..續本文上一頁hat immorality would create an impediment, and that it is not solely the meritorious act consisting of giving that leads to such a favorable rebirth."

　　10.

　　Free of lust (viitaraagassa). Comy.: That is, one who is free of lust (for sensuality) either by having eradicated it (samucchinna-raagassa) by the path of non-return; or by having repressed it (vikkhambhita) by a meditative attainment. For one cannot be reborn in a Brahma-world solely by giving (liberality; daana). Giving, however, is an ennobling and supportive factor in a state of mind directed to tranquillity and insight (samatha-vipassanaa). If one practices the brahma-vihaara (pine abidings) with a mind that has become gentle by giving, one will be reborn in the Brahma-world." — Sub. Comy.: "The term ”free of lust” (viitaraaga) refers here only to the eradication of sensuous desire (kaama-raaga), by which a rebirth in a Brahma-world may well take place; but such a rebirth cannot occur by the eradication of the desire for (renewed) existence (bhava-raaga)."

　　11.

　　Pu~n~naa-kiriya-vatthu. The term vatthu can also be rendered by basis, item or type. Comy. says that these three are bases for their respective benefits. — Later tradition adds another seven items; on these see "The Advantages of Merit," by Bhikkhu Khantipalo (Bodhi Leaves No. 38).

　　12.

　　Daana, siila, bhaavana.

　　13.

　　Comy.: "He has not even made an effort in meditation."

　　14.

　　Comy.: "He will be reborn in a family of low status and he will be unsuccessful in his life."

　　15.

　　Aasavaana.m khayaaya.

　　16.

　　Comy.: "When dying as an unliberated worldling (puthujjana), it would be a hindrance either to a heavenly rebirth or to attaining the paths of emancipation."

　　The Book of the Nines

　　8. MEGHIYA

　　Once the Blessed One lived at Caalikaa, on the Caaliya hill.[1] There the venerable Meghiya, who was at that time the Blessed One”s attendant, approached the Master, saluted him respectfully, and while standing at one side, said:

　　"Lord, I wish to go to Jantugaama for alms food." — "You may do as you think fit, Meghiya."

　　The venerable Meghiya, dressing himself in the morning and taking robe and bowl, entered Jantugaama for alms food. Having made the alms round and taken his meal, he went to the bank of the Kimikaalaa river.

　　There, while walking about to stretch his legs, he saw a pleasant and beautiful mango grove. Seeing it, he thought: "Pleasant, indeed, is this mango grove; it is beautiful. Truly, it is fit for a clansman who wishes to make effort (in meditation). If the Blessed One allows it, I shall return to this mango grove for my efforts (in meditation)."

　　And the venerable Meghiya went to see the Blessed One, saluted him respectfully and sat down to one side. He then said: "Lord, after my alms round in Jantugaama, when I had taken my meal, I went to the bank of the river Kimikaalaa and while walking there I saw a pleasant and beautiful mango grove which I thought fit for a clansman who wishes to make effort (in meditation). If the Blessed One permits, I shall go there and strive.

　　"Wait for a while, Meghiya. We are now alone here.[2] First let another monk come."[3]

　　But the venerable Meghiya repeated his request, saying: "Lord, for the Blessed One there is nothing further to achieve and nothing needs to be added to his achievement. But as for me, Lord, there is still more that I have to achieve and more to be added to what I have done. If the Blessed One permits, I shall go to that mango grove and strive."

　　Again the Blessed One asked him to wait and again the venerable Meghiya made his request for a third time.

　　"As you speak of striving, Meghiya, what can we say

　　 You may do now as you think fit."

　　The venerable Meghiya then rose from his seat, saluted the Blessed One, and keeping him to his right, left for the mango grove. …

《Anguttara Nikaya:The Discourse Collection in Numerical Order》全文未完，請進入下頁繼續閱讀…