---
title: "So It Was Said · Itivuttaka"
author: "The Buddha"
translator: "Bhikkhu Sujato"
languages: [pi, en]
shelf: "Pali Canon"
section: 3 of 5
url: https://scriptura.si/works/pali-itivuttaka/3/
cite: "The Buddha, tr. Bhikkhu Sujato, So It Was Said · Itivuttaka, section 3. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/pali-itivuttaka/3/"
---

# So It Was Said · Itivuttaka

*The Buddha, tr. Bhikkhu Sujato*

A hundred and twelve short teachings in prose and verse, remembered as “so it was said by the Buddha”.

> Pali: the Mahāsaṅgīti Tipiṭaka (Buddha Jayanti edition, 2500), from SuttaCentral’s bilara-data, dedicated to the public domain (CC0).

> English: Bhikkhu Sujato, from SuttaCentral’s bilara-data, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the segment numbers the two texts share, gathered into paragraphs; verse keeps its lines.

## 3. Iti 70–88

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/pali-itivuttaka/3/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/pali-itivuttaka/3/#p-N

[¶0] Iti 70 · Having Wrong View

> Pali: Iti 70 · Micchādiṭṭhikasutta

[¶1] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶2] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶3] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶4] “Mendicants, I’ve seen beings who engaged in misconduct by body, speech, and mind, who denounced the noble ones, who had wrong views and acted accordingly. At the breaking up of the body, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

> Pali: “Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā kāyaduccaritena samannāgatā vacīduccaritena samannāgatā manoduccaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṁ upavādakā micchādiṭṭhikā micchādiṭṭhikammasamādānā. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā.

[¶5] Now, I don’t say this because I’ve heard it from some other ascetic or brahmin. I only say it because I’ve known, seen, and realized it for myself.”

> Pali: Taṁ kho panāhaṁ, bhikkhave, nāññassa samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā sutvā vadāmi. Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā kāyaduccaritena samannāgatā vacīduccaritena samannāgatā manoduccaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṁ upavādakā micchādiṭṭhikā micchādiṭṭhikammasamādānā. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā. Api ca, bhikkhave, yadeva sāmaṁ ñātaṁ sāmaṁ diṭṭhaṁ sāmaṁ viditaṁ tadevāhaṁ vadāmi.

[¶6] > Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā kāyaduccaritena samannāgatā vacīduccaritena samannāgatā manoduccaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṁ upavādakā micchādiṭṭhikā micchādiṭṭhikammasamādānā. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā”ti.

[¶7] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶8] “When the mind has been misdirected,
and words wrongly spoken,
and wrong bodily deeds have been done,
an individual here

> Pali: “Micchā manaṁ paṇidhāya,
micchā vācañca bhāsiya;
Micchā kammāni katvāna,
kāyena idha puggalo.

[¶9] unlearned, doer of bad deeds,
though their life may be short,
when their body breaks up, that witless person
is reborn in hell.”

> Pali: Appassutāpuññakaro,
appasmiṁ idha jīvite;
Kāyassa bhedā duppañño,
nirayaṁ sopapajjatī”ti.

[¶10] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶11] > Pali: Paṭhamaṁ.

[¶12] Iti 71 · Having Right View

> Pali: Iti 71 · Sammādiṭṭhikasutta

[¶13] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶14] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶15] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶16] “Mendicants, I’ve seen beings who engaged in good conduct of body, speech, and mind, who did not denounce the noble ones, who held right view and acted accordingly. At the breaking up of the body, after death, they were reborn in a good destination, a heavenly realm.

> Pali: “Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā kāyasucaritena samannāgatā vacīsucaritena samannāgatā manosucaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṁ anupavādakā sammādiṭṭhikā sammādiṭṭhikammasamādānā. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapannā.

[¶17] Now, I don’t say this because I’ve heard it from some other ascetic or brahmin. I only say it because I’ve known, seen, and realized it for myself.”

> Pali: Taṁ kho panāhaṁ, bhikkhave, nāññassa samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā sutvā vadāmi. Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā kāyasucaritena samannāgatā vacīsucaritena samannāgatā manosucaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṁ anupavādakā sammādiṭṭhikā sammādiṭṭhikammasamādānā. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapannā. Api ca, bhikkhave, yadeva sāmaṁ ñātaṁ sāmaṁ diṭṭhaṁ sāmaṁ viditaṁ tadevāhaṁ vadāmi.

[¶18] > Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā kāyasucaritena samannāgatā vacīsucaritena samannāgatā manosucaritena samannāgatā ariyānaṁ anupavādakā sammādiṭṭhikā sammādiṭṭhikammasamādānā. Te kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapannā”ti.

[¶19] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶20] “When the mind has been directed right,
and words rightly spoken,
and right bodily deeds have been done,
an individual here

> Pali: “Sammā manaṁ paṇidhāya,
sammā vācañca bhāsiya;
Sammā kammāni katvāna,
kāyena idha puggalo.

[¶21] learned, doer of good deeds,
though their life may be short,
when their body breaks up, that wise person
is reborn in heaven.”

> Pali: Bahussuto puññakaro,
appasmiṁ idha jīvite;
Kāyassa bhedā sappañño,
saggaṁ so upapajjatī”ti.

[¶22] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶23] > Pali: Dutiyaṁ.

[¶24] Iti 72 · Elements of Escape

> Pali: Iti 72 · Nissaraṇiyasutta

[¶25] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶26] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶27] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶28] “Mendicants, there are these three elements of escape. What three? Renunciation is the escape from sensual pleasures. Formlessness is the escape from form. Cessation is the escape from whatever is created, conditioned, and dependently originated. These are the three elements of escape.”

> Pali: “Tisso imā, bhikkhave, nissaraṇiyā dhātuyo. Katamā tisso? Kāmānametaṁ nissaraṇaṁ yadidaṁ nekkhammaṁ, rūpānametaṁ nissaraṇaṁ yadidaṁ āruppaṁ, yaṁ kho pana kiñci bhūtaṁ saṅkhataṁ paṭiccasamuppannaṁ nirodho tassa nissaraṇaṁ— imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso nissaraṇiyā dhātuyo”ti.

[¶29] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶30] “Knowing the escape from sensuality,
and form’s transcendence,
one always keen touches
the stilling of all activities.

