Fitting Deeds · AN 4.61–4.70

AN 4.61 · Fitting Deeds

AN 4.61 · Pattakammasutta

Then the householder Anāthapiṇḍika went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him:

Atha kho anāthapiṇḍiko gahapati yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho anāthapiṇḍikaṁ gahapatiṁ bhagavā etadavoca:

“Householder, these four things, which are likable, desirable, and agreeable are hard to get in the world. What four? The first thing is the wish: ‘May wealth come to me by legitimate means!’

“Cattārome, gahapati, dhammā iṭṭhā kantā manāpā dullabhā lokasmiṁ. Katame cattāro? Bhogā me uppajjantu sahadhammenāti, ayaṁ paṭhamo dhammo iṭṭho kanto manāpo dullabho lokasmiṁ.

The second thing, having got wealth by legitimate means, is the wish: ‘May fame come to me, together with my family and mentors.’

Bhoge laddhā sahadhammena yaso me āgacchatu saha ñātīhi saha upajjhāyehīti, ayaṁ dutiyo dhammo iṭṭho kanto manāpo dullabho lokasmiṁ.

The third thing, having got wealth and fame, is the wish: ‘May I live long, keeping alive for a long time!’

Bhoge laddhā sahadhammena yasaṁ laddhā saha ñātīhi saha upajjhāyehi ciraṁ jīvāmi dīghamāyuṁ pālemīti, ayaṁ tatiyo dhammo iṭṭho kanto manāpo dullabho lokasmiṁ.

The fourth thing, having got wealth, fame, and long life, is the wish: ‘When my body breaks up, after death, may I be reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm!’ These are the four things, which are likable, desirable, and agreeable, but hard to get in the world.

Bhoge laddhā sahadhammena yasaṁ laddhā saha ñātīhi saha upajjhāyehi ciraṁ jīvitvā dīghamāyuṁ pāletvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjāmīti, ayaṁ catuttho dhammo iṭṭho kanto manāpo dullabho lokasmiṁ. Ime kho, gahapati, cattāro dhammā iṭṭhā kantā manāpā dullabhā lokasmiṁ.

These next four things lead to the getting of those four things. What four? Accomplishment in faith, ethics, generosity, and wisdom.

Imesaṁ kho, gahapati, catunnaṁ dhammānaṁ iṭṭhānaṁ kantānaṁ manāpānaṁ dullabhānaṁ lokasmiṁ cattāro dhammā paṭilābhāya saṁvattanti. Katame cattāro? Saddhāsampadā, sīlasampadā, cāgasampadā, paññāsampadā.

And what is accomplishment in faith? It’s when a noble disciple has faith in the Realized One’s awakening: ‘That Blessed One is perfected, a fully awakened Buddha, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, holy, knower of the world, supreme guide for those fit for training, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed.’ This is called accomplishment in faith.

Katamā ca, gahapati, saddhāsampadā? Idha, gahapati, ariyasāvako saddho hoti, saddahati tathāgatassa bodhiṁ: ‘itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi, satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti. Ayaṁ vuccati, gahapati, saddhāsampadā.

And what is accomplishment in ethics? It’s when a noble disciple doesn’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. This is called accomplishment in ethics.

Katamā ca, gahapati, sīlasampadā? Idha, gahapati, ariyasāvako pāṇātipātā paṭivirato hoti …pe… surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato hoti. Ayaṁ vuccati, gahapati, sīlasampadā.

And what is accomplishment in generosity? It’s when a noble disciple lives at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. This is called accomplishment in generosity.

Katamā ca, gahapati, cāgasampadā? Idha, gahapati, ariyasāvako vigatamalamaccherena cetasā agāraṁ ajjhāvasati muttacāgo payatapāṇi vosaggarato yācayogo dānasaṁvibhāgarato. Ayaṁ vuccati, gahapati, cāgasampadā.

And what is accomplishment in wisdom? When your heart is mastered by covetousness and immoral greed, you do what you shouldn’t, and fail to do what you should. Your fame and happiness fall to dust. When your heart is mastered by ill will … dullness and drowsiness … restlessness and remorse … doubt, you do what you shouldn’t, and fail to do what you should. Your fame and happiness fall to dust.

