With Vāseṭṭha

“We’re both authorized mastersof the three Vedas.I’m a student of Pokkharasāti,and he of Tārukkha.

“Anuññātapaṭiññātā, tevijjā mayamasmubho; Ahaṁ pokkharasātissa, tārukkhassāyaṁ māṇavo.

“We’re both authorized masters“Anuññātapaṭiññātā, of the three Vedas.tevijjā mayamasmubho; I’m a student of Pokkharasāti,Ahaṁ pokkharasātissa, and he of Tārukkha.tārukkhassāyaṁ māṇavo.

We’re fully qualifiedin all the Vedic experts teach.As philologists and grammarians,we match our tutors in recitation.

Tevijjānaṁ yadakkhātaṁ, Tatra kevalinosmase; Padakasma veyyākaraṇā, Jappe ācariyasādisā.

We’re fully qualifiedTevijjānaṁ yadakkhātaṁ, in all the Vedic experts teach.Tatra kevalinosmase; As philologists and grammarians,Padakasma veyyākaraṇā, we match our tutors in recitation.Jappe ācariyasādisā.

We have a disputeregarding genealogy.For Bhāradvāja says thatone is a brahmin due to birth,but I declare it’s because of one’s deeds.Oh Clear-eyed One, know this as our debate.

Tesaṁ no jātivādasmiṁ, vivādo atthi gotama; Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti, bhāradvājo iti bhāsati; Ahañca kammunā brūmi, *kammunā → kammanā (bj, pts-vp-pli1)evaṁ jānāhi cakkhuma.

We have a disputeTesaṁ no jātivādasmiṁ, regarding genealogy.vivādo atthi gotama; For Bhāradvāja says thatJātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti, one is a brahmin due to birth,bhāradvājo iti bhāsati; but I declare it’s because of one’s deeds.Ahañca kammunā brūmi, *kammunā → kammanā (bj, pts-vp-pli1)Oh Clear-eyed One, know this as our debate.evaṁ jānāhi cakkhuma.

Since neither of us was ableto convince the other,we’ve come to ask you, sir,renowned as the awakened one.

Te na sakkoma saññāpetuṁ, aññamaññaṁ mayaṁ ubho; Bhavantaṁ puṭṭhumāgamhā, *Bhavantaṁ → bhagavantaṁ (bj, mr)sambuddhaṁ iti vissutaṁ.

Since neither of us was ableTe na sakkoma saññāpetuṁ, to convince the other,aññamaññaṁ mayaṁ ubho; we’ve come to ask you, sir,Bhavantaṁ puṭṭhumāgamhā, *Bhavantaṁ → bhagavantaṁ (bj, mr)renowned as the awakened one.sambuddhaṁ iti vissutaṁ.

As people honor with cupped palmsthe moon on the cusp of waxing,bowing, they revereGotama in the world.

Candaṁ yathā khayātītaṁ, pecca pañjalikā janā; Vandamānā namassanti, evaṁ lokasmi gotamaṁ.

As people honor with cupped palmsCandaṁ yathā khayātītaṁ, the moon on the cusp of waxing,pecca pañjalikā janā; bowing, they revereVandamānā namassanti, Gotama in the world.evaṁ lokasmi gotamaṁ.

We ask this of Gotama,*The Buddha as “eye” evokes the common (eg. Rig Veda 1.164.14, 5.40.8, 5.59.5, 10.10.9) Vedic image of the Sun as the “eye of all” (viśvacakṣāḥ, 7.63.1), the “eye” for “eyes to see” (10.158.4), moving as an unaging wheel through the sky (1.164.14). See DN 16:5.6.3.the Eye arisen in the world:is one a brahmin due to birth,or else because of deeds?We don’t know, please tell us,so we can recognize a brahmin.”

Cakkhuṁ loke samuppannaṁ, mayaṁ pucchāma gotamaṁ; Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti, udāhu bhavati kammunā; Ajānataṁ no pabrūhi, yathā jānemu brāhmaṇaṁ”.