> Pali: “Kāmanissaraṇaṁ ñatvā,
rūpānañca atikkamaṁ;
Sabbasaṅkhārasamathaṁ,
phusaṁ ātāpi sabbadā.

[¶31] That mendicant sees rightly,
and when freed in regards to that,
that peaceful sage, with perfect insight,
has truly slipped their yoke.”

> Pali: Sa ve sammaddaso bhikkhu,
yato tattha vimuccati;
Abhiññāvosito santo,
sa ve yogātigo munī”ti.

[¶32] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶33] > Pali: Tatiyaṁ.

[¶34] Iti 73 · More Peaceful

> Pali: Iti 73 · Santatarasutta

[¶35] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶36] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶37] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶38] “Mendicants, formless states are more peaceful than states of form; cessation is more peaceful than formless states.”

> Pali: “Rūpehi, bhikkhave, arūpā santatarā, arūpehi nirodho santataro”ti.

[¶39] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶40] “There are beings in the realm of luminous form,
and others stuck in the formless.
Not understanding cessation,
they return in future lives.

> Pali: “Ye ca rūpūpagā sattā,
ye ca arūpaṭṭhāyino;
Nirodhaṁ appajānantā,
āgantāro punabbhavaṁ.

[¶41] But the people who completely understand form,
not stuck in the formless,
released in cessation—
they are conquerors of death.

> Pali: Ye ca rūpe pariññāya,
arūpesu asaṇṭhitā;
Nirodhe ye vimuccanti,
te janā maccuhāyino.

[¶42] Having directly experienced <j>the element free of death,
free of attachments;
having realized relinquishment
of attachments, the undefiled
fully awakened Buddha teaches
the sorrowless, stainless state.”

> Pali: Kāyena amatadhātuṁ,
phusayitvā nirūpadhiṁ;
Upadhippaṭinissaggaṁ,
sacchikatvā anāsavo;
Deseti sammāsambuddho,
asokaṁ virajaṁ padan”ti.

[¶43] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶44] > Pali: Catutthaṁ.

[¶45] Iti 74 · A Child

> Pali: Iti 74 · Puttasutta

[¶46] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶47] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶48] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶49] “These three kinds of children are found in the world. What three? One who betters their birth, one who equals their birth, one who fails their birth.

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, puttā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame tayo? Atijāto, anujāto, avajātoti.

[¶50] And how does a child better their birth? It’s when a child’s parents have not gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, and consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. They’re immoral, of bad character. But their child has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They don’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. They’re ethical, of good character. That’s how a child betters their birth.

> Pali: Kathañca, bhikkhave, putto atijāto hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, puttassa mātāpitaro honti— na buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, na dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, na saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā; pāṇātipātā appaṭiviratā, adinnādānā appaṭiviratā, kāmesumicchācārā appaṭiviratā, musāvādā appaṭiviratā, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā appaṭiviratā, dussīlā pāpadhammā. Putto ca nesaṁ hoti— buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gato; pāṇātipātā paṭivirato, adinnādānā paṭivirato, kāmesumicchācārā paṭivirato, musāvādā paṭivirato, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato, sīlavā kalyāṇadhammo. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, putto atijāto hoti.

[¶51] And how does a child equal their birth? It’s when a child’s parents have gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They don’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. They’re ethical, of good character. And their child has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They don’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. They’re ethical, of good character. That’s how a child equals their birth.

> Pali: Kathañca, bhikkhave, putto anujāto hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, puttassa mātāpitaro honti— buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā; pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā, adinnādānā paṭiviratā, kāmesumicchācārā paṭiviratā, musāvādā paṭiviratā, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā, sīlavanto kalyāṇadhammā. Puttopi nesaṁ hoti— buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gato; pāṇātipātā paṭivirato, adinnādānā paṭivirato, kāmesumicchācārā paṭivirato, musāvādā paṭivirato, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato, sīlavā kalyāṇadhammo. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, putto anujāto hoti.

[¶52] And how does a child fail their birth? It’s when a child’s parents have gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They don’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. They’re ethical, of good character. But their child has not gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha. They kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, and consume intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. They’re immoral, of bad character. That’s how a child fails their birth. These are the three kinds of children found in the world.”

> Pali: Kathañca, bhikkhave, putto avajāto hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, puttassa mātāpitaro honti— buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā; pāṇātipātā paṭiviratā, adinnādānā paṭiviratā, kāmesumicchācārā paṭiviratā, musāvādā paṭiviratā, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭiviratā, sīlavanto kalyāṇadhammā. Putto ca nesaṁ hoti— na buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, na dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gato, na saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gato; pāṇātipātā appaṭivirato, adinnādānā appaṭivirato, kāmesumicchācārā appaṭivirato, musāvādā appaṭivirato, surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā appaṭivirato, dussīlo pāpadhammo. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, putto avajāto hoti. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo puttā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmin”ti.

[¶53] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶54] “The astute wish for a child
who betters or equals their birth;
not one who fails their birth,
disgracing their family.

> Pali: “Atijātaṁ anujātaṁ,
puttamicchanti paṇḍitā;
Avajātaṁ na icchanti,
yo hoti kulagandhano.

[¶55] These are the children in the world
who become lay devotees;
faithful, accomplished in ethics,
bountiful, rid of stinginess.
Like the moon freed from clouds,
they dazzle in the assemblies.”

> Pali: Ete kho puttā lokasmiṁ,
ye bhavanti upāsakā;
Saddhā sīlena sampannā,
vadaññū vītamaccharā;
Cando abbhaghanā mutto,
parisāsu virocare”ti.

[¶56] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶57] > Pali: Pañcamaṁ.

[¶58] Iti 75 · A Rainless Cloud

> Pali: Iti 75 · Avuṭṭhikasutta

[¶59] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶60] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶61] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶62] “Mendicants, these three individuals are found in the world. What three? One like a rainless cloud, one who rains locally, one who rains all over.

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame tayo? Avuṭṭhikasamo, padesavassī, sabbatthābhivassī.

[¶63] And how is an individual like a rainless cloud? It’s when an individual doesn’t give to anyone at all—whether ascetics and brahmins, paupers, vagrants, supplicants, or beggars—such things as food, drink, clothing, vehicles; garlands, fragrance, and makeup; and bed, house, and lighting. That’s how an individual is like a rainless cloud.

