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Saraṇāni

Saraṇāni v.l. Sarakāni.– A Sakyan. When he died the Buddha declared that he was a Stream-winner, bound for enlightenment. However, many of the Sākyā spoke scornfully of him, saying that he had failed in the training and had taken to drink. Mahānāma reported this to the Buddha, who said that Saraṇāni had, for a long time, taken refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha, and possessed qualities that secured him from birth in hell, among animals, and the realm of hungry ghosts (peta). S.v.375 f.

1. Paṭhama Saraṇāni Sutta.– Mahānāma reports to the Buddha the rumours prevalent among the Sākyā regarding Saraṇāni. The Buddha says that Saraṇāni had long since taken the Three Refuges, and he then goes on to describe various qualities, beginning from those that lead to the destruction of the corruptions (āsava) to those, such as affection for the Buddha, which prevent men from going to the Downfall. S.v.375 f.

2. Dutiya Saraṇāni Sutta.– Mahānāma brings to the Buddha’s notice that the Sākyā are surprised at the Buddha’s statement regarding the attainment of Stream-winning by Saraṇāni. The Buddha then describes the virtues that make a man a Non-returner, a Once-returner, or a Stream-winner. The Buddha’s doctrine is like a good field, well stubbed, the seeds sown therein capable of sprouting and happily planted, and the sky god supplying a constant rain. S.v.378 f.