We ask this of Gotama,*The Buddha as “eye” evokes the common (eg. Rig Veda 1.164.14, 5.40.8, 5.59.5, 10.10.9) Vedic image of the Sun as the “eye of all” (viśvacakṣāḥ, 7.63.1), the “eye” for “eyes to see” (10.158.4), moving as an unaging wheel through the sky (1.164.14). See DN 16:5.6.3.Cakkhuṁ loke samuppannaṁ, the Eye arisen in the world:mayaṁ pucchāma gotamaṁ; is one a brahmin due to birth,Jātiyā brāhmaṇo hoti, or else because of deeds?udāhu bhavati kammunā; We don’t know, please tell us,Ajānataṁ no pabrūhi, so we can recognize a brahmin.”yathā jānemu brāhmaṇaṁ”.

“I shall explain to you,”said the Buddha,“accurately and in sequence,the taxonomy of living creatures,for species are indeed diverse.

“Tesaṁ vo ahaṁ byakkhissaṁ, (vāseṭṭhāti bhagavā) Anupubbaṁ yathātathaṁ; Jātivibhaṅgaṁ pāṇānaṁ, Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

“I shall explain to you,”“Tesaṁ vo ahaṁ byakkhissaṁ, said the Buddha,(vāseṭṭhāti bhagavā) “accurately and in sequence,Anupubbaṁ yathātathaṁ; the taxonomy of living creatures,Jātivibhaṅgaṁ pāṇānaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Know the grass and trees,though they lack self-awareness.They’re defined by birth,for species are indeed diverse.

Tiṇarukkhepi jānātha, na cāpi paṭijānare; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Know the grass and trees,Tiṇarukkhepi jānātha, though they lack self-awareness.na cāpi paṭijānare; They’re defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Next there are bugs that crawl or fly,and so on, to ants and termites.They’re defined by birth,for species are indeed diverse.

Tato kīṭe paṭaṅge ca, yāva kunthakipillike; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Next there are bugs that crawl or fly,Tato kīṭe paṭaṅge ca, and so on, to ants and termites.yāva kunthakipillike; They’re defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Know the quadrupeds, too,both small and large.They’re defined by birth,for species are indeed diverse.

Catuppadepi jānātha, Khuddake ca mahallake; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Know the quadrupeds, too,Catuppadepi jānātha, both small and large.Khuddake ca mahallake; They’re defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Know, too, the long-backed snakes,crawling on their bellies.They’re defined by birth,for species are indeed diverse.

Pādūdarepi jānātha, Urage dīghapiṭṭhike; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Know, too, the long-backed snakes,Pādūdarepi jānātha, crawling on their bellies.Urage dīghapiṭṭhike; They’re defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Next know the fish,whose habitat is the water.They’re defined by birth,for species are indeed diverse.

Tato macchepi jānātha, Odake vārigocare; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Next know the fish,Tato macchepi jānātha, whose habitat is the water.Odake vārigocare; They’re defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Next know the birds,winged chariots in flight.*I think yāna should be taken literally here as a chariot; consider the classic Indic imagery of flying chariots of the gods.They’re defined by birth,for species are indeed diverse.

Tato pakkhīpi jānātha, Pattayāne vihaṅgame; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

Next know the birds,Tato pakkhīpi jānātha, winged chariots in flight.*I think yāna should be taken literally here as a chariot; consider the classic Indic imagery of flying chariots of the gods.Pattayāne vihaṅgame; They’re defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ tesaṁ, for species are indeed diverse.Aññamaññā hi jātiyo.

While the differences between these speciesare defined by birth,the differences between humansare not defined by birth.

Yathā etāsu jātīsu, Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu; Evaṁ natthi manussesu, Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu.

While the differences between these speciesYathā etāsu jātīsu, are defined by birth,Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu; the differences between humansEvaṁ natthi manussesu, are not defined by birth.Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ puthu.

Not by hair nor by head,not by ear nor by eye,not by mouth nor by nose,not by lips nor by eyebrow,

Na kesehi na sīsena, Na kaṇṇehi na akkhibhi; Na mukhena na nāsāya, Na oṭṭhehi bhamūhi vā.

