Thoughts (ITI38)

So It Was Said 38

The Book of the Twos

Chapter Two

Thoughts

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

“Two thoughts, mendicants, often occur to the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha:

the thought of sanctuary, and that of seclusion.

The Realized One loves kindness and delights in it,

so this thought often occurs to him:

‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’

The Realized One loves seclusion and delights in it,

so this thought often occurs to him:

‘What is unskillful has been given up.’

So, mendicants, you too should love kindness and delight in it,

then this thought will often occur to you:

‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’

You too should love seclusion and delight in it,

then this thought will often occur to you:

‘What is unskillful? What is not given up? What should I give up?’”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“Two thoughts occur to him,

the Realized One, the bearer of the unbearable:

first mentioned was thought of sanctuary,

then the second made clear was seclusion.

Dispeller of darkness, the great seer has crossed over:

the attained, the master, the undefiled.

In the midst of it all, he is freed in the ending of craving;

that sage bears his final body.

He has disposed of Māra, I declare, and gone beyond old age.

Standing high on a rocky mountain,

you can see the people all around.

In just the same way, the All-seer, so intelligent,

having ascended the Temple of Truth,

rid of sorrow, looks upon the people

swamped with sorrow, overcome by rebirth and old age.”

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