Lessons In Practical Buddhism - Sirimangalo.Org

wisdom and understanding, but partiality and delusion.
The Buddha was clear on this point – we should even avoid
excessive contact with good friends and companions in the
spiritual path in favour of our own spiritual development, as
exemplified by the story of Attadattha Thera, a monk in the
time of the Buddha.
It is said that when the Buddha announced his final passing
away four months before, those monks who were still not
free from mental defilement were at a loss as to what to do
and went around fretting and worrying and speculating about
the impending loss of their great teacher.
One monk, however, thought to himself, “here our wise and
enlightened teacher is about to pass away forever and I
myself am still not free from craving!” It were better, he
thought, to strive ardent and alone to attain enlightenment
before the Buddha passed away.
As a result, he avoided his companions in the holy life at all
cost, dedicating himself to intensive meditation practice in
solitude. The other monks, becoming aware of his
unwillingness to engage in conversation or express concern
about the Buddha’s passing, confronted him and brought him
before the Buddha.
When the Buddha heard their complaint, he said that all
monks should strive to be like Attadattha who, knowing what
was in his best interest, took it upon himself to seek it out at
all cost. He then taught a verse that appears in the
Dhammapada:
“attadatthaṃ paratthena, bahunāpi na hāpaye.
attadatthamabhiññāya, sadatthapasuto siyā”ti.
“Not for the benefit of another should one sacrifice one’s
own benefit, no matter it be great.
Clearly knowing what is of benefit to one’s self, one
should set oneself intently upon attaining that benefit.”
– Dhp. 166
Even contact with true friends should be limited to what is
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