Very Helpful (ITI107)

So It Was Said 107

The Book of the Fours

The Chapter on the Brahmin’s Offering of the Teaching

Very Helpful

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

“Mendicants, brahmins and householders are very helpful to you, as they provide you with robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick.

And you are very helpful to brahmins and householders, as you teach them the Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And you reveal a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure.

That is how this spiritual path is lived supporting each other in order to cross over the flood and make a complete end of suffering.”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“The home-dweller and the homeless,

supporting each other,

find success in the true teaching,

the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

The homeless receive requisites

from the home-dwellers:

robes and lodgings

to shelter from harsh conditions.

Relying on the Holy One,

layfolk and householders of discernment

place faith in the perfected ones,

meditators of noble wisdom.

Having practiced the teaching here,

the path that goes to a good place,

they delight in the heavenly realm,

enjoying all the pleasures they desire.”

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