One day, the Buddha was living in the kingdom of the Sakyans, at the city of Kapilavatthu, in the Nigrodha Monastery. On a full-moon day, several Sakyan lay followers went to the Buddha, bowed respectfully, and sat down to one side. The Buddha asked them:

“Sakyans, do you

observe eight precepts?”

“Bhante, sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t.”

“Sakyans, you have this life which is subject to fear, sorrow and death. However, you are negligent in finding the way out. Sometimes you keep the eight precepts, and sometimes you don’t. That’s a great loss for you, it’s your

misfortune.

“What do you think, Sakyans? Take a person who earns one hundred dollars per day by doing a certain job. Is this enough to call him a talented and energetic person?”

“Yes, Bhante.”

“What do you think, Sakyans? Take a person who earns two hundred

dollars per day by doing a certain job. Is this enough to call him a talented and energetic person?”

“Yes, Bhante.”

“What do you think, Sakyans? Take a person who earns three hundred dollars… four hundred dollars… five hundred dollars… six hundred dollars… seven hundred dollars… eight hundred dollars… nine hundred dollars… one thousand dollars… ten thousand dollars… twenty thousand dollars… thirty thousand dollars… forty thousand dollars… fifty thousand dollars… a hundred thousand dollars. Is this enough to call him a talented and energetic person?”

“Yes, Bhante.”

“What do you think, Sakyans? Suppose that person earned a thousand or a hundred thousand dollars every day and saved it all up. If he lived for a hundred years, would he not accumulate a large mass of wealth?”

“Yes, Bhante.”

“What do you think, Sakyans? Would that person, using that wealth, experience perfect happiness for a single day, or even half a day?”

“No, Bhante.”

“Why is that?”

“Bhante, because worldly pleasures are impermanent, subject to change, and they give temporary happiness. Worldly pleasures deceive people in the guise of great happiness.”

“Sakyans, take one of my followers who lives diligent, keen, and energetic for ten years, practicing in line with my instructions. As a result, he can experience perfect happiness for a hundred years, ten thousand years, or a hundred thousand years. Also, he could become a non-returner, a once-returner, or at the very least, a stream-enterer.

“Let alone ten years, take one of my followers who lives diligent, keen, and energetic for nine years… eight years… seven years… six years… five years… four years… three years… two years… one year… ten months… nine months… eight months… seven months… six months… five months… four months… three months… two months… one month… two weeks… ten days… nine days… eight days… seven days… six days… five days… four days… three days… two days…

“Let alone two days, take one of my followers who lives diligent, keen, and energetic for just one day, practicing in line with my instructions. As a result, he can experience perfect happiness for a hundred years, ten thousand years, or a hundred thousand years. Also, he could become a non-returner, a once-returner, or at the very least, a stream-enterer.

“Sakyans, you have this life which is subject to fear, sorrow and death. However, you are negligent in finding the way out. Sometimes you keep the eight precepts, and sometimes you don’t. That’s a great loss for you, it’s your misfortune.”

“Bhante, from this day onwards, we will observe the eight precepts.”

Moggallana Bhante:

Dear Devata, your mansion is very beautiful. It is decorated with various carvings made of beryl and other gemstones. Pretty gods and goddesses are always dancing and singing to entertain you.

Devata, you are very mighty, possessing various kinds of psychic powers.

Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

In my previous life, I was a woman in the human world, a lay disciple of the very wise Supreme Buddha.

I abstained from killing, stealing, taking intoxicants, and lying. I was content with my own husband and did not want to think of other men. I practiced generosity with a happy mind. I offered food and drink with respect.

Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

1. I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing beings.
2. I undertake the training rule to abstain from stealing
3. I undertake the training rule to abstain from all sexual activity.
4. I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake the training rule to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness.
6. I undertake the training rule to abstain from eating at improper times.
7. I undertake the training rule to abstain from dancing, singing, music, and shows.
8. I undertake the training rule to abstain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying with cosmetics.
9. I undertake the training rule to abstain from the use of high and comfortable seats and beds.
10. I undertake the training rule of refraining from accepting gold or money

This discourse was taught by the Blessed One, taught by the Arahant, the fully enlightened Supreme Buddha. This is as I heard:

“Monks, for the person who transgresses in one thing, I tell you, there is no evil deed whatsoever he would not do. What is that one thing? It is, monks, telling a deliberate lie.”

This is the meaning of what the Blessed One said. So, with regard to this, it was said:

For the person who lies, transgressing in this one thing—truthfulness, who has lost happiness in the next life, there is no evil he cannot do.

This, too, is the meaning of what was said by the Blessed One. This is exactly as I heard.

This discourse was taught by the Blessed One, taught by the Arahant, the fully enlightened Supreme Buddha. This is as I heard,

“Monks, there are these three kinds of sons and daughters in the world. What three? The higher kind, the similar kind, and the lower kind.

Higher Kind of Son or Daughter

Now, what, monks, is the higher kind of son or daughter? Monks, in this instance, a son or daughter’s parents have not gone for refuge to the Buddha, have not gone for refuge to the Dhamma and have not gone for refuge to the Sangha. They do not abstain from killing beings, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from lying, and from drinking liquors that cause intoxication and negligence. They are unvirtuous and have bad conduct.