Katamā ca, gahapati, paññāsampadā? Abhijjhāvisamalobhābhibhūtena, gahapati, cetasā viharanto akiccaṁ karoti, kiccaṁ aparādheti. Akiccaṁ karonto kiccaṁ aparādhento yasā ca sukhā ca dhaṁsati. Byāpādābhibhūtena, gahapati, cetasā viharanto akiccaṁ karoti, kiccaṁ aparādheti. Akiccaṁ karonto kiccaṁ aparādhento yasā ca sukhā ca dhaṁsati. Thinamiddhābhibhūtena, gahapati, cetasā viharanto akiccaṁ karoti kiccaṁ aparādheti. Akiccaṁ karonto kiccaṁ aparādhento yasā ca sukhā ca dhaṁsati. Uddhaccakukkuccābhibhūtena, gahapati, cetasā viharanto akiccaṁ karoti, kiccaṁ aparādheti. Akiccaṁ karonto kiccaṁ aparādhento yasā ca sukhā ca dhaṁsati. Vicikicchābhibhūtena, gahapati, cetasā viharanto akiccaṁ karoti, kiccaṁ aparādheti. Akiccaṁ karonto kiccaṁ aparādhento yasā ca sukhā ca dhaṁsati.

Knowing that ‘covetousness and immoral greed are corruptions of the mind’, that noble disciple gives them up. Knowing that ‘ill will …’ … ‘dullness and drowsiness …’ … ‘restlessness and remorse …’ … ‘doubt is a corruption of the mind’, that noble disciple gives it up.

Sa kho so, gahapati, ariyasāvako abhijjhāvisamalobho cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā abhijjhāvisamalobhaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahati. Byāpādo cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā byāpādaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahati. Thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahati. Uddhaccakukkuccaṁ cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā uddhaccakukkuccaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahati. Vicikicchā cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā vicikicchaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahati.

When a noble disciple has given up these things, they’re called ‘a noble disciple of great wisdom, of widespread wisdom, who sees what matters, and is accomplished in wisdom’. This is called accomplishment in wisdom. These are the four things that lead to the getting of the four things, which are likable, desirable, and agreeable, but hard to get in the world.

Yato ca kho, gahapati, ariyasāvakassa abhijjhāvisamalobho cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā abhijjhāvisamalobho cittassa upakkileso pahīno hoti. Byāpādo cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā byāpādo cittassa upakkileso pahīno hoti. Thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno hoti. Uddhaccakukkuccaṁ cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā uddhaccakukkuccaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno hoti. Vicikicchā cittassa upakkilesoti, iti viditvā vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso pahīno hoti. Ayaṁ vuccati, gahapati, ariyasāvako mahāpañño puthupañño āpātadaso paññāsampanno. Ayaṁ vuccati, gahapati, paññāsampadā. Imesaṁ kho, gahapati, catunnaṁ dhammānaṁ iṭṭhānaṁ kantānaṁ manāpānaṁ dullabhānaṁ lokasmiṁ ime cattāro dhammā paṭilābhāya saṁvattanti.

There are four fitting deeds that a noble disciple does with the legitimate wealth he has earned by his efforts and initiative, built up with his own hands, gathered by the sweat of the brow. What four?

Sa kho so, gahapati, ariyasāvako uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi cattāri pattakammāni kattā hoti. Katamāni cattāri?

To start with, with his legitimate wealth he makes himself happy and pleased, keeping himself properly happy. He makes his mother and father happy … He makes his children, partners, bondservants, workers, and staff happy … He makes his friends and colleagues happy … This is his first usage within means on a deserved and fitting cause.

Idha, gahapati, ariyasāvako uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi attānaṁ sukheti pīṇeti sammā sukhaṁ pariharati. Mātāpitaro sukheti pīṇeti sammā sukhaṁ pariharati. Puttadāradāsakammakaraporise sukheti pīṇeti sammā sukhaṁ pariharati. Mittāmacce sukheti pīṇeti sammā sukhaṁ pariharati. Idamassa paṭhamaṁ ṭhānagataṁ hoti pattagataṁ āyatanaso paribhuttaṁ.

Furthermore, with his legitimate wealth he defends himself against threats from such things as fire, flood, rulers, bandits, or unloved heirs. He keeps himself safe. This is his second usage within means on a deserved and fitting cause.

Puna caparaṁ, gahapati, ariyasāvako uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi yā tā honti āpadā aggito vā udakato vā rājato vā corato vā appiyato vā dāyādato, tathārūpāsu āpadāsu pariyodhāya saṁvattati. Sotthiṁ attānaṁ karoti. Idamassa dutiyaṁ ṭhānagataṁ hoti pattagataṁ āyatanaso paribhuttaṁ.

