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Long Discourses 31 – Dīgha Nikāya 31
DN 31 Advice to Sigālaka – Siṅgālasutta
[Summary]
So I have heard.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ—
At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground.
ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe.
Now at that time the householder’s son Sigālaka rose early and left Rājagaha. With his clothes and hair all wet, he raised his joined palms to revere the quarters—
Tena kho pana samayena siṅgālako gahapatiputto kālasseva uṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassati—
east, south, west, north, below, and above.
puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disaṁ.
Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for alms.
Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya rājagahaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi.
He saw Sigālaka revering the quarters
Addasā kho bhagavā siṅgālakaṁ gahapatiputtaṁ kālasseva vuṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavatthaṁ allakesaṁ pañjalikaṁ puthudisā namassantaṁ—
east, south, west, north, below, and above.
puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disaṁ.
and said to him,
Disvā siṅgālakaṁ gahapatiputtaṁ etadavoca:
“Householder’s son, why are you revering the quarters in this way
“kiṁ nu kho tvaṁ, gahapatiputta, kālasseva vuṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassasi—
east, south, west, north, below, and above?”
puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disan”ti?
“Sir, on his deathbed my father said to me:
“Pitā maṁ, bhante, kālaṁ karonto evaṁ avaca:
‘My dear, please revere the quarters.’
‘disā, tāta, namasseyyāsī’ti.
Honoring, respecting, and venerating my father’s words, I rose early and left Rājagaha and, with my clothes and hair all wet, raised my joined palms to revere the quarters—
So kho ahaṁ, bhante, pituvacanaṁ sakkaronto garuṁ karonto mānento pūjento kālasseva uṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassāmi—
east, south, west, north, below, and above.”
puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disan”ti.
1. The Six Directions
1. Cha disā
“Householder’s son, that’s not how the six directions should be revered in the training of the Noble One.”
“Na kho, gahapatiputta, ariyassa vinaye evaṁ cha disā namassitabbā”ti.
“But sir, how should the six directions be revered in the training of the Noble One?
“Yathā kathaṁ pana, bhante, ariyassa vinaye cha disā namassitabbā?
Sir, please teach me this.”
Sādhu me, bhante, bhagavā tathā dhammaṁ desetu, yathā ariyassa vinaye cha disā namassitabbā”ti.
“Well then, householder’s son, listen and pay close attention, I will speak.”
“Tena hi, gahapatiputta, suṇohi sādhukaṁ manasikarohi bhāsissāmī”ti.
“Yes, sir,” replied Sigālaka.
“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho siṅgālako gahapatiputto bhagavato paccassosi.
The Buddha said this:
Bhagavā etadavoca:
“Householder’s son, a noble disciple gives up four corrupt deeds, doesn’t do bad deeds on four grounds, and avoids six drains on wealth. When they’ve left these fourteen bad things behind they have the six directions covered.
“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
They’re practicing to win in both worlds, and they succeed in this world and the next.
ubholokavijayāya paṭipanno hoti. Tassa ayañceva loko āraddho hoti paro ca loko.
When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm.
So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati.
2. Four Corrupt Deeds
2. Cattāro kammakilesā
What four corrupt deeds have they given up?
Katamassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā honti?
Killing living creatures, stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying: these are corrupt deeds.
Pāṇātipāto kho, gahapatiputta, kammakileso, adinnādānaṁ kammakileso, kāmesumicchācāro kammakileso, musāvādo kammakileso.
These are the four corrupt deeds they’ve given up.”
Imassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā hontī”ti.
That is what the Buddha said.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“Killing, stealing,
“Pāṇātipāto adinnādānaṁ,
telling lies,
Musāvādo ca vuccati;
and committing adultery:
Paradāragamanañceva,
astute people don’t praise these things.”
Nappasaṁsanti paṇḍitā”ti.
3. Four Grounds
3. Catuṭhānaṁ
“On what four grounds do they not do bad deeds?
