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Majjhima Nikaya

# MN 4 Bhayabherava Sutta (Threats and Fears) MN 4

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    [page 1]
    MN 4

    Majjhima Nikāya
    The Middle Length Discourses

    Bhayabherava Sutta
    “Threats and Fears”

    Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
    Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana 2024

    I have personally heard this.

    At one time, while The Blessed One was living at the monastery offered by Anāthapiṇḍika in
    Jeta’s Park in Sāvatthī, the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi came by to visit The Blessed One. After having
    exchanged friendly greetings, he sat down to one side and spoke these words:
    “Good Sir, Gautama, all those good sons of various families who have gone forth from the safety
    and security of the lay life into homelessness, by choosing to put on the Bhikkhus’ robes, did so
    freely and through the strong faith in their hearts towards the Good Master Gautama.
    “This means they must have considered Master Gautama as the very best among teachers; the
    only one able to give them the support, encouragement, and guidance they need; looking up to
    and reaching out to Him as the One who has already done it, having already completed the Task.
    Thus, they now dedicate themselves to the same task, to accomplish it as well, following in His
    footsteps.”
    The Blessed One then said:
    “So it is, o brahmin! For, all that you just exclaimed is true! So true, indeed!
    “Truly, all those good sons of various families have gone forth from the safety and security of
    the lay life into homelessness, and chose to put on the Bhikkhus’ robes, through their free will
    and strong faith in their hearts towards The Tathāgata.
    “This means that they have taken Me as the very best among teachers, the only One able to give
    them the support, encouragement, and guidance they need; looking up to and reaching out to Me
    as the One who has already done it, having already completed the Task.
    “And to this end, they now dedicate themselves to the same task, in order to accomplish it as
    well, by following in My footsteps.”

    [page 2]
    Then, the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi continued speaking:
    “However, having said that, Master Gautama, the fact remains that living in far-off and utterly
    secluded locations, as in the wilderness or desolate and uninhabited areas of forests or jungles,
    can be truly difficult, if not impossibly challenging for most.
    “So, one could only imagine how terribly difficult it must be for someone to attain samādhi once
    having moved away from the world into the seclusion of remote jungles, because such
    wilderness might very well drive a person mad, as the mind could easily be plagued with
    agitation due to imagining things that aren’t true or real, while being so alone!”
    The Blessed One then responded:
    “And so it is, o brahmin! For, all that you just exclaimed is true, brahmin! So true, indeed!
    “For, there is the fact that living in far-off and utterly secluded locations, as in the wilderness or
    desolate and uninhabited areas of forests, can indeed be truly difficult, if not impossibly
    challenging for most.
    “This, because it can be terribly difficult for some to attain samādhi once having moved away
    from the world into the seclusion of remote jungles, because such wilderness might very well
    drive a person mad, as the mind could easily be plagued with agitation due to imagining things
    that aren’t true or real, while being so alone!
    “After all, brahmin, back when I was still struggling, not yet having attained to Awakening, I
    also used to think:
    ‘How terribly difficult it must be for someone to attain samādhi once having moved away from
    the world into the seclusion of remote jungles, because such wilderness might very well drive a
    person mad, as the mind could easily be plagued with agitation due to imagining things that
    aren’t true or real, while being so alone!’

    DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BUDDHA & OTHERS
    (WHEN RESORTING TO THE SECLUSION OF REMOTE WILDERNESS)

    1. “But later, brahmin, I began reflecting carefully how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners living with unclean hearts, who behave
    without any virtue, whether through their thoughts, words, or bodily actions, who do go into
    seclusion, by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.

