The Rhinoceros Horn · Translation: Bhikkhu Sujato, SuttaCentral
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toward all“Sabbesu
creaturesbhūtesu
having laid downnidhāya
violencedaṇḍaṁ,
not harmingAviheṭhayaṁ
even a single oneaññatarampi
of themtesaṁ;
notNa
should wish for a childputtamiccheyya
let alonekuto
a companionsahāyaṁ,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
When you’ve laid down violence toward all creatures, not harming even a single one, don’t wish for a child, let alone a companion: live alone like a horned rhino.
for one born of association“Saṁsaggajātassa
there arebhavanti
affectionssnehā,
following affectionSnehanvayaṁ
this paindukkhamidaṁ
arisespahoti;
the dangerĀdīnavaṁ
born of affectionsnehajaṁ
seeingpekkhamāno,
aloneEko
may one livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Those with close relationships have affection, following which this pain arises. Seeing this danger born of affection, live alone like a horned rhino.
for friends“Mitte
for loved onessuhajje
having compassionanukampamāno,
one misses outHāpeti
the goalatthaṁ
with mind boundpaṭibaddhacitto;
thisEtaṁ
perilbhayaṁ
in intimacysanthave
seeingpekkhamāno,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
When feelings for friends and loved ones are tied up in selfish love, you miss out on the goal. Seeing this peril in intimacy, live alone like a horned rhino.
bamboo“Vaṁso
like spreadingvisālova
asyathā
entangledvisatto,
in childrenPuttesu
in partnerdāresu
andca
whoyā
concernapekkhā;
like a bamboo shootVaṁsakkaḷīrova
unobstructedasajjamāno,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
As a spreading bamboo gets entangled, so does concern for partners and children. Like a bamboo shoot unobstructed, live alone like a horned rhino.
a wild deer“Migo
in the forestaraññamhi
asyathā
looseabaddho,
wherever it wantsYenicchakaṁ
goesgacchati
for grazinggocarāya;
a smart personViññū
personnaro
freedomseritaṁ
looking forpekkhamāno,
aloneEko
would livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
As a wild deer loose in the forest grazes wherever it wants, a smart person looking for freedom would live alone like a horned rhino.
being called upon“Āmantanā
ishoti
among friendssahāyamajjhe,
in stayingVāse
in placeṭhāne
in goinggamane
on a journeycārikāya;
uncovetedAnabhijjhitaṁ
freedomseritaṁ
looking forpekkhamāno,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
When among friends, whether staying in place or going on a journey, you’re always on call. Looking for the uncoveted freedom, live alone like a horned rhino.
fun and games“Khiḍḍā
delightratī
there ishoti
among friendssahāyamajjhe,
for childrenPuttesu
andca
abundantvipulaṁ
there ishoti
fondnesspemaṁ;
departure from the dearPiyavippayogaṁ
loathingvijigucchamāno,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Among friends you have fun and games, and for children you are full of fondness. Though loathe to depart from those you hold dear, live alone like a horned rhino.
at ease in any quarter“Cātuddiso
unresistingappaṭigho
andca
ishoti,
contentSantussamāno
with whatever comes your wayitarītarena;
adversitiesParissayānaṁ
prevailing oversahitā
dauntlessachambhī,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
At ease in any quarter, unresisting, content with whatever comes your way; prevailing over adversities, dauntless, live alone like a horned rhino.
hard to please“Dussaṅgahā
even renunciatespabbajitāpi
someeke,
as areAtho
layfolkgahaṭṭhā
dwelling at homegharamāvasantā;
don't worryAppossukko
about others' childrenparaputtesu
beinghutvā,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Even some renunciates are hard to please, as are some layfolk dwelling at home. Don’t worry about others’ children, live alone like a horned rhino.
having put down“Oropayitvā
the marks of the home lifegihibyañjanāni,
with fallen leavesSañchinnapatto
likeyathā
the Shady Orchid Treekoviḷāro;
having cutChetvāna
a herovīro
the bonds of the home lifegihibandhanāni,
aloneEko
would livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Having shed the marks of the home life, like the fallen leaves of the Shady Orchid Tree; having cut the bonds of the home life, a hero would live alone like a horned rhino.
if“Sace
you findlabhetha
an alertnipakaṁ
companionsahāyaṁ,
togetherSaddhiṁ
to livecaraṁ
happily, attentive friendsādhuvihāridhīraṁ;
overcomingAbhibhuyya
allsabbāni
adversitiesparissayāni,
you should wanderCareyya
with them, joyfultenattamano
mindfulsatīmā”.