Furthermore, with his legitimate wealth he makes five spirit-offerings: to relatives, guests, ancestors, king, and deities. This is his third expenditure in an appropriate sphere on a deserved and fitting cause.

Puna caparaṁ, gahapati, ariyasāvako uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi pañcabaliṁ kattā hoti— ñātibaliṁ, atithibaliṁ, pubbapetabaliṁ, rājabaliṁ, devatābaliṁ. Idamassa tatiyaṁ ṭhānagataṁ hoti pattagataṁ āyatanaso paribhuttaṁ.

Furthermore, with his legitimate wealth he establishes an uplifting religious donation for ascetics and brahmins—those who refrain from intoxication and negligence, are settled in patience and gentleness, and who tame, calm, and extinguish themselves—that’s conducive to heaven, ripens in happiness, and leads to heaven. This is his fourth usage within means on a deserved and fitting cause.

Puna caparaṁ, gahapati, ariyasāvako uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi ye te samaṇabrāhmaṇā madappamādā paṭiviratā khantisoracce niviṭṭhā ekamattānaṁ damenti, ekamattānaṁ samenti, ekamattānaṁ parinibbāpenti, tathārūpesu samaṇabrāhmaṇesu uddhaggikaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ patiṭṭhāpeti sovaggikaṁ sukhavipākaṁ saggasaṁvattanikaṁ. Idamassa catutthaṁ ṭhānagataṁ hoti pattagataṁ āyatanaso paribhuttaṁ.

These are the four fitting deeds that a noble disciple does with the legitimate wealth he has earned by his efforts and initiative, built up with his own hands, gathered by the sweat of the brow.

Sa kho so, gahapati, ariyasāvako uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi imāni cattāri pattakammāni kattā hoti.

Whatever wealth is spent on something other than these four fitting deeds is said to not be usage within means on a deserved and fitting cause. But whatever wealth is spent on these four fitting deeds is said to be usage within means on a deserved and fitting cause.

Yassa kassaci, gahapati, aññatra imehi catūhi pattakammehi bhogā parikkhayaṁ gacchanti, ime vuccanti, gahapati, bhogā aṭṭhānagatā apattagatā anāyatanaso paribhuttā. Yassa kassaci, gahapati, imehi catūhi pattakammehi bhogā parikkhayaṁ gacchanti, ime vuccanti, gahapati, bhogā ṭhānagatā pattagatā āyatanaso paribhuttāti.

‘I’ve enjoyed my wealth, <j>supporting those who depend on me;I’ve overcome losses;I’ve given uplifting religious donations;and made the five spirit-offerings.I have served the ethical anddisciplined spiritual practitioners.

Bhuttā bhogā bhatā bhaccā,Vitiṇṇā āpadāsu me;Uddhaggā dakkhiṇā dinnā,Atho pañcabalī katā;Upaṭṭhitā sīlavanto,Saññatā brahmacārayo.

I’ve achieved the goalfor which an astute laypersonwishes to gain wealth.I don’t regret what I’ve done.’

Yadatthaṁ bhogaṁ iccheyya,paṇḍito gharamāvasaṁ;So me attho anuppatto,kataṁ ananutāpiyaṁ.

A mortal man who recollects thisstands firm in the teaching of the noble ones.They’re praised in this life,and they depart to rejoice in heaven.”

Etaṁ anussaraṁ macco,ariyadhamme ṭhito naro;Idheva naṁ pasaṁsanti,pecca sagge pamodatī”ti.

AN 4.62 · Debtlessness

AN 4.62 · Ānaṇyasutta

Then the householder Anāthapiṇḍika went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him:

Atha kho anāthapiṇḍiko gahapati yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho anāthapiṇḍikaṁ gahapatiṁ bhagavā etadavoca:

“Householder, these four kinds of happiness can be earned by a layperson who enjoys sensual pleasures, depending on time and occasion. What four? The happiness of ownership, using wealth, debtlessness, and blamelessness.

“Cattārimāni, gahapati, sukhāni adhigamanīyāni gihinā kāmabhoginā kālena kālaṁ samayena samayaṁ upādāya. Katamāni cattāri? Atthisukhaṁ, bhogasukhaṁ, ānaṇyasukhaṁ, anavajjasukhaṁ.

And what is the happiness of ownership? It’s when a gentleman owns legitimate wealth that he has earned by his own efforts and initiative, built up with his own hands, gathered by the sweat of the brow. When he reflects on this, he’s filled with pleasure and happiness. This is called ‘the happiness of ownership’.

