Mahā Assapura Sutta

Preached at Assapura, in the Anga country.

Since monks are called recluses (samanā) they must train themselves to be true samanas and brāhmanas; they should be

• conscientious and scrupulous,
• pure in deed, word and thought,
• guarding the portals of the senses,
• moderate in eating,
• ever vigilant, mindful and self possessed,
• striving to put off the five nivaranā and cultivating the jhāna.

Such an almsman can truly be called a samana, a brahmin, a nahātaka, vedagū, sotthiya, ariya, and arahant. He is an ideal recluse. M.i.271-80.

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