Janussoni Brahmana Sutta
Discourse concerning the Brahmin Janussoni


AvijjaVagga, Magga Samyutta
Mahavagga Samyutta, Samyutta Nikaya, Suttanta Pitaka

SOURCE: "Three Groups of Related Discourses from
MAHAHAVAGGA SAMYUTTA"
Translated by Professor U Ko Lay, Yangon
Edited by the Editorial Committee, DFPPS (Myanmar Tipitaka Association), 1998
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       4. The Bhagava was staying at Savatthi. At that time, the Venerable Ananda rearranged his robes in the morning and taking his bowl and great robe entered Savatthi to go on his alms round. He saw the brahmin Janussoni leaving Savatthi in an all-white carriage drawn by mares. The mares harnessed to the carriage were white; the carriage was white and fitted with white ornaments and decorations, the draperies were all white; the reins were white; the driver's whip was white: the umbrella was white; the head-dress was white; the dresses were white; the sandals were white; and the brahmin was being fanned with fans made of white yak's tail. On seeing the carriage, the people exclaimed thus: Oh, Friends, What a glorious carriage! Indeed, friends, how like the vehicle of noble people.

        Then the Venerable Ananda, having gone round Savatthi for alms food, and having eaten his meal, left the place and went to the Bhagava. After making obeisance to the Bhagava. and taking his seat at one side, the Venerable Ananda addressed the Bhagava with these words: Venerable Sir, I rearranged the robes in the morning, and taking the bowl and great robe entered Savatthi to go on my alms round. There I saw the brahmin Janussoni leaving Savatthi in an all-white carriage drawn by mares, The mares harnessed to the carriage were white; the carriage was white and fitted with white ornaments and decorations; the decorations were all in white; the reins were white; the drivers whip was white; the umbrella was white; the head-dress was white; the dresses were white; the sandals were white; and the brahmin was being fanned with fans made of white yak's tail. On seeing the carriage, the people exclaimed, 'Friend, what a glorious carriage; indeed friends, how like a vehicle of noble people'. Venerable sir, is it possible to designate the Teaching as the vehicle of the noble people?

       "It is possible to do so. Ananda," replied the Bhagava. "The noble vehicle 'Brahma yana;' the vehicle of the teachings, dhamma yana' and the incomparable vehicle of victory in B battle (over defilements) 'anuttaro sangama vijaya' are only different names, Ananda, for the Ariya Path of Eight Constituents."

       When, Ananda, Right View is developed, and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; it leads to complete abolition of hatred; it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda. Right Thought is developed, and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; it leads to complete abolition of hatred; it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda, Right Speech is developed, and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; it leads to complete abolition of hatred: it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda, Right Action is developed, and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; ... of hatred; it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda, Right Livelihood is developed and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; of hatred; ... it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda, Right Effort is developed, and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; of hatred; ... it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda, Right Mindfulness is developed, and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; ... of hatred; ... it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment. When, Ananda, Right Concentration is developed and cultivated many times, it leads to complete abolition of attachment; ... of hatred; ... it leads to complete abolition of bewilderment.

        For these reasons, Ananda, it should be known that Brahma yana, dhamma yana and Anuttaro sangama vijaya, (the Noble vehicle, the vehicle of the teachings, the in comparable vehicle of victory over defilements) are only different names for the Ariya Path of Eight constituents. Thus spoke the Bhagava. Having spoken these words. Sugata recited these verses:

        'Faith and wisdom are always harnessed to the yoke (of equanimity) of this magga vehicle; sense of shame is the pole of the vehicle; (vipassana) consciousness is the reins; mindfulness is the charioteer who guards the vehicle.

        The magga vehicle has morality, as its ornament: it has jhana as its axle and endeavour as its wheels. It has equanimity as its yoke keeping the magga vehicle steady and non-greed as its draperies.

        Goodwill, compassion and detached seclusion weapons* of one who is established in this magga vehicle. Forbearance is his shield or armor; magga vehicle is his means of the destruction of defilements (i. e., realizing Nibbana).

        When the wise have acquired through their own endeavour, this incomparable Ariya Vehicle, they will have won, they will have gained victories (over all the defilements) and achieved emancipation, indeed, from the world (thus realizing Nibbana).'

End of the Janussoni Brahmana Sutta,

the fourth in this Vagga


        * The weapons: Ananda, Goodwill, compassion, and detached seclusion are metaphorically described as weapons since goodwill is a means of destroying hatred; compassion is a means of destroying cruelty white detached seclusion is a means of destroying love of company, and is a means of destroying defilements and all forms of demeritoriousness.


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Alphabetical Index

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