Aṅguttara Nikāya
IV. Catukka Nipāta
II. Cara Vagga
The Book of the Fours
Chapter II: Deportment
Sutta 15
Paññatti Suttaṃ
Types1
[17]
Thus have I heard:
On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," they replied, and the Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these four chief types (of beings).
What four?
Chief of those who have personality is2 Rahu, lord of the Asuras.
Chief of those who are given to the pleasures of sense is Mandhātā3 the rajah.
Chief of those who have lordship is Māra the Wicked One.
In the world of Devas, Māras and Brahmās, together with recluses and brahmins, devas and mankind, a Tathāgata is reckoned chief, an Arahant, a perfectly Enlightened One.
These, monks, are the four chief types.
Rahu is chief of persons: chief of those
Enjoying sense-delights is Mandhātā:
Māra is chief of those who lordship own:
With power and glory4 is he radiant.
Above, across, and back again returning,
Whatever be one's bourn in all the world,5
Of world and devas chief is held a Buddha.'
1 Paññattiyo.
2 Attabhāvin.
3 Cf. JA. ii, 310; Mil. 115; Thag. 485.
4 Text should read yasasā for yassā.
5 Cf. supra, § 2.