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Anguttara Nikaya

# AN 7.43 Dutiya Niddasa Sutta (True Measure for Seniority – Part 2) AN 7.43

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- The Numerical Discourses: Book VII: Suttas 32-43: "The Section on the Devas." (Duration: 37:11)

## Text

    [page 1]
    AN 7.43
    Dutiya Niddasa Sutta
    True Measure for Seniority – Part 2

    Translated by Bhikkhu Candana

    Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana 2022

    I have personally heard this.
    At one time, The Blessed One was living in Ghosita's monastery in Kosambi. Then, the
    Venerable Ānanda having put on his robes, and by taking his alms bowl and outer robe entered
    Kosambi for alms. Then it occurred to the Venerable Ānanda, ‘it is still too early to go for the
    alms round. What if I go to the monastery of the wandering ascetics of other sects.’
    So, the Venerable Ānanda entered the monastery of the wandering ascetics and having
    exchanged friendly greetings with the wandering ascetics of other sects, he sat to one side. Now,
    while those wandering ascetics of other sects were assembled there, the following conversation
    took place:
    ‘Friends, whoever leads the Holy Life by completing twelve years living it in its purity, is to be
    recognized as a senior Bhikkhu; one of distinction; someone who has “made the cut.”’
    Witnessing this conversation taking place among the wandering ascetics of the other sects, the
    Venerable Ānanda neither was delighted by agreeing to it, nor showed any displeasure by
    rejecting it, instead, he simply got up from his seat and went away, thinking to himself: ‘I will
    find out the truth about this matter, from The Blessed One, Himself.’
    Later, the Venerable Ānanda, having wandered for alms in Kosambi, and after taking his meal,
    he returned to the monastery and went straight to The Blessed One, and having paid homage to
    the Blessed One, he sat to one side and reported to Him what had taken place earlier that day,
    while also adding:
    “Bhante, is it correct or possible that within this Dhamma and Discipline of the Tathāgata, we
    may recognize a Bhikkhu as one of seniority; someone of true distinction, and who has “made
    the cut,” simply by counting the number of Vassas he has spent?”
    “Ānanda, it is neither correct nor possible that within this Dhamma and Discipline of the
    Tathāgata, one may recognize a Bhikkhu as one of seniority; someone of true distinction, and
    who has “made the cut,” by simply counting the number of Vassas he has spent.
    “Ānanda, having realized the truth in this statement myself with direct understanding, I now
    declare these seven attributes, whereby a Bhikkhu may be recognized as one of seniority; one of
    true distinction, and who has “made the cut.” And what are these seven?

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    “Here, Ānanda, the Bhikkhu possesses wise moral shame, wise moral consideration, he has
    carefully listened to the Dhamma and continues to do so, he is unrelenting/driven/energetic in his
    Training, he is mindful, and wise.
    “Ānanda, when the Bhikkhu is endowed with these seven attributes, then he is declared to be
    living the purity of the Holy Life in its completeness. Therefore, such a Bhikkhu may be
    recognized as one of seniority; one of true distinction, and who has “made the cut,” even if he
    has not lived the Holy Life for twelve years, let alone thirty-six years, or even forty-eight years,
    for he indeed is to be called one of true distinction, a Senior Bhikkhu; the one who has “made the
    cut,” without any doubts.”

    Sadhu

    Sadhu

    Sadhu

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