Reading guide
Four names, one shared root
Confirmed by direct reading, all four deceased individuals share the name Asoka (masculine) or Asokā (feminine) — literally “sorrowless” — a detail this project notes without further comment, since the discourse itself gives no explanation for the shared name.
A direct cross-reference, confirmed by this project's own comparison
This project's own direct comparison: rather than restating the mirror of the teaching and its own fourfold hierarchy a second time, this discourse's own English source states plainly, “(And all is explained as in SN 55.8),” confirming this project's own established pattern of honest cross-reference rather than silent duplication.
Key terms
The text
§1Ānanda said to the Buddha: “Sir, the monk named Asoka has passed away. Where has he been reborn in his next life? The nun named Asokā, the layman named Asoka, and the laywoman named Asokā have passed away. Where have they been reborn in the next life?” “Ānanda, the monk Asoka passed away having realized the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom in this very life … (And all is explained as in SN 55.8.)
§2This is that mirror of the teaching. A noble disciple who has this may declare of themselves: ‘I’ve finished with rebirth in hell, the animal realm, and the ghost realm. I’ve finished with all places of loss, bad places, the underworld. I am a stream-enterer! I’m not liable to be reborn in the underworld, and am assured, destined for awakening.’”
Self-check quiz
3 questions. Click an answer to see immediate feedback. No score is recorded — this is for your own checking.