Recluses

Bhikkhus, the recluse is here only, so too the scond recluse, the third recluse and the fourth recluse. Other faiths are devoid of recluses who have realized. Therefore bhikkhus, rightfully roar the lion's roar.

Bhikkhus, who is a recluse?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu destroying three bonds enters the stream of the Teaching and becomes one, aiming extinction not falling from that. Bhikkhus, this is a recluse.

Bhikkhus, who is a second recluse?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu destroying the three bonds and making less of greed, hate and delusion, returns to this world, once only to make an end of unpleasantness. Bhikkhus, this is the second recluse.

Bhikkhus, who is the third recluse?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu destroying the five lower bonds binding him to the sensual world, becomes one spontaneously arisen and extinguishes there itself without proceeding further. Bhikkhus, this is the third recluse.

Bhikkhus, who is the fourth recluse?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu destroying desires and releasing the mind from desires and released through wisdom, here and now abides by himself knowing and realizing. Bhikkhus, this is the fourth recluse.

Bhikkhus, the recluse is here only, so too the scond recluse, the third recluse and the fourth recluse. Other faiths are devoid of recluses who have realized. Therefore bhikkhus, rightfully the lion's roar is roared.