“Katamehi catūhi ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karoti?
One does bad deeds prejudiced by favoritism, hostility, stupidity, and cowardice.
Chandāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, dosāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, mohāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, bhayāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti.
When a noble disciple is not prejudiced by favoritism, hostility, stupidity, and cowardice,
Yato kho, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvako neva chandāgatiṁ gacchati, na dosāgatiṁ gacchati, na mohāgatiṁ gacchati, na bhayāgatiṁ gacchati;
they don’t do bad deeds on these four grounds.”
imehi catūhi ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karotī”ti.
That is what the Buddha said.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“If you act against the teaching
“Chandā dosā bhayā mohā,
out of favoritism, hostility, cowardice, or stupidity,
yo dhammaṁ ativattati;
your fame shrinks,
Nihīyati yaso tassa,
like the moon in the waning fortnight.
kāḷapakkheva candimā.
If you don’t act against the teaching
Chandā dosā bhayā mohā,
out of favoritism, hostility, cowardice, and stupidity,
yo dhammaṁ nātivattati;
your fame swells,
Āpūrati yaso tassa,
like the moon in the waxing fortnight.”
sukkapakkheva candimā”ti.
4. Six Drains on Wealth
4. Cha apāyamukhāni
“What six drains on wealth do they avoid?
“Katamāni cha bhogānaṁ apāyamukhāni na sevati?
Habitually engaging in the following things is a drain on wealth: drinking alcohol; roaming the streets at night; frequenting festivals; gambling; bad friends; laziness.
Surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyogo kho, gahapatiputta, bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, vikālavisikhācariyānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, samajjābhicaraṇaṁ bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, pāpamittānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, ālasyānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ.
5. Six Drawbacks of Drinking
5. Surāmerayassa cha ādīnavā
There are these six drawbacks of habitually drinking alcohol.
Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.
Immediate loss of wealth, promotion of quarrels, susceptibility to illness, disrepute, indecent exposure; and weakened wisdom is the sixth thing.
Sandiṭṭhikā dhanajāni, kalahappavaḍḍhanī, rogānaṁ āyatanaṁ, akittisañjananī, kopīnanidaṁsanī, paññāya dubbalikaraṇītveva chaṭṭhaṁ padaṁ bhavati.
These are the six drawbacks of habitually drinking alcohol.
Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.
6. Six Drawbacks of Roaming the Streets at Night
6. Vikālacariyāya cha ādīnavā
There are these six drawbacks of roaming the streets at night.
Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge.
Yourself, your partners and children, and your property are all left unguarded. You’re suspected of bad deeds. Untrue rumors spread about you. You’re at the forefront of many things that entail suffering.
Attāpissa agutto arakkhito hoti, puttadāropissa agutto arakkhito hoti, sāpateyyampissa aguttaṁ arakkhitaṁ hoti, saṅkiyo ca hoti pāpakesu ṭhānesu, abhūtavacanañca tasmiṁ rūhati, bahūnañca dukkhadhammānaṁ purakkhato hoti.
These are the six drawbacks of roaming the streets at night.
Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge.
7. Six Drawbacks of Festivals
7. Samajjābhicaraṇassa cha ādīnavā
There are these six drawbacks of frequenting festivals.
Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā samajjābhicaraṇe.
You’re always thinking: ‘Where’s the dancing? Where’s the singing? Where’s the music? Where are the stories? Where’s the applause? Where are the kettledrums?’
Kva naccaṁ, kva gītaṁ, kva vāditaṁ, kva akkhānaṁ, kva pāṇissaraṁ, kva kumbhathunanti.
These are the six drawbacks of frequenting festivals.
Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā samajjābhicaraṇe.
8. Six Drawbacks of Gambling
8. Jūtappamādassa cha ādīnavā
There are these six drawbacks of habitually gambling.
Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.