> Pali: Kathañca, bhikkhave, puggalo avuṭṭhikasamo hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo sabbesaññeva na dātā hoti, samaṇabrāhmaṇakapaṇaddhikavanibbakayācakānaṁ annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, puggalo avuṭṭhikasamo hoti.

[¶64] And how does an individual rain locally? It’s when an individual gives to some but not to others—whether ascetics and brahmins, paupers, vagrants, supplicants, or beggars—such things as food, drink, clothing, vehicles; garlands, fragrance, and makeup; and bed, house, and lighting. That’s how an individual rains locally.

> Pali: Kathañca, bhikkhave, puggalo padesavassī hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo ekaccānaṁ dātā hoti, ekaccānaṁ na dātā hoti samaṇabrāhmaṇakapaṇaddhikavanibbakayācakānaṁ annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, puggalo padesavassī hoti.

[¶65] And how does an individual rain all over? It’s when an individual gives to everyone—whether ascetics and brahmins, paupers, vagrants, supplicants, or beggars—such things as food, drink, clothing, vehicles; garlands, fragrance, and makeup; and bed, house, and lighting. That’s how an individual rains all over. These are the three individuals found in the world.”

> Pali: Kathañca, bhikkhave, puggalo sabbatthābhivassī hoti? Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo sabbesaṁva deti, samaṇabrāhmaṇakapaṇaddhikavanibbakayācakānaṁ annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, puggalo sabbatthābhivassī hoti. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmin”ti.

[¶66] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶67] “They don’t share the food and drink
they have acquired
with ascetics or brahmins,
with paupers, vagrants, or supplicants.
They’re like a rainless cloud,
they say, the meanest of men.

> Pali: “Na samaṇe na brāhmaṇe,
Na kapaṇaddhikavanibbake;
Laddhāna saṁvibhājeti,
Annaṁ pānañca bhojanaṁ;
Taṁ ve avuṭṭhikasamoti,
Āhu naṁ purisādhamaṁ.

[¶68] They don’t give to some,
to some they provide.
They rain locally,
so say the wise.

> Pali: Ekaccānaṁ na dadāti,
ekaccānaṁ pavecchati;
Taṁ ve padesavassīti,
āhu medhāvino janā.

[¶69] Compassionate for all beings,
that person distributes
abundant food upon request,
saying, ‘Give! Give!’

> Pali: Subhikkhavāco puriso,
sabbabhūtānukampako;
Āmodamāno pakireti,
detha dethāti bhāsati.

[¶70] The rain cloud rains forth,
having thundered and roared,
drenching the earth with water,
soaking the uplands and valleys.

> Pali: Yathāpi megho thanayitvā,
gajjayitvā pavassati;
Thalaṁ ninnañca pūreti,
abhisandantova vārinā.

[¶71] Even so, such an individual,
having accumulated wealth
by legitimate means,
through their own hard work,
rightly satisfies with food and drink
those who have become supplicants.”

> Pali: Evamevaṁ idhekacco,
puggalo hoti tādiso;
Dhammena saṁharitvāna,
uṭṭhānādhigataṁ dhanaṁ;
Tappeti annapānena,
sammā patte vanibbake”ti.

[¶72] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶73] > Pali: Chaṭṭhaṁ.

[¶74] Iti 76 · Wishing for Happiness

> Pali: Iti 76 · Sukhapatthanāsutta

[¶75] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶76] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶77] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶78] “Mendicants, an astute person who wishes for three kinds of happiness should take care of their ethics. What three? ‘May I be praised!’ ‘May I become rich!’ ‘When my body breaks up, after death, may I be reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm!’ An astute person who wishes for these three kinds of happiness should protect their precepts.”

> Pali: “Tīṇimāni, bhikkhave, sukhāni patthayamāno sīlaṁ rakkheyya paṇḍito. Katamāni tīṇi? Pasaṁsā me āgacchatūti sīlaṁ rakkheyya paṇḍito, bhogā me uppajjantūti sīlaṁ rakkheyya paṇḍito, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjissāmīti sīlaṁ rakkheyya paṇḍito. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi sukhāni patthayamāno sīlaṁ rakkheyya paṇḍito”ti.

[¶79] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶80] “Wishing for three kinds of happiness—
praise, prosperity,
and to delight in heaven after passing away—
the wise would take care of their ethics.

> Pali: “Sīlaṁ rakkheyya medhāvī,
patthayāno tayo sukhe;
Pasaṁsaṁ vittalābhañca,
pecca sagge pamodanaṁ.

[¶81] Though you do no wrong,
if you associate with one who does,
you’re suspected of wrong,
and your disrepute grows.

> Pali: Akarontopi ce pāpaṁ,
karontamupasevati;
Saṅkiyo hoti pāpasmiṁ,
avaṇṇo cassa rūhati.

[¶82] Whatever kind of friend you make,
with whom you associate,
that’s how you become,
for so it is when you share your life.

> Pali: Yādisaṁ kurute mittaṁ,
yādisaṁ cūpasevati;
Sa ve tādisako hoti,
sahavāso hi tādiso.

[¶83] The one who associates and the one associated with,
the one contacted and the one who contacts another,
are like an arrow smeared with poison
that contaminates the quiver.
The attentive, fearing contamination,
would never have wicked comrades.

> Pali: Sevamāno sevamānaṁ,
samphuṭṭho samphusaṁ paraṁ;
Saro diddho kalāpaṁva,
alittamupalimpati;
Upalepabhayā dhīro,
neva pāpasakhā siyā.

[¶84] A man who wraps
putrid fish in blades of grass
makes the grass stink—
so it is when associating with fools.

> Pali: Pūtimacchaṁ kusaggena,
yo naro upanayhati;
Kusāpi pūti vāyanti,
evaṁ bālūpasevanā.

[¶85] But one who wraps
sandalwood incense in leaves
makes the leaves fragrant—
so it is when associating with the attentive.

> Pali: Tagarañca palāsena,
yo naro upanayhati;
Pattāpi surabhi vāyanti,
evaṁ dhīrūpasevanā.

[¶86] So, knowing they’ll end up
like the wrapping, the astute
would shun the wicked,
and befriend the good.
The wicked lead you to hell,
the good help you to a good place.”

> Pali: Tasmā pattapuṭasseva,
ñatvā sampākamattano;
Asante nupaseveyya,
sante seveyya paṇḍito;
Asanto nirayaṁ nenti,
santo pāpenti suggatin”ti.