If you find an alert companion, an attentive friend to live happily together, then, overcoming all adversities, wander with them, joyful and mindful.
not“No
ifce
you findlabhetha
alertnipakaṁ
companionsahāyaṁ,
togetherSaddhiṁ
livingcaraṁ
an attentive friendsādhuvihāridhīraṁ;
like a kingRājāva
realmraṭṭhaṁ
conqueredvijitaṁ
having abandonedpahāya,
aloneEko
wandercare
like a tusker in the wildsmātaṅgaraññeva
elephantnāgo”.
If you find no alert companion, an attentive friend to live happily together, then, like a king who flees his conquered realm, wander alone like a tusker in the wilds.
clearly“Addhā
we praisepasaṁsāma
the blessing of a friendsahāyasampadaṁ,
betterSeṭṭhā
equalsamā
to be associated withsevitabbā
friendssahāyā;
theseEte
not gettingaladdhā
eating blamelesslyanavajjabhojī,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Clearly we praise the blessing of a friend, it’s good to be with friends your equal or better. But failing to find them, eating blamelessly, live alone like a horned rhino.
having seen“Disvā
of goldsuvaṇṇassa
shiningpabhassarāni,
by a smithKammāraputtena
well-finishedsuniṭṭhitāni;
clashing against each otherSaṅghaṭṭamānāni
twoduve
on the armbhujasmiṁ,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Though made of shining gold, well-finished by a smith, when two bracelets share the same arm they clash up against each other. Seeing this, live alone like a horned rhino.
so too“Evaṁ
with a partnerdutīyena
together withsahā
if I hadmamassa,
flatteryVācābhilāpo
cursesabhisajjanā
orvā;
thisEtaṁ
perilbhayaṁ
in the futureāyatiṁ
seeingpekkhamāno,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Thinking, “So too, if I had a partner, there’d be flattery or curses.” Seeing this peril in the future, live alone like a horned rhino.
sensual pleasures“Kāmā
indeedhi
diversecitrā
sweetmadhurā
delightfulmanoramā,
in disguiseVirūparūpena
they disturbmathenti
the mindcittaṁ;
dangerĀdīnavaṁ
in sensual stimulationskāmaguṇesu
having seendisvā,
aloneEko
let one livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Sensual pleasures are diverse, sweet, delightful; appearing in disguise they disturb the mind. Seeing danger in sensual stimulations, live alone like a horned rhino.
calamity“Ītī
andca
a boilgaṇḍo
andca
a disasterupaddavo
andca,
an illnessRogo
andca
and a dartsallañca
and a dangerbhayañca
this for memetaṁ;
thisEtaṁ
perilbhayaṁ
in sensualitykāmaguṇesu
having seendisvā,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
This is a calamity, a boil, a disaster, an illness, a dart, and a danger for me. Seeing this peril in sensuality, live alone like a horned rhino.
cold and“Sītañca
heat anduṇhañca
hungerkhudaṁ
thirstpipāsaṁ,
wind and sunVātātape
flies and reptilesḍaṁsasarīsape
andca;
all these thingsSabbānipetāni
having put up withabhisambhavitvā,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Heat and cold, hunger and thirst, wind and sun, flies and reptiles: having put up with all these things, live alone like a horned rhino.
like an elephant“Nāgova
the herdsyūthāni
forsakingvivajjayitvā,
full-grownSañjātakhandho
fond of lotusespadumī
magnificentuḷāro;
as it pleasesYathābhirantaṁ
stayingviharaṁ
in the forestaraññe,
aloneEko
let one livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
As a full-grown elephant, lotus-fond, magnificent, forsaking the herd, stays as it pleases in the forest, live alone like a horned rhino.
an impossibility“Aṭṭhānataṁ
for one who delights in companysaṅgaṇikāratassa,
thatYaṁ
may experiencephassaye
temporarysāmayikaṁ
freedomvimuttiṁ;
of the Kinsman of the SunĀdiccabandhussa
speechvaco
heedingnisamma,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
It’s impossible for one who delights in company to experience even temporary freedom. Heeding the speech of the Kinsman of the Sun, live alone like a horned rhino.