Victory breeds enmity. The loser mourns their money. There is immediate loss of wealth. A gambler’s word carries no weight in public assembly. Friends and colleagues treat them with contempt. And no-one wants to marry a gambler, for they think:
Jayaṁ veraṁ pasavati, jino vittamanusocati, sandiṭṭhikā dhanajāni, sabhāgatassa vacanaṁ na rūhati, mittāmaccānaṁ paribhūto hoti, āvāhavivāhakānaṁ apatthito hoti:
‘This individual is a gambler—they’re not able to support a partner.’
‘akkhadhutto ayaṁ purisapuggalo nālaṁ dārabharaṇāyā’ti.
These are the six drawbacks of habitually gambling.
Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.
9. Six Drawbacks of Bad Friends
9. Pāpamittatāya cha ādīnavā
There are these six drawbacks of bad friends.
Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā pāpamittānuyoge.
You become friends and companions with those who are addicts, carousers, drunkards, frauds, swindlers, and thugs.
Ye dhuttā, ye soṇḍā, ye pipāsā, ye nekatikā, ye vañcanikā, ye sāhasikā. Tyāssa mittā honti te sahāyā.
These are the six drawbacks of bad friends.
Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā pāpamittānuyoge.
10. Six Drawbacks of Laziness
10. Ālasyassa cha ādīnavā
There are these six drawbacks of habitual laziness.
Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā ālasyānuyoge.
You don’t get your work done because you think: ‘It’s too cold! It’s too hot. It’s too late! It’s too early! I’m too hungry! I’m too full!’
Atisītanti kammaṁ na karoti, atiuṇhanti kammaṁ na karoti, atisāyanti kammaṁ na karoti, atipātoti kammaṁ na karoti, atichātosmīti kammaṁ na karoti, atidhātosmīti kammaṁ na karoti.
By dwelling on so many excuses for not working, you don’t make any more money, and the money you already have runs out.
Tassa evaṁ kiccāpadesabahulassa viharato anuppannā ceva bhogā nuppajjanti, uppannā ca bhogā parikkhayaṁ gacchanti.
These are the six drawbacks of habitual laziness.”
Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā ālasyānuyoge”ti.
That is what the Buddha said.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“Some are just drinking buddies,
“Hoti pānasakhā nāma,
some call you their dear, dear friend,
hoti sammiyasammiyo;
but a true friend is one
Yo ca atthesu jātesu,
who stands by you in need.
sahāyo hoti so sakhā.
Sleeping late, adultery,
Ussūraseyyā paradārasevanā,
making enemies, harmfulness,
Verappasavo ca anatthatā ca;
bad friends, and avarice:
Pāpā ca mittā sukadariyatā ca,
these six grounds ruin a person.
Ete cha ṭhānā purisaṁ dhaṁsayanti.
With bad friends, bad companions,
Pāpamitto pāpasakho,
bad behavior and alms-resort,
pāpaācāragocaro;
a man falls to ruin
Asmā lokā paramhā ca,
in both this world and the next.
ubhayā dhaṁsate naro.
Dice, women, drink, song and dance;
Akkhitthiyo vāruṇī naccagītaṁ,
sleeping by day and roaming at night;
Divā soppaṁ pāricariyā akāle;
bad friends, and avarice:
Pāpā ca mittā sukadariyatā ca,
these six grounds ruin a person.
Ete cha ṭhānā purisaṁ dhaṁsayanti.
They play dice and drink liquor,
Akkhehi dibbanti suraṁ pivanti,
and consort with women loved by others.
Yantitthiyo pāṇasamā paresaṁ;
Associating with the worse, not the better,
Nihīnasevī na ca vuddhasevī,
they diminish like the waning moon.
Nihīyate kāḷapakkheva cando.
A drunkard, broke, and destitute,
Yo vāruṇī addhano akiñcano,
thirsty, drinking in the bar,
Pipāso pivaṁ papāgato;
drowning in debt,
Udakamiva iṇaṁ vigāhati,
will quickly lose their way.
