The Questions of Todeyya (SNP5.10)

Anthology of Discourses 5.10

The Questions of Todeyya

“In whom sensual pleasures do not dwell,”

said Venerable Todeyya,

“and for whom there is no craving,

and who has crossed over indecision—

of what kind is their liberation?”

“In whom sensual pleasures do not dwell,”

replied the Buddha,

“and for whom there is no craving,

and who has crossed over indecision—

there is no liberation that is further.”

“Are they free of hope, or are they still in need of hope?

Do they possess wisdom, or are they still forming wisdom?¹

O Sakyan, elucidate the sage to me,

so that I may understand, All-seer.”

“They are free of hope, they are not in need of hope.

They possess wisdom, they are not still forming wisdom.

That, Todeyya, is how to understand a sage,

one who has nothing, unattached to sensual life.”