Nāvā Sutta | Sn II-8

8. Dhamma (Nāvā) Sutta

The Boat of Dhamma

318. If a man can learn well, the Dhamma from a certain teacher, he should honour him as the Devas would Sakka, their lord.

That teacher, worthy of veneration, well versed in the Dhamma will then be duly pleased with his pupil and will impart his knowledge of the Dhamma the best way he can.

319. The wise man attends on the teacher well. And having taken in the Dhamma, he may investigate the truth in accordance with the Dhamma (i.e. practise Vipassanā meditation), until he gains Insight Knowledge, ability to teach it, and will attain Nibbāna (become the knower of subtle wisdom). (2)

320. If one serves a teacher who is petty, foolish, in hot conversant with the Buddha's Teaching, jealous of the pupil's progress, dies a sceptical man, without having gained his confidence (faith) in the Dhamma. (3).

3.21. For instance, how could a man who has entered a brimming river with a rapid current, and been carried downstream, be able to save another from drowning? (4)

322. Likewise, how could one who has not clearly understood the essence and the practice of the Dhamma, not taken careful study from one who is learned (in the Dhamma), not seen the Dhamma by own (Vipassanā) effort, and (therefore) not free from scepticism, enlighten others? (5)

323. In as much as a wise man, skilful in the handling of river raft, takes a strongly-built boat equipped with oars and pikes, can navigate the swift river safely for his many passengers aboard,-

324. So also, if the teacher is, one who has attained Nibbāna, has cultivated his mind for Insight-Knowledge, learned in the Dhamma, is unmoved by the conditions of life,

- such a teacher, being competent with own Knowledge can enlighten others who listen well and who are endowed with sufficient potentiality for Insight-Knowledge. (7)

325. That being so, one should certainly attend on the wise and learned.

Knowing the Dhamma in its essence and putting it to practice leads one to the attainment of Insight-Knowledge and thus gaining peace. (8)

End of the Eight Dhamma (Nāvā) Sutta