    [page 3]
    “Now, as a result of non-virtuous behavior and impure hearts, they attract to themselves lower
    states of being such as guilt, worrisome thoughts, and unwholesome states, which manifest in the
    form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    went and removed myself from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of
    the wilderness, I was not dwelling with an unclean heart.
    “Therefore, I saw that unlike those individuals, I lived and behaved with virtue, whether through
    my thoughts, words, or bodily actions. Thus, I lived with purity in my heart.
    “So, as a result of my virtuous behavior and the purity of my conduct, I did not attract to myself
    any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals. Instead, I dwelled in
    peace and an abounding sense of safety within.
    “This, because I saw that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living with virtue and purity in every
    aspect of my behavior, living comfortably in peace while having gone into seclusion within those
    remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful non-agitation in the
    heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    2. “Furthermore, brahmin, I continued reflecting on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, engaging in an unclean livelihood,
    obtaining their support through an impure lifestyle, even though they go on resorting to remote
    jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of non-virtuous livelihood and impure hearts, they attract to themselves lower
    states of being such as guilt, worrisome thoughts, and unwholesome states, which manifest in the
    form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, I did not engage in any kind of non-virtuous or impure livelihood.
    “Therefore, I saw that unlike those individuals, I obtained my livelihood and support through a
    pure lifestyle that was virtuous, and thus I lived with purity in my heart.
    “So, as a result of my livelihood being virtuous and the purity of my heart, I did not attract to
    myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals. Instead, I dwelled
    in peace and an abounding sense of safety within.
    “This, because I saw that I too was one of the Noble Ones, engaging in clean livelihood and
    purity in every aspect of my life, and thereby living comfortably in peace while having gone into

    [page 4]
    seclusion in those remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness, where I kept
    experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart, remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    3. “Then, brahmin, I pondered further on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who live with a fervent desire for
    sensuality; remaining covetous in their hearts for experiencing sensual pleasures, even though
    they go on resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of covetousness and deep desire in impure hearts, they attract to themselves
    lower states of being such as guilt, worrisome thoughts, and unwholesome states, which manifest
    in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, I did not live with a heart that was impure nor drenched in desire for sensual
    pleasures, at all.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, I lived without any coveting for things, for no desires
    were left in me for sensuality, there being only virtue and purity in my heart.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart, which was free from any desire for sensual pleasures, I
    did not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals.
    Instead, I dwelled in peace and an abounding sense of safety within.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity and without any
    desire to be experiencing sensuality or coveting anything. And thereby, I lived comfortably in
    peace while in seclusion in those remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness, while
    experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart, remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    4. “Then, brahmin, I pondered further on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who live with avaricious minds; with
    hatred and evil dwelling in their hearts, even though they may go and resort to remote jungles or
    uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of ill-will and impure hearts, they attract to themselves similar lower states of
    being such as guilt, worrisome thoughts, and unwholesome states, which manifest in the form of
    threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the

    [page 5]
    wilderness, I was never evil-minded nor did I seclude myself with a heart that was impure, with
    hatred or contention, at all.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who dwell with hearts that are sullied by ill-will, I, on
    the other hand, was living with a heart that was in the virtuous presence of universal benevolent
    loving kindness, as purity in my heart was radiating with mettā.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was full of universal benevolent loving kindness, I
    did not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals.
    Instead, I dwelled in peace and an abounding sense of safety within.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity, while radiating the
    powerful presence of mettā throughout. And thereby I dwelled comfortably in peace as I went
    into seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness, while
    experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    5. “Then, brahmin, I reflected further how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, whose minds are overwhelmed by
    drowsiness and absent-minded dullness; dominated by the powerful grip that these two
    hindrances of sloth and torpor have on their practice, even though they may go and resort to
    remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of the strong presence of drowsiness and absent-minded dullness, they attract
    to themselves similar lower states of being such as guilt, worrisome thoughts, and unwholesome
    states, which manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, I was free from those two obstacles that hinder one’s progress, as I secluded myself
    with a heart that was sharply alert and thus completely untouched by either drowsiness or absent-
    minded dullness.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who dwell with hearts that are hindered by sloth and
    torpor, I was living with a heart that was bright with full awareness, sharp and clear, throughout.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched nor obstructed by either of those two
    hindrances, I did not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other
    individuals. Instead, I dwelled in peace and an abounding sense of safety within.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity and with full
    awareness, free from both drowsiness and absent-mindedness. And thereby, I lived comfortably
    in peace while having gone into seclusion, resorting to remote jungles and uninhabited parts of

    [page 6]
    the wilderness, while experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart, remaining still, supremely
    confident, and secure.

