English
A Sudda, Vāseṭṭha… A Samaṇa, Vāseṭṭha, who is restrained in body, restrained in speech, restrained in mind, and who pursues the development of the seven factors of awakening, attains Nibbāna in this very life. 139. “Among these four classes, Vāseṭṭha, the bhikkhu who is an Arahant, whose defilements are destroyed, who has lived the holy life, who has done what had to be done, who has laid down the burden, who has attained his own goal, whose fetters of existence are utterly destroyed, who is liberated by right knowledge— he is declared to be the best among them, by the Dhamma, not by unrighteousness. For Dhamma, Vāseṭṭha, is the best in this world, both in this life and in the life to come. 140. “This verse, Vāseṭṭha, was spoken by Brahmā Sanaṅkumāra: ‘The Khattiya is best in this world, for those who follow lineage; But one perfect in knowledge and conduct, is best among gods and humans.’ “This verse, Vāseṭṭha, was well sung by Brahmā Sanaṅkumāra, These verses are well-sung, not ill-sung. Well-spoken, not ill-spoken. Beneficial, not unbeneficial. Approved by me. I too, Vāseṭṭha, say this – ‘The Khattiya is supreme among those who rely on lineage; One perfect in knowledge and conduct, he is supreme among gods and humans.’ This the Blessed One said. Delighted, Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja rejoiced in the Blessed One's words. The Aggañña Sutta, the fourth, is finished.