Siṅgālasutta

Dīgha Nikāya 31

Long Discourses 31

Siṅgālasutta

Advice to Sigālaka

Evaṁ me sutaṁ—

So I have heard.

ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe.

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground.

Tena kho pana samayena siṅgālako gahapatiputto kālasseva uṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassati—

Now at that time the householder’s son Sigālaka rose early and left Rājagaha. With his clothes and hair all wet, he raised his cupped palms to revere the various quarters—

puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disaṁ.

east, south, west, north, below, and above.

Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya rājagahaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi.

Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for alms.

Addasā kho bhagavā siṅgālakaṁ gahapatiputtaṁ kālasseva vuṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavatthaṁ allakesaṁ pañjalikaṁ puthudisā namassantaṁ—

He saw Sigālaka revering the various quarters

puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disaṁ.

Disvā siṅgālakaṁ gahapatiputtaṁ etadavoca:

and said to him,

“kiṁ nu kho tvaṁ, gahapatiputta, kālasseva vuṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassasi—

“Householder’s son, why are you revering the various quarters in this way?”

puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disan”ti?

“Pitā maṁ, bhante, kālaṁ karonto evaṁ avaca:

“Sir, on his deathbed my father said to me:

‘disā, tāta, namasseyyāsī’ti.

‘My dear, please revere the quarters.’

So kho ahaṁ, bhante, pituvacanaṁ sakkaronto garuṁ karonto mānento pūjento kālasseva uṭṭhāya rājagahā nikkhamitvā allavattho allakeso pañjaliko puthudisā namassāmi—

Honoring, respecting, and venerating my father’s words, I rose early and left Rājagaha and, with my clothes and hair all wet, raised my cupped palms to revere the various quarters—

puratthimaṁ disaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pacchimaṁ disaṁ uttaraṁ disaṁ heṭṭhimaṁ disaṁ uparimaṁ disan”ti.

east, south, west, north, below, and above.”

1. Cha disā

1. The Six Directions

“Na kho, gahapatiputta, ariyassa vinaye evaṁ cha disā namassitabbā”ti.

“Householder’s son, that’s not how the six directions should be revered in the training of the Noble One.”

“Yathā kathaṁ pana, bhante, ariyassa vinaye cha disā namassitabbā?

“But sir, how should the six directions be revered in the training of the Noble One?

Sādhu me, bhante, bhagavā tathā dhammaṁ desetu, yathā ariyassa vinaye cha disā namassitabbā”ti.

Sir, please teach me this.”

“Tena hi, gahapatiputta, suṇohi sādhukaṁ manasikarohi bhāsissāmī”ti.

“Well then, householder’s son, listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”

“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho siṅgālako gahapatiputto bhagavato paccassosi.

“Yes, sir,” replied Sigālaka.

Bhagavā etadavoca:

The Buddha said this:

“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

“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.

ubholokavijayāya paṭipanno hoti. Tassa ayañceva loko āraddho hoti paro ca loko.

They’re practicing to win in both worlds, and they succeed in this world and the next.

So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati.

When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm.

2. Cattāro kammakilesā

2. Four Corrupt Deeds

Katamassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā honti?

What four corrupt deeds have they given up?

Pāṇātipāto kho, gahapatiputta, kammakileso, adinnādānaṁ kammakileso, kāmesumicchācāro kammakileso, musāvādo kammakileso.

Killing living creatures, stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying: these are corrupt deeds.

Imassa cattāro kammakilesā pahīnā hontī”ti.

These are the four corrupt deeds they’ve given up.”

Idamavoca bhagavā.

That is what the Buddha said.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

“Pāṇātipāto adinnādānaṁ,

“Killing, stealing,

Musāvādo ca vuccati;

telling lies,

Paradāragamanañceva,

and committing adultery:

Nappasaṁsanti paṇḍitā”ti.

astute people don’t praise these things.”

3. Catuṭhānaṁ

3. Four Grounds

“Katamehi catūhi ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karoti?

“On what four grounds do they not do bad deeds?

Chandāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, dosāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, mohāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti, bhayāgatiṁ gacchanto pāpakammaṁ karoti.

One does bad deeds prejudiced by favoritism, hostility, stupidity, and cowardice.

Yato kho, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvako neva chandāgatiṁ gacchati, na dosāgatiṁ gacchati, na mohāgatiṁ gacchati, na bhayāgatiṁ gacchati;

When a noble disciple is not prejudiced by favoritism, hostility, stupidity, and cowardice,

imehi catūhi ṭhānehi pāpakammaṁ na karotī”ti.

they don’t do bad deeds on these four grounds.”

