4.
The Discourse on Baka Brahmā
175.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Now at that time such an evil wrong view had arisen in Baka the Brahmā:
"This is permanent, this is stable, this is eternal, this is whole, this is not subject to pass away, for here there is no being born, no ageing, no dying, no passing away, no being reborn, and there is no other escape beyond this."
Then the Blessed One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of Baka the Brahmā - just as a strong man might extend his bent arm or bend his extended arm, even so - having vanished from Jeta's Grove, appeared in that Brahma world. Baka the Brahmā saw the Blessed One coming from afar. Having seen the Blessed One, he said this - "Come, sir, welcome to you, sir! It has been a long time, sir! You have made this occasion, that is to say, for coming here. For this, sir, is permanent, this is stable, this is eternal, this is whole, this is not subject to pass away, for here there is no being born, no ageing, no dying, no passing away, no being reborn. And there is no other escape beyond this."
When this was said, the Blessed One said this to Baka the Brahmā - 'Gone to ignorance indeed, friend, is Baka the Brahmā; gone to ignorance indeed, friend, is Baka the Brahmā. Inasmuch as he will say of what is actually impermanent that it is permanent, he will say of what is actually unstable that it is stable, he will say of what is actually non-eternal that it is eternal, he will say of what is actually not whole that it is whole, he will say of what is actually subject to pass away that it is not subject to pass away. And where there is being born, ageing, dying, passing away, and being reborn, of that he will say thus - 'For here there is no being born, no ageing, no dying, no passing away, no being reborn.' And when there is another escape beyond, he will say 'there is no other escape beyond.'"
wielding power, having gone beyond birth and ageing;
this is the final rebirth in the Brahma world for one who has attained the highest knowledge,
many people aspire to us."
which you, Baka, think is a long life span;
a hundred thousand nirabbudas,
I understand your life span, O Brahmā."
Having gone beyond birth, ageing and sorrow;
What is my former practice of asceticism and morality,
Tell me that, which I may understand."
Thirsty, overcome by the heat;
That is your former practice of asceticism and morality,
I recollect as one awakened from sleep.
The captives being led away;
That is your former practice of asceticism and morality,
I recollect as one awakened from sleep.
By a fierce serpent desiring human beings;
You released it by force, overpowering;
That is your former practice of asceticism and morality,
I recollect as one awakened from sleep.
Who thought you one of full understanding, an observer of vows;
That is your former practice of asceticism and morality,
I recollect as one awakened from sleep."
You know others too, for thus you are a Buddha;
For thus this blazing power of yours,
Stands illuminating the brahma world."