#5. On Fire

Ghaṭīkāra, a disciple of the former Buddha Kassapa, comes to the Buddha and speaks of his past life, and of the attainments of six friends.“Seven mendicants reborn in Aviha have been freed. With the complete ending of greed and hate, they’ve crossed over clinging to the world.” “Who are those who’ve crossed the bog, Death’s domain so hard to pass? Who, after leaving behind the human body, have risen above celestial yokes? [Read More]

The Buddha is asked about the future destiny of people who are stingy and those who are generous.“Those folk in the world who are stingy, miserly and abusive, setting up obstacles for others who give. What kind of result do they reap? What kind of future life? We’ve come to ask the Buddha; how are we to understand this?” “Those folk in the world who are stingy, miserly and abusive, setting up obstacles for others who give: they’re reborn in hell, the animal realm, or Yama’s world. [Read More]

Verses in praise of the Jetavana monastery, the Dhamma, and venerable Sāriputta, apparently spoken by the deity Anāthapiṇḍika.“This is indeed that Jeta’s Grove, frequented by the Saṅgha of hermits, where the King of Dhamma stayed: it brings me joy! Deeds, knowledge, and principle; ethical conduct, an excellent livelihood; by these are mortals purified, not by clan or wealth. That’s why an astute person, seeing what’s good for themselves, would examine the teaching properly, and thus be purified in it. [Read More]

For those who give the gift of a monastery, merit always grows.“Whose merit always grows by day and by night. Firm in principle, accomplished in conduct, who’s going to heaven?” “Planters of parks or groves, those who build a bridge, a drinking place and well, and those who give a residence. Their merit always grows by day and by night. Firm in principle, accomplished in conduct, they are going to heaven. [Read More]

To escape from the Forest of Delusion, one needs the vehicle of the Dhamma.“It’s resounding with a group of nymphs, but haunted by a gang of goblins! This grove is called ‘Delusion’. How am I supposed to live like this?” “That path is called ‘the straight way’, and it’s headed for the place called ‘fearless’. The chariot is called ‘unswerving’, fitted with wheels of skillful thoughts. Conscience is its bench-back, mindfulness its upholstery. [Read More]

A verse in praise of the Buddha.“He of peerless name who sees the subtle goal; giver of wisdom, unattached to the realm of sensuality: see him, the all-knower, so very intelligent, the great hermit walking down the noble road. [Read More]

A single verse in the form of a Dhamma riddle.“One is the root, two are the whirlpools, three are the stains, five the spreads, twelve the ocean’s whirlpools: such is the abyss crossed over by the hermit. [Read More]

Gods and humans love to eat, so what kind of being does not like food?“Both gods and humans enjoy their food. So what’s the name of the spirit who doesn’t like food?” “Those who give with faith and a clear and confident heart, partake of food in this world and the next. So you should dispel stinginess, overcoming that stain, and give a gift. The good deeds of sentient beings support them in the next world. [Read More]

Different kinds of gifts have different purposes.“Giving what do you give strength? Giving what do you give beauty? Giving what do you give happiness? Giving what do you give vision? And who is the giver of all? Please answer my question.” “Giving food you give strength. Giving clothes you give beauty. Giving a vehicle you give happiness. Giving a lamp you give vision. And the giver of all is the one who gives a residence. [Read More]

A deity recites to the Buddha some verses So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then, late at night, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence: “When your house is on fire, you rescue the pot that’s useful, not the one that’s burnt. [Read More]