn by mares;
and together with some brahmin youths, departed for dense forest outside Icchā,naṅgala. When he has
gone as far as his chariot could go, he descended from the vehicle and, proceeding on foot, entered the
park.
1.7 Now at that time, some monks were walking up and down157 in the open air.
Then the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha approached the monks, and having approached, said this to the
monks:
―Sirs, where is master Gotama dwelling now? We have come here to see master Gotama.‖
1.8 Then the monks thought:
―This brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha is from a distinguished family and is a resident pupil of the brahmin
Pokkhara,sāti. But the Blessed One will have no difficulty holding a conversation with such a son of
family.
They said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―Ambaṭṭha, there is that dwelling place [vihara]158 with its doors shut. Go up to it with little sound,
enter the porch softly, then give a cough and knock on the crossbar. The Blessed One will open the door
for you.‖
1.9 Then the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha, approached the dwelling place [vihara] whose doors were
shut. Having approached it with little sound, he entered the porch softly, then gave a cough and knocked
on the crossbar.159 The Blessed One opened the door.
The brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha entered. The brahmin youths, too, entered,160 and then exchanged
friendly words and cordial greetings161 with the Blessed One. When the friendly greetings were conclud-
ed, the brahmin youths sat down at one side.
1.9.2 But the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha, walking up and down, exchanged various cordial greetings
with the Blessed One [90] who was seated down, or, while standing, exchanged various cordial greetings
with the Blessed One who was seated down.162
1.10 Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―Ambaṭṭha, is that how you would hold a conversation with old and aged teachers and teachers of
your teachers, that is to say, walking and standing, exchanged various cordial greetings?‖

Ambaṭṭha‘s first talk on the ―menials‖

1.10.2 ―Certainly not, master Gotama! It is proper, master Gotama, only for a brahmin to converse
while walking with another brahmin who is walking, too; or, it is proper, master Gotama, only for a
brahmin to converse while standing with another brahmin who is standing, too; or, it is proper, master
Gotama, only for a brahmin to converse while sitting with another brahmin who is sitting, too.

157
Caṅkamanti, ie either exercising themselves or doing walking meditation.
158
Vihāro, here referring to a simple monastic cell, not the elaborate building of later times.
159
On the Buddha doing this, see V 1:248; Ariya Pariyesanā S (M 26,4/1:161), Dhamma,cetiya S (M 89,8/-
2:120), Nandaka S (A 9.4/4:359), Kosala S 2 (A 10.30/5:65).
160
Either the Buddha‘s dwelling place (vihara) was spacious enough to all the brahmins youths, or only some of
them entered his quarters.
161
Sammodiṁsu sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sārāṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā, lit ―they greeted (the Blessed One); having
exchanged complimentary talk that gladdens…‖ The phrase sammodiṁsu sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sārāṇīyaṁ vīti-
sāreti is stock: D 1:52, 90, 118, 152; M 1:16 (anussariyamāna,sukhato sārāṇīyaṁ, ―‗gladdening,‘ on account of
recollecting happiness,‖ MA 1:110); A 1:55, 281, 2:42; Sn 419; (cf BHS saṁmukhaṃ saṁmodanīṁ saṁrañjanīṁ
vividhāṁ kathāṁ vyatisārya, Divy 43.8, 47.19, 96.26, 318.16; saṁmodanīṁ saṁrañjanīṃ vividhāṃ kathāṃ vyati-
sāryaikānte ’sthāt, Avdś 1.229, 2:140); sārāṇīyaṁ kathaṁ katheti, DhA 1:107.4:87; (cf BHS saṁrañjanīyaṁ dhar-
maṁ samādāya, Divy 260.7).
162
Ambaṭṭho pana māṇavo caṅkamanto’pi nisinnena bhagavatā kañci kañci kathaṁ sārāṇīyaṁ vītisāreti. Ṭhito
’pi nisinnena bhagavatā kañci kañci kathaṁ sārāṇīyaṁ vītisāreti. See Intro (3.2).

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But, master Gotama, as for shavelings, little ascetics, menials, blacks, born of the feet of our Kinsman
(Mahā Brahmā), I would converse with them just as I now do with master Gotama!‖163
1.11 ―Now, Ambaṭṭha, you must have a purpose in coming here. If you have come with a purpose,
Ambaṭṭha, you should direct your mind well to that purpose. This master Ambaṭṭha, accomplished in
conceit, surely is lacking [unfinished] in his training. For, what else could it be but for the lack of train-
ing?‖164
1.12 Then, the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha, being angered and displeased at being called one lacking in
training by the Blessed One, becoming spiteful, contemptuous, and insulting165 the Blessed One, thus:
―Fierce, master Gotama, is the Sakya breed! Harsh, master Gotama, is the Sakya breed! Touchy, [91]
master Gotama, is the Sakya breed! Violent, master Gotama, is the Sakya breed! Menial, master Gotama,
is the Sakya breed! That the ascetics do not honour brahmins, that they do not respect brahmins, that they
do not esteem brahmins, that they do not revere brahmins, that they do not worship brahmins!
This, master Gotama, is not fitting! This is improper! That these Sakyas, being menials, that these
ascetics, being menials, do not honour brahmins, do not respect brahmins, do not esteem brahmins, do not
revere brahmins, do not worship brahmins!‖
Thus, the brahmin youth, for the first time, charged the Sakyas with talk of being menials.

Ambaṭṭha‘s second talk on the ―menials‖

1.13 ―How now, Ambaṭṭha, have the Sakyas offended you?‖
―Once, master Gotama, on a certain business of my teacher, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, I went to
Kapila,vatthu.
I approached the assembly-hall of the Sakyas. Now at that time, some Sakyas, both old and young,
seated on high seats, were jestfully and playfully finger-poking one another. They were obviously ridicul-
ing me, I‘m sure! No one offered me a seat!
That, master Gotama, is not fitting! That is improper! That these Sakyas, being menials, that these
ascetics, being menials, do not honour brahmins, do not respect brahmins, do not esteem brahmins, do not
revere brahmins, do not worship brahmins!‖
Thus, the brahmin youth, for the second time, charged the Sakyas with talk of being menials.

Ambaṭṭha‘s third talk on the ―menials‖: the quails

1.14 ―Ambaṭṭha, even quails, little birds as they are, chatter as they wish in their nest. What more of
the Sakyas, Ambaṭṭha, in their own Kapilavatthu! It is not worthy of the venerable Ambaṭṭha to take
offence of such a minor thing.‖

163
Ye ca kho te, bho Gotama, muṇḍakā samaṇakā ibbhā kaṇhā bandhu,pādâpaccā, tehi’pi me saddhim evaṁ
kathā,sallāpo hoti, yatha-r-iva bhotā Gotamenâ ti. The underscored words are stock—meaning, ―shavelings, little
[false] ascetics, menials, blacks, born of the feet of the Kinsman (Mahā Brahmā)‖—are contemptuous epithets brah-
mins often use for non-brahmins, esp monks, shudras and outcastes: D 1:90, 103, 3:90; M 1:334; S 4:117. Although
Comys generally equate bandhu (Kinsman) with Mahā Brahmā (eg DA 1:254), for the brahmins the term actually
refers to Puruṣa, the cosmic man, as mentioned in Puruṣa Sūkta, hymn 10.90 of the Ṛgveda. Ibbha is a general con-
temptuous term for non-brahmins, as the ancient imperial Chinese regarded non-Chinese as ―devils,‖ the Jews re-
garded others as ―gentiles‖ (Hebrew goyim, sg goy), or the fundamental Christians regarded non-believers as ―heath-
ens.‖
164
Atthikavato kho pana te, Ambaṭṭha, idh’āgamanaṁ ahosi, yāy’eva kho pan’atthāya āgaccheyyātha [Ce Ee
āgaccheyyātho], tam eva atthaṁ sādhukaṁ manasi kareyyātha [Ce Ee manasikareyyātho]. Avusitavā yeva kho pana
bho ayaṁ Ambaṭṭho māṇavo vusita,mānī kim aññatra avusitattâ ti. Notice the Buddha‘s directness, which reflects
his serious view on proper spiritual training. Cf ChU 5.3.4, where rajah Jaivali charges Śveta,ketu that he is ―not
anuśiṣthaḥ‖ (ie uneducated) and Śveta,ketu feels āyasta (hurt, crestfallen, and angered).
165
Upavadamāno. This passage recurs in Vekhanassa S (M 80), where the angry speaker is the wanderer Vekha-
nassa, and the reading there is vadamāno, ―saying‖ (M 80.14.2/2:43), SD 40a.15 & (Brahma,vihāra) Subha S (M
99) where the angry speaker is the brahmin youth Subha the reading is also vadamāno (M 99.10/2:200), SD 38.6.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

1.15 ―There are these four classes, master Gotama: the brahmins, the kshatriya, the vaishyas, and the
shudras. Of these four classes, master [92] Gotama, three happen to be merely servants of the brahmins.
Master Gotama, it is not fitting! It is improper! That these Sakyas, being menials, that these ascetics,
being menials, do not honour brahmins, do not respect brahmins, do not esteem brahmins, do not revere
brahmins, do not worship brahmins!‖
Thus, the brahmin youth , for the third time, charged the Sakyas with talk of being menials.

The slave‘s son

1.16 Then it occurred to the Blessed One:
―This brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha is very set on putting down the Sakyas with talk of menials. What
now if I were to question him regarding his clan [gens]?‖
Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―Ambaṭṭha, what is your clan?‖
―I am of the Kaṇhâyana [Kṛṣṇâyana] clan, master Gotama.‖
―Now, Ambaṭṭha, following your ancient name and clan, on your mother‘s and father‘s sides, there
are Sakya noble sons [sons of the masters]; but you are a Sakya‘s slave-girl‘s son [descendent].166 But the
Sakyas, Ambaṭṭha, regard the rajah Okkāka as their ancestor.
1.16.2 THE SAKYA LINEAGE. Once upon a time, Ambaṭṭha, the rajah Okkāka167 had a beloved and
dear queen.168 Out of the desire to transfer the royal succession to her son, he banished his elder children
—Okkā,mukha [Ukkā,mukha], Karakaṇḍu [Karakaṇḍa], Hatthinika [Hatthinīya], and Sini,sura [Sīni,-
pura]—from the country. Being thus banished, they took up dwelling in a great forest of teak trees on the
shore of a lake on the Himalayan foothills.
Out of the fear of breaching their bloodline (jāti), they cohabited with their own sisters.169
Then, Ambaṭṭha, the rajah Okkāka addressed his palace ministers:
‗Where, sirs, do the princes dwell170 now?‘

166
Porāṇaṁ kho pana te ambaṭṭha mātā,pettikaṁ nāma,gottaṁ anussarato, ayya,puttā sakyā bhavanti, dāsi,putto
tvam asi sakyānaṁ. CPD defines ayya,putta (Skt ārya,putra) as follow: (1) a young master, ―the son of the house‖;
(2) a husband; (3) a venerable person; a prince. Here, its opp seems to be dāsi,putta: D 3,1.22/1:95,30. In ―but you
are a Sakya‘s slave-woman‘s son,‖ ―son‖ has a generic sense, meaning ―descendent,‖ as at Sambula J (J 519/5:94),
where ayya,putta = ayya (―gentleman, lord‖); PvA 66. As a suffix, -putta should be tr contextually, as in gaha.pati,-
putta, which can be ―houselord‘s son‖ (when paired with gaha,pati: Sāmañña,phala S, D 2.41/1:62; Kandaraka S,
M 51.13/1:344; Yamaka S, S 22.85/3:112); or ―young houselord‖ (Sigāl’ovāda S, D 31.1/3:180); Soṇa S 1, S
22.40/3:48); cf deva,putta, ―young deva‖ (D 2:12, 14; S 1:46 f, 216 f, 4:289; A 1:278; It 76); or simply as ―a mem-
ber of a gaha,pati clan‖ or pleonastically, as ―houselord‖ (Kevaḍḍha S, D 11.1/1:211; bhaṇḍāgāriko ~o, ―a trea-
surer who is a houselord,‖ Comy on Tiro,kuḍḍa S, PvA 20 f). This usage is esp common in late literature, eg
ludda,putta (―hunter‘s son = hunter,‖ Kuruṅga Miga J, J 206/2:154). See Gihi S (A 5.179), SD 70.10 (2).
167
This is the 3rd Okkāka, who, Comys say, had 5 queens (mahesī): Hatthā (or Bhattā), Cittā, Jantu, Jālinī and
Visākhā, each with a retinue of 500 women. The eldest queen, Hatthā, had 4 sons (Okkā,mukha, Karakaṇḍu, Hat-
thinika, and Sini,sura) and 5 daughters (Piyā, Suppiyā, Ānandā, Vijitā, and Vijita,senā): they are those referred to
here. Hatthā passed away after giving birth to the last (DA 1:258; SnA 352). See Nakamura 2000: 32-35. DPPN: sv
Hatthā, errs here.
168
We only know the junior prince‘s name, ie, Jantu (DA 1:258 f; SnA 1:352 f), which means that her mother is
prob Jantū. The Mahāvastu names him Jentā and his mother, Jentī (Mvst 1:348).
169
Te jāti,sambheda,bhayā sakahī bhaginīhi saddhiṁ saṁvāsaṁ kappesuṁ. Scholar generally agree that incestu-
ous marriages were widespread at least during the Graeco-Roman period of Egyptian history. Numerous papyri and
the Roman census declarations attest to many husbands and wives being brother and sister (Naphtali Lewis, Life in
Egypt under Roman Rule, Oxford, 1983; Roger S Bagnall & Bruce W Frier, The Demography of Roman Egypt,
Cambridge, 1994; Brent D Shaw, ―Explaining Incest: Brother-Sister Marriage in Graeco-Roman Egypt,‖ Man, ns
27,2 Jun 1992: 267-299). Keith Hopkins has conclusively demonstrated this, too (―Brother-Sister Marriage in Rom-
an Egypt,‖ Comparative Studies in Society and History 22 1980: 303-354). Some of these incestuous relationships
were in the royal family, esp the Ptolemies (Cleopatra VII married more than one of her brothers). One important
reason for incestuous marriage, as such, is political, ie the consolidation of power.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

‗Your majesty, there is a great teak (saka) forest on the shore of a lake on the Himalayan foothills171
—the princes are there now. Out of the fear of breaching their bloodline, they have cohabited with their
own (sakāhi) sisters.‖172
Then the rajah Okkāka made this inspired utterance (udāna): [93]
‗Sakya (teak) indeed, sirs, are the princes! Perfectly sakya (their own), sirs, are the princes!‘173
1.16.3 AMBAṬṬHA‘S DESCENT. Now, Ambaṭṭha, there was a slave girl of Okkāka, named Disā. She
gave birth to a child name Kaṇha [Black].174 As soon as Kaṇha was born, he uttered,
‗Wash me, mother! Bathe me, mother! Free me from this impurity! So that I shall be of use to
you.‘175
Ambaṭṭha, just as today, people perceiving goblins [demons] recognize them as ‗Goblins (pisāca)!‘
even so, then, Ambaṭṭha, people perceiving goblins, recognize them as ‗the dark ones (kaṇhā)!‘
They spoke thus:
‗It speaks as soon as it is born! A dark one is born! A goblin is born!‘176
Thenceforth, Ambaṭṭha, the Kaṇhâyanā [Kṛṣṇâyanā]177 came into being, and he is the ancestor of the
Kaṇhâyanas.
So it was then, Ambaṭṭha, following your ancient name and clan, on your mother‘s and father‘s sides,
there are Sakya noble sons. But you are a Sakya‘s slave-girl‘s son [descendent].‖ [§1.16.1]

The Buddha consults the brahmin youths

1.17 When this was spoken, the brahmin youths said this to the Blessed One:
―Let not master Gotama humiliate Ambaṭṭha Māṇava so harshly with talk of a slave girl‘s son.
Ambaṭṭha Māṇava, master Gotama, is well born, and
Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is a houselord‘s son, and
Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is deeply learned, and
Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is one with a fine voice [an instrument of the Good Word],178 and
Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is wise, and

170
Sammanti, 3 sg pres sammati (śam; Dhātp 436 = upasama): D 1:92; S 1:226; J 5: 396; DA 1:262 ( = vasati).
171
This is prob Kapila,vatthu (Skt Kapila,vastu): see Nakamura 2000:47-54.
172
Sibling marriage is often found in ancient royal families, esp the Ptolemies of Egypt (305-30 BCE); The fam-
ous Cleopatra VII was married to her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII. Her mother and father, Cleopatra V and Ptole-
my XII, had also been brother and sister. Such consanguinous marriages probably incurred upon them a multi-organ
fibrotic condition such as Erdheim–Chester disease or a familial multifocal fibrosclerosis where thyroiditis, obesity
and ocular proptosis may have all occurred concurrently (H Ashrafian, ―Familial proptosis and obesity in the Pto-
lemies,‖ J.\ournal of the Royal Soc of Medicine 98,2 2005:85-86). Sibling or consanguinous marriages in ancient
India were resorted to to preserve the clan‘s purity and also contain power within it. Such marriage, however, were
uncommon.
173
Sakyā vata bho kumārā, parama,sakyā vata bho kumārā’ti. Bho here pl (rare: A 4.187/2:180,27+181,7; Sn
457a); usu 2nd pl is bhonto.
174
According to Māṇava Dharma,śāstra (10.8+47), the Ambaṣṭha clan arose from the union of a brahmin father
and a vaishya mother (also SED: Ambaṣṭa). See Intro (1.3).
175
Cf Acchariya-abbhūta S (M 123), where the Bodhisattva speaks his first words at birth (M 123.20/3:123,21),
SD 52.2. See Analayo 2010:39.
176
Ayaṁ sañjāto paccābhāsi, kaṇho jāto pisāca jāto: Be Ce Se read ayaṁ jāto pabyāhāsi). Cf Printz 1925:127.
One of the parallels to this passage, DĀ 20/T1.83a10, reports that people tend to be terrified by an infant;s ability to
speak. Cf Suppavāsā S (U 2.8), where Suppavāsā‘s 7-day-old child speaks with Moggallāna, winning the Buddha‘s
praise (U 2.8/17,27).
177
This is the patronymic from Kaṇha.
178
Kalyāṇa,vāk,karaṇo. The ―Good Word‖ (kalyāṇa,vāk) here refers to the Three Vedas and brahminical mantras.
This is however is conjectural, but this sense is probable if the text is a late one. Interestingly, Ambaṭṭha does not
claim that ―handsome, good-looking, pleasing, endowed with the most excellent colour, of perfect complexion, of
perfect physique, of no mean appearance, one worthy of being looked at,‖ as in the case of Kūṭa,danta: see Kūṭa,-
danta S (D 5.6(4)/1:131), SD 22.8.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is capable of debating with the master Gotama.‖179

