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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.”

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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.

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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“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

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana 2024
