7.
The Discourse on Brahmin Righteousness
Thus have I heard - On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Then several wealthy brahmins of Kosala, old, aged, advanced in years, having traversed the span of life, having reached the final stage of life, approached the Blessed One; having approached, they exchanged friendly greetings with the Blessed One. Having concluded the pleasant and memorable talk, they sat down to one side. Seated to one side, those wealthy brahmins said this to the Blessed One - "Do the brahmins of today, Master Gotama, agree with the ancient brahmins in the brahmin practices?" "No, brahmins, the brahmins of today do not agree with the ancient brahmins in the brahmin practices." "It would be good if Master Gotama would speak about the brahmin practices of the ancient brahmins, if it is not troublesome for Master Gotama." "Well then, brahmins, listen, pay close attention, I will speak." "Yes, sir," those wealthy brahmins assented to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
287.
Having abandoned the five kinds of sensual pleasure, they practised for their own welfare.
288.
Their wealth and grain was study, they guarded the supreme treasure.
289.
Made with faith for those seeking, they thought it should be given to them.
290.
Prosperous countries and kingdoms, they paid homage to the brahmins.
291.
No one prevented them at the doors of families in every respect.
292.
In search of true knowledge and conduct, the brahmins practised in former times.
293.
Having come together, they arranged communal life only through mutual affection.
294.
In between, brahmins do not go to sexual intercourse.
295.
Meekness and non-violence, and patience too they praised.
296.
He too did not engage in sexual intercourse, even in a dream.
297.
The holy life and morality, and patience too they praised.
298.
Having gathered them together righteously, from that they arranged a sacrifice.
299.
Just as mother, father, brother, or even other relatives;
Cattle are our supreme friends, from whom medicines are produced.
300.
Having known this reason, they did not kill cattle.
301.
Brahmins, by their own principles, zealous in duties and non-duties;
As long as they lived in the world, this generation prospered in happiness.
302.
And the king's splendour, women fully adorned.
303.
In dwelling sites and dwellings, divided into sections, measured.
304.
The brahmins coveted the lofty human wealth.
305.
'You will have abundant wealth and grain, sacrifice much of your property;
Sacrifice much of your riches.'
306.
The horse-sacrifice, the human-sacrifice, the sammāpāsa, the vājapeyya, the niraggaḷa;
Having performed these sacrifices, he gave wealth to the brahmins.
307.
And in chariots yoked with thoroughbreds, well-made, with variegated coverings.
308.
Having filled them with various grains, he gave wealth to the brahmins.
309.
For those overcome by desire, craving increased even more;
They, having composed charms there, again approached Okkāka.
310.
So cattle are for human beings, for they are requisites for living creatures;
Sacrifice much of your property, sacrifice much of your riches."
311.
Many hundreds of thousands of cattle he had slaughtered in the sacrifice.
312.
The cattle, like goats, meek, yielding pots of milk;
Having seized them by the horns, the king slaughtered them with a knife.
313.
Cried out 'Not the Teaching!' when the knife fell upon the cow.
314.
Through the slaughter of cattle, they became ninety-eight.
315.
The innocent are killed, qualities decline for the sacrificers.
316.
Wherever one sees such a thing, people censure the sacrificer.
317.
Many nobles were divided, the wife despised her husband.
318.
Having rejected the discussion about birth, they came under the control of sensual pleasures."
When this was said, those wealthy brahmins said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. May Master Gotama remember us as lay followers who have gone for refuge from this day forth for life."
The Discourse on Brahmin Righteousness is concluded as seventh.