1.18 Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youths:
―Now if you brahmin youths think that Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is low born, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is not a
houselord‘s son, Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is of little [94] learning, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is not one with a fine
voice [not an instrument of the Good Word], and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is unwise, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇa-
va is incapable of debating with the master Gotama, then let Ambaṭṭha Māṇava be silent, and you discuss
this matter with me.180
But if you brahmin youths think that Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is well born, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is a
houselord‘s son, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is deeply learned, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is one with a fine voice
[the instrument of the Good Word], and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is wise, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is capable of
debating with the master Gotama, then let you (the brahmin youths) be silent, and let Ambaṭṭha Māṇava
debate with me.‖181
1.19 ―Ambaṭṭha, master Gotama, is well born, Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is a houselord‘s son, and the
Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is deeply learned, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is one with a fine voice [the instrument of
the Good Word], and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is wise, and Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is capable of debating with the
master Gotama.
We will be silent! Let Ambaṭṭha Māṇava debate with master Gotama!‖

The Buddha questions Ambaṭṭha

1.20 Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―A reasonable question,182 Ambaṭṭha, has arisen: in spite of your wishes, it should be answered.183 If
you do not answer, or were to digress in any way, or were to remain silent, or were to depart from here,
your head would surely right here shatter into seven pieces!184
What do you think, Ambaṭṭha, what have you heard, when the brahmins, old and aged, the teachers of
teachers, were talking together regarding where the Kaṇhâyanas originated from and who the ancestor of
the Kaṇhâyanas was?‖
When this was said, the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha remained silent.
For the second time, the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha, what have you heard, when the brahmins, old and aged, the teachers
of teachers, were talking together regarding where the Kaṇhâyanas originated from and who the ancestor
of the Kaṇhâyanas [95] was?‖
For the second time, the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha remained silent.
Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:

179
Sujāto ca bho Gotama Ambaṭṭho māṇavo, kulaputto ca Ambaṭṭho māṇavo, bahussuto ca Ambaṭṭho māṇavo,
kalyāṇa,vāk,karaṇo ca Ambaṭṭho māṇavo, paṇḍito ca Ambaṭṭho māṇavo, pahoti ca Ambaṭṭho māṇavo, bhotā Gota-
mena saddhim asmiṁ vacane paṭimantetun ti. This is stock: D 3.1.17/1:93 (the brahmin youth Ambaṭtha, of him-
self), D 4.18/1:122 (the Buddha, of Soṇa,daṇḍa); M 95.11/2:168 (the brahmin Caṅkī, of the brahmin youth Kāpaṭhi-
ka).
180
―You discuss this matter with me,‖ tumhe mayā saddhiṁ mantavho asmiṁ vacane; alt: ―You advise me on ths
matter.‖
181
Here the Buddha astutely employs a ―horned dilemma‖ (ubhato,koṭika pañha, cf S 4:323 ff): if you (brahmin
youths) think Ambaṭṭha is high-born, he should be capable to debating with me; if you want to debate with me on
Ambaṭṭha‘s behalf, then he must be low-born. This effectively prevents a confusing brawl, and the Buddha clearly
establishes who is debating with whom. Understandably, the retinue of brahmin youths feel that Ambaṭṭha is capable
of defending himself, or they, being young, have second thoughts about debating with a great teacher.
182
―A reasonable question,‖ saha,dhammiko pañho. See foll n.
183
Ayaṁ kho pana te Ambaṭṭha saha,dhammiko pañho āgacchati, akāmā vyākātabbo. Comy explains akāmā vyā-
kātabbo as meaning attanā anicchantena pi vyākaritabbo, avassaṁ vissajetabbo, ―even if he himself does not desire
to answer, it is must necessarily be clarified.‖ (DA 1:263). See Intro (4.1).
184
Etth’eva te sattadhā muddhā phalissati. On this head-splitting comment, see Intro (4.1).

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

―Answer now, Ambaṭṭha, now is not the time for you to remain silent! Ambaṭṭha, if you do not an-
swer the question raised by your colleagues, by the third time you are asked, your head would surely split
into seven pieces!‖185
1.21 VAJIRAPĀṆĪ. Now at that time, the yaksha Vajrapani [Thunderbolt-bearer],186 wielding a great
blazing club of glowing iron,187 standing in the air above the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha, thinking:
―If this Ambaṭṭha Māṇava does not answer the Blessed One regarding the reasonable [Dharma-based]
question, then I will surely split his head into seven pieces!‖
Then the Blessed One saw the yaksha Vajrapani, and the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha, too, saw him.188
1.21.2 Then the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha was terrified, filled with samvega [a sense of urgency],189
his hairs standing on ends. He sought safety in the Blessed One; he sought shelter (like a cave) in the
Blessed One; he sought refuge in the Blessed One.190 Sitting very close191 to the Blessed One, he said
this:
―What is it that the master Gotama said? Please, master Gotama, say it again!‖192
―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha, what have you heard, when the brahmins, old and aged, the teachers
of teachers, were talking together regarding where the Kaṇhâyanas originated from and who the ances-
tor of the Kaṇhâyanas was?‖

Ambaṭṭha‘s descent
1.22 When this was said, the brahmin youths were in a tumult, raising their voices loudly, thus:
―So, sirs, it looks like Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is lowborn! So, sirs, it looks like Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is not a
houselord‘s son! So, sirs, it looks like Ambaṭṭha Māṇava is a son of a slave girl of the Sakyas! So, sirs, it
looks like the Sakyas are Ambaṭṭha Māṇava‘s masters! It looks like the ascetic Gotama speaks the Dhar-
ma [the truth] after all, and we had thought that he should not be trusted!‖193
1.23 Then this occurred to the Blessed One:
―These brahmin youths [96] humiliate Ambaṭṭha Māṇava too much with talk of a slave girl‘s son. Let
me now free him from this!‖
1.23.2 Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin youths:
―Brahmin youths, please do not humiliate Ambaṭṭha Māṇava so harshly with talk of a slave girl‘s
son!
The rishi [seer] Kaṇha was a mighty rishi.194 He went to the Deccan country [Dakkhiṇa Janapada]195
and learned the perfect mantras (brahme mante). Then he approached the rajah Okkāka and asked for the
hand of her daughter Madda,rūpī196 in marriage.

185
On head-splitting, see Intro (4).
186
Vajra,pāṇī (Skt) (Vajira,pāṇī, lit ―thunderbolt in hand‖): see Intro (4.2).
187
Ayo,kūṭa, ―iron club‖: see Intro (4.2).
188
Vajirapāṇī appears again before the debater Saccaka, with similar results: see Cūḷa Saccaka S (M 35.13-14/-
1:231 f) + SD 26.5 (3.3.2). According to the Ṭīkā there, Vajripāṇī only wishes to terrify Saccaka so that he gives up
his wrongview (MAṬ:Be 2:206; cf DA 1:263 f).
189
Saṁvega: see SD 9 (7f).
190
Bhagavantaṁ yeva tāṇaṁ gavesī bhagavantaṁ yeva leṇaṁ gavesī bhagavantaṁ yeva saraṇaṁ gavesī: D 1:95.
Cf S 4:315, 4:372; A 1:155 f; J 2:253.
191
―Sitting very close (to),‖ upanisīditvā, from upanisīdati [upa + nisīdati (from √SAD, ―to sit‖] to sit close to or
sit down near to (D 1:95; A 4:10; J 2:347; Pv 4.163 (ger upanisajja = upanisīditvā, PvA 242); Vism 269. There is a
hint of humour here alluding to the Upanishad tradition that was prevalent during the Buddha‘s time.
192
Be Ce ―Kim etaṁ [Ke, kim me taṁ] bhavaṁ gotamo āha? Puna bhavaṁ gotamo bravitû [Ee brūmetû; Se
brūtû] ti.
193
Dhammavādiṁ yeva kira mayaṁ samaṇaṁ Gotamaṁ apasādetabbaṁ amaññimhâ ti.
194
Cf another dark-skinned great seer, Asita Devāla: Assalāyana S (M 93.18/2:156 f) & also SD 2.17(4.2).
195
There were two well known caravan routes in the Buddha‘s times: (1) ―the northern road‖ (uttara,patha), lead-
ing into the Indus region of brahmanic culture and northwards past the Hindu Kush into Persia, Central Asia and the

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

The rajah Okkāka, displeased, said to him:

‗Who is this fellow of an ascetic, the son of a slave girl to ask for the hand of my daughter Madda,-
rūpī!‘
And angrily, he fitted an arrow.197 But then he could neither let fly the arrow nor let go of it!198
Then, brahmin youths, the palace minister approached the rishi Kaṇha and said this:
‗Let the rajah be safe [Spare the rajah], bhante! Let the rajah be safe, bhante!‘
‗The rajah shall be safe, but if he let fly the arrow downwards, it will split the earth as far as his realm
extends!‘
‗Let the rajah be safe, bhante! Let the country be safe, too [spare the country, too]!‘
‗The rajah shall be safe, but if he let fly the arrow above, it will not rain throughout his realm for
seven years!‘
‗Let the rajah be safe, bhante! Let the country be safe! Let it rain, too!‘
‗The rajah shall be safe; the country shall be safe; and it will rain. But the rajah must aim his arrow at
the rajah‘s crown prince! The prince shall be safe, his hair untouched.199‘
Then, brahmin youths, the ministers told Okkāka:
‗Let Okkāka aim the arrow at the crown prince! The prince shall be safe, his hair untouched.‘
Then the rajah Okkāka aimed his arrow at the crown prince. The prince was safe, not a hair touched.
But then the rajah Okkāka was terrified, filled with samvega [a sense of urgency], his hairs standing
on ends, fearful of divine [97] punishment, gave away his daughter Madda,rūpī.200
Brahmin youths, please do not humiliate Ambaṭṭha Māṇava so harshly with talk of a slave girl‘s son!
The rishi Kaṇha was a great sage.‖201

The kshatriya‘s supremacy

1.24 DEFECT ON THE MOTHER‘S SIDE. Then the Blessed One addressed the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Here, a kshatriya boy cohabits202 with a brahmin girl, and they have
a son as a result of that cohabitation. Would that son born of the kshatriya boy and the brahmin girl re-
ceive a seat or water203 from the brahmins, or not?‖
―He would, master Gotama.‖
1.24.2 ―But would the brahmins allow him to partake of the ancestral offering (saddha),204 or the fire
oblation offering (thālī,pāka),205 or the sacrifice (yañña),206 or the guest meal (pāhuna),207 or not?‖

west; (2) ―the southern road‖ (dakkhiṇa,patha; Skt dakṣiṇā,patha), southwards into the Deccan. See DD Kosambi
1976:111-120; caravan routes map, 136 f; also also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deccan.
196
Be Se Madda,rūpi; Ce Mudda,rūpiṁ or Mudda,rūpaṁ; Ee Khudda,rūpiṁ.
197
Khurappa, a sharp-edged arrow (D 1:96; M 1:429 (+ vekaṇḍa, another kind of arrow); Vism381); the usu word
for ―arrow‖ is sara.
198
Comy notes that this is the result of Kaṇha‘s using ―Ambaṭṭha spell‖ (ambaṭṭha,vijjā) (DA 1:266).
199
Sotthi kumāro pallomo bhavissatî ti.
200
The lesson on the value of life is a powerful one. The king is made to feel what it is like to lose the life of
someone dear, ie, his own crown prince.
201
Here is an example of ironic humour in the role reversal: at §1.17, it is the brahmin youths who plead with the
Buddha not to ―humiliate‖ Ambaṭṭha, but here it is the reverse!
202
Saṁvāsaṁ kappeyya, alt: ―were to have intercourse.‖
203
As tokens of respect and welcome. The water is for washing his feet, drinking, etc. In brahminical literature,
there is the arghya (meaning ―valuable‖), ie perfumed water containing rice grains, flower petals, etc. The Paraskara
Gṛhya,sūtra (1.3.1) specifies 6 kinds of persons to whom the arghya reception is due: a teacher, officiating priest,
father-in-law, the rajah, a friend, and the snātaka (a young brahmin who has just performed the ritual lustration,
marking the transition from ‗student,‘ brahma,cārī, to ‗householder,‘ gṛhastha), and describes the hospitality rite in
detail (1.3.4 f).
204
Skt śrāddha (D 1:97; A 1:166, 5:269-273; J 2:360; DA 1:267); making such an offering: V 1:7; D 2:39; Sn
1146. Traditionally, this is an annual ancestral ritual for the ―fathers‖ (pitṛ; P peta) or ancestors, done in the 6th
month, ie, Bhādra,pada (Aug-Sep). See (Saddha) Jāṇussoṇi S (A 10.177/5:269-273) @ SD 2.6a (2). See Gonda
1980:441-456.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

―They would, master Gotama.‖

―But would the brahmins teach him to chant the mantras or not?‖
―They would, master Gotama.‖
―But would he be allowed access to their women or not?‖
―He would, master Gotama.‖
―But would the kshatriyas consecrate him as a kshatriya?‖
―Certainly not, master Gotama.‖
―What is the reason for that?‖
―Because, master Gotama, he is unborn on the mother‘s side.‖
1.25 DEFECT ON THE FATHER‘S SIDE. ―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Here, a brahmin boy cohabits
with a kshatriya girl, and they have a son as a result of that cohabitation.
Would that son born of the brahmin boy and the kshatriya girl receive a seat or water from the
brahmins, or not?‖
―He would, master Gotama.‖
1.25.2 ―But would the brahmins allow him to partake of the ancestral offering (saddha), or the sthali-
paka offering (thālī,pāka), or the sacrifice (yaññā), or the guest meal (pāhuna), or not?‖208
―They would, master Gotama.‖
1.25.3 ―But would the brahmins teach him to chant the mantras or not?‖
―They would, master Gotama.‖ [98]
1.25.4 ―But would he be allowed access to their women or not?‖
―He would, master Gotama.‖
1.25.5 ―But would the kshatriyas consecrate him as a kshatriya?‖
―Certainly not, master Gotama.‖
―What is the reason for that?‖
―Because, master Gotama, he is ‗unborn‘ on the father‘s side.‖209
1.26 ―Therefore, Ambaṭṭha, whether we compare women with women, or men with men, the kshatri-
yas are superior, the brahmins lowly.210
A BANISHED BRAHMIN. What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Here, the brahmins would shave off the hair
of a brahmin guilty of a certain offence [reason],211 cut him dead with the ash-bag [have ash sprinkled on
it],212 and banish him from the realm or country.

205
Skt sthālī,pāka (lit ―cooked in an earthern vessel),‖ a Vedic ritual consisting of an offering of barley or rice
cooked in milk used as an oblation: see Bṛhad-Āraṇyaka 6.4.19 (V 3:15; D 1:97 = DA 1:267; S 2:242, 5:384; A
1:166; J 1:186; Miln 249). Comy say this was ―food offered during blessing rituals, etc‖ (maṅgal’ādi,bhatte, DA
1:267).The sthālī,paka is performed on every Prathama (the first day of lunar month). Sthālī is the pot in which rice
is cooked, and which must be placed in the aupasana (the family‘s sacred fire). The cooked rice, called charu, must
be offered to the same fire. See Gonda1980:423-427. On thāli,paka meaning simply ―tray, dish, salver,‖ see Pañca,-
ratha,sata S (S 17.36,2) n @ SD 22.6b.
206
Skt yajña: D 1:129 f, 137 f; DA 1:204-107. See Pasenadi Yañña S (S 3.9/1:75 f), SD 22.11. On mahā yañña,
see M 2:204; DhsA 145 (cf DhsA:PR 193). A yajna (meaning ―sacrifice‖) is a Vedic ritual, which may be simply an
offering of clarified butter into a fire, or it may involve 17 priests in an elaborate 12-day ritual incl the building of a
large fire altar as in the agni,cayana (―piled fire,‖ ie, a fire altar on a raised level, such as bricks). The yajna always
includes a fire, Sanskrit mantras (Vedic verses), and some sort off offering. In the larger public rituals, it was com-
mon to have animal sacrifice/s. See PED: yañña.
207
D 1:97 = M 2:154; Vism 230; DA 1:267. Skt prāhavana, ―meal for a guest‖; from Skt prāhuna or prāghūna,
―guest‖; cf prāhavanīya (P pāhuneyya), ―worthy of being received as a guest.‖ Cf āhuna,pāhuna (―sacrifice and of-
fering‖), VvA 155. See SD 15.10a (4).
208 The Skt forms of these terms are, respectively, śrāddha, sthālī,pāka, yajñā, and pāhuna (ts).
209
Pitito hi bho Gotama anuppano ti. That is, impure on the father‘s side.
210
The Buddha is not endorsing the notion of class superiority in either case, but bringing the logic of the situation
to its own conclusion.
211
Pakaraṇe, which Comy glosses as dosa (―fault,‖ DA 1:267), but the same word at S 22.80.1/3:91 is glosses as
kāraṇa (―reason,‖ SA 2:297); cf kismicid eva pakaraṇe aparajjhati (―he is wrong on certain occasions,‖ Miln 189).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Now, would he receive a seat or water from the brahmins, or not?‖