Not by hair nor by head,Na kesehi na sīsena, not by ear nor by eye,Na kaṇṇehi na akkhibhi; not by mouth nor by nose,Na mukhena na nāsāya, not by lips nor by eyebrow,Na oṭṭhehi bhamūhi vā.

not by shoulder nor by neck,not by belly nor by back,not by buttocks nor by breast,not by groin nor by genitals,

Na gīvāya na aṁsehi, Na udarena na piṭṭhiyā; Na soṇiyā na urasā, Na sambādhe na methune. *Na sambādhe na methune → na sambādhā na methunā (sya-all, mr)

not by shoulder nor by neck,Na gīvāya na aṁsehi, not by belly nor by back,Na udarena na piṭṭhiyā; not by buttocks nor by breast,Na soṇiyā na urasā, not by groin nor by genitals,Na sambādhe na methune. *Na sambādhe na methune → na sambādhā na methunā (sya-all, mr)

not by hands nor by feet,not by fingers nor by nails,not by knees nor by thighs,not by color nor by voice:none of these are defined by birthas it is for other species.

Na hatthehi na pādehi, Nāṅgulīhi nakhehi vā; Na jaṅghāhi na ūrūhi, Na vaṇṇena sarena vā; Liṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ neva, Yathā aññāsu jātisu.

not by hands nor by feet,Na hatthehi na pādehi, not by fingers nor by nails,Nāṅgulīhi nakhehi vā; not by knees nor by thighs,Na jaṅghāhi na ūrūhi, not by color nor by voice:Na vaṇṇena sarena vā; none of these are defined by birthLiṅgaṁ jātimayaṁ neva, as it is for other species.Yathā aññāsu jātisu.

In specific human bodiesyou can’t find such distinctions.The distinctions among humansare spoken of by convention.

Paccattañca sarīresu, *Paccattañca sarīresu → paccattaṁ sasarīresu (sya-all, pts-vp-pli1)Manussesvetaṁ na vijjati; Vokārañca manussesu, Samaññāya pavuccati.

In specific human bodiesPaccattañca sarīresu, *Paccattañca sarīresu → paccattaṁ sasarīresu (sya-all, pts-vp-pli1)you can’t find such distinctions.Manussesvetaṁ na vijjati; The distinctions among humansVokārañca manussesu, are spoken of by convention.Samaññāya pavuccati.

Anyone among humanswho lives off keeping cattle:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a farmer, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Gorakkhaṁ upajīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Kassako so na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off keeping cattle:Gorakkhaṁ upajīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a farmer, not a brahmin.Kassako so na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humanswho lives off various professions:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a professional, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Puthusippena jīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Sippiko so na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off various professions:Puthusippena jīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a professional, not a brahmin.Sippiko so na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humanswho lives off trade:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a trader, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Vohāraṁ upajīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Vāṇijo so na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off trade:Vohāraṁ upajīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a trader, not a brahmin.Vāṇijo so na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humanswho lives off serving others:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a servant, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Parapessena jīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Pessiko so na brāhmaṇo. *Pessiko → pessako (mr)

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off serving others:Parapessena jīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a servant, not a brahmin.Pessiko so na brāhmaṇo. *Pessiko → pessako (mr)

Anyone among humanswho lives off stealing:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a bandit, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Adinnaṁ upajīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Coro eso na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off stealing:Adinnaṁ upajīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a bandit, not a brahmin.Coro eso na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humanswho lives off archery:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a warrior, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Issatthaṁ upajīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Yodhājīvo na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off archery:Issatthaṁ upajīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a warrior, not a brahmin.Yodhājīvo na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humanswho lives off priesthood:know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a sacrificer, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Porohiccena jīvati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Yājako eso na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who lives off priesthood:Porohiccena jīvati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a sacrificer, not a brahmin.Yājako eso na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humanswho taxes village and nation,know them, Vāseṭṭha,as a ruler, not a brahmin.

Yo hi koci manussesu, Gāmaṁ raṭṭhañca bhuñjati; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, Rājā eso na brāhmaṇo.

Anyone among humansYo hi koci manussesu, who taxes village and nation,Gāmaṁ raṭṭhañca bhuñjati; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as a ruler, not a brahmin.Rājā eso na brāhmaṇo.

