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Udana » Context of this sutta
- Udana VI.8
- Ganika Sutta
- The Courtesan
- For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma
I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying in Rajagaha
at the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Sanctuary. Now at that time two factions in Rajagaha
were in love with a certain courtesan, their minds enthralled. Arguing, quarreling, and
disputing, they attacked one another with fists, attacked one another with clods of dirt,
attacked one another with sticks, attacked one another with knives, so that they fell into
death or death-like pain.
Then in the early morning, a large number of monks, having put on their robes and
carrying their bowls and outer robes, went into Savatthi for alms.
Having gone for alms in Savatthi, after the meal, returning from their alms round, they
went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As
they were sitting there, they said to the Blessed One: "At present, two factions in
Rajagaha are in love with a certain courtesan, their minds enthralled. Arguing,
quarreling, and disputing, they attack one another with fists, attack one another with
clods of dirt, attack one another with sticks, attack one another with knives, so that
they fall into death or death-like pain."
Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion
exclaimed:
What's been attained, what's to be attained,
are both defiled by one who trains
in line with the afflicted.
Those for whom precepts & practices
are the essence of the training,
for whom celibacy is the essence of service:
this is one extreme.
Those who say, "There's no harm in sensual desires":
this is the second extreme.
Both of these extremes cause the growth of cemeteries,
and cemeteries cause views to grow.
Not directly knowing these two extremes,
some fall short,
some run too far.
But those who directly know them,
don't exist there,
don't conceive things
through them.
And for these people,
there's no whirling through the cycle
to be described.