Saṃyutta Nikāya
5. Mahā-Vagga
55. Sot'Āpatti Saṃyutta
6. Sappañña Vagga
The Book of the Kindred Sayings
5. The Great Chapter
55. Kindred Sayings on Streamwinning
6. Discreet
Sutta 52
Vassa-Vuttha Suttaṃ
Spending the Rainy Season
Translated by F. L. Woodward
Copyright The Pali Text Society
Commercial Rights Reserved
For details see Terms of Use.
[1] Thus have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī,
at Jeta Grove,
in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.
On that occasion a certain monk
who had just spent the rainy season near Sāvatthī,
had come to Kapilavatthu
on some business or other.
Now the Sakyans of Kapilavatthu heard it said
that a certain monk
who had spent the rainy season at Sāvatthī
was come to Kapilavatthu.
Then the Sakyans of Kapilavatthu
went to visit that monk,
and on coming to him
saluted him
and sat down at one side.
So seated
the Sakyans said this to that monk:
"Pray, sir, is the Exalted One well and strong?"
"He is, friends."
"Pray, sir, are Sāriputta and Moggallāna
well and strong?"
"They are, friends."
"Pray, sir, is the Order of Monks well and strong?"
[347] "They are, friends."
"Sir, during this retreat of the rainy season,
have you beard anything
face to face with the Exalted One?
Have you learned anything from him?"
"Yes, friends. I have heard
and learned this
face to face with the Exalted One:
'Monks, few indeed are those monks,
who, by destroying the āsavas,
have of themselves
in this very life
by their own knowledge
realized the heart's release,
the release by insight,
and abide therein.
More numerous are those monks
who, by destroying the five fetters of the lower sort,
are reborn spontaneously
(in the higher worlds),
there to pass utterly away,
destined not to return from that world.'
Moreover, friends, I heard this
face to face with the Exalted One:
'Monks, few indeed are those monks
who, by destroying the five fetters of the lower sort,
are reborn spontaneously
(in the higher worlds),
there to pass utterly away,
not destined to return from that world.
More numerous are those monks
who, by destroying three fetters
and wearing down lust,
hatred
and delusiön,
are Once-returners.
Coming back once more to this world
they will make an end of ill.'
Further, friends, I learned this
face to face with the Exalted One:
'Monks, few are those monks
who, by destroying three fetters
and wearing down lust,
hatred
and delusion,
are Once-returners,
who, coming back once more to this world,
shall make an end of ill.
More numerous are those monks
who, by destroying three fetters,
are Stream-winners,
not doomed to the Downfall,
assured,
bound for enlightenment.'"