[¶87] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶88] > Pali: Sattamaṁ.

[¶89] Iti 77 · Fragile

> Pali: Iti 77 · Bhidurasutta

[¶90] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶91] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶92] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶93] “This body is fragile, mendicants, consciousness is liable to fade away, and all attachments are impermanent, suffering, and perishable.”

> Pali: “Bhidurāyaṁ, bhikkhave, kāyo, viññāṇaṁ virāgadhammaṁ, sabbe upadhī aniccā dukkhā vipariṇāmadhammā”ti.

[¶94] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶95] “Knowing that the body is fragile,
that consciousness is faded,
and seeing the danger in attachments,
they go beyond birth and death.
Having attained ultimate peace,
evolved, they await their time.”

> Pali: “Kāyañca bhiduraṁ ñatvā,
Viññāṇañca virāgunaṁ;
Upadhīsu bhayaṁ disvā,
Jātimaraṇamaccagā;
Sampatvā paramaṁ santiṁ,
Kālaṁ kaṅkhati bhāvitatto”ti.

[¶96] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶97] > Pali: Aṭṭhamaṁ.

[¶98] Iti 78 · Converging Elements

> Pali: Iti 78 · Dhātusosaṁsandanasutta

[¶99] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶100] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶101] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶102] “Mendicants, sentient beings join together and converge because of an element: Those who have inferior convictions join together and converge with those who have inferior convictions. Those who have good convictions join together and converge with those who have good convictions.

> Pali: “Dhātuso, bhikkhave, sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti.

[¶103] In the past …

> Pali: Atītampi, bhikkhave, addhānaṁ dhātusova sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandiṁsu samiṁsu. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandiṁsu samiṁsu, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandiṁsu samiṁsu.

[¶104] In the future …

> Pali: Anāgatampi, bhikkhave, addhānaṁ dhātusova sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandissanti samessanti. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandissanti samessanti, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandissanti samessanti.

[¶105] At present, too, sentient beings join together and converge because of an element. Those who have inferior convictions join together and converge with those who have inferior convictions. Those who have good convictions join together and converge with those who have good convictions.”

> Pali: Etarahipi, bhikkhave, paccuppannaṁ addhānaṁ dhātusova sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samentī”ti.

[¶106] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶107] “Socializing creates a snarl;
they’re cut off by being aloof.
If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea,
and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink.

> Pali: “Saṁsaggā vanatho jāto,
asaṁsaggena chijjati;
Parittaṁ dārumāruyha,
yathā sīde mahaṇṇave.

[¶108] So too, a person who lives well
sinks by relying on a lazy person.
Hence you should avoid such
a lazy person who lacks energy.

> Pali: Evaṁ kusītamāgamma,
sādhujīvīpi sīdati;
Tasmā taṁ parivajjeyya,
kusītaṁ hīnavīriyaṁ.

[¶109] Dwell with the noble ones
who are secluded and determined
constantly energetic,
the astute who practice absorption.”

> Pali: Pavivittehi ariyehi,
pahitattehi jhāyibhi;
Niccaṁ āraddhaviriyehi,
paṇḍitehi sahāvase”ti.

[¶110] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶111] > Pali: Navamaṁ.

[¶112] Iti 79 · Decline

> Pali: Iti 79 · Parihānasutta

[¶113] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶114] Chapter Three

> Pali: Tatiyavagga

[¶115] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶116] “These three things lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee. What three? It’s when a mendicant relishes work, talk, and sleep. These three things lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee.

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno parihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame tayo? Idha, bhikkhave, sekho bhikkhu kammārāmo hoti, kammarato, kammārāmatamanuyutto; bhassārāmo hoti, bhassarato, bhassārāmatamanuyutto; niddārāmo hoti, niddārato, niddārāmatamanuyutto. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno parihānāya saṁvattanti.

[¶117] These three things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee. What three? It’s when a mendicant doesn’t relish work, talk, and sleep. These three things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee.”

> Pali: Tayome, bhikkhave, dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame tayo? Idha, bhikkhave, sekho bhikkhu na kammārāmo hoti, na kammarato, na kammārāmatamanuyutto; na bhassārāmo hoti, na bhassarato, na bhassārāmatamanuyutto; na niddārāmo hoti, na niddārato, na niddārāmatamanuyutto. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattantī”ti.

[¶118] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶119] “Restless, they relish
work, talk, and sleep.
Such a mendicant is incapable
of experiencing the highest awakening.

> Pali: “Kammārāmo bhassārāmo,
Niddārāmo ca uddhato;
Abhabbo tādiso bhikkhu,
Phuṭṭhuṁ sambodhimuttamaṁ.

[¶120] That’s why one ought have few duties,
being wakeful not restless.
Such a mendicant is capable
of experiencing the highest awakening.”

> Pali: Tasmā hi appakiccassa,
Appamiddho anuddhato;
Bhabbo so tādiso bhikkhu,
Phuṭṭhuṁ sambodhimuttaman”ti.

[¶121] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶122] > Pali: Dasamaṁ.

[¶123] > Pali: Tatiyo vaggo.

[¶124] > Pali: Tassuddānaṁ

[¶125] > Pali: Dve diṭṭhī nissaraṇaṁ rūpaṁ,
putto avuṭṭhikena ca;
Sukhā ca bhiduro dhātu,
parihānena te dasāti.

[¶126] Iti 80 · Thoughts

> Pali: Iti 80 · Vitakkasutta

[¶127] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶128] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶129] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶130] “Mendicants, there are these three unskillful thoughts. What three? The thought of status; of getting material things, honor, and popularity; and of fondness for others. These are the three unskillful thoughts.”

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, akusalavitakkā. Katame tayo? Anavaññattipaṭisaṁyutto vitakko, lābhasakkārasilokapaṭisaṁyutto vitakko, parānuddayatāpaṭisaṁyutto vitakko. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo akusalavitakkā”ti.

[¶131] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶132] “One concerned with being looked up to,
with possessions, honor, and respect,
with sharing joys with friends,
is far from the ending of fetters.

> Pali: “Anavaññattisaṁyutto,
lābhasakkāragāravo;
Sahanandī amaccehi,
ārā saṁyojanakkhayā.

[¶133] But one who gives up children and herds,
marriage and acquisitions—
such a mendicant is capable
of experiencing the highest awakening.”

