1.
The Discourse on the Brahmin's Atonement
167.
Now at that time the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi, on the uposatha day, having bathed his head, dressed in a new pair of linen garments, holding a handful of fresh kusa grass, was standing to one side not far from the Blessed One.
The Blessed One saw the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi, on the uposatha day, having bathed his head, dressed in a new pair of linen garments, holding a handful of fresh kusa grass, standing to one side. Having seen him, he said this to the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi - "Why are you, brahmin, on the uposatha day, having bathed your head, dressed in a new pair of linen garments, holding a handful of fresh kusa grass, standing to one side? What is happening today for the brahmin clan?" "Today is the Descent Day for the brahmin clan, Master Gotama."
"In what way, brahmin, is the Descent Day observed by brahmins?" "Here, Master Gotama, brahmins on the uposatha day, having bathed their heads, dressed in new pairs of linen garments, having smeared the ground with fresh cow dung, having spread it with green kusa grass, prepare their sleeping place between the sand heap and the fire room. They rise three times during that night and with joined palms pay homage to the fire - 'We descend to you, venerable sir, we descend to you, venerable sir.' And they satisfy the fire with abundant ghee, oil, and butter. And after that night has passed, they satisfy the brahmins with superior solid and soft food. Thus, Master Gotama, is the Descent Day observed by brahmins."
"In one way, brahmin, is the Descent Day observed by brahmins, but in another way is the Descent Day observed in the Noble One's discipline." "In what way, Master Gotama, is the Descent Day observed in the Noble One's discipline? It would be good if Master Gotama would expound to me the Teaching in such a way that the Descent Day is observed in the Noble One's discipline."
"Well then, brahmin, listen, pay close attention; I will speak." "Yes, sir," the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi assented to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
"Here, brahmin, a noble disciple considers thus: 'Killing living beings indeed has an evil result both in this present life and in the future life.' He, having thus reflected, abandons killing living beings; he descends from killing living beings.
Etc. Taking what is not given indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons taking what is not given; he descends from taking what is not given.
Etc. Sexual misconduct indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons sexual misconduct; he descends from sexual misconduct.
...Lying indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons lying; he descends from lying.
...Divisive speech indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons divisive speech; he descends from divisive speech.
...Harsh speech indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons harsh speech; he descends from harsh speech.
...Idle chatter indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons idle chatter; he descends from idle chatter.
...Covetousness indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons covetousness; he descends from covetousness.
...Anger indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life. He, having thus reflected, abandons anger; he descends from anger.
...Wrong view indeed has an evil result - both in this present life and in the future life.' He, having thus reflected, abandons wrong view; he descends from wrong view. Thus, brahmin, in the Noble One's discipline there is the descent."
"In one way, Master Gotama, is the descent observed by brahmins, but in another way is the descent observed in the Noble One's discipline. And moreover, Master Gotama, the descent of the brahmins is not worth a sixteenth fraction of the descent in the Noble One's discipline. Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. May Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge from this day forth for life." The first.