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- Anguttara Nikaya V.159
- Udayi Sutta
- About Udayin
- For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma
I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying at Kosambi,
in Ghosita's Park. Now at that time Ven. Udayin was sitting surrounded by a large assembly
of householders, teaching the Dhamma. Ven. Ananda saw Ven. Udayin
sitting surrounded by a large assembly of householders, teaching the Dhamma, and on seeing
him went to the Blessed One. On arrival, he bowed down to the Blessed One and sat to one
side. As he was sitting there he said to the Blessed One: "Ven. Udayin, lord, is
sitting surrounded by a large assembly of householders, teaching the Dhamma."
"It's not easy to teach the Dhamma to others, Ananda. The Dhamma should be taught
to others only when five qualities are established within the person teaching. Which five?
"[1] The Dhamma should be taught with the thought, 'I will speak step-by-step.'
"[2] The Dhamma should be taught with the thought, 'I will speak explaining the
sequence [of cause & effect].'
"[3] The Dhamma should be taught with the thought, 'I will speak out of
compassion.'
"[4] The Dhamma should be taught with the thought, 'I will speak not for the
purpose of material reward.'
"[5] The Dhamma should be taught with the thought, 'I will speak without
disparaging myself or others.'
"It's not easy to teach the Dhamma to others, Ananda. The Dhamma should be taught
to others only when these five qualities are established within the person teaching."
See also: Sn IV.8; AN III.73; DN 16 (the
Buddha's answer to Subhadda's question).