8.

Connected Discourses on Nāgas

1.

Commentary on the Suddhika Sutta

342. In the Nāga Saṃyutta, "born in eggs" means born in eggs. "Born in wombs" means born in the womb-sheath. "Born in moisture" means born in moisture. "Spontaneously born" means born as if having appeared spontaneously. Now this discourse was spoken from an occasion. For among the monks a discussion arose: "How many realms of serpents are there?" Then the Blessed One, making manifest the realms of serpents for the purpose of uprooting persons from the realms of serpents, spoke this discourse.

2-50.

Commentary on the More Sublime Discourse and Others

343-391. In the second and so on, "with bodies given up" means with bodies released, not counting the entrapment by the snake-catcher. "One who acts in two ways" means one who acts in a twofold manner; the meaning is one who acts both wholesomely and unwholesomely. "Sacajja mayan" means "if today we." "Is reborn in the company" means arrives at the state of being together. Therein, the unwholesome is a condition for rebirth, the wholesome is for the success of those reborn. "Food" means solid and soft food. "Drink" means whatever beverage. "Cloth" means inner robe and outer robe. "Vehicle" means, beginning with umbrella and sandals, whatever is a requisite for travelling. "Garland" means whatever flower such as jasmine garlands and so on. "Perfume" means whatever scent such as sandalwood and so on. "Cosmetic" means whatever produces colouring of the skin. "Sleeping place, public rest-house, and material for lighting" - the meaning is: they give sleeping places such as beds and chairs and so on, public rest-houses such as single-storeyed buildings and so on, and accessories for lamps such as wicks and oil and so on. For having made the aspiration for longevity, beauty, and abundance of happiness, having given these tenfold bases of giving, they are reborn there to experience that success. The remainder is clear everywhere.

The Commentary on the Nāga Connected Discourses is finished.