Chapter One

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

“These two things, mendicants, are not mortifying.

What two?

It’s when someone has done good and skillful things that keep them safe, but has not done bad things, violence and sin.

Thinking, ‘I have done good things’, they’re not mortified. Thinking, ‘I haven’t done bad things’, they’re not mortified.

These are the two things that are not mortifying.”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“Having given up bad conduct

by way of body,

speech, and mind,

and whatever else is corrupt;

not having done bad deeds,

and having done many good,

when their body breaks up, that wise person

is reborn in heaven.”

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