I don’t call someone a brahminafter the mother’s womb they’re born from.If they still have attachments,they’re just someone who says ‘worthy’.Having nothing, taking nothing:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Na cāhaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ brūmi, Yonijaṁ mattisambhavaṁ; Bhovādi nāma so hoti, Sace hoti sakiñcano; *Sace → sa ve (bj, sya-all, pts-vp-pli1)Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

I don’t call someone a brahminNa cāhaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ brūmi, after the mother’s womb they’re born from.Yonijaṁ mattisambhavaṁ; If they still have attachments,Bhovādi nāma so hoti, they’re just someone who says ‘worthy’.Sace hoti sakiñcano; *Sace → sa ve (bj, sya-all, pts-vp-pli1)Having nothing, taking nothing:Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Having cut off all fettersthey have no anxiety;they’ve slipped their chains and are detached:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Sabbasaṁyojanaṁ chetvā, Yo ve na paritassati; Saṅgātigaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Having cut off all fettersSabbasaṁyojanaṁ chetvā, they have no anxiety;Yo ve na paritassati; they’ve slipped their chains and are detached:Saṅgātigaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve cut the strap and harness,the halter and bridle too;with cross-bar lifted, they’re awakened:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Chetvā naddhiṁ varattañca, Sandānaṁ sahanukkamaṁ; Ukkhittapalighaṁ buddhaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve cut the strap and harness,Chetvā naddhiṁ varattañca, the halter and bridle too;Sandānaṁ sahanukkamaṁ; with cross-bar lifted, they’re awakened:Ukkhittapalighaṁ buddhaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Abuse, killing, caging:they endure these without anger.Patience is their powerful army:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Akkosaṁ vadhabandhañca, Aduṭṭho yo titikkhati; Khantībalaṁ balānīkaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Abuse, killing, caging:Akkosaṁ vadhabandhañca, they endure these without anger.Aduṭṭho yo titikkhati; Patience is their powerful army:Khantībalaṁ balānīkaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Not irritable or pretentious,dutiful in precepts and observances,tamed, bearing their final body:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Akkodhanaṁ vatavantaṁ, Sīlavantaṁ anussadaṁ; Dantaṁ antimasārīraṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Not irritable or pretentious,Akkodhanaṁ vatavantaṁ, dutiful in precepts and observances,Sīlavantaṁ anussadaṁ; tamed, bearing their final body:Dantaṁ antimasārīraṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Like water from a lotus leaf,like a mustard seed off a pin-point,sensual pleasures slip off them:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Vāri pokkharapatteva, Āraggeriva sāsapo; Yo na limpati kāmesu, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Like water from a lotus leaf,Vāri pokkharapatteva, like a mustard seed off a pin-point,Āraggeriva sāsapo; sensual pleasures slip off them:Yo na limpati kāmesu, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They understand for themselvesthe end of suffering in this life;with burden put down, detached:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yo dukkhassa pajānāti, Idheva khayamattano; Pannabhāraṁ visaṁyuttaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They understand for themselvesYo dukkhassa pajānāti, the end of suffering in this life;Idheva khayamattano; with burden put down, detached:Pannabhāraṁ visaṁyuttaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Deep in wisdom, intelligent,expert in the path and what is not the path;arrived at the highest goal:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Gambhīrapaññaṁ medhāviṁ, Maggāmaggassa kovidaṁ; Uttamatthamanuppattaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Deep in wisdom, intelligent,Gambhīrapaññaṁ medhāviṁ, expert in the path and what is not the path;Maggāmaggassa kovidaṁ; arrived at the highest goal:Uttamatthamanuppattaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Mixing with neitherhouseholders nor the homeless;a migrant with no bastion, few in wishes:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Asaṁsaṭṭhaṁ gahaṭṭhehi, Anāgārehi cūbhayaṁ; Anokasārimappicchaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Mixing with neitherAsaṁsaṭṭhaṁ gahaṭṭhehi, householders nor the homeless;Anāgārehi cūbhayaṁ; a migrant with no bastion, few in wishes:Anokasārimappicchaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve laid aside violenceagainst creatures firm and frail;not killing or making others kill:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Nidhāya daṇḍaṁ bhūtesu, Tasesu thāvaresu ca; Yo na hanti na ghāteti, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve laid aside violenceNidhāya daṇḍaṁ bhūtesu, against creatures firm and frail;Tasesu thāvaresu ca; not killing or making others kill:Yo na hanti na ghāteti, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Not fighting among those who fight,quenched among those who have taken up arms,not grasping among those who grasp:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Aviruddhaṁ viruddhesu, Attadaṇḍesu nibbutaṁ; Sādānesu anādānaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Not fighting among those who fight,Aviruddhaṁ viruddhesu, quenched among those who have taken up arms,Attadaṇḍesu nibbutaṁ; not grasping among those who grasp:Sādānesu anādānaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve discarded greed and hate,along with conceit and contempt,like a mustard seed off the point of a pin:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yassa rāgo ca doso ca, Māno makkho ca pātito; Sāsaporiva āraggā, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve discarded greed and hate,Yassa rāgo ca doso ca, along with conceit and contempt,Māno makkho ca pātito; like a mustard seed off the point of a pin:Sāsaporiva āraggā, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

