Paccekabuddhas in Canon & Commentary

by **Dhammanando** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 5:38 am

Does anyone want to talk about them?

by **retrofuturist** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 5:48 am

Greetings venerable,

I'd be interested in any references that compare their qualities and attainments to that of a Sammasambuddha.

What differentiates them from fully enlightened Buddhas other than their inability to form their own dispensation?

Metta,
Retro.

by **Dhammanando** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 6:13 am

Hi Retro,

retrofuturist wrote:I'd be interested in any references that compare their qualities and attainments to that of a Sammasambuddha.

The other day I was reading an article about paccekabuddhas in the Thai monks' magazine Warasarn Sirinthornparithat. It was by the lay scholar Manop Nakkanrian and was entitled "The Buddhas who got Forgotten". Before reading it I hadn't quite realized how thoroughly the paccekabuddha and paccekabodhi were treated in the Pali texts (it's mostly in commentaries by Dhammapāla that I've never read). I was thinking of translating the article and posting it in four parts, but wanted to check first if anyone was interested in the subject. As far as I know it hasn't been dealt with much in English language sources (except for Ria Kloppenborg's book, The Paccekabuddha: A Buddhist Ascetic, which I've never had a chance to read).

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

by **jcsuperstar** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 6:20 am

i'm interested!!

by **Ben** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 11:07 am

Thank you Ajahn for offering to translate and transcribe the article.
I am also very interested.
Kind regards

Ben

by **Cittasanto** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 11:49 am

I'm interested! why just recolect the qualities of one buddha, or one type of Buddha?

by **Will** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 7:58 pm

Absolutely interested. Does he contrast the Mahayana view of same or are they pretty much the same?

by **Dhammanando** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 8:26 pm

Hi Will,

Will wrote:Absolutely interested. Does he contrast the Mahayana view of same or are they pretty much the same?

I'll probably have Part 1 read tomorrow or the day after. No, he presents only what is given in Pali sources.

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

by **zamis** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:55 pm

Dhammanando wrote:Does anyone want to talk about them?

Though I wouldn't be able to contribute to a discussion as others could, I've often looked for information on them and haven't found much. Very grateful for your offer Bhante.

by **Dhammanando** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:07 am

I haven't yet had much time to work on the translation of the Thai article, but I hope to have the first part ready soon. In the meantime...

Canonical sources relating to paccekabuddhas – 1. The Isigili Sutta

Isigili Sutta: The Gullet of the Seers, MN. 116

Bhikkhu Bodhi's Notes

Mahā Pirit Pota

The Paccekabuddha: A Buddhist Ascetic.

Ayaṃ pabbato ime isī gilati

by **Dhammanando** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:52 am

Canonical sources relating to paccekabuddhas – 2. Khaggavisāṇa Sutta I

[The text in bold is K.R. Norman’s rather literal prose translation from “The Group of Discourses”. The parts within square brackets have alternative translations by I.B. Horner and Walpola Rāhula (given in blue text after each verse), who follow the commentarial understanding more closely than Norman. The text in italic is E.M. Hare's much freer verse translation from “Woven Cadences”. This Sutta, with its uncompromising ascesis, is traditionally viewed in the Theravada as a collection of sayings by paccekabuddhas. Regarding verse 41, I think the word "serve" is a typo for "sever", but this is how it is printed in both the original OUP edition of “Woven Cadences” and in Edward Conze's anthology, “Buddhist Scriptures”. And "loving" in verse 47 is most definitely a typo for "living".]

Khaggavisāṇa Sutta: The Rhinoceros Horn, Sn. 35-75

Laying aside violence in respect of all beings, not harming even one of them, one should not wish for a son, let alone a companion. One should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Put by the rod for all that lives,
Nor harm thou any one thereof;
Long not for son – how then for friend?
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Affection comes into being for one who has associations; following on affection, this misery arises. Seeing the peril which is born from affection, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Love cometh from companionship;
In wake of love upsurges ill;
Seeing the bane that comes of love,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Sympathising with friends and companions [one misses one’s goal, being shackled in mind. Seeing the danger in acquaintance (with friends)], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[one loses one’s goal, being attached in mind. Seeing this fear in attachment to friends]

In ruth for all his bosom-friends,
A man, heart-chained, neglects the goal:
Seeing this fear in fellowship,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

[The consideration which (exists) for sons and wives is like a very wide-spreading bamboo tree entangled (with others. Like a (young) bamboo shoot not caught up (with others)], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[And whatever the expectation with regard to children and wives, it is like a tall bamboo which is tangled up (with others). Like a young bamboo shoot not clinging (to others)]

