The Sutta Nipata
The "Sutta Collection"
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Sutta Nipata IV.5
Paramatthaka Sutta
On Views
Translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland.
Read an alternate translation by Thanissaro
Bhikkhu
"A person who associates himself with certain views,
considering them as best and making them supreme in the world, he says, because
of that, that all other views are inferior; therefore he is not free from
contention (with others). In what is seen, heard, cognized and in ritual
observances performed, he sees a profit for himself. Just by laying hold of that
view he regards every other view as worthless. Those skilled (in judgment)[1]
say that (a view becomes) a bond if, relying on it, one regards everything else
as inferior. Therefore a bhikkhu should not depend on what is seen, heard or
cognized, nor upon ritual observances. He should not present himself as equal
to, nor imagine himself to be inferior, nor better than, another. Abandoning
(the views) he had (previously) held and not taking up (another), he does not
seek a support even in knowledge. Among those who dispute he is certainly not
one to take sides. He does not [have] recourse to a view at all. In whom there
is no inclination to either extreme, for becoming or non-becoming, here or in
another existence, for him there does not exist a fixed viewpoint on
investigating the doctrines assumed (by others). Concerning the seen, the heard
and the cognized he does not form the least notion. That brahmana[2]
who does not grasp at a view, with what could he be identified in the world?
"They do not speculate nor pursue (any notion);
doctrines are not accepted by them. A (true) brahmana is beyond, does not fall
back on views."
-- vv. 796-803
Notes
1. I.e., the Buddhas and their
disciples who have realized the goal.
[Go back]
2. I.e., a perfected one.
[Go back]
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