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Today, we would like to focus on the Venerated Subhuti, who was one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples in understanding of the doctrine of emptiness. The Lord Buddha also mentioned that he was most worthy of gifts, due to his practice of loving kindness. He disseminated the Diamond Sutra and is responsible for the exposition of the earlier Prajnaparamita Sutras. Today we are pleased to present the Subhutisutta, a Theravada Buddhist sutra that outlines the evidence of faith for mendicants. Subhutisutta With Subhuti “[…] The Buddha said this: ‘Firstly, a mendicant is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and resorting for alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. When a mendicant is ethical, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant is very learned, remembering and keeping what they’ve learned. These teachings are good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased, describing a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. They are very learned in such teachings, remembering them, rehearsing them, mentally scrutinizing them, and penetrating them theoretically. When a mendicant is learned, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant has good friends, companions, and associates. When a mendicant has good friends, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant is easy to admonish, having qualities that make them easy to admonish. They’re patient, and take instruction respectfully. When a mendicant is easy to admonish, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant is deft and tireless in a diverse spectrum of duties for their spiritual companions, understanding how to go about things in order to complete and organize the work. When a mendicant is deft and tireless in a diverse spectrum of duties, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant loves the teachings and is a delight to converse with, being full of joy in the teaching and training. When a mendicant loves the teachings, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. When a mendicant is energetic, this is evidence of faith. Furthermore, a mendicant gets the four absorptions— blissful meditations in this life that belong to the higher mind— when they want, without trouble or difficulty. When a mendicant gets the four absorptions, this is evidence of faith. […]’”
