← AN

AN 5.42

A True Person

Sappurisasutta

from: 5. With King Muṇḍa

A True Person

“Mendicants, a true person is born in a family for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. For the benefit, welfare, and happiness of mother and father; children and partners; bondservants, workers, and staff; friends and colleagues; and ascetics and brahmins.

It’s like a great rain cloud, which nourishes all the crops for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. In the same way, a true person is born in a family for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. …

The gods protect one who is guarded by principle,
who uses their wealth for the welfare of the many.
One who is learned, <j>with precepts and observances intact,
and steady in principle, doesn’t lose their reputation.

Firm in principle, accomplished in ethical conduct,
truthful, conscientious;
like a pendant of Black Plum River gold,
who is worthy to criticize them?
Even the gods praise them,
and by the Divinity, too, they’re praised.”

Translation: German (Ayyā Sabbamittā), English (Bhikkhu Sujato). Source: SuttaCentral / Bilara (public domain, CC0).

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