Retreat

AN 4.138 · Nikaṭṭhasutta

A modest yellow wildflower grows from a crack in a weathered stone.

“Mendicants, these four individuals are found in the world. What four?

One is on retreat in body, but not mind;
one is on retreat in mind, but not body;
one is on retreat in neither body nor mind; and
one is on retreat in both body and mind.

And how is an individual on retreat in body, but not mind? It’s when an individual frequents remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. But they think sensual, malicious, and cruel thoughts. That’s how an individual is on retreat in body, but not mind.

And how is an individual on retreat in mind, but not body? It’s when an individual doesn’t frequent remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. But they think thoughts of renunciation, good will, and harmlessness. That’s how an individual is on retreat in mind, but not body.

And how is an individual on retreat in neither body nor mind? It’s when an individual doesn’t frequent remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. And they think sensual, malicious, and cruel thoughts. That’s how an individual is on retreat in neither body nor mind.

And how is an individual on retreat in both body and mind? It’s when an individual frequents remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. And they think thoughts of renunciation, good will, and harmlessness. That’s how an individual is on retreat in both body and mind.

These are the four individuals found in the world.”

Connections

Collection & context

Aṅguttara NikāyaThe collection containing this text
The Pāli canonCanonical collection in which this edition is preserved
Theravāda traditionsTransmission and study context
The early Buddhist communityHistorical and traditional setting

Books

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Aṅguttara NikāyaBhikkhu Bodhi; Bhikkhu Bodhi (translator) · Complete collection edition

About this edition

Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.