Kukkuravatika Sutta

Preached at Haliddavasana to Punna, follower of the Bovine Vow (living like an ox), and to Acelaka Seniya, follower of the Canine Vow. In answer to their persistent questions, the Buddha says that the further state of both is either purgatory or rebirth as an animal (among cattle and dogs respectively). He then proceeds to describe the four kinds of actions:

• (1) Dark, with dark outcome;

• (2) bright, with bright outcome;

• (3) both dark and bright with similar outcome; and

• (4) neither dark nor bright with corresponding outcome.

Both Punna and Seniya take refuge in the Buddha, Seniya later becoming an arahant (M.i.387ff).

Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, G P Malalasekera (1899-1973), which is available as printed version from