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- Samyutta Nikaya XX1.10
- Theranama Sutta
- [A Monk] by the Name of Elder (On Solitude)
- For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma
On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Rajagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the
squirrels' sanctuary. Now at that time a certain monk by the name of Elder (Thera) was one
who lived alone and extolled the virtues of living alone. Alone he entered the village for
alms, alone he returned, alone he sat withdrawn [in meditation], alone he did walking
meditation.
Then a large number of monks went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down
to him, sat to one side. As they were sitting there, they informed him: "Lord, there
is a certain monk by the name of Elder who lives alone and extols the virtues of living
alone."
Then the Blessed One told a certain monk, "Come, monk. In my name, call the monk
named Elder, saying, 'The Teacher calls you, my friend.'"
"As you say, lord," the monk answered and, having gone to Ven. Elder, on
arrival he said, "The Teacher calls you, my friend."
"As you say, my friend," Ven. Elder replied. Then he went to the Blessed One
and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, the
Blessed One said to him, "Is it true, Elder, that you live alone and extol the
virtues of living alone?"
"Yes, lord."
"But how do you live alone and extol the virtues of living alone?"
"Lord, alone I enter the village for alms, alone I return, alone I sit withdrawn
[in meditation], alone I do walking meditation. That is how I live alone and extol the
virtues of living alone."
"There is that way of living alone, Elder. I don't say that there isn't. Still,
listen well to how your living alone is perfected in its details, and pay close attention.
I will speak."
"As you say, lord," Ven. Elder responded.
The Blessed One said: "And how is living alone perfected in its details? There is
the case where whatever is past is abandoned, whatever is future is relinquished, and any
passion & desire with regard to states of being attained in the present is well
subdued.[1] That is how living alone is perfected in its
details."
That is what the Blessed One said. Having said it, the One Well-gone further said this:
"All-conquering,
all-knowing, intelligent;
with regard to all things,
unadhering;
all-abandoning,
released in the ending of craving:
him I call
a man who lives
alone."
Note
1. Iti 15
states that as long as one has craving as a companion, one keeps wandering on in samsara. [Go back]
See also: Dhp 353; Sn I.3.