―Certainly not, master Gotama.‖
1.26.2 ―But would the brahmins allow him to partake of the ancestral offering [Skt śrāddha], or the
sthalipaka offering [sthālī,pāka], or the sacrifice [yajñā], or the guest meal (pāhuna), or not?‖
―Certainly not, master Gotama.‖
―But would the brahmins teach him to chant the mantras or not?‖
―Certainly not, master Gotama.‖
―But would he be allowed access to their women or not?‖
―He would be disallowed, master Gotama.‖
1.27 A BANISHED KSHATRIYA. What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Here, the kshatriyas would shave off
the hair of a kshatriya guilty of a certain offence [reason], cut him dead with the ash-bag [have ash sprin-
kled on it], and banish him from the realm or country.
Now, would he receive a seat or water from the brahmins, or not?‖
―He would, master Gotama.‖
1.27.2 ―But would the brahmins allow him to partake of the ancestral offering [śrāddha], or the
sthalipaka offering [sthālī,pāka], or the sacrifice [yajñā], or the guest meal (pāhuna), or not?‖
―They would, master Gotama.‖
―But would the brahmins teach him to chant the mantras or not?‖
―They would, master Gotama.‖
―But would he be allowed access to their women or not?‖
―He would be allowed, master Gotama.‖
1.27.3 ―Now, Ambaṭṭha, such a kshatriya is one fallen into the greatest degradation, [99] inasmuch
as he had his head shaven, cut dead with the ash-bag [had ash sprinkled on it], and banished from the
realm or country.
Thus, Ambaṭṭha, even though the kshatriya has fallen into the greatest degradation, still the kshatriyas
are superior, the brahmins inferior.213
1.28 Now, Ambaṭṭha, this verse was uttered by the brahma Sanaṅ,kumāra,214 thus:215

212
Assa,puṭena vadhitvā [Be Bhassa- or Bhasma- for Assa-], lit ―having been killed with a bag of ash‖; as at A
4.242,3/2:242,9-11 (= AA 3:216,20). See CPD: assa,puṭa for details.
213
―The major point of this section,‖ Brian Black notes, ―is to establish that the brahmins are actually more re-
laxed [with regard to mixed marriages], and thus less pure, about which mixed unions they recognize.‖ (2007b:9).
Uma Chakravarti here remarks: ―[T]he child of a union between a khattiya and a brāhmaṇa was allowed to partici-
pate in all the activities of the brāhmaṇas. This would include participation in making offerings to the gods and hav-
ing access to brāhmaṇa women. However, khattiyas would not permit the child of such a union to participate in the
abhiseka (consecration) ceremony of the khattiyas. The Buddha argued from this that khattiyas were higher (seṭṭha)
and the brāhmaṇas inferior (hīna) to them.‖ (1996:110 f)
214
Sanaṅ,kumra. See foll n.
215
Sanaṅ,kumra‘s verse is well known. Lines cd are explained in Ambaṭṭha S (D 3.1.28/3:99) in terms of the
sāmañña,phala). See also Aggañña S (D 27.32/1:97, sutta conclusion); Sekha S (M 53.25/1:358, spoken by Ānan-
da), Sanaṅ,kumāra S (S 6.11/1:153, verse only), Mahā Kappina S (S 21.11/2:284, with Dh 387), & Mora,nivāpa
S (A 11.11/5:327 f); cf Soṇa,daṇḍa S (D 4.13-16/1:121, on the true brahmin), Jana,vasabha S (D 18.17-29/2:210-
218, on Sanaṅ,kumāra). (At S 2:284, where it appears with Dh 387, it is attributed to the Buddha, giving it even
greater endorsement). The name Sanaṅ,kumra means or ―Ever Young‖ or ―Eternal Virgin.‖ Like the true brah-
mins of old, he practised ―the celibate divine life‖ (komra,brahma,cariya, A 3:224 ff), a term I think that is better
rendered as ―living the celibate ever since he was just a boy,‖ since brahma,cariya itself connotes celibacy. Buddha-
ghosa says that in a former birth, Sanaṅ,kumra practised jhna while yet a boy (kumra) at the stage where his hair
was tied in five top-knots and was reborn in the brahma world. Even as a brahma he often retained his youthful
looks, hence his name (MA 3:33; SA 1:219). The oldest mention of Sanat,kumra (Skt) is in the Chndogya Upa-
niad (ch 7). In the Mahbharata (3:185, Bombay ed), he expresses a sentiment very similar to that of his verse here.
Rhys Davids (D:RD 2:292 n3, cf 1:121 n1) sees the Sanaṅkumra story as the Indian counterpart of the Arthurian
legend of Galahad.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

Khattiyo seho jane tasmi The kshatriya is the best in this generation
ye gotta,paisārino for those who look up to clan.
vijjā,caraa,sampanno The one endowed with wisdom and conduct:
so seho deva,mānuse. he is the best amongst gods and humans.

1.28.2 This verse, Ambaṭṭha, is well-sung, not ill-sung, by the Brahma Sanaṅkumra, well-spoken,
not ill-spoken, endowed with meaning, not without meaning—I approve of it. I too, Ambaṭṭha, say thus:
The kshatriya is the best in this generation for those who value clan;
But the one endowed with knowledge and conduct is the best amongst gods and humans.
[Here ends the first recital cycle, bhāṇavāra.]216

Talk on knowledge and conduct

2.1 ―But what, master Gotama, is this conduct (caraṇa), and what is this knowledge (vijjā)?‖
―Ambaṭṭha, in the case of the peerless accomplishment of conduct and knowledge,
one does not talk of birth [class] (jāti),
and one does not talk of clan (gotta), and
and one does not talk of conceit (māna), thus:
‗You are as worthy as I am‘ or ‗You are not as worthy as I am.‘
2.1.2 Ambaṭṭha, such talk is about taking in marriage (āvāha), or giving in marriage (vivāha), or
taking and giving in marriage (āvāha,vivāha). Here, Ambaṭṭha, one talks thus, ‗You are as worthy as I
am‘ or ‗You are not as worthy as I am.‘217
2.1.3 Ambaṭṭha, for whomever are bound by the talk of birth [class], or bound by the talk of clan, or
bound by the talk of conceit, or bound by the talk of taking or giving in marriage, they are far from the
peerless accomplishment of conduct and knowledge.
Ambaṭtha, by the abandoning of
the bond of talk of birth [class], and
the bond of talk of clan,
the bond of talk of conceit, and
the bond of the talk of taking and giving in marriage, [D 1:100]
one realizes the peerless accomplishment of conduct and knowledge.

216
This break conveniently divides the sutta into two parts: the first centres around the Buddha‘s debate with Am-
baṭṭha, and the second, the sāmañña,phala teaching (to Ambaṭṭha) and Pokkhara,sāti‘s conversion.
217
Bloodline or birth (jāti) is a concern of the world, not of spirituality. Jāti asserts the notion of a biological fami-
ly, but the Dharma breaks all bounds for the spiritual family to be possible. Similarly, spiritual renunciation is not
―leaving‖ one‘s family, but rather giving up the notion of a biological for an unconditional acceptance of all beings,
ie, seeing all life as a spiritual family. See also Uma Chakravarti 1987:110.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

The Fruits of Recluseship

(Sāmañña,phala)

(A) Training in Moral Virtue (sīla,sikkhā)218

2.2 ―But, master Gotama, what is this conduct, and what is this wisdom?‖
219
[D 2.40] ―Here, Ambaṭṭha, there arises in the world the Tathāgata [Thus Come One], an Arhat and
fully self-awakened, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, well-gone, knower of the worlds, unexcel-
led trainer of tamable people, teacher of beings human and divine, awakened, blessed.
Having realized by his own direct knowledge this world with its gods, its Maras, and its Brahmas,
this generation with its recluses and brahmins, its rulers220 and people, he makes it known to others. He
teaches the Dharma, good in its beginning, good in its middle, good in its end, endowed with meaning
and phrasing. He proclaims the holy life that is entirely complete and pure.
[D 2.41] A houselord or houselord‘s son, hearing the Dharma, [D 1:63] gains faith221 in the
Tathgata and reflects:
‗The household life is stifling, a dusty path.222 The life of renunciation is like the open air. It is not
easy living in a house to practise the holy life completely, in all its purity, like a polished conch-shell.
What if I were to shave off my hair and beard, put on the saffron robes, and go forth from the household
life into homelessness?‘
So, after some time, he abandons his accumulation of wealth, great and small; he gives up his circle
of relatives, great and small; shaves off his hair and beard, puts on the saffron robes, and goes forth from
the household life into homelessness.
[D 2.42] When he has thus gone forth, he lives restrained by the rules of the monastic code [Pi-
mokkha], possessed of proper conduct and resort.223 Having taken up the rules of training, he trains him-
self in them, seeing danger in the slightest faults. He comes to be endowed with wholesome bodily and

218
In reality, the Sutta here does not name section as such. Ambaṭṭha S divides the sāmañña,phala section into 2
parts: ―Conduct‖ (caraṇa) [§§2.2a-D 1.82] and ―Knowledge‖ (vijjā) [§D 1.83-2.98]. See n at header ―II. Accom-
plishment of Conduct‖ below (just before D 1.28), & see also Gethin 2001:207 n79. For a summary of the section on
moral virtue, see Sāmañña,phala S (D 2), SD 8.10 (3).
219
As at Sāmañña,phala S (D 2.40-42/1:62 f), mutatis mutandis.
220
deva, here in the sense of ―devas by convention‖ (sammati,deva), ie kings. The other 2 types of deva are ―gods
by rebirth‖ (upapatti,deva) and ―gods by purification‖ (visuddhi,deva), ie the Buddhas, Pratyeka Buddhas and Ar-
hats. (Nc 307; KhA 123). See §2, ―Your majesty‖ n.
221
―Faith,‖ saddh. There are 2 kinds of faith (saddh): (1) ―rootless faith‖ (amlaka,saddh), baseless or irra-
tional faith, blind faith. (M 2:170); (2) ―faith with a good cause‖ (kravati,saddh), faith founded on seeing (M
1:320,8 401,23); also called avecca-p,pasda (S 12.41.11/2:69). ―Wise faith‖ is syn with (2). Amlaka = ―not seen,
not heard, not suspected‖ (V 2:243 3:163 & Comy). Gethin speaks of two kinds of faith: the cognitive and the af-
fective (eg ERE: Faith & Jayatilleke, Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge, 1963:387): ―Faith in its cognitive di-
mension is seen as concerning belief in propositions or statements of which one does not—or perhaps cannot—have
knowledge proper (however that should be defined); cognitive faith is a mode of knowing in a different category
from that knowledge. Faith is its affective dimension is a more straightforward positive response to trust or confid-
ence towards something or somebody…the conception of saddh in Buddhist writings appears almost, if not entirely
affective, the cognitive element is completely secondary.‖ (Gethin 2001:107; my emphases).
222
Sambdho gharavso raj,patho. There is a wordplay on sambdha,‖crowded, stlfling, narrow, full of hindran-
ces.‖ The word sambdha also refers to the male organ (V 1:216, 2:134) or the female organ (V 4:259; Sn 609; J
1:61, 4:260).
223
―Resort‖ (gocara), lit ―the cow‘s routine path or pasture.‖ Here it refers to two aspects of the renunciant‘s life.
In the Canon, it refers to places that are regarded as suitable for collecting almsfood (V 2:208). In this sense, agoca-
ra refers to places that are unsuitable for renunciants to resort to (whether for alms or visit) (D 1:63 = It 118 M 1:33
S 5:187 It 96; cf Dh 22). In Comys, gocara refers to places suitable for meditation (Vism 127). We can also take
gocara here in the psychological sense of rammana, that is, sense-objects. In other words, one ―possessed of proper
conduct and resort‖ means ―accomplished in proper conduct of body and of mind.‖

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

verbal deeds, his livelihood is purified, and he is possessed of moral virtue. He guards the sense-doors, is
possessed of mindfulness and clear knowledge, and is content.

I. ACCOMPLISHMENT OF MORAL VIRTUE224

(Sīla,sampadā)
1. THE SHORT SECTION ON MORAL VIRTUE225
(Cūḷa,sīla)
[Brahma,jla Sutta, D 1.8-27/1:4-11 = Sāmañña,phala Sutta, D 2.43-62/1:68]

2.2.2 And how, Ambaṭṭha, is a monk accomplished in moral virtue?

Right bodily conduct

[D 1.8]226 (1) Here, Ambaṭṭha, having abandoned the destruction of life, the recluse Gotama abstains
from destroying life. He dwells with rod and weapon laid down, conscientious,227 merciful, compassion-
ate for the welfare of all living beings.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
(2) Having abandoned the taking of what is not given, the recluse Gotama abstains from taking what
is not given. He takes only what is given, accepts only what is given, lives not by stealth but by means of
a pure mind.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
(3) Having abandoned incelibacy, he lives a celibate life, living apart, refraining from the sexual
act, the way of the village.229
228

This, too, is part of his moral virtue.230

Right speech
[D 1.9] (4) Having abandoned false speech, the recluse Gotama abstains from false speech. He
speaks the truth, keeps to the truth as his bond, trustworthy, reliable, no deceiver of the world.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
(5) Having abandoned divisive speech the recluse Gotama abstains from divisive speech. What he
has heard here he does not tell there to break those people apart from these people here. What he has
heard there he does not tell here to break these people apart from those people there.
Thus reconciling those who have broken apart or consolidating those who are united, he loves con-
cord, delights in concord, enjoys concord, speaks words of concord.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
(6) Having abandoned abusive speech, the recluse Gotama abstains from abusive speech. He speaks
words that are humane, soothing, loving, touching, urbane, and delightful and pleasant to the multitude.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.

224
This whole section is popularly known as the ―moralities‖ or ―sīlas‖ (sīla), dealing with the moral virtue of a
monastic.
225
These three sections (comprising 13 items or groups) on moral virtue occur verbatim (in whole or with some
omissions) in all of the first 13 suttas and may once have formed a separate ―tract‖ (D:RD 1:3 n1). See Gethin 2001:
195 f. See Intro (3) above.
226
Cp §§8-20 with Cla Hatthipadopama S (M 27.11-13/1:179 f ) = Mahā Tahā,saṅkhaya S (M 38.31-33/-
1:267).
227
lajj, ―feel shame, modest,‖ explain in the Comy on S 1:73 as ―one who has moral shame (hiri) and moral fear
(ottappa).‖ Opp alajj, shameless.
228
Brahma,cariya is the supreme conduct or holy life, ie celibacy. DA points out that it involves refraining from
other forms of erotic behaviour besides intercourse.
229
gma,dhamma, ie the way of the householder, vulgar (in the sense of being associated with the masses).
230
Idam pi’ssa hoti silasmiṁ. Brahma,jla S refrain: Thus the ordinary person would praise the Tathgata, D
1.8.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

(7) Having abandoned idle chatter, the recluse Gotama abstains from idle chatter. He speaks in
season, speaks what is true, what is beneficial. He speaks on the Doctrine and the Discipline. He speaks
words worth treasuring, seasonable, [D 1:5] backed by reason, measured, connected with the goal.231
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.

General
[D 1.10] (8) The recluse Gotama abstains from damaging seeds and plant life.232

Smaera,sikkh 6-10
(9) He eats only once a day, refraining from the evening meal and from food at improper times.233
(10) The recluse Gotama abstains from dancing, singing, music and from watching shows.
(11) The recluse Gotama abstains from wearing garlands and from beautifying himself with scents
and make-up.
(12) The recluse Gotama abstains from high and luxurious beds and seats.
(13) The recluse Gotama abstains from accepting gold and silver [money].

General
(14) The recluse Gotama abstains from accepting uncooked grain; raw meat; women and girls; male
and female slaves; goats and sheep, fowl and pigs; elephants, cattle, horses, and mares.
(15) The recluse Gotama abstains from accepting fields and lands [property].234
(16) The recluse Gotama abstains from running messages [or errands].
(17) The recluse Gotama abstains from buying and selling [bartering and trading].
(18) The recluse Gotama abstains from dealing with false scales, false metals, and false measures.
(19) The recluse Gotama abstains from bribery, deception, and fraud.
(20) The recluse Gotama abstains from wounding, executing, imprisoning, highway robbery, plunder,
and violence.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.

2. THE MEDIUM SECTION ON MORAL VIRTUE

(majjhima,sīla)
[D 1.11] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to damaging
seeds and plant life such as these: plants propagated from roots, stems, joints, buddings, and seeds—the
recluse Gotama abstains from damaging seeds and plant life such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue. [D 1:6]
[D 1.12] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to consuming
stored-up goods such as these: stored-up food, stored-up drinks, stored-up clothing, stored-up vehicles,
stored-up bedding, stored-up scents, and stored-up meat—the recluse Gotama abstains from consuming
stored-up goods such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.13] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to watching
shows such as these: dancing, singing, music, plays, ballad recitations, hand-clapping, cymbals and
drums, painted scenes,235 acrobatic and conjuring tricks,236 elephant fights, horse fights, buffalo fights,

231
attha,sahita.
232
Curiously, this replaces the precept against intoxicants which is omitted.
233
―Improper times‖ here means between noon and the following dawn (V 1:83).
234
The Buddha however accepted land from rajahs like Bimbisra and Pasenadi, and others like Anthapiaka
and Viskh, which were received in the name of the Sangha. What is connoted here is accepting land on a personal
basis.
235
Sobha,nagaraka, ―of the city of Sobha‖ (the city of the Gandharvas or heavenly musicians). RD thinks it
refers to a ballet with fairy scenes. Bodhi: ―art exhibitions.‖

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

bull fights, goat fights, ram fights, cock fights, quail fights; fighting with staves, boxing, wrestling, war-
games, roll calls, battle arrays, and troop movements—the recluse Gotama abstains from watching shows
such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.14] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to heedless
and idle games such as these—
aha,pada eight-row chess,237
dasa,pada ten-row chess,
ākāsa chess in the air,238
parihāra,patha hopscotch,
santika spillikins239 [or jackstraws],
khalika dice,
ghaika stick games [hitting a short stick with a longer one],240
salāka,hattha hand-pictures,241
akkha ball-games [marbles],
paṅga,cīra blowing through toy pipes [playing whistling games with folded leaves],242
vaṅkaka playing with toy ploughs,243
mokkhacika turning somersaults [acrobatics],244
ciṅgulika playing with toy windmills,245
pattāaka toy measures,
rathaka toy chariots,246 [D 1:7]
dhanuka toy bows,
akkharika guessing letters drawn in the air or on one‘s back,247
manesika guessing thoughts,
yathā,vajja mimicking deformities—
the recluse Gotama abstains from heedless and idle games such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.15] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to using high
and luxurious furnishings such as these248—over-sized couches,249 couches adorned with carved animals,
long-haired coverlets, multi-colored patchwork coverlets, white woollen coverlets, woollen coverlets em-
broidered with flowers or animal figures, stuffed quilts, coverlets with fringes, silk coverlets embroidered
with gems; large woollen carpets; elephant, horse, and chariot rugs, antelope-hide rugs, deer-hide rugs;

236
Cala vasa dhopana, an obscure phrase. The performers were presumable of the lowest caste. DA
thinks of an iron ball (used for juggling?). Cf Citta Sambhta J (J 4:390) where the phrase appears.
237
The Sinhalese sanna says that each of these games was played with dice and pieces such as kings, etc. The
word for the pieces (―men‖) is poru (from purisa).
238
Possibly, blindfold chess.
239
Or, spellicans.
240
Rhys Davids: ―Something like ‗tipcat.‘ Si-kelīmaya in Sinhalese.‖ (D:RD 1:10 n5)
241
The hand is dipped in paint or dye, then struck on the ground or a wall, so that the player creates the figure of
an elephant, a horse, etc. See J 1:220. Thai literature, the boy trickster and genius Sii Thanonchai (Śrī Dhanañjaya)
is well known for this skill.
242
Sinh pat-kulal. Morris (JPTS 1889:205) compares it to the Marathī pungī.
243
Skt vka. See JPTS 1889:206.
244
See V 1:276; also JPTS 1885:49.
245
Cf ciṅgulāyitvā (A 3.15.2/1:112) (Morris, JPTS 1885:50).
246
This and the previous five are mentioned at M 1:266 as children‘s games.
247
This shows that letters, perhaps writing, were known in 5 th century India, and certainly by Asoka‘s time.
248
This list recurs at V 1:192 = 2:163 = A 1:181.
249
sandi, ―moveable settees, high, and six feet long‖ (RD). The Sinh Sanna explains that this is ―a long chair
for supporting the whole body.‖ See D:RD 1:11 n4 for discussion.

