The Related Suttas Collection 48.58

6. The Boar’s Cave

The Boar’s Cave

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain in the Boar’s Cave. Then the Buddha said to Venerable Sāriputta:

“Sāriputta, considering what benefit does a bhikkhu with defilements ended, while still alive, continue to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions?”

“Sir, it is considering the supreme sanctuary from the yoke that a bhikkhu with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions.”

“Good, good, Sāriputta! For it is considering the supreme sanctuary from the yoke that a bhikkhu whose defilements are ended, while still alive, continues to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions.

And what is that supreme sanctuary from the yoke?”

“It’s when a bhikkhu with defilements ended develops the faculties of faith, energy, mindfulness, immersion, and wisdom, which lead to peace and awakening. It is considering this supreme sanctuary from the yoke that a bhikkhu with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions.”

“Good, good, Sāriputta! For this is that supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

And what is that utmost devotion that a bhikkhu with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show towards the Realized One or his instructions?”

“It’s when a bhikkhu with defilements ended maintains respect and reverence for the Teacher, the teaching, the Saṅgha, the training, and immersion. This is that utmost devotion.”

“Good, good, Sāriputta! For this is that utmost devotion that a bhikkhu with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show towards the Realized One or his instructions.”