Itivuttaka — Assim Foi Dito — 97 — Good Morals

1This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

2“Mendicants, in this teaching and training a mendicant of good morals, good practice, and good wisdom is called consummate, accomplished, a supreme person.

3And how does a mendicant have good morals? It’s when a mendicant is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and resorting for alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. That’s how a mendicant has good morals. Such is one of good morality.

4And how does one have good practice? It’s when a mendicant meditates pursuing the development of the seven qualities on the side of awakening. That’s how a mendicant has good practice. Such is one of good morality and good practice.

5And how does one have good wisdom? It’s when a mendicant realizes the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And they live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements. That’s how a mendicant has good wisdom;

6Such is one of good morals, good practice, and good wisdom, who in this teaching and training is called consummate, accomplished, a supreme person.”

7The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

8“Who does nothing wrong
by body, speech or mind,
is said to be one of good morals,
a conscientious mendicant.

9Who has well developed the seven
factors that lead to awakening
is said to be one good practice,
an unpretentious mendicant.

10Who understands for themselves
the end of suffering in this life
is said to be one good wisdom,
an undefiled mendicant.

11One accomplished in these three things,
untroubled, with doubts cut off,
unattached to anything in the world,
has given up everything, they say.”

12This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.