[202] Here, Anuruddhas, a laywoman hears: "The laywoman named so-and-so has died; she has been declared by the Blessed One thus: 'With the utter destruction of the five lower fetters, she is spontaneously reborn (opapātikā), due to attain final Nibbāna there, not subject to returning from that world.'" And that sister has either been seen by her personally or heard of by report: "That sister was of such virtue," and "That sister was of such qualities" … "of such wisdom" … "of such a dwelling" … "That sister was thus liberated." Recollecting that sister's faith, virtue, learning, generosity, and wisdom, she directs her mind (citta) toward such a state. Thus too, Anuruddhas, there is a comfortable abiding for a laywoman.
Here, Anuruddhas, a laywoman hears: "The laywoman named so-and-so has died; she has been declared by the Blessed One thus: 'With the utter destruction of three fetters and the attenuation of lust (rāga), hatred, and delusion, she is a once-returner (sakadāgāminī); having come back to this world only once, she will make an end of suffering (dukkha).'" And that sister has either been seen by her personally or heard of by report: "That sister was of such virtue," and "That sister was of such qualities" … "of such wisdom" … "of such a dwelling" … "That sister was thus liberated." Recollecting that sister's faith, virtue, learning, generosity, and wisdom, she directs her mind toward such a state. Thus too, Anuruddhas, there is a comfortable abiding for a laywoman.
Here, Anuruddhas, a laywoman hears: "The laywoman named so-and-so has died; she has been declared by the Blessed One thus: 'With the utter destruction of three fetters, she is a stream-enterer (sotāpannā), not subject to falling into a lower world, fixed in destiny, bound for full awakening.'" And that sister has either been seen by her personally or heard of by report: "That sister was of such virtue," and "That sister was of such qualities," and "That sister was of such a dwelling," and "That sister was thus liberated." Recollecting that sister's faith, virtue, learning, generosity, and wisdom, she directs her mind toward such a state. Thus too, Anuruddhas, there is a comfortable abiding for a laywoman.
Thus, Anuruddhas, it is not for the purpose of deceiving people, not for the purpose of cajoling people, not for the sake of the reward of gain, honor, and fame, nor with the thought, "Let people know me thus," that the Tathāgata declares of disciples who have passed on, who have died, regarding their rebirths: "This one has arisen in such a place; that one has arisen in such a place." There are, Anuruddhas, clansmen endowed with faith, of lofty inspiration and lofty gladness; having heard that, they direct their minds toward such a state. That, Anuruddhas, is for their welfare and happiness for a long time.
The Blessed One said this. The venerable Anuruddha was satisfied and delighted in the Blessed One's words.
The Naḷakapāna Sutta, the eighth, is finished.
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[Next: the Goliyāni Sutta]
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.