AN 2.46 - AN 2.46
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-2_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=65
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana, 2020, 2026. Free distribution only; do not alter the contents. The original book, including its complete permission notice, accompanies this text.
Candana source labels: 46. Site text ID: AN 2.46.

46. “Bhikkhus, there are two types of gatherings. What two?

“The disgustingly filthy gathering, and the very cream of all gatherings.

“Now what, Bhikkhus, is the disgustingly filthy gathering?

“Bhikkhus, a gathering where the Bhikkhus are driven and instigated by greed, lusting after and desiring some profit or gain in their behavior; where they are driven and instigated by anger and hatred in their behavior; where they are driven and instigated by delusion in their behavior; and where they are driven and instigated by cowardice in their behavior; that assembly of spineless Bhikkhus, therefore, is recognized as a disgustingly filthy gathering.

“And what, Bhikkhus, is the very cream of all gatherings?

“Bhikkhus, a gathering where the Bhikkhus are neither driven nor instigated by desiring some profit or gain in their behavior; where they are neither driven nor instigated by anger or hatred in their behavior; where they are neither driven nor instigated by delusion in their behavior; and where they are neither driven nor instigated by cowardice in their behavior; that assembly of courageously fearless Bhikkhus, therefore, is truly recognized as the very cream of all gatherings.

“Bhikkhus, these are the two types of gatherings. And out of these two, the very cream of all gatherings is indeed the greatest.”