Idamavoca bhagavā.

That is what the Buddha said.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

“Chandā dosā bhayā mohā,

“If you act against the teaching

yo dhammaṁ ativattati;

out of favoritism, hostility, cowardice, or stupidity,

Nihīyati yaso tassa,

your fame shrinks,

kāḷapakkheva candimā.

like the moon in the waning fortnight.

Chandā dosā bhayā mohā,

If you don’t act against the teaching

yo dhammaṁ nātivattati;

out of favoritism, hostility, cowardice, and stupidity,

Āpūrati yaso tassa,

your fame swells,

sukkapakkheva candimā”ti.

like the moon in the waxing fortnight.”

4. Cha apāyamukhāni

4. Six Drains on Wealth

“Katamāni cha bhogānaṁ apāyamukhāni na sevati?

“What six drains on wealth do they avoid?

Surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyogo kho, gahapatiputta, bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, vikālavisikhācariyānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, samajjābhicaraṇaṁ bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, pāpamittānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ, ālasyānuyogo bhogānaṁ apāyamukhaṁ.

Habitually engaging in the following things is a drain on wealth: consuming beer, wine, and liquor intoxicants; roaming the streets at night; frequenting festivals; gambling; bad friends; laziness.

5. Surāmerayassa cha ādīnavā

5. Six Drawbacks of Drinking

Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.

There are these six drawbacks of habitually consuming beer, wine, and liquor that cause intoxication.

Sandiṭṭhikā dhanajāni, kalahappavaḍḍhanī, rogānaṁ āyatanaṁ, akittisañjananī, kopīnanidaṁsanī, paññāya dubbalikaraṇītveva chaṭṭhaṁ padaṁ bhavati.

Immediate loss of wealth, promotion of quarrels, susceptibility to illness, disrepute, indecent exposure; and weakened wisdom is the sixth thing.

Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.

These are the six drawbacks of habitually consuming beer, wine, and liquor intoxicants.

6. Vikālacariyāya cha ādīnavā

6. Six Drawbacks of Roaming the Streets at Night

Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge.

There are these six drawbacks of roaming the streets at night.

Attāpissa agutto arakkhito hoti, puttadāropissa agutto arakkhito hoti, sāpateyyampissa aguttaṁ arakkhitaṁ hoti, saṅkiyo ca hoti pāpakesu ṭhānesu, abhūtavacanañca tasmiṁ rūhati, bahūnañca dukkhadhammānaṁ purakkhato hoti.

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.

Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge.

These are the six drawbacks of roaming the streets at night.

7. Samajjābhicaraṇassa cha ādīnavā

7. Six Drawbacks of Festivals

Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā samajjābhicaraṇe.

There are these six drawbacks of frequenting festivals.

Kva naccaṁ, kva gītaṁ, kva vāditaṁ, kva akkhānaṁ, kva pāṇissaraṁ, kva kumbhathunanti.

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?’

Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā samajjābhicaraṇe.

These are the six drawbacks of frequenting festivals.

8. Jūtappamādassa cha ādīnavā

8. Six Drawbacks of Gambling

Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.

There are these six drawbacks of habitually gambling.

Jayaṁ veraṁ pasavati, jino vittamanusocati, sandiṭṭhikā dhanajāni, sabhāgatassa vacanaṁ na rūhati, mittāmaccānaṁ paribhūto hoti, āvāhavivāhakānaṁ apatthito hoti:

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:

‘akkhadhutto ayaṁ purisapuggalo nālaṁ dārabharaṇāyā’ti.

‘This individual is a gambler—they’re not able to support a partner.’

Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge.

These are the six drawbacks of habitually gambling.

9. Pāpamittatāya cha ādīnavā

9. Six Drawbacks of Bad Friends

Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā pāpamittānuyoge.

There are these six drawbacks of bad friends.

Ye dhuttā, ye soṇḍā, ye pipāsā, ye nekatikā, ye vañcanikā, ye sāhasikā. Tyāssa mittā honti te sahāyā.

You become friends and companions with those who are addicts, carousers, drunkards, frauds, swindlers, and thugs.

Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā pāpamittānuyoge.

These are the six drawbacks of bad friends.

10. Ālasyassa cha ādīnavā

10. Six Drawbacks of Laziness

Cha khome, gahapatiputta, ādīnavā ālasyānuyoge.

There are these six drawbacks of habitual laziness.

