iti.36 Itivuttaka

Not Deceiving (2)

This was said by the Lord…

“Bhikkhus, this holy life is not lived for the sake of deceiving people, for the sake of cajoling people, for the sake of profiting in gain, honour, and fame, nor with the idea, ‘Let people know me thus.’ This holy life, bhikkhus, is lived for the sake of direct knowledge and full understanding.”

The Lord taught a holy life
Not based on tradition,
For knowledge and understanding,
Leading to and merging in Nibbāna.

This is the path followed by the great,
Pursued by the lofty sages.
Those who enter that course
As taught by the Enlightened One,
Heeding the Teacher’s instruction,
Will make an end of suffering.

- Translator: John D. Ireland

- Editor: Bhikkhu Sujato

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Deceit and Flattery

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“Mendicants, this spiritual life is not lived for the sake of deceiving people or flattering them, nor for the benefit of possessions, honor, or popularity, nor thinking, ‘So let people know about me!’
This spiritual life is lived for the sake of direct knowledge and complete understanding.”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
“The Buddha taught the spiritual life
not because of tradition,
but for the sake of insight and understanding,
and because it culminates in extinguishment.
This is the path followed by the great souls,
the great hermits.
Those who practice it
as it was taught by the Buddha
doing the teacher’s bidding,
make an end of suffering.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.