Tangled as crowding bamboo boughs
Is fond regard for sons and wife:
As the tall tops are tangle-free,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

As a deer which is not tied up goes wherever it wishes in the forest for pasture, an understanding man, having regard for his independence, should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

The deer untethered roams the wild
Whithersoe’er it lists for food:
Seeing the liberty, wise man,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

In the midst of companions, whether one is resting, standing, going or wandering, there are requests (from others). Having regard for the independence (which is) not coveted (by others), one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

With friends one is at beck and call,
At home, abroad, on tour for alms:
Seeing the liberty none want,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

In the midst of companions there are sport, enjoyment, and great love for sons (Although) loathing separation from what is dear, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

With friends there’s mirth and merriment,
And love for sons is very great:
Full loath to serve the ties of love,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

One is a man of the four quarters and not hostile, being pleased with whatever comes one’s way. A fearless bearer of dangers, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Free everywhere, at odds with none,
And well content with this and that:
Enduring dangers undismayed,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

[Even some wanderers are not kindly disposed], and also (some) householders dwelling in a house. Having little concern for the children of others, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[Even some who have gone forth are hard to consort with (or: are unworthy of the community)]

Some home-forsakers ill consort,
As householders who live at home:
Indifferent to other folk,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Having removed the marks of a householder, like a Koviḷāra tree whose leaves have fallen, a hero, having cut the householder’s bonds, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Casting aside the household gear,
As sheds the coral tree its leaves,
With home-ties cut and vigorous,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

If one can obtain a zealous companion, an associate of good disposition, (who is) resolute, overcoming all [dangers] one should wander with him, with elevated mind, mindful.

[obstacles (or: difficulties)]

If one find friend with whom to fare,
Rapt in the well-abiding, apt,
Surmounting dangers one and all,
With joy fare with him mindfully.

If one cannot obtain a zealous companion, an associate of good disposition, (who is) resolute, (then) like a king quitting the kingdom (which he has) conquered, one should wander solitary as an elephant in the forest.

Finding none apt with whom to fare,
None in the well-abiding rapt,
As rajah quits the conquered realm,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Assuredly let us praise the good fortune of (having) a companion; [friends better (than oneself) or equal (to oneself) are to be associated with. If one does not obtain these, (then) enjoying (only) blameless things], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[Higher or equal companions should be associated with. Not having obtained these, subsisting blamelessly]

Surely we praise accomplished friends;
Choose thou the best or equal friends:
Not finding these and loving right,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

.

by **Dhammanando** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:55 am

Khaggavisāṇa Sutta II

Seeing shining (bracelets) of gold, well-made by a smith, clashing together (when) two are on (one) arm, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Seeing how glittering bangles o’ gold,
Tho’ finely wrought by goldsmith’s art,
Jangle when twain on arm are set,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

[‘In the same way, with a companion there would be objectionable talk or abuse for me.’] Seeing this danger for the future], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[‘Thus there would be for me talking with and affectionate feeling for the second person.’ Regarding this as a danger for the future]

Bethink thee, “Thus with others joined,
What wordy talks, what scolds for me!”
Seeing this fear lies in the way,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

For sensual pleasures, variegated, sweet (and) delightful, disturb the mind with their manifold form. Seeing peril in [the strands of sensual pleasure], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[in sensual pleasures]

Gay pleasures, honeyed, rapturous,
In divers forms churn up the mind:
Seeing the bane of pleasure’s brood,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

‘This for me is a calamity, and a tumour, and a misfortune, and a disease, and a barb, and a danger.’ Seeing this danger in [the strands of sense pleasure], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[in sensual pleasures]

“They are a plague, a blain, a sore,
A barb, a fear, disease for me!”
Seeing this fear in pleasure’s brood,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Cold and heat, hunger (and) thirst, wind and the heat (of the sun), gadflies and snakes, having endured all these, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

The heat and cold, and hunger, thirst,
Wind, sun-beat, string of gadfly, snake:
Surmounting one and all of these,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

As an elephant with massive shoulders, [spotted], noble, may leave the herds and live as it pleases in the forest, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[of the Paduma tribe]

As large and full-grown elephant,
Shapely as lotus, leaves the herd
Whenas he lists for forest haunts,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

It is an impossibility for one who delights in company to obtain (even) temporary release. Having heard the voice of the sun’s kinsman, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