    6. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, whose hearts are agitated and thus they
    live in a constantly restless state of mind, even though they may go and resort to remote jungles
    or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of unsettled minds dwelling in such a restless state, they attract to themselves
    similar lower states of being such as guilt, worrisome thoughts, and unwholesome states, which
    manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart remained free from and immune to restlessness; the mind was settled and
    balanced, as I secluded myself with a heart that was sharply alert and thus completely untouched
    by agitation.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who dwell with a heart that was agitated and a mind
    thus unsettled and anxious, I, on the other hand, was living at peace, with a heart that was settled
    and contented, throughout.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched by either agitation or restlessness, I
    did not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals.
    Instead, I dwelled in peace and an abounding sense of safety within.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity and peace, with the
    mind perfectly settled and tranquil, and without any agitation or restlessness in the heart. Thus, I
    lived comfortably at peace while having gone into seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and
    uninhabited parts of the wilderness, while experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart;
    remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    7. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who live with doubts and uncertainties in
    their hearts, even though they may go and resort to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of skeptical doubts and dwelling in a state of uncertainty, they attract to
    themselves similar lower states of being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other

    [page 7]
    unwholesome states, which manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them,
    night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart was free from all doubts and uncertainties. Therefore, I lived without any
    confusion in the mind, as I secluded myself with a heart that was beyond all doubt, confident,
    and secure.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who dwell with hearts that were uncertain and full of
    doubts, I, on the other hand, was living with a heart that was free from such qualities,
    completely.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched by skeptical doubts, I did not attract
    to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals. Instead, I
    dwelled in the peaceful state of having gone beyond all doubt and uncertainty.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity, having gone beyond
    all doubt with direct understanding; where the mind was also immune to all kinds of skeptical
    doubts, without any uncertainty in the heart. Thus, I lived comfortably at peace while having
    gone into seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness;
    experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart, remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    8. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who live to denigrate others but while, at
    the same time, seeking to gain fame and glory, even though they may go and resort to remote
    jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of having a demeaning and contentious attitude towards others, they attract to
    themselves similar lower states of being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other
    unwholesome states, which manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them,
    night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart was free from all contentious thoughts or longing to criticize or belittle
    others. Therefore, I lived without any confusion in the mind, as I secluded myself with a heart
    that was free from contention or the desire to demean or denigrate others.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who dwell with hearts that were full of contention and
    disapproval of others, I, on the other hand, was living with a heart that was free from such
    qualities of contention or wanting to place myself above all others.

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    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched by contention or the desire to
    demean or denigrate others, I did not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was
    with those other individuals. Instead, I dwelled in the peaceful state of having gone beyond all
    such negative tendencies.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity, having gone beyond
    all bitter contention, or the desire to elevate oneself, while demeaning or belittling others. Thus, I
    lived comfortably at peace while having gone into seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and
    uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart; remaining
    still, supremely confident, and secure.

    9. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who only pretend to be so, for they are,
    in fact, complete cowards, lacking the spine to live truthfully and to state what is truth, without
    fear of an unpleasant outcome, even though they may go and resort to remote jungles or
    uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of having a cowardly essence and disingenuous nature, they attract to
    themselves similar lower states of being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other
    unwholesome states, which manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them,
    night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those so-called recluses or brahmin religious practitioners,
    whenever I moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of
    the wilderness, my heart was free from all cowardly thoughts and fear. Therefore, I lived without
    any confusion in the mind, as I secluded myself with a heart that was beyond cowardice.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who in truth are cowards and disingenuous, I, on the
    other hand, was living with a heart that was free from such cowardly qualities, nor did I get
    shaken or become startled by anything or any situation, whatsoever.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched by cowardice, I did not attract to
    myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals. Instead, I dwelled
    in the peaceful state of having gone beyond all such negative tendencies.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity and courageously,
    without fear of anything or anyone, anywhere. Thus, I lived comfortably at peace while having
    gone into seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness;
    experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    [page 9]
    10. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who live while seeking fame, prestige,
    gain, renown, wealth, while also delighting in and enjoying having many possessions and wants,
    even though they may go and resort to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of the lust for fame and gain, they attract to themselves similar lower states of
    being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other unwholesome states, which manifest in
    the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart was free from desire for possessions, fame, or gain, altogether. Thus, I lived
    without any confusion in the mind, as I secluded myself with a heart that was free from desire to
    obtain fame or gain.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who were lusting after gaining renown, fame, or
    possessions, I, on the other hand, was living with a heart that was free from such desires. In fact,
    I had very few needs, let alone any wishes, at all.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched by greed or lust over anything, I did
    not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals.
    Instead, I dwelled in the peaceful state of wishing for very little, having gone beyond all desire to
    obtain fame or gain.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity, and with fewness of
    wishes in my heart. Thus, I lived comfortably at peace while having gone into seclusion;
    resorting to remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful non-
    agitation in the heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    11. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who are lazy and live without any effort
    or genuine motivation to apply themselves, even though they may go and resort to remote
    jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of the lack in effort and laziness, they attract to themselves similar lower states
    of being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other unwholesome states, which manifest
    in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart was free from laziness, nor did I lack in effort. Therefore, I lived without