Atisītanti kammaṁ na karoti, atiuṇhanti kammaṁ na karoti, atisāyanti kammaṁ na karoti, atipātoti kammaṁ na karoti, atichātosmīti kammaṁ na karoti, atidhātosmīti kammaṁ na karoti.

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!’

Tassa evaṁ kiccāpadesabahulassa viharato anuppannā ceva bhogā nuppajjanti, uppannā ca bhogā parikkhayaṁ gacchanti.

By dwelling on so many excuses for not working, you don’t make any more money, and the money you already have runs out.

Ime kho, gahapatiputta, cha ādīnavā ālasyānuyoge”ti.

These are the six drawbacks of habitual laziness.”

Idamavoca bhagavā.

That is what the Buddha said.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

“Hoti pānasakhā nāma,

“Some are just drinking buddies,

hoti sammiyasammiyo;

some call you their dear, dear friend,

Yo ca atthesu jātesu,

but a true friend is one

sahāyo hoti so sakhā.

who stands by you in need.

Ussūraseyyā paradārasevanā,

Sleeping late, adultery,

Verappasavo ca anatthatā ca;

making enemies, harmfulness,

Pāpā ca mittā sukadariyatā ca,

bad friends, and avarice:

Ete cha ṭhānā purisaṁ dhaṁsayanti.

these six grounds ruin a person.

Pāpamitto pāpasakho,

With bad friends, bad comrades,

pāpaācāragocaro;

bad behavior and alms-resort,

Asmā lokā paramhā ca,

a man falls to ruin

ubhayā dhaṁsate naro.

in both this world and the next.

Akkhitthiyo vāruṇī naccagītaṁ,

Dice, women, toddy, song and dance;

Divā soppaṁ pāricariyā akāle;

sleeping by day and roaming at night;

Pāpā ca mittā sukadariyatā ca,

bad friends, and avarice:

Ete cha ṭhānā purisaṁ dhaṁsayanti.

these six grounds ruin a person.

Akkhehi dibbanti suraṁ pivanti,

They play dice and drink beer,

Yantitthiyo pāṇasamā paresaṁ;

and consort with women loved by others.

Nihīnasevī na ca vuddhasevī,

Associating with the worse, not the better,

Nihīyate kāḷapakkheva cando.

they diminish like the waning moon.

Yo vāruṇī addhano akiñcano,

One who is broke and destitute due to toddy,

Pipāso pivaṁ papāgato;

thirsty, drinking in the bar,

Udakamiva iṇaṁ vigāhati,

drowning in debt,

Akulaṁ kāhiti khippamattano.

will quickly lose their way.

Na divā soppasīlena,

When you’re in the habit of sleeping late,

rattimuṭṭhānadessinā;

seeing night as time to rise,

Niccaṁ mattena soṇḍena,

and always getting drunk,

sakkā āvasituṁ gharaṁ.

you can’t keep up the household life.

Atisītaṁ atiuṇhaṁ,

‘Too cold, too hot,

atisāyamidaṁ ahu;

too late,’ they say.

Iti vissaṭṭhakammante,

When the young neglect their work like this,

atthā accenti māṇave.

riches pass them by.

Yodha sītañca uṇhañca,

But one who considers heat and cold

tiṇā bhiyyo na maññati;

as no more than blades of grass—

Karaṁ purisakiccāni,

he does his duties as a man,

so sukhaṁ na vihāyatī”ti.

and happiness never fails.”

11. Mittapatirūpaka

11. Fake Friends

“Cattārome, gahapatiputta, amittā mittapatirūpakā veditabbā.

“Householder’s son, you should recognize these four enemies disguised as friends:

Aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo, apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

the taker, the talker, the flatterer, the spender.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi aññadatthuharo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s all take on four grounds.

Aññadatthuharo hoti,

Your possessions end up theirs.

appena bahumicchati;

Giving little, they expect a lot.

Bhayassa kiccaṁ karoti,

They do their duty out of fear.

sevati atthakāraṇā.

They associate for their own advantage.

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

You can recognize a fake friend who’s all take on these four grounds.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s all talk on four grounds.

Atītena paṭisantharati, anāgatena paṭisantharati, niratthakena saṅgaṇhāti, paccuppannesu kiccesu byasanaṁ dasseti.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi vacīparamo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s all talk on these four grounds.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s a flatterer on four grounds.

Pāpakampissa anujānāti, kalyāṇampissa anujānāti, sammukhāssa vaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, parammukhāssa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati.

