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The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

[The Fourth Chapter for Recitation]

[30: Bringing Drinking Water]

Then the Gracious One, having gone down from the road, approached the root of a certain tree, and after approaching, he addressed venerable ânanda, (saying): ßCome now, ânanda, prepare the outer robe folded in four for me, I am weary, ânanda, and will sit down.û

ßVery well, reverend Sirû, said venerable ânanda, and after replying to the Gracious One, he prepared the outer robe folded in four, and the Gracious One sat down on the prepared seat. ⁰¹ While sitting the Gracious One addressed venerable ânanda, (saying): ßCome now, ânanda, bring drinking water, I am thirsty, ânanda, and will drink.û

After that was said, venerable ânanda said this to the Gracious One: ßJust now, reverend Sir, five hundred wagons have passed by, and the little water that flows, having been churned by the wheels, is stirred up and disturbed. The Kakutthà river is not far away, with transparent water, agreeable water, cool water, pure water, with beautiful banks, a delightful (place), there the Gracious One can drink drinking water, and can cool his limbs.û

For a second time the Gracious One addressed venerable ânanda, (saying): ßCome now, ânanda, bring drinking water, I am thirsty, ânanda, and will drink.û

For a second time venerable ânanda said this to the Gracious One: ßJust now, reverend Sir, five hundred wagons have passed by, and the little water that flows, having been churned by the wheels, is stirred up and disturbed. The Kakutthà river is not far away, with transparent water, agreeable water, cool water, pure water, with beautiful banks, a delightful (place), there the Gracious One can drink drinking water, and can cool his limbs.û

For a third time the Gracious One addressed venerable ânanda, (saying): ßCome now, ânanda, bring drinking water, I am thirsty, ânanda, and will drink.û

ßVery well, reverend Sirû, said venerable ânanda, and after replying to the Gracious One, and taking the bowl, he approached the little river. Then that little river that was flowing, which had been churned by the wheels, and was stirred up and disturbed, as venerable ânanda was approaching, flowed transparent, clear, and undisturbed.

Then it occurred to venerable ânanda: ßSurely it is wonderful, dear Sir, surely it is marvellous, dear Sir, the Realised One's great power and great majesty, in that that little river that is flowing, which has been churned by wheels, and is stirred up and disturbed, as I was approaching, flowed transparent, clear, and undisturbed.û

After taking a bowl of drinking water he approached the Gracious One, and after approaching, he said this to the Gracious One: ßIt is wonderful, reverend Sir, it is marvellous, reverend Sir, the Realised One's great power and great majesty, in that that little river that is flowing, which has been churned by wheels, and is stirred up and disturbed, as I was approaching, flowed transparent, clear, and undisturbed. Please drink the drinking water, Gracious One! Please drink the drinking water, Fortunate One!û Then the Gracious One drank the water.