Aṅguttara Nikāya
Pañcaka-Nipāta
12. Andhakavinda Vagga

The book of the Fives

Chapter XII: Andhakavinda

Sutta 112

Pacchā-Samaṇa Suttaṃ

The Recluse Who Walks Behind

[106]

Thus have I heard:

Once the Exalted One dwelt near Sāvatthī;
and there he addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

'Yes, lord,' they replied; and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, acting in five ways
a recluse¹ ought not to be taken
to walk behind.

What five?

He keeps too far behind
or too near;
takes not the alms-laden bowl;²
restrains not one's speech
from being overtaken in a fault;
interrupts one,
time and again,
in speaking;
and is dull-witted,
stupid,
an idiot.

Monks, acting in these five ways
a recluse ought not to be taken
to walk behind.'

"Monks, acting in five ways
a recluse should be taken
to walk behind.

What five?

He does not keep too far behind
or too near;
takes the alms-laden bowl;
restrains one's speech
from being overtaken in a fault;
does not interrupt one,
time and again,
in speaking;
and is insightful,^ed1
not stupid,
not an idiot.

Monks, acting in these five ways
a recluse should be taken
to walk behind.'

¹ A junior; for the first four clauses see Vin. i, 46 (in different order); for the fourth Cf. below VI, § 60; Sn. p. 107; M. ii, 122.

² Patta-pariyāpanna.