However, their son or daughter has gone for refuge to the Buddha, has gone for refuge to the Dhamma, and has gone for refuge to the Sangha. He or she abstains from killing beings, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from lying, and from drinking liquors that cause intoxication and negligence. This, Monks, is the higher kind of son or daughter.

Similar Kind of Son or Daughter

Now, what, monks, is the similar kind of son or daughter? Monks, in this instance, a son or daughter’s parents have gone for refuge to the Buddha, have gone for refuge to the Dhamma, and have gone for refuge to the Sangha. They abstain from killing beings, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from lying, and from drinking liquors that cause intoxication and negligence. They are virtuous and have good conduct.

Their son or daughter has also gone for refuge to the Buddha, has gone for refuge to the Dhamma, and has gone for refuge to the Sangha. He or she abstains from killing beings, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from lying, and from drinking liquors that cause intoxication and negligence. This, Monks, is the similar kind of son or daughter.

Lower Kind of Son or

Daughter

Now, what, monks, is the lower kind of son or daughter? Monks, in this instance, a son or daughter’s parents have gone for refuge to the Buddha, have gone for refuge to the Dhamma, and have gone for refuge to the Sangha. They abstain from killing beings, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from lying, and from drinking liquors that cause intoxication and negligence. They are virtuous and have good conduct.

However, their son or daughter has not gone for refuge to the Buddha, has not gone for refuge to the Dhamma, and has not gone for refuge to the Sangha. He or she does not abstain from killing beings, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from lying, and from drinking liquors that cause intoxication and negligence. This, Monks, is the lower kind of son or daughter.”

This is the meaning of what the Blessed One said. So, with regard to this, it was said:

The wise parents hope
for a child of higher kind or similar kind.
Parents do not hope
for a lower kind of child who destroys the family.

But higher kind and similar kind of children
are the blessed children in the world.
They are lay followers of the Buddha.
They possess confidence
in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
They are virtuous and generous.
They are always ready to help those in need.
They shine forth in any group of people
like the moon freed from clouds.

This, too, is the meaning of what was said by the Blessed One. This is exactly as I heard.

Moggallana Bhante:

Dear Devata, your mansion is very beautiful. It is decorated with all kinds of flowers. Divine herons, peacocks, geese, and sweet-voiced cuckoos fly around the mansion. Pretty gods and goddesses are always dancing and singing to entertain you.

Devata, you are very mighty, possessing many kinds of psychic powers. Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

In my previous life, I was a woman in the human world. I was a very honest and faithful wife. I never had a desire for someone else’s husband. I protected my husband like a mother protects her only child. There were times that I got angry, but I never spoke harshly to him.

I never told lies; lying was not a part of my life. I delighted in giving and sharing. I practiced generosity with a happy mind. I offered food and drink with respect.

Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, these are the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

Moggallana Bhante:

Dear Devata, your mansion is very beautiful. It is decorated with various carvings made of beryl and other gemstones. Pretty gods and goddesses are always dancing and singing to entertain you.

Devata, you are very mighty, possessing various kinds of psychic powers.

Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

In my previous life, I was a woman in the human world, a lay disciple of the very wise Supreme Buddha.

I abstained from killing, stealing, taking intoxicants, and lying. I was content with my own husband and did not want to think of other men. I practiced generosity with a happy mind. I offered food and drink with respect.

Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

Moggallana Bhante:

Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.

What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?

Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

In my previous life, I was a housewife in the human world. I did not envy anyone. I was not greedy, nor was I arrogant. I was obedient to my husband and did not get angry at him. I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.

I abstained from killing, stealing, lying, and taking intoxicants. I did not cheat on my husband. I was delighted to keep these Five Precepts every day. I was a lay follower of Gautama Supreme Buddha who had the great wisdom to see the reality of the world. I was wise enough to realize the Four Noble Truths.

Because of my virtuous life and meritorious deeds, I live very happily here. I have been born as a beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

Please Bhante, pay homage on my behalf by placing your head on the Blessed One’s sacred feet and saying, “Bhante, the lay follower named Uttara pays homage by placing her head on the Blessed One’s sacred feet.” The Blessed One stated that I have attained a certain fruit of enlightenment. I too know that.

Bhante, the Supreme Buddha declared that I have attained the fruit of once returner.

Vangisa Bhante:

Devata, your chariot is very beautiful. The divine horses that pull it are very powerful and fast, and they are decorated with various ornaments. These horses travel down through the sky. Just as horses obey their driver, these horses take you to wherever your mind wishes to go. You have received five hundred chariots. Is this not the result of a powerful act of merit?

While you sit in the chariot decorated with ornaments, you shine like a fire which provides bright light. Devata, you are extremely beautiful. From which heavenly world did you come here to visit the Supreme Buddha?

Devata:

Bhante, the heavenly world that I came from is a great place even amongst the other heavenly worlds. There the gods create whatever divine pleasures they wish for and delight in their creation. I am a goddess from that heaven and I too have created various wonderful things according to my wish. I have come from that heaven to pay homage to the Supreme Buddha.

Vangisa Bhante:

Devata, you possess psychic powers and your body illuminates all the directions. Surrounded and respected by many gods, you are traveling through the sky. Tell me where you lived before you were born as a goddess. Whose teaching did you follow? Are you a follower of the Supreme Buddha? What kind of meritorious actions did you do in the past?

Devata:

In the human world there once was a beautiful city called Rajagaha surrounded by five mountains. I was a queen of the famous king Bimbisara. I was very talented in dancing and singing. Everyone knew me as Sirimā.