They support you equally in doing bad and doing good. They praise you to your face, and put you down behind your back.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi anuppiyabhāṇī amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s a flatterer on these four grounds.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s a spender on four grounds.

Surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge sahāyo hoti, vikālavisikhācariyānuyoge sahāyo hoti, samajjābhicaraṇe sahāyo hoti, jūtappamādaṭṭhānānuyoge sahāyo hoti.

They accompany you when drinking, roaming the streets at night, frequenting festivals, and gambling.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi apāyasahāyo amitto mittapatirūpako veditabbo”ti.

You can recognize a fake friend who’s a spender on these four grounds.”

Idamavoca bhagavā.

That is what the Buddha said.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

“Aññadatthuharo mitto,

“One friend is all take,

yo ca mitto vacīparo;

another all talk;

Anuppiyañca yo āha,

one’s just a flatterer,

apāyesu ca yo sakhā.

and one’s a comrade who spends.

Ete amitte cattāro,

An astute person understands

iti viññāya paṇḍito;

these four enemies for what they are

Ārakā parivajjeyya,

and keeps them at a distance,

maggaṁ paṭibhayaṁ yathā”ti.

as they’d shun a risky road.”

12. Suhadamitta

12. Good-Hearted Friends

“Cattārome, gahapatiputta, mittā suhadā veditabbā.

“Householder’s son, you should recognize these four good-hearted friends:

Upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo, samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo, atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo, anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo.

the helper, the friend in good times and bad, the counselor, and the one who’s sympathetic.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a helper on four grounds.

Pamattaṁ rakkhati, pamattassa sāpateyyaṁ rakkhati, bhītassa saraṇaṁ hoti, uppannesu kiccakaraṇīyesu taddiguṇaṁ bhogaṁ anuppadeti.

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 provide you with twice the money you need.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi upakāro mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a helper on these four grounds.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s the same in good times and bad on four grounds.

Guyhamassa ācikkhati, guyhamassa parigūhati, āpadāsu na vijahati, jīvitaṁpissa atthāya pariccattaṁ hoti.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi samānasukhadukkho mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s the same in good times and bad on these four grounds.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a counselor on four grounds.

Pāpā nivāreti, kalyāṇe niveseti, assutaṁ sāveti, saggassa maggaṁ ācikkhati.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi atthakkhāyī mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s a counselor on these four grounds.

Catūhi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s sympathetic on four grounds.

Abhavenassa na nandati, bhavenassa nandati, avaṇṇaṁ bhaṇamānaṁ nivāreti, vaṇṇaṁ bhaṇamānaṁ pasaṁsati.

They don’t delight in your misfortune. They delight in your good fortune. They keep others from criticizing you. They encourage praise of you.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, catūhi ṭhānehi anukampako mitto suhado veditabbo”ti.

You can recognize a good-hearted friend who’s sympathetic on these four grounds.”

Idamavoca bhagavā.

The Buddha spoke this matter.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

“Upakāro ca yo mitto,

“A friend who’s a helper,

sukhe dukkhe ca yo sakhā;

one the same in both pleasure and pain,

Atthakkhāyī ca yo mitto,

a friend of good counsel,

yo ca mittānukampako.

and one of sympathy;

Etepi mitte cattāro,

an astute person understands

iti viññāya paṇḍito;

these four friends for what they are

Sakkaccaṁ payirupāseyya,

and carefully looks after them,

mātā puttaṁva orasaṁ;

like a mother the child at her breast.

Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,

The astute and virtuous

jalaṁ aggīva bhāsati.

shine like a burning flame.

Bhoge saṁharamānassa,

They pick up riches as bees

bhamarasseva irīyato;

roaming round pick up pollen.

Bhogā sannicayaṁ yanti,

And their riches proceed to grow,

vammikovupacīyati.

like a termite mound piling up.

Evaṁ bhoge samāhatvā,

In gathering wealth like this,

alamatto kule gihī;

a householder does enough for their family.

Catudhā vibhaje bhoge,

And they’d hold on to friends

sa ve mittāni ganthati.

by dividing their wealth in four.

Ekena bhoge bhuñjeyya,

One portion is to enjoy.

dvīhi kammaṁ payojaye;

Two parts invest in work.

Catutthañca nidhāpeyya,

And the fourth should be kept

āpadāsu bhavissatī”ti.

for times of trouble.”

13. Chaddisāpaṭicchādanakaṇḍa

13. Covering the Six Directions

“Kathañca, gahapatiputta, ariyasāvako chaddisāpaṭicchādī hoti?

