Kiṁsīlasutta

Sutta Nipāta 2.9

Anthology of Discourses 2.9

Kiṁsīlasutta

What Morality?

“Kiṁsīlo kiṁsamācāro,

“With what morality, what conduct,

kāni kammāni brūhayaṁ;

fostering what deeds,

Naro sammā niviṭṭhassa,

would a person lay the foundations right,

uttamatthañca pāpuṇe”.

and reach the highest goal?”

“Vuḍḍhāpacāyī anusūyako siyā,

“Honoring elders without jealousy,

Kālaññū cassa garūnaṁ dassanāya;

they’d know the time to visit their respected teachers.

Dhammiṁ kathaṁ erayitaṁ khaṇaññū,

Treasuring the chance for a Dhamma talk,

Suṇeyya sakkacca subhāsitāni.

they’d listen carefully to the well-spoken words.

Kālena gacche garūnaṁ sakāsaṁ,

At the right time, they’d enter
the vicinity of their respected teachers

Thambhaṁ niraṅkatvā nivātavutti;

in placid manner, leaving obstinacy behind.

Atthaṁ dhammaṁ saṁyamaṁ brahmacariyaṁ,

They’d call to mind and put into practice

Anussare ceva samācare ca.

the meaning, the teaching, self-control,
and the spiritual life.

Dhammārāmo dhammarato,

Delighting in the teaching, enjoying the teaching,

Dhamme ṭhito dhammavinicchayaññū;

standing on the teaching, evaluating the teaching,

Nevācare dhammasandosavādaṁ,

they’d never say anything that degraded the teaching,

Tacchehi nīyetha subhāsitehi.

but would be guided by genuine words well-spoken.

Hassaṁ jappaṁ paridevaṁ padosaṁ,

Giving up mirth, muttered prayer, weeping, ill will,

Māyākataṁ kuhanaṁ giddhi mānaṁ;

deceit, fawning, greed, conceit,

Sārambhaṁ kakkasaṁ kasāvañca mucchaṁ,

aggression, crudeness, stains, and indulgence,

Hitvā care vītamado ṭhitatto.

they’d wander free of vanity, steadfast.

Viññātasārāni subhāsitāni,

Understanding is the essence of well-spoken words,

Sutañca viññātasamādhisāraṁ;

stillness is the essence of learning and understanding.

Na tassa paññā ca sutañca vaḍḍhati,

Wisdom and learning do not flourish

Yo sāhaso hoti naro pamatto.

in a hasty and negligent person.

Dhamme ca ye ariyapavedite ratā,

Those happy with the teaching
proclaimed by the Noble One

Anuttarā te vacasā manasā kammunā ca;

are supreme in speech, mind, and deed.

Te santisoraccasamādhisaṇṭhitā,

Abiding in peace, gentleness, and stillness,

Sutassa paññāya ca sāramajjhagū”ti.

they’ve realized the essence of learning and wisdom.”

Kiṁsīlasuttaṁ navamaṁ.