Chapter Two

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

“Mendicants, ignorance precedes the attainment of unskillful qualities, with lack of conscience and prudence following along.

Knowledge precedes the attainment of skillful qualities, with conscience and prudence following along.”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“Bad destinies of whatever kind,

in this world or the next,

are all rooted in ignorance,

compounded of greed and desire.

Since one of corrupt wishes is

unconscientious, lacking regard for others,

they brim with much wickedness,

which sends them to a place of loss.

Therefore, dispelling desire

and greed and ignorance,

a mendicant arousing knowledge

would abandon all bad destinies.”

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