Dear Yong Peng,

op 22-05-2006 15:10 schreef Ong Yong Peng op pali.smith@...:

> I believe the compilers of the suttas should be thinking of these 16
> qualities as inspiring and giving comfort to the friends and followers
> of monks with any or all of these qualities. One possible term for
> pasaadakara is favorable, i.e. favorable qualities. What do you think?

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N: Let us look at the whole chapter. The Buddha exhorts the monk to jhaana,
to metta, etc. and said: if he practises this even for a fimgersnap he may
be called a monk.
I think this sutta is above all an exhortation to the monk to lead the
monk's life in all its purity. Then he is a true recluse and eats the
almsfood to some purpose. Of course the one does not exclude the other, it
is the same as the reasons for the Vinaya: so that the followers have
confidence in monkhood.
Purifying qualities is a possibility.
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Y. P.: I agree that pasaada can also mean serenity, clearness

> or purity, and pasaadakara can mean serenity-producing, as you
> suggested, although I do not think having a large following, having
> good looks or being a young man from a good family, or even wearing
> rags naturally make a monk pure or serene.

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N: a large following is result of good kamma. Be a good monk so that you
have a large following.
having good looks, let us rather say: a beautiful appearance: this is the
effect of mental development. An exhortation again to the monk.
being a young man from a good family: an exhortation: you are the Buddha's
son.
wearing rags: robes made of rags, fewness of wishes. A great and admirable
virtue.
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Y.P.: Lastly, I like to change 'mahaaparivaarataa'

> to "having a strong (rather than, extensive) following".

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N: I would suggest: Having many followers or alarge following. See above.
Nina.