52(10)Khattiya
Then the brahmin Jānussonī approached the Blessed One
and exchanged greetings with him.
When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk,he sat down to one side
and said tothe Blessed One:[363]
(1)"Master Gotama,what is the aim of khattiyas?What is their quest?What is their support?What are they intent on?What is their final goal?"
The questions in Pali: kimadhippaya, kimupavicara, kimadhitthana, kimabhinivesa, kimpariyosana"Wealth,brahmin,is the aim of khattiyas;their quest is for wisdom;their support is power;they are intent on territory;and their final goal is sovereignty."
(2)"But,Master Gotama,what is the aim of brahmins?What is their quest?What is their support?What are they intent on?What is their final goal?"
"Wealth,brahmin,is the aim of brahmins;their quest is for wisdom;the Vedic hymns are their support;they are intent on sacrifice;and their final goal is the brahmā world."
(3)"But,Master Gotama,what is the aim of householders?What is their quest?Whatis their support?What are they intenton?What is their final goal?"
"Wealth,brahmin,is the aim of householders;their quest is for wisdom;their craft is their support;they are intent on work;and their final goal is to complete their work."
(4)"But,Master Gotama,what is the aim of women?What is their quest?What is their support?What are they intent on?What is their final goal?"
"A man,brahmin,is the aim of women;their quest is for adornments;sons are their support;they are intent on being without a rival;and their final goal is authority."
(5)"But,Master Gotama,what is the aim of thieves?What is their quest?What is their support?What are they intent on?What is their final goal?"
"Robbery,brahmin,is the aim of thieves;their quest is for thickets;craftiness is their support;
I read with Ce saihadhitthana, as against Be and Ee satthaclhitthanu, "a weapon is their support." Mp does not comment, but craftiness ties up better with thickets, darkness, and remaining unseen.they are intent on darkplaces;and their final goal is to remain unseen."(6)"But,Master Gotama,what is the aim of ascetics?Wha tis their quest?What is their support?What are they intent on?What is their final goal?"
"Patience and mildness,brahmin,is the aim of ascetics;theirquest is for wisdom;virtuous behavior is their support;they are intent on nothingness;
and their final goal is nibbāna."Akinicariniabhinivesa.Mp takes this to mean that their minds are intent on the state of non-grasping(niggahanabhave).
"It's astounding and amazing,Master Gotama!
MasterGotama knows the aim,quest,support,intent,and final goal of khattiyas,
brahmins,householders,women,thieves,[364]and ascetics.
"Excellent,Master Gotama!..[as in 6:38]...Let Master Gotama consider me a lay follower who from today has gone for refuge for life."