Dhammapada Verse 353
Upakajivaka Vatthu
Sabbabhibhu sabbaviduhamasmi
sabbesu dhammesu anupalitto
sabbanjaho tanhakkhaye vimutto
sayam abhinnaya kamuddiseyyam.
Verse 353: I have overcome all, I know all, I am detached from all, I have
given up all; I am liberated from moral defilements having eradicated craving,
(i.e., I have attained arahatship). Having comprehended the Four Noble Truths by
myself, whom should I point out as my teacher?
The Story of Upaka
The Buddha uttered Verse (353) of this book, in answer to the question put up
by Upaka, a non-Buddhist ascetic, while the Buddha was on his way to the Deer
Park (Migadaya) where the Group of Five Bhikkhus (Panca Vaggis) were staying.
The Buddha was going there to expound the Dhamma cakkappavattana Sutta to
the Panca Vaggis, his old associates, viz., Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Assaji,
and Mahanama. When Upaka saw Gotama Buddha, he was very much impressed by the
radiant countenance of the Buddha and so said to him, "Friend, you look so
serene and pure; may I know who your teacher is?" To him, the Buddha
replied that he had no teacher.
Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:
| Verse 353: I have overcome all, I know all, I am
detached from all, I have given up all; I am liberated from moral
defilements having eradicated craving, (i.e., I have attained
arahatship). Having comprehended the Four Noble Truths by myself, whom
should I point out as my teacher?
|
At the end of the discourse Upaka expressed neither approval nor disapproval
but just nodded a few times and went on his way.