Akulaṁ kāhiti khippamattano.
When you’re in the habit of sleeping late,
Na divā soppasīlena,
seeing night as time to rise,
rattimuṭṭhānadessinā;
and always getting drunk,
Niccaṁ mattena soṇḍena,
you can’t keep up the household life.
sakkā āvasituṁ gharaṁ.
‘Too cold, too hot,
Atisītaṁ atiuṇhaṁ,
too late,’ they say.
atisāyamidaṁ ahu;
When the young neglect their work like this,
Iti vissaṭṭhakammante,
riches pass them by.
atthā accenti māṇave.
But one who considers heat and cold
Yodha sītañca uṇhañca,
as nothing more than blades of grass—
tiṇā bhiyyo na maññati;
he does his duties as a man,
Karaṁ purisakiccāni,
and happiness never fails.”
so sukhaṁ na vihāyatī”ti.
11. Fake Friends
11. Mittapatirūpaka
“Householder’s son, you should recognize these four enemies disguised as friends:
“Cattārome, gahapatiputta, amittā mittapatirūpakā veditabbā.
the taker, the talker, the flatterer, the spender.
Aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s all take on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
Your possessions end up theirs.
Aññadatthuharo hoti,
Giving little, they expect a lot.
appena bahumicchati;
They do their duty out of fear.
Bhayassa kiccaṁ karoti,
They associate for their own advantage.
sevati atthakāraṇā.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s all take on these four grounds.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s all talk on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
They’re hospitable in the past. They’re hospitable in the future. They’re full of meaningless pleasantries. When something needs doing in the present they point to their own misfortune.
Atītena paṭisantharati, anāgatena paṭisantharati, niratthakena saṅgaṇhāti, paccuppannesu kiccesu byasanaṁ dasseti.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s all talk on these four grounds.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s a flatterer on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
They support you equally in doing bad and doing good. They praise you to your face, and put you down behind your back.
Pāpakampissa anujānāti, kalyāṇampissa anujānāti, sammukhāssa vaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, parammukhāssa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s a flatterer on these four grounds.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s a spender on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.
They accompany you when drinking, roaming the streets at night, frequenting festivals, and gambling.
Surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge sahāyo hoti, vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge sahāyo hoti, samajjābhicaraṇe sahāyo hoti, jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge sahāyo hoti.
You can recognize a fake friend who’s a spender on these four grounds.”
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo”ti.
That is what the Buddha said.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“One friend is all take,
“Aññadatthuharo mitto,
another all talk;
yo ca mitto vacīparo;
one’s just a flatterer,
Anuppiyañca yo āha,
and one’s a friend who spends.
apāyesu ca yo sakhā.
An astute person understands
Ete amitte cattāro,
these four enemies for what they are
iti viññāya paṇḍito;
and keeps them at a distance,
Ārakā parivajjeyya,
as they’d shun a risky road.”
maggaṁ paṭibhayaṁ yathā”ti.
12. Good-Hearted Friends
12. Suhadamitta
“Householder’s son, you should recognize these four good-hearted friends:
“Cattārome, gahapatiputta, mittā suhadā veditabbā.
the helper, the friend in good times and bad, the counselor, and the one who’s compassionate.
Upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo, samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo, atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo, anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a helper on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo.
They guard you when you’re negligent. They guard your property when you’re negligent. They keep you safe in times of danger. When something needs doing, they supply you with twice the money you need.
Pamattaṁ rakkhati, pamattassa sāpateyyaṁ rakkhati, bhītassa saraṇaṁ hoti, uppannesu kiccakaraṇīyesu taddiguṇaṁ bhogaṁ anuppadeti.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a helper on these four grounds.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s the same in good times and bad on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo.
They tell you secrets. They keep your secrets. They don’t abandon you in times of trouble. They’d even give their life for your welfare.