    [page 10]
    any confusion in the mind, as I secluded myself with a heart that was free from laziness or lack
    in effort.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who were lazy and not driven at all, lacking in effort,
    I, on the other hand, was living with a heart that was brimming with energy, fully driven to
    practice with an abundance of genuine effort.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was untouched by laziness or lack in effort, I did
    not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other individuals.
    Instead, I dwelled in the peaceful state of applying myself, with full effort.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity, driven and engaged
    with full effort. Thus, I lived comfortably at peace while having gone into seclusion; resorting to
    remote jungles and the uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful non-agitation in
    the heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    12. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who are not mindful at all, nor possess
    full awareness of themselves and the world, even though they may go and resort to remote
    jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of the lack in mindfulness and full awareness, they attract to themselves similar
    lower states of being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other unwholesome states,
    which manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart was always supported my ever-present mindfulness and full awareness.
    Therefore, I lived without any confusion in the mind, as I secluded myself with a heart that was
    supported my ever-present mindfulness and full awareness.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who were unmindful and lacking full awareness, I, on
    the other hand, was living with a heart that was always mindful and fully aware.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was supported by ongoing mindfulness and full
    awareness, I did not attract to myself any lower states of being, as the case was with those other
    individuals. Instead, I dwelled in the peaceful state while applying myself, and with full effort.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity, possessing great
    mindfulness and great full awareness. Thus, I lived comfortably at peace while having gone into
    seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and the uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing
    restful non-agitation in the heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.

    [page 11]
    13. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who were constantly lost in wondering
    thoughts, utterly at the mercy of their ever-distracted minds, who could not attain to samādhi,
    even though they may go and resort to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of distracted minds and inability to attain any states of samādhi, they attract to
    themselves similar lower states of being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other
    unwholesome states, which manifest in the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them,
    night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness, my heart was always under control, never tormented by thoughts, in addition to
    attaining to the various states of samādhi. Therefore, I lived without any confusion in the mind,
    as I secluded myself with a heart that was not tormented by thoughts.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who lived with distracted and uncontrolled minds,
    while being unable to attain any samādhi, I, on the other hand, was living with a heart that was
    still, and able to attain samādhi anytime, anywhere.
    “So, as a result of the purity of my heart that was calm and collected, by attaining samādhi and
    thus never falling victim to distracting thoughts, I did not attract to myself any lower states of
    being, as the case was with those other individuals. Instead, I enjoyed the stability of heart,
    remaining in samādhi.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in purity and free from
    distracting or wondering thoughts, while also attaining to the various states of samādhi. Thus, I
    lived comfortably at peace while having gone into seclusion; resorting to remote jungles and
    uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful non-agitation in the heart; remaining
    still, supremely confident, and secure.

    14. “Furthermore, brahmin, I reflected on how –
    “There are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners, who are inept, stupid, clumsy, and quite
    dumb, even though they may go and resort to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the
    wilderness.
    “Now, as a result of foolishness and ineptitude, they attract to themselves similar lower states of
    being such as confusion, worrisome thoughts, and other unwholesome states, which manifest in
    the form of threats and fears that come to haunt them, night and day.
    “However, I saw that in contrast to those recluses or brahmin religious practitioners, whenever I
    moved away from the world by resorting to remote jungles or uninhabited parts of the

    [page 12]
    wilderness, wisdom dominated my heart. Therefore, I lived without any confusion in the mind,
    as I secluded myself with a heart that was dominated by wisdom.
    “Thus, I saw that unlike those individuals, who were clumsy, stupid, and foolish, I, on the other
    hand, was living with a heart that was beaming with the light of wisdom.
    “So, as a result of the purity of true wisdom in my heart, I did not attract to myself any lower
    states of being, as the case was with those other individuals. Instead, I dwelled in the security and
    imperturbability of wisdom.
    “This, because I saw, that I too was one of the Noble Ones, living in the purity of wisdom and its
    unshakeability. Thus, I lived comfortably at peace while having gone into seclusion; resorting to
    remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful non-agitation in the
    heart; remaining still, supremely confident, and secure.
    “In this manner, brahmin, while witnessing the absolute power of wisdom in my heart, that is
    truly unshakeable in its supremacy, I remained for long stretches of time in the seclusion of those
    remote jungles and uninhabited parts of the wilderness; experiencing restful and non-agitated
    gladness in my heart, throughout.

