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### Sutta Nipata V.16

# Pingiya-manava-puccha

# Pingiya's Question

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

Read an alternate translation by John D. Ireland

Pingiya:

> I'm old & weak,
> my complexion dull.
> I've blurry eyes
> and trouble hearing,
> but may I not perish deluded,
> confused!
> Teach me the Dhamma
> so that I may know
> the abandoning here
> of birth & aging.

The Buddha:

> Seeing people suffering
> on account of their bodies --
> heedless people are oppressed
> on account of their bodies --
> then heedful, Pingiya,
> let go of the body
> for the sake of no further becoming.

Pingiya:

> In the four cardinal directions,
> the four intermediate,
> above & below
> -- the ten directions --
> there is nothing in the world
> unseen, unheard,
> unsensed, uncognized by you.
> Teach me the Dhamma
> so that I may know
> the abandoning here
> of birth & aging.

The Buddha:

> Seeing people,
> victims of craving --
> aflame, overwhelmed with aging --
> then heedful, Pingiya,
> let go of craving
> for the sake of no further becoming.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001