5.10. Todeyya’s Questions (SNP5.10)

Todeyya
In whom do sense-desires dwell not
and craving can’t be found,
crossed beyond consuming doubt—
what’s freedom for this one?

Buddha
In whom do sense-desires dwell not
and craving can’t be found,
crossed beyond consuming doubt—
than this, is freedom not apart.

Todeyya
No inclinations or with longings still?
One with wisdom wanting, or with wisdom won?
Explain to me please, O All-seeing Sakya,
how I may well discern a sage.

Buddha
No inclinations at all and no longings left,
not one with wisdom wanting but one with wisdom won
know as a sage, Todeyya, one who nothing owns,
one who is to sensual being unattached.

Translated by Laurence Khantipalo Mills.

This translation was edited by Bhikkhu Sujato as part of the full translation of the Sutta Nipāta with commentary prepared from a draft handwritten and typed manuscript of Laurence Khantipalo Mills in 2015. The project was managed by Laurence’s students Michael Wells and Gary Dellora, and initial digitizing of the text was by Sean Read. Full text is available at https://suttacentral.net/downloads

In addition to the suttas noted, Bhikkhu Sujato also translated verses 46, 78, 232, 465, 500, 589–597, 865, 885–890, 894–5, 897–901, 902–916, and 919–921.

This text is released dedicated to the Public Domain by way of Creative Commons Zero. No rights reserved.