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聲anda Sutta

聲anda (Instructions to Vangisa)

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only

On one occasion Ven. 聲anda was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then early in the morning he put on his robes and, carrying his bowl and outer robe, went into Savatthi for alms with Ven. Vangisa as his attendant monk. Now at that time dissatisfaction with the chaste life had arisen in Ven. Vangisa. Lust invaded his mind. So he addressed Ven. 聲anda with this verse:

With sensual lust I burn.
My mind is on fire.
Please, Gotama, from compassion,
tell me how to put it out.

[Ven. 聲anda:]

From distorted perception
 your mind is on fire.
Shun the theme of the beautiful
 accompanied by lust.
See mental fabrications as other,
 as stress,
 and not-self.

    Extinguish your great lust.
    Don't keep burning again and again.
   

Develop the mind
    -- well centered and one --
 in the foul,
through the foul.
Have your mindfulness
 immersed in the body.
Be one who pursues
 disenchantment.
Develop the theme-less.
Cast out conceit.
Then, from breaking through
 conceit,
 you will go on your way at peace.

 

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