twisted views“Diṭṭhīvisūkāni
left behindupātivatto,
reachedPatto
the sure wayniyāmaṁ
gained the pathpaṭiladdhamaggo;
I've given rise to knowledgeUppannañāṇomhi
need no one to guide meanaññaneyyo,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Thinking, “I have left twisted views behind, reached the sure way, and gained the path; I’ve given rise to knowledge, and need no one to guide me”, live alone like a horned rhino.
free of greed“Nillolupo
without guilenikkuho
without thirstnippipāso,
without slurNimmakkho
dross and delusion smelted offniddhantakasāvamoho;
free of hopeNirāsayo
in the whole worldsabbaloke
having becomebhavitvā,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
No greed, no guile, no thirst, no slur, dross and delusion is smelted off; free of hoping for anything in the world, live alone like a horned rhino.
wicked“Pāpaṁ
companionsahāyaṁ
avoidparivajjayetha,
blind to the goodAnatthadassiṁ
immoralvisame
habituallyniviṭṭhaṁ;
oneselfSayaṁ
notna
befriendseve
hankeringpasutaṁ
heedlesspamattaṁ,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Avoid a wicked companion, blind to the good, habitually immoral. Don’t befriend the heedless and the hankering, but live alone like a horned rhino.
very learned“Bahussutaṁ
who has memorized the teachingsdhammadharaṁ
spend time withbhajetha,
friendMittaṁ
nobleuḷāraṁ
eloquentpaṭibhānavantaṁ;
having understoodAññāya
meaningsatthāni
having dispelledvineyya
doubtkaṅkhaṁ,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Spend time with the learned who have memorized the teachings, an eloquent and uplifting friend. When you understand the meanings and have dispelled doubt, live alone like a horned rhino.
fun and games“Khiḍḍaṁ
pleasureratiṁ
and sensual pleasurekāmasukhañca
in the worldloke,
realizing inadequateAnalaṅkaritvā
unconcernedanapekkhamāno;
from adornmentVibhūsanaṭṭhānā
refrainedvirato
speaker of truthsaccavādī,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
When you realize that worldly fun and games and pleasure are inadequate, unconcerned with them, as one unadorned, a speaker of truth, live alone like a horned rhino.
children and“Puttañca
partnerdāraṁ
father andpitarañca
mother,mātaraṁ,
wealthDhanāni
graindhaññāni
andca
relatives;bandhavāni;
having given upHitvāna
sensual pleasureskāmāni
to this extent,yathodhikāni,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhino.khaggavisāṇakappo”.
Children, partner, father, mother, wealth and grain and relatives: having given up sensual pleasures to this extent, live alone like a horned rhino.
attachment“Saṅgo
thiseso
here littleparittamettha
happinesssokhyaṁ,
little gratificationAppassādo
here sufferingdukkhamettha
morebhiyyo;
hookGaḷo
thiseso
thusiti
having knownñatvā
thoughtful personmatīmā,
aloneEko
would livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
“This is a chain. Here there’s hardly any happiness, little gratification, and it’s full of drawbacks. It’s a hook.” Knowing this, a thoughtful person would live alone like a horned rhino.
having burst apart“Sandālayitvāna
the fetterssaṁyojanāni,
like a netJālaṁva
having tornbhetvā
a fish that swims free in the watersalilambucārī;
like a fireAggīva
what has been burneddaḍḍhaṁ
not turning backanivattamāno,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Having burst apart the fetters, like a fish that tears the net and swims free, or a fire not returning to ground it has burned, live alone like a horned rhino.
eyes downcast“Okkhittacakkhu
notna
andca
footloosepādalolo,
senses guardedGuttindriyo
mind protectedrakkhitamānasāno;
not festeringAnavassuto
not burning with desireapariḍayhamāno,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Eyes downcast, not footloose, senses guarded, mind protected, not festering or burning with desire, live alone like a horned rhino.
having shed“Ohārayitvā
the marks of the home lifegihibyañjanāni,
like the fallen leaves of the Orchid TreeSañchannapatto
likeyathā
of the Orchid Treepārichatto;
in the ocher robeKāsāyavattho
having gone forthabhinikkhamitvā,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Having shed the marks of the home life, like the fallen leaves of the Orchid Tree, and gone forth in the ocher robe, live alone like a horned rhino.
in tastes“Rasesu
greedgedhaṁ
not makingakaraṁ
not wantonalolo,
providing for no otherAnaññaposī
wandering for almssapadānacārī;
to familyKule
to familykule
not attached in mindappaṭibaddhacitto,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Not wanton, nor rousing greed for tastes, providing for no other, wandering indiscriminately for alms, not attached to this family or that, live alone like a horned rhino.
