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ud.7.6 Udana

The Discourse about the Destruction of Craving

Thus I heard: At one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Wood, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then at that time venerable Aññātakoṇḍañña Koṇḍañña, he-who-knows was sitting not far away from the Gracious One, after folding his legs crosswise, and setting his body straight, reflecting on his own freedom through the complete destruction of craving. The Gracious One saw venerable Aññātakoṇḍañña sat not far away, after folding his legs crosswise, and setting his body straight, reflecting on his own freedom through the complete destruction of craving.

Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance:

“For he who has no roots, no ground, and no leaves, how then creepers?
That firm one free from bonds—who is worthy enough to blame him?
The devas praise him, and he has also been praised by Brahma.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Ānandajoti

- Editor: Bhikkhu Sujato


The Ending of Craving

So I have heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Now at that time Venerable Koṇḍañña Who Understood was sitting not far from the Buddha, cross-legged, with his body straight, reviewing the freedom through the ending of craving.
The Buddha saw him meditating there.
Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:
“There is no root or ground or leaves for them,
so where would creepers sprout from?
That wise one is released from bonds:
who is worthy to criticize them?
Even the gods praise them,
and by Brahmā, too, they’re praised.”