’Tis not for him who loves the crowd
To reach to temporal release:
Word of Sun’s kinsman heeding right,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Gone beyond the contortions of wrong view, arrived at [the fixed course (to salvation)], having gained the way, (thinking) ‘I have knowledge arisen (in me); I am not to be led by others,’ one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[certitude (of perfection)]

Leaving the vanities of view,
Right method won, the way obtained:
“I know! No other is my guide!”
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Having become without covetousness, without deceit, without thirst, without hypocrisy, with delusion and faults blown away, without any inclination (to evil) in the whole world, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Gone greed, gone guile, gone thirst, gone grudge,
And winnowed all delusions, faults,
Wantless in all the world become.
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

One should avoid an evil companion, [who does not see the goal, (who has) entered upon bad conduct. One should not oneself associate with one who is intent (upon wrong views, and is) negligent.] One should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[who shows what is non-beneficial, entered upon bad conduct. One should not oneself associate with one who is (thus) addicted and negligent]

Shun thou the evil friend who sees
No goal, convinced in crooked ways;
Serve not at will the wanton one,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

One should cultivate one of great learning, expert in the doctrine, a noble friend possessed of intelligence. [Knowing one’s goals, having dispelled doubt], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[Knowing beneficial things, one should overcome doubt]

Seek for thy friend the listener,
Dharma-endued, lucid and great;
Knowing the needs, expelling doubt,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Not finding satisfaction in sport and enjoyment, nor in the happiness (which comes) from sensual pleasures in the world, (and) paying no attention (to them), abstaining from adornment, speaking the truth, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Play, pleasures, mirth and worldly joys,
Be done with these and heed them not;
Aloof from pomp and speaking truth,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

.

by **Dhammanando** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:57 am

Khaggavisāṇa Sutta III

Leaving behind son and wife, and father and mother, and wealth and grain, and relatives, and sensual pleasures to the full extent, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Son, wife and father, mother, wealth,
The things wealth brings, the ties of kin:
Leaving these pleasures one and all,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

‘This is an attachment here; here there is little happiness, (and) little satisfaction; here there is very much misery; this is a hook.’ Knowing this, a thoughtful man should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

They are but bonds, and brief their joys,
And few their sweets, and more their ills,
Hooks in the throat! – this knowing, sure,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Having torn one’s fetters asunder, like a fish breaking a net in the water, not returning, like a fire (not going back) to what is (already) burned, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Snap thou the fetters as the snare
By river denizen is broke:
As fire to waste comes back no more,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

With downcast eyes and not foot-loose, with sense-faculties guarded, with mind protected, [not overflowing (with defilement)], not burning, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[without lust]

With downcast eyes, not loitering,
With guarded senses, warded thoughts,
With mind that festers not, nor burns,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Having discarded the marks of a householder, like a coral tree whose leaves have fallen, having gone out (from the house) wearing the saffron robe, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Shed thou householders’ finery,
As coral tree its leaves in fall:
And going forth in yellow clad,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

[Showing no greed for flavours, not wanton, not supporting others, going on an uninterrupted begging round, not shackled in mind to this family or that], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[Not greedy for flavours, not distracted by desires, without supporting others, walking for alms (from home to home) without exception, unattached in mind to this or that family]

Crave not for tastes, but free of greed,
Moving with measured step from house
To house, support of none, none’s thrall,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Having left behind the five hindrances of the mind, having thrust away all defilements, not dependent, having cut off [affection and hate], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[the blemish of affection]

Rid of the mind’s five obstacles,
Void of all stains whate’er, thy trust
In none, with love and hate cut out,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Having put happiness and misery behind oneself, [and joy and dejection already, having gained equanimity (which is) purified calmness], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[and even joy or sorrow already, having gained the calm that is purified equanimity]

And turn thy back on joys and pains,
Delights and sorrows known of old;
And gaining poise and calm, and cleansed,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Resolute for the attainment of the supreme goal, with intrepid mind, [not indolent, of firm exertion, furnished with strength and power], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[alert in his (physical) activities, of firm exertion, furnished with (physical) strength and (mental) power]

Astir to win the yondmost goal,
Not lax in thought, no sloth in ways,
Strong in the onset, steadfast, firm.
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Not giving up seclusion (and) meditation, constantly [living in accordance with the doctrine in the world of phenomena], understanding the peril (which is) in existences, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[following the teaching]

Neglect thou not to muse apart,
’Mid things by Dharma faring aye,
Alive to all becomings’ bane,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Desiring the destruction of craving, not negligent, not foolish, learned, possessing mindfulness, [having considered the doctrine, restrained], energetic, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[having grasped the doctrine, certain (of perfection)]