Guyhamassa ācikkhati, guyhamassa parigūhati, āpadāsu na vijahati, jīvitaṁpissa atthāya pariccattaṁ hoti.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s the same in good times and bad on these four grounds.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a counselor on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo.
They keep you from doing bad. They support you in doing good. They teach you what you do not know. They explain the path to heaven.
Pāpā nivāreti, kalyāṇe niveseti, assutaṁ sāveti, saggassa maggaṁ ācikkhati.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a counselor on these four grounds.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s compassionate on four grounds.
Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo.
They don’t delight in your misfortune. They delight in your good fortune. They keep others from criticizing you. They encourage praise of you.
Abhavenassa na nandati, bhavenassa nandati, avaṇṇaṁ bhaṇamānaṁ nivāreti, vaṇṇaṁ bhaṇamānaṁ pasaṁsati.
You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s compassionate on these four grounds.”
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo”ti.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“A friend who’s a helper,
“Upakāro ca yo mitto,
one the same in both pleasure and pain,
sukhe dukkhe ca yo sakhā;
a friend of good counsel,
Atthakkhāyī ca yo mitto,
and one of compassion;
yo ca mittānukampako.
an astute person understands
Etepi mitte cattāro,
these four friends for what they are
iti viññāya paṇḍito;
and carefully looks after them,
Sakkaccaṁ payirupāseyya,
like a mother the child at her breast.
mātā puttaṁva orasaṁ;
The astute and virtuous
Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,
shine like a burning flame.
jalaṁ aggīva bhāsati.
They pick up riches as bees
Bhoge saṁharamānassa,
roaming round pick up pollen.
bhamarasseva irīyato;
And their riches proceed to grow,
Bhogā sannicayaṁ yanti,
like an ant-hill piling up.
vammikovupacīyati.
In gathering wealth like this,
Evaṁ bhoge samāhatvā,
a householder does enough for their family.
alamatto kule gihī;
And they’d hold on to friends
Catudhā vibhaje bhoge,
by dividing their wealth in four.
sa ve mittāni ganthati.
One portion is to enjoy.
Ekena bhoge bhuñjeyya,
Two parts invest in work.
dvīhi kammaṁ payojaye;
And the fourth should be kept
Catutthañca nidhāpeyya,
for times of trouble.”
āpadāsu bhavissatī”ti.
13. Covering the Six Directions
13. Chaddisāpaṭicchādanakaṇḍa
“And how, householder’s son, does a noble disciple cover the six directions?
“Kathañca, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvako chaddisāpaṭicchādī hoti?
These six directions should be recognized:
Cha imā, gahapatiputta, disā veditabbā.
parents as the east, teachers as the south, partner and children as the west, friends and colleagues as the north, bondservants and workers as beneath, and ascetics and brahmins as above.
Puratthimā disā mātāpitaro veditabbā, dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā veditabbā, pacchimā disā puttadārā veditabbā, uttarā disā mittāmaccā veditabbā, heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā veditabbā, uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā veditabbā.
A child should serve their parents as the eastern quarter in five ways, thinking:
Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhātabbā—
‘I will support those who supported me. I’ll do my duty for them. I’ll maintain the family traditions. I’ll take care of the inheritance. When they have passed away, I’ll make an offering on their behalf.’
bhato ne bharissāmi, kiccaṁ nesaṁ karissāmi, kulavaṁsaṁ ṭhapessāmi, dāyajjaṁ paṭipajjāmi, atha vā pana petānaṁ kālaṅkatānaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ anuppadassāmīti.
Parents served by the children in these five ways show compassion to them in five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi puttaṁ anukampanti.
They keep them from doing bad. They support them in doing good. They train them in a profession. They connect them with a suitable partner. They transfer the inheritance in due time.
Pāpā nivārenti, kalyāṇe nivesenti, sippaṁ sikkhāpenti, patirūpena dārena saṁyojenti, samaye dāyajjaṁ niyyādenti.