The words they utterare polished, informative, and true,and don’t offend anyone:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Akakkasaṁ viññāpaniṁ, Giraṁ saccamudīraye; Yāya nābhisaje kañci, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

The words they utterAkakkasaṁ viññāpaniṁ, are polished, informative, and true,Giraṁ saccamudīraye; and don’t offend anyone:Yāya nābhisaje kañci, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They don’t steal anything in the world,long or short,fine or coarse, beautiful or ugly:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yodha dīghaṁ va rassaṁ vā, Aṇuṁ thūlaṁ subhāsubhaṁ; Loke adinnaṁ nādiyati, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They don’t steal anything in the world,Yodha dīghaṁ va rassaṁ vā, long or short,Aṇuṁ thūlaṁ subhāsubhaṁ; fine or coarse, beautiful or ugly:Loke adinnaṁ nādiyati, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They have no hopefor this world or the next;with no need for hope, detached:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Āsā yassa na vijjanti, Asmiṁ loke paramhi ca; Nirāsāsaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ, *Nirāsāsaṁ → nirāsasaṁ (bj); nirāsayaṁ (sya-all, pts-vp-pli1); nirāsakaṁ (?)Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They have no hopeĀsā yassa na vijjanti, for this world or the next;Asmiṁ loke paramhi ca; with no need for hope, detached:Nirāsāsaṁ visaṁyuttaṁ, *Nirāsāsaṁ → nirāsasaṁ (bj); nirāsayaṁ (sya-all, pts-vp-pli1); nirāsakaṁ (?)that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They have no clinging,knowledge has freed them of indecision,they’ve arrived at the objective, freedom from death:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yassālayā na vijjanti, Aññāya akathaṅkathī; Amatogadhamanuppattaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They have no clinging,Yassālayā na vijjanti, knowledge has freed them of indecision,Aññāya akathaṅkathī; they’ve arrived at the objective, freedom from death:Amatogadhamanuppattaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve escaped clingingto both good and bad deeds;sorrowless, stainless, pure:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yodha puññañca pāpañca, Ubho saṅgamupaccagā; Asokaṁ virajaṁ suddhaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve escaped clingingYodha puññañca pāpañca, to both good and bad deeds;Ubho saṅgamupaccagā; sorrowless, stainless, pure:Asokaṁ virajaṁ suddhaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Pure as the spotless moon,clear and undisturbed,they’ve ended relish for rebirth:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Candaṁva vimalaṁ suddhaṁ, Vippasannamanāvilaṁ; Nandībhavaparikkhīṇaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Pure as the spotless moon,Candaṁva vimalaṁ suddhaṁ, clear and undisturbed,Vippasannamanāvilaṁ; they’ve ended relish for rebirth:Nandībhavaparikkhīṇaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve got past this grueling swampof delusion, transmigration.Meditating in stillness, free of indecision,they have crossed over to the far shore.They’re quenched by not grasping:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yomaṁ palipathaṁ duggaṁ, Saṁsāraṁ mohamaccagā; Tiṇṇo pāraṅgato jhāyī, Anejo akathaṅkathī; Anupādāya nibbuto, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve got past this grueling swampYomaṁ palipathaṁ duggaṁ, of delusion, transmigration.Saṁsāraṁ mohamaccagā; Meditating in stillness, free of indecision,Tiṇṇo pāraṅgato jhāyī, they have crossed over to the far shore.Anejo akathaṅkathī; They’re quenched by not grasping:Anupādāya nibbuto, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve given up sensual stimulations,and have gone forth from lay life;they’ve ended rebirth in the sensual realm:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yodha kāme pahantvāna, Anāgāro paribbaje; Kāmabhavaparikkhīṇaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve given up sensual stimulations,Yodha kāme pahantvāna, and have gone forth from lay life;Anāgāro paribbaje; they’ve ended rebirth in the sensual realm:Kāmabhavaparikkhīṇaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve given up craving,and have gone forth from lay life;they’ve ended craving to be reborn:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yodha taṇhaṁ pahantvāna, Anāgāro paribbaje; Taṇhābhavaparikkhīṇaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve given up craving,Yodha taṇhaṁ pahantvāna, and have gone forth from lay life;Anāgāro paribbaje; they’ve ended craving to be reborn:Taṇhābhavaparikkhīṇaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve thrown off the human yoke,and slipped out of the heavenly yoke;unyoked from all yokes:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Hitvā mānusakaṁ yogaṁ, Dibbaṁ yogaṁ upaccagā; Sabbayogavisaṁyuttaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They’ve thrown off the human yoke,Hitvā mānusakaṁ yogaṁ, and slipped out of the heavenly yoke;Dibbaṁ yogaṁ upaccagā; unyoked from all yokes:Sabbayogavisaṁyuttaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Giving up desire and discontent,they’re cooled and free of attachments;a hero, master of the whole world:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Hitvā ratiñca aratiṁ, Sītibhūtaṁ nirūpadhiṁ; Sabbalokābhibhuṁ vīraṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Giving up desire and discontent,Hitvā ratiñca aratiṁ, they’re cooled and free of attachments;Sītibhūtaṁ nirūpadhiṁ; a hero, master of the whole world:Sabbalokābhibhuṁ vīraṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They know the passing awayand rebirth of all beings;unattached, holy, awakened:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Cutiṁ yo vedi sattānaṁ, *vedi → yo'veti (?)Upapattiñca sabbaso; Asattaṁ sugataṁ buddhaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They know the passing awayCutiṁ yo vedi sattānaṁ, *vedi → yo'veti (?)and rebirth of all beings;Upapattiñca sabbaso; unattached, holy, awakened:Asattaṁ sugataṁ buddhaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Gods, centaurs, and humansdon’t know their destiny;the perfected ones with defilements ended:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yassa gatiṁ na jānanti, Devā gandhabbamānusā; Khīṇāsavaṁ arahantaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Gods, centaurs, and humansYassa gatiṁ na jānanti, don’t know their destiny;Devā gandhabbamānusā; the perfected ones with defilements ended:Khīṇāsavaṁ arahantaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They have nothing before or after,or even in between.Having nothing, taking nothing:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Yassa pure ca pacchā ca, Majjhe ca natthi kiñcanaṁ; Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They have nothing before or after,Yassa pure ca pacchā ca, or even in between.Majjhe ca natthi kiñcanaṁ; Having nothing, taking nothing:Akiñcanaṁ anādānaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Captain of the herd, excellent hero,great seer and victor;unstirred, washed, awakened:that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Usabhaṁ pavaraṁ vīraṁ, Mahesiṁ vijitāvinaṁ; Anejaṁ nhātakaṁ buddhaṁ, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