Katamañca, gahapati, atthisukhaṁ? Idha, gahapati, kulaputtassa bhogā honti uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatā bāhābalaparicitā sedāvakkhittā dhammikā dhammaladdhā. So ‘bhogā me atthi uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatā bāhābalaparicitā sedāvakkhittā dhammikā dhammaladdhā’ti adhigacchati sukhaṁ, adhigacchati somanassaṁ. Idaṁ vuccati, gahapati, atthisukhaṁ.

And what is the happiness of using wealth? It’s when a gentleman uses his legitimate wealth, and makes merit with it. When he reflects on this, he’s filled with pleasure and happiness. This is called ‘the happiness of using wealth’.

Katamañca, gahapati, bhogasukhaṁ? Idha, gahapati, kulaputto uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi paribhuñjati puññāni ca karoti. So ‘uṭṭhānavīriyādhigatehi bhogehi bāhābalaparicitehi sedāvakkhittehi dhammikehi dhammaladdhehi paribhuñjāmi puññāni ca karomī’ti adhigacchati sukhaṁ, adhigacchati somanassaṁ. Idaṁ vuccati, gahapati, bhogasukhaṁ.

And what is the happiness of debtlessness? It’s when a gentleman owes no debt, large or small, to anyone. When he reflects on this, he’s filled with pleasure and happiness. This is called ‘the happiness of debtlessness’.

Katamañca, gahapati, ānaṇyasukhaṁ? Idha, gahapati, kulaputto na kassaci kiñci dhāreti appaṁ vā bahuṁ vā. So ‘na kassaci kiñci dhāremi appaṁ vā bahuṁ vā’ti adhigacchati sukhaṁ, adhigacchati somanassaṁ. Idaṁ vuccati, gahapati, ānaṇyasukhaṁ.

And what is the happiness of blamelessness? It’s when a noble disciple has blameless conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. When he reflects on this, he’s filled with pleasure and happiness. This is called ‘the happiness of blamelessness’.

Katamañca, gahapati, anavajjasukhaṁ? Idha, gahapati, ariyasāvako anavajjena kāyakammena samannāgato hoti, anavajjena vacīkammena samannāgato hoti, anavajjena manokammena samannāgato hoti. So ‘anavajjenamhi kāyakammena samannāgato, anavajjena vacīkammena samannāgato, anavajjena manokammena samannāgato’ti adhigacchati sukhaṁ, adhigacchati somanassaṁ. Idaṁ vuccati, gahapati, anavajjasukhaṁ.

These four kinds of happiness can be earned by a layperson who enjoys sensual pleasures, depending on time and occasion.

Imāni kho, gahapati, cattāri sukhāni adhigamanīyāni gihinā kāmabhoginā kālena kālaṁ samayena samayaṁ upādāyāti.

Knowing the happiness of debtlessness,and the extra happiness of possession,a mortal enjoying the happiness of using wealth,then discerns clearly with wisdom.

Ānaṇyasukhaṁ ñatvāna,Atho atthisukhaṁ paraṁ;Bhuñjaṁ bhogasukhaṁ macco,Tato paññā vipassati.

Discerning clearly, a clever person knowsboth kinds of happiness:the other kind is not worth a sixteenth partof the happiness of blamelessness.”

Vipassamāno jānāti,ubho bhoge sumedhaso;Anavajjasukhassetaṁ,kalaṁ nāgghati soḷasin”ti.

AN 4.63 · Living with Divinity

AN 4.63 · Brahmasutta

“Mendicants, a family where the children honor their parents in their home is said to live with divinity. A family where the children honor their parents in their home is said to live with the first tutors. A family where the children honor their parents in their home is said to live with the elder gods. A family where the children honor their parents in their home is said to live with those worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods.

“Sabrahmakāni, bhikkhave, tāni kulāni yesaṁ puttānaṁ mātāpitaro ajjhāgāre pūjitā honti. Sapubbācariyakāni, bhikkhave, tāni kulāni, yesaṁ puttānaṁ mātāpitaro ajjhāgāre pūjitā honti. Sapubbadevatāni, bhikkhave, tāni kulāni yesaṁ puttānaṁ mātāpitaro ajjhāgāre pūjitā honti. Sāhuneyyakāni, bhikkhave, tāni kulāni yesaṁ puttānaṁ mātāpitaro ajjhāgāre pūjitā honti.

