12.
The Discourse on Nigrodhakappa
Thus have I heard - On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Āḷavī in the Aggāḷava shrine. Now at that time the Venerable Vaṅgīsa's preceptor, the elder named Nigrodhakappa, had recently attained final Nibbāna at the Aggāḷava shrine. Then, when the Venerable Vaṅgīsa had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: "Has my preceptor attained final Nibbāna or has he not attained final Nibbāna?" Then the Venerable Vaṅgīsa, in the afternoon, having emerged from seclusion, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the Venerable Vaṅgīsa said this to the Blessed One: "Here, venerable sir, when I had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in my mind: 'Has my preceptor attained final Nibbāna or has he not attained final Nibbāna?'" Then the Venerable Vaṅgīsa, having risen from his seat, having arranged his robe on one shoulder, having extended joined palms in salutation towards the Blessed One, addressed the Blessed One in verse -
346.
A monk died at Aggāḷava, well-known, famous, with a perfectly calmed self.
347.
He practised venerating you, hoping for liberation, putting forth strenuous energy, one who sees the firm Teaching.
348.
Our ears are well-prepared for hearing, you are our Teacher, you are unsurpassed.
349.
Speak to us in our midst, O All-Seeing One, like Sakka, the thousand-eyed one, among the gods.
350.
Having reached the Truth-finder, they do not exist, for this is the supreme vision for people.
351.
The whole world would be covered in darkness, and even luminous men would not shine."
352.
Knowing you as Vipassī, we have approached you, reveal to us the cosmic cycle in the assemblies.
353.
With a voice like drops, well-modulated, all of us, attentive, shall hear you.
354.
For worldlings have no freedom of action, but the Truth-finders have deliberate action.
355.
This final salutation with joined palms is well offered, do not delude one who knows, O one of superior wisdom.
356.
Just as one scorched by heat in the hot season longs for water, I long for your speech - pour forth what has been heard.
357.
Did he attain Nibbāna, or with residue of clinging, in what way was he liberated - let us hear that."
358.
"The stream of the Dark One, long lain dormant;
He has crossed over birth and death entirely,"
Thus spoke the Blessed One, foremost of the five.
359.
Truly my question was not in vain, the brahmin did not deceive me.
360.
He cut through Death's net, spread out firm by the deceitful one.
361.
Kappāyana has indeed overcome, the realm of Death so hard to cross."
The Discourse on Nigrodhakappa is concluded as twelfth.