43(12)Bases for [Beingl"Ten-less"(2)
Thus have I heard.On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Kosambi in Ghosita's Park.
Then,in the morning,the Venerable Ananda dressed,took his bowl and robe,and entered Kosambī for alms.
It then occurred to him:
"It is still too early to walk for alms in Kosambi.
Let me go to the park of the wanderers of other sects."
Then the Venerable Ananda went to theparkof the wanderersof other sects:[as in 7:42,substituting Ananda for Sariputta and Kosambi for Savatthī][38]...
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"Is it possible,Bhante,in thisDhamma and discipline to describe a bhikkhu as 'ten-less'by the mere counting of years?"
"In this Dhamma and discipline,Ananda,it isn't possible to describe a bhikkhu as 'ten-less'by the mere counting of years.
There are,Ananda,these seven bases for [being]'ten-less'that
I have proclaimed after realizing them for myself with direct knowledge.
What seven?
Here,a bhikkhu has(1)faith,(2)a sense of moral shame,(3)moral dread;(4)he is learned,(5)energetic,(6)mindful,and (7)wise.
These are the seven bases for[being]'ten-less'that I have proclaimed after realizing them for myself with direct knowledge.[39]
"
Ananda,if a bhikkhu possesses these seven bases for[being]'ten-less,'then,if he lives the complete and pure spiritual life for twelve years,he is fit to be called 'ten-less.'
If,too,he lives the complete and pure spiritual life for twenty-four years,he is fit to be called 'ten-less.'
If,too,he lives the complete and pure spiritual lifefor thirty-six years,he is fit to be called 'ten-less.'If,too,he lives the complete and pure spiritual life for forty-eight years,he is fit to be called 'ten-less.'"