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couches with awnings, couches with red cushions for the head and feet—the recluse Gotama abstains
from using high and luxurious furnishings such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.16] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, enjoy scents, cosme-
tics, and means of beautification such as these: rubbing powders into the body, massaging with oils, bath-
ing in perfumed water, kneading the limbs, using mirrors, ointments, garlands, scents, creams, face-
powders, mascara [darkening one‘s eye-lashes], bracelets, head-bands, decorated walking sticks, orna-
mented water-bottles, swords, fancy sunshades, decorated sandals, turbans, gems, yak-tail whisks, long-
fringed white robes—the recluse Gotama abstains from using scents, cosmetics, and means of beautifica-
tion such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.17] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to low
250
talk, such as these: talking about kings, robbers, ministers of state; armies, alarms, and battles; food and
drink; clothing, furniture, garlands, and scents; relatives; vehicles; villages, towns, cities, the countryside;
women [D 1:8] and heroes; the gossip of the street and the well; tales of the dead; tales of diversity
[philosophical discussions of the past and the future], the creation of the world and of the sea, and talk of
whether things exist or not [or, talk about gain and loss]251–the recluse Gotama abstains from talking
about low topics such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.18] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to debates
such as these—
‗You do not understand this Teaching and Discipline [this Dharma-Vinaya]. I understand this Teach-
ing and Discipline. What could you understand of this Teaching and Discipline? You are practising
wrongly. I am practising rightly. I am being consistent. You are inconsistent. What should be said first
you said later. What should be said after you said first. What you took so long to think out has been
refuted. Your viewpoint has been overthrown. You are defeated. Go and try to salvage your viewpoint;
extricate yourself if you can!‘252
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.19] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, are given to relaying
messages and running errands for people such as these: kings, ministers of state, noble warriors, brah-
mins, houselords, or youths [who say],
‗Go here, go there, take this there, fetch that here‘—the recluse Gotama abstains from running messa-
ges and errands for people such as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.20] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, engage in deceitful
pretensions [to attainments], flattery [for gain], subtle insinuation or hinting [for gain], pressuring [for
offerings], and pursuing gain with gain, the recluse Gotama abstains from such pretensions and flattery.253
This, too, is part of his moral virtue. [D 1:9]

250
Tiracchna,kath, lit animal talk. As animals mostly walk parallel to the earth, so this kind of talk does not
lead on upwards. Cf Lohicca S (D 1:228).
251
Iti,bhavbhāva,kath, may be rendered as ―being and non-being‖ or as ―profit and loss,‖ but according to
Walshe, the philosophical sense (as in Horner and amoli translations of Sandaka S, M 76) is preferable.
252
This is stock: Brahma,jla S (D 1:8), Smaa,phala S (D 1:66), Psdika S (D 3:117), Saṅgti S (D 3:210),
Mah Sakuludyi S (M 2:3), Smagma S (M 2:245), Hliddakni S 1 (S 3:12), Vigghika Kath S (S 5:418)
and Mah Niddesa (Nm 1:173). See Brahmajla S, D 1:2 f. Cf Alagaddpama S (M 22) where a similar statement
is made regarding the wrong reason for learning the Dharma (M 22.10/1:133).
253
For details, see Vism 1.61-82.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

3. THE GREAT SECTION ON MORAL VIRTUE

(mahā,sīla)
[D 1.21] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as:
aṅga reading marks on the limbs [eg, palmistry, sole-reading];
nimitta reading omens and signs;
uppāda interpreting celestial events [lightning, falling stars, comets];
supina interpreting dreams;
lakkhaa reading marks on the body [eg, physiognomy, phrenology];
msikâcchinna reading marks on cloth gnawed by mice;
aggi,homa offering fire oblations;
dabbi,homa oblations from a ladle;
thusa,homa oblations of husks;
kaa,homa oblations of rice powder;
taula,homa oblations of rice grains;
sappi,homa oblations of ghee;
tela,homa oblations of oil;
mukha,homa offering oblations using oral spells;
lohita,homa offering blood-sacrifices;
aṅga,vijjā making predictions based on the fingertips;
vatthu,vijjā determining whether the site for a proposed house or garden is propitious
or not [geomancy];
khatta,vijjā making predictions for officers of state;
siva,vijjā laying demons in a cemetery;
bhta,vijjā laying spirits;
bhri,vijjā reciting house-protection charms [or knowledge of charms recited by
those living in an earthern house];
ahi.vijjā snake charming;
visa,vijjā treating poisoning;
vicchikā,vijjā curing scorpion-stings;
msika,vijjā curing rat-bites;
sakua,vijjā interpreting bird sounds;
vāyasa,vijjā interpreting the cawing of crows
pakkajjhāna foretelling the remaining duration of life;
sara,paritta reciting charms for protection against arrows; and
miga,cakka reciting charms to understand the calls of wild animals.
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.22] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as:
mai,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky gems;
daa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky staffs;
vattha,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky garments;
asi,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky swords;
usu,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky arrows;
dhanu,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky bows;
avudha,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky weapons;
itthi,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky women;
purisa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky men;

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

kumāra,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky boys;

kumāri,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky girls;
dāsa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky male slaves;
dāsi,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky female slaves;
hatthi,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky elephants;
assa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky horses;
mahisa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky buffaloes;
usabha,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky bulls;
go,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky cows;
aja,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky goats;
maa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky rams;
kukkua,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky fowl;
vaaka,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky quails;
godhā,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky lizards [or iguana];
kaikā,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky long-eared rodents;254
kacchapa,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky tortoises;
miga,lakkhaa determining lucky and unlucky animals
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.23] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as forecasting thus: [D 1:10]
the leaders [rajahs]255 will march forth [advance];
the leaders will return [retreat];
our leaders will attack, and their leaders will retreat;
their leaders will attack, and our leaders will retreat;
there will be triumph for our leaders and defeat for their leaders;
there will be triumph for their leaders and defeat for our leaders;
thus there will be triumph, thus there will be defeat
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.24] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as forecasting thus:
canda-g,gāho bhavissati there will be a lunar eclipse;
suriya-g,gāho bhavissati there will be a solar eclipse;
nakkhatta-g,gaho bhavissati there will be an occultation of an asterism;
candima,suriyāna patha,-
gamana bhavissati the sun and moon will go their normal courses;
candima,suriyāna uppatha,-
gamana bhavissati the sun and moon will go off-course;
nakkhattāna patha,-
gamana bhavissati the asterisms will go their normal course;
nakkhattāna uppatha,-
gamana bhavissati the asterisms will go off-course;
ukkā,pāto bhavissati there will be a meteor shower;
disā,āho bhavissati there will be a darkening of the sky;

254
Kaika,lakkhaa, from kaa, ―ear.‖ DA thinks it means either ear-rings or house-gables, both of which do
not fit here. Walshe follows the Thai tr which, probably following an old tradition, has tun, ―bamboo-rat‖ (see
McFarland, Thai-English Dictionary, p371). Franke says ―an animal that is always mentioned with the hare‖ and
considers that it must mean an animal with long ears.
255
Raa (gen pl), ie the joint leaders (rajah) of a republican state in ancient India.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

bhmi,cālo bhavissati there will be an earthquake;

deva,dundubhi bhavissati there will be thunder (coming from a clear sky);
candima,suriya,nakkhattāna
uggamana ogamana
sakilesa vodāna there will be a rising, a setting, a darkening, a brightening of the
bhavissati sun, moon, and asterisms;
eva vipāko canda-g,gāho
bhavissati such will be the result of the lunar eclipse;
eva vipāko suriya-g,gāho
bhavissati such will be the result of the solar eclipse;
eva vipāko nakkhatta-g, gāho
bhavissati such will be the result of the occultation of the asterism;
eva vipāko candima,suriyāna
patha,gamana bhavissati such will be the result of the sun and moon going their normal
courses;
eva vipāko candima,suriyāna
uppatha,gamana bhavissati such will be the result of the sun and moon going off-course;
eva vipāko nakkhattāna patha,-
gamana bhavissati such will be the result of the asterisms going off-course;
eva vipāko nakkhattāna
uppatha,-gamana bhavissati such will be the result of the asterisms going off-course;
eva vipāko ukkā,pāto bhavissati such will be the result of the meteor shower;
eva vipāko disā,āho bhavissati such will be the result of the darkening of the sky;
eva vipāko bhmi,cālo bhavissati such will be the result of the earthquake;
eva vipāko deva,dundubhi such will be the result of the thunderclap (coming from a clear
bhavissati sky);
eva vipāko candima,suriya,- such will be the result of the rising, the setting, the darkening, or
nakkhattāna uggamana the brightening of the sun, of the moon, and of the asterisms;
ogamana sakilesa
vodāna bhavissati
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.
Thus [D 1:11] would the worldling speak when praising the Tathagata.
[D 1.25] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as forecasting thus:
subbuhikā bhavissati there will be abundant rain;
dubbuhikā bhavissati there will be a drought;
subhikkha bhavissati there will be plenty;
dubhikkha bhavissati there will be famine;
khema bhavissati there will be rest and security;
bhaya bhavissati there will be danger;
rogo bhavissati there will be disease;
ārogya bhavissati there will be health [freedom from disease];
muddā or, they earn their living by counting,
gaanā by accounting;
saṅkhāna by calculation;
kāveyya by composing poetry; or
lokāyata by teaching hedonistic arts and doctrines
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

[D 1.26] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as:
āvāhana calculating auspicious dates for bringing in the bride (marriage);
vivāhana calculating auspicious dates for bringing in the bridegroom,
savadana calculating auspicious dates for betrothals;
vivadana calculating auspicious dates for divorces;
sakiraa calculating auspicious dates for collecting debts;
vikiraa calculating auspicious dates for making investments and loans;
subhaga,karaa reciting charms for becoming attractive;
dubbhaga,karaa reciting charms for becoming unattractive;
viruddha,gabbha,karaa curing women who have undergone miscarriages or abortions [or,
reviving the fetuses of abortive women];256
jivhā nittaddana reciting spells to bind a person‘s tongue;
hanu,sahanana reciting spells to bind a person‘s tongue, or to paralyze his jaws;
hatthâbhijappana reciting spells to make one lose control of one‘s hands;
kaa,jappana reciting spells to bring on deafness;
ādāsa,pañha getting oracular answers to questions addressed to a mirror;
kumāri,pañha getting oracular answers to questions addressed to a young girl;
deva,pañha getting oracular answers to questions addressed to a spirit medium;
ādicc’upahāna worshipping the sun;
mahat’upahāna worshipping Mah Brahm;257
abbhujjalana bringing forth flames from the mouth; and
sir’avhāyana invoking the goddess of luck
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.
[D 1.27] Whereas some recluses and brahmins, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves
by wrong livelihood through the low arts such as:
santi,kamma promising gifts to deities in return for favors;
paidhi,kamma fulfilling such promises;
bhri,kamma demonology;
vassa,kamma teaching house-protection spells;
vossa,kamma inducing virility and impotence;
vatthu,kamma consecrating sites for construction;
vatthu,parikiraa giving ceremonial mouthwashes;
ācamana giving ceremonial ablution;
nahāpana giving ceremonial bathing;
juhana offering sacrificial fires;
vamana preparing emetics;
virecana preparing purgatives;
uddha,virecana preparing expectorants;
adho,virecana preparing diuretics;
sīse,virecana preparing headache cures;
kaa,tela preparing ear-oil;
netta,tappana preparing eye-drops;
natthu,kamma preparing oil for treatment through the nose;
añjana preparing collyrium [eye ointment];
paccañjana preparing counter-medicines;

256
Viruddha,gabbha,karaa.
257
Mahat’upahāna = Mahā,brahma,pāriycariyā (DA 1:97). Cf UA 75 where it simply means ―rendered great
service‖ (UA:M 1:115).

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sālākiya curing cataracts;

sallakattika practising surgery;
dāraka,tikicchā practising as a children‘s doctor;
mla,bhesajja anuppādāna administering medicines for the body; and
osadhīna paimokkha treatments to cure their after-effects
—the recluse Gotama abstains from wrong livelihood through such low arts as these.258
This, too, is part of his moral virtue.

II. ACCOMPLISHMENT OF CONDUCT259

(Caraṇa,sampadā)

Confidence through practising the above moralities

[D 2.63] A monk, Ambaṭṭha, thus accomplished in moral virtue sees no danger anywhere owing to
his restraint through moral virtue. Just as a head-anointed noble kshatriya rajah who has defeated his
enemies sees no danger anywhere from his enemies, [D 1:70] in the same way the monk thus accomplish-
ed in moral virtue sees no danger owing to his restraint through moral virtue.
Possessing this aggregate of noble moral virtue, he experiences within himself a joy that is blameless.
This is how, Ambaṭṭha, a monk is accomplished in moral virtue.260

(B) TRAINING IN MENTAL DEVELOPMENT

(Samādhi,sikkhā)

Sense-restraint (Custody of the senses)

[D 2.64] And how, Ambaṭṭha, does a monk guard the sense-doors?
261
Here, Ambaṭṭha, when a monk sees a form with the eye, he grasps neither its sign nor its
detail,262 insofar as he dwells unrestrained in that eye-faculty so that the evil, wholesome states of
covetousness and displeasure263 might overwhelm him, to that extent, he therefore keeps himself restrain-

258
It is the practice of medicine for gain that is here condemned. (Walshe)
259
Only here, this section is listed as caraṇa,sampadā. In D 1 & 2, it is simply listed, without this heading. This
section ends at [S 2.82] below. See n on sāmañña,phala at §2.2a.
260
The ―moralities‖ (sīla) stock passage, which begins at [D 1.8] §2.2b ends here. It here constitutes the ―accom-
plishment of conduct‖ (caraṇa,sampanna) section.
261
This whole para: Idha mahrja bhikkhu cakkhun rpa disv na nimitta-g,ghī hoti nânuvyañjana-g,ghī.
Yatvâdhikaraa ena cakkhundriya asavuta viharanta abhijjh,domanass ppak akusal dhamm an-
vssaveyyu, tassa savarya paipajjati, rakkhati cakkhundriya, cakkhundriye savara pajjati. On Na nimit-
ta-g,ghī hoti nânuvyañjana-g,ghī, lit ―he is not one who grasps at a sign, he is not one who grasps at a detail (fea-
ture),‖ see SD 19.14. Comys say that ―sign‖(nimitta) here refers to a grasping arising through one‘s sensual lust
(chanda,rga,vasena) or on account of merely one‘s view (dihi,matta,vasena); ―detail‖ (anuvyañjana) here refers
to finding delight by grasping at another‘s limb or body part (eyes, arms, legs, etc) (Nm 2:390; Nc 141, 141; DhsA
400, 402; cf MA 1:75, 4:195; SA 3:4, 394; Nc 1:55; DhA 1:74). On other meanings of nimitta, see SD 13 §3.1a.
262
See Nimitta & anuvyañjana, SD 19.14.
263
―Covetousness and displeasure,‖ abhijjhā,domanassa, which Walshe (1995:335 & n632) renders as ―hanker-
ing and fretting for the world‖; alt tr ―covetousness and displeasure‖ or ―longing and loathing.‖ MA says that long-
ing and displeasure signify the first two hindrances—sensual desire and ill will—principal hindrances to be over-
come for the practice to succeed. They thus represent the contemplation of mind-objects, which begins with the five
hindrances. Cf M 1:274/39.13; see also Mah Satipahna S (D 22.13) and Satipahna S (M 10.36) on how to
deal with the hindrances in one‘s meditation. The monk effects the abandoning of the hindrances by the contempla-
tions of impermanence, fading away (of lust), cessation (of suffering) and letting go (of defilements), and thus
comes to look upon the object with equanimity. On abhijjh,domanassa, there is an interesting related passage from
Pubba or Pubb’eva Sambodha S (A 3.101): ―Bhikshus, before my enlightenment, when I was still a bodhisattva,
this thought occurred to me… ‗Whatever physical and mental joy (sukha,somanassa) there is in the world, that is the

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

ed. He practises the restraint of it. He guards the restraint of the eye-faculty, he commits himself to the
restraint of the eye-faculty.
When he hears a sound with the ear,… He…has restraint of the ear-faculty.
When he smells a smell with the nose,… He…has restraint of the nose-faculty.
When he tastes a taste with the tongue,… He…has restraint of the tongue-faculty.
When he feels a touch with the body,… He…has restraint of the body-faculty.
When he cognizes a mind-object with the mind, he grasps neither its sign nor its detail, insofar as
he dwells unrestrained in that mind-faculty so that covetousness and displeasure, evil unwholesome
states, might overwhelm him, to that extent, he therefore keeps himself restrained. He practises the
restraint of it. He guards the restraint of the mind-faculty, he commits himself to the restraint of the mind-
faculty.264
Possessing this noble restraint over the sense-faculties, he experiences within himself a joy that is
blameless.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is how a monk guards the sense-doors.