Earnest, resolved for craving’s end,
Listener, alert, not hesitant,
Striver, assured, with Dharma summed,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Not trembling, as a lion (does not tremble) at sounds, not caught up (with others), as the wind (is not caught up) in a net, not defiled (by passion), as a lotus (is not defiled) by water, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Like lion fearful not of sounds,
Like wind not caught within a net,
Like lotus not by water soiled,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Wandering victorious, having overcome like a strong-toothed lion, the king of beasts, one should resort to secluded lodgings, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

As lion, mighty-jawed and king
Of beasts, fares conquering, so thou;
Taking thy bed and seat remote,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Cultivating at the right time loving-kindness, equanimity, [pity], release, and (sympathetic) joy, [unimpeded by the whole world], one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

[compassion]
[not clashing with all the world]

Poise, amity, ruth, and release
Pursue, and timely sympathy;
At odds with none in all the world,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

Leaving behind passion, hatred, and delusion, having torn the fetters apart, not trembling at (the time of) the complete destruction of life, one should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

And rid of passion, error, hate,
The fetters having snapped in twain,
Fearless whenas life ebbs away,
Fare lonely as rhinoceros.

(People) associate with and resort to (others) for some motive; nowadays friends without a motive are hard to find. Wise as to their own advantage, men are impure. One should wander solitary as a rhinoceros horn.

Folk serve and follow with an aim:
Friends who seek naught are scarce to-day:
Men, wise in selfish aims, are foul:
Fare lonely as rhinoceros!

__________________________________

Any questions or comments about this sutta, before we proceed to Manop's article?

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

by **BubbaBuddhist** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:31 pm

Now and then in the Suttas you run across mention of a certain Paccekabuddha. It would be interesting to make a compilation of their exploits.

Bb

by **Will** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:43 pm

In verse 41 and some others the word "companions" is used - "In the midst of companions there are sport, enjoyment, and great love for sons ..." It sounds like, in some cases, "family" or "wife" or "marriage" is meant, more than buddies or associates?

by **Cittasanto** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:41 pm

Hi Will

Will wrote:In verse 41 and some others the word "companions" is used - "In the midst of companions there are sport, enjoyment, and great love for sons ..." It sounds like, in some cases, "family" or "wife" or "marriage" is meant, more than buddies or associates?

Are we all not Brothers and sisters in Truth, in Reality?

by **Jason** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:11 am

Excellent idea for a thread. Incidentally, this reminds me of something that I read a while ago in A Buddhist Philosophy of Religion by Bhikkhu Nanajivako, which suggests that there is a possibility this particular poem was modelled after a Jaina one, or vice versa. I no longer have the book (although I did find this related tid-bit online), but I know that in the Kalpa Sutra, an important Jaina text detailing the lives of the Jaina founders, it states that Mahavira was "single and alone like the horn of a rhinoceros" (261).

by **Dhammanando** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:29 am

Hi Will,

Will wrote:In verse 41 and some others the word "companions" is used - "In the midst of companions there are sport, enjoyment, and great love for sons ..." It sounds like, in some cases, "family" or "wife" or "marriage" is meant, more than buddies or associates?

The Pali word sahāya doesn't make any distinction between relatives and non-relatives. It just means anyone you're with and with whom you feel comfortable.

From the Cullaniddesa:

Companion:

companions

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

by **Ben** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:49 am

Thank you Ajahn for providing the alternative translations of the sutta. It is beautiful and one which I think many of us feel no small measure of affinity.
Thanks also for pointing out that the Khaggavisāṇa Sutta was in fact the sayings of the Paccekabuddhas. My mistaken impression was that it was the Buddha's advice to the sangha.
Also, I was interested to note that the Isigili Sutta is regarded as a paritta. If you don't mind me asking, in what way does the Isigili Sutta offer protection?
Many thanks

Ben

by **Dhammakid** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:12 am

Yes indeed, thank you venerable bhikkhu for providing the wonderful translations of the sutta. This greatly appeals to my introvert tendencies (although sometimes I'm an extrovert as well. Guess you can call me a multivert

)

I second Ben's request.

Also, a question: If, when there is no Dhamma dispensation in the world, one becomes a paccekabuddha, will others in the world know about this monumental event? Or are solitary buddhas destined to anonymity until a future sammasambuddha comes along and recognizes them?

What practice leads one to paccekabuddha-hood if you don't have the Dhamma to guide you? Just meditation? Do the suttas say anything about this?

Namaste,
Dhammakid

Paccekabuddhas in Canon & Commentary

Paccekabuddhas in Canon & Commentary

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