‘Divinity’ is a term for your parents.

Brahmāti, bhikkhave, mātāpitūnaṁ etaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

‘First tutors’ is a term for your parents.

Pubbācariyāti, bhikkhave, mātāpitūnaṁ etaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

‘Elder gods’ is a term for your parents.

Pubbadevatāti, bhikkhave, mātāpitūnaṁ etaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

‘Worthy of an offering dedicated to the gods’ is a term for your parents.

Āhuneyyāti, bhikkhave, mātāpitūnaṁ etaṁ adhivacanaṁ.

Why is that? Parents are very helpful to their children, they raise them, nurture them, and show them the world.

Taṁ kissa hetu? Bahukārā, bhikkhave, mātāpitaro, puttānaṁ āpādakā posakā imassa lokassa dassetāroti.

Parents are said to be ‘Divinity’and ‘first tutors’.They’re worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods <j>from their children,for they love their offspring.

Brahmāti mātāpitaro,pubbācariyāti vuccare;Āhuneyyā ca puttānaṁ,pajāya anukampakā.

Therefore an astute personwould revere them and honor themwith food and drink,clothes and bedding,by anointing and bathing,and by washing their feet.

Tasmā hi ne namasseyya,sakkareyya ca paṇḍito;Annena atha pānena,vatthena sayanena ca;Ucchādanena nhāpanena,pādānaṁ dhovanena ca.

Because they look aftertheir parents like this,they’re praised in this life by the astute,and they depart to rejoice in heaven.”

Tāya naṁ pāricariyāya,mātāpitūsu paṇḍitā;Idheva naṁ pasaṁsanti,pecca sagge pamodatī”ti.

AN 4.64 · Hell

AN 4.64 · Nirayasutta

“Mendicants, someone with four qualities is placed in hell as if delivered there. What four? They kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, and lie. Someone with these four qualities is placed in hell as if delivered there.

“Catūhi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato yathābhataṁ nikkhitto evaṁ niraye. Katamehi catūhi? Pāṇātipātī hoti, adinnādāyī hoti, kāmesumicchācārī hoti, musāvādī hoti— imehi kho, bhikkhave, catūhi dhammehi samannāgato yathābhataṁ nikkhitto evaṁ nirayeti.

Killing, stealing,telling lies,and visiting others’ wives:astute people don’t praise these things.”

Pāṇātipāto adinnādānaṁ,Musāvādo ca vuccati;Paradāragamanañcāpi,Nappasaṁsanti paṇḍitā”ti.

AN 4.65 · Appearance

AN 4.65 · Rūpasutta

“Mendicants, these four individuals are found in the world. What four? There are those whose estimation of and confidence in others is based on their appearance, on their voice, on their mortification, and on principle.

“Cattārome, bhikkhave, puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame cattāro? Rūpappamāṇo rūpappasanno, ghosappamāṇo ghosappasanno, lūkhappamāṇo lūkhappasanno, dhammappamāṇo dhammappasanno—

These are the four individuals found in the world.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasminti.

Those who judge on appearance,and those swayed by a voice,are full of desire and greed;those people just don’t understand.

Ye ca rūpe pamāṇiṁsu,ye ca ghosena anvagū;Chandarāgavasūpetā,nābhijānanti te janā.

Not knowing what’s inside,nor seeing what’s outside,the fool shut in on every side,gets carried away by a voice.

Ajjhattañca na jānāti,bahiddhā ca na passati;Samantāvaraṇo bālo,sa ve ghosena vuyhati.

Not knowing what’s inside,but discerning what’s outside,seeing the fruit outside,they’re also carried away by a voice.

Ajjhattañca na jānāti,bahiddhā ca vipassati;Bahiddhā phaladassāvī,sopi ghosena vuyhati.

Understanding what’s inside,and discerning what’s outside,seeing without hindrances,they don’t get carried away by a voice.”

Ajjhattañca pajānāti,bahiddhā ca vipassati;Vinīvaraṇadassāvī,na so ghosena vuyhatī”ti.

AN 4.66 · Greedy

AN 4.66 · Sarāgasutta

“Mendicants, these four individuals are found in the world. What four? The greedy, the hateful, the delusional, and the conceited.

“Cattārome, bhikkhave, puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame cattāro? Sarāgo, sadoso, samoho, samāno—

These are the four individuals found in the world.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasminti.

Full of desire for desirable things,enjoying things that seem pleasant,beings veiled by delusiononly tighten their bonds.