Captain of the herd, excellent hero,Usabhaṁ pavaraṁ vīraṁ, great seer and victor;Mahesiṁ vijitāvinaṁ; unstirred, washed, awakened:Anejaṁ nhātakaṁ buddhaṁ, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They who know their past lives,see heaven and places of loss,and have attained the ending of rebirth,that’s who I declare a brahmin.

Pubbenivāsaṁ yo vedi, *vedi → yo'veti (?)Saggāpāyañca passati; Atho jātikkhayaṁ patto, Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

They who know their past lives,Pubbenivāsaṁ yo vedi, *vedi → yo'veti (?)see heaven and places of loss,Saggāpāyañca passati; and have attained the ending of rebirth,Atho jātikkhayaṁ patto, that’s who I declare a brahmin.Tamahaṁ brūmi brāhmaṇaṁ.

For name and clan are formulatedas mere convention in the world.Produced by mutual agreement,they’re formulated in each case.

Samaññā hesā lokasmiṁ, Nāmagottaṁ pakappitaṁ; Sammuccā samudāgataṁ, Tattha tattha pakappitaṁ.

For name and clan are formulatedSamaññā hesā lokasmiṁ, as mere convention in the world.Nāmagottaṁ pakappitaṁ; Produced by mutual agreement,Sammuccā samudāgataṁ, they’re formulated in each case.Tattha tattha pakappitaṁ.

For a long time this misconceptionhas prejudiced those who don’t understand.Ignorant, they declarethat one is a brahmin by birth.

