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Naḷakapāna (Sutta)

Naḷakapāna.– A village in Kosala, where the Buddha once stayed and taught the Naḷakapāna Sutta (M.i.462). The village received its name from the Naḷakapāna-pokkharaṇī (MA.ii.664 f; AA.ii.813). The reason for the name of this pond, which was in the village, is given in the Naḷapāna Jātaka. There were two groves near the village, the Ketakavana and the Palāsavana; in the latter, Sāriputta taught two discourses at the request of the Buddha. A.v.122 f., 125 f.

1. Naḷakapāna Sutta.– Taught at the Palāsavana in Naḷakapāna. The Buddha asks the assembled monks — among whom are many distinguished members, such as Anuruddha, Kimbila, Nandiya and others — if they feel they have realised the aim for which they have given up household life? On their assenting, he proceeds to tell them that when he claims that he has destroyed the corruptions (āsava) and that his disciples have gained various attainments through his teaching, he does so, not in order to cajole or to delude others, nor to gain fame and profit for himself, but to hearten and fill with enthusiasm believing young men, that they may concentrate with their whole hearts and follow the example of his disciples. M.i.462 ff.

2. Paṭhama Naḷakapāna Sutta.– The Buddha, having taught the monks in Palāsavana in Naḷakapāna until late at night, asks Sāriputta to continue, as he has pain in his back and wishes to rest. Sāriputta thereupon takes up the discourse and tells the monks of the necessity for faith (saddhā), moral shame (hirī), moral fear (ottappa), energy (viriya), and wisdom (paññā), for the performance of good works. The Buddha returns and praises Sāriputta. A.v.122 ff.

3. Dutiya Naḷakapāna Sutta.– The circumstances are the same as in (2), but the qualities mentioned by Sāriputta differ — faith, moral shame, moral fear, energy, wisdom, giving ear (sotāvadhāna), keeping the teaching in mind (dhammadhāraṇā), penetrating the meaning (atthupaparikkhā), practising in accordance with the teaching (dhammānudhammappaṭipatti), and heedfulness (appamāda). A.v.125 ff.