Mindfulness and clear knowledge265

[D 2.65] And how, Ambaṭṭha, is a monk possessed of mindfulness and clear knowledge?
Here, Ambaṭṭha, when going forward and returning, he acts with clear knowledge:
(1) while going forward or back, he is clearly aware of what he is doing;
(2) while looking forward or back, he is clearly aware of what he is doing;
(3) while bending or stretching, he is clearly aware of what he is doing;
(4) while carrying his upper robe, outer robe and bowl, he is clearly aware of what he is doing;
(5) while eating, drinking, chewing and tasting, he is clearly knowing of what he is doing;
(6) while voiding or peeing, he is clearly aware of what he is doing;
(7) while walking, while standing, while sitting, while asleep, while awake,266 while talking, or while
remaining silent, he is clearly aware of what he is doing.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is how [D 1:71] a monk is possessed of mindfulness and clear knowledge.

Contentment
[D 2.66] And how is a monk content?
Here, Ambaṭṭha, he is content with robes to protect his body and with almsfood to sustain his belly,
and wherever he goes he sets out only with these with him.
Here, just as a bird, wherever it goes, flies with its wings as its only burden; so too is he content with
robes to protect his body and with almsfood to sustain his belly, and wherever he goes, he takes only
these with him.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is how a monk is content.

Abandoning the mental hindrances

[D 2.67] Possessing this aggregate of noble moral virtue, this aggregate of noble sense-restraint, this
aggregate of noble mindfulness and full awareness, and this aggregate of noble contentment, he resorts to

gratification (assda) in the world; that the world is impermanent, suffering and of the nature to change, that is the
disadvantages (dīnava) in the world—the removal and abandoning of desire and lust for the world, that is the
escape from the world‘.‖ (A 3.101/1:258, pointed out to me by Robert Eddison).
264
D 2.64/1:70, 10.2.2/1:207, 33.1.11(10)/3:225; M 27.15/1:180, 33.20/1:223, 38.35/1:269, 51.16/1:346, 53.8/-
1:355, 94.18/2:162, 101.33/2:226; S 35.120/4:104, 35.239/4:176; A 3.16/1:113, 4.14/2:16, 4.37/2:39, 4.164/2:152
(4), 4.198.11/2:210, 5.76.12/3:99 f, 5.140.11/3:163, 10.99.6/5:206, 11.18.23/5:351. For a study, see SD 9.14.
265
Sati,sampajañña = sati, ―mindfulness,‖ sampajañña, ―clear knowledge.‖ In Satipahnas Ss, however, this
section is ―clear knowledge‖ (sampajañña); ―mindfulness‖ (sati). See SD 13 (3.6abc).
266
―When asleep, when awake‖ sutte jgarite. Comy glosses sutte as sayane, ―lying down, sleeping.‖ See Intro
(3.6c).

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

a secluded dwelling: a forest, the foot of a tree, a mountain, a gully [gorge], a hillside cave, a cemetery, a
remote forest [jungle grove], the open air, a heap of straw.267
Returning from his almsround, after his meal, he sits down, crosses his legs, keeps his body erect, and
establishes mindfulness before him.268
[D 2.68] (1) Abandoning covetousness with regard to the world, he dwells with a mind devoid of
covetousness. He cleanses his mind of covetousness.
(2) Abandoning ill will and anger, he dwells with a mind devoid of ill will, sympathetic with the
welfare of all living beings. He cleanses his mind of ill will and anger.
(3) Abandoning sloth and torpor, he dwells with a mind devoid of sloth and torpor, mindful, alert,
perceiving light. He cleanses his mind of sloth and torpor.
(4) Abandoning restlessness and worry, he dwells undisturbed, his mind inwardly stilled. He cleans-
es his mind of restlessness and worry.
(5) Abandoning spiritual doubt, he dwells having crossed over doubt, with no perplexity with regard
to wholesome mental states. He cleanses his mind of doubt.

Similes for the hindrances

[D 2.69] (1) Suppose, Ambaṭṭha, that a man, taking a loan, invests it in his businesses. His
businesses succeed. He repays his old debts and there is a surplus for maintaining his wife. The thought
would occur to him,
‗Before, taking a loan, I invested it in my businesses. [D 1:72] Now my businesses have succeeded. I
have repaid my old debts and there is a surplus for maintaining my wife.‘ Because of that he would
experience joy and happiness.
[D 2.70] (2) Suppose, Ambaṭṭha,that a man falls sick, in pain and seriously ill. He does not enjoy his
meals, and there is no strength in his body. As time passes, he recovers from that sickness. He enjoys his
meals and there is strength in his body. The thought would occur to him,
‗Before, I was sick. Now, I have recovered from that sickness. I enjoy my meals and there is strength
in my body.‘ Because of that he would experience joy and happiness.
[D 2.71] (3) Suppose, Ambaṭṭha,that a man is bound in prison. As time passes, he eventually is
released from that bondage, safe and sound, with no loss of property. The thought would occur to him,
‗Before, I was bound in prison. Now, I am released from that bondage, safe and sound, with no loss
of my property.‘ Because of that he would experience joy and happiness.
[D 2.72] (4) Suppose, Ambaṭṭha,that a man is a slave, subject to others, not subject to himself, un-
able to go where he likes. As time passes, he eventually is released from that slavery, subject to himself,
not subject to others, free, able to go where he likes. The thought would occur to him,
‗Before, I was a slave... Now I am released from that slavery, subject to myself, not subject to others,
freed, able to go where I like.‘ [D 1:73] Because of that he would experience joy and happiness.
[D 2.73] (5) Suppose, Ambaṭṭha,that a man, carrying money and goods, is journeying on a road
through the wilderness. As time passes, he eventually emerges from the wilderness, safe and sound, with
no loss of property. The thought would occur to him,

267
So iminā ca ariyena sla-k,khandhena samannāgato iminā ca ariyena indriya,savarena samannāgato iminā
ca ariyena sati,sampajaena samannāgato imāya ca ariyāya santuhitāya samannāgato vivitta senâsana bhaj-
ati, araa rukkha,mla pabbata kandara giri,guha susāna vana,pattha abbhokāsa palāla,puja.
This stock phrase of 9 places conducive to meditation are found at D 1:72. 207, 2:242, 3:49; M 1:181, 269, 274, 346,
440, 441, 2:162, 226, 3:3, 35, 115-117; A 2:210, 3:92, 100, 4:436, 5:207; Nm 1:26, 140, 2:341; Miln 369. A shorter
list, probably later, is mentioned in Anāpāna,sati S (M 118): ―Here, monks, a monk who has gone to the forest or to
the foot of a tree or to an empty place, sits down, and having crossed his legs and keeping his body upright, esta-
blishes mindfulness before him.‖ (M 118,17/3:82).
268
Comy. He applies mindfulness towards his meditation subject; or he sets it up in the region of the mouth. As
such, it is said in the Vibhaṅga: ―This mindfulness is set up, set up well, at the tip of the nose or at the sign of the
mouth‖ (Vbh ¶537/252). N: The ―sign of the mouth‖ (mukha,nimitta) is the middle region of the upper lip, against
which the air strikes when it comes out of the nose.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

‗Before, carrying money and goods, I was journeying on a road through the wilderness. Now I have
emerged from the wilderness, safe and sound, with no loss of my property.‘ Because of that he would
experience joy and happiness.
[D 2.74] In the same way, Ambaṭṭha, when these five hindrances are not abandoned in himself, the
monk regards it as a debt, a sickness, a prison, slavery, a journey on a road through the wilderness.269

Resultant joy and peace

[D 2.75.1] When he is aware that these five hindrances are abandoned in him, he regards it as
solvency, good health, release from prison, emancipation, a place of security.
Seeing that they have been abandoned within him, he becomes glad. For one who is glad, zest arises.
For one whose mind zestful, the body becomes tranquil. One tranquil in body becomes happy. For one
who is happy, the mind concentrates.270

THE 4 DHYANAS
THE 1ST DHYANA. [D 2.75.2]
Quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome mental states,
he attains and dwells in the first dhyana,
accompanied by initial application and sustained application,
accompanied by zest and happiness, born of solitude.271
He permeates and pervades, suffuses and fills this very body272 with the zest and happiness born of
solitude.273 [D 1:74]
[D 2.76] Ambaṭṭha, just as if a skilled bathman or bathman‘s apprentice would pour bath powder
into a brass basin and knead it together, sprinkling it again and again with water, so that his ball of bath
lather—saturated, moisture-laden, permeated within and without—would not drip;
even so, the monk permeates this very body with the zest and happiness born of solitude. There is
nothing of his entire body unpervaded by zest and happiness born of solitude.
This, too, is a part of his conduct.274

THE 2ND DHYANA. [D 2.77] And, furthermore, Ambaṭṭha,

with the stilling of initial application and sustained application,

269
MA 2:318-321 explains this section in some detail: see Appendix to Mah Assa,pura S (M 39) tr in Sutta
Discovery, 2004.
270
Tass’ime pañca nīvarae pahīe attani samanupassato pāmojja jāyati. Pamuditassa pīti jāyati. Pītimanassa
kāyo passambhati. Passaddha,kāyo sukha vedeti. Sukhino citta samādhiyati. This important stock passage is
found throughout the Nikāyas: Sāmaa,phala S (D 2.76/1:73), Pohapāda S (D 9.10a/1:182), (Ānanda) Subha
S (D 10.2.21/1:207), Kevaha S (D 11.44/1:214), Tevijja S (D 13/1:250), Saṅgti S (D 33/3:241, 243), Das’-
uttara S (D 34/3:279 (5); Vatthûpama S (M 7/1:38 (3), Ca Assa,pura S (M 40.8/1:283); nâpāna,sati S (M
118/3:86 (2), 87 (2)); Pamāda,vihār S (S 35.97/4:78 (2), 79 (2)); Pāaliya S (S 42.13/4:352 (2), 353-358);
Sla S (S 46.3/5:69 (2)), Upakkilesa S (S 46.33/5:92), Anupakkilesa S (S 46.34/5:93 (2)), Bhikkhu Vāsaka S
(S 5:156 (2)), nanda S (S 54.13/5:332 (2), sambojjhaṅga), Bhikkh S (S 54.16/5:339 (2), sambojjhaṅga),
Nandiya S (S 55.40/5:398 (3), 399); Parisa S (A 3.93/1:243), jāniya S (A 3.94/1:244), Jāta,rpa S (A 3.100
/1:254, 257, 258); Vimuttâyatana S (A 5.26/3:21, 22 (2), 23 (2); (Agata,phala) Mahānāma S (A 6.10/3:285
(2), 286, 287 (2), 288); (Dasaka) Cetanā,karaya S (A 10.2/5:3); (Eka,dasaka) Cetanā,karaya S (A 11.2/-
5:312), Pahama Mahānāma S (A 11.12/5:329, 330 (2), 331 (2), 332), Dutiya Mahānāma S (A 11.13/5:334).
271
On the omission of ―one-pointedness of mind‖ (cittassa ek’aggat) and ―concentration‖ (samdhi) here, see
―The layman and dhyana,‖ SD 8.5.
272
Here ―body‖ (kya) refers to the ―mental body‖ (nma,kya), ie feeling (vedan), perception (sa), forma-
tions (saṅkhra), and consciousness (via) (Vism 4.175/169).
273
These are the dhyana factors: vitakka vicra pti sukhassa ek’aggat, respectively.
274
Idam pi’ssa hoti caraṇasmiṁ.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

by gaining inner tranquillity and oneness of mind,

he attains and dwells in the second dhyana,
free from initial application and sustained application,
accompanied by zest and happiness born of concentration.275
He permeates and pervades, [D 1:75] suffuses and fills this very body with the zest and happiness
born of concentration.
[D 2.78] Ambaṭṭha, just as a lake with spring-water welling up from within, having no inflow from
the east, no inflow from the west, no inflow from the north, or no inflow from the south, and with the
skies not bringing heavy rain over and again.276 Yet the cool spring welling up from within the lake would
permeate and pervade, flood and fill it with cool waters—there being no part of the lake unpervaded by
the cool waters;
even so, the monk permeates this very body with the zest and happiness born of concentration. There
is nothing of his entire body unpervaded by zest and happiness born of concentration.
This, too, is a part of his conduct.

THE 3RD DHYANA. [D 2.79] And furthermore, Ambaṭṭha,

with the fading away of zest,
he remains equanimous, mindful and clearly knowing,
and experiences happiness with the body.
He attains and dwells in the third dhyana,
of which the noble ones declare, ‗Happily he dwells in equanimity and mindfulness.‘
He permeates and pervades, suffuses and fills this very body with the happiness free from zest.
[D 2.80] Ambaṭṭha, just as in a pond of the blue lotuses, red and white lotuses, or red lotuses,277
born and growing in the water, stay immersed in the water and flourish without standing up out of the
water, so that they are permeated, pervaded, suffused and filled with cool water from their roots to their
tips, and nothing of those lotuses would be unpervaded with cool water;
even so, the monk permeates this very body with the happiness free from zest, so that there is no part
of his entire body that is not pervaded with this happiness free from zest.
This, too, is a part of his conduct.

THE 4TH DHYANA. [D 2.81] (4) And furthermore, Ambaṭṭha, with the abandoning of joy and aban-
doning of pain,278 and with the earlier disappearance of pleasure and displeasure, attains and dwells in the
fourth dhyana that is neither painful nor pleasant, and with mindfulness fully purified by equanimity.279

275
The 2nd dhyana is known as ―the noble silence‖ (ariya,tuh,bhva) because within it applied thought and sus-
tained thought (thinking and discursion, vitakka,vicra) cease, and with their cessation, speech cannot occur. (S 2:-
273); cf. S 4:293 where vitakka and vicra are called verbal formation (vac,saṅkhra), the mental factors respons-
ible for speech. In Ariya,pariyesan S (M 1:161), the Buddha exhorts the monks when assembled to ―either speak
on the Dharma or observe the noble silence‖ (ie either talk Dharma or meditate).
276
Be Ee devo ca na kālena kālaṁ sammā dhāraṁ anupaveccheyya. Ce devo ca kālena kālaṁ sammā dhāraṁ
nânuppaveccheyya. Se omits na: devo ca kālena kālaṁ sammā dhāraṁ anupaveccheyya. See D 1:74 n6. For
preferring the na reading, see Dhyana, SD 8.4 (8.2).
277
uppala (Skt utpala), paduma (padma) and puarka respectively. This simile also found in Kya,gat,sati S
(M 119.20/3:93 f). See Āycana S (S 6.12/1:138) where the simile of lotuses in a pond is applied to beings of dif-
ferent spiritual dispositions.
278
―Joy…pain,‖ sukha…dukkha: this refers to physical feelings. The next phrase—―pleasure and displeasure,‖
domanassa…somanassa—refers to mental feelings, transcended earlier. Mental feelings must be overcome first so
that the mind is not distracted by itself, as it were. Then, all the other feelings (arising from the physical sense-con-
tacts) are transcended. On the significance of this, see Sall’atthena S (S 36.6/4:207-210), SD 5.5.
279
Here, Vibhaṅga gives 3 factors of the 4th dhyana—equanimity (upekh), mindfulness (sati) and one-pointedness
of mind (cittassa ek’aggat)—according to the Sutta analysis (Vbh 261), and 2 factors—equanimity and one-pointed-
ness of the mind—according to the Abhidhamma analysis (Vbh 164; Vism 4.183/165). See also Sāmañña,phala S (D
2.83/1:75), SD 8.10 & Dhyana, SD 8.4 (5.4).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

He sits, pervading the body with a pure, bright mind,280 so that there is no part of his entire body that
is not pervaded by a pure, bright mind.
[D 2.82] Ambaṭṭha, just as if a man were sitting covered from head to foot with a white cloth, [D
1:76] so that there would be no part of his body to which the white cloth did not extend;
even so, the monk sits, permeating the body with a pure, bright mind. There is no part of his entire
body that is not pervaded by pure, bright mind.
This, too, is a part of his conduct.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is that conduct.281

III. ACCOMPLISHMENT IN KNOWLEDGE

(Vijjā,sampadā)
Insight knowledge
[D 2.83] 282With his mind thus concentrated, purified, and bright, unblemished, free from defects,283
pliant, malleable, steady and utterly unshakable, he directs and inclines it to knowledge and vision.
He understands thus:
‗This body of mine is form composed of the four great elements,284 born from mother and father,
nourished with rice and porridge, subject to inconstancy, rubbing, pressing, dissolution, and dispersion.285
And this consciousness of mine lies attached here, bound up here.‘286
[D 2.84] Ambaṭṭha, just as if there were a beautiful beryl287 gem of the purest water—eight faceted,
well polished, clear, limpid, consummate in all its aspects, through which runs a blue, or yellow, or red,
or white thread, or brown thread288—and a man with good eyesight, taking it in his hand, were to reflect
on it thus:

