1This is what I heard. On one occasion, the Buddha was living near the town of Rājagaha at a spot in the Bamboo Grove called the Squirrel's Feeding Place.

1Evaṁ me sutaṁ—​ ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe.

At that time a young householder named Sigālaka arose early and set out from Rājagaha with freshly washed clothes and hair. With palms together held up in reverence, he was paying respect towards the six directions: that is east, south, west, north, lower and upper.

Tena kho pana samayena siṅgālako gahapatiputto kālasseva uṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassati – puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disaṁ.

2Meanwhile the Buddha dressed himself in the early morning, took his bowl and robe and went in to Rājagaha on alms round. On the way, he saw Sigālaka worshipping the six directions. Seeing this, the Buddha said to him: "Young man, why have you risen in the early morning and set out from Rājagaha to worship in such a way?"

2Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya rājagahaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi. Addasā kho bhagavā siṅgālakaṁ gahapatiputtaṁ kālasseva vuṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavatthaṁ allakesaṁ pañjalikaṁ puthudisā namassantaṁ – puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disaṁ. Disvā siṅgālakaṁ gahapatiputtaṁ etadavoca:  "Kiṁ nu kho tvaṁ, gahapatiputta, kālasseva vuṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassasi – puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disan"ti?

"Dear sir, my father on his deathbed urged me, 'My son, you must worship the directions'. So, dear sir, realizing, honoring, respecting, and holding sacred my father's request, I have risen in the early morning and set out from Rājagaha to worship in this way."

"Pitā maṁ, bhante, kālaṁ karonto evaṁ avaca:  'disā, tāta, namasseyyāsī'ti. So kho ahaṁ, bhante, pituvacanaṁ sakkaronto garuṁ karonto mānento pūjento kālasseva uṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassāmi – puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disan"ti.

Six Directions

1. Cha disā

3"But, young man, that is not how the six directions should be worshipped according to the discipline of the noble ones."

3"Na kho, gahapatiputta, ariyassa vinaye evaṁ cha disā namassitabbā"ti.

"Then how, dear sir, should the six directions be worshipped according to the discipline of the noble ones? I would appreciate it if you would teach me the proper way this should be done."

"Yathā kathaṁ pana, bhante, ariyassa vinaye cha disā namassitabbā? Sādhu me, bhante, bhagavā tathā dhammaṁ desetu, yathā ariyassa vinaye cha disā namassitabbā"ti.

4"Very well, young man, listen and pay careful attention while I tell you."

4"Tena hi, gahapatiputta, suṇohi sādhukaṁ manasikarohi bhāsissāmī"ti.

"Yes, dear sir," agreed Sigālaka.

"Evaṁ, bhante"ti kho siṅgālako gahapatiputto bhagavato paccassosi.

The Buddha said this:

Bhagavā etadavoca: 

5"Young man, by abandoning the four impure actions,[n.973] Kamma-kilesa. a noble disciple refrains from harmful deeds rooted in four causes and avoids the six ways of squandering wealth.[n.974] Apāya-mukhāni: cf. n.158. So, these fourteen harmful things are removed. The noble disciple, now with the six directions protected, has entered upon a path for conquering both worlds, firmly grounded in this world and the next. At the dissolution of the body after death, a good rebirth occurs in a heavenly world.

5"Yato kho, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvakassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā honti, catūhi ca ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karoti, cha ca bhogānaṁ apāyamukhāni na sevati, so evaṁ cuddasa pāpakāpagato chaddisāpaṭicchādī ubholokavijayāya paṭipanno hoti. Tassa ayañceva loko āraddho hoti paro ca loko. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati.

Impure Actions

2. Cattāro kammakilesā

6"What four impure actions are abandoned? The harming of living beings is an impure action, taking what is not given is an impure action, sexual misconduct is an impure action, and false speech is an impure action. These four are abandoned."

6Katamassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā honti? Pāṇātipāto kho, gahapatiputta, kammakileso, adinnādānaṁ kammakileso, kāmesumicchācāro kammakileso, musāvādo kammakileso. Imassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā hontī"ti.

That is what the Buddha said.