> Pali: Yo ca puttapasuṁ hitvā,
Vivāhe saṁharāni ca;
Bhabbo so tādiso bhikkhu,
Phuṭṭhuṁ sambodhimuttaman”ti.

[¶134] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶135] > Pali: Paṭhamaṁ.

[¶136] Iti 81 · Esteem

> Pali: Iti 81 · Sakkārasutta

[¶137] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶138] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶139] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶140] “I’ve seen, mendicants, sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by honor. When their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

> Pali: “Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā sakkārena abhibhūtā, pariyādinnacittā, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā.

[¶141] I’ve seen sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by not being honored. When their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

> Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā asakkārena abhibhūtā, pariyādinnacittā, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā.

[¶142] I’ve seen sentient beings whose minds are overcome and overwhelmed by both honor and by not being honored. When their body broke up, after death, they were reborn in a place of loss, a bad place, the underworld, hell.

> Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā sakkārena ca asakkārena ca tadubhayena abhibhūtā, pariyādinnacittā, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā.

[¶143] Now, I don’t say this because I’ve heard it from some other ascetic or brahmin. I only say it because I’ve known, seen, and realized it for myself.”

> Pali: Taṁ kho panāhaṁ, bhikkhave, nāññassa samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā sutvā vadāmi; (…) api ca, bhikkhave, yadeva me sāmaṁ ñātaṁ sāmaṁ diṭṭhaṁ sāmaṁ viditaṁ tamevāhaṁ vadāmi.

[¶144] > Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā sakkārena abhibhūtā, pariyādinnacittā, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā.

[¶145] > Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā asakkārena abhibhūtā, pariyādinnacittā, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā.

[¶146] > Pali: Diṭṭhā mayā, bhikkhave, sattā sakkārena ca asakkārena ca tadubhayena abhibhūtā, pariyādinnacittā, kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā apāyaṁ duggatiṁ vinipātaṁ nirayaṁ upapannā”ti.

[¶147] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶148] “Whether they’re honored
or not honored, or both,
their immersion doesn’t waver
as they abide in the immeasurables.

> Pali: “Yassa sakkariyamānassa,
asakkārena cūbhayaṁ;
Samādhi na vikampati,
appamādavihārino.

[¶149] They persistently practice absorption
with subtle view and discernment.
Rejoicing in the ending of grasping,
they’re said to be a true person.”

> Pali: Taṁ jhāyinaṁ sātatikaṁ,
sukhumadiṭṭhivipassakaṁ;
Upādānakkhayārāmaṁ,
āhu sappuriso itī”ti.

[¶150] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶151] > Pali: Dutiyaṁ.

[¶152] Iti 82 · The Cry of the Gods

> Pali: Iti 82 · Devasaddasutta

[¶153] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶154] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶155] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶156] “Mendicants, these three cries are uttered among the gods on occasion. What three? When a noble disciple shaves off their hair and beard, dresses in ocher robes, and goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, the gods cry out: ‘This noble disciple intends to join battle with Māra!’ This is the first occasion a cry is uttered among the gods.

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, devesu devasaddā niccharanti samayā samayaṁ upādāya. Katame tayo? Yasmiṁ, bhikkhave, samaye ariyasāvako kesamassuṁ ohāretvā kāsāyāni vatthāni acchādetvā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajjāya ceteti, tasmiṁ samaye devesu devasaddo niccharati: ‘eso ariyasāvako mārena saddhiṁ saṅgāmāya cetetī’ti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo devesu devasaddo niccharati samayā samayaṁ upādāya.

[¶157] Furthermore, when a noble disciple meditates pursuing the development of the seven qualities on the side of awakening, the gods cry out: ‘This noble disciple is joining battle with Māra!’ This is the second occasion a cry is uttered among the gods.

> Pali: Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ samaye ariyasāvako sattannaṁ bodhipakkhiyānaṁ dhammānaṁ bhāvanānuyogamanuyutto viharati, tasmiṁ samaye devesu devasaddo niccharati: ‘eso ariyasāvako mārena saddhiṁ saṅgāmetī’ti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo devesu devasaddo niccharati samayā samayaṁ upādāya.

[¶158] Furthermore, when a noble disciple realizes the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And they live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements, the gods cry out: ‘This noble disciple has won victory in battle, establishing himself as foremost in battle!’ This is the third occasion a cry is uttered among the gods. These are the three cries that are uttered among the gods on occasion.”

> Pali: Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, yasmiṁ samaye ariyasāvako āsavānaṁ khayā anāsavaṁ cetovimuttiṁ paññāvimuttiṁ diṭṭheva dhamme sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā upasampajja viharati, tasmiṁ samaye devesu devasaddo niccharati: ‘eso ariyasāvako vijitasaṅgāmo tameva saṅgāmasīsaṁ abhivijiya ajjhāvasatī’ti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo devesu devasaddo niccharati samayā samayaṁ upādāya. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo devesu devasaddā niccharanti samayā samayaṁ upādāyā”ti.

[¶159] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶160] “Seeing the winner of the battle—
a disciple of the Buddha,
great of heart, intrepid—
even the deities revere them:

> Pali: “Disvā vijitasaṅgāmaṁ,
sammāsambuddhasāvakaṁ;
Devatāpi namassanti,
mahantaṁ vītasāradaṁ.

[¶161] ‘Homage to you, O thoroughbred!
You won a battle hard to win!
Having defeated the army of death,
your liberation is unhindered.’

> Pali: Namo te purisājañña,
yo tvaṁ dujjayamajjhabhū;
Jetvāna maccuno senaṁ,
vimokkhena anāvaraṁ.

[¶162] And so the deities revere the one,
who has achieved their heart’s desire.
For they see nothing in them by means of which
they might fall under the sway of Death.”

> Pali: Iti hetaṁ namassanti,
devatā pattamānasaṁ;
Tañhi tassa na passanti,
yena maccuvasaṁ vaje”ti.

[¶163] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶164] > Pali: Tatiyaṁ.

[¶165] Iti 83 · Five Harbingers

> Pali: Iti 83 · Pañcapubbanimittasutta

[¶166] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶167] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶168] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶169] “Mendicants, when a god is due to pass away from the realm of the gods, five harbingers appear. Their flower-garlands wither; their clothes become soiled; they sweat from the armpits; their physical appearance deteriorates; and they no longer delight in their heavenly throne. When the other gods know that that godling is due to pass away, they wish them well in three ways: ‘Sir, may you go from here to a good place!

