Academic Sutta Name Notes PSA Plae Vagga Nikaya PTS Keywords
DhA.

XIX:6 The monk who liked to argue (Hatthaka)

Venerable Hatthaka used to argue with others. Whenever he was defeated in an argument he would challenge his opponents to meet again at a certain place and time to continue with the argument. He would then go to the appointed place before the appointed time and declare that the absence of the opponent meant acknowledgement of defeat. He would then boast, 'Look, those foolish people dare not meet me, they have been defeated by me!'. The Buddha on hearing about his behaviour admonished Hatthaka, 'Bhikkhu! Why do you behave in this way? One who says such things is not suitable to be a samana (monk) in spite of his shaven head. Only one who has rid himself of all evil and pride is to be called a samana.'

55/170 Dhammapada & Commentary Khuddhaka J.i.106ff. despair


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Last modified on: Sunday, 13 August 2000.