Idamavoca bhagavā.

Summing up in verse, the sublime teacher said:[n.975] The expression is awkward in English, suggesting that the Well-Farer and the Teacher are two different persons, which is of course nonsense. Contrast this formula with that used before the verse-passages in DN 30, where the verses are ascribed to Ananda.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā: 

7"Harming living beings, taking what is not given,
False speech, and pursuing the loved one of another:
These the wise surely do not praise."

7"Pāṇātipāto adinnādānaṁ,
Musāvādo ca vuccati;
Paradāragamanañceva,
Nappasaṁsanti paṇḍitā"ti.

Causes of Harm

3. Catuṭhānaṁ

8"What are the four causes of harmful deeds? Going astray through desire, hatred, delusion, or fear, the noble disciple does harmful deeds. But, young man, not going astray through desire, hatred, delusion, or fear, the noble disciple does not perform harmful deeds."

8"Katamehi catūhi ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karoti? Chandāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, dosāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, mohāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, bhayāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti. Yato kho, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvako neva chandāgatiṁ gacchati, na dosāgatiṁ gacchati, na mohāgatiṁ gacchati, na bhayāgatiṁ gacchati; imehi catūhi ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karotī"ti.

That is what the Buddha said. Summing up in verse, the sublime teacher said:

Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā: 

9"Desire, hatred, delusion, or fear:
Whoever transgresses the Dhamma by these,
Has a reputation that comes to ruin,
Like the moon in the waning fortnight.

9" Chandā dosā bhayā mohā,
yo dhammaṁ ativattati;
Nihīyati yaso tassa,
kāḷapakkheva candimā.

10"Desire, hatred, delusion, or fear:
Whoever transgresses not the Dhamma by these,
Has a reputation that comes to fullness,
Like the moon in the waxing fortnight."

10Chandā dosā bhayā mohā,
yo dhammaṁ nātivattati;
Āpūrati yaso tassa,
sukkapakkheva candimā"ti.

Squandering Wealth

4. Cha apāyamukhāni

11"And what six ways of squandering wealth are to be avoided? Young man, heedlessness caused by intoxication, roaming the streets at inappropriate times, habitual partying, compulsive gambling, bad companionship, and laziness are the six ways of squandering wealth.

11"Katamāni cha bhogānaṁ apāyamukhāni na sevati? surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyogo kho, gahapatiputta, bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, vikālavisikhācariyānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, samajjābhicaraṇaṁ bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, pāpamittānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, ālasyānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ.

Dangers of Drunkenness

5. Surāmerayassa cha ādīnavā

12"These are the six dangers inherent in heedlessness caused by intoxication: loss of immediate wealth, increased quarreling, susceptibility to illness, disrepute, indecent exposure, and weakened insight.

12Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge. Sandiṭṭhikā dhanajāni, kalahappavaḍḍhanī, rogānaṁ āyatanaṁ, akittisañjananī, kopīnanidaṁsanī, paññāya dubbalikaraṇītveva chaṭṭhaṁ padaṁ bhavati. Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.

Roaming the Streets

6. Vikālacariyāya cha ādīnavā

13"These are the six dangers inherent in roaming the streets at inappropriate times: oneself, one's family, and one's property are all left unguarded and unprotected; one is suspected of crimes;[n.976] Crimes committed by others are laid at one’s door. then rumors spread; and one is subjected to many miseries.

13Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge. Attāpissa agutto arakkhito hoti, puttadāropissa agutto arakkhito hoti, sāpateyyampissa aguttaṁ arakkhitaṁ hoti, saṅkiyo ca hoti pāpakesu ṭhānesu, abhūtavacanañca tasmiṁ rūhati, bahūnañca dukkhadhammānaṁ purakkhato hoti. Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge.

Dangers in Carousing

7. Samajjābhicaraṇassa cha ādīnavā

14"These are the six dangers inherent in habitual partying: You constantly seek, 'Where's the dancing? Where's the singing? Where's the music? Where are the stories? Where's the applause?[n.977] Cf. DN 1.1.13. Where's the drumming?'

14Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā samajjābhicaraṇe. Kva naccaṁ, kva gītaṁ, kva vāditaṁ, kva akkhānaṁ, kva pāṇissaraṁ, kva kumbhathunanti. Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā samajjābhicaraṇe.

Dangers in Gambling

8. Jūtappamādassa cha ādīnavā

15"These are the six dangers inherent in compulsive gambling: winning breeds resentment; the loser mourns lost property; savings are lost; one's word carries no weight in a public forum; friends and colleagues display their contempt; and one is not sought after for marriage,[n.978] Because a gambler cannot support a wife properly. since a gambler cannot adequately support a family.

15Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge. Jayaṁ veraṁ pasavati, jino vittamanusocati, sandiṭṭhikā dhanajāni, sabhāgatassa vacanaṁ na rūhati, mittāmaccānaṁ paribhūto hoti, āvāhavivāhakānaṁ apatthito hoti:  'akkhadhutto ayaṁ purisapuggalo nālaṁ dārabharaṇāyā'ti. Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.

Dangers of Bad Companionship

9. Pāpamittatāya cha ādīnavā

16"These are the six dangers inherent in bad companionship: any rogue, drunkard, addict, cheat, swindler, or thug becomes a friend and colleague.

16Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā pāpamittānuyoge. Ye dhuttā, ye soṇḍā, ye pipāsā, ye nekatikā, ye vañcanikā, ye sāhasikā. Tyāssa mittā honti te sahāyā. Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā pāpamittānuyoge.

Dangers of Laziness

10. Ālasyassa cha ādīnavā

17"These are the six dangers inherent in laziness: saying, 'It's too cold,' one does not work; saying, 'It's too hot,' one does not work; saying, 'It's too late,' one does not work; saying, 'It's too early,' one does not work; saying, 'I 'm too hungry,' one does not work; saying, 'I 'm too full,' one does not work. With an abundance of excuses for not working, new wealth does not accrue and existing wealth goes to waste."

17Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā ālasyānuyoge. Atisītanti kammaṁ na karoti, atiuṇhanti kammaṁ na karoti, atisāyanti kammaṁ na karoti, atipātoti kammaṁ na karoti, atichātosmīti kammaṁ na karoti, atidhātosmīti kammaṁ na karoti. Tassa evaṁ kiccāpadesabahulassa viharato anuppannā ceva bhogā nuppajjanti, uppannā ca bhogā parikkhayaṁ gacchanti. Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā ālasyānuyoge"ti.

18That is what the Buddha said. Summing up in verse, the sublime teacher said:

18Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā: 

19"Some are drinking buddies,
Some say, 'Dear friend! Dear friend!'.
But whoever in hardship stands close by,
That one truly is a friend.

19"Hoti pānasakhā nāma,
hoti sammiyasammiyo;
Yo ca atthesu jātesu,
sahāyo hoti so sakhā.

20"Sleeping late, adultery,
Hostility, meaninglessness,
Harmful friends, utter stinginess:
These six things destroy a person.

20Ussūraseyyā paradārasevanā,
Verappasavo ca anatthatā ca;
Pāpā ca mittā sukadariyatā ca,
Ete cha ṭhānā purisaṁ dhaṁsayanti.

21"Bad friends, bad companions,
Bad practices—spending time in evil ways,
By these, one brings oneself to ruin,
In this world and the next.

21Pāpamitto pāpasakho,
pāpaācāragocaro;
Asmā lokā paramhā ca,
ubhayā dhaṁsate naro.

22"Seduction, gambling, drinking, singing, dancing,
Sleeping by day, wandering all around untimely,
Harmful friends, utter stinginess:
These things destroy a person.

22Akkhitthiyo vāruṇī naccagītaṁ,
Divā soppaṁ pāricariyā akāle;
Pāpā ca mittā sukadariyatā ca,
Ete cha ṭhānā purisaṁ dhaṁsayanti.

23"They play with dice; they drink spirits;
They consort with lovers dear to others.
Associating with low-life and not the esteemed,
They come to ruin like the waning moon.

