The Chapter of Disciples

The restraint of the eye is good, good is the restraint of the ear; the restraint of the nose is good, good is the restraint of the tongue. The restraint of the body is good, good is the restraint of speech; the restraint of the mind is good, good is the restraint everywhere.

A disciple restrained in all things is freed from all suffering.

The characteristics of a disciple are described in the following paragraphs:

The disciple who is restrained in hand and foot, restrained in speech, the best of the restrained; delighting inwardly, composed, alone, contented, is called a disciple.

The disciple who is restrained in speech, who speaks wisely, not conceited; who explains the meaning and the Dhamma, his speech is sweet.

The importance of devotion to the Dhamma is emphasized:

The disciple who delights in the Dhamma, who is devoted to the Dhamma, who reflects on the Dhamma; who recollects the Dhamma, does not fall away from the true Dhamma.

One should not disdain small gains, nor should one live with envy of others; a disciple who envies others does not attain concentration. Even if a disciple has little gain, if he does not disdain it, the gods praise him, living purely and untiringly.

The definition of a disciple is given:

For whom there is no attachment in name and form, who does not grieve for what is not, he is called a disciple.

The benefits of goodwill and confidence in the Tathāgata's teaching are described:

The disciple who dwells in goodwill, who is confident in the Tathāgata's teaching; he attains the peaceful state, the bliss of the cessation of formations.

A metaphor is used to illustrate the importance of cutting off passion and aversion:

Bail out this boat once bailed it will travel swiftly; having cut off passion and aversion, you will go to Nibbāna.

The concept of going beyond the bonds is explained:

Cut off the five, abandon the five, cultivate the five beyond; a disciple who has gone beyond the bonds is called one who has crossed the flood.

A warning against heedlessness is given:

Practice do not be heedless, do not let your mind delight in sensual pleasures; do not swallow the iron ball, being heedless, do not cry this is suffering while burning.

The importance of wisdom and development is emphasized:

There is no development for one without wisdom, no wisdom for one without development; in whom there is both development and wisdom, he is indeed near Nibbāna.

A description of the benefits of entering an empty place with a peaceful mind is given:

For the disciple who has entered an empty place, whose mind is peaceful; there is a non-human delight, rightly seeing the Dhamma.

The concept of contemplating the rise and fall of the aggregates is explained:

Whenever he contemplates the rise and fall of the aggregates, he experiences joy and happiness, that is the deathless for those who know.

A description of the qualities of a wise disciple is given:

Herein, this is the beginning for a wise disciple; guarding the senses, contentment, restraint in the Pātimokkha.

The importance of associating with good friends is emphasized:

Associate with good friends, who live purely and untiringly; be skilled in hospitality, in conduct; then, being full of joy, he will make an end of suffering.

A metaphor is used to illustrate the importance of shedding passion and aversion:

Like the flowers of the Vassika tree, shedding their withered petals; so should you shed passion and aversion.

A description of the qualities of a tranquil disciple is given:

With a tranquil body, tranquil speech, tranquil and well-composed.

The definition of a calm disciple is given:

The disciple who has abandoned worldly desires is called calm.

The Story of Elder Naṅgalakula

Urge yourself on, examine yourself;

Guarded and mindful, a disciple will live happily.

For oneself is one's own protector, who else could be the protector?

For oneself is one's own destiny, therefore, restrain yourself

As a merchant protects his valuable goods.

The Story of Elder Vakkali

A disciple full of joy,

Faithful in the Tathāgata's teaching,

Will attain the peaceful state,

The bliss of the cessation of formations.

The Story of Novice Sumana

Indeed, a young disciple

Who engages in the Tathāgata's teaching

Illuminates the world,

Like the moon freed from clouds.