Parinibbana Sutta

Category: Sagatha Vagga

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

• Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

At one time the Buddha was residing in Magadha, near [a place called] Andhakavinda. At that time the Buddha was seated under the open sky, in the deep darkness of the night, and the rain-god was making it rain, drop by drop. Then the Brahma Sahampati, as the night was passing away, lighting up Andhakavinda with his surpassing brilliance, approached the Buddha and stood to one side. As he stood to one side, the Brahma Sahampati offered up these verses in the presence of the Buddha:

Let the wilderness serve for your seat and bed! From fear; and in the fearless, released. In places where frightening serpents abide, Lightning clashes and the rain-god thunders, In the blinding darkness of the deepest night, There he sits — the monk who's vanquished his dread.

Let the wilderness serve for your seat and bed! Go about set free from the ties that bind. But if, perchance, you don't find there your bliss, then Live in a group — but watch over yourself: Mindful, proceeding for alms from house to house, Mindful, with guarded faculties — and wise.