23Akkhehi dibbanti suraṁ pivanti,
Yantitthiyo pāṇasamā paresaṁ;
Nihīnasevī na ca vuddhasevī,
Nihīyate kāḷapakkheva cando.

24"Whoever is a drunkard, broke, and destitute,
Dragged by thirst from bar to bar,
Sinking into debt like a stone in water
Into bewilderment quickly plunges.

24Yo vāruṇī addhano akiñcano,
Pipāso pivaṁ papāgato;
Udakamiva iṇaṁ vigāhati,
Akulaṁ kāhiti khippamattano.

25"When sleeping late becomes a habit
And night is seen as time to rise,
For one perpetually intoxicated,
A home life cannot be maintained.

25Na divā soppasīlena,
rattimuṭṭhānadessinā;
Niccaṁ mattena soṇḍena,
sakkā āvasituṁ gharaṁ.

26"'Too cold! Too hot!
Too late!': they say.
Having wasted work time this way,
The young miss out on opportunities.

26Atisītaṁ atiuṇhaṁ,
atisāyamidaṁ ahu;
Iti vissaṭṭhakammante,
atthā accenti māṇave.

27"For one regarding cold and hot
As not more than blades of grass,
Doing whatever should be done,
Happiness will not be a stranger."[n.979] Cf. Thag 74.

27Yodha sītañca uṇhañca,
tiṇā bhiyyo na maññati;
Karaṁ purisakiccāni,
so sukhaṁ na vihāyatī"ti.

False Friends

11. Mittapatirūpaka

28"Young man, be aware of these four enemies disguised as friends: the taker, the talker, the flatterer, and the reckless companion.

28"Cattārome, gahapatiputta, amittā mittapatirūpakā veditabbā. Aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

29–31"The taker can be identified by four things: by only taking, asking for a lot while giving little, performing duty out of fear, and offering service in order to gain something.

29Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

30Aññadatthuharo hoti,
appena bahumicchati;
Bhayassa kiccaṁ karoti,
sevati atthakāraṇā.

31Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

32"The talker can be identified by four things: by reminding of past generosity, promising future generosity, mouthing empty words of kindness, and protesting personal misfortune when called on to help.[n.980] If you want a cart, he has just lost a wheel, and so on.

32Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo. Atītena paṭisantharati, anāgatena paṭisantharati, niratthakena saṅgaṇhāti, paccuppannesu kiccesu byasanaṁ dasseti. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

33"The flatterer can be identified by four things: by supporting both bad and good behavior indiscriminately, praising you to your face, and putting you down behind your back.

33Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo. Pāpakampissa anujānāti, kalyāṇampissa anujānāti, sammukhāssa vaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, parammukhāssa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

34"The reckless companion can be identified by four things: by accompanying you in drinking, roaming around at night, partying, and gambling."

34Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo. Surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge sahāyo hoti, vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge sahāyo hoti, samajjābhicaraṇe sahāyo hoti, jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge sahāyo hoti. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo"ti.

35That is what the Buddha said. Summing up in verse, the sublime teacher said:

35Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā: 

36"The friend who is all take,
The friend of empty words,
The friend full of flattery,
And the reckless friend;

36"Aññadatthuharo mitto,
yo ca mitto vacīparo;
Anuppiyañca yo āha,
apāyesu ca yo sakhā.

37"These four are not friends, but enemies;
The wise understand this
And keep them at a distance
As they would a dangerous path."

37Ete amitte cattāro,
iti viññāya paṇḍito;
Ārakā parivajjeyya,
maggaṁ paṭibhayaṁ yathā"ti.

True Friends

12. Suhadamitta

38"Young man, be aware of these four good-hearted friends:[n.981] Suhadā: ‘good-hearted’, or ‘sound at heart’ (RD). the helper, the friend who endures in good times and bad, the mentor, and the compassionate friend.

38"Cattārome, gahapatiputta, mittā suhadā veditabbā. Upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo, samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo, atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo, anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo.

39"The helper can be identified by four things: by protecting you when you are vulnerable,[n.982] If you are drunk, etc. (DA!). and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid, and in various tasks providing double what is requested.

39Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo. Pamattaṁ rakkhati, pamattassa sāpateyyaṁ rakkhati, bhītassa saraṇaṁ hoti, uppannesu kiccakaraṇīyesu taddiguṇaṁ bhogaṁ anuppadeti. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo.

40"The enduring friend can be identified by four things: by telling you secrets, guarding your own secrets closely, not abandoning you in misfortune, and even dying for you.

40Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo. Guyhamassa ācikkhati, guyhamassa parigūhati, āpadāsu na vijahati, jīvitaṁpissa atthāya pariccattaṁ hoti. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo.

41"The mentor can be identified by four things: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you towards good actions, telling you what you ought to know, and showing you the path to heaven.

41Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo. Pāpā nivāreti, kalyāṇe niveseti, assutaṁ sāveti, saggassa maggaṁ ācikkhati. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo.

42"The compassionate friend can be identified by four things: by not rejoicing in your misfortune, delighting in your good fortune, preventing others from speaking ill of you, and encouraging others who praise your good qualities."

42Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo. Abhavenassa na nandati, bhavenassa nandati, avaṇṇaṁ bhaṇamānaṁ nivāreti, vaṇṇaṁ bhaṇamānaṁ pasaṁsati. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo"ti.

43That is what the Buddha said. Summing up in verse, the sublime teacher said:

43Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā: 

44"The friend who is a helper,
The friend through thick and thin,
The friend who gives good counsel,
And the compassionate friend;

44"Upakāro ca yo mitto,
sukhe dukkhe ca yo sakhā;
Atthakkhāyī ca yo mitto,
yo ca mittānukampako.

45"These four are friends indeed,
The wise understand this
And attend on them carefully,
Like a mother her own child.
"The wise endowed with virtue
Shine forth like a burning fire,

45Etepi mitte cattāro,
iti viññāya paṇḍito;
Sakkaccaṁ payirupāseyya,
mātā puttaṁva orasaṁ;
Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,
jalaṁ aggīva bhāsati.

.Gathering wealth as bees do honey
And heaping it up like an ant hill.
Once wealth is accumulated,
Family and household life may follow.

46Bhoge saṁharamānassa,
bhamarasseva irīyato;
Bhogā sannicayaṁ yanti,
vammikovupacīyati.

47"By dividing wealth into four parts,
True friendships are bound;

47Evaṁ bhoge samāhatvā,
alamatto kule gihī;
Catudhā vibhaje bhoge,
sa ve mittāni ganthati.

48One part should be enjoyed;
Two parts invested in business;
And the fourth set aside
Against future misfortunes."

48Ekena bhoge bhuñjeyya,
dvīhi kammaṁ payojaye;
Catutthañca nidhāpeyya,
āpadāsu bhavissatī"ti.

Protecting the Six Directions

13. Chaddisāpaṭicchādanakaṇḍa

49"And how, young man, does the noble disciple protect the six directions? These six directions should be known: mother and father as the east, teachers as the south,[n.983] A pun on dakkhina ‘right hand, south’, and dakkhiṇā ‘fee or offering to teacher’. spouse and family as the west, friends and colleagues as the north, workers and servants as the lower direction, and ascetics and Brahmans as the upper direction.

49"Kathañca, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvako chaddisāpaṭicchādī hoti? Cha imā, gahapatiputta, disā veditabbā. Puratthimā disā mātāpitaro veditabbā, dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā veditabbā, pacchimā disā puttadārā veditabbā, uttarā disā mittāmaccā veditabbā, heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā veditabbā, uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā veditabbā.

50"In five ways should a mother and father as the eastern direction be respected by a child: 'I will support them who supported me; I will do my duty to them; I will maintain the family lineage and tradition; I will be worthy of my inheritance; and I will make donations on behalf of dead ancestors.'[n.984] The last is omitted by RD.

50Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhātabbā – bhato ne bharissāmi, kiccaṁ nesaṁ karissāmi, kulavaṁsaṁ ṭhapessāmi, dāyajjaṁ paṭipajjāmi, atha vā pana petānaṁ kālaṅkatānaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ anuppadassāmīti.

