(Dasadhamma Sutta) (1)
Thus have
I heard:
On one occasion
the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at the
monastery of Anathapindika.
Then the
Blessed One addressed the monks, saying: 'Monks'.
'Venerable
Sir', they said by way of reply. The Blessed One then spoke
as follows:
These ten
essentials (Dhammas) must be reflected upon again and
again by one who has gone forth (to live the holy life). What
are these ten?
1. I am
now changed into a different mode of life (from that of a layman).
This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone
forth.
2. My life
depends on others.
3. I must
now behave in a different manner. This must be reflected upon
again and again by one who has gone forth.
4. Does
my mind upbraid me regarding the state of my virtue (Sila).
This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone
forth.
5. Do my
discerning fellow-monks having tested me, reproach me regarding
the state of my virtue? This must be reflected upon again and
again by one who has gone forth.
6. There
will be a parting (some day) from all those who are dear and
loving to me. Death brings this separation to me. This must
be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
7. Of Kamma
(2) I am constituted. Kamma is
my inheritance; Kamma is the matrix; Kamma is
my kinsman; Kamma is my refuge. Whatever Kamma
I perform, be it good or bad, to that I shall be heir. This
must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
8. How do
I spend my nights and days? This must be reflected upon again
and again by one who has gone forth.
9. Do I
take delight in solitude? This must be reflected upon again
and again by one who has gone forth.
10. Have
I gained superhuman faculties? Have I gained that higher wisdom
so that when I am questioned (on this point) by fellow-monks
at the last moment (when death is approaching) I will have no
occasion to be depressed and downcast? This must be reflected
upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
These, monks,
are the essentials that should be reflected again and again
by one who has gone forth (to live the holy life).
So spoke
the Blessed One. Those monks rejoiced at the words of the Blessed
One.
NOTES:
1. A.
v. 87.
2. Literally action - mental, verbal and physical.