an.8.16 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

Mission

“Bhikkhus, possessing eight qualities, a bhikkhu is worthy of going on a mission. What eight?

“Here, (1)–(2) a bhikkhu is one who listens and makes others listen; (3)–(4) he is one who learns well and makes others learn; (5)–(6) he is one who understands and communicates well; (7) he is skilled in knowing what is relevant and what irrelevant; and (8) he does not foment quarrels. Possessing these eight qualities, a bhikkhu is worthy of going on a mission.

“Bhikkhus, possessing eight qualities, Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission. What eight?

“Here, Sāriputta is one who listens and who makes others listen … he does not foment quarrels. Possessing these eight qualities, Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission.”

One who does not tremble when he arrives
at an assembly with fierce debaters;
who does not omit words
or conceal his message;
who speaks without hesitation,
and does not waver when asked a question;
a bhikkhu like this is worthy
of going on a mission.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Going on a Mission

“Mendicants, a mendicant with eight qualities is worthy of going on a mission.
What eight?
It’s a mendicant who learns and educates others. They memorize and remember. They understand and help others understand. They’re skilled at knowing what’s on topic and what isn’t. And they don’t cause quarrels.
A mendicant with these eight qualities is worthy of going on a mission.
Having eight qualities Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission.
What eight?
He learns and educates others. He memorizes and remembers. He understands and helps others understand. He’s skilled at knowing what’s on topic and what isn’t. And he doesn’t cause quarrels.
Having these eight qualities Sāriputta is worthy of going on a mission.
They don’t tremble when arriving
at an assembly of fierce debaters.
They don’t miss out any words,
or conceal the instructions.
Their words aren’t poisoned,
and they don’t tremble when questioned.
Such a mendicant
is worthy of going on a mission.”