    CHALLENGING THE THREATS & FEARS (HEAD ON)

    “Then, brahmin, I had the thought –
    ‘There are those special nights, on certain days of the month, that are known as being especially
    difficult for most to be spent in the wilderness, all alone; dates, such as the fourteenth, the
    fifteenth, and the eighth of the fortnight.
    ‘Now, what if I intentionally head out into the wilderness and remote uninhabited places in the
    forests, where there are abandoned fear-inducing temples, hidden within the darkness of the
    woods and the trees?
    ‘Perhaps, then, while pushing myself into those areas on such ominous times, I might be able to
    encounter threats and fears.’
    “So, later, I did resort to those areas deep in the forests, on those specific days of the month.
    “Now, while I was staying alone and secluded in the darkness of the forest, I would hear certain
    sounds or screeching noise, such as twigs being broken or dry leaves being stepped on, as if there
    was someone approaching. But, upon looking at what it was, I would notice merely a dead
    branch that had fallen from the trees, or some wild animal or a peacock that would simply be
    passing by or visiting me there in that remote place.

    [page 13]
    “Then, brahmin, I would ask myself –
    ‘So, is that what is called the approach or experience of feeling threats and fears?’
    “Then, I probed further the matter, while thinking –
    ‘Why is it that I’m always anticipating or inviting towards me, and almost expecting, some type
    of a threat or fear to come up and overwhelm my heart?’
    “And I determined –
    ‘It would be so much better to simply get rid of that threat or fear the very moment it comes up!
    So, let me simply stay with what is happening, without adding anything to it, neither anticipating
    nor inviting towards me any thoughts of fear. And if it so happens that it does arise, then I will
    face it at that time, but not before, otherwise fear would dominate my heart!’
    a. “Late, while I was practicing walking meditation, I noticed that threat and fear suddenly came
    up. But this time, I resolved not to go and sit somewhere, or to lie down, or to even stand still.
    Instead, I determined to keep walking back and forth in meditation, observing that threat and fear
    closely, until they disappeared.
    b. “Then, while I was practicing standing meditation, I noticed that threat and fear suddenly
    came up. This time also, I resolved not to go and sit somewhere, or to lie down, or to even start
    walking, trying to push the fear away. Instead, I determined to continue standing up, still in
    meditation, observing that threat and fear closely, until they disappeared.
    c. “Then, while I was practicing sitting meditation, I noticed that threat and fear suddenly came
    up. However, this time again, I resolved not to go and lie down, or to get up and start walking, or
    to stand up, still in meditation, in an attempt to try and push the fear away. Instead, I determined
    to continue sitting in meditation, unmoved, while observing that threat and fear closely, until
    they disappeared.
    d. “Later, while I was lying down on my side in meditation, I noticed that threat and fear
    suddenly came up again. However, this time also, I resolved not to get up and sit in meditation,
    or to start walking back and forth, or to stand up, still in meditation, in an attempt to try and push
    the fear away. Instead, I determined to continue lying on my side in meditation, unmoved, while
    observing that threat and fear closely, until they disappeared.

    MEDITATIVE ATTAINMENTS

    “Now, brahmin, there are recluses and brahmin religious practitioners out there in the
    world, who are quite delusional in their thinking and practice of meditation. While holding onto