“And how, householder’s son, does a noble disciple cover the six directions?

Cha imā, gahapatiputta, disā veditabbā.

These six directions should be recognized:

Puratthimā disā mātāpitaro veditabbā, dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā veditabbā, pacchimā disā puttadārā veditabbā, uttarā disā mittāmaccā veditabbā, heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā veditabbā, uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā veditabbā.

parents as the east, tutors 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.

Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi puttena puratthimā disā mātāpitaro paccupaṭṭhātabbā—

A child should serve their parents as the eastern quarter in five ways, thinking:

bhato ne bharissāmi, kiccaṁ nesaṁ karissāmi, kulavaṁsaṁ ṭhapessāmi, dāyajjaṁ paṭipajjāmi, atha vā pana petānaṁ kālaṅkatānaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ anuppadassāmīti.

‘I will support those who supported me. I’ll do my duty for them. I’ll maintain the family lineage. I’ll take care of the inheritance. When they have passed away, I’ll make an offering on their behalf.’

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

Parents served by the children in these five ways show sympathy to them in five ways.

Pāpā nivārenti, kalyāṇe nivesenti, sippaṁ sikkhāpenti, patirūpena dārena saṁyojenti, samaye dāyajjaṁ niyyādenti.

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.

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

Parents served by their children in these five ways show sympathy to them in these five ways.

Evamassa esā puratthimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

And that’s how the eastern quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.

Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—

A pupil should serve their tutor as the southern quarter in five ways:

uṭṭhānena upaṭṭhānena sussusāya pāricariyāya sakkaccaṁ sippapaṭiggahaṇena.

by rising for them, by serving them, by listening well, by looking after them, and by carefully learning their profession.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsiṁ anukampanti—

Tutors served by their pupils in these five ways show sympathy to them in five ways.

suvinītaṁ vinenti, suggahitaṁ gāhāpenti, sabbasippassutaṁ samakkhāyino bhavanti, mittāmaccesu paṭiyādenti, disāsu parittāṇaṁ karonti.

They make sure they’re well educated and well drilled in memorization. They clearly explain all the knowledge of the profession. They introduce them to their friends and colleagues. They provide protection in every region.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsinā dakkhiṇā disā ācariyā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi antevāsiṁ anukampanti.

Tutors served by their pupils in these five ways show sympathy to them in these five ways.

Evamassa esā dakkhiṇā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

And that’s how the southern quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.

Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—

A husband should serve his wife as the western quarter in five ways:

sammānanāya anavamānanāya anaticariyāya issariyavossaggena alaṅkārānuppadānena.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikaṁ anukampati—

A wife served by her husband in these five ways shows sympathy to him in five ways.

susaṁvihitakammantā ca hoti, saṅgahitaparijanā ca, anaticārinī ca, sambhatañca anurakkhati, dakkhā ca hoti analasā sabbakiccesu.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikena pacchimā disā bhariyā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi sāmikaṁ anukampati.

A wife served by her husband in these five ways shows sympathy to him in these five ways.

Evamassa esā pacchimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

And that’s how the western quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.

Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi kulaputtena uttarā disā mittāmaccā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—

A gentleman should serve his friends and colleagues as the northern quarter in five ways:

dānena peyyavajjena atthacariyāya samānattatāya avisaṁvādanatāya.

giving, kindly words, taking care, equality, and not using tricky words.

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

Friends and colleagues served by a gentleman in these five ways show sympathy to him in five ways.

pamattaṁ rakkhanti, pamattassa sāpateyyaṁ rakkhanti, bhītassa saraṇaṁ honti, āpadāsu na vijahanti, aparapajā cassa paṭipūjenti.

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.

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

Friends and colleagues served by a gentleman in these five ways show sympathy to him in these five ways.

Evamassa esā uttarā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

And that’s how the northern quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.

Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—

A master should serve their bondservants and workers as the lower quarter in five ways:

yathābalaṁ kammantasaṁvidhānena bhattavetanānuppadānena gilānupaṭṭhānena acchariyānaṁ rasānaṁ saṁvibhāgena samaye vossaggena.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhitā pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakaṁ anukampanti—

Bondservants and workers served by a master in these five ways show sympathy to him in five ways.

pubbuṭṭhāyino ca honti, pacchā nipātino ca, dinnādāyino ca, sukatakammakarā ca, kittivaṇṇaharā ca.

They get up first, and go to bed last. They don’t steal. They do their work well. And they promote a good reputation.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakena heṭṭhimā disā dāsakammakarā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi pañcahi ṭhānehi ayyirakaṁ anukampanti.

