The Numerical Discourses

Chapter 2: Ten Recollections

4. The Precepts

1. Thus I have heard:[1] One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.

2. It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “One should cultivate one thing and disseminate one thing. Then, they will achieve spiritual knowledge, dispel their confused ideas, win the fruits of the ascetic, and bring about nirvāṇa themselves. What’s that one thing? It’s called recollecting the precepts. One should cultivate and widely disseminate it. Then, they will achieve spiritual knowledge, dispel their confused ideas, win the fruits of the ascetic, and bring about nirvāṇa themselves.

3. “Therefore, monks, you should cultivate this one thing and widely disseminate this one thing. Thus, monks, should you train.”

4. When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.

Notes

1. This sūtra is parallel with AN 1.299. [back]

Translator: Charles Patton

Last Revised: 29 January 2023