    [page 14]
    a wrong and lopsided view of life, when it is nighttime, they look upon and perceive it as if it
    was ‘daytime’, and when it is in fact daytime, they perceive it as ‘nighttime’!
    “Therefore, I declare such thinking and mode of meditative practice utterly delusional!
    “For this reason, when it is nighttime, I do not look upon it as something else, other than
    nighttime! Similarly, when it is daytime, I experience and know it as daytime, which is what it
    factually is!
    “So, you see, brahmin, if there has ever been someone, who can accurately and unmistakably be
    declared as The Singular Being, The One who appears in this world for the welfare and benefit
    of countless people; bringing good fortune, happiness, and joy to the many throughout existence;
    pervading a sense of soothing contentment and delight upon both Devas and humans, then the
    only one deserving of that declaration is none other than Me!
    “In this way, brahmin, my relentless effort and persevering energy have been undaunting, non-
    stop, with ever-present mindfulness firmly established, as it lucidly streams through everything
    being experienced, with the body constantly relaxed in its tranquility and always at ease, while
    my heart is constantly collected and settled, as it permeates that singular flavor, throughout.
    a. “Thus, brahmin, by secluding the mind from all things dealing with sensuality, I turned
    my attention inwards and became secluded from sensual pleasures. Secluded from unwholesome
    states, I entered upon and remained in the first jhāna, which is accompanied by thinking and
    pondering, while experiencing a strong flood of spiritual joy and ecstasy, all resulting from such
    seclusion.
    b. “Then, brahmin, by stilling the mind further and without struggling, I turned my
    attention away from discursive thought by not engaging with them any further, as I came to
    experience the disappearance of both thinking and pondering. In this way, I entered upon and
    remained in the second jhāna, which continued to be accompanied by a strong flood of spiritual
    joy and ecstasy, that are the result of the growing and stable collectedness of heart, of samādhi.
    c. “Then, brahmin, by going deeper in meditation and without holding on to anything,
    including the experience of spiritual joy, I witnessed it begin to vanish and totally cease. Thus, I
    abided in a state of equanimity, while being mindful and fully aware, still feeling a subtle ecstasy
    throughout, as I entered upon and abided in the third jhāna, for which reason the Noble Ones
    declare:
    ‘It is such a person indeed who is serenely mindful; abiding in happiness; with an ever-present
    sense of equanimity.’
    d. “Afterwards, by giving up both pleasure and pain, and having already gone beyond joy
    and anguish, I remained in a state of purifying mindfulness, with the ever-growing sense of
    equanimity, while experiencing neither pleasure nor pain, having gone beyond both, as I attained
    to the fourth jhāna.

    [page 15]
    e. “And when the heart was thus collected and concentrated, purified, without any
    blemish, malleable and in an imperturbable state, I directed the mind to recollect the manifold
    past lives I had lived. Thus, I recollected my many past lives in all their details and features; that
    is, one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births, twenty births, thirty, forty,
    fifty births, a hundred births, a thousand births, a hundred thousand births, many eons of world
    contractions, many eons of world expansions, many eons of world contractions and expansions,
    recalling them all in this manner:
    ‘There I was so named, of such a family, with such an appearance; such was my food and
    sustenance; such were my experiences of pleasure and pain; such was my life-span; and after
    passing away from there, I was reborn elsewhere; and there too I was so named, of such a
    family, with such an appearance; such was my food and sustenance, such were my experiences
    of pleasure and pain; and such was my life-span; and passing away from there, I was reborn
    here.’
    “Brahmin, this was the first True Knowledge that occurred in the first watch of the night,
    wherein the darkness of ignorance completely vanished and the brilliant light of True Knowledge
    arose in me, as I remained diligent in my perseverance with aroused energy, and resolute in my
    practice, which is what would happen in the case of any meditator, who is equally diligent,
    resolute, and dedicated.
    f. “Further, with the heart that had become so purified and collected, free from any
    defilements and without any blemishes in it, workable, flexible, soft but steady, and also
    imperturbable, I directed it to know the disappearance and reappearance of beings.

    “Thus, by utilizing the Divine Eye, which is pure and far superior to those of human and other
    beings, I applied the psychic power of knowing the destination of beings, as they die and
    reappear into the different realms of existence. Thus, I clearly saw all types of beings dying at
    the end of life, whether being reborn into exalted or miserable states, beautiful or ugly, fortunate,
    or unfortunate, as I witnessed by seeing directly, and therefore understanding clearly how beings
    pass on to different states according to their actions, and thus I knew that:
    ‘These beings who behaved badly through their bodily actions, their speech, and their mental
    actions, being disrespectful towards the Noble Ones, while grasping onto their wrong views, on
    account of their wrong views in action, with the breakup of the body, after death, are now reborn
    into a state of misery, utter deprivation, in a bad destination, in evil states, and in the hells. But
    these worthy beings who behaved virtuously through their bodily actions, their speech, and their
    mental actions, being respectful towards the Noble Ones, being right in their views, and on
    account of their right views in action, with the breakup of the body, after death, they are now
    reborn in a state of happiness, in a good destination, even in the heavenly world.’
    “Therefore, with the Divine Eye, which is far superior to those of human beings and other
    animals, I saw clearly beings dying at the end of their life and being reborn into either exalted or
    miserable states, beautiful or ugly, fortunate or unfortunate, as I witnessed by seeing directly and
    understanding clearly, how beings pass on to different states according to their actions.

