What Morality?

“With what morality, what conduct,

fostering what deeds,

would a person lay the foundations right,

and reach the highest goal?”

“Honoring elders without jealousy,

they’d know the time to visit their teachers.

Treasuring the chance for a Dhamma talk,

they’d listen carefully to the well-spoken words.

At the right time, they’d enter the teacher’s presence

in placid manner, leaving obstinacy behind.

They’d call to mind and put into practice

the meaning, the teaching, self-control, <j>and the spiritual life.

Delighting in the teaching, enjoying the teaching,

standing on the teaching, evaluating the teaching,

they’d never say anything that degraded the teaching,

but would be guided by genuine words well-spoken.

Giving up mirth, muttered prayer, weeping, ill will,

deceit, fawning, greed, conceit,

aggression, crudeness, stains, and indulgence,

they’d wander free of vanity, steadfast.

Understanding is the essence of well-spoken words,

stillness is the essence of learning and understanding.

Wisdom and learning do not flourish

in a hasty and negligent person.

Those happy with the teaching <j>proclaimed by the Noble One

are supreme in speech, mind, and deed.

Abiding in peace, gentleness, and stillness,

they’ve realized the essence of learning and wisdom.”