SN 46.55

Saṅgāravasutta

Sāvatthinidānaṁ. Atha kho saṅgāravo brāhmaṇo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodi. Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho saṅgāravo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

With Saṅgārava

At Sāvatthī. Then Saṅgārava the brahmin went up to the Buddha, and exchanged greetings with him. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side and said to the Buddha:

“Ko nu kho, bho gotama, hetu, ko paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā? Ko pana, bho gotama, hetu, ko paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā”ti?

“What is the cause, Worthy Gotama, what is the reason why sometimes even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed? And why is it that sometimes even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed?”

“Yasmiṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, samaye kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

“Brahmin, there’s a time when your heart is overcome and mired in sensual desire and you don’t truly understand the escape from sensual desire that has arisen. At that time you don’t truly know or see what is good for yourself, good for another, or good for both. Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto saṁsaṭṭho lākhāya vā haliddiyā vā nīliyā vā mañjiṭṭhāya vā. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ na jāneyya na passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati …pe… paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there was a bowl of water that was mixed with dye such as red lac, turmeric, indigo, or rose madder. Even a person with clear eyes checking their own reflection wouldn’t truly know it or see it. In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in sensual desire … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto agginā santatto pakkuthito usmudakajāto. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ na jāneyya na passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there was a bowl of water that was heated by fire, boiling and bubbling. Even a person with clear eyes checking their own reflection wouldn’t truly know it or see it. In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto sevālapaṇakapariyonaddho. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ na jāneyya na passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there was a bowl of water enveloped with moss and aquatic plants. Even a person with clear eyes checking their own reflection wouldn’t truly know it or see it. In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto vāterito calito bhanto ūmijāto. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ na jāneyya na passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there was a bowl of water stirred by the wind, quivering, swirling, and rippling. Even a person with clear eyes checking their own reflection wouldn’t truly know it or see it. In the same way, when your heart is overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi … dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is overcome and mired in doubt … Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto āvilo luḷito kalalībhūto andhakāre nikkhitto. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ na jāneyya na passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ nappajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ na jānāti na passati; dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā. Ayaṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, hetu ayaṁ paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ sajjhāyakatāpi mantā nappaṭibhanti, pageva asajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there was a bowl of water that was cloudy, murky, and muddy, hidden in the darkness. Even a person with clear eyes checking their own reflection wouldn’t truly know it or see it. In the same way, there’s a time when your heart is overcome and mired in doubt and you don’t truly understand the escape from doubt that has arisen. At that time you don’t truly know or see what is good for yourself, good for another, or good for both. Even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed. This is the cause, brahmin, this is the reason why sometimes even hymns that are long-rehearsed don’t spring to mind, let alone those that are not rehearsed.

Yasmiñca kho, brāhmaṇa, samaye na kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

There’s a time when your heart is not overcome and mired in sensual desire and you truly understand the escape from sensual desire that has arisen. At that time you truly know and see what is good for yourself, good for another, and good for both. Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto asaṁsaṭṭho lākhāya vā haliddiyā vā nīliyā vā mañjiṭṭhāya vā. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na kāmarāgapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na kāmarāgaparetena, uppannassa ca kāmarāgassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti …pe….

Suppose there was a bowl of water that was not mixed with dye such as red lac, turmeric, indigo, or rose madder. A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it. In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in sensual desire … Even hymns that are long-unpracticed spring to mind, let alone those that are practiced.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto na agginā santatto na pakkuthito na usmudakajāto. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na byāpādapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na byāpādaparetena, uppannassa ca byāpādassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there is a bowl of water that is not heated by a fire, boiling and bubbling. A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it. In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in ill will … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto na sevālapaṇakapariyonaddho. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na thinamiddhapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na thinamiddhaparetena, uppannassa ca thinamiddhassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there is a bowl of water that is not enveloped with moss and aquatic plants. A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it. In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in dullness and drowsiness … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto na vāterito na calito na bhanto na ūmijāto. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na uddhaccakukkuccapariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na uddhaccakukkuccaparetena, uppannassa ca uddhaccakukkuccassa nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi …pe… ubhayatthampi …pe… dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there is a bowl of water that is not stirred by the wind, quivering, swirling, and rippling. A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it. In the same way, when your heart is not overcome and mired in restlessness and remorse … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Puna caparaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Furthermore, when your heart is not overcome and mired in doubt … Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Seyyathāpi, brāhmaṇa, udapatto accho vippasanno anāvilo āloke nikkhitto. Tattha cakkhumā puriso sakaṁ mukhanimittaṁ paccavekkhamāno yathābhūtaṁ jāneyya passeyya. Evameva kho, brāhmaṇa, yasmiṁ samaye na vicikicchāpariyuṭṭhitena cetasā viharati na vicikicchāparetena, uppannāya ca vicikicchāya nissaraṇaṁ yathābhūtaṁ pajānāti, attatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, paratthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati, ubhayatthampi tasmiṁ samaye yathābhūtaṁ jānāti passati; dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā. Ayaṁ kho, brāhmaṇa, hetu ayaṁ paccayo yenekadā dīgharattaṁ asajjhāyakatāpi mantā paṭibhanti, pageva sajjhāyakatā.

Suppose there was a bowl of water that was transparent, clear, and unclouded, brought into the light. A person with clear eyes checking their own reflection would truly know it and see it. In the same way, there’s a time when your heart is not overcome and mired in doubt and you truly understand the escape from doubt that has arisen. At that time you truly know and see what is good for yourself, good for another, and good for both. Even hymns that are long-unrehearsed spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed. This is the cause, brahmin, this is the reason why sometimes even hymns that are long-unrehearsed do spring to mind, let alone those that are rehearsed.

Sattime, brāhmaṇa, bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Satisambojjhaṅgo kho, brāhmaṇa, anāvaraṇo anīvaraṇo cetaso anupakkileso bhāvito bahulīkato vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattati …pe… upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo kho, brāhmaṇa, anāvaraṇo anīvaraṇo cetaso anupakkileso bhāvito bahulīkato vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattati. Ime kho, brāhmaṇa, satta bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattantī”ti.

These seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom. What seven? The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity. These seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom.”

Evaṁ vutte, saṅgāravo brāhmaṇo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “abhikkantaṁ, bho gotama …pe… upāsakaṁ maṁ bhavaṁ gotamo dhāretu ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gatan”ti.

When he said this, Saṅgārava said to the Buddha, “Excellent, worthy Gotama! … From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”