Three Surpassing Respects of Jambudīpa People

Monks, in three respects the people of Uttarakuru surpass the heavenly beings (Tāvatiṃsa) and the people of Jambudīpa (one of the great continents).

What three?

(1) They are without selfishness and possessiveness;

(2) their life span is fixed; and

(3) their living conditions are exceptional.

In these three respects, the people of Uttarakuru surpass the heavenly beings and the people of Jambudīpa.

In three respects, the people of Jambudīpa surpass the people of Uttarakuru and the heavenly beings.

What three?

(1) They are heroes;

(2) they are mindful; and

(3) there is the living of the spiritual life here.

In these three respects, the people of Jambudīpa surpass the people of Uttarakuru and the heavenly beings.

(Reference: AN 9.21)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares insight into a few wholesome qualities that he considers to be highly important.

In discussing the people of Uttarakuru he shares that there are three qualities that people of this region surpass heavenly beings. People of Uttarakuru have the qualities of:

1.) They are without selfishness and possessiveness;

2.) their life span is fixed; and

3.) their living conditions are exceptional.

This Teaching alludes to The Buddha pointing out that heavenly beings do not possess these same qualities.

The Buddha then shares that there are three qualities that the people of Jambudīpa surpass the people of Uttarakuru and the heavenly beings. People of Jambudīpa have the qualities of:

1.) They are heroes;

2.) they are mindful; and

3.) there is the living of the spiritual life here.

This Teaching alludes to The Buddha pointing out that the people of Uttarakuru nor heavenly beings possess these same qualities. This also provides insight that The Buddha views being brave, mindful, and living the spiritual life as respectful qualities that one should aspire to cultivate in their life practice.