snp.4.5 Suttanipata

Eight on the Ultimate

If, maintaining that theirs is the “ultimate” view,
a person makes it out to be highest in the world;
then they declare all others are “lesser”;
that’s why they’re not over disputes.
If they see an advantage for themselves
in what’s seen, heard, or thought; or in precepts or vows,
in that case, having adopted that one alone,
they see all others as inferior.
Experts say that, too, is a knot,
relying on which people see others as lesser.
That’s why a mendicant ought not rely
on what’s seen, heard, or thought, or on precepts and vows.
Nor would they form a view about the world
through a notion or through precepts and vows.
They would never represent themselves as “equal”,
nor conceive themselves “worse” or “better”.
What was picked up has been set down and is not grasped again;
they form no dependency even on notions.
They follow no side among the factions,
and believe in no view at all.
One here who has no wish for either end—
for any form of existence in this life or the next—
has adopted no dogma at all
after judging among the teachings.
For them not even the tiniest idea is formulated here
regarding what is seen, heard, or thought.
That brahmin does not grasp any view—
how could anyone in this world judge them?
They don’t make things up or promote them,
and don’t subscribe to any of the doctrines.
The brahmin has no need to be led by precept or vow;
gone to the far shore, one such does not return.