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### Sutta Nipata V.8

# Hemaka-manava-puccha

# Hemaka's Question

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

Hemaka:

> In the past,
> before hearing Gotama's teaching,
> when anyone explained 'It was,' 'It will be,'
> all that was hearsay,
> quoted words.
> All that promoted conjecture
> and gave me no pleasure.
> Now, sage, teach me the Dhamma
> demolishing craving,
> knowing which, living mindfully,
> one would cross over beyond
> entanglement in the world.

The Buddha:

> Here, Hemaka,
> with regard to things that are dear
> -- seen, heard, sensed, & cognized --
> there is: the dispelling of passion & desire,
> the undying state of Unbinding.
> Those knowing this, mindful,
> fully unbound
> in the here & now,
> are forever calmed,
> have crossed over beyond
> entanglement in the world.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001