The Way to the Beyond Home Page Next Question
The Way to the Beyond
1: Ajita's Questions
ßBy what is the world enveloped? Why does it not become clear? What do you say is its defilement? What is the world's great fear?û [57]
ßThe world is enveloped by ignorance, because of heedlessness and meanness it does not become clear. Hunger is its defilement, I say;Hunger (jappa) = craving (taõhà).01 suffering is the world's great fear.û [58]
ßStreams are flowing everywhere,Streams = cravings.02 what is the constraint for streams? Tell me the restraint for streams; by what are the streams shut off?û [59]
ßWhatever streams there are in the world, mindfulness is the constraint for them. That is the restraint for streams, I say; by wisdom they are shut off.û [60]
ßWisdom and mindfulness, and mind and body, dear Sir, please tell me this when asked: where do these things cease?û [61]
ßThis question that was asked, Ajita, I can answer it! As to where mind and body ceases without remainder: with the cessation of consciousness, in this place it ceases.ûi.e. relinking consciousness (pañisandhiviÿÿàõaü).03 [62]
ßThose who have discerned the Teaching, and the many in training here,Trainees are those who have attained the first Path (sotàpatti), but not yet the final Path (Arahatta).04 when I ask the prudent one, please tell me their conduct, dear Sir.û [63]
ßHe should not be greedy for sense pleasures, or be disturbed in mind. Being skilful in all things, mindfully the monk should wander.ûAfter this exchange the Commentary notes that Ajita and his thousand students attained Arahatta, and that countless others attained the Vision of the Teaching (Dhammacakkhu, i.e. sotàpatti). The same is repeated after all the questions and answers, except for the last, where Piïgiya only attains to the stage of Non-Returner (Anàgàmã).05 [64]