The six species

At one time The Blessed One was living among the Gijja peaks in Rajagaha. Venerable Ānanda approached The Blessed One, worshipped, sat on a side and said:

Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa appoints six species, such as the dark species, the blue species, the red species, the turmeric species, the pleasant species and the highly pleasant species. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa's dark species are the slaughterers of sheep, pigs, killers of birds, hunters, rough fishermen, killers of robbers keepers of prisons and any others doing fierce activities. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa's blue species are the bhikkhus inconsistent in observing virtues and others with the view of actions and results. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa's red species are the Niganthas and those wearing a single robe. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa's yellow species are the lay disciples wearing white clothes and the disciples who do not wear clothes. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa's pure species are the ascetics male and female who make a living in a peculiar way. Venerable sir, Purana Kassapa's highest pure species are Nanda Vaccha, Kisa Sankicca, Makkhali Gosala. Venerable sir, these are the six species appointed by Purana Kassapa.

Ānanda, are the six species appointed by Purana Kassapa accepted by the whole world? No, venerable sir.

Ānanda, like a poor incapable man against his wish is made to observe saying `Good man, you should eat flesh and not earn money for it. In the same manner, Purana Kassapa without the acknowledgement of these recluses and Brahmins has appointed these six species foolishly, not knowing the manner to do it. Ānanda, I too appoint the six species. Listen carefully and attend to it Yes venerable sir. Ānanda, what are the six species?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one of dark species produces dark things Here, Ānanda, a certain one of dark species produces pure things. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of dark species produces the not dark, not pure extinction. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of pure species produces dark things. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of pure species produces pure things. Here, Ānanda, a certain one of pure species produces the not dark, not pure extinction.

Ānanda, how does the dark species, produce dark things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a low family, in the family of, an outcaste, or a hunter, or a basket weaver, or a chariot maker, or a rubbish collector, not easily provided with eatables and drinks and nourishments. Is not attractive, not with pleasant looks, is ugly and out of shape, with many ailments, blind, lame, or with disabled limbs. He is not a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He misbehaves by body, words and mind. Having misbehaved by body, words and mind, after death he goes to decrease to hell. Thus Ānanda, the dark species produces dark things.

Ānanda, how does the dark species, produce pure things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a low family, in the family of, an outcaste, or a hunter, or a basket weaver, or a chariot maker, or a rubbish collector, not easily provided with eatables and drinks and nourishments. Is not attractive, not with pleasant looks, is ugly and out of shape, with many ailments, blind, lame, or with disabled limbs. Not a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights, he develops the right conduct by body, words and mind. Having developed the right conduct by body, words and mind, after death he goes to increase to heaven. Thus Ānanda, the dark species produces pure things.

Ānanda, how does the dark species, produce neither dark nor pure things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a low family, in the family of, an outcaste, or a hunter, or a basket weaver, or a chariot maker, or a rubbish collector, he is not easily provided with eatables and drinks and nourishments. Is not attractive, not with pleasant looks, is ugly and out of shape, with many ailments, blind, lame, or with disabled limbs. He is not a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He shaves head and beard wears yellow clothes leaves the household and becomes homeless. Dispelling the five obstructions he wisely makes the minor defilements of the mind weak. Establishes himself thoroughly in the four establishments of mindfulness. Develops the enlightenment factors as they really should be. Thus Ānanda, the dark species produce the neither dark nor pure extinction.

Ānanda, how does the pure species, produce dark things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a wealthy family, of the warriors, or brhmins, or householders with much resources of gold, silver, wealth, grains. He is handsome and attractive endowed with the highest beauty. He is a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He misbehaves by body, words and mind. Having misbehaved by body, words and mind, after death he goes to decrease to hell. Thus Ānanda, the pure species produces dark things.

Ānanda, how does the pure species, produce pure things?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a wealthy family, of the warriors, or brhmins, or householders with much resources of gold, silver, wealth, grains. He is handsome and attractive endowed with the highest beauty. He is a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He develops the correct conduct by body, words and mind. Having developed the right conduct by body, words and mind, after death he goes to increase to heaven. Thus Ānanda, the pure species produces pure things.

Ānanda, how does the pure species, produce the neither dark nor pure extinction?

Here, Ānanda, a certain one is born in a wealthy family, of the warriors, or brhmins, or householders with much resources of gold, silver, wealth, grains. He is handsome and attractive endowed with the highest beauty. He is a gainer of eatables, drinks, clothes, conveyances, flowers, scents, ointments, beds, dwellings and lights. He shaves head and beard wears yellow clothes leaves the household and becomes homeless. Dispelling the five obstructions he wisely makes the minor defilements of the mind weak. Establishes himself thoroughly in the four establishments of mindfulness. Develops the enlightenment factors as they really should be. Thus Ānanda, the pure species produce the neither dark nor pure extinction.

Ānanda, these six are the species.