Crossing over the Stream of Life: Excerpts from the Sutta Nipāta, Part 1 of 2

Today, it is an honor to share selections from the Pârâyanavagga, found in Chapter 5 of the Sutta Nipāta, translated by V. Fausböll. The Pārāyanavagga recounts how sixteen Brahmin ascetics, following their teacher’s instructions, traveled to meet Lord Buddha to seek His spiritual guidance on the mysteries of life and death. Let’s begin with the questions posed by Brahman Nanda, Hemaka, and Todeyya.

PÂRÂYANAVAGGA. NANDAMÂNAVAPUKKHÂ

“‘There are Munis in the world,’ so said the venerable Nanda, ‘So people say. How is this (understood) by Thee? Do they call him a Muni

who is possessed of knowledge or him who is possessed of life?’ Buddha: ‘Not because of (any philosophical) view, nor of tradition, nor of knowledge, O Nanda, do the expert call (anyone) a Muni; (but) such as wander free from woe, free from desire, after having secluded themselves, those I call Munis.’ […]

HEMAKAMÂNAVAPUKKHA

“‘Those who before in another world,’ so said the venerable Hemaka, ‘Explained to me the doctrine of Gotama, saying, “So it was, so it will be,” all that (was only) oral tradition, all that (was only) something that increased (my) doubts. I took no pleasure in that, but tell Thou me the Dhamma that destroys desire, O Muni, which if a man has understood, and he wanders about thoughtful, he may cross desire in the world.’ Buddha: ‘In this world (much) has been seen, heard, and thought; the destruction of passion and of wish for the dear objects that have been perceived, O Hemaka, is the imperishable state of Nirvana. Those who, having understood this, are thoughtful, calm, because they have seen the Dhamma, tranquil and Divine, such have crossed desire in this world.’ Hemakamânavapukkhâ is ended.” […]