having given up“Pahāya
five obstaclespañcāvaraṇāni
of mindcetaso,
corruptionsUpakkilese
having cast asidebyapanujja
allsabbe;
independentAnissito
having cut offchetva
affection and hatesinehadosaṁ,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
When you’ve given up five mental obstacles, and cast aside all corruptions, and cut off affection and hate, being independent, live alone like a horned rhino.
having put behind“Vipiṭṭhikatvāna
pleasuresukhaṁ
and paindukhañca,
and formerPubbeva
andca
happiness and sadnesssomanassadomanassaṁ;
having gained equanimityLaddhānupekkhaṁ
serenesamathaṁ
purevisuddhaṁ,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
When you’ve put pleasure and pain behind you, and former happiness and sadness, and gained equanimity serene and pure, live alone like a horned rhino.
with energy aroused“Āraddhaviriyo
for attaining the ultimate goalparamatthapattiyā,
not sluggish in mindAlīnacitto
not lazy in conductakusītavutti;
with firm exertionDaḷhanikkamo
endowed with strength and powerthāmabalūpapanno,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
With energy roused to reach the ultimate goal, not sluggish in mind or lazy, vigorous, strong and powerful, live alone like a horned rhino.
retreat“Paṭisallānaṁ
not neglecting absorptionjhānamariñcamāno,
in teachingsDhammesu
alwaysniccaṁ
living in line with the teachinganudhammacārī;
the dangerĀdīnavaṁ
comprehendingsammasitā
in rebirthsbhavesu,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Not neglecting retreat and absorption, always living in line with the teaching, comprehending the danger in rebirths, live alone like a horned rhino.
ending of craving“Taṇhakkhayaṁ
aiming, diligentpatthayamappamatto,
cleverAneḷamūgo
learnedsutavā
mindfulsatīmā;
who has appraised the teachingSaṅkhātadhammo
assuredniyato
resolutepadhānavā,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
One whose aim is the ending of craving— diligent, clever, learned, mindful, resolute— who has appraised the teaching and is assured, destined for awakening, should live alone like a horned rhino.
like a lion“Sīhova
by soundssaddesu
not startledasantasanto,
like windVātova
in a netjālamhi
not caughtasajjamāno;
like a lotusPadumaṁva
by watertoyena
not stickingalippamāno,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Like a lion not startled by sounds, like wind not caught in a net, like water not sticking to a lotus, live alone like a horned rhino.
lion“Sīho
likeyathā
strong-fangeddāṭhabalī
overcomingpasayha,
kingRājā
of beastsmigānaṁ
having conqueredabhibhuyya
wanderingcārī;
should frequentSevetha
remotepantāni
lodgingssenāsanāni,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
Like the fierce-fanged lion, king of beasts, who wanders as conqueror and victor, you should frequent remote lodgings, and live alone like a horned rhino.
loving-kindness“Mettaṁ
equanimityupekkhaṁ
compassionkaruṇaṁ
freedomvimuttiṁ,
cultivatingĀsevamāno
and rejoicingmuditañca
in timekāle;
by allSabbena
by the worldlokena
not upsetavirujjhamāno,
aloneEko
one should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
In time, cultivate freedom through love, compassion, rejoicing, and equanimity. Not upset by anything in the world, live alone like a horned rhino.
and greed“Rāgañca
and hatedosañca
having given uppahāya
delusion,mohaṁ,
having burst apartSandālayitvāna
the fetters;saṁyojanāni;
unafraidAsantasaṁ
at the end of life,jīvitasaṅkhayamhi,
aloneEko
livecare
like a horned rhino”.khaggavisāṇakappo”.
Having given up greed, hate, and delusion, having burst apart the fetters, unafraid at the end of life, live alone like a horned rhino.
they befriend“Bhajanti
and servesevanti
andca
for their own sakekāraṇatthā,
lacking ulterior motiveNikkāraṇā
hard to finddullabhā
these daysajja
friendsmittā;
cleverly profit themselvesAttaṭṭhapaññā
impureasucī
folkmanussā,
aloneEko
should livecare
like a horned rhinokhaggavisāṇakappo”.
the Rhinoceros Horn DiscourseKhaggavisāṇasuttaṁ
the thirdtatiyaṁ.
They befriend you and serve you for their own sake; these days it’s hard to find friends lacking ulterior motive. Impure folk cleverly profit themselves— live alone like a horned rhino.
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