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Udana » Context of this sutta
- Udana VII.9
- Udapana Sutta
- The Well
- Translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland
For free distribution only,
by arrangement with the Buddhist Publication Society
Thus have I heard. At one time the Lord was journeying among the Mallas together with a
large Order of bhikkhus and came to the brahmin village of the Mallas called Thuna. The
brahmin householders who lived in Thuna heard: "The recluse Gotama, the Sakyan son
who went forth from the Sakya clan, has been journeying among the Mallas together with a
large Order of bhikkhus and has arrived at Thuna." They then filled the well to the
brim with grass and chaff, thinking, "Don't let those shaven-headed recluses get
water to drink."
Then the Lord stepped off the road, and going up to the foot of a certain tree, sat
down on a seat prepared for him. Sitting there the Lord addressed the Venerable Ananda:
"Come, Ananda, fetch me some water from that well."
Thereupon the Venerable Ananda said to the Lord: "Just now, revered sir, the
brahmin householders living in Thuna filled the well to the brim with grass and chaff,
thinking, 'Don't let those shaven-headed recluses get water to drink.'"
Then a second time the Lord addressed the Venerable Ananda: "Come, Ananda, fetch
me some water...." And a second time the Venerable Ananda said to the Lord:
"Just now, revered sir, the brahmin householders filled the well to the brim with
grass and chaff...."
Then for a third time the Lord addressed the Venerable Ananda: "Come, Ananda,
fetch me some water from that well."
"Yes, revered sir," the Venerable Ananda replied, and taking a bowl he went
to the well. Now as the Venerable Ananda was approaching it, the well threw up all its
grass and chaff from its mouth and stood filled to the brim with pure, clean, clear water,
as if it were overflowing. Then the Venerable Ananda thought: "It is indeed
wonderful, it is indeed marvellous, the great supernormal potency and power of the
Tathagata! As I was approaching this well, it threw up all that grass and chaff from its
mouth and now stands filled to the brim with pure, clean, clear water, as if it were
overflowing." And taking some water in the bowl he approached the Lord and said:
"It is indeed wonderful, it is indeed marvellous, the great supernormal potency and
power of the Tathagata! This well ... now stands filled to the brim with pure, clean,
clear water, as if it were overflowing. Drink the water, Lord. Drink the water,
Sugata."
Then, on realizing its significance, the Lord uttered on that occasion this inspired
utterance:
What use is there for a well
If there is water everywhere?
When craving's root is severed
What should one go about seeking?