Saṁyutta Nikāya 46.55

Translators: sujato

Linked Discourses 46.55

6. Sākacchavagga
6. Discussion

Saṅgāravasutta

With Saṅgārava

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
At Sāvatthī.

Atha kho saṅgāravo brāhmaṇo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodi.
Then Saṅgārava the brahmin went up to the Buddha, and exchanged greetings with him.

Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho saṅgāravo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side and said to the Buddha:

“Ko nu kho, bho gotama, hetu, ko paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā?
“What is the cause, Mister Gotama, what is the reason why sometimes even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced?

Ko pana, bho gotama, hetu, ko paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā”ti?
And why is it that sometimes even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced?”

“Yasmiṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, samaye kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
“Brahmin, there’s a time when your heart is overcome and mired in sensual desire and you don’t truly understand the escape from sensual desire that has arisen. At that time you don’t truly know or see what is good for yourself, good for another, or good for both. Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto saṁsaṭṭho lākhāya vā haliddiyā vā nīliyā vā mañjiṭṭhāya vā.
Suppose there was a bowl of water that was mixed with dye such as red lac, turmeric, indigo, or rose madder.

Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ na jāneyya na passeyya.
Even a person with clear eyes checking their own reflection wouldn’t truly know it or see it.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati …pe… paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in sensual desire … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto agginā santatto pakkuthito usmudakajāto.
Suppose there was a bowl of water that was heated by fire, boiling and bubbling.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto sevālapaṇakapariyonaddho.
Suppose there was a bowl of water overgrown with moss and aquatic plants.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto vāterito calito bhanto ūmijāto.
Suppose there was a bowl of water stirred by the wind, churning, swirling, and rippling.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi … dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in doubt … Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto āvilo luḷito kalalībhūto andhakāre nikkhitto.
Suppose there was a bowl of water that was cloudy, murky, and muddy, hidden in the darkness.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, there’s a time when your heart is overcome and mired in doubt and you don’t truly understand the escape from doubt that has arisen. At that time you don’t truly know or see what is good for yourself, good for another, or good for both. Even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Ayaṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, hetu ayaṁ paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.
This is the cause, brahmin, this is the reason why sometimes even hymns that are long-practiced don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not practiced.

Yasmiñca kho, brāhmaṇa, samaye na kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
There’s a time when your heart is not overcome and mired in sensual desire and you truly understand the escape from sensual desire that has arisen. At that time you truly know and see what is good for yourself, good for another, and good for both. Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto asaṁsaṭṭho lākhāya vā haliddiyā vā nīliyā vā mañjiṭṭhāya vā.
Suppose there was a bowl of water that was not mixed with dye such as red lac, turmeric, indigo, or rose madder.

Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya.
A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti …pe….
In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in sensual desire … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto na agginā santatto na pakkuthito na usmudakajāto.
Suppose there is a bowl of water that is not heated by a fire, boiling and bubbling.

Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya.
A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto na sevālapaṇakapariyonaddho.
Suppose there is a bowl of water that is not overgrown with moss and aquatic plants.

Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya.
A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto na vāterito na calito na bhanto na ūmijāto.
Suppose there is a bowl of water that is not stirred by the wind, churning, swirling, and rippling.

Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya.
A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in doubt … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto accho vippasanno anāvilo āloke nikkhitto.
Suppose there was a bowl of water that was transparent, clear, and unclouded, brought into the light.

Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya.
A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it.

Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
In the same way, there’s a time when your heart is not overcome and mired in doubt and you truly understand the escape from doubt that has arisen. At that time you truly know and see what is good for yourself, good for another, and good for both. Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Ayaṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, hetu ayaṁ paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.
This is the cause, brahmin, this is the reason why sometimes even hymns that are long-unpracticed do spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Sattime, brāhmaṇa, bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattanti.
These seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom.

Katame satta?
What seven?

Satisambojjhaṅgo kho, brāhmaṇa, anāvaraṇo anīvaraṇo cetaso anupakkileso bhāvito bahulīkato vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattati …pe… upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo kho, brāhmaṇa, anāvaraṇo anīvaraṇo cetaso anupakkileso bhāvito bahulīkato vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattati.
The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity.

Ime kho, brāhmaṇa, satta bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattantī”ti.
These seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom.”

Evaṁ vutte, saṅgāravo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
When he said this, Saṅgārava said to the Buddha,

“abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama …pe…
“Excellent, Mister Gotama! …

upāsakaṁ maṁ bhavaṁ gotamo dhāretu ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gatan”ti.
From this day forth, may Mister Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”

Pañcamaṁ.