"And, the mother and father so respected reciprocate with compassion in five ways: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you towards good actions, training you in a profession, supporting the choice of a suitable spouse, and in due time, handing over the inheritance.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi puttaṁ anukampanti. Pāpā nivārenti, kalyāṇe nivesenti, sippaṁ sikkhāpenti, patirūpena dārena saṁyojenti, samaye dāyajjaṁ niyyādenti.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi puttaṁ anukampanti.

"In this way, the eastern direction is protected and made peaceful and secure.

Evamassa esā puratthimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

51"In five ways should teachers as the southern direction be respected by a student: by rising for them, regularly attending lessons, eagerly desiring to learn, duly serving them, and receiving instruction.

51Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhātabbā – uṭṭhānena upaṭṭhānena sussusāya pāricariyāya sakkaccaṁ sippapaṭiggahaṇena.

"And, teachers so respected reciprocate with compassion in five ways: by training in self-discipline, ensuring the teachings are well-grasped, instructing in every branch of knowledge, introducing their friends and colleagues, and providing safeguards in every direction.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsiṁ anukampanti – suvinītaṁ vinenti, suggahitaṁ gāhāpenti, sabbasippassutaṁ samakkhāyino bhavanti, mittāmaccesu paṭiyādenti, disāsu parittāṇaṁ karonti. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsiṁ anukampanti.

"In this way, the southern direction is protected and made peaceful and secure.

Evamassa esā dakkhiṇā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

52"In five ways should a wife as the western direction be respected by a husband: by honoring, not disrespecting, being faithful, sharing authority, and by giving gifts.

52Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhātabbā – sammānanāya anavamānanāya anaticariyāya issariyavossaggena alaṅkārānuppadānena.

"And, the wife so respected reciprocates with compassion in five ways: by being well-organized, being kindly disposed to the in-laws and household workers, being faithful, looking after the household goods, and being skillful and diligent in all duties.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikaṁ anukampati – susaṁvihitakammantā ca hoti, saṅgahitaparijanā ca, anaticārinī ca, sambhatañca anurakkhati, dakkhā ca hoti analasā sabbakiccesu. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikaṁ anukampati.

In this way, the western direction is protected and made peaceful and secure.

Evamassa esā pacchimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

53"In five ways should friends and colleagues as the northern direction be respected: by generosity, kind words, acting for their welfare, impartiality, and honesty.

53Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhātabbā – dānena peyyavajjena kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti – pamattaṁ rakkhanti, pamattassa sāpateyyaṁ rakkhanti, bhītassa saraṇaṁ honti, āpadāsu na vijahanti, aparapajā cassa paṭipūjenti.

"And, friends and colleagues so respected reciprocate with compassion in five ways: by protecting you when you are vulnerable, and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid, not abandoning you in misfortunes, and honoring all your descendants.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti.

"In this way, the northern direction is protected and made peaceful and secure.

Evamassa esā uttarā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

54"In five ways should workers and servants as the lower direction be respected by an employer:[n.985] Ayiraka: a metathetised form for ariyaka ‘nobleman, master’. by allocating work according to aptitude, providing wages and food, looking after the sick, sharing special treats, and giving reasonable time off work.

54Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhātabbā – yathābalaṁ kammantasaṁvidhānena bhattavetanānuppadānena gilānupaṭṭhānena acchariyānaṁ rasānaṁ saṁvibhāgena samaye vossaggena.

"And, workers and servants so respected reciprocate with compassion in five ways: being willing to start early and finish late when necessary, taking only what is given, doing work well, and promoting a good reputation.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakaṁ anukampanti – pubbuṭṭhāyino ca honti, pacchā nipātino ca, dinnādāyino ca, sukatakammakarā ca, kittivaṇṇaharā ca. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakaṁ anukampanti.

"In this way, the lower direction is protected and made peaceful and secure.

Evamassa esā heṭṭhimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

55"In five ways should ascetics and Brahmans as the upper direction be respected: by kindly actions, speech, and thoughts, having an open door, and providing material needs.

55Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhātabbā – mettena kāyakammena mettena vacīkammena mettena manokammena anāvaṭadvāratāya āmisānuppadānena.

