Aṅguttara Nikāya


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Aṅguttara Nikāya
IV. Catukka Nipāta
II. Cara Vagga

The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Fours
Chapter II: Deportment

Sutta 15

Paññatti Suttaɱ

Types[1]

Translated from the Pali by F. L. Woodward, M.A.

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[17]

[1][bodh] Thus have I heard:

On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.

Then the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

"Yes, lord," they replied, and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, there are these four chief types (of beings).

What four?

Chief of those who have personality is[2] Rahu, lord of the Asuras.

Chief of those who are given to the pleasures of sense is Mandhātā[3] the rajah.

Chief of those who have lordship is Māra the Wicked One.

In the world of Devas, Māras and Brahmās, together with recluses and brahmins, devas and mankind, a Tathāgata is reckoned chief, an Arahant, a perfectly Enlightened One.

These, monks, are the four chief types.

Rahu is chief of persons: chief of those
Enjoying sense-delights is Mandhātā:
Māra is chief of those who lordship own:
With power and glory[4] is he radiant.
Above, across, and back again returning,
Whatever be one's bourn in all the world,[5]
Of world and devas chief is held a Buddha.'

 


[1] Paññattiyo.

[2] Attabhāvin.

[3] Cf. JA. ii, 310; Mil. 115; Thag. 485.

[4] Text should read yasasā for yassā.

[5] Cf. supra, § 2.


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