Numbered Discourses 10.18

2. A Protector

A Protector (2nd)

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the bhikkhus, “Bhikkhus!”

“Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

“Bhikkhus, you should live with a protector, not without one. Living without a protector is suffering. There are ten qualities that serve as protector. What ten? Firstly, a bhikkhu is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and seeking alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu is very learned, remembering and keeping what they’ve learned. These teachings are good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased, describing a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. They are very learned in such teachings, remembering them, reinforcing them by recitation, mentally scrutinizing them, and comprehending them theoretically. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu has good friends, companions, and associates. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu is easy to admonish, having qualities that make them easy to admonish. They’re patient, and take instruction respectfully. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu is deft and tireless in a diverse spectrum of duties for their spiritual companions, understanding how to go about things in order to complete and organize the work. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu loves the teachings and is a delight to converse with, being full of joy in the teaching and training. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu is content with any kind of robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu is mindful. They have utmost mindfulness and alertness, and can remember and recall what was said and done long ago. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

Furthermore, a bhikkhu is wise. They have the wisdom of arising and passing away which is noble, penetrative, and leads to the complete ending of suffering. Knowing this, the bhikkhus—whether senior, middle, or junior—think that bhikkhu is worth advising and instructing. Being treated with such kindness by the senior, middle, and junior bhikkhus, that bhikkhu can expect only growth, not decline. This too is a quality that serves as protector.

You should live with a protector, not without one. Living without a protector is suffering. These are the ten qualities that serve as protector.”

That is what the Buddha said. Satisfied, the bhikkhus approved what the Buddha said.