#### Aṅguttara Nikāya
VIII. Aṭṭhaka Nipāta
II: Mahā Vagga

#### The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
VIII. The Book of the Eights
II. The Great Chapter

#### Sutta 16

#### Dūteyya Suttaṁ

# Mission

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

© 2012 Bhikkhu Bodhi
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[196] [1141]

[1][pts] "Bhikkhus, possessing eight qualities, a bhikkhu is worthy of going on a mission.

What eight?

"Here, (1)-(2) a bhikkhu is one who listens and who makes others listen;

(3)-(4) he is one who learns well and makes others learn;

(5)-(6) he is one who understands and communicates well;

(7) he is skilled in [knowing] what is relevant and what irrelevant; and

(8) he does not foment quarrels.

Possessing these eight qualities, a bhikkhu is worthy of going on a mission.

"Bhikkhus, possessing eight qualities, Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission.

What eight?

"Here, Sāriputta is one who listens and who makes others listen ... he does not foment quarrels.

Possessing these eight qualities, Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission."

One who does not tremble when he arrives
at an assembly with fierce debaters;
who does not omit words
or conceal his message;
who speaks without hesitation,
and does not waver when asked a question;
a bhikkhu like this is worthy
of going on a mission.

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