Samyuktagama 26

Saṃyuktāgama

26. Discourse on Teaching the Dharma Well

Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Park. At that time a certain monk approached the Buddha, paid homage with his head at the Buddha’s feet and withdrew to stand at one side. He said to the Buddha: “As the Blessed One has spoken about being a Dharma teacher—how is one reckoned a Dharma teacher?”

The Buddha said to the monk: “It is well, it is well. You now wish to know the meaning of what the Tathāgata has spoken about as a Dharma teacher. Is it like this?” The monk said to the Buddha: “Indeed, Blessed One.”

The Buddha said to the monk: “Listen and pay careful attention to what I will tell you.” The Buddha said to the monk: “If by teaching about bodily form disenchantment arises, one is free from desire for bodily form and there is cessation and a state of peace, this is reckoned as being a Dharma teacher. If by teaching about feeling … perception … formations … consciousness disenchantment arises, one is free from desire for consciousness and there is cessation and a state of peace, this is reckoned as being a Dharma teacher. This is reckoned what the Tathāgata declares to be a Dharma teacher.”

Then that monk, hearing what the Buddha had said, was thrilled with delight, paid homage and left.