I. Modesty
“‘This Dhamma is for one who is modest, not for one who is self-aggrandizing.’ Thus was it said. With reference to what was it said? There is the case where a monk, being modest, doesn’t want it to be known that ‘He is modest.’ Being content, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘He is content.’ Being reclusive, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘He is reclusive.’ His persistence being aroused, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘His persistence is aroused.’ His mindfulness being established, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘His mindfulness is established.’ His mind being centered, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘His mind is centered.’ Being endowed with discernment, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘He is endowed with discernment.’ Enjoying non-complication, he doesn’t want it to be known that ‘He is enjoying non-complication.’” — AN 8:30
When I was seven
& newly gone forth,
having conquered with my power
the great powerful serpent,
I was fetching water for my preceptor
from the great lake, Anotatta,1
when the Teacher saw me & said:
“Look, Sāriputta, at that one, the young boy coming there, carrying a pot of water, well-centered within, his practices—inspiring; his bearing—admirable. He’s Anuruddha’s novice, mature in his powers, made thoroughbred by a thoroughbred, good by one who is good, tamed by Anuruddha, trained by one whose task is done.
He, having reached the highest peace & realized the unshakable, Sumana the novice wants this: ‘Don’t let anyone know me.’” —Thag 6:10
Note
1. Anotatta: A fabulous lake located in the Himalayas, famed for the purity of its cool waters. Sumana would have had to use his psychic powers to fetch water from there.
On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Āḷavī at the Aggāḷava Shrine. There he addressed the monks: “Monks, remember Hatthaka of Āḷavī as being endowed with seven amazing, astounding qualities. Which seven? Monks, Hatthaka of Āḷavī is endowed with conviction. He is virtuous. He has a sense of conscience. He has a sense of concern (for the results of unskillful actions). He is learned. He is generous. He is discerning. Remember Hatthaka of Āḷavī as being endowed with these seven amazing, astounding qualities.”
That is what the Blessed One said. Having said it, the One Well-going, getting up from his seat, went into his dwelling.
Then early in the morning a certain monk, having put on his robes and carrying his bowl & outer robe, went to Hatthaka of Āḷavī’s home. On arrival, he sat down on a seat made ready. Then Hatthaka of Āḷavī approached the monk and, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there the monk said to him, “Friend, the Blessed One has described you as being endowed with seven amazing, astounding qualities. Which seven? ‘Hatthaka of Āḷavī is endowed with conviction. He is virtuous. He has a sense of conscience. He has a sense of concern (for the results of unskillful actions). He is learned. He is generous. He is discerning.’ Friend, the Blessed One has described you as being endowed with these seven amazing, astounding qualities.”
“I hope, sir, that there were no white-clad householders there.”
“No, friend, there were no white-clad householders there.”
“It’s good, sir, that there were no white-clad householders there.”
Then the monk, having received alms at Hatthaka of Āḷavī’s home, departed. After his meal, returning from his alms round, he went to the Blessed One. On arrival, having bowed down to the Blessed One, he sat to one side. As he was sitting there, [he told the Blessed One what had happened.]
[The Blessed One replied:] “It’s good, monk, it’s very good that the clansman is modest and does not want others to know of the skillful qualities present in him. In that case, monk, remember Hatthaka of Āḷavī as being endowed with this eighth amazing, astounding quality: modesty.” — AN 8:23
