By the Path

Thus have I heard:

The Exalted One was once staying near Sāvatthī.

Then the Exalted One addressed the brethren, saying:

"Brethren."

"Lord," responded those brethren to the Exalted One.

The Exalted One thus spoke:

"I will teach you, Brethren, the Uncompounded
and the path that goes to the Uncompounded.

Do ye listen to it.

And what, Brethren, is the Uncompounded?

The destruction of lust, Brethren,
the destruction of hatred,
the destruction of illusion, -
that is called the Uncompounded.

And what, Brethren, is the path
that goes to the Uncompounded?

The Ariyan Eightfold Path.

That, Brethren, is called
'the path that goes to the Uncompounded.'

Thus, Brethren, have I shown¹ you the Uncompounded.

Thus have I taught ye the way that goes to the Uncompounded.

Whatever should be done
by a teacher that seeks the welfare of his disciples,
in compassion,
feeling compassion,
that have I done for you.

Here, Brethren, are the roots of trees.

Here are empty places.

Do you meditate.

Be not remiss.

Be not remorseful hereafter.

This is our instruction to you.

¹ Text has vedayitaṅ, prob. a misprint for desitaṅ, occurring in other passages.