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Anguttara Nikaya

# AN 3.130 Dutiya Anuruddha Sutta (The Venerable Anuruddha – Part 2) AN 3.130

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- The Numerical Discourses: Book III: Suttas 121-130, "The Section On Kusināra." (Duration: 33:01)

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    [page 1]
    Anguttara Nikāya
    The Numerical Discourses

    Tikanipāta
    (Book of the Threes)

    AN 3.130

    Dutiya Anuruddha Sutta
    “The Venerable Anuruddha – Part 2”

    Translated by Bhikkhu Candana

    Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana 2019, 2023

    Once, the Venerable Anuruddha approached the Venerable Sāriputta, and after
    exchanging friendly greetings with him, sat to one side and said to him:

    “Friend Sāriputta, through the Divine Eye, which is refined and far purer than others’, surpassing
    that of humans and other beings, I am able to clearly see and observe the thousand-fold world
    systems and galaxies.

    “Also, I possess untiring energy that is strong and tenacious, as it never slackens.

    “Furthermore, I see how my mindfulness is firmly established, while remaining consistent and
    un-fluttered, as the body becomes relaxed and tranquil, without experiencing any disturbances.
    Not to mention, the heart is so focused and collected in samādhi.

    “Yet, despite all this, my heart has not found Release, for it is still gripped by the defilements, as
    I am unable to shake them off through no longer holding or grabbing onto them.”

    And the Venerable Sāriputta replied by advising him:

    “Friend Anuruddha, whenever you reflect:

    ‘…Through the Divine Eye, which is refined and far purer than others’, surpassing that of
    humans and other beings, I am able to clearly see and observe the thousand-fold world systems
    and galaxies,’

    “Well, this clearly shows that there is still conceit within you!

    [page 2]
    “And whenever, friend Anuruddha, you reflect:

    ‘…Also, I possess untiring energy that is strong and tenacious, as it never slackens.
    Furthermore, I see how my mindfulness is firmly established, remaining consistent and un-
    fluttered, while the body becomes relaxed and tranquil, without experiencing any disturbances.
    Not to mention, the heart is so focused and collected in samādhi,’

    “This, on the other hand, clearly shows that there is still restlessness found in you!

    “And when you declare:

    ‘…Yet, despite all this, my heart has not found Release, for it is still gripped by the defilements,
    as I am unable to shake them off through no longer holding or grabbing onto them.’

    “Well, this then, friend Anuruddha, clearly shows that you are full of remorse, for you are
    plagued with worrisome thoughts!

    “It will be so much better, friend Anuruddha, if you just dismiss these three unwholesome states;
    leave them behind and stop paying any attention to them, and instead, simply direct your heart
    straight to the Deathless Element, anchoring the heart firmly upon the Deathless itself!”

    Then, after some time had passed, the Venerable Anuruddha succeeded in dispelling these three
    unwholesome mental states, by leaving them behind, as he no longer paid any attention to them.
    Instead, he simply directed his heart straight to the Deathless Element, anchoring the heart firmly
    upon the Deathless itself.

    Thus, by persevering and maintaining his course of Practice, while striving alone, secluded, and
    withdrawn from the crowd, living heedfully and with resolution, the Venerable Anuruddha kept
    practicing diligently, and before long, he was able to, here and now, finally realize by himself,
    the Noble End of the Holy Life; experiencing for himself that unsurpassed knowledge for which
    sons of good families rightfully leave the household life and go forth into homelessness.

    And the Venerable Anuruddha knew and understood directly, with certainty unparalleled:

    ‘Now, I directly Know and See, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that
    Rebirth is finally destroyed, never to be put back together again.
    The Holy Life has now been lived.
    What had to be done, is done and finished with.
    This is my very last birth.
    There is no more rebirth for me into any state of becoming, anywhere, anymore!’

    Thus, the Venerable Anuruddha became one of the Arahants.

    Sādhu
    Sādhu
    Sādhu

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