The Supreme Buddha is a great teacher. He is very skilled at training gods and humans. My great teacher, the Supreme Buddha, taught me the Four Noble Truths. He taught that suffering and the cause of suffering are impermanent. He taught me the end of suffering, Nibbana, which is unconditioned and unchanging. And he taught me the Noble Eightfold Path which is a straight and excellent way leading to the end of suffering.

Having learned about the bliss of Nibbana from the unsurpassed teacher, the Supreme Buddha, I had great confidence in that teaching. I kept the precepts well and led a very restrained life.

I recognized the true way to Nibbana and understood clearly the teachings of the Supreme Buddha. I developed concentration through serene meditation. That concentration became a key factor of my practice.

I realized the Four Noble Truths. I am free from doubt in the teachings. Many gods honor me and I enjoy many wonderful things here.

I am a follower of the wisest teacher, the Supreme Buddha, and I am headed to Nibbana. Through the realization of the Four Noble Truths, I have reached the first stage of enlightenment, the fruit of stream entry. I have escaped from all bad destinations.

I came to worship my great teacher, the Supreme Buddha. The sight of virtuous monks is also pleasing to me and I worship them happily.

The most supreme, matchless trainer of beings, the Supreme Buddha, has cut off all cravings and delights in Nibbana. The Blessed One is compassionate to all beings. Even just seeing the Buddha is delightful. My happiness is beyond words. I pay homage to my great teacher, the Supreme Buddha.

Devata:

My mansion is very beautiful and shines in all directions. The pillars of the mansion are made of beryl gemstones. Golden trees decorate the surrounding garden. This mansion appeared as a result of my meritorious deeds.

God Sakka:

One hundred thousand goddesses were born before you here in this mansion to be your attendants. Now you enjoy their company and their service. The light of the full moon shines and surpasses the stars in brightness. The same goes for you: you shine brilliantly and surpass all the other goddesses. Your appearance is extraordinary.

All the gods in Tavatimsa Heaven, headed by me, are overcome with the desire to stare at the great Brahma and admire him. They cannot help but stare at him. So too, is your appearance. All the gods stare at you and admire you. Please tell me where you have come from. In which world did you live before you were born here?

Devata:

God Sakka, I will tell you everything. In the human world, there is a city called Baranasi in the state of Kasi. I was a woman in that city and my name was Kesakarika. I had great confidence in the Supreme Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Noble Sangha. My faith in the Triple Gem was unshakable. All my doubts were removed. I kept the Five Precepts very purely and I attained the fruit of stream entry. As a result, I am surely headed to the realization of Nibbana.

God Sakka:

Excellent! You have great confidence in the Supreme Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Noble Sangha. Your faith in the Triple Gem is unshakable. All your doubts are removed. You lived under the Five Precepts very purely and you have attained the fruit of stream entry. As a result, you are surely heading to the realization of Nibbana.

Devata, you shine due to your Dhamma practice and your retinue of goddesses. You are greatly welcomed here in this world. We rejoice in your arrival here.

Moggallana Bhante:

Devata, you are in this Cittalata Park surrounded by many goddesses as if you were the god Sakka. Your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.

What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?

Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious actions did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

Bhante, in the human world my house was located in a fishing village. Some of the Supreme Buddha’a monks visited that area for almsround. With a happy mind, I offered rice, honey-covered cake, vegetables, and rice-gruel to those virtuous monks who were dedicated to Dhamma practice.

I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.

I abstained from killing, stealing, lying, and taking intoxicants. I did not cheat on my husband. I was delighted to keep these Five Precepts every day. I was a lay follower of Gautama Supreme Buddha, the one who had the great wisdom to see the reality of the world. I was wise enough to realize the Four Noble Truths.

Because of my virtuous life and meritorious deeds, I live happily here. I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

Please Bhante, pay homage on my behalf by placing your head on the Blessed One’s feet and saying, “Bhante, the lay follower named Lakhuma pays homage by placing her head on the Blessed One’s feet.” The Blessed One stated that I have attained a certain fruit of enlightenment. I too know that.

Bhante, the Supreme Buddha declared that I have attained the fruit of once returner.

Supreme Buddha:

Devata, around your mansion there are very beautiful mandarava trees and they are covered with blue, yellow, black, crimson, and red flower filaments. You are wearing a garland of mandarava flowers on your head. This beautiful type of tree is not found in any other heaven.

Famous devata, what meritorious deed did you do to be reborn in the Tavatimsa Heaven?

Devata:

Bhante, in the human world there is a city called Kimbila. There I was a female lay follower of the Supreme Buddha. My name was Bhadditthi. I had unshakable faith in the Triple Gem. I practiced the precepts and delighted in giving and sharing. Furthermore, I had confidence in noble monks who had pure minds. I offered robes, food, shelter, and lamps.

I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.

I abstained from killing, stealing, lying, and taking intoxicants. I did not cheat on my husband. I was delighted to keep these Five Precepts every day. I was wise enough to realize the Four Noble Truths. That is how I became a dedicated follower of Gautama Supreme Buddha.

The compassionate sages, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Moggallana, are the two chief disciples of the Supreme Buddha. One day I offered alms to them and collected lots of merit from that offering. I also observed the Eight Precepts four times a month frequently. As a result, when I left the human world, I was reborn in this heaven. Now I enjoy divine pleasures in the heavenly Nandana Park. My beauty radiates in all directions.

