Points of Controversy
2.3. Of Doubt in the Arahant
Controverted Point: That an Arahant may have doubts.
Note: most of this section is omitted as it is similar to the previous.
Again, did not the Exalted One say in the Suttanta:
“When phenomena clearly manifest
To a holy one, ardent, practicing jhāna,
Then his doubts all vanish,
Since he understands phenomena and their causes.“When phenomena clearly manifest
To a holy one, ardent, practicing jhāna,
Then his doubts all vanish,
Since he truly knows the ending of conditions.“When phenomena clearly manifest
To a holy one, ardent, practicing jhāna,
He stands, dispelling Māra’s army,
Like the sun lighting up the sky.”
“Whatever doubts, regarding this life or the next,
To experienced by oneself or experienced by another,
One practicing jhāna abandons them all,
Ardently living the spiritual life.”
“Those who, surrounded by doubters
Beings overcome by doubt,
Are without doubt, released,
What is given to them bears great fruit.“Since this teaching is so clearly explained,
How could a disciple have any doubts?
Homage to the Buddha who has crossed the flood
And severed every doubt, victor, the people’s lord!”