Aruṇavatīsutta untranslated

Aruṇavatīsutta. Records the incident of the visit of Abhibhū to the Brahma-world (SN.i.154f., etc.; see Abhibhū 1). Abhibhū chose as his theme action and energy, and the verses he uttered on that occasion, beginning “Ārabhatha, nikkhamatha, yuñjatha Buddhasāsane, arouse (yourself), go forth, strive in the teaching of the Buddha,” are often quoted.

Buddhaghosa says (SN­a.i.172-3) that Abhibhū chose this theme out of all the doctrines to be found in the Tipiṭaka because he knew that the subject would commend itself to all his hearers, human and non-human.

Milakkhatissa Thera of Ceylon, hearing a novice in Pācīnapabbata recite the Aruṇavatīsutta, listened to the stanzas, and feeling that they had been preached to encourage zealous monks like himself, he exerted himself and became an Anāgāmī. Soon afterwards he became an Arahant (AN­a.i.21-2).

The Sutta is said to have been preached by the Buddha on the fullmoon day of Jeṭṭhamāsa (AN­a.i.436).