Parents served by their children in these five ways show compassion to them in these five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi puttaṁ anukampanti.
And that’s how the eastern quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.
Evamassa esā puratthimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.
A student should serve their teacher as the southern quarter in five ways:
Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—
by rising for them, by serving them, by listening well, by looking after them, and by carefully learning their profession.
uṭṭhānena upaṭṭhānena sussusāya pāricariyāya sakkaccaṁ sippapaṭiggahaṇena.
Teachers served by their students in these five ways show compassion to them in five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsiṁ anukampanti—
They make sure they’re well trained and well educated. They clearly explain all the knowledge of the profession. They introduce them to their friends and colleagues. They provide protection in every region.
suvinītaṁ vinenti, suggahitaṁ gāhāpenti, sabbasippassutaṁ samakkhāyino bhavanti, mittāmaccesu paṭiyādenti, disāsu parittāṇaṁ karonti.
Teachers served by their students in these five ways show compassion to them in these five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsiṁ anukampanti.
And that’s how the southern quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.
Evamassa esā dakkhiṇā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.
A husband should serve his wife as the western quarter in five ways:
Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—
by treating her with honor, by not looking down on her, by not being unfaithful, by relinquishing authority to her, and by presenting her with adornments.
sammānanāya anavamānanāya anaticariyāya issariyavossaggena alaṅkārānuppadānena.
A wife served by her husband in these five ways shows compassion to him in five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikaṁ anukampati—
She’s well-organized in her work. She manages the domestic help. She’s not unfaithful. She preserves his earnings. She’s deft and tireless in all her duties.
susaṁvihitakammantā ca hoti, saṅgahitaparijanā ca, anaticārinī ca, sambhatañca anurakkhati, dakkhā ca hoti analasā sabbakiccesu.
A wife served by her husband in these five ways shows compassion to him in these five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikaṁ anukampati.
And that’s how the western quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.
Evamassa esā pacchimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.
A gentleman should serve his friends and colleagues as the northern quarter in five ways:
Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—
giving, kindly words, taking care, equality, and not using tricky words.
dānena peyyavajjena atthacariyāya samānattatāya avisaṁvādanatāya.
Friends and colleagues served by a gentleman in these five ways show compassion to him in five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti—
They guard him when they’re negligent. They guard his property when they’re negligent. They keep him safe in times of danger. They don’t abandon him in times of trouble. They honor his descendants.
pamattaṁ rakkhanti, pamattassa sāpateyyaṁ rakkhanti, bhītassa saraṇaṁ honti, āpadāsu na vijahanti, aparapajā cassa paṭipūjenti.
Friends and colleagues served by a gentleman in these five ways show compassion to him in these five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti.
And that’s how the northern quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.
Evamassa esā uttarā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.
A master should serve their bondservants and workers as the lower quarter in five ways:
Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—
by organizing work according to ability, by paying food and wages, by nursing them when sick, by sharing special treats, and by giving time off work.
yathābalaṁ kammantasaṁvidhānena bhattavetanānuppadānena gilānupaṭṭhānena acchariyānaṁ rasānaṁ saṁvibhāgena samaye vossaggena.
Bondservants and workers served by a master in these five ways show compassion to him in five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakaṁ anukampanti—
They get up first, and go to bed last. They don’t steal. They do their work well. And they promote a good reputation.
pubbuṭṭhāyino ca honti, pacchā nipātino ca, dinnādāyino ca, sukatakammakarā ca, kittivaṇṇaharā ca.
Bondservants and workers served by a master in these five ways show compassion to him in these five ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakaṁ anukampanti.
And that’s how the lower quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.
Evamassa esā heṭṭhimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.
A gentleman should serve ascetics and brahmins as the upper quarter in five ways:
Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—
by loving deeds of body, speech, and mind, by not turning them away at the gate, and by providing them with material needs.
mettena kāyakammena mettena vacīkammena mettena manokammena anāvaṭadvāratāya āmisānuppadānena.
