snp.5.6 Suttanipata

The Questions of Dhotaka

“I ask you, Blessed One; please tell me this,”
said Venerable Dhotaka,
“I long for your voice, great hermit.
After hearing your message,
I shall train myself for quenching.”
“Well then, be keen, alert,”
replied the Buddha,
“and mindful right here.
After hearing this message, go on
and train yourself for quenching.”
“I see in the world of gods and humans
a brahmin travelling with nothing.
Therefore I bow to you, all-seer:
release me, Sakyan, from my doubts.”
“I am not able to release anyone
in the world who has doubts, Dhotaka.
But when you understand the best of teachings,
you shall cross this flood.”
“Teach me, brahmin, out of compassion,
the principle of seclusion so that I may understand.
I wish to practice right here, peaceful, independent,
as unimpeded as space.”
“I shall extol that peace for you,”
replied the Buddha,
“that is apparent in the present, not relying on tradition.
Having understood it, one who lives mindfully
may cross over clinging in the world.”
“And I rejoice, great hermit,
in that supreme peace,
having understood which, one who lives mindfully
may cross over clinging in the world.”
“Once you have understood that everything,”
replied the Buddha,
“you are aware of in the world—
above, below, all round, between—
is a snare, don’t crave for life after life.”