Academic Sutta Name Notes PSA Plae Vagga Nikaya PTS Keywords
DhA.

XXV:5 A bhikkhu should be contented

Once, a bhikkhu of the Buddha was very friendly with a bhikkhu belonging to the faction led by Devadatta, the opponent of the Buddha. He visited Devadatta's monastery and stayed there for a few days, eating, sleeping and enjoying the comforts of that monastery. Other bhikkhus reported him to the Buddha who sent for the bhikkhu and asked him whether this was true. The bhikkhu admitted that he had stayed at the monastery of Devadatta for a few days, but he told the Buddha that he had not embraced the teaching of Devadatta.

The Buddha then admonished him, 'My son, even though you have not embraced the heretical doctrine of Devadatta, you are going about as if you were one of his followers, and enjoying the comforts provided elsewhere. A bhikkhu should be contented with what he gets and should not covet other people's gains. A bhikkhu who is filled with envy at the good fortune of others will not attain concentration (samadhi), or Insight,* or the Path that leads to Nibbana. Only the bhikkhu who is contented with whatever he gets will be able to attain Concentration, Insight and. the Correct Path.'

55/170 Dhammapada & Commentary Khuddhaka J.i.106ff. despair


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Last modified on: Sunday, 13 August 2000.