Moggallana Bhante:

Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.

What meritorious deeds have you have done to gain this happiness?

Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

Bhante, in the human world there is a city called Nalanda. There I was a female lay follower of the Supreme Buddha. My name was Sonadinna. I had unshakable faith in the Triple Gem. I practiced the precepts and delighted in giving and sharing. Furthermore, I had confidence in monks who had pure minds. I offered robes, food, shelter, and lamps to them.

I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.

I abstained from killing, stealing, lying, and taking intoxicants. I did not cheat on my husband. I was delighted to keep these Five Precepts every day. I was wise enough to realize the Four Noble Truths. That is how I became a dedicated follower of Gautama Supreme Buddha.

Because of those meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

The famous god Sakka and the god Vessavana have beautiful daughters named Lata, Sajja, Pavara, Acchimukhi, and Suta. They shine due to their good qualities.

One day, these five daughters went to a magnificent river near the Himalayan Mountains to bathe. The water of the river was very cool and full of blue lotuses. These goddesses bathed in that river and sang and danced.

Goddess Suta:

Dear Lata, your skin is the color of gold, you are wearing lotus garlands decorated with golden flowers, and you have beautiful copper colored eyes. You are as beautiful as the clear sky. You will also live here for a very long time.

Please tell us, dear Lata, what kind of meritorious actions did you do in your past life to get all these wonderful things?

Fortunate sister, how were you so pleasing to your husband? Your beauty is magnificent. You are a very talented dancer and singer. Many gods and goddesses are eager to know your past meritorious deeds.

Goddess Lata:

In my previous life, I lived in the human world. I was a daughter-in-law in a very rich family. I was very obedient to my husband and never got angry at him. I was dedicated in observing the Eight Precepts. I was an honest and virtuous wife from a young age. I always made my husband happy and I tried my best to help my parents-in-law, my brother-in-law, and the servants. That is how I collected merit.

Due to those wholesome actions, I have received great divine long life, beauty, happiness, and strength. I live very happily enjoying divine entertainment.

Goddess Suta:

Sisters, haven’t you heard about these meritorious deeds that Lata described? She explained it to us very well. Being virtuous wives we certainly know the value of husbands. We treated our husbands like gods. Since we respected our husbands, we were able to be loyal wives to them as Lata did. Those were the meritorious lives we lived which led us to this heaven.

A brave lion that lives in a mountain forest hunts weak animals and eats their flesh. So too, if a wife leads a virtuous life as a devoted disciple of the Buddha, is loyal to her husband, and controls her anger and greed, then such a wife enjoys a heavenly rebirth.

Vangisa Bhante:

Dear Deva, you are sitting on the back of an elephant that is huge and all white. You travel from park to park, surrounded by goddesses, shining brightly in all directions like the star Osadhi.

What kind of meritorious actions did you do when you were in the human world?

That deva, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Vangisa, gladly explained what he had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Deva:

In my previous life, I was a man in the human world. I was a lay disciple of the All-Seeing Supreme Buddha. I abstained from killing, stealing, taking intoxicants, and lying. I was content with my own wife, and did not even think of other women. I offered things with a very happy mind.

Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful deva and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body which shines brightly in all directions.

Maha Kaccana Bhante was living in the forest. One day, he saw a prince and spoke to him in this way.

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

You are holding a bow that is made from hardwood, pushing on one end with your foot. Are you a king, a prince, or a hunter in the forest? Who are you?

Prince:

Bhante, I am the son of King Assaka traveling in this forest. I can tell you my name. Everyone knows me as Sujata. I came into this forest looking for deer, but I have not found any. I saw you and stopped here.

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

You have great merit. It is very good that you came here. Your arrival here is not in vain. Take this water and wash your feet. See this cool water I brought from a mountain cave. Drink it and sit on this mat.

Prince:

Great Sage, your words are pleasing, friendly, meaningful, and sweet. Great Ascetic, why do you like to live in this forest? I ask you so that having listened to you and understood, I can follow your Dhamma.

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

Dear Prince, we desire to spread thoughts of harmlessness and compassion towards all living beings. We do not steal, behave badly, or drink alcohol. We abstain from those bad things. Instead we practice the Dhamma, remember much Dhamma, and pay gratitude. These are the things praised in this very life. Truly, these are the things that should be praised.

Oh, dear Prince, listen to me carefully. Within five months, you will die. Before that happens, protect yourself from rebirth in hell.

Prince:

Oh, Bhante, to which country should I run away? What should I do? What kind of effort should I make? What kind of knowledge would help me to escape from this aging and death?

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

Prince, it is impossible to find the place, the effort, or the knowledge by which you can escape from aging and death.

Even kings, those with great wealth and many possessions, are not free from aging and death. Have you heard of soldiers like Andhaka and Venhuputta? Mighty like the sun and moon, they defeated enemies with great strength and bravery. Eventually, when they reached the end of their lifespan, they too died.

Kings, brahmins, merchants, servants, and low-caste people – all of them are not free from old age and death. Even those great ascetics, coming from a famous lineage, who had learned spells and many things, are not freed from old age and death.

Other tranquil and virtuous ascetics with austere practices will leave their bodies too when death arrives. Even in the case of Arahants who have completed the path to Nibbana, who are freed from defilements and have overcome both merit and demerit – they too leave this body when the time comes.

