Vitakka sutta: 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, <j>he is freed in the ending of craving;
that sage bears his final body.
He has disposed of Māra, I declare, <j>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, <j>overcome by rebirth and old age.”

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