So It Was Said 38

The Book of the Twos

Chapter Two

Thoughts

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

“Two thoughts, mendicants, often occur to the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha:
the thought of sanctuary, and that of seclusion.
The Realized One loves kindness and delights in it,
so this thought often occurs to him:
‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’

The Realized One loves seclusion and delights in it,
so this thought often occurs to him:
‘What is unskillful has been given up.’

So, mendicants, you too should love kindness and delight in it,
then this thought will often occur to you:
‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’

You too should love seclusion and delight in it,
then this thought will often occur to you:
‘What is unskillful? What is not given up? What should I give up?’”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
 “Two thoughts occur to him,
 the Realized One, the bearer of the unbearable:
 first mentioned was thought of sanctuary,
 then the second made clear was seclusion.
 Dispeller of darkness, the great seer has crossed over:
 the attained, the master, the undefiled.
 In the midst of it all, he is freed in the ending of craving;
 that sage bears his final body.
 He has disposed of Māra, I declare, and gone beyond old age.
 Standing high on a rocky mountain,
 you can see the people all around.
 In just the same way, the all-seer, so intelligent,
 having ascended the Temple of Truth,
 rid of sorrow, looks upon the people
 swamped with sorrow, oppressed by rebirth and old age.”

This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.