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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

With Nandana

SN 2.14 · Nandanasutta

A trail across the Tibetan plateau toward distant snowy peaks.

Standing to one side, the godling Nandana addressed the Buddha in verse:

“I ask you, Gotama, whose wisdom is vast, the Blessed One of unhindered knowledge and vision. What sort do they call ethical? What sort do they call wise? What sort lives on after transcending suffering? What sort is worshiped by the deities?”

“Someone who is ethical, wise, evolved, becomes serene, loving absorption, mindful, who’s gotten rid of and given up all sorrows, with defilements ended, they bear their final body.

That sort they call ethical. That sort they call wise. That sort lives on after transcending suffering. That sort is worshiped by the deities.”

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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.