Prince:

Great Sage, the Dhamma you preach is very meaningful and well taught. I understood your teaching. Please be my protection. I would go for refuge to you.

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

Dear Prince, do not go for refuge to me. I myself have gone for refuge to the Great Teacher, Gautama Supreme Buddha. You should also go for refuge to that great hero.

Prince:

Oh, Bhante, where is the Great Teacher staying now? I would like to go see the Great Victor, the Unmatchable Teacher.

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

Prince, that excellent teacher who was born in the Okkaka family, lived in the eastern province. Now that Great Teacher attained final Nibbana at passing away.

Prince:

Oh Bhante, if your great teacher was still alive, I would have traveled even for many miles to see him. Bhante, right here, I go for refuge to your great teacher, the Great Hero to whom you have gone for refuge.

I go for refuge to the Supreme Buddha, the excellent Supreme Dhamma, and the Great Teacher’s community of monks, the Supreme Sangha. From now on, I abstain from killing, stealing, drinking alcohol, and telling lies. I abstain from sexual misconduct and am content with my own wife.

One day a deva, having dismounted from his divine chariot appeared in front of Maha Kaccana Bhante and paid homage to him.

Maha Kaccana Bhante:

Your chariot travels in the sky shining in all ten directions like the sun that shines with a thousand rays. The chariot is over seventy kilometers long. It is decorated all around with golden plates. Its front is decorated with pearls and gems. Gold and silver carvings beautify your vehicle even further. The head of the chariot is made of beryl gemstones. The yoke is made of red gems. Horses are attached to the chariot with gold and silver ropes. These beautiful horses travel as fast as the mind thinks.

Famous God, you are sitting in this golden chariot pulled by a thousand horses like the god Sakka. I ask you, skilled Deva, how did you gain all these wonderful things?

Deva:

Bhante, in my previous life, I was a prince named Sujata. You were the one who was compassionate towards me and taught me the great Dhamma.

You understood that my life was about to end, gave me a bodily relic of the Supreme Buddha, and told me to worship it. I respected that sacred relic, offering fragrances and flowers respectfully. When I passed away, I was born in this Tavatimsa Heaven in the Nandana Park.

This delightful Nandana Park is filled with various types of birds. I enjoy living there, surrounded by dancing and singing goddesses.

A Brahmin was crying over his dead son’s grave when he saw a grieving deva who was disguised as a young man.

Brahmin:

My dear child, you are very handsome, wearing polished earrings, garlands, and sandalwood cream. You are weeping, holding your head in your hands in the middle of this forest. Why are you crying so sadly?

Deva:

I have received a bright golden chariot, but it does not have wheels. That is why I am so sad. I am about to commit suicide.

Brahmin:

Oh dear boy, tell me, what kind of wheels do you need? Should they be made of gold, jewels, rubies, or silver? I will give you a pair of wheels made from anything.

Deva:

We can see the sun and moon right here. It would be great if my chariot could have them as wheels.

Brahmin:

Oh, dear boy, you are indeed foolish. You seek something that cannot be obtained. I am sure that you will die from sadness because it is impossible to get the sun and moon as your wheels.

Deva:

But wait a minute. We can see the sun and moon moving in the sky. We can see their color and tracks. But when someone dies, one can never see him again. So, who is more foolish, you or me? You are crying over your dead son, who cannot even be seen, and I am crying over something that can at least be seen.

Brahmin:

Oh, dear boy, what you just said is very true. Of the two of us I am the greater fool. I am crying to get my dead son back, like a childish boy crying to obtain the moon.

My heart was burning with sadness over the death of my son, like when ghee is poured onto a fire. But now, all my sorrow has been extinguished as if I had been sprayed with water. I was struck with an arrow of grief, but you have removed it from me, my dear boy. Having heard your advice, I have become tranquil and cool, with the arrow of sorrow removed. I no longer grieve or weep.

Are you a god, a divine musician, the god Sakka, or someone’s son? Who are you?

Deva:

Your son has been cremated in this cemetery. You are weeping over his remains. I am that son of yours. Having done a meritorious deed, I was reborn in the Tāvatiṁsa Heaven as a deva.

Brahmin:

We have never known you to give a small or large gift in charity. We have never known you to observe the Five or Eight Precepts. What kind of meritorious action did you do to go to heaven?

Deva:

Do you remember when I was very sick and lying sadly on a bed outside our house? One day, all of a sudden, I saw the Supreme Buddha who had great wisdom and a pure mind, and who had realized everything about this world.

I was very happy and had confidence when I saw him. I quickly worshiped him. That was the only meritorious action I did to have come to this heaven.

Brahmin:

It is wonderful! Just mere worshiping has resulted in a great happiness. Without delay, on this very day, I happily place confidence in the Buddha. I go for refuge to the Buddha.

Deva:

That is exactly what you should do. From this very day, go for refuge to the Supreme Buddha, the Supreme Dhamma, and the Supreme Saṅgha with a confident mind. Follow the Five Precepts honestly without breaking any of them.

Stop killing any beings, never steal, never drink alcohol, never lie, never commit sexual misconduct, and be content with your own wife.

