Dear Nina, Alex and friends,

thanks, Nina, for the explanation. Allow me to add some information
which Alex and others may find useful.

There are several English translations of the Sutta Nipaata online:

1. ATI (various translators):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/khuddaka/suttanipata/

2. John D. Ireland:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel082.html

3. V. FAUSBÖLL: http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/sbe10/sbe1029.htm

There is a German translation here:
http://www.palikanon.com/khuddaka/sn/sn_00.html

This is one of those rare finds. Someone translated Sutta Nipaata
into Chinese several years ago. Two kind souls have put it on the web:
http://www.ebud.net/book/showbook.asp?no=3690
http://sss2002.51.net/index5.htm

For those who wanted to get a print copy, there are several English
versions from Pariyatti:
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=133036
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=201818
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=131548


metta,
Yong Peng.

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, Nina van Gorkom wrote:

I am using the PTS edition by Norman. He also says that its antiguity
is shown by its presence in the Mahavastu, and also that it is
commented upon in the Niddesa.

This sutta is included in the Apadaana (Khuddaka Nikaaya) in the part
on Paccekabuddhas, solitary Buddhas. See also Wheel 305-307. This
sutta praises the solitary life of a paccekabuddha. The one horn of
the Indian Rhinoceros symbolizes the solitary life, according to
Norman. Not hurting beings: this is a life without violence, like the
life of an ascetic. Not wishing for a son, being without clinging to
a family, such as is the case in the householder's life. Evenso, one
should not cling to having a friend.

Further on in the sutta it is explained that one should avoid an evil
companion. One should cultivate a noble friend, but when doubts have
been dispelled one should wander solitary (vs. 58). This sutta is a
reminder of the amount of clinging connected with the household life.
A wise friend can help one to develop the Path but then one should
develop it oneself, independently of others.