So It Was Said 38

The Book of the Twos

Chapter Two

Thoughts

iti38:1 This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

iti38:2 “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.’

iti38:3 The Realized One loves seclusion and delights in it, so this thought often occurs to him: ‘What is unskillful has been given up.’

iti38:4 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.’

iti38:5 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:

iti38:6 “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.

iti38:7 Dispeller of darkness, the great seer has crossed over: the attained, the master, the undefiled. In the midst of it all, <j>he is freed in the ending of craving; that sage awaits his appointed end. He has disposed of Satan, I declare, <j>and gone beyond old age.

iti38:8 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, <j>overcome by birth and old age.”

iti38:9 This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.