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Aṅguttara Nikāya - The Numerical Discourses

5: The Book of the Fives

39. Son

1"Bhikkhus, considering five prospects, mother and father wish for a son to be born in their family. What five? (1) ‘Having been supported by us, he will support us. (2) Or he will do work for us. (3) Our family lineage will be extended. (4) He will manage the inheritance, (5) or else, when we have passed on, he will give an offering on our behalf.’ Considering these five prospects, mother and father wish for a son to be born in their family."

1"Pañcimāni, bhikkhave, ṭhānāni sampassantā mātāpitaro puttaṁ icchanti kule jāyamānaṁ. Katamāni pañca? Bhato vā no bharissati; kiccaṁ vā no karissati; kulavaṁso ciraṁ ṭhassati; dāyajjaṁ paṭipajjissati; atha vā pana petānaṁ kālaṅkatānaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ anuppadassatīti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, pañca ṭhānāni sampassantā mātāpitaro puttaṁ icchanti kule jāyamānanti.

2Considering the five prospects,
wise people wish for a son.
"Supported by us, he will support us,
or he will do work for us.

2Pañca ṭhānāni sampassaṁ,
puttaṁ icchanti paṇḍitā;
Bhato vā no bharissati,
kiccaṁ vā no karissati.

3The family lineage will be extended,
he will manage the inheritance,
or else, when we have passed on,
he will make an offering on our behalf."

3Kulavaṁso ciraṁ tiṭṭhe,
dāyajjaṁ paṭipajjati;
Atha vā pana petānaṁ,
dakkhiṇaṁ anuppadassati.

4Considering these prospects,
wise people wish for a son.
Therefore good persons,
grateful and appreciative,

4Ṭhānānetāni sampassaṁ,
puttaṁ icchanti paṇḍitā;
Tasmā santo sappurisā,
kataññū katavedino.

5support their mother and father,
recalling how they helped one in the past;
they do what is necessary for them
as they did for oneself in the past.

5Bharanti mātāpitaro,
pubbe katamanussaraṁ;
Karonti nesaṁ kiccāni,
yathā taṁ pubbakārinaṁ.

6Following their advice,
nurturing those who brought him up,
continuing the family lineage,
endowed with faith, virtuous:
this son is worthy of praise.

6Ovādakārī bhataposī,
kulavaṁsaṁ ahāpayaṁ;
Saddho sīlena sampanno,
putto hoti pasaṁsiyo"ti.

Navamaṁ.