Vitakkasutta

Itivuttaka 80

So It Was Said 80

Tikanipāta

The Book of the Threes

Catutthavagga

Chapter Four

Vitakkasutta

Thoughts

Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

“Tayome, bhikkhave, akusalavitakkā.

“Mendicants, there are these three unskillful thoughts.

Katame tayo?

What three?

Anavaññattipaṭisaṁyutto vitakko, lābhasakkārasilokapaṭisaṁyutto vitakko, parānuddayatāpaṭisaṁyutto vitakko.

The thought of status; of getting material things, honor, and popularity; and of fondness for others.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo akusalavitakkā”ti.

These are the three unskillful thoughts.”

Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.

The Buddha spoke this matter.

Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

On this it is said:

“Anavaññattisaṁyutto,

“One concerned with being looked up to,

lābhasakkāragāravo;

with possessions, honor, and respect,

Sahanandī amaccehi,

with sharing joys with friends,

ārā saṁyojanakkhayā.

is far from the ending of fetters.

Yo ca puttapasuṁ hitvā,

But one who gives up children and herds,

Vivāhe saṁharāni ca;

marriage and acquisitions—

Bhabbo so tādiso bhikkhu,

such a mendicant is capable

Phuṭṭhuṁ sambodhimuttaman”ti.

of experiencing the highest awakening.”

Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

Paṭhamaṁ.