> Pali: “Yadā, bhikkhave, devo devakāyā cavanadhammo hoti, pañcassa pubbanimittāni pātubhavanti— mālā milāyanti, vatthāni kilissanti, kacchehi sedā muccanti, kāye dubbaṇṇiyaṁ okkamati, sake devo devāsane nābhiramatīti. Tamenaṁ, bhikkhave, devā ‘cavanadhammo ayaṁ devaputto’ti iti viditvā tīhi vācāhi anumodenti: ‘ito, bho, sugatiṁ gaccha.

[¶170] When you have gone to a good place, may you be blessed with good fortune!

> Pali: Sugatiṁ gantvā suladdhalābhaṁ labha.

[¶171] When you have been blessed with good fortune, may you become well grounded!’”

> Pali: Suladdhalābhaṁ labhitvā suppatiṭṭhito bhavāhī’”ti.

[¶172] When he said this, one of the mendicants said to the Buddha, “Sir, what do the gods reckon to be going to a good place?

> Pali: Evaṁ vutte, aññataro bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “kiṁ nu kho, bhante, devānaṁ sugatigamanasaṅkhātaṁ.

[¶173] What do they reckon to be blessed with good fortune?

> Pali: Kiñca, bhante, devānaṁ suladdhalābhasaṅkhātaṁ.

[¶174] What do they reckon to become well grounded?”

> Pali: Kiṁ pana, bhante, devānaṁ suppatiṭṭhitasaṅkhātan”ti?

[¶175] “It is human existence, mendicant, that the gods reckon to be going to a good place.

> Pali: “Manussattaṁ kho, bhikkhu, devānaṁ sugatigamanasaṅkhātaṁ.

[¶176] When a human being gains faith in the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One, that is what the gods reckon to be blessed with good fortune.

> Pali: Yaṁ manussabhūto samāno tathāgatappavedite dhammavinaye saddhaṁ paṭilabhati; idaṁ kho, bhikkhu, devānaṁ suladdhalābhasaṅkhātaṁ.

[¶177] When that faith in the Realized One is settled, rooted, and planted deep; when it’s strong and can’t be shifted by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or divinity or by anyone in the world, that is what the gods reckon to become well grounded.”

> Pali: Sā kho panassa saddhā niviṭṭhā hoti mūlajātā patiṭṭhitā daḷhā asaṁhāriyā samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ; idaṁ kho, bhikkhu, devānaṁ suppatiṭṭhitasaṅkhātan”ti.

[¶178] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶179] “When, with the fading of life,
a god passes from the realm of the gods,
the gods utter three cries
of well-wishing:

> Pali: “Yadā devo devakāyā,
cavati āyusaṅkhayā;
Tayo saddā niccharanti,
devānaṁ anumodataṁ.

[¶180] ‘Go, worthy sir, from here to a good place,
in the company of humans.
As a human being, gain supreme faith
in the true teaching.

> Pali: ‘Ito bho sugatiṁ gaccha,
manussānaṁ sahabyataṁ;
Manussabhūto saddhamme,
labha saddhaṁ anuttaraṁ.

[¶181] May that faith of yours be settled,
with roots planted deep,
unfaltering all life long
in the true teaching so well proclaimed.

> Pali: Sā te saddhā niviṭṭhassa,
mūlajātā patiṭṭhitā;
Yāvajīvaṁ asaṁhīrā,
saddhamme suppavedite.

[¶182] Having given up bad conduct
by way of body,
speech, and mind,
and whatever else is corrupt;

> Pali: Kāyaduccaritaṁ hitvā,
vacīduccaritāni ca;
Manoduccaritaṁ hitvā,
yañcaññaṁ dosasañhitaṁ.

[¶183] and having done much good,
by way of body,
speech, and mind,
limitless, free of attachments;

> Pali: Kāyena kusalaṁ katvā,
vācāya kusalaṁ bahuṁ;
Manasā kusalaṁ katvā,
appamāṇaṁ nirūpadhiṁ.

[¶184] then, having made much worldly merit
by giving gifts,
establish other colleagues
in the true teaching, the spiritual life.’

> Pali: Tato opadhikaṁ puññaṁ,
katvā dānena taṁ bahuṁ;
Aññepi macce saddhamme,
brahmacariye nivesaya’.

[¶185] It is due to such sympathy
that when the gods know a god
is due to pass away, they wish them well:
‘Come back, god, again and again!’”

> Pali: Imāya anukampāya,
devā devaṁ yadā vidū;
Cavantaṁ anumodenti,
ehi deva punappunan”ti.

[¶186] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶187] > Pali: Catutthaṁ.

[¶188] Iti 84 · For the Welfare of the People

> Pali: Iti 84 · Bahujanahitasutta

[¶189] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶190] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶191] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶192] “These three individuals, mendicants, arise in the world for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans. What three? It’s when a Realized One arises in the world, 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. He teaches Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And he reveals a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. This is the first individual who arises in the world for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.

> Pali: “Tayome puggalā loke uppajjamānā uppajjanti bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ. Katame tayo? Idha, bhikkhave, tathāgato loke uppajjati arahaṁ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraṇasampanno sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadammasārathi satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā. So dhammaṁ deseti ādikalyāṇaṁ majjhekalyāṇaṁ pariyosānakalyāṇaṁ sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ, kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ pakāseti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo puggalo loke uppajjamāno uppajjati bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ.

[¶193] Furthermore, it’s when a mendicant is a perfected one, with defilements ended, who has completed the spiritual journey, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, achieved their heart’s goal, utterly ended the fetter of continued existence, and is rightly freed through enlightenment. They teach Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And they reveal a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. This is the second individual who arises in the world for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.

> Pali: Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, tasseva satthu sāvako arahaṁ hoti khīṇāsavo vusitavā katakaraṇīyo ohitabhāro anuppattasadattho parikkhīṇabhavasaṁyojano sammadaññāvimutto. So dhammaṁ deseti ādikalyāṇaṁ majjhekalyāṇaṁ pariyosānakalyāṇaṁ sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ, kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ pakāseti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo puggalo loke uppajjamāno uppajjati bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ.

[¶194] Furthermore, it’s when a disciple of that Teacher is a trainee, a learned practitioner with precepts and observances intact. They teach Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased. And they reveal a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure. This is the third individual who arises in the world for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans. These are the three individuals who arise in the world for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.”

