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Wake Up

Iti 47 · Jāgariyasutta

Slender reeds lean together in a light breeze beside still water.

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

“A mendicant should meditate wakeful, mendicants, mindful and aware, joyful and clear, and at times discern the skillful qualities in that state. A mendicant who meditates in this way can expect one of two results: enlightenment in this very life, or if there’s residue left behind, non-return.”

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

“Listen up, wakeful ones! And those asleep, wake up! Wakefulness is better than sleep, the wakeful have nothing to fear.

Those who are wakeful, mindful and aware, immersed in samādhi, joyful and clear, rightly investigating the Dhamma in good time, at one, would banish the darkness.

That’s why you should apply yourself to wakefulness. A keen and alert mendicant, possessing absorption, having cut the fetter of birth and old age, would experience supreme awakening in this very life.”

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.