Iti 38 Thoughts

Text

Iti 38 - Thoughts
Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato
Source: https://suttacentral.net/iti38/en/sujato
License: CC0-1.0

So It Was Said 38
The Book of the Twos
Chapter Two
Thoughts
This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“Two thoughts, mendicants, often occur to the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha: the thought of sanctuary, and that of seclusion. The Realized One loves kindness and delights in it, so this thought often occurs to him: ‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’
The Realized One loves seclusion and delights in it, so this thought often occurs to him: ‘What is unskillful has been given up.’
So, mendicants, you too should love kindness and delight in it, then this thought will often occur to you: ‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’
You too should love seclusion and delight in it, then this thought will often occur to you: ‘What is unskillful? What is not given up? What should I give up?’”
The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:
“Two thoughts occur to him,
the Realized One, the bearer of the unbearable:
first mentioned was thought of sanctuary,
then the second made clear was seclusion.
Dispeller of darkness, the great seer has crossed over:
the attained, the master, the undefiled.
In the midst of it all, he is freed in the ending of craving;
that sage bears his final body.
He has disposed of Māra, I declare, and gone beyond old age.
Standing high on a rocky mountain,
you can see the people all around.
In just the same way, the All-seer, so intelligent,
having ascended the Temple of Truth,
rid of sorrow, looks upon the people
swamped with sorrow, overcome by rebirth and old age.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.