Brahmin:

Oh Deva, you really wish for my well-being. You have been very helpful to me. From today onward, you are my teacher. I will do all the things you advised me to do. With a confident mind I go for refuge to the Supreme Buddha, the excellent Dhamma, and the disciples of the Great Teacher – the Noble Saṅgha. I will stop killing living beings, never steal anything, never drink alcohol, never lie, and never commit sexual misconduct. I will be content with my own wife.

Man:

You are young and surrounded by male and female deities. You look very happy with all the pleasures that you have. But in the daytime, you experience very painful feelings. What did you do in your previous life?

Ghost:

I was a cruel deer hunter living in the city of Rajagaha. I was always looking for something to kill. I did not have any pity on innocent beings.

I had a friend who was very compassionate, a disciple of the Supreme Buddha. He always said, “Do not do evil deeds my friend; do not be reborn in a bad world. If you wish to go to a happy world after death, then stop killing living beings.”

I did not listen to his advice because I took pleasure in killing and was very foolish.

My friend again advised me saying “If you must kill in the daytime, then please at least stop killing at night.”

So I killed living beings in the daytime and stopped during the night.

That is why I enjoy heavenly pleasures at night, but in the day, dogs come and tear off my flesh.

Even though I only restrained from killing at night, I still gained good results from it. Now I imagine the disciples of the Supreme Buddha who practice the Dhamma diligently throughout their lives surely will attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

Man:

In a multi-story mansion you rest on your very comfortable couch, listening to the sweet music of instruments. But at the end of the night before sunrise, you walk towards the cemetery where you experience very painful feelings. What evil deed have you committed by body, speech, or mind that you suffer like this?

Ghost:

In the city of Rajagaha, I was a hunter who was very cruel and had no self-control. I had a very kind friend who was a lay follower of the Supreme Buddha. He felt pity for me and kept advising me again and again, saying, “Do not do bad deeds my friend; do not be reborn in a bad world. If you wish to be reborn in a good world, then stop yourself from killing living beings.

I did not listen to his advice because I took pleasure in killing and was very foolish.

My friend who felt sorry for me advised me again saying, “If you have to kill living beings in the daytime, then please stop yourself from doing so at night.”

So I killed living beings during the daytime and stopped during the night. Because of this, I enjoy heavenly pleasures during the night and during the day, dogs come and eat me.

Even though I only restrained myself from killing at night, I still gained good results from it. Now I imagine the disciples of the Supreme Buddha who practice the Dhamma diligently throughout their lives will surely attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

In the city of the Vajjian people named Vesali there was a Licchavi king named Ambasakkhara. One day while he was outside of the city, he went to see a prisoner who was impaled on a sharp stake. There, the king saw a ghost. The king questioned the ghost,

Ambasakkhara:

This person can neither sleep nor sit. He cannot even take a step backwards or forwards. There are no clothes for him to wear or food to eat. He previously had relatives and friends but now there is nobody to help him, as if he has been thrown away. Friends will stay close to you when you are rich but abandon you when you are poor.

Having lost all of his possessions, now he is suffering with broken limbs and bleeding body. His life is uncertain, like a dew drop about to fall. He is about to die either today or tomorrow. Seeing such an unfortunate being, why do you say “May he live, may he live! Living is better than dying”?

Ghost:

Great King, when I recollected my past lives, I understood that he was my relative in a previous life. I had compassion towards him thinking, “Do not let his bad karma drag him into hell.”

Great King, if he dies he will fall into a very hot, severe, and frightful hell named Sattussada. This stake that he is on right now is countless times better than that terrible hell. Now if he were to know about what I just said, he would be afraid and lose his life. That is why I do not tell him about this.

Ambasakkhara:

I understand the situation that this person is in. Now I want to know about another thing too. Please give us permission to ask and do not get angry with me.

Ghost:

In the past, I had decided not to tell anyone who does not believe in karma about the ghost world. But now, since you have some trust in me, I will answer reluctantly. Ask anything you wish.

King:

Friend, I can believe whatever I see with my eyes. If I do not believe what I have seen with my eyes, then you can criticize me.

Ghost:

Please keep your promise. Now I will teach you the Dhamma. Listen carefully with an open and happy mind. Maybe you have heard the things I am about to say or maybe not, but I will tell everything I know.

King:

You have come here in a magnificent carriage pulled by white horses. It is very amazing and beautiful. Of what deed is this the result?

Ghost:

When I was in the human world I lived in the city of Vesali. One day there was a muddy area on a road. I placed the skull of an ox on that muddy area so that others could easily pass stepping on it. This was the good deed for which I have received this magnificent carriage.

King:

Friend, your body shines in all directions and the fragrance of your body spreads everywhere. You have divine psychic power too, but you are fully naked. What is the reason for this?

Ghost:

In the human world, my heart was free from anger and filled with kindness. I always talked to people with gentle speech. From this deed I gain my heavenly radiance. When I saw people who were following the Dhamma, I admired them and congratulated them. From this deed sweet fragrance spreads from my body.

One day, however, while my friends were bathing in a river, I playfully took their clothes and hid them without any evil thoughts in my mind. For this reason, I am now naked and I suffer.

The Buddha has taught that such will be the result if one commits a bad deed for fun. He has also taught how serious the consequences will be for those who commit evil deeds with bad intentions.

Those people who commit bad deeds with bad intentions by body, speech, and mind will surely go to hell after death.

But those who are very generous and kind to others will surely go to heaven after death.

