The Questions of Dhotaka

“I ask you, Blessed One; please tell me this,” said Venerable Dhotaka,
“I long for your voice, great seer.
After hearing your message,
I shall train myself for extinguishment.”

“Well then, be keen, alert,” replied the Buddha,
“and mindful right here.
After hearing this message, go on
and train yourself for extinguishment.”

“I see in the world of gods and humans
a brahmin traveling with nothing.
I bow especially to you, All-seer:
release me, Sakyan, from my indecisions.”

“I am not able to release anyone
in the world who is indecisive, Dhotaka.
But when you understand the best of teachings,
you shall cross this flood.”

“Teach me, brahmin, out of compassion,
the principle of seclusion so that I may understand.
I wish to practice right here, peaceful, independent,
unobstructed as space itself.”

“I shall extol that peace for you,” replied the Buddha,
“that is apparent in the present, not relying on legends.
Having understood it, one who lives mindfully
may cross over clinging in the world.”

“And I rejoice, great seer,
in that supreme peace,
having understood which, one who lives mindfully
may cross over clinging in the world.”

“Once you have understood that everything,” replied the Buddha,
“you are aware of in the world—
above, below, all round, between—
is a chain, don’t crave for life after life.”