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Udàna 1: Bodhivaggo
The Chapter (including the Discourses) about the Awakening (Tree)

10: The Discourse about Bàhiya

Thus I heard:
at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sàvatthã, in Jeta's Wood, at Anàthapiõóika's monastery.

Then at that time Bàhiya of the Bark Robe was living near Suppàraka, on the bank of the ocean, being venerated, respected, revered, honoured, esteemed, in receipt of robes, almsfood, dwellings, and medicinal requisites to help when sick.

Then when Bàhiya of the Bark Robe had gone into hiding, into seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: ßAmong those in the world who are Worthy Ones, or have entered the path to Worthiness, I am one of them.û

Then a devatà, who was a former blood-relative of Bàhiya of the Bark Robe, being compassionate and desiring his welfare, knowing with his mind the reflection in the mind of Bàhiya of the Bark Robe, went to Bàhiya of the Bark Robe, and after going, he said this to Bàhiya of the Bark Robe: ßYou are certainly not a Worthy One, Bàhiya. Nor have you entered the path to Worthiness. This practice of yours is not one whereby you could be a Worthy One, or one who has entered the path to Worthiness.û

ßThen who now in this world with its devas are Worthy Ones, or have entered the path to Worthiness?û

ßThere is, Bàhiya, in the northern countries a city by the name of Sàvatthã. There the Gracious One dwells at the present time who is a Worthy One, a Perfect Sambuddha. He, Bàhiya, the Gracious One, is certainly a Worthy One, and teaches the Dhamma for (attaining) Worthiness.û

Then Bàhiya of the Bark Robe being greatly moved by that devatà, immediately went away from Suppàraka, and staying (for only) one night in every place, went to Sàvatthã, Jeta's Wood, and to Anàthapiõóika's monastery.

Then at that time many monks were walking (in meditation) in the open air. Then Bàhiya of the Bark Robe went to those monks, and after going, he said this to those monks: ßWhere, reverend Sirs, is the Gracious One living at present, the Worthy One, the Perfect Sambuddha? We have a desire to see the Gracious One, the Worthy One, the Perfect Sambuddha.û

ßThe Gracious One, Bàhiya, has entered among the houses for alms.û

Then Bàhiya of the Bark Robe having hurriedly left Jeta's Grove and having entered Sàvatthã, saw the Gracious One walking for alms in Sàvatthã, confident, inspiring confidence, with (sense) faculties at peace, mind at peace, having attained supreme self-control and calm, controlled, guarded, with restrained faculties, a (true) nàga.

After seeing (him), he went to the Gracious One, and after going and prostrating himself with his head at the Gracious One's feet, he said this to the Gracious One: ßLet the Gracious One preach the Dhamma to me, reverend Sir, let the Fortunate One preach the Dhamma, that will be for my benefit and happiness for a long time.û

After that was said, the Gracious One said this to Bàhiya of the Bark Robe: ßIt is the wrong time for you, Bàhiya, we have entered among the houses for alms.û

For a second time Bàhiya of the Bark Robe said this to the Gracious One: ßBut it is hard to know, reverend Sir, the dangers to the Gracious One's life, or the dangers to my life! Let the Gracious One preach the Dhamma to me, reverend Sir, let the Fortunate One preach the Dhamma, that will be for my benefit and happiness for a long time.û

For a second time the Gracious One said this to Bàhiya of the Bark Robe: ßIt is the wrong time for you, Bàhiya, we have entered among the houses for alms.û

For a third time Bàhiya of the Bark Robe said this to the Gracious One: ßBut it is hard to know, reverend Sir, the dangers to the Gracious One's life, or the dangers to my life! Let the Gracious One preach the Dhamma to me, reverend Sir, let the Fortunate One preach the Dhamma, that will be for my benefit and happiness for a long time.û

ßIn that case, Bàhiya, you should train yourself thus:

This is the way, Bàhiya, you should train yourself.

Then through the Gracious One's brief teaching of this Dhamma Bàhiya of the Bark Robe's mind was immediately freed from the pollutants, without attachment.

Then the Gracious One, having advised Bàhiya of the Bark Robe with this brief advice, went away.

Then not long after the Gracious One had gone a cow with a young calf, having attacked Bàhiya of the Bark Robe, deprived him of life.

Then the Gracious One after walking for alms in Sàvatthã, while returning from the alms-round after the meal, after going out from the city with many monks, saw that Bàhiya of the Bark Robe had died. After seeing (him), he addressed the monks, (saying): ßMonks, take up Bàhiya of the Bark Robe's body, and after putting it on a bier, carrying it away, and burning it, make a memorial mound for him, your fellow in the spiritual life, monks, has died.û

ßYes, reverend Sir,û said those monks, and after replying to the Gracious One, putting Bàhiya of the Bark Robe's body on a bier, carrying it away, burning it, and making a memorial mound for him, they went to the Gracious One, and after going and worshipping the Gracious One, they sat down on one side. While sat on one side those monks said this to the Gracious One:

ßBurnt, reverend Sir, is Bàhiya of the Bark Robe's body, and the memorial mound for him has been made. What is his destination? What is his future state?û

ßA wise man, monks, was Bàhiya of the Bark Robe, who practiced Dhamma in accordance with the Dhamma, and did not trouble me on account of the Dhamma. Completely emancipated, monks, is Bàhiya of the Bark Robe.û

Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance:

This exalted utterance was also said by the Gracious One, so I have heard.