Overview

The Ten Reflections for One Gone Forth (Dasadhamma) serve as a foundational daily mirror for monastics. The Buddha established this dynamic contemplative routine to prevent monastics from lapsing into heedlessness, sensory luxury, or spiritual pride, constantly realigning their intentions with the ultimate goal of final liberation.

The List

  1. Vevaṇiyyamhi upagato - “I have entered a classless state”: Remembering that by leaving behind lay status, one has shed worldly identity and pride.
  2. Parapaṭibaddhā me jīvikā - “My livelihood is dependent on others”: Reflecting on the debt owed to lay donors, inspiring diligent practice to remain worthy of alms.
  3. Añño me ākāppo karaṇīyo - “My behavior must be different from a householder’s”: Maintaining flawless monastic decorum and somatic restraint.
  4. Kacci nu kho me attā sīlato na upavadati - “Can I reproach myself regarding my virtue?”: Evaluating one’s own purity of conduct.
  5. Kacci nu kho maṃ anuvicca viññū sabrahmacārī - “Can my wise companions reproach me regarding my virtue?”: Ensuring one’s behavior is blameless before the Saṅgha.
  6. Sabbehi me piyehi manāpehi nānābhāvo vinābhāvo - “I will be separated from all that is dear to me”: Accepting the law of impermanence regarding possessions and companions.
  7. Kammassako’mhi kamma-dāyādo - “I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma”: Recognizing that intent-driven action is one’s only true asset.
  8. Kathaṃbhūtassa me rattiṃdivā vihipatanti - “How am I spending my days and nights?”: Ensuring time is dedicated to scriptural study and meditation, not wasted.
  9. Kacci nu kho’haṃ suññāgāre abhiramāmi - “Do I delight in empty huts?”: Fostering a genuine love for physical seclusion and quiet spaces.
  10. Atthi nu kho me uttarimanussadhammo… - “Have I attained any superior human states?”: Striving for jhānas and insight paths so one can face death without spiritual embarrassment.

Textual References

  • Canonical: Dasadhamma Sutta (AN 10.48) – The Buddha delivers this exact checklist, mandating that monastics recite and ponder these ten points frequently.

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