Sārattā rajanīyesu,Piyarūpābhinandino;Mohena āvutā sattā,Baddhā vaḍḍhenti bandhanaṁ.

Born of greed, born of hate,born of delusion: the ignorantdo unskillful deedsthat afflict and produce pain.

Rāgajaṁ dosajañcāpi,mohajaṁ cāpaviddasū;Karontākusalaṁ kammaṁ,savighātaṁ dukhudrayaṁ.

If you act out of these qualities, <j>that’s what you become.But men shrouded by ignorance,are blind, with no eyes to see,and they never imagine that this could be so.”

Avijjānivutā posā,andhabhūtā acakkhukā;Yathā dhammā tathā santā,na tassevanti maññare”ti.

AN 4.67 · The Snake King

AN 4.67 · Ahirājasutta

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.

Now, at that time a monk in Sāvatthī passed away due to a snake bite. Then several mendicants went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him, “Sir, a monk in Sāvatthī has passed away due to a snake bite.”

Tena kho pana samayena sāvatthiyaṁ aññataro bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṅkato hoti. Atha kho sambahulā bhikkhū yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu. Ekamantaṁ nisinnā kho te bhikkhū bhagavantaṁ etadavocuṁ: “idha, bhante, sāvatthiyaṁ aññataro bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṅkato”ti.

“Mendicants, that monk mustn’t have spread a mind of love to the four royal snake families. If he had, he wouldn’t have died due to a snake bite.

“Na hi nūna so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phari. Sace hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phareyya, na hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṁ kareyya.

What four? The royal snake families of Virūpakkha, Erāpatha, Chabyāputta, and Kaṇhāgotamaka. …

Katamāni cattāri? Virūpakkhaṁ ahirājakulaṁ, erāpathaṁ ahirājakulaṁ, chabyāputtaṁ ahirājakulaṁ, kaṇhāgotamakaṁ ahirājakulaṁ. Na hi nūna so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phari. Sace hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phareyya, na hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṁ kareyya.

Mendicants, I urge you to spread a mind of love to the four royal snake families, for your own safety, security, and protection.

Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena pharituṁ attaguttiyā attarakkhāya attaparittāyāti.

I love the Virūpakkhas,the Erāpathas I love,I love the Chabyāputtas,the Kaṇhāgotamakas I love.

Virūpakkhehi me mettaṁ,Mettaṁ erāpathehi me;Chabyāputtehi me mettaṁ,Mettaṁ kaṇhāgotamakehi ca.

I love the footless creatures,the two-footed I love,I love the four-footed,the many-footed I love.

Apādakehi me mettaṁ,mettaṁ dvipādakehi me;Catuppadehi me mettaṁ,mettaṁ bahuppadehi me.

May the footless not harm me!May I not be harmed by the two-footed!May the four-footed not harm me!May I not be harmed by the many-footed!

Mā maṁ apādako hiṁsi,mā maṁ hiṁsi dvipādako;Mā maṁ catuppado hiṁsi,mā maṁ hiṁsi bahuppado.

All sentient beings, all living things,all creatures, every one:may they see only nice things,may bad not come to anyone.

Sabbe sattā sabbe pāṇā,sabbe bhūtā ca kevalā;Sabbe bhadrāni passantu,mā kañci pāpamāgamā.

The Buddha is immeasurable,the teaching is immeasurable,the Saṅgha is immeasurable.But limited are reptiles,

Appamāṇo buddho,Appamāṇo dhammo;Appamāṇo saṅgho,Pamāṇavantāni sarīsapāni.

snakes and scorpions, centipedes,spiders and lizards and mice.I’ve made this safeguard, I’ve made this protection:go away, creatures!And so I revere the Blessed One,I revere the seven perfectly awakened Buddhas.”

Ahivicchikā satapadī,Uṇṇanābhī sarabū mūsikā;Katā me rakkhā katā me parittā,Paṭikkamantu bhūtāni;Sohaṁ namo bhagavato,Namo sattannaṁ sammāsambuddhānan”ti.

AN 4.68 · Devadatta

AN 4.68 · Devadattasutta

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain, not long after Devadatta had left. There the Buddha spoke to the mendicants about Devadatta:

Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate acirapakkante devadatte. Tatra kho bhagavā devadattaṁ ārabbha bhikkhū āmantesi:

“Possessions, honor, and popularity came to Devadatta for his own ruin and downfall.

