Sn 5.8 Hemaka manava puccha

Hemaka-manava-puccha: Hemaka's Question

translated from the Pali by

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

[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.