Non-Decline

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

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[39] [426]

[1][pts][than] "Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu who possesses four qualities is incapable of decline and is in the vicinity of Nibbāna.

What four?

Here, a bhikkhu is accomplished in virtuous behavior, guards the doors of the sense faculties, observes moderation in eating, and is intent on wakefulness.

(1) "And how is a bhikkhu accomplished in virtuous behavior?

Here, a bhikkhu is virtuous; he dwells restrained by the Pātimokkha, possessed of good conduct and resort, seeing danger in minute faults.

Having undertaken the training rules, he trains in them.

It is in this way that a bhikkhu is accomplished in virtuous behavior.

(2) "And how does a bhikkhu guard the doors of the sense faculties?

Here, having seen a form with the eye, a bhikkhu does not grasp its marks and features.

Since, if he left the eye faculty unrestrained, bad unwholesome states of longing and dejection might invade him, he practices restraint over it; he guards the eye faculty, he undertakes the restraint of the eye faculty.

Having heard a sound with the ear ...

Having smelt an odor with the nose ...

Having tasted a taste with the tongue ...

Having felt a tactile object with the body ...

Having cognized a mental phenomenon with the mind, a bhikkhu does not grasp its marks and features.

Since, if he left the mind faculty unrestrained, bad unwholesome states of longing and dejection [40] might invade him, he practices restraint over it; he guards the mind faculty, he undertakes the restraint of the mind faculty.

It is in this way that a bhikkhu guards the doors of the sense faculties.

(3) "And how does a bhikkhu observe moderation in eating?

Here, reflecting thoroughly, a bhikkhu consumes food neither for amusement nor for intoxication nor for the sake of physical beauty and attractiveness, but only for the support and maintenance of this body, for avoiding harm, and for assisting the spiritual life, considering:

'Thus I shall terminate the old feeling and not arouse a new feeling, and I shall be healthy and blameless and dwell at ease.'

It is in this way that a bhikkhu observes moderation in eating.

(4) "And how is a bhikkhu intent on wakefulness?

Here, during the day, while walking back and forth and sitting, a bhikkhu purifies his mind of obstructive qualities.

In the first watch of the night, while walking back and forth and sitting, he purifies his mind of obstructive qualities.

In the middle watch of the night he lies down on the right side in the lion's posture, with one foot overlapping the other, mindful and clearly comprehending, after noting in his mind the idea of rising.

After rising, in the last watch of the night, while walking back and forth and sitting, he purifies his mind of obstructive qualities.

It is in this way that a bhikkhu is intent on wakefulness.

"A bhikkhu who possesses these four qualities is incapable of decline and is in the vicinity of Nibbāna."

Established in virtuous behavior,
restrained in the sense faculties,
moderate in eating,
intent on wakefulness:

a bhikkhu dwells thus ardently,
unwearying by day and night,
developing wholesome qualities
to attain security from bondage.

A bhikkhu who delights in heedfulness,
seeing the danger in heedlessness,
is incapable of decline:
he is close to Nibbāna.

Aṅguttara Nikāya 4. Catukka Nipāta IV. Cakka Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha IV. The Book of the Fours IV. The Wheel

Sutta 37

Aparihāniya Suttaɱ

Non-Decline

Aṅguttara Nikāya
4. Catukka Nipāta
IV. Cakka Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
IV. The Book of the Fours
IV. The Wheel