Dīgharattamanusayitaṁ, Diṭṭhigatamajānataṁ; Ajānantā no pabruvanti, *Ajānantā no → ajānantā te (bj, csp-a)Jātiyā hoti brāhmaṇo.

For a long time this misconceptionDīgharattamanusayitaṁ, has prejudiced those who don’t understand.Diṭṭhigatamajānataṁ; Ignorant, they declareAjānantā no pabruvanti, *Ajānantā no → ajānantā te (bj, csp-a)that one is a brahmin by birth.Jātiyā hoti brāhmaṇo.

You’re not a brahmin by birth,nor by birth a non-brahmin.You’re a brahmin by your deeds,and by deeds a non-brahmin.

Na jaccā brāhmaṇo hoti, Na jaccā hoti abrāhmaṇo; Kammunā brāhmaṇo hoti, Kammunā hoti abrāhmaṇo.

You’re not a brahmin by birth,Na jaccā brāhmaṇo hoti, nor by birth a non-brahmin.Na jaccā hoti abrāhmaṇo; You’re a brahmin by your deeds,Kammunā brāhmaṇo hoti, and by deeds a non-brahmin.Kammunā hoti abrāhmaṇo.

You’re a farmer by your deeds,by deeds you’re a professional;you’re a trader by your deeds,by deeds are you a servant;

Kassako kammunā hoti, Sippiko hoti kammunā; Vāṇijo kammunā hoti, Pessiko hoti kammunā.

You’re a farmer by your deeds,Kassako kammunā hoti, by deeds you’re a professional;Sippiko hoti kammunā; you’re a trader by your deeds,Vāṇijo kammunā hoti, by deeds are you a servant;Pessiko hoti kammunā.

you’re a bandit by your deeds,by deeds you’re a warrior;you’re a sacrificer by your deeds,by deeds you’re a ruler.

Coropi kammunā hoti, Yodhājīvopi kammunā; Yājako kammunā hoti, Rājāpi hoti kammunā.

you’re a bandit by your deeds,Coropi kammunā hoti, by deeds you’re a warrior;Yodhājīvopi kammunā; you’re a sacrificer by your deeds,Yājako kammunā hoti, by deeds you’re a ruler.Rājāpi hoti kammunā.

In this way the astute regard deedsin accord with truth.Seeing dependent origination,they’re expert in deeds and their results.

Evametaṁ yathābhūtaṁ, Kammaṁ passanti paṇḍitā; Paṭiccasamuppādadassā, Kammavipākakovidā.

In this way the astute regard deedsEvametaṁ yathābhūtaṁ, in accord with truth.Kammaṁ passanti paṇḍitā; Seeing dependent origination,Paṭiccasamuppādadassā, they’re expert in deeds and their results.Kammavipākakovidā.

Deeds make the world go on,deeds make people go on;sentient beings are bound by deeds,like a moving chariot’s linchpin.

Kammunā vattati loko, Kammunā vattati pajā; Kammanibandhanā sattā, Rathassāṇīva yāyato.

Deeds make the world go on,Kammunā vattati loko, deeds make people go on;Kammunā vattati pajā; sentient beings are bound by deeds,Kammanibandhanā sattā, like a moving chariot’s linchpin.Rathassāṇīva yāyato.

By fervor and spiritual practice,by restraint and by self-control:that’s how to become a brahmin,this is the supreme brahmin.

Tapena brahmacariyena, Saṁyamena damena ca; Etena brāhmaṇo hoti, Etaṁ brāhmaṇamuttamaṁ.

By fervor and spiritual practice,Tapena brahmacariyena, by restraint and by self-control:Saṁyamena damena ca; that’s how to become a brahmin,Etena brāhmaṇo hoti, this is the supreme brahmin.Etaṁ brāhmaṇamuttamaṁ.

Accomplished in the three knowledges,peaceful, with rebirth ended,know them, Vāseṭṭha,as the Divinity and Sakka to the wise.”

Tīhi vijjāhi sampanno, santo khīṇapunabbhavo; Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, brahmā sakko vijānatan”ti.

Accomplished in the three knowledges,Tīhi vijjāhi sampanno, peaceful, with rebirth ended,santo khīṇapunabbhavo; know them, Vāseṭṭha,Evaṁ vāseṭṭha jānāhi, as the Divinity and Sakka to the wise.”brahmā sakko vijānatan”ti.