> Pali: Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, tasseva satthu sāvako sekho hoti pāṭipado bahussuto sīlavatūpapanno. Sopi dhammaṁ deseti ādikalyāṇaṁ majjhekalyāṇaṁ pariyosānakalyāṇaṁ sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ, kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ pakāseti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo puggalo loke uppajjamāno uppajjati bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo puggalā loke uppajjamānā uppajjanti bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānan”ti.

[¶195] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶196] “The Teacher is the first, the great seer,
following whom is the evolved disciple,
and then a trainee, a practitioner,
learned, with precepts and observances intact.

> Pali: “Satthā hi loke paṭhamo mahesi,
Tassanvayo sāvako bhāvitatto;
Athāparo pāṭipadopi sekho,
Bahussuto sīlavatūpapanno.

[¶197] These three are first among gods and humans,
beacons proclaiming the teaching!
They fling open the door to freedom from death,
freeing many from yokes.

> Pali: Ete tayo devamanussaseṭṭhā,
Pabhaṅkarā dhammamudīrayantā;
Apāpuranti amatassa dvāraṁ,
Yogā pamocenti bahujjanaṁ te.

[¶198] Following the path so well taught
by the unsurpassed caravan leader,
those who are diligent in the Holy One’s teaching
make an end of suffering in this very life.”

> Pali: Ye satthavāhena anuttarena,
Sudesitaṁ maggamanukkamanti;
Idheva dukkhassa karonti antaṁ,
Ye appamattā sugatassa sāsane”ti.

[¶199] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶200] > Pali: Pañcamaṁ.

[¶201] Iti 85 · Observing Ugliness

> Pali: Iti 85 · Asubhānupassīsutta

[¶202] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶203] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶204] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶205] “Mendicants, meditate observing the ugliness of the body. Let mindfulness of breathing be well-established internally on the present. Meditate observing the impermanence of all conditions. As you meditate observing the ugliness of the body, you will give up desire for the body. When mindfulness of breathing is well-established internally on the present, there will be no distressing external thoughts or wishes. When you meditate observing the impermanence of all conditions, ignorance is given up and knowledge arises.”

> Pali: “Asubhānupassī, bhikkhave, kāyasmiṁ viharatha; ānāpānassati ca vo ajjhattaṁ parimukhaṁ sūpaṭṭhitā hotu; sabbasaṅkhāresu aniccānupassino viharatha. Asubhānupassīnaṁ, bhikkhave, kāyasmiṁ viharataṁ yo subhāya dhātuyā rāgānusayo so pahīyati. Ānāpānassatiyā ajjhattaṁ parimukhaṁ sūpaṭṭhititāya ye bāhirā vitakkāsayā vighātapakkhikā, te na honti. Sabbasaṅkhāresu aniccānupassīnaṁ viharataṁ yā avijjā sā pahīyati, yā vijjā sā uppajjatī”ti.

[¶206] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶207] “Observing the ugliness of the body,
mindful of the breath,
one always keen sees
the stilling of all activities.

> Pali: “Asubhānupassī kāyasmiṁ,
ānāpāne paṭissato;
Sabbasaṅkhārasamathaṁ,
passaṁ ātāpi sabbadā.

[¶208] That mendicant sees rightly,
and when freed in regards to that,
that peaceful sage, with perfect insight,
has truly slipped their yoke.”

> Pali: Sa ve sammaddaso bhikkhu,
yato tattha vimuccati;
Abhiññāvosito santo,
sa ve yogātigo munī”ti.

[¶209] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶210] > Pali: Chaṭṭhaṁ.

[¶211] Iti 86 · Practicing In Line With the Teaching

> Pali: Iti 86 · Dhammānudhammapaṭipannasutta

[¶212] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶213] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶214] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶215] “Regarding a mendicant practicing in line with the teaching, it is in line with the teaching to declare that this is what it means to practice in line with the teaching. When speaking, they speak on the teaching, not against it. When thinking, they think on the teaching, not against it. And rejecting both, they meditate staying equanimous, mindful and aware.”

> Pali: “Dhammānudhammapaṭipannassa bhikkhuno ayamanudhammo hoti veyyākaraṇāya— dhammānudhammapaṭipannoyanti bhāsamāno dhammaññeva bhāsati no adhammaṁ, vitakkayamāno vā dhammavitakkaññeva vitakketi no adhammavitakkaṁ, tadubhayaṁ vā pana abhinivejjetvā upekkhako viharati sato sampajāno”ti.

[¶216] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶217] “Delighting in the teaching, enjoying the teaching,
contemplating the teaching,
a mendicant who recollects the teaching
doesn’t fall away from the true teaching.

> Pali: “Dhammārāmo dhammarato,
dhammaṁ anuvicintayaṁ;
Dhammaṁ anussaraṁ bhikkhu,
saddhammā na parihāyati.

[¶218] Whether walking or standing,
sitting or lying down,
with mind collected inside,
they attain only peace.”

> Pali: Caraṁ vā yadi vā tiṭṭhaṁ,
nisinno uda vā sayaṁ;
Ajjhattaṁ samayaṁ cittaṁ,
santimevādhigacchatī”ti.

[¶219] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶220] > Pali: Sattamaṁ.

[¶221] Iti 87 · Destroyers of Sight

> Pali: Iti 87 · Andhakaraṇasutta

[¶222] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶223] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶224] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶225] “Mendicants, these three unskillful thoughts are destroyers of sight, vision, and knowledge. They block wisdom, they’re on the side of distress, and they don’t lead to extinguishment. What three? Thoughts of sensuality, malice, and cruelty. These are the three unskillful thoughts that are destroyers of sight, vision, and knowledge. They block wisdom, they’re on the side of distress, and they don’t lead to extinguishment.

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, akusalavitakkā andhakaraṇā acakkhukaraṇā aññāṇakaraṇā paññānirodhikā vighātapakkhikā anibbānasaṁvattanikā. Katame tayo? Kāmavitakko, bhikkhave, andhakaraṇo acakkhukaraṇo aññāṇakaraṇo paññānirodhiko vighātapakkhiko anibbānasaṁvattaniko. Byāpādavitakko, bhikkhave, andhakaraṇo acakkhukaraṇo aññāṇakaraṇo paññānirodhiko vighātapakkhiko anibbānasaṁvattaniko. Vihiṁsāvitakko, bhikkhave, andhakaraṇo acakkhukaraṇo aññāṇakaraṇo paññānirodhiko vighātapakkhiko anibbānasaṁvattaniko. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo akusalavitakkā andhakaraṇā acakkhukaraṇā aññāṇakaraṇā paññānirodhikā vighātapakkhikā anibbānasaṁvattanikā.