King:

Now you have explained about good and bad karma, but how do I believe that there are results of good and bad deeds? Having seen what, should I believe it? Who can convince me about this?

Ghost:

When you have seen or heard the results of karma, you should believe in it. You must believe that this is the result of doing good and evil deeds. Otherwise, if there were no results of good or bad actions, why do some beings go to bad worlds and some to good worlds? What is the reason that some beings are poor and some are rich? Since living beings do good or bad deeds, they have happy or miserable existences and births in low or high classes.

I have now explained the actions that lead to happiness and the actions that lead to suffering. Doers of good rejoice in heaven. The fools who do not believe in the results of good and bad actions suffer in hell.

I have not done any meritorious deeds and there is nobody who will share their merits with me so that I can have clothes, houses, food and drink. For this reason I am suffering with a naked body.

King:

Is the any way for you to get clothing? Tell me a way so that I can give you clothes. I will believe in your words.

Ghost:

There is an Arahant monk named Kappinaka nearby. He is very virtuous and restrained in senses. His speech is very pleasant and he is a very skilled preacher. He meditates and is free from all defilements. He has become very calm and has realized the true nature of life. He is very gentle, tranquil, free from desires, concentrated and very wise. He has attained the triple knowledge. He is worthy of offerings from gods and humans.

Not many people know about his achievements. People cannot easily recognize him as an Arahant. People in the Vajjian state call him a sage. Powerful gods and yakkhas praise his qualities everywhere saying, “The Arahant monk Kappinaka is a great sage, free of passion.”

Please go and meet that Bhante and offer him a pair or two of robes. If he accepts them, and if you dedicate the merit to me, you will then see me with beautiful clothes.

King:

Where is that monk staying right now? Will he help me get rid of my doubts and wrong views?

Ghost:

He is resting at the village of Kapinaccana surrounded by many gods. He preaches the beautiful and excellent Dhamma which he practices very well.

King:

Yes, certainly I will go there right now and offer two robes and dedicate the merit to you. Then I will see you with beautiful clothes.

Ghost:

Wait, you should find another time to visit him because it is not good to disturb his meditation.

King:

Yes I will find a better time.

Surrounded by servants, the king then left that place and returned to his palace in the city. In the morning he bathed and ate his breakfast. He chose eight pairs of clothes from his closet and had the servants carry them. When the time was right, the king went to the place where the monk was. The monk was very calm and tranquil, seated at the foot of a tree. He had just returned from his morning alms round. The king approached him, asked about his wellbeing, and further said,

King:

Venerable Bhante, I am a Licchavi king from the city of Vesali. People know me as Ambasakkhara of the Licchavi clan. Please sir, accept these eight pairs of clothes of mine. I am offering these to you. I would be delighted if you accept them.

Monk:

Monks try to avoid your home. You break their bowls and even tear up their robes. Your people kick and trip them so they fall on their heads. These are the harassments that are caused by you and your people.

You have given nothing in charity nor have you shown the way to people who are lost. You have even grabbed the stick from a blind person. Being such a greedy and mean person, why are you here offering us robes?

King:

All that you have said about me is true, Bhante. Yes, I have harassed monks, but I have only done these things for fun not with an evil mind. But now I understand, even those deeds are very bad.

I know a ghost who committed an evil deed for fun now experiences suffering. He is a good person, but he is completely naked. What a terrible thing that is.

Bhante, I saw that ghost and I felt very sorry for him. For this reason I am now offering this gift. Please accept these eight pairs of clothes, and may the merit also reach that ghost.

Monk:

Surely, generosity has been praised by the Supreme Buddha. May generous people’s wealth increase further. I will accept your clothes and may the ghost share in this merit.

The king washed his face and offered the eight pairs of clothes to the Arahant monk saying, may Bhante accept these! May I see the ghost wearing beautiful clothes!

The ghost appeared in front of the king. The ghost was surrounded by many servants while sitting on a majestic pure-bred horse. He had a beautiful body covered with the fragrance of sandalwood and wore beautiful clothes.

The king was amazed and delighted when he saw the ghost. He saw with his own eyes the result of his offering.

The king approached the ghost and said,

King:

I will always give gifts to monks. Now there is nothing that I own that I cannot give. You have helped me very much, my friend.

Ghost:

Great king, you have offered one of the four requisites—clothing. It has been very fruitful. Even though I am a non-human and you are human, now we are talking together.

King:

Dear friend, I regard you as my relative, friend, god, and refuge. Worshipping you, I plead: I would like to see you again.

Ghost:

Yes, it can be on one condition. If one day you lose faith in the Dhamma, become very greedy, and follow wrong views, you will not see me anymore. Even if you see me, I will not talk to you.

But if you continuously develop respect for the Dhamma, practices generosity, become very kind and helpful to others, and often donate to monks, you will see me, and when I see you I will talk to you.

Great King, the reason we were able to become friends is because of that man on the stake. So please, release that man as soon as possible.

If the man is quickly released, he may have a chance to live, to do lots of good deeds, and even to escape from hell.

Please go with that man to meet Kappinaka Bhante and offer food and drink. He has to experience the result of another evil deed. Ask the Bhante about this, Bhante will explain everything. You should also listen to Bhante with the intention of understanding the Dhamma and not with a criticizing mind.