280
See Acchar Vagga (A 1.6.1-2): ―Monks, this mind is radiant (pabhassara), but it is defiled by defilements
from outside. The untutored ordinary person does not understand this as it really is. As such, for him there is no
personal development.‖ (A 1:10). On reaching the 4th dhyana, the practitioner becomes directly aware of the truly
and naturally pure nature of the mind. See also A:B 1999 4.
281
Idaṁ kho taṁ Ambaṭṭha caraṇaṁ. This concludes the section on ―conduct‖ (caraṇa) that begins at [D 2.63].
282
This and foll passage = (Ānanda) Subha S (D 10.2.21-22/1:209).
283
upakkilesa: to be distinguished from kilesa, ―defilement.‖ Perhaps the 10 ―imperfections of insight‖ listed in
Vism 20.105 ff are meant here, but potential hindrances at a certain stage of insight meditation. (Walshe)
284
The 4 great (or primary): earth (mah,bht), water, fire, wind (D 1:214; Vism 11.27; Abhs 154).
285
See Vammika S (M 23.4/1:144) for parable of the anthill (representing the body).
286
This statement means that consciousness here (in a physical being) is dependent on the physical body. RD
points out that this and other passages disprove the idea that the consciousness (via) transmigrates. For holding
such a view, Sti was severely rebuked by the Buddha (M 38). A new re-linking consciousness (paisandhi) arises at
conception, dependent on the old one (see Vism 17.164 ff).
287
Veluriya: from a metathesis of veruliya comes Greek beryllos ―beryl,‖ whence German Brille ―spectacles‖
(originally of beryl). (Walshe)
288
―Through which runs…etc,‖ tatra sutta āvuta nla vā pta vā lohita vā odāta vā pau,sutta vā.
Rhys Davids tr pta here as ―orange-coloured,‖ and pau as ―yellow‖ (D:RD 1:87), while Bodhi has as ―yellow‖
and ―brown‖ respectively (1989:44). Pau,sutta is found in Vidhura Paita J (J 545/6:305), where EB Cowell &
WHD Rouse tr it as ―white thread‖ (J:C&R 6:147). Both pta and pau sometimes refer to ―yellow.‖ SED def
pāu as ―yellowish white, white, pale.‖ Comys offer no explanation, except that the gem ―is like the physical body,
and the thread running through it is like insight knowledge (vipassanā,āa)‖ (DA 1:211). DAN (New Subcomy)
corrects ―insight knowledge‖ to ―insight consciousness‖ (vipassanā,viāa, DAN :VRI 2:126). Jothiko:
―Generally, ‗knowledge and vision‘ is the ability, the state of clarity, enabling one to see even hidden things clearly.
So the image of a transparent gem. It is both ‗higher than Jhāna', if the absorptions are taken as ‗pleasant abiding in
the here and now.‘ And ‗less than the absorptions‘ if they are used as a way of reaching full enlightenment. So, ob-
viously, it is not the sammā āa—knowledge of liberation. The colors at old were often associated with natural
phenomena. Pau is earthen colors, the word used even today to denote the dyeing of robes: various natural hues
of brown, mostly. Just as lohita is both ‗blood‘ and the color of ‗red,‘ pitta [pta] is ‗bile‘ and its shades, mostly

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

‗This is a beautiful beryl gem of the purest water—eight faceted, well polished, clear, limpid, con-
summate in all its aspects, through which runs a blue, or yellow, or red, or white, or brown thread.‘
Even so, Ambaṭṭha —with his mind thus concentrated, purified, and bright, unblemished, free from
defects, pliant, malleable, steady, and utterly unshakable—he directs and inclines it to knowledge and
vision.
He understands thus:
‗This body of mine is form, composed of the four great elements, born from mother and father,
nourished with rice and porridge, subject to uncertainty, rubbing, pressing, breaking up and destruction.
[D 1:77] And this consciousness of mine lies attached here, bound up here.‘289
This is a part of his knowledge.290

Knowledge of the mind-made body

[D 2.85] With his mind thus concentrated, purified, and bright, unblemished, free from defects,
pliant, malleable, steady and utterly unshakable, he directs and inclines it to creating a mind-made
body.291 From this body he creates another body, endowed with form,292 mind-made, complete in all its
parts, not inferior in its faculties.
[D 2.86] Ambaṭṭha, just as if a man were to draw a reed from its sheath, the thought would occur to
him:
‗This is the sheath, this is the reed. The sheath is one thing, the reed another, but the reed has been
drawn out from the sheath.‘
Or, Ambaṭṭha, as if a man were to draw a sword from its scabbard. The thought would occur to him:
‗This is the sword, this is the scabbard. The sword is one thing, the scabbard another, but the sword
has been drawn out from the scabbard.‘
Or, Ambaṭṭha, as if a man were to pull a snake out from its slough. The thought would occur to him:
‗This is the snake, this is the slough. The snake is one thing, the slough another, but the snake has been
pulled out from the slough‘;
Even so, Ambaṭṭha, with his mind thus concentrated, from this body he creates another body, endow-
ed with form, mind-made, complete in all its parts, not inferior in its faculties.
This is a part of his knowledge.

‗light green,‘ off yellow.‖ (email 13 Nov 2006). It is possible that the six colours represent the six sense-conscious-
nesses. The first 4 colours are those of the colour kasia meditations: see Mahā Parinibbāna S (D 16.3.29-32/2:110
f), SD 9. See Viāa, SD 17.8a (4.1).
289
This statement means that consciousness here (in a physical being) is dependent on the physical body.
290
Idam pi’ssa hoti vijjāya.
291
―Mind-made body,‖ mano,mayā kāya. Peter Harvey: ―This shows that consciousness is seen as able to leave
the physical body by means of a mind-made body. Such a body could be seen as a kind of ‗subtle body,‘ for a being
with a mind-made body is said to feed on joy (D 1:17), not on solid nutriment (D 1:195): it thus lacks the four great
elements of the physical body (solidity, cohesion, heat and motion, D 1:195). As such a body relates to the ‗realm of
(pure) form,‘ the subtle matter composing it can only be visible and audible matter (Vbh 405). However, the mind-
made body is invisible to the normal eye (Pm 2:209). It occupies space, but does not impinge on gross physical
matter, for the ‗selfhood‘ of a certain god with a mind-made body is said to be as large as two or three fields, but to
cause no harm to anyone (A 3:122). With such a body, a person can exercise psychic powers such as going through
solid objects, being in many places at once, or flying (D 1:78).‖ (1993:8 digital ed)
292
Exactly the same as the physical body (but mentally created). This mind-made body is what is mistaken for a
soul or self.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

KNOWLEDGE OF THE MODES OF SUPERNORMAL POWER

Mundane superknowledge [89-98]
(1) PSYCHIC POWER. [D 2.87] With his mind thus concentrated, purified, and bright, unblemished,
free from defects,293 pliant, malleable, steady and utterly unshakable, he directs and inclines it to [D 1:78]
the manifold psychic power.294
1. Having been one he becomes many; having been many he becomes one.
2. He appears, and vanishes.
3. He goes unhindered through walls, through ramparts, and through mountains as if through space.
4. He dives in and out of the earth as if it were water.
5. He walks on water without sinking as if it were earth.
6. Sitting cross-legged, he flies through the air like a winged bird.
7. With his hand he touches and strokes even the sun and the moon, so mighty and powerful is he.
8. He has power over his body up to as far as the Brahm worlds.
[D 2.88] Ambaṭṭha, just as a skilled potter or his assistant could craft from well-prepared clay what-
ever kind of pottery vessel he likes, or, Ambaṭṭha, as a skilled ivory-carver or his assistant could craft
from well-prepared ivory any kind of ivory-work he likes, or, Ambaṭṭha, as a skilled goldsmith or his
assistant could craft from well-prepared gold any kind of gold article he likes—even so, Ambaṭṭha, with
his mind thus concentrated, he has power over his body up to as far as the Brahm worlds. [D 1:79]
(2) CLAIRAUDIENCE (DIVINE EAR).
[D 2.89] With his mind thus concentrated, he hears, by means of the divine-ear element,295 purified
and surpassing the human, both kinds of sounds: divine and human, whether near or far.
[D 2.90] Ambaṭṭha, just as if a man travelling along a highway were to hear the sounds of bheri
[conical drum], mridanga [tom-tom],296 conch-shell, cymbals, and dindima [small drum], he would know,
‗That is bheri sound; that is mridanga sound; that is conch sound; that is cymbal sound; that is dindi-
ma sound‘—even so, Ambaṭṭha, with his mind thus concentrated, he hears, by means of the divine ear-
element, purified and surpassing the human, both kinds of sounds: divine and human, whether near or far.
This is a part of his knowledge.
(3) MIND-READING. [D 2.91] With his mind thus concentrated, he directs and inclines it to the
knowledge of mind-reading. He knows the minds of other beings, other individuals, having encompassed
them with his own mind.297
He knows a mind with lust as a mind with lust,
and a mind without lust as a mind without lust. [D 1:80]
He knows a mind with aversion as a mind with aversion,
and a mind without aversion as a mind without aversion.
He knows a mind with delusion as a mind with delusion,
and a mind without delusion as a mind without delusion.
He knows a contracted mind [due to sloth and torpor] as a contracted mind,
and a distracted mind [due to restlessness and worry] as a distracted mind.
He knows an exalted mind [through the lower or higher dhyana] as an exalted mind,
and an unexalted mind [not developed by dhyana] as an unexalted mind.

293
upakkilesa: to be distinguished from kilesa, ―defilement.‖ Perhaps the 10 ―imperfections of insight‖ listed in
Vism 20.105 ff are meant here, but potential hindrances at a certain stage of insight meditation. (Walshe)
294
Iddhi,vidh. Cf Kevaha S (D 11) where the Buddha disapproves of exhibiting such powers (D 11.4-5/1:213
f), SD 1.7.
295
―Divine-ear element,‖ dibba,sota,dhātu, clairaudience.
296
―Mridanga,‖ mutiṅg, vl mudiṅg (V 1:15, S 2:267). See i S (S 20.7.2) tr n in Sutta Discovery, 2004.
297
The following section (italicized) is a list of mental states is apparently taken from Satipahna Ss (D 22.12/-
2:299 = M 10.34/1:59), where it fits more appropriately. (Walshe, D:W 546 n131). On another def of mind-reading
(4 kinds), see Sampasdaniya S (D 28.6/3:103 f), SD 14.10.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

He knows a surpassable mind as a surpassable mind,

and an unsurpassable mind as an unsurpassable mind298.
He knows a concentrated mind as a concentrated mind,
and an unconcentrated mind as an unconcentrated mind.
He knows a liberated mind as a liberated mind,
and an unliberated mind as an unliberated mind.
[D 2.92] Ambaṭṭha, just as if a young man or woman, fond of ornaments, examining the reflection of
his or her own face in a bright mirror or a bowl of clear water would know ‗blemished‘ if it were blem-
ished, or ‗unblemished‘ if it were not—even so, Ambaṭṭha, with his mind thus concentrated, he knows
the minds of other beings, other individuals, having encompassed them with his own mind. He knows a
mind with lust… without lust;…with aversion…without aversion; …with delusion…without delusion; a
contracted mind, a distracted mind; an exalted mind, an unexalted mind; a surpassable mind, an unsurpas-
sable mind; a concentrateed mind, an unconcentrated mind; a liberated mind, an unliberated mind—he
knows each of them just as it is. [D 1:81]
This is a part of his knowledge.
(4) THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECOLLECTION OF PAST LIVES. [D 2.93] With his mind thus con-
centrated, he directs and inclines it to the knowledge of the recollection of past lives.299 He recollects
manifold past existence, that is to say, one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births,
twenty births, thirty births, forty births, fifty births, one hundred births, one thousand births, one hundred
thousand births, many aeons of cosmic contraction, many aeons of cosmic expansion, many aeons of
cosmic contraction and expansion, thus:
‗There I had such a name, belonged to such a clan, had such an appearance. Such was my food, such
my experience of pleasure and pain, such the end of my life. Passing away from that state, I re-arose
there. There too I had such a name, belonged to such a clan, had such an appearance. Such was my food,
such my experience of pleasure and pain, such my life-span. Passing away from that state, I re-arose
here.‘
Thus, Ambaṭṭha, he recollects his manifold past lives in their modes and details.300
[D 2.94] PARABLE OF THE TRAVELLER. Just as if a man were to go from his home village to another
village, and then from that village to yet another village, and then from that village back to his home
village. The thought would occur to him,
‗I went from my home village to that village over there. There I stood in such a way, sat in such a
way, talked in such a way, and remained silent in such a way. From that village I went to that village over
there, and there I stood in such a way, sat in such a way, talked in such a way, and remained silent in such
a way. From that village I came back home‘;301 [D 1:82]
Even so, Ambaṭṭha, with his mind thus concentrated, he recollects his manifold past lives...in their
modes and details.
This is a part of his knowledge.
(5) THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE REBIRTH OF BEINGS (THE DIVINE EYE). [D 2.95] With his mind
thus concentrated, he directs and inclines it to the knowledge of the passing away and re-arising of be-
ings.302 He sees—by means of the divine eye [clairvoyance],303 purified and surpassing the human—be-

298
Unsurpassable (anuttara) mind, probably synonymous with ―developed‖ mind. See D:W 592 n667.
299
Pubbe,nivsanânussati.āa, lit ―the knowledge of the recollection of past abidings [existences].‖ The re-
mainder of this is expanded into 4 sections in Brahma,jla S (D 1,1.31-34/1:13-16 @ SD 25.3(76.3)) and 3 sections
in Sampasdaniya S (D 27,15-17/3:107-112 @ SD 10.12). In both cases, each explains how the eternalist view
arose.
300
This knowledge is detailed at Vism 13.13-71/411-423.
301
The 3 villages are the world of sense-desire, the form world, and the formless world (DA).
302
Cutûpapāta ñāa, ―the knowledge of the pasing away and rebirth (of beings),‖ or ―knowledge of rebirth
according to karma‖ (yathā,kammûpaga ñāa), or ―the divine eye‖ (dibba,cakkhu): see foll n.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

ings passing away and re-arising, and he knows how they are inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly,
fortunate and unfortunate, in the heavens, in the suffering states, faring in accordance with their karma:
‗These beings—who were endowed with evil conduct of body, speech, and mind, who reviled the
noble ones, held wrong views and undertook actions under the influence of wrong views—after death,
when the body has broken up, have re-arisen in a plane of misery, an evil destination, a lower realm, in
hell.
But these beings—who were endowed with good conduct of body, speech, and mind, who did not
revile the noble ones, who held right views and undertook actions under the influence of right views—
after death, when the body has broken up, have reappeared in a happy destination, in heaven.‘
Thus, Ambaṭṭha, by means of the divine eye, [D 1:83] he sees beings passing away and re-arising,
and how they fare according to their karma.
[D 2.96] PARABLE OF THE CITY SQUARE.304 Ambaṭṭha, just as if there were a mansion in the central
square [where four roads meet], and a man with good eyesight standing on top of it were to see people
entering a house, leaving it, wandering along the carriage-road, and sitting down in the central square
[where four roads meet]. The thought would occur to him,
‗These people are entering a house, leaving it, walking along the streets, and sitting down in the cen-
tral square [where four roads meet].‘305
Even so, Ambaṭṭha, with his mind thus concentrated, he sees by means of the divine eye, how beings
fare in accordance with their karma.
This is a part of his knowledge.

(C) TRAINING IN WISDOM

(Paññā,sikkhā)

(6) THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DESTRUCTION OF MENTAL INFLUXES. [D 2.97] With his mind thus concen-
trated, purified, and bright, unblemished, free from defects, pliant, malleable, steady and utterly unshaka-
ble, the monk directs and inclines it to the knowledge of the destruction of the mental influxes.306
He know according to reality, ―This is suffering (dukkha).‖
He know according to reality, ―This is the arising of suffering.‖
He know according to reality, ―This is the ending of suffering.‖
He know according to reality, ―This is the path to the ending of suffering.‖307

303
Dibba,cakkhu, clairvoyance, not to be confused with the Dharma-eye (dhamma,cakkhu) (see n in 104). On the
relationship of this knowledge to the 62 grounds for wrong views, see Brahma,jāla S (D 1), SD 25.3(76.3). See pre
c.
304
On this parable, see also SD 2.17(8).
305
On the significance of this simile in confirming canonical acceptance of the intermediate state (antar,bhava),
see ―Is Rebirth Immediate?‖ SD 2.17.8.
306
sava-k,khaya,ña. The term sava (lit ―inflow, outflow‖) comes from -savati ―flows towards‖ (ie either
―into‖ or ―out‖ towards the observer). It has been variously translated as taints (―deadly taints,‖ RD), corruptions,
intoxicants, biases, depravity, misery, evil (influence), or simply left untranslated. The Abhidhamma lists four
sava: the influx of (1) sense-desire (km’sava), (2) (desire for eternal) existence or becoming (bhav’sava), (3)
wrong views (dih’sava), (4) ignorance (avijjâsava) (D 16.2.4, Pm 1.442, 561, Dhs §§1096-1100, Vbh §937).
These four are also known as ―floods‖ (ogh) and ―yokes‖ (yog). The list of three influxes (omitting the influx of
views) [43] is probably older and is found more frequently in the Suttas (D 3:216, 33.1.10(20); M 1:55, 3:41; A
3.59, 67, 6.63). The destruction of these savas is equivalent to arhathood. See BDict under sava.
307
These 4 statements on suffering pose an interesting problem: they are not called ―noble truths‖ here (nor in
Ariya,pariyesanā S, M 26.43). Norman remarks that these four statements, which also likewise appear in Mah
Saccaka S (M36.42/1:249), but are not referred to as the noble truths about suffering, ―and since they appear to be
subordinate to the four statements about the āsavas, it is possible that the statements about misery are a later addi-
tion [here], which led to a parallel, but inappropriate, set of four statements being evolved about the āsavas, to pro-

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

He know according to reality, ―These are mental influxes (āsava).‖

He know according to reality, ―This is the arising of influxes.‖
He know according to reality, ―This is the ending of influxes.‖
He know according to reality, ―This is the path to the ending of influxes.‖308
His mind, thus knowing, thus seeing, is released from
the influx of sensual desire,
the influx of existence,
the influx of ignorance.
With release, there is the knowledge, ‗Liberated (am I)!‘ He knows that ‗Birth is ended, the holy life
has been lived, done is that which needs to be done. There is nothing further beyond this.‘309
[D 2.98] Ambaṭṭha, just as if there were a pool of water in a mountain glen, clear, limpid, unsulli-
ed,310 where, a person with good eyes, from its edge, would see shellfish and shells, or gravel and
pebbles, or shoals of fish moving about or resting in it,311 and it would occur to him,
‗This pool of water is clear, limpid, and unsullied. Here are these shells, gravel, and pebbles, and also
these shoals of fish swimming about and resting‘—even so, with his mind thus concentrated, purified,
and bright, unblemished, free from defects, pliant, malleable, steady, and utterly unshakable, the monk
directs and inclines it to the knowledge of the ending of the mental influxes, and in due course is liberat-
ed.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is that knowledge.312 [See D 2.39]
This monk, Ambaṭṭha, is called “accomplished in knowledge,” or “accomplished in conduct,” or
“accomplished in knowledge and conduct.”
And, Ambaṭṭha, there is no accomplishment of knowledge and accomplishment of conduct that are
higher or more sublime than these accomplishment of knowledge and accomplishment of conduct.

