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Thoughts

Iti 38 · Vitakkasutta

Dew on a delicate web between flowering branches.

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

“Two thoughts, mendicants, often occur to the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha: the thought of sanctuary, and that of seclusion. The Realized One loves kindness and delights in it, so this thought often occurs to him: ‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’

The Realized One loves seclusion and delights in it, so this thought often occurs to him: ‘What is unskillful has been given up.’

So, mendicants, you too should love kindness and delight in it, then this thought will often occur to you: ‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’

You too should love seclusion and delight in it, then this thought will often occur to you: ‘What is unskillful? What is not given up? What should I give up?’”

The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

“Two thoughts occur to him, the Realized One, the bearer of the unbearable: first mentioned was thought of sanctuary, then the second made clear was seclusion.

Dispeller of darkness, the great seer has crossed over: the attained, the master, the undefiled. In the midst of it all, he is freed in the ending of craving; that sage bears his final body. He has disposed of Māra, I declare, and gone beyond old age.

Standing high on a rocky mountain, you can see the people all around. In just the same way, the All-seer, so intelligent, having ascended the Temple of Truth, rid of sorrow, looks upon the people swamped with sorrow, overcome by rebirth and old age.”

This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

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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.