[¶226] These three skillful thoughts are creators of sight, vision, and knowledge. They grow wisdom, they’re on the side of solace, and they lead to extinguishment. What three? Thoughts of renunciation, good will, and harmlessness. These are the three skillful thoughts that are creators of sight, vision, and knowledge. They grow wisdom, they’re on the side of solace, and they lead to extinguishment.”

> Pali: Tayome, bhikkhave, kusalavitakkā anandhakaraṇā cakkhukaraṇā ñāṇakaraṇā paññāvuddhikā avighātapakkhikā nibbānasaṁvattanikā. Katame tayo? Nekkhammavitakko, bhikkhave, anandhakaraṇo cakkhukaraṇo ñāṇakaraṇo paññāvuddhiko avighātapakkhiko nibbānasaṁvattaniko. Abyāpādavitakko, bhikkhave, anandhakaraṇo cakkhukaraṇo ñāṇakaraṇo paññāvuddhiko avighātapakkhiko nibbānasaṁvattaniko. Avihiṁsāvitakko, bhikkhave, anandhakaraṇo cakkhukaraṇo ñāṇakaraṇo paññāvuddhiko avighātapakkhiko nibbānasaṁvattaniko. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo kusalavitakkā anandhakaraṇā cakkhukaraṇā ñāṇakaraṇā paññāvuddhikā avighātapakkhikā nibbānasaṁvattanikā”ti.

[¶227] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶228] “Think the three skillful thoughts,
and get rid of the unskillful.
Quelling such thoughts and considerations,
like rain on the dust,
with a heart calmed of thought,
you’ll touch the state of peace right here.”

> Pali: “Tayo vitakke kusale vitakkaye,
Tayo pana akusale nirākare;
Sa ve vitakkāni vicāritāni,
Sameti vuṭṭhīva rajaṁ samūhataṁ;
Sa ve vitakkūpasamena cetasā,
Idheva so santipadaṁ samajjhagā”ti.

[¶229] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶230] > Pali: Aṭṭhamaṁ.

[¶231] Iti 88 · Inner Stains

> Pali: Iti 88 · Antarāmalasutta

[¶232] The Book of the Threes

> Pali: Tikanipāta

[¶233] Chapter Four

> Pali: Catutthavagga

[¶234] This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

[¶235] “Mendicants, there are these three inner stains, inner foes, inner enemies, inner killers, and inner adversaries. What three? Greed, hate, and delusion. These three are inner stains, inner foes, inner enemies, inner killers, and inner adversaries.”

> Pali: “Tayome, bhikkhave, antarāmalā antarāamittā antarāsapattā antarāvadhakā antarāpaccatthikā. Katame tayo? Lobho, bhikkhave, antarāmalo antarāamitto antarāsapatto antarāvadhako antarāpaccatthiko. Doso, bhikkhave, antarāmalo antarāamitto antarāsapatto antarāvadhako antarāpaccatthiko. Moho, bhikkhave, antarāmalo antarāamitto antarāsapatto antarāvadhako antarāpaccatthiko. Ime kho, bhikkhave, tayo antarāmalā antarāamittā antarāsapattā antarāvadhakā antarāpaccatthikā”ti.

[¶236] The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

> Pali: Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

[¶237] “Greed creates harm;
greed upsets the mind.
That person doesn’t recognize
the danger that arises within.

> Pali: “Anatthajanano lobho,
lobho cittappakopano;
Bhayamantarato jātaṁ,
taṁ jano nāvabujjhati.

[¶238] A greedy person doesn’t know the good.
A greedy person doesn’t see the truth.
When a person is beset by greed,
only blind darkness is left.

> Pali: Luddho atthaṁ na jānāti,
luddho dhammaṁ na passati;
Andhatamaṁ tadā hoti,
yaṁ lobho sahate naraṁ.

[¶239] Those who have given up greed,
don’t get greedy even when provoked.
Greed falls off them
like a drop from a lotus-leaf.

> Pali: Yo ca lobhaṁ pahantvāna,
lobhaneyye na lubbhati;
Lobho pahīyate tamhā,
udabindūva pokkharā.

[¶240] Hate creates harm;
hate upsets the mind.
That person doesn’t recognize
the danger that arises within.

> Pali: Anatthajanano doso,
doso cittappakopano;
Bhayamantarato jātaṁ,
taṁ jano nāvabujjhati.

[¶241] A hateful person doesn’t know the good.
A hateful person doesn’t see the truth.
When a person is beset by hate,
only blind darkness is left.

> Pali: Duṭṭho atthaṁ na jānāti,
duṭṭho dhammaṁ na passati;
Andhatamaṁ tadā hoti,
yaṁ doso sahate naraṁ.

[¶242] Those who have given up hate,
don’t get angry even when provoked.
Hate falls off them
like a ripe palmyra fruit from its stem.

> Pali: Yo ca dosaṁ pahantvāna,
dosaneyye na dussati;
Doso pahīyate tamhā,
tālapakkaṁva bandhanā.

[¶243] Delusion creates harm;
delusion upsets the mind.
That person doesn’t recognize
the danger that arises within.

> Pali: Anatthajanano moho,
moho cittappakopano;
Bhayamantarato jātaṁ,
taṁ jano nāvabujjhati.

[¶244] A deluded person doesn’t know the good.
A deluded person doesn’t see the truth.
When a person is beset by delusion,
only blind darkness is left.

> Pali: Mūḷho atthaṁ na jānāti,
mūḷho dhammaṁ na passati;
Andhatamaṁ tadā hoti,
yaṁ moho sahate naraṁ.

[¶245] Those who have given up delusion,
don’t get deluded even when provoked.
They banish all delusion,
as the rising sun the dark.”

> Pali: Yo ca mohaṁ pahantvāna,
mohaneyye na muyhati;
Mohaṁ vihanti so sabbaṁ,
ādiccovudayaṁ taman”ti.

[¶246] This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

> Pali: Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

[¶247] > Pali: Navamaṁ.