Samyutta Nikaya VIII.4

Ananda Sutta

Ananda (Instructions to Vangisa)

For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma

On one occasion Ven. Ananda was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then early in the morning he put on his robes and, carrying his bowl & outer robe, went into Savatthi for alms with Ven. Vangisa as his attendant monk. Now at that time dissatisfaction (with the chaste life) had arisen in Ven. Vangisa. Lust invaded his mind. So he addressed Ven. Ananda with this verse:

With sensual lust     I burn.
My mind     is on fire.
Please, Gotama,     from compassion,
        tell me how
        to put it out.

[Ven. Ananda:]

From distorted perception
        your mind is on fire.
Shun the theme         of the beautiful
                accompanied by lust.
See mental fabrications     as other,
                as stress,
                & not-self.
    Extinguish your great lust.
    Don't keep burning again & again.

Develop the mind
    -- well-centered & one --
        in the foul,
        through the foul.
Have your mindfulness
    immersed in the body.
Be one who pursues
    disenchantment.
Develop the theme-less.
Cast out conceit.
Then, from breaking through
        conceit,
    you will go on your way
                at peace.

Revised: Sat 17 October 1998