“attavadhāya, bhikkhave, devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi. Parābhavāya, bhikkhave, devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi.

It’s like a banana plant … or a bamboo … or a reed, all of which bear fruit to their own ruin and downfall …

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, kadalī attavadhāya phalaṁ deti, parābhavāya phalaṁ deti; evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, attavadhāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi, parābhavāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi. Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, veḷu attavadhāya phalaṁ deti, parābhavāya phalaṁ deti; evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, attavadhāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi, parābhavāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi. Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, naḷo attavadhāya phalaṁ deti, parābhavāya phalaṁ deti; evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, attavadhāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi, parābhavāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi.

It’s like a mule, which becomes pregnant to its own ruin and downfall. In the same way, possessions, honor, and popularity came to Devadatta for his own ruin and downfall.

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, assatarī attavadhāya gabbhaṁ gaṇhāti, parābhavāya gabbhaṁ gaṇhāti; evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, attavadhāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādi, parābhavāya devadattassa lābhasakkārasiloko udapādīti.

The banana plant is destroyed by its own fruit,as are the bamboo and the reed.Honor destroys a reprobate,as pregnancy destroys a mule.”

Phalaṁ ve kadaliṁ hanti,phalaṁ veḷuṁ phalaṁ naḷaṁ;Sakkāro kāpurisaṁ hanti,gabbho assatariṁ yathā”ti.

AN 4.69 · Effort

AN 4.69 · Padhānasutta

“Mendicants, there are these four efforts. What four? The efforts to restrain, to give up, to develop, and to preserve.

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, padhānāni. Katamāni cattāri? Saṁvarappadhānaṁ, pahānappadhānaṁ, bhāvanāppadhānaṁ, anurakkhaṇāppadhānaṁ.

And what, mendicants, is the effort to restrain? It’s when you generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that bad, unskillful qualities don’t arise. This is called the effort to restrain.

Katamañca, bhikkhave, saṁvarappadhānaṁ? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu anuppannānaṁ pāpakānaṁ akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ anuppādāya chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati. Idaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, saṁvarappadhānaṁ.

And what, mendicants, is the effort to give up? It’s when you generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that bad, unskillful qualities are given up. This is called the effort to give up.

Katamañca, bhikkhave, pahānappadhānaṁ? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu uppannānaṁ pāpakānaṁ akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pahānāya chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati. Idaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, pahānappadhānaṁ.

And what, mendicants, is the effort to develop? It’s when you generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that skillful qualities arise. This is called the effort to develop.

Katamañca, bhikkhave, bhāvanāppadhānaṁ? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu anuppannānaṁ kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ uppādāya chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati. Idaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, bhāvanāppadhānaṁ.

And what, mendicants, is the effort to preserve? It’s when you generate enthusiasm, try, make an effort, exert the mind, and strive so that skillful qualities that have arisen remain, are not lost, but increase, mature, and are fully developed. This is called the effort to preserve.

Katamañca, bhikkhave, anurakkhaṇāppadhānaṁ? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu uppannānaṁ kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ ṭhitiyā asammosāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati. Idaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, anurakkhaṇāppadhānaṁ.

These are the four efforts.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri padhānānīti.

Restraint and giving up,development and preservation:these are the four effortstaught by the Kinsman of the Sun.Any mendicant who keenly applies thesemay attain the ending of suffering.”

Saṁvaro ca pahānañca,bhāvanā anurakkhaṇā;Ete padhānā cattāro,desitādiccabandhunā;Yo hi bhikkhu idhātāpī,khayaṁ dukkhassa pāpuṇe”ti.

AN 4.70 · Unprincipled

AN 4.70 · Adhammikasutta

“At a time when kings are unprincipled, royal officials become unprincipled. When royal officials are unprincipled, brahmins and householders become unprincipled. When brahmins and householders are unprincipled, the people of town and country become unprincipled. When the people of town and country are unprincipled, the courses of the moon and sun become erratic. … the courses of the stars and constellations … the days and nights … the months and fortnights … the seasons and years become erratic. … the blowing of the winds becomes erratic and chaotic. … the deities are angered. … the heavens don’t provide enough rain. … the crops ripen erratically. When people eat crops that have ripened erratically, they become short-lived, ugly, weak, and sickly.