THE BRAHMINS EXPOSED

The 4 sources of loss
2.3 Now, Ambaṭṭha, with regard to this peerless attainment of knowledge and conduct [101] there are
the 4 sources of loss.313
What are the four?
(1) Here, Ambaṭṭha, a certain ascetic or brahmin, without fully realizing314 this peerless attainment of
knowledge and conduct, bearing his pole and khari,315 plunges into the depths of the forest,316 thinking:

vide a symmetry‖ (Norman 1990:26). For a discussion on the formulation of the noble truths, see Norman 1982:377-
91 & also Schmithausen 1981:205.
308
As in Ariya,pariyesanā S (M 26,42), SD 1. On the application of the four noble truth template to both dukkha
and to āsava here, see Analayo 2003:224 n28 + SD 17.4 (8.4)
309
Npara itthatya: lit. ―there is no more of ‗thusness.‘‖ See Mah,nidna S (M 15,22), SD 5.17.
310
―Clear, limpid, unsullied,‖ accho vipassanno anvilo.
311
Udaka,rahado accho vippasanno anvilo tattha cakkhum puriso tīre hito passeyya sippi,sambukam pi
sakkhara,kahalam pi maccha,gumbam pi carantam pi tihantam pi. This whole section also in Paihita Acchanna
Vagga (A 1.5.5-6) in the same context, differently worded.
312
This and the foll para concludes the ―knowledge‖ (vijjā) section that begins at [D 2.83]. All the preceding
―fruits‖ lead up to this, which alone, as RD points out is exclusively Buddhist.
313
Cattāri apāya,mukhāni. Comy: vināsa,mukhāni, ―sources of destruction‖ (DA 1:269 = S 943); A 2:166,16 ( =
apāya,vāhanaka-c,chiddāni, ―uncertainties leading to destruction,‖ AA 3:155); A 4:283,14 (= vināsassa ṭhānāni,
―bases for destruction,‖ AA 4:138) = 287,21; opp āya,mukha (cf D 1:74,21); cf AA 3:156 f. Cf cha bhogānaṁ ~,
―six sources of destruction of wealth‖ (D 3:181,20, 182,21).
314
―Without fully realizing,‖ anabhisambhuṇamāno [ppr med of na + abhi,sam + bhuṇāti (near-syn of pāpuṇā-
ti)] not obtaining or mastering, not being able to keep up with (D 1:101 = asampāpuṇanto avisahamāno vā, DA
1:268). CPD defs an-abhisambhunana (qv) as ―the not being able to comprehend‖; but see under abhisambhavati
(2): abhi-sambhuṇāti. DP defs abhisambhavati (= abhisambhoti, abhisambhuṇāti) as ―reaches, attains; is able, cap-

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

‗I will live on available fruits as food.‘317

But it turns out that he was only capable of being an attendant (paricāraka) to the one who has attain-
ed peerless knowledge and conduct.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is the first source of loss that occurs with regards to the attainment of peerless know-
ledge and conduct.
(2) And furthermore, Ambaṭṭha, here, a certain ascetic or brahmin, without fully realizing this peer-
less attainment of knowledge and conduct,
and without fully realizing the practice of living on available fruits,
taking a hoe and a basket,318 plunges into a forest wilderness,319 thinking:
‗I will live on bulbs, roots and fruits.‘320
But it turns out that he was only capable of being an attendant to the one who has attained peerless
knowledge and conduct.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is the second source of loss that occurs with regards to the attainment of peerless
knowledge and conduct.
(3) And furthermore, Ambaṭṭha, here, a certain ascetic or brahmin, without fully realizing this peer-
less attainment of knowledge and conduct,
and without fully realizing the practice of living on available fruits,
and without fully realizing the practice of living on bulbs, roots and fruits,
builds himself a fire shrine on the fringe of a village or a market town, and there dwells, attending to
the fire god [Agni].321
But it turns out that he was only capable of being an attendant to the one who has attained peerless
knowledge and conduct.
This, Ambaṭṭha, is the third source of loss that occurs with regards to the attainment of peerless know-
ledge and conduct.
(4) And furthermore, Ambaṭṭha, here, a certain ascetic or brahmin, without fully realizing this peer-
less attainment of knowledge and conduct,
and without fully realizing the practice of living on available fruits,
and without fully realizing the practice of living on bulbs, roots and fruits,
and without fully realizing the practice of attending to a fire shrine, [102] he builds himself a four-
door almshouse at a crossroads [where four highways meet], and dwells there, thinking:
‗Whosoever, whether recluse or brahmin, shall come here, from any of these four quarters, I shall
honour him according to my ability and according to my power.‘
But it turns out that he was only capable of being an attendant to the one who has attained peerless
knowledge and conduct.

able (of); is adequate; masters; endures, bears.‖ Cf an-abhisambhuṇanto (Nm 76 = ~ vā ti asampāpuṇanto vā asak-
konto vā, ―~ means not attaining, not being able to,‖ NmA). The sense is that of neither fully attaining it, nor fully
comprehending it.
315
Khāri,vidham ādāya. A khāri is a measure of grain (= 4 māṇikā or 16 doṇa), which is the capacity of the con-
tainer an ascetic (tāpasa) uses to store his requisites, and borne on carrying pole or pingo (kāja) (V 1:33; J 6:500; Ap
365) or vidha (D 1:101; S 3.11/1:78; U 65; J 3:116, 5:204, 207; SA 1:148). Amongst the ascetic‘s requisites are fire-
sticks, a water-pot (kamaṇḍalu), and needles.
316
―Into the depths of the forest,‖ āraññâyatanaṁ, only here: cf below.
317
Pavatta,phala,bhojano bhavissāmî ti. Comy glosses pavatta,phala as patita,phala, ―fruits that have fallen‖
(DA 1:269).
318
Kudāla,piṭakam ādāya.
319
―A forest wilderness,‖ Be Se ārañña,vanaṁ; Ce āraññâyatanaṁ; Ee āraññe vanaṁ.
320
Kanda,mūla,phala,bhojano bhavissāmî ti.
321
Gāma,sāmantaṁ vā nigama,sāmantaṁ vā agyāgāraṁ karitvā aggiṁ parcaranto acchati. See Asāta,manta J
(J 61/1:285), Naṅguṭṭha J (J 144/1:494), Santhava J (J 162/2:43). The ―great moralities‖ (mahā,sīla) prohibit per-
forming the ―fire offering‖ or fire puja (aggi,homa) (D 1.21/1:9), found in all the first 13 Dīgha suttas. See [D 1.21]
above. It is interesting that the Tibetans still perform such a puja.

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This, Ambaṭṭha, is the fourth source of loss that occurs with regards to the attainment of peerless
knowledge and conduct.
2.4 What do you think, Ambaṭṭha, do you live with your teacher in conformity with this peerless
accomplishment of knowledge and conduct?‖
―No, master Gotama. And who, master Gotama, am I, along with my teacher, compared to the peer-
less accomplishment of knowledge and conduct?322 Far am I, master Gotama, along with my teacher,
from the peerless accomplishment of knowledge and conduct.‖
(1) ―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Even without fully realizing this peerless attainment of know-
ledge and conduct, have you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, bearing the pole and khari, plunged into
the depths of the forest, thinking, ‗I will live on available fruits as food‘?‖
―No, master Gotama.‖
(2) ―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Even without fully realizing this peerless attainment of know-
ledge and conduct, have you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, lived on available fruits as food, and
lived on bulbs, roots and fruits?‖
―No, master Gotama.‖
(3) ―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Even without fully realizing this peerless attainment of know-
ledge and conduct, have you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, lived on available fruits as food, and
lived on bulbs, roots and fruits, and built a fire shrine on the fringe of a village or a market town, and
there dwelt, attending to the fire god [Agni]?‖ [103]
―No, master Gotama.‖
(4) ―What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Even without fully realizing this peerless attainment of know-
ledge and conduct, have you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, lived on available fruits as food, and
lived on bulbs, roots and fruits, and dwelt attending to the fire god [Agni], and built a four-door alms-
house at a crossroads [where four highways meet], and dwelt there, thinking, ‗Whosoever, whether
recluse or brahmin, shall come here, from any of these four quarters, we shall honour him according to
our ability and according to our power.‘?‖
―No, master Gotama.‖
2.5 ―So, you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, are wanting in regards to the peerless accomplish-
ment of knowledge and conduct!
You, along with your teacher, are wanting in regards to the peerless accomplishment of knowledge
and conduct on account of the 4 sources of loss!
And these words, Ambaṭṭha—‗Shavelings, little ascetics, menials, blacks, born of the feet of our
Kinsman (Mahā Brahmā),323 that they should hold a conversation with the brahmins of the Three Vedas!‘
— have been spoken by your teacher, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti: thus, he himself, being imperfect, is at a
loss, too!324
See, Ambaṭṭha, the extent of the failure of your teacher,the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, in this matter!

The position of the kshatriyas

2.6 PASENADI DESPISES THE BRAHMINS. And, Ambaṭṭha, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, governs a gift325
from the rajah Pasenadi of Kosala. But the rajah Pasenadi of Kosala does not grant him a personal audi-
ence. For, when he consults him, he does so from behind a curtain. How is it, Ambaṭṭha, that the rajah

322
Kocâhaṁ, bho Gotama, sâcariyako, kā ca anuttarā vijjā,caraṇa.sampadā?
323
§1.10b.
324
―He himself…is at a loss, too,‖ attanā āpāyiko pi aparipūramāno. Here āpāyika, instead of the usu meaning of
―of the apāya (state of misery), hellish state,‖ has a non-technical sense.
325
―Governs a gift‖ (dattikaṁ bhuñjati), where dattika means ―that which is given,‖ an abstract n, here clearly
alluding to the brahmadeya (fief) of Ukkaṭṭhā [1.2]; cf ―grant‖ (D:RD 1:128,16). Bhuñjati, usu tr as ―he enjoys,‖
here has the sense of ―governs,‖ as at M 98.10(26)/2:196 = Sn 619.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Pasenadi of Kosala, from whom he would accept alms justly presented, does not grant him a personal
audience?326
See, Ambaṭṭha, the extent of the failure of your teacher, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, in this matter!327
2.7 SPEECH DOES NOT MAKE THE MAN. What do you think, Ambaṭṭha? Suppose here the rajah Pase-
nadi of Kosala, seated on an elephant‘s neck, or seated on horseback, or standing on the foot-rug of his
chariot, were to consult with high nobles or royal princes on some matter. [104]
And if he were to leave that spot and stand at one side, and then a shudra or a shudra slave were to
come up and, standing there, were to consult him, saying, ‗Such and such says rajah Pasenadi of Kosala;
such and such says rajah Pasenadi of Kosala.‘
Although he might have spoken as the rajah might himself might have done, or consulted as the rajah
himself might have done, would he thereby be the rajah or a royal minister?‖
―No, master Gotama.‖

The ancient rishis

2.8.1 Even so, Ambaṭṭha, what about the ancient rishis [sages] of the brahmins, mantra makers, man-
tra preachers—that is to say, Aaka, Vmaka, Vma,deva, Viv,mitra, Jamad-agni, Aṅgi,rasa, Bhra,-
dvja, Vsiha, Kayapa, and Bhagu328—whose ancient mantras and verses are chanted, uttered and col-
lected by the brahmins of today, who sing them and recite them, and having sung them make others sing
them, having recited them make others recite them?329
2.8.2 You say, ‗I, along with my teacher, know by heart their mantras,‘ but on that very account you
are not yourself a rishi, nor do you know the state of a rishi, nor do you practise for the sake of rishihood!
2.9.1 Even so, Ambaṭṭha, what about the ancient rishis of the brahmins, mantra makers, mantra
preachers—that is to say, Aaka, Vmaka, Vma,deva, Viv,mitra, Jamad-agni, Aṅgi,rasa, Bhra,dvja,
Vsiha, Kayapa, and Bhagu—whose ancient mantras and verses are chanted, uttered and collected by
the brahmins of today, who sing them and recite them, and having sung them make others sing them,
having recited them make others recite them?
2.9.2 Did they (those ancient rishis) find pleasure in being well-bathed, well-perfumed, with hair and
beard trimmed, decked in jewelled ear-rings and ornaments, dressed in white garments, endowed with and
enjoying the five cords of sensual pleasures—like what you, along with your teacher, are doing now?330
[105] ―No, master Gotama.‖331
2.10.1 Did they consume boiled sali rice,332 free of black specks, with pure meat, curries and garnish-
ings, with various curries, various sauces, such as you, along with your teacher, do now?‖333
326
This passage suggests how Pasenadi, a kshatriya, holds himself as being above a brahmin (Pokkhara,sāti): see
DA 1:271 f. See Sonaka J (J 529), where a king calls a brahmin ―low-born‖ (hīna,jacca) (J 529/5:257); cf T W
Rhys Davids, Buddhist India, 1903:60. See foll n.
327
Should a teacher know such a truth but concel it, he would not be worth his salt. Thus, in Sonaka J (J 529), a
rajah, on this account, calls a brahmin ―low born‖ (hīna,jacca) compared to himself (J 529/5:257). See prec n.
328
See Tevijja S (D 13/1:235-252), SD 1.8 (2.1). For identification of these seers‘ names, see Vinaya Texts (tr
Rhys Davids & Oldenberg) 2:130 n3 & V:H 4:337 nn5-9.
329
―The ancient seers…make others recite them,‖…[tevijjānaṁ]* brāhmaṇānaṁ pubbakā isayo mantānaṁ
kattāro mantānaṁ pavattāro, yesam idaṁ etarahi brāhmaṇā porāṇaṁ manta,padaṁ gītaṁ pavuttaṁ samhitaṁ, tad
anugāyanti tad anubhāsanti, bhāsitam anubhāsanti vācitam anuvācenti, seyyath’idaṁ—Aṭṭhako Vāmako Vāma,devo
Vessā,mitto Yama-t-aggi [Ke Yama-d-aggi] Aṅgīraso Bhāra,dvājo Vāseṭṭho Kassapo Bhagu [* only at D 13.13]: this
is stock: Mv 35.2 = V 1:245; Ambaṭṭha S (D 3.2.8/1:104); Tevijja S (D 13.2.13/1:238 f, 13.2.18/1:241, 242, 243);
Caṅkī S (M 95.13/2:169 f), (Brahma,vihāra) Subha S (M 99.9/2:200); Doṇa S (A 5.192/3:223 f, 3:229 f), (Sāri-
putta) Dāna S (A 7.49/4:61). See Intro (5).
330
Se: Evaṁ su te suṇhātā suvilittā kappita,kesa,massū āmutta,maṇi,kuṇḍal’ābharaṇā [Ee Ce, āmutta,mālâ-
bharaṇā, ―decked in garlands and ornaments‖] odāta,vattha,vasanā pañcahi kāma,guṇehi samappitā samaṅgī,bhūtā
paricārenti, seyyathāpi tvaṁ etarahi sācariyako ti? Be āmukka- for āmutta is prob wr. See Intro (5).
331
Be Se insert §29a as peyyāla (refrain) before each of the next 4 sections.
332
Rice as vhi (Skt vrhi; Tamil arise) (Oryza sativa), or broadcast rice, had its origins in India around 3000 BCE
and was certainly known to later Vedic people. It was a rainy season crop ripening in autumn but whose yield was

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

―No, master Gotama.‖

Were they entertained334 by women, all dressed up and bent on serving them, by their side, such as
you, along with your teacher, do now?‖335 [Fig 5.1]
―No, master Gotama.‖
―Did they go about driving chariots, drawn by mares with plaited manes and tails, whipping them
with long wands and goads, such as you, along with your teacher, do now?‖336 [Fig 5.2]
―No, master Gotama.‖
―Did they have themselves guarded by men armed with long swords,337 safe behind walled cities,
with moats around them,338 and with cross-bars (across their gates),339 such as you, along with your teach-
er, do now?‖340
―No, master Gotama.‖
2.10.2 ―So, you, Ambaṭṭha, along with your teacher, are neither rishi, nor do you live, practising, for
the sake of rishihood.
Anyway, be that as it may, Ambaṭṭha, as regards your doubt or perplexity, question me, I will clarify
it with an explanation.‖341

The 2 characteristics
2.11 Then the Blessed One left his residence [vihara], and proceeded to the terraced walkway.342

limited. This form of rice when cooked is called odana (ts), ie boiled rice. The change came when the people
learned and used the art of paddy transplantation or wet paddy production, which was grown as a winter crop. This
better quality rice was known as ―shali‖ (P sli; Skt li) (RS Sharma, Material Culture and Social Formations in
Ancient India, 1983:96, 161f). See Piya Tan, The Buddha and His Disciples, 2004 §4b.
333
Be Ce Ee Se: Evaṁ su te sālīnaṁ odanaṁ suci,maṁsûpasecanaṁ [Ee omits] vicita,kāḷakaṁ aneka,sūpaṁ
aneka,vyañjanaṁ paribhuñjanti, seyyathâpi tvaṁ etarahi sâcariyako ti. See Intro (5).
334
―Were…entertained by,‖ paricārenti, which also means ―were amusing himself, gratifying his senses, recreat-
ing, or enjoying pleasure‖ (see PED: sv paricāreti), ie, it has sexual connotations: cf Skt paricārayamāṇam: see In-
tro (5).
335
―By women…by their side,‖ veṭhaka,nata,passāhi [Ce veṭhanaka,passāhi] nārīhi, lit ―(attended by) women by
their side, wrapped up (in fine dresses) and bent (to serve).‖ Comy glosses as dussa.paṭṭa,dussa,veṇi ādīhi veṭhakehi
namita,phāsukāhi, ―garbed [wrapped] in fine woven cloth [turban cloth], plaited cotton cloth, etc, bent on comfort-
ing.‖ (DA 1:274). See D:RD 1:130 n1. Both Comy & Rhys Davids give interesting and relevant details, but the
context is quite simple as it is, without reading too much into it. See Intro (5) above.
336
Evaṁ su te kutta,vālehi vaḷavā,rathehi dīghāhi patoda,laṭṭhīhi vāhane vitudentā vipariyāyanti. See Takka J (J
63/1:296), Vaṭṭaka J (J 118/1:433), Valāhassa J (J 196/2:127, 128), Culla Nārada J (J 477/4:219); DhsA 321.
Kutta (―formed, arranged, dressed‖) is pp of kappati, ―is permitted, allowed, suitable.‖ Rhys Davids: ―The chariot of
the time, as represented on the bas reliefs, had standing room for four passengers, the steeds wore plumes on their
heads, and had their manes and tails elaborately plaited. ‗Stūpa of Bharhut,‘ pl XII, shows us the chariot of Pasenadi,
king of Kosala (see ibid pp 124, 125).‖ (D:RD 1:130 n3). Bodewitz captures the sense in which the chariots are re-
garded as decadent by characterizing them as the ―motor cars‖ of the brahminical elite (1974:90 n17), quoted by
Black 2007b:18. See Intro (5).
337
―Armed with long swords,‖ dīghâsi,baddhehi, only Be dīghâsi,vudhehi.
338
Cf Udaya J (J 458/4:106); Miln 330.
339
Okkhitta,palighāsu, cf M 1:139; A 3:84; Dh 398, where it is used in an ethical sense.
340
Evaṁ su te ukkiṇṇa,parikhāsu okkhitta,palighāsu nagarûpakārikāsu dīghâsi,baddhehi purisehi rakkhāpenti,
seyyathā’pi tvaṁ etarahi sâcariyako ti? Cf J 4:106; Miln 330. The phrase okkhitta,palighāsu is used in an ethical
sense at M 1:139; A 3:84; Dh 398.
341
This is Ambaṭṭha‘s golden opportunity for spiritual breakthrough, but his mind is too befuddled to take up this
invitation. Or, as in the case of the wanderer Nigrodha and his community in Udumbarikā Sīha,nāda S (D 25/3:36-
57 @ SD 1.4), Māra has taken over their minds. The significant point here is that the Buddha still attempts to teach,
or in the latter case, has taught, even when there is no immediate spiritual benefit.
342
Caṅkama here can be either (n) ―terraced walkway,‖ or (ger) ―walking (up and down),‖ ie in meditation or for
a mild physical exercise. It is clear here that the Buddha is obliging Ambaṭṭha so that he is be able to see his great-
man marks.

