VIII. The Book of the Nines

Chapter III: Spheres of Beings

[275]

Thus have I heard:

Once the Exalted One was dwelling near Savatthī, at Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park
there the Exalted One said this to the Monks:

"Monks, there are these nine bases of strife.¹

What nine?

(The thought):

'He has done me harm' - stirs up² strife;

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so also the thoughts:

'He is doing me harm;'

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'he will do me harm;'

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'he has done harm to a dear and loved one of mine;'

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'he is doing harm to such an one;'

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'he will do harm to him;'

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'he has done good to one who is not dear or loved by me;'

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'he is doing good to such an one;'

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'he will do good to him.'

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These, monks, are the nine bases of strife."

¹ Cf. D. iii, 262, 289; A. v, 150.

² Bandhati, cf. to baste (in its double meaning). Comy. glosses: karoti, uppādeti.