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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

The Contraphile

SN 7.16 · Paccanīkasutta

Fine exposed roots cross a forest bank beside a clear spring.

At Sāvatthī.

Now at that time a brahmin named Contraphile, who loved contradiction, was residing in Sāvatthī.

Then Contraphile thought, “Why don’t I go to the ascetic Gotama and contradict everything he says?”

At that time the Buddha was walking mindfully in the open air.

Then the brahmin Contraphile went up to the Buddha, and said to him as he was walking, “Ascetic, preach the Dhamma.”

“Fine words aren’t easy to understand by a lover of contradiction, whose mind is tainted and full of aggression.

But when you’ve dispelled aggression, and your suspicious mind, and you’ve got rid of resentment, then you’ll understand fine words.”

When he had spoken, the brahmin Contraphile said to the Buddha, “Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent! … From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”

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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.