2.3 Of Doubt in the Arahant

Controverted Point: That an Arahant may have doubts.

Theravādin: Again, did not the Exalted One say in the Suttanta:

“Whene'er in sooth ardently meditating
The brahmin sees the truth of things revealed,
All doubts are rolled away, for now he knoweth
That which befalls and likewise its conditions.

“Whene'er in sooth ardently meditating
The brahmin sees the truth of things revealed,
All doubts are rolled away, for he discerneth
That which doth make befall may be abolished.

“Whene'er in sooth ardent and meditating
The brahmin sees the truth of things revealed,
He standeth victor o'er the hosts of evil,
E'en as the sun that lighteth up the heavens.

“All doubts soever as to here or yonder.
Felt by themselves, or doubts that torture others
Thinkers renounce in ardent meditation.
Choosing to follow after holy conduct.

“They who 'mong souls beset by doubts, past all doubt
Have won, and note unswayed, from bonds enfranchised
Abide, to them a great reward is given.

“How should disciple ever doubt
That by the kind who here abide
The truth may yet be realized?
All hail to Buddha who hath crossed
The flood and severed every doubt,
Great Conqueror and Lord of all”?