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The Rhinoceros Horn Sutta
Translated
Thanissaro
Translator's
note: The refrain in this sutta is a subject of controversy. The text
literally says, "Wander alone like a 'sword-horn,' which is the Pali
term for rhinoceros. The commentary, however, insists that this term refers
not to the animal but to its horn, for the Indian rhinoceros, unlike the
African, has only one horn. Still, some scholars have noted that while the
Indian rhinoceros is a solitary animal, rhinoceros horns don't wander, and
that in other verses in the Pali canon, the phrase "wander alone like..."
takes a person or an animal, not an animal part, for its object. Thus, for
example, in Dhp 329 (repeated below), one is told to "wander alone like
a king renouncing his kingdom, like the elephant in the Matanga woods, his
herd." It's possible that the rhinoceros was chosen here as an example
of solitary wandering both because of its habits and because of its unusual
single horn. However, in a translation, it's necessary to choose one reading
over the other. Thus, because wandering "like a rhinoceros" sounds
more natural than wandering "like a horn," I have chosen the former
rendering. Keep in mind, though, that the singularity of the rhinoceros' horn
reinforces the image. As noted
under, there is evidence suggesting that the verses here were originally
separate poems, composed on separate occasions, and that they have been
gathered together because of their common refrain. Renouncing violence for
all living beings, Harming not even a one, You would not wish for
offspring, So how a companion? Wander alone like a rhinoceros. For a sociable person
there are allurements; On the heels of
allurement, this pain. Seeing allurement's
drawback, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. One whose mind is enmeshed
in sympathy For friends and
companions, Neglects the true goal. Seeing this danger in
intimacy, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Like spreading bamboo,
entwined, Is concern for offspring
and spouse. Like a bamboo sprout,
un-entangling, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. As a deer in the wilds,
unfettered, Goes for forage wherever
it wants: The wise person, valuing
freedom, Wanders alone like a rhinoceros. In the midst of companions When staying at home, when
going out wandering, You are prey to requests. Valuing the freedom, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. There is sporting and love
in the midst of companions, And abundant fondness for
offspring. Feeling disgust at the
prospect of parting From those who'd be dear, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Without resistance in all four
directions, Content with whatever you
get, Enduring troubles with no
dismay, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. They are hard to please,
some of those gone forth, As well as those living
the household life. Shedding concern for these
offspring of others, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Cutting off the
householder's marks, Like a Kovilara tree that
has shed its leaves, The prudent one, cutting
all household ties, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. If you gain a mature
companion, A fellow traveller,
right-living and wise, Overcoming all dangers Go with him, gratified,
mindful. If you don't gain a mature
companion, a fellow traveller,
right-living and wise, Wander alone like a king
renouncing his kingdom, Like the elephant in the
Matanga wilds, his herd. We praise companionship-
yes! Those on a par, or better,
should be chosen as friends. If they're not to be
found, Living faultlessly, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Seeing radiant bracelets
of gold, Well-made by a smith, Clinking, clashing, two on
an arm, Wander alone like a rhinoceros, [thinking:] "In the same way, If I were to live with
another, There would be careless
talk or abusive." Seeing this future danger, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Because sensual pleasures,
elegant, honeyed, & charming, Bewitch the mind with
their manifold forms. Seeing this drawback in
sensual strands, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. "Calamity, tumour,
misfortune, disease, an arrow, a danger for me." Seeing this danger in sensual
strands, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Cold and heat, hunger and
thirst, Wind and sun, horseflies
and snakes: Enduring all these,
without exception, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. As a great white elephant,
with massive shoulders, Renouncing his herd, lives
in the wilds wherever he wants, Wander alone like a
rhinoceros. "There's no way that
one delighting in company can touch even momentary
release." Heeding the Solar
Kinsman's words, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Transcending the
contortion of views, The sure way attained, the
path gained, [realizing:] "Not led by others, I have knowledge
arisen," Wander alone like a rhinoceros. With no greed, no deceit,
no thirst, no hypocrisy, Delusion and blemishes
blown away, With no inclinations for
all the world, every world, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Avoid the evil companion
disregarding the goal, Intent on the out-of-tune
way. Don't take as a friend
someone heedless and hankering. Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Consort with one who is
learned, who maintains the Dhamma, A great and quick-witted
friend. Knowing the meanings,
subdue your perplexity, Wander alone like a rhinoceros, Free from longing, finding
no pleasure In the world's sport,
love, or sensual bliss, Abstaining from adornment,
speaking the truth, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Abandoning offspring,
spouse, father, mother, Riches, gain, relatives
and sensual pleasures Wander alone like a rhinoceros. "This is a bondage, a
baited hook. There's little happiness
here, Next to no satisfaction, All the more suffering and
pain." Knowing this, circumspect, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Shattering fetters, Like a fish in the water
tearing a net, Like a fire not coming
back to what's burnt, Wander alone like a
rhinoceros. Eyes downcast, not
footloose, Senses guarded, with
protected mind, Not oozing, not burning with lust, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Taking off the
householder's marks, Like a coral tree that has
shed its leaves, Going forth in the ochre
robe, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Showing no greed for
flavours, not careless, Going from house to house
for alms, With mind un-enmeshed in
this family or that, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Abandoning barriers to awareness, Expelling all defilements,
Non-dependent, cutting
aversion, allurement, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Turning your back on
pleasure and pain, As earlier with sorrow and
joy, Attaining pure equanimity,
tranquillity, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. With persistence aroused
for the highest goal's attainment, With mind un-smeared, not
lazy in action, Firm in effort, with
steadfastness and strength arisen, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Not neglecting seclusion,
absorption, Constantly living the
Dhamma, in line with the Dhamma, Comprehending the danger
in states of becoming, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Intent on the ending of
craving, Heedful, learned, mindful,
not muddled, Certain, having grasped
the Dhamma, and striving, Wander alone like a
rhinoceros. Un-startled, like a lion
at sounds. Un-snared, like the wind
in a net. Un-sullied, like a lotus
in water: Wander alone like a
rhinoceros. Like a lion, forceful,
strong in fang, Living as a conqueror, the
king of beasts, Resort to a solitary
dwelling. Wander alone like a rhinoceros. At the right time
consorting with the release through good will, Compassion, appreciation,
equanimity, Unobstructed by all the
world, any world, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Having let go of passion, aversion, delusion; Having shattered the
fetters; Undisturbed at the ending
of life, Wander alone like a rhinoceros. People follow and
associate for a motive. Friends without a motive
these days are rare. They're shrewd for their
own ends, and impure. Wander alone like a rhinoceros.
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