Ascetics and brahmins served by a gentleman in these five ways show compassion to him in six ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhitā chahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti—
They keep him from doing bad. They support him in doing good. They think of him with kindly thoughts. They teach him what he does not know. They clarify what he’s already learned. They explain the path to heaven.
pāpā nivārenti, kalyāṇe nivesenti, kalyāṇena manasā anukampanti, assutaṁ sāventi, sutaṁ pariyodāpenti, saggassa maggaṁ ācikkhanti.
Ascetics and brahmins served by a gentleman in these five ways show compassion to him in these six ways.
Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi chahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti.
And that’s how the upper quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.”
Evamassa esā uparimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā”ti.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“Parents are the east,
“Mātāpitā disā pubbā,
teachers the south,
ācariyā dakkhiṇā disā;
wives and child the west,
Puttadārā disā pacchā,
friends and colleagues the north,
mittāmaccā ca uttarā.
servants and workers below,
Dāsakammakarā heṭṭhā,
and ascetics and brahmins above.
uddhaṁ samaṇabrāhmaṇā;
By honoring these quarters
Etā disā namasseyya,
a householder does enough for their family.
alamatto kule gihī.
The astute and the virtuous,
Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,
the gentle and the articulate,
saṇho ca paṭibhānavā;
the humble and the kind:
Nivātavutti atthaddho,
they’re the kind who win glory.
tādiso labhate yasaṁ.
The diligent, not lazy,
Uṭṭhānako analaso,
those not disturbed by troubles,
āpadāsu na vedhati;
those consistent in conduct, the intelligent:
Acchinnavutti medhāvī,
they’re the kind who win glory.
tādiso labhate yasaṁ.
The inclusive, the makers of friends,
Saṅgāhako mittakaro,
the bountiful, those rid of stinginess,
vadaññū vītamaccharo;
those who lead, train, and persuade:
Netā vinetā anunetā,
they’re the kind who win glory.
tādiso labhate yasaṁ.
Giving and kindly words,
Dānañca peyyavajjañca,
taking care here,
atthacariyā ca yā idha;
and treating equally in worldly conditions,
Samānattatā ca dhammesu,
as befits them in each case;
tattha tattha yathārahaṁ;
these ways of being inclusive in the world
Ete kho saṅgahā loke,
are like a moving chariot’s linchpin.
rathassāṇīva yāyato.
If there were no such ways of being inclusive,
Ete ca saṅgahā nāssu,
neither mother nor father
na mātā puttakāraṇā;
would be respected and honored
Labhetha mānaṁ pūjaṁ vā,
for what they’ve done for their children.
pitā vā puttakāraṇā.
But since these ways of being inclusive do exist,
Yasmā ca saṅgahā ete,
the astute do regard them well,
sammapekkhanti paṇḍitā;
so they achieve greatness
Tasmā mahattaṁ papponti,
and are praised.”
pāsaṁsā ca bhavanti te”ti.
When this was said, Sigālaka the householder’s son said to the Buddha,
Evaṁ vutte, siṅgālako gahapatiputto bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
“Excellent, sir! Excellent!
“abhikkantaṁ, bhante, abhikkantaṁ, bhante.
As if he were righting the overturned, or revealing the hidden, or pointing out the path to the lost, or lighting a lamp in the dark so people with good eyes can see what’s there, the Buddha has made the teaching clear in many ways.
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.
I go for refuge to the Buddha, to the teaching, and to the bhikkhu Saṅgha.
Esāhaṁ, bhante, bhagavantaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi dhammañca bhikkhusaṅghañca.
From this day forth, may the Buddha remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”
Upāsakaṁ maṁ bhagavā dhāretu, ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gatan”ti.
Sigālaka Sutta: To Sigālaka (Advice to Lay People). Advice to the young layman Sigālaka on morality, related to the four quarters, zenith and nadir which, in memory of his father, he had been worshipping.