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- SN 8

SN 8.4
PTS: S i 188
CDB i 283
Ananda Sutta: Ananda
(Instructions to Vangisa)
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1998

On one occasion Ven. Ananda was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then early in the morning he put on his robes and, carrying his bowl & outer robe, went into Savatthi for alms with Ven. Vangisa as his attendant monk. Now at that time dissatisfaction (with the chaste life) had arisen in Ven. Vangisa. Lust invaded his mind. So he addressed Ven. Ananda with this verse:

With sensual lust I burn. My mind is on fire. Please, Gotama, from compassion, tell me how to put it out.

[Ven. Ananda:]

From distorted perception your mind is on fire. Shun the theme of the beautiful accompanied by lust. See mental fabrications as other, as stress, & not-self. Extinguish your great lust. Don't keep burning again & again. Develop the mind — well-centered & one — in the foul, through the foul. Have your mindfulness immersed in the body. Be one who pursues disenchantment. Develop the theme-less. Cast out conceit. Then, from breaking through conceit, you will go on your way at peace.