    [page 16]
    “Brahmin, this was the second True Knowledge that occurred in the middle watch of the night,
    wherein the darkness of ignorance completely vanished, and the brilliant light of True
    Knowledge arose in me, as I remained diligent in my perseverance with aroused energy, and
    resolute in my practice, which is what would happen in the case of any meditator, who is equally
    diligent, resolute, and dedicated.
    g. “Later, as the heart continued dwelling in that purified and collected state, free from
    any defilements and without any blemishes in it; workable, flexible, soft but steady, and also
    imperturbable, I guided it towards directly knowing and seeing the very destruction and
    elimination of all contaminants of the heart (āsavas).
    “Thus,
    “I directly and finally knew and saw clearly, as it truly is: ‘This is suffering.’
    I directly and finally knew and saw as it truly is: ‘This is the origin of suffering.’
    I directly and finally knew and saw as it truly is: ‘This is the cessation of suffering.’
    I directly and finally knew and saw as it truly is: ‘This is the Path leading to the cessation of
    suffering.’
    “Also,
    “I directly and finally saw as it truly is: ‘These are the contaminants.’
    I directly and finally saw as it truly is: ‘This is the origin of the contaminants.’
    I directly and finally saw as it truly is: ‘This is the cessation of the contaminants.’
    I directly and finally saw as it truly is: ‘This is the Path leading to the cessation of the
    contaminants.’
    “And when I knew and saw directly in this manner, my heart was liberated from the contaminant
    of sensual desire, from the contaminant of the desire to rebecome, and from the contaminant of
    ignorance.
    “When it was released thus, there arose the sublime knowledge in me: ‘I am Liberated!’
    “And I directly knew, immediately:
    ‘Birth is now finally destroyed.
    The Holy Life has been fully lived.
    What had to be done has now been done.
    There is nothing more to be done,
    Nor there is any further state of rebecoming waiting for me.’
    “Therefore, brahmin, this was the third True Knowledge that occurred in the last watch of the
    night, wherein the darkness of ignorance was finally and completely destroyed and gone! The
    brilliant light of True Knowledge, surpassing everything, arose in me, as I remained diligent in
    my perseverance with aroused energy, and resolute in my practice, which is what would happen
    in the case of any meditator, who is equally diligent, resolute, and dedicated.

    [page 17]
    “Now, brahmin, you might start thinking that perhaps the recluse Gautama is still not free
    from lust, hatred, or delusion even today, as he may seclude himself in some remote forest,
    jungle, or uninhabited part of wilderness. However, that would not be a wise or fair way of
    looking at it. And why is that?
    “It is because, as far as I am concerned, brahmin, there are only two possible reasons to seclude
    oneself in remote forests, jungles, or uninhabited parts of the wilderness:
    a) Whenever I feel the need, it offers me quite a lovely opportunity for seclusion, simply to
    get away from the crowds and their distractions. And secondly:
    b) To extend my compassion towards future generations of practitioners, who will also seek
    to attain The Deathless, by encouraging and showing them the right way of practice.
    When this was said, the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi exclaimed in the presence of The Blessed One:
    “Truly, Master Gautama certainly is showing such an enormous compassion towards all future
    generations of practitioners, indeed! The Blessed One most surely is The Self-Awakened
    Buddha, The Arahant Himself!
    “It is marvelous! It truly is wonderful! Master Gautama has clarified the Dhamma in many ways,
    as though He were to turn upright what had been turned upside-down, revealing what was
    hidden, showing the way to one who was lost, holding up a lamp in the dark for those with
    eyesight to see.
    “Bhante, I go to The Blessed One for refuge and to the Dhamma and to the Sangha of Bhikkhus.
    May The Blessed One accept me as his lay disciple, who has taken refuge in Him from today,
    until the end of life.”

    Sādhu
    Sādhu
    Sādhu

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