AN 2.45 - AN 2.45
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-2_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=64
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana, 2020, 2026. Free distribution only; do not alter the contents. The original book, including its complete permission notice, accompanies this text.
Candana source labels: 45. Site text ID: AN 2.45.

45. “Bhikkhus, there are two types of gatherings. What two?

“The obscene gathering and the noble gathering.

“Now what, Bhikkhus, is the obscene gathering?

“Bhikkhus, there is a gathering that has within it Bhikkhus assembled, who do not know as it really is – this is suffering, this is the arising and origin of suffering, this is the cessation of suffering, and this is the Path leading to the cessation of suffering. Therefore, this is the obscene gathering.

“And what, Bhikkhus, is the noble gathering?”

“Bhikkhus, there is a gathering that has within it Bhikkhus assembled, who do know as it really is – this is suffering, this is the arising and origin of suffering, this is the cessation of suffering, and this is the Path leading to the cessation of suffering. Therefore, this is the noble gathering.

“Bhikkhus, these are the two types of gatherings. And out of these two, the noble gathering is indeed the greatest.”