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

Then the brahmin youth, Ambaṭṭha, too, followed the Blessed One, walking behind him, and, survey-
ing the Buddha‘s body, for the 32 marks of the great man.
The brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha saw most of the 32 marks of the great man on the Blessed One‘s body,
[106] except for two. Regarding these two—namely, the cloth-covered sheathed member and the length
of his tongue—he was in doubt and uncertain, undecided, dissatisfied.
2.12 Then this occurred to the Blessed One:
―This brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha sees all the 32 marks of the great man, except for two. Regarding
these two—namely, the cloth-covered sheathed member and the length of my tongue—he is in doubt and
uncertain, undecided, dissatisfied.‖
Then, the Blessed One, by way of a psychic manifestation, let the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha see his
cloth-covered sheathed member.343
Then the Blessed One extended his tongue to touch and stroke both his earlobes and both his nostrils,
and covered the whole area of his forehead with his tongue.344
Then this occurred to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―The Blessed One is fully endowed with the 32 marks of the great man, not otherwise!‖ and said this
to the Blessed One:
―Well, then, master Gotama, I now depart. Many are my duties, much there is to be done.‖
―Please, Ambaṭṭha, do as you deem fit here.‖345
Then, the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha ascended his mare-drawn chariot and departed.

Pokkhara,sāti
Pokkhara,sāti reprimands Ambaṭṭha
2.13 Now at that time, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti had left Ukkaṭṭhā with a great retinue of brahmins,
and was seated in his own grove,346 waiting for the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha.
Then the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha set forth towards the same grove.347 When he has gone as far as
his chariot could go, he descended from the vehicle and, proceeding on foot, to where the brahmin Pok-
khara,sāti was.
Having approached the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha saluted him and sat
down at one side.
While Ambaṭṭha was seated thus at one side, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti said this to him:
2.14 ―Well, dear Ambaṭṭha, have you seen the master Gotama?‖
―Yes, sir, I have seen the master Gotama.‖
―Well, dear Ambaṭṭha, have you found out whether the word going around about the master Gotama
is true [107] or not, whether the master Gotama is such or not?348

343
Miln says that the Buddha psychically display a reflection or shadow (chāyā) of it (Miln 167-169)l cf DA 275
f; MA 3:369; SnA 452.
344
―Covered the whole circle of his forehead with his tongue,‖ kevalam pi nalāṭa,maṇḍalaṁ jivhāya chādesi.
345
Yassa dni tva Ambaṭṭha kla maas ti, lit ―Please do what you think it is now the time to do.‖ This is
stock: Sāmañña,phala S (D 2,103/1:85 @ SD 8.10); Mah Parinibbna S (D 16,3.6/2:104 @ SD 13), Sekha S (M
53,3/1:354 @ SD 21.14), Kaaka-t,thala S (M 90,17/2:132 f @ SD 10.8); Pu’ovda S (M 145,6/3:269 = S
35.88/4:62,31 @ SD 20.15), Avassuta S (S 35.243/4:183,15+30), Khem Therī S (S 44.1/4:379,29), Veslī S (S
54.9/5:321,16, 17) & Thapatay S (S 55.6/5:348,27 @ SD 42.7). See Joy Manné, ―On a departure formula and its
translation,‖ Buddhist Studies Review 10, 1993:27-43.
346
―His own park,‖ sake ārāme: this must be the Subhaga Grove (Subhaga,vana) ((Brahma,vihāra) Subha S, M
99.10/2:200): See Intro (1.2). Sake ārāme also occurs at V 1:232; D 2:97; M 1:236. On Subhaga,vana, see Intro
(1.2).
347
Atha kho Ambaṭṭho māṇavo yena sako ārāmo tena pāyāsi. The phrase sako ārāmo is curious, since it should
have read sakaṁ ārāmaṁ. I am not sure it if it is correct to tr sake (see prec para) or sako here as ―self,‖ as the two
sentences (one regarding Pokkhara,sāti and the other, Ambaṭṭha) would contradict one another.
348
See §1.4c.

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

And is the master Gotama endowed with the 32 marks of the great men, and not otherwise?
And did you, dear Ambaṭṭha, have a conversation with the ascetic Gotama?‖
―Yes, I had a conversation with the ascetic Gotama.‖
―And, what, dear Ambaṭṭha, was that conversation that you had with the ascetic Gotama?‖
Then the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha recounted to the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti all that had occurred dur-
ing the conversation he had had with the Blessed One.
2.15 When this was spoken, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti said this to the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha:
―O, alas, our little scholar! O, alas, our little deeply learned one! O, alas, our little expert in the Three
Vedas!349 They say, sir, such a do-gooder350 would, after death, when the body has broken up, re-appear
in a plane of misery, an evil destination, a lower realm, in hell!
To the extent that you have spoken so very insolently to the master Gotama, to that extent, the master
Gotama, too, has charged you likewise!351
O, alas, our little scholar! O, alas, our little deeply learned one! O, alas, our little expert in the Three
Vedas! They say, sir, such a do-gooder would, after death, when the body has broken up, re-appear in a
plane of misery, an evil destination, a lower realm, in hell!‖
Angered and upset, he gave Ambaṭṭha a blow with his foot,352 and there and then wished to see the
Blessed One.353 [108]

Pokkhara,sāti meets the Buddha

2.16 Then the brahmins said this to the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti:
―It is too late now, sir, for visiting the ascetic Gotama. Let us, master Pokkhara,sāti, go to see the
ascetic Gotama tomorrow.‖
Then the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti had exquisite food, both hard and soft, prepared in his own home,354
had them loaded onto wagons, and bearing torches, leave Ukkaṭṭhā, and approached the Ukkaṭṭhā jungle
outside Icchā,naṅgala. When he has gone as far as his chariot could go, he descended from the vehicle
and, proceeding on foot, approached the Blessed One.
Having approached the Blessed One, he exchanged friendly words and cordial greetings with the
Blessed One. When the friendly greetings were concluded, he sat down at one side.
Seated thus at one side, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti said this to the Blessed One:
2.17 ―Master Gotama, has our resident student Ambaṭṭha Māṇava come here?‖
―Yes, brahmin, your resident student Ambaṭṭha Māṇava come here.‖
―And did you, master Gotama, have a conversation with Ambaṭṭha Māṇava?‖
―Yes, I had a conversation with Ambaṭṭha Māṇava.‖

349
Aho vata re amhākaṁ paṇḍitaka, aho vata re amhākaṁ bahussutaka, aho vata re amhākaṁ tevijjaka.
350
Attha,caraka, lit ―one who conducts himself in what is beneficial,‖ but here an ironical remark, clearly made in
despair.
351
Yad eva kho tvaṁ Ambaṭṭha taṁ bhavantaṁ Gotamaṁ evaṁ āsajja āsajja avacāsi, atha kho so bhavaṁ
Gotamo amhehi pi evaṁ upanīya upanīya avaca. Rhys Davids: ―What could the very points you pressed in your in-
solent words lead up to, if not to the very disclosures the venerable Gotama made?‖ (D:RD 1:133). Walshe: ―You
have heaped insults on the Reverend Gotama, as a result of which he has brought up more and more things against
us!‖ (D:W 123)
352
Padasā yeva pavattesi, which Comy explains as pādena paharitvā bhūmiyaṁ pātesi, ―strike with his foot so
that he (Ambaṭṭha) fell to the ground‖ (DA 1:276).
353
Pokkhara,sāti‘s dramatic reaction to Ambaṭṭha‘s insolence clearly has arisen from his understanding that the
Buddha is endowed with the 32 marks of the great man, and should have been accorded due respect. In that case, he
could well be experiencing samvega (see SD 9.7f), which immediately spurs him to want to meet the Buddha him-
self to redeem himself.
354
From the context, it is clear that Pokkhara,sāti has the meal prepared that very night, and probably does not
sleep throughout the night. Similarly, Anātha,piṇḍika, on his first impending meeting with the Buddha, gets up
thrice in the night, thinking it is dawn (V 2:155 f). Such an excitable anticipative state could be due to a high level of
joy, or more specifically, zest (pīti), albeit of a worldly nature: see SD 15.1(9.7).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

―And what manner of conversation, master Gotama, did you have with Ambaṭṭha Māṇava?‖
Then the Blessed One recounted to the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti all that had occurred during the con-
versation he had had with the brahmin youth Ambaṭṭha.
When this was spoken, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti said this to the Blessed One:
―Ambaṭṭha Māṇava, master Gotama, is a fool! May master Gotama forgive Ambaṭṭha Māṇava.‖
―Brahmin, may Ambaṭṭha Māṇava be happy (sukhi hotu)!‖ [109]
2.18 Then the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti surveyed the Buddha‘s body for the 32 marks of the great man.
The brahmin Pokkhara,sāti saw most of the 32 marks of the great man on the Blessed One‘s body, except
for two. Regarding these two—namely, the cloth-covered sheathed member and the length of his
tongue—he was in doubt and uncertain, undecided, dissatisfied.
2.19 Then this occurred to the Blessed One:
―This brahmin Pokkhara,sāti sees all the 32 marks of the great man, except for two. Regarding these
two—namely, the cloth-covered sheathed member and the length of my tongue—he is in doubt and
uncertain, undecided, dissatisfied.‖
2.19.2 Then, the Blessed One, by way of a psychic manifestation, let the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti see
his cloth-covered sheathed member.
Then the Blessed One extended his tongue to touch and stroke both his earlobes and both his nostrils,
and covered the whole area of his forehead with his tongue.
2.19.3 Then this occurred to the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti:
―The Blessed One is fully endowed with the 32 marks of the great man, not otherwise!‖ and said this
to the Blessed One:
2.19.3 ―Might the master Gotama together with the community of monks accept a meal for today.‖
The Blessed One accepted by being silent.355
2.20 Then the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, having known the Blessed One‘s consent, announced the time
to the Blessed One:
―Bhante, it is time for the meal.‖
Then, the Blessed One, having dressed himself in the morning and taking robe and bowl, went, along
with the order of monks, to the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti‘s house.356 Having arrived there, he sat down on
the prepared seat.
Then the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti, with his own hands, served the order of monks headed by the
Buddha, exquisite food, hard and soft, and satisfied them. When the Blessed One had finished his meal
and taken his hand out of his bowl, the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti sat on a low seat at one side.

Pokkhara,sāti attains streamwinning

2.21 While the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti [110] was seated at one side,
the Blessed One gave him a progressive talk––that is to say, he spoke
on giving (dna), on moral virtue (sla) and on the heavens (sagga).
He explained the danger, the vanity and the disadvantages of sensual pleasures (km’dnava),
and the advantages of renunciation (nekkhamm’nisasa).357
When the Blessed One perceived that the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti‘s mind was prepared, pliant, free
from hindrances, elevated and lucid, then he explained to him the teaching peculiar to the Buddhas,358 that
is to say, suffering, its arising, its cessation, and the path.

355
On this silence of acceptance, see Silence and the Buddha, SD 44.1 (2.4).
356
Be nivesanaṁ; Ce Ee parivesanā, ―food distribution‖ (prob wr).
357
This passage is stock: V 1:15; D 1:148; A 3:184 etc.
358
Buddhna smukkaṁsik dhamma,desan. This is an occasion when the Buddha teaches the 4 noble truths
directly to the laity; for stock passage, see V 1:16 (the youth Yasa), 16 (Yasa‘s father, the seth houselord), 18 (to
Yasa‘s mother and former wife), 19 (Yasa‘s five friends), 20 (Yasa‘s fifty friends), 23 (to the group of 30 lucky
youths, bhadda,vagga), 37 (to 12 ―myriad‖ (nahuta) of brahmins and householders of Magadha, headed by Bimbi-
sāra), 181 (Bimbisāra‘s 80,000 village headmen), 226 (Belaṭṭha Kaccāna, between Rajagaha and Andhaka,vinda); D

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D 1.3 Dīgha Nikāya 1, Sīlakkhandha Vagga 3

And just as a clean cloth, with all its stains removed, would take dye, even so did the brahmin Pok-
khara,sāti, even while seated there, there arose the dust-free stainless Dharma-eye [vision of truth],359
thus:
―All that is of the nature of arising is of the nature of ending.‖
(Yaṃ kiñci samudaya,dhammaṃ sabbantaṃ nirodha,dhamman ti)
2.22 Then the brahmin Pokkhara,sāti,
having seen the Dharma [the truth],360
having mastered the Dharma,
having known the Dharma,
having immersed himself in the Dharma,
having crossed over doubt,
having cleared away uncertainty,
having won full confidence, independent of others, in the Teacher‘s Teaching,361
said this to the Blessed One:
2.23 ―Excellent, bhante! Excellent, bhante! Just as if one were to place upright what had been
overturned, or were to reveal what was hidden, or were to show the way to one who was lost, or were to
hold up a lamp in the dark so that those with eyes could see forms, in the same way the Blessed One has,
in numerous ways, made the Dharma clear.
2.24 I, master Gotama, along with my children, my wife, my retinue, and my household,362 go to the
Blessed One for refuge, and to the Dharma, and to the community of monks. May the Blessed One re-
member us as lay followers who have gone to him for refuge from this day forth for life.
2.25 And just as the master Gotama approaches other families of lay followers at Ukkaṭṭhā, even so
let the master Gotama approach the family of Pokkhara,sāti. Those brahmin youths and brahmin maidens
who will pay homage to the master Gotama, or will present him with a seat or with water, or will look at
him with bright faith, it will be thereby for their benefit and happiness for a long time!‖
2.26 ―You speak kindly, brahmin!‖363

— eva —

3.2.21/1:110 (to Pokkhara,sāti), 5.29/1:148 (to Kūṭa,danta), 14.3.11/2:41 (to prince Khaṇḍa and Tissa the chaplain‘s
son), 14.3.15/2:43 (a crowd of 84,000), 14.3.19/2:44 (another similar crowd); M 56.18/1:379 f (to Upāli), 91.36/-
2:145 (to Brahmāyu); A 8.12.9/4:186 (to general Sīha), 8.21.5-6/4:209 (to the houselord Ugga of Vesālī), 8.22.5-
6/4:213 (to the houselord of Hatthi,gāma), U 5.3/49 (to the leper Suppa,buddha).
359
Evam eva kūṭadantassa brāhmaṇassa tasmi yeva āsane viraja vīta,mala dhamma,cakkhuṃ udapādi.
Comy says that the ―Dharma-eye‖ (dhamma,cakkhu) is the path of stream-winning: in Brahmyu S (M 91.36/
2:145), it refers to the 3 paths (tia maggna), ie culminating in non-return; in Ca Rhul’ovda S (M 147.9/
3:280), the destruction of influxes (sava-k,khaya). The following sentence: ―All that is subject to arising is subject
to ending,‖ shows the mode in which the path arises. The path takes ending (nirvana) as its object, but its function is
to penetrate all conditioned states as being subject to arising and ending. (MA 3:92)
360
―The Dharma [the truth]‖ (dhamma) here refers to the 4 noble truths. Having seen the truth for himself, he cuts
off the fetter of doubt and now has ―the noble and liberating view that accordingly leads the practitioner to the com-
plete destruction of suffering‖ (y’ya dihi ariy niyynik niyyti tak,karassa samm,dukkha-k,khayya, Kosam-
biya S, M 48.7/1:322)
361
―Having seen the Dharma…in the Teacher‘s Teaching,‖ diha,dhammo patta,dhammo vidita,dhammo pariyo-
gaha,dhammo tia,vicikiccho vigata,katha,katho vesrajja-p,patto apara-p,paccayo satthu,ssane. As in the
case of Yasa’s father (Mv 7.10c/V 1:16), SD 11.2(7).
362
Esâhaṁ kho...sa,putto sa,bhariyo sa,pariso s’āmacco). This occasion is mentioned in Soṇa,daṇḍa S (D 4.6/-
1:116), Kūṭa,danta S (D 5.7(25)/1:133), SD 22.8, and Caṅkī S (M 95.9a(19)/2:167), SD 21.15.
363
Kalyāṇaṁ vuccati brāhmaṇâ ti. This is the only instance of this sentence in the Dīgha, and spoken by the
Buddha. It appears only twice elsewhere: one spoken by the monk Isidatta (S 41.3/4:288) and by the monk Mahaka
(S 41.4/4:291), on both occasions to Citta the houselord. From the context of these last two suttas, we can deduce
that it is a polite monastic response that is non-committal, even refusal. The usual way of consent to an invitation
would be silence (see eg §2.19). See Mahaka Pāṭihāriya S (S 41.4.18/4:291) & SD 27.2 (2.1).

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SD 21.3 D 3/1:87-110 • Ambaṭha Sutta

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