"And, ascetics and Brahmans so respected reciprocate with compassion in six ways: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you to good actions, thinking compassionately, telling you what you ought to know, clarifying what you already know, and showing you the path to heaven.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhitā chahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti – pāpā nivārenti, kalyāṇe nivesenti, kalyāṇena manasā anukampanti, assutaṁ sāventi, sutaṁ pariyodāpenti, saggassa maggaṁ ācikkhanti. Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi chahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti.

"In this way, the upper direction is protected and made peaceful and secure."

Evamassa esā uparimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā"ti.

56That is what the Buddha said. Summing up in verse, the sublime teacher said:

56Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā: 

57"Mother and father as the east,
Teachers as the south,
Spouse and family as the west,
Friends and colleagues as the north,

57"Mātāpitā disā pubbā,
ācariyā dakkhiṇā disā;
Puttadārā disā pacchā,
mittāmaccā ca uttarā.

58Servants and workers below,
Brahmans and ascetics above;
These directions a person should honor
In order to be truly good.

58Dāsakammakarā heṭṭhā,
uddhaṁ samaṇabrāhmaṇā;
Etā disā namasseyya,
alamatto kule gihī.

59"Wise and virtuous,
Gentle and eloquent,
Humble and accommodating;
Such a person attains glory.

59Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,
saṇho ca paṭibhānavā;
Nivātavutti atthaddho,
tādiso labhate yasaṁ.

60"Energetic, not lazy,
Not shaken in misfortune,
Flawless in conduct, and intelligent;
Such a person attains glory.

60Uṭṭhānako analaso,
āpadāsu na vedhati;
Acchinnavutti medhāvī,
tādiso labhate yasaṁ.

61"A compassionate maker of friends,
Approachable, free from stinginess,
A leader, a teacher, and diplomat;
Such a person attains glory.

61Saṅgāhako mittakaro,
vadaññū vītamaccharo;
Netā vinetā anunetā,
tādiso labhate yasaṁ.

62"Generosity and kind words,
Conduct for others' welfare,
Impartiality in all things;
These are suitable everywhere.
"These kind dispositions hold the world together,
Like the linchpin of a moving chariot.

62 Dānañca peyyavajjañca,
atthacariyā ca yā idha;
Samānattatā ca dhammesu,
tattha tattha yathārahaṁ;
Ete kho saṅgahā loke,
rathassāṇīva yāyato.

63And should these kind dispositions not exist,
Then the mother would not receive
Respect or honor from her child,
Neither would a father.

63Ete ca saṅgahā nāssu,
na mātā puttakāraṇā;
Labhetha mānaṁ pūjaṁ vā,
pitā vā puttakāraṇā.

64"Upon these things
The wise reflect;
They obtain greatness
And are sources of praise."

64Yasmā ca saṅgahā ete,
sammapekkhanti paṇḍitā;
Tasmā mahattaṁ papponti,
pāsaṁsā ca bhavanti te"ti.

65When all was said, the young householder, Sigālaka, exclaimed to the Buddha:

65Evaṁ vutte, siṅgālako gahapatiputto bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

"Wonderful, dear sir! Wonderful! It is as though you have set upright what was overturned, or uncovered what was concealed, or shown the path to one gone astray, or brought an oil-lamp into the darkness such that those with eyes could see. So too has the Buddha made clear the Dhamma by various ways. I go for refuge to the Buddha and to the Dhamma and to the monastic community. May the exalted one accept me as a lay-follower gone for refuge from henceforth for as long as I live."

"Abhikkantaṁ, bhante, abhikkantaṁ, bhante. Seyyathāpi, bhante, nikkujjitaṁ vā ukkujjeyya, paṭicchannaṁ vā vivareyya, mūḷhassa vā maggaṁ ācikkheyya, andhakāre vā telapajjotaṁ dhāreyya 'cakkhumanto rūpāni dakkhantī'ti; evamevaṁ bhagavatā anekapariyāyena dhammo pakāsito. Esāhaṁ, bhante, bhagavantaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi dhammañca bhikkhusaṅghañca. Upāsakaṁ maṁ bhagavā dhāretu, ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gatan"ti.

Siṅgālasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.