Misfortune (EA20.13)

Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in Śrāvastī, at Jetṛ’s Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park. The Exalted One said to the monks:

“There are these two character traits to which one should not be devoted or excessively attached because they lead to man’s misfortune and desertion. Which are the two character traits?

“a) All that can be subsumed under hatred which one should not give oneself over to … leads to man’s misfortune and desertion;

“b) The refusal to help others and lack of courtesy which one should not … lead to man’s misfortune and desertion.

“These are, O monks, the two traits of character which one will not be happy with and to which one should not be devoted.

“Furthermore, monks, there are two character traits which do not lead to man’s misfortune and desertion. Which are the two?

“a) One’s overcoming hatred which makes for man’s complete satisfaction and;

“b) All that can be subsumed under helpfulness and courtesy and which is most appreciable and respectable, making for man’s complete satisfaction.

“These are the two … making for … satisfaction.

“Now on account of what, why have I just mentioned hatred and all that can be subsumed under lack of helpfulness and courtesy on the one hand, and one’s overcoming hatred and all that can be subsumed under lack of helpfulness and courtesy on the other?”

“The Exalted One,” a monk affirmed, “is the chief master of all teachings. Would the Exalted One be kind enough to give us an explanation. Having listened, all monks will be much obliged and respectfully apply themselves to practice.”

“Listen attentively,” responded the Exalted One, “and take heed of what I am going to say. It is appropriate that I throw light on what has been said.

“The above first two character traits, O monks, are due to desire because of which they come into play, arise and effective and manifest themselves. One should train to dispel this desire without letting it arise anew. Thus, O monks, you should train.”

After listening to the Buddha’s words, the monks were pleased and respectfully applied themselves to practice.

Translated from Sanskrit to Chinese by Dharmanandi.

Originally published as Ekottarikāgama XXIX, Buddhist Studies Review 19.1, 2001–2, pp. 49–55. Translated from the Chinese version by Thích Huyên-Vi in collaboration with Sara Boin-Webb and Bhikkhu Pāsādika.

Transcription by Nola Webb, 2014.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Bhikkhu Sujato.