9.
Connected Discourses on the Woods
1.
The Discourse on Seclusion
221.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time that monk, having gone for his day residence, was thinking evil unwholesome thoughts connected with the household life.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards that monk, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in that monk, approached that monk;
having approached, she addressed that monk in verses -
Yet your mind wanders out externally;
Being a person, remove desire for people,
Then you will be happy, free from lust.
For the dust of the abyss is hard to cross, let not the dust of sensuality carry you away.
So a monk with striving, mindful, shaking off, drops the clinging dust."
Then that monk, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
2.
The Discourse on Attendance
222.
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time that monk, having gone for his day residence, was sleeping.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards that monk, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in that monk, approached that monk;
having approached, she addressed that monk in verses -
For what sleep is there for one who is afflicted, pierced by a dart, being transformed?
Develop that very faith, do not come under the control of sleep."
One who is freed, unattached, among those who are bound, why should austere asceticism torment one gone forth?
That knowledge is supremely pure, why should austere asceticism torment one gone forth?
One who is sorrowless, without anguish, why should austere asceticism torment one gone forth?
One longing for Nibbāna, why should austere asceticism torment one gone forth?"
3.
The Discourse on Kassapagotta
223.
On one occasion the Venerable Kassapagotta was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time the Venerable Kassapagotta, having gone for his day residence, was exhorting a certain hunter.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in the Venerable Kassapagotta, approached the Venerable Kassapagotta;
having approached, she addressed the Venerable Kassapagotta in verses -
The monk exhorting at an improper time appears to me as a fool.
When the teaching is being spoken, the fool does not understand the meaning.
He will not see forms, for he has no eye."
Then the Venerable Kassapagotta, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
4.
The Discourse on Several
224.
On one occasion many monks were dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Then those monks, having completed the rains retreat, after the three months had passed, set out on a journey.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, not seeing those monks, lamenting, at that time spoke this verse -
Having seen many secluded seats;
Those of varied discourse, very learned,
Where have these disciples of Gotama gone?"
When this was said, a certain deity replied to that deity in verse -
Like quadrupeds wandering without attachment, homeless the monks dwell."
5.
The Discourse on Ānanda
225.
On one occasion the Venerable Ānanda was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time the Venerable Ānanda was dwelling excessively occupied with informing householders.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards the Venerable Ānanda, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in the Venerable Ānanda, approached the Venerable Ānanda;
having approached, she addressed the Venerable Ānanda in verse -
Meditate, Gotama, do not be negligent, what will this chatter do for you?"
Then the Venerable Ānanda, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
6.
The Discourse on Anuruddha
226.
On one occasion the Venerable Anuruddha was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Then a certain deity belonging to the Tāvatiṃsa realm, named Jālinī, the Venerable Anuruddha's former wife, approached the Venerable Anuruddha;
having approached, she addressed the Venerable Anuruddha in verse -
Among the Tāvatiṃsa gods, endowed with all sensual pleasures;
Honoured and surrounded by heavenly maidens, you will shine."
And those beings too are ill-fated, who are desired by heavenly maidens."
The residence of the gods among men, of the glorious Thirty-three.'
Impermanent are all activities, having the nature of arising and falling;
Having arisen, they cease; their appeasement is happiness.
The cycle of birth and wandering is eliminated, there is now no more rebirth."
7.
The Discourse on Nāgadatta
227.
On one occasion the Venerable Nāgadatta was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time the Venerable Nāgadatta entered the village too early and returned too late in the day.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards the Venerable Nāgadatta, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in the Venerable Nāgadatta, approached the Venerable Nāgadatta;
having approached, she addressed the Venerable Nāgadatta in verses -
In company with householders, sharing their happiness and suffering.
May you not come under the control of the mighty King of Death, the Ender."
Then the Venerable Nāgadatta, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
8.
The Discourse on the Mistress of a House
228.
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time that monk was dwelling excessively immersed in a certain family.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards that monk, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in that monk, having created the appearance of the mistress of that family, approached that monk;
having approached, she addressed that monk in verse -
People having come together discuss about me and that one - what is the reason?"
One should not become ashamed by that, for by that one is not defiled.
They call him 'fickle-minded', his religious duty is not fulfilled."
9.
The Discourse on the Vajjian Son
229.
On one occasion a certain Vajjian prince who was a monk was dwelling at Vesālī in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time at Vesālī there was an all-night festival of the Vajjian princes.
Then that monk, having heard the sound of the resounding music, drums and instruments from Vesālī, lamenting, at that time spoke this verse -
Like a log thrown away in the woods;
On such a night as this,
Who indeed is more wretched than us?"
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards that monk, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in that monk, approached that monk; having approached, she addressed that monk in verse -
Many envy you, as those doomed to hell envy those going to heaven."
Then that monk, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
10.
The Discourse on Recitation
230.
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time that monk who formerly dwelt for a protracted time devoted to study, at a later time was living at ease, silent, and kept still.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, not hearing the Teaching from that monk, approached that monk;
having approached, she addressed that monk in verse -
Having heard the Teaching one gains confidence, in this very life one gains praise."
Since we met with dispassion, whatever is seen or heard or sensed -
Having understood, the peaceful ones have spoken of the laying down of that."
11.
The Discourse on Unwholesome Thoughts
231.
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time that monk, having gone for his day residence, was thinking evil unwholesome thoughts, as follows -
sensual thought, thought of anger, thought of violence.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards that monk, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in that monk, approached that monk;
having approached, she addressed that monk in verses -
Having given up the unwise, reflect wisely.
You will attain gladness, joy and happiness without doubt;
Then, full of gladness, you will make an end of suffering."
Then that monk, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
12.
The Discourse on Midday
232.
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket approached that monk;
having approached, spoke this verse in the presence of that monk -
The great forest seems to resound - that fear occurs to me."
The great forest seems to resound - that delight occurs to me."
13.
The Discourse on Uncontrolled Faculties
233.
On one occasion many monks were dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket, agitated, arrogant, fickle, garrulous, of loose speech, unmindful, not fully aware, unconcentrated, with wandering minds, with uncontrolled faculties.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards those monks, desiring their welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in those monks, approached those monks;
having approached, he addressed those monks in verses -
Without desire they sought almsfood, without desire their lodgings;
Having known impermanence in the world, they made an end of suffering.
Having eaten and eaten, they lie down, infatuated in others' houses.
They are cast away, without protector, just like ghosts, so are they.
Those who dwell heedfully, to them we pay homage."
Then those monks, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
14.
The Discourse on the Odour Thief
234.
On one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a certain jungle thicket.
Now at that time that monk, after the meal, having returned from his alms round, having plunged into a pond, was sniffing at a lotus.
Then the deity dwelling in that jungle thicket, compassionate towards that monk, desiring his welfare, wishing to arouse a sense of urgency in that monk, approached that monk;
having approached, she addressed that monk in verse -
This is one factor of theft, you are a scent-thief, sir."
Then for what reason is one called a scent-thief?
One of such impure conduct, why is he not so called?"
I have no word for him, but you I am fit to address.
Even a hair-tip of evil appears like a cloud."
Speak again, demon, whenever you see such a thing."
You yourself, monk, should know by what one goes to a good destination."
Then that monk, stirred by that deity, attained a sense of urgency.
The Connected Discourses on the Forest is complete.
Its summary:
Ānanda and Anuruddha, and Nāgadatta and the Mistress of the Family.
At Midday, Uncontrolled Faculties, with the Lotus Flower makes fourteen.