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 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 humbly enter
Thambhaṁ niraṅkatvā nivātavutti;
the teachers’ presence, 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, prayer, weeping, ill will,
Māyākataṁ kuhanaṁ giddhi mānaṁ; deception, fraud, 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, Settled in peace, sweetness, and stillness,
Sutassa paññāya ca sāramajjhagū”ti. they’ve realized the essence of learning and wisdom.”
