Saɱyutta Nikāya
5. Mahā-Vagga
47. Sati-Paṭṭhāna Saɱyutta
5. Amata Vagga
The Connected Discourses of the Buddha
The Great Book,
47: Connected Discourses on the Establisments of Mindfulness
V. The Deathless
Sutta 46
Pāṭimokkha Suttaɱ
The Restraint of the Pāṭimokkha
Translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Copyright Bhikkhu Bodhi 2000, The Connected Discourses of the Buddha (Wisdom Publications, 2000)
This selection from The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Saɱyutta Nikāya by Bhikkhu Bodhi is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
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Then a certain bhikkhu approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him:
"Venerable sir, it would be good if the Blessed One would teach me the Dhamma in brief, so that, having heard the Dhamma from the Blessed One, I might dwell alone, withdrawn, diligent, ardent, and resolute."
In that case, bhikkhu, purify the very beginning of wholesome states.
And what is the beginning of wholesome states?
Here, bhikkhu, dwell restrained by the restraint of the Pāṭimokkha, accomplished in good conduct and proper resort, seeing danger in the slightest faults.
Having undertaken the training rules, train in them.
When, bhikkhu, you dwell restrained by the restraint of the Pāṭimokkha, ... seeing danger in the slightest faults, then, based upon virtue, established upon virtue, you should develop the four establishments of mindfulness.
"What four?
Here, bhikkhu, a bhikkhu dwells contemplating the body in the body ... feelings in feelings ... mind in mind ... phenomena in phenomena, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world.
"When, bhikkhu, based upon virtue, established upon virtue, you develop these four establishments of mindfulness in such a way, then, whether night or day comes, you may expect only growth in wholesome states, not decline."
Then that bhikkhu, having delighted and rejoiced in the Blessed One's statement, rose from his seat. ...
And that bhikkhu became one of the arahants."