Bondservants and workers served by a master in these five ways show sympathy to him in these five ways.

Evamassa esā heṭṭhimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā.

And that’s how the lower quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.

Pañcahi kho, gahapatiputta, ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhātabbā—

A gentleman should serve ascetics and brahmins as the upper quarter in five ways:

mettena kāyakammena mettena vacīkammena mettena manokammena anāvaṭadvāratāya āmisānuppadānena.

by loving deeds of body, speech, and mind, by not turning them away at the gate, and by providing them with material needs.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhitā chahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti—

Ascetics and brahmins served by a gentleman in these five ways show sympathy to him in six ways.

pāpā nivārenti, kalyāṇe nivesenti, kalyāṇena manasā anukampanti, assutaṁ sāventi, sutaṁ pariyodāpenti, saggassa maggaṁ ācikkhanti.

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.

Imehi kho, gahapatiputta, pañcahi ṭhānehi kulaputtena uparimā disā samaṇabrāhmaṇā paccupaṭṭhitā imehi chahi ṭhānehi kulaputtaṁ anukampanti.

Ascetics and brahmins served by a gentleman in these five ways show sympathy to him in these six ways.

Evamassa esā uparimā disā paṭicchannā hoti khemā appaṭibhayā”ti.

And that’s how the upper quarter is covered, kept safe and free of peril.”

Idamavoca bhagavā.

The Buddha spoke this matter.

Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

“Mātāpitā disā pubbā,

“Parents are the east,

ācariyā dakkhiṇā disā;

tutors the south,

Puttadārā disā pacchā,

wives and child the west,

mittāmaccā ca uttarā.

friends and colleagues the north,

Dāsakammakarā heṭṭhā,

servants and workers below,

uddhaṁ samaṇabrāhmaṇā;

and ascetics and brahmins above.

Etā disā namasseyya,

By honoring these quarters

alamatto kule gihī.

a householder does enough for their family.

Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,

The astute and the virtuous,

saṇho ca paṭibhānavā;

the gentle and the articulate,

Nivātavutti atthaddho,

the placid in manner and the amenable:

tādiso labhate yasaṁ.

they’re the kind who win glory.

Uṭṭhānako analaso,

The diligent, not lazy,

āpadāsu na vedhati;

those not disturbed by troubles,

Acchinnavutti medhāvī,

those consistent in conduct, the intelligent:

tādiso labhate yasaṁ.

they’re the kind who win glory.

Saṅgāhako mittakaro,

The inclusive, the makers of friends,

vadaññū vītamaccharo;

the bountiful, those rid of stinginess,

Netā vinetā anunetā,

those who lead, train, and persuade:

tādiso labhate yasaṁ.

they’re the kind who win glory.

Dānañca peyyavajjañca,

Giving and kindly words,

atthacariyā ca yā idha;

taking care here,

Samānattatā ca dhammesu,

and treating equally in worldly conditions,

tattha tattha yathārahaṁ;

as they deserve in each case;

Ete kho saṅgahā loke,

these ways of being inclusive in the world

rathassāṇīva yāyato.

are like a moving chariot’s linchpin.

Ete ca saṅgahā nāssu,

If there were no such ways of being inclusive,

na mātā puttakāraṇā;

neither mother nor father

Labhetha mānaṁ pūjaṁ vā,

would be respected and honored

pitā vā puttakāraṇā.

for what they’ve done for their children.

Yasmā ca saṅgahā ete,

But since these ways of being inclusive do exist,

sammapekkhanti paṇḍitā;

the astute do regard them well,

Tasmā mahattaṁ papponti,

so they achieve greatness

pāsaṁsā ca bhavanti te”ti.

and are praised.”

Evaṁ vutte, siṅgālako gahapatiputto bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

When this was said, Sigālaka the householder’s son said to the Buddha,

“abhikkantaṁ, bhante, abhikkantaṁ, bhante.

“Excellent, sir! Excellent!

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.

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 clear eyes can see what’s there, the Buddha has made the teaching clear in many ways.

Esāhaṁ, bhante, bhagavantaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi dhammañca bhikkhusaṅghañca.

I go for refuge to the Buddha, to the teaching, and to the mendicant Saṅgha.

Upāsakaṁ maṁ bhagavā dhāretu, ajjatagge pāṇupetaṁ saraṇaṁ gatan”ti.

From this day forth, may the Buddha remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”

Siṅgālasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.