120 



THE FIRST DISCOURSE 



a sinless occupation, perseverance in duty, holy meditation, and 

 mental tranquillity. 



"This, O Priests, is the middle path, perceived by Buddhu. 



"This, O Priests, is the important doctrine respecting sorrow: 

 there is sorrow in birth, in decay, in sickness, and in death, in 

 separation from beloved objects, and in being compelled to remain 

 with those which are disagreeable; there is sorrow in not obtaining 

 the fulfilment of wishes, and, briefly, sorrow is connected with every 

 mode of existence. 



"This, Priests, is the important doctrine respecting the con- 

 tinuation of sorrow: it is desire, which in transmigrations revels in 

 sensuality and seeks enjoyment in whatever state it may be placed; 

 it is the desire of pleasure, of continued existence, and of annihi- 

 lation after death.* 



"This, Priests, is the important doctrine respecting the de- 

 struction of sorrow: it is complete freedom from passion, an aban- 

 donment of sensual objects; a deliverance from the desire of a 

 continuation of existence, a freedom from attachment to existing 

 objects. 



"This, O Priests, is the important doctrine relative to the path 

 by which this state may be attained; this path has 8 divisions — 

 correct doctrines, a clear perception of their nature, inflexible 

 veracity, purity of conduct, a sinless occupation, perseverance in 

 duty, holy meditation, and mental tranquillity. Relative to the 

 important doctrine of sorrow being connected with all things, I, 



Priests, possess the eye to perceive this previously undiscovered 

 truth, the knowledge of its nature, the understanding of its cause, 

 the wisdom to guide in the path of tranquillity, and the light to 

 dispel darkness from it. 



"O Priests, it is necessary that I should clearly understand this 

 previously undiscovered and important doctrine, relative to which 



1 have the eye to perceive; the knowledge, &c. 



O Priests, this previously undiscovered doctrine that sorrow is 



* This passage stands as it is given in Mr. Gogerley's translation. 