“Yasmiṁ, bhikkhave, samaye rājāno adhammikā honti, rājāyuttāpi tasmiṁ samaye adhammikā honti. Rājāyuttesu adhammikesu brāhmaṇagahapatikāpi tasmiṁ samaye adhammikā honti. Brāhmaṇagahapatikesu adhammikesu negamajānapadāpi tasmiṁ samaye adhammikā honti. Negamajānapadesu adhammikesu visamaṁ candimasūriyā parivattanti. Visamaṁ candimasūriyesu parivattantesu visamaṁ nakkhattāni tārakarūpāni parivattanti. Visamaṁ nakkhattesu tārakarūpesu parivattantesu visamaṁ rattindivā parivattanti. Visamaṁ rattindivesu parivattantesu visamaṁ māsaddhamāsā parivattanti. Visamaṁ māsaddhamāsesu parivattantesu visamaṁ utusaṁvaccharā parivattanti. Visamaṁ utusaṁvaccharesu parivattantesu visamaṁ vātā vāyanti visamā apañjasā. Visamaṁ vātesu vāyantesu visamesu apañjasesu devatā parikupitā bhavanti. Devatāsu parikupitāsu devo na sammā dhāraṁ anuppavecchati. Deve na sammā dhāraṁ anuppavecchante visamapākāni sassāni bhavanti. Visamapākāni, bhikkhave, sassāni manussā paribhuñjantā appāyukā honti dubbaṇṇā ca bavhābādhā ca.

At a time when kings are principled, royal officials become principled. … brahmins and householders … people of town and country become principled. When the people of town and country are principled, the courses of the sun and moon become regular. … the stars and constellations … the days and nights … the months and fortnights … the seasons and years become regular. … the blowing of the winds becomes regular and orderly. … the deities are not angered. … the heavens provide plenty of rain. When the heavens provide plenty of rain, the crops ripen well. When people eat crops that have ripened well, they become long-lived, beautiful, strong, and healthy.

Yasmiṁ, bhikkhave, samaye rājāno dhammikā honti, rājāyuttāpi tasmiṁ samaye dhammikā honti. Rājāyuttesu dhammikesu brāhmaṇagahapatikāpi tasmiṁ samaye dhammikā honti. Brāhmaṇagahapatikesu dhammikesu negamajānapadāpi tasmiṁ samaye dhammikā honti. Negamajānapadesu dhammikesu samaṁ candimasūriyā parivattanti. Samaṁ candimasūriyesu parivattantesu samaṁ nakkhattāni tārakarūpāni parivattanti. Samaṁ nakkhattesu tārakarūpesu parivattantesu samaṁ rattindivā parivattanti. Samaṁ rattindivesu parivattantesu samaṁ māsaddhamāsā parivattanti. Samaṁ māsaddhamāsesu parivattantesu samaṁ utusaṁvaccharā parivattanti. Samaṁ utusaṁvaccharesu parivattantesu samaṁ vātā vāyanti samā pañjasā. Samaṁ vātesu vāyantesu samesu pañjasesu devatā aparikupitā bhavanti. Devatāsu aparikupitāsu devo sammā dhāraṁ anuppavecchati. Deve sammā dhāraṁ anuppavecchante samapākāni sassāni bhavanti. Samapākāni, bhikkhave, sassāni manussā paribhuñjantā dīghāyukā ca honti vaṇṇavanto ca balavanto ca appābādhā cāti.

When cattle cross a river,if the bull goes off course,they all go off course,because their leader is off course.

Gunnañce taramānānaṁ,jimhaṁ gacchati puṅgavo;Sabbā tā jimhaṁ gacchanti,nette jimhaṁ gate sati.

So it is for humans:when the one deemed chiefbehaves badly,what do you expect the rest to do?The whole nation sleeps badly,when the king is unprincipled.

Evamevaṁ manussesu,yo hoti seṭṭhasammato;So ce adhammaṁ carati,pageva itarā pajā;Sabbaṁ raṭṭhaṁ dukkhaṁ seti,rājā ce hoti adhammiko.

When cattle cross a river,if the bull goes straight,they all go straight,because their leader is straight.

Gunnañce taramānānaṁ,ujuṁ gacchati puṅgavo;Sabbā tā ujuṁ gacchanti,nette ujuṁ gate sati.

So it is for humans:when the one deemed chiefdoes the right thing,what do you expect the rest to do?The whole nation sleeps at ease,when the king is just.”

Evamevaṁ manussesu,yo hoti seṭṭhasammato;So sace dhammaṁ carati,pageva itarā pajā;Sabbaṁ raṭṭhaṁ sukhaṁ seti,rājā ce hoti dhammiko”ti.