Home  |  Minor Stories Index

Verses 183, 184 and 185: The Story of the Question Raised by Thera Ananda

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verses (183), (184) and
(185) of this book, with reference to the question raised by Thera Ananda regarding
Fundamental Instructions to Bhikkhus by the preceding Buddhas.

On one occasion, Thera Ananda asked the Buddha whether the Fundamental Instructions to
Bhikkhus given by the preceding Buddhas were the same as those of the Buddha himself. To
him the Buddha replied that the instructions given by all the Buddhas are the same as given in
the following verses:

Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:

Verse 183: Not to do evil, to cultivate merit, to purify one's mind - this is the Teaching of the
Buddhas.

Verse 184: The best moral practice is patience and forbearance; "Nibbana is Supreme", says the
Buddhas. A Bhikkhu does not harm others; one who harms others is not a Bhikkhu.

Verse 185: Not to revile, not to do any harm, to practice restraint according to the Fundamental
Instructions for the Bhikkhus, to be moderate in taking food, to dwell in a secluded place, to
devote oneself to higher Concentration - this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.

Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, Burma 1986.