The king agreed with the ghost and promised to do as he said. Then the king went to the council of ministers and asked,

King:

Gentlemen, listen to me please. Do you remember that man who is dying on the stake? It is true that he has done evil deeds. We have already punished him. But he is loyal to the king. It has been twenty nights since he has been tortured on the stake. He is neither dead nor alive. Please give me the permission to release him.

Ministers:

Oh great King, you do not need to ask for permission from us. We will agree with your decision. Soldiers, please release that man.

Quickly, the king went to the prisoner who was on the stake and released him. The king told him not to be afraid. The king instructed his doctors to treat the man. Once the man was cured and healthy, the king took him to see the Arahant monk Kappinaka and they offered food and drink. The king questioned the monk thus,

King:

This man was undergoing punishment on a stake for twenty nights. He was very close to death. He had done evil deeds, but he was a loyal person to the king. Bhante, having listened to the suggestions of a ghost, I have released him. I learned that he would have been born in hell if he had died. Please teach him the way to escape from hell. We will listen to you trusting that you will tell us the truth. Is it possible that the results of some bad karma will disappear without ripening?

Monk:

If he practices the Dhamma diligently both day and night, he will escape from hell. But he will have to suffer the result of that bad karma somewhere else if he does not put an end to the round of rebirth.

King:

Bhante has answered the question that I asked about this man. Now, please have pity on me too. Very wise Bhante, teach me the Dhamma so that I also will escape from hell.

Monk:

You should take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha at this very moment. Have confidence in the Triple Gem, observe and keep the five precepts honestly.

Abstain from killing living beings right now, stop stealing, do not take intoxicating drinks and drugs, do not tell lies, and be satisfied with your own wife.

In this way, these eight factors (taking refuge in the Triple Gem and observing the five precepts) will give you much happiness.

The disciples of the Supreme Buddha, the monks, are very virtuous, desireless, have pure lives, and know much about the Dhamma. Have a pleasant mind about them. Offer them robes, food, drink, medicine, resting places, beds, and seats. Daily, the merits from these offerings grow.

In this way, you should practice the Dhamma diligently both day and night and you will escape from hell. But you will have to suffer the result of that bad karma somewhere else if you do not put an end to the round of rebirth.

King:

I will take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha right now, place confidence in the Triple Gem, and observe and keep the five precepts honestly.

I will stop killing living beings right now, will stop stealing, will not take intoxicating drinks and drugs, will not tell lies, and will be satisfied with my own wife.

In this way, I observe these eight factors which lead to true happiness.

I will offer robes, food, drink, medicine, resting places, beds, and seats to the community of monks, the Sangha, who have virtuous and pure lives.

In this way, King Ambasakkhara of the Licchavi clan became a devoted lay disciple of the Supreme Buddha. He started supporting monks carefully with a humble mind.

The prisoner who was on the stake recovered fully and went to Kappinaka Arahant Bhante and became a monk under him. Marvelously, both the king and the prisoner realized the Dhamma.

This is the benefit of associating with noble friends. The friendship of people who know the Dhamma leads to very great results. The prisoner who was on the stake and later became a monk eventually attained Arahantship and King Ambasakkhara became a Stream Entrant.

This is how I heard. At one time the Blessed One was living in the city of Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s garden, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Blessed One addressed the monks saying, “Monks!” “Bhante,” they replied. The Blessed One said this:

“Monks, the observance of the uposatha with its eight factors is very beneficial, brilliant and expansive. And how should it be observed? 

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up killing living beings, giving up the rod and the sword. They are very careful with their behaviour and kind, and live full of compassion for all living beings. I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living beings, giving up the rod and the sword. I’ll be very careful with my behaviour and kind, and live full of compassion for all living beings. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its first factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up stealing. They take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given. They keep themselves clean by not stealing. I, too, for this day and night will give up stealing. I’ll take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given. I’ll keep myself clean by not stealing. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its second factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up incelibacy. They are celibate, set apart, avoiding the low practice of sex. I, too, for this day and night will give up incelibacy. I will be celibate, set apart, avoiding the low practice of sex. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its third factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up lying. They speak the truth and stick to the truth. They’re honest and trustworthy, and don’t trick the world with their words. I, too, for this day and night will give up lying. I’ll speak the truth and stick to the truth. I’ll be honest and trustworthy, and won’t trick the world with my words. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its fourth factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up intoxicating drinks and drugs . I, too, for this day and night will give up intoxicating drinks and drugs. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its fifth factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants eat during the morning time before noon , giving up eating at night and from eating food after 12 noon till dawn the next day. I, too, for this day and night will eat during the morning time before noon , giving up eating at night and from eating food after 12 noon till dawn the next day. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its sixth factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up dancing, singing, music, and seeing shows; and beautifying and decorating themselves with strings of flowers, perfume, and makeup. I, too, for this day and night will give up dancing, singing, music, and seeing shows; and beautifying and decorating myself with strings of flowers, perfume, and makeup. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its seventh factor.

“It’s when a noble disciple thinks: ‘As long as they live, the arahants give up luxurious and comfortable seats and beds. They sleep in a low place, either a small bed or a straw mat. I, too, for this day and night will give up luxurious and comfortable seats and beds. I’ll sleep in a low place, either a small bed or a straw mat. I will observe the uposatha by doing as the arahants do in this way.’ This is its eighth factor. The observance of the uposatha with its eight factors in this way is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and expansive.”