The Buddha's Teaching on Ten Essential Reflections for Monastics (Dasadhamma Sutta - AN 10.48)

The Buddha's Teaching on Ten Essential Reflections for Monastics (Dasadhamma Sutta - AN 10.48)

By Bhante Sumitta

This discourse from the Anguttara Nikaya, known as the Dasadhamma Sutta, presents the Buddha's teaching to monks at Jetavana monastery on ten essential contemplations that those who have "gone forth" (pabbajita) into monastic life should regularly practice. These reflections serve as ongoing guidance for maintaining proper monastic conduct and spiritual development.¹

The Ten Essential Reflections (Dasa Dhamma)

The Buddha emphasizes that each of these contemplations must be reflected upon "again and again" (abhiṇhaṃ paccavekkhitabbaṃ), indicating their fundamental importance for monastic life:

1. Recognition of Life Transformation

"I am now changed into a different mode of life (from that of a layman)." This reflection acknowledges the profound shift from householder to monastic life, requiring constant awareness of one's new identity and responsibilities.²

2. Dependence on Others

"My life depends on others." Monastics must regularly contemplate their complete dependence on lay supporters for food, clothing, shelter, and medicine, cultivating humility and gratitude.³

3. Behavioral Transformation

"I must now behave in a different manner." This involves ongoing reflection on how monastic conduct differs from lay behavior, requiring constant mindfulness of appropriate deportment.⁴

4. Self-Examination of Virtue

"Does my mind upbraid me regarding the state of my virtue?" Regular honest self-assessment of one's ethical conduct (sīla), examining whether one's conscience finds fault with one's moral behavior.⁵

5. Community Accountability

"Do my discerning fellow-monks having tested me, reproach me regarding the state of my virtue?" Contemplating whether fellow monastics would find fault with one's conduct, emphasizing the importance of community standards and peer accountability.⁶

6. Impermanence and Separation

"There will be a parting (some day) from all those who are dear and loving to me. Death brings this separation to me." Regular meditation on the inevitable nature of death and separation from loved ones, cultivating non-attachment and preparing for life's ultimate transition.⁷

7. Karma and Personal Responsibility

"Of kamma I am constituted. Kamma is my inheritance; kamma is the matrix; kamma is my kinsman; kamma is my refuge. Whatever kamma I perform, be it good or bad, to that I shall be heir." Deep contemplation of the law of karma, recognizing that one's actions—mental, verbal, and physical—determine one's destiny.⁸

8. Mindful Use of Time

"How do I spend my nights and days?" Regular examination of how one uses time, ensuring that days and nights are spent in wholesome activities conducive to spiritual development.⁹

9. Appreciation for Solitude

"Do I take delight in solitude?" Reflecting on one's relationship with solitude, which is essential for meditation and inner development in monastic life.¹⁰

10. Spiritual Attainments and Preparedness

"Have I gained superhuman faculties? Have I gained that higher wisdom so that when I am questioned (on this point) by fellow-monks at the last moment (when death is approaching) I will have no occasion to be depressed and downcast?" Honest assessment of one's spiritual progress and attainments, ensuring readiness to face death without regret or depression.¹¹

Pedagogical Structure and Purpose

The repetitive formula "This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth" emphasizes the ongoing, continuous nature of these contemplations. They are not one-time considerations but daily practices that maintain proper monastic orientation and spiritual development.

Significance for Monastic Training

These ten reflections serve multiple purposes:

Identity Formation: They help establish and maintain monastic identity distinct from lay life.

Ethical Guidance: They provide ongoing moral self-examination and community accountability.

Spiritual Development: They encourage progress in meditation, wisdom, and ultimate liberation.

Practical Wisdom: They address real challenges of monastic life, from dependence on others to preparation for death.

Community Integration: They balance individual development with community responsibility and standards.

Contemporary Relevance

While specifically addressed to monastics, these reflections offer valuable insights for serious practitioners:

• The importance of regular self-examination
• Recognition of interdependence and gratitude
• Mindful use of time and resources
• Preparation for death and impermanence
• The central role of karma in spiritual development

This teaching demonstrates the Buddha's practical approach to spiritual training, providing concrete tools for ongoing self-reflection and development within the monastic context.

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Reference:

¹ "Dasadhamma Sutta: Discourse on The Ten Dhammas," Anguttara Nikaya 10.48, translated by Piyadassi Thera, Access to Insight, https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an10/an10.048.piya.html.

² Ibid.

³ Ibid.

⁴ Ibid.

⁵ Ibid.

⁶ Ibid.

⁷ Ibid.

⁸ Ibid.

⁹ Ibid.

¹⁰ Ibid.

¹¹ Ibid.