English translation 3.6.0
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3.6.0 Introduction to sammā-ājīvo—right livelihood – Dhammikasutta1
……”I will declare the conduct for a householder,
By performing it accordingly he will prove to be a perfect disciple,
Because those with householder duties cannot fulfil conduct that applies to Bhikkhus.
He should neither kill any living being nor cause others to kill
Nor approve the killing done by someone else;
He should have laid down his stick towards all beings in this world, whether strong or small.
A disciple should refrain from taking anything in full knowledge,
Neither should he cause others to steal nor approve the stealing done by someone else,
He should stay aloof of any theft.
A wise one should refrain from all sexual misconduct like he would avoid a burning pit of charcoals,
If unable to lead the holy life, he should not transgress with another’s wife.
Whether in an assembly or any gathering he should not tell any lie to even a single person;
Nor should he cause anyone else telling a lie, neither approves the telling of any untruth by anyone else, he should stay aloof of all untruths.
A layman who has decided to apply this Dhamma should not indulge in the drinking of intoxicants;
Neither should he cause others to drink nor approve the drinking done by others,
By having realized its intoxicating effects.
Through intoxication foolish people perform evil deeds and cause others to heedlessness;
He should shun intoxication, this source for demerit,
Which bewilders the mind, enchantment for foolish people.
He should not be involved in destroying life, in taking what is not given,
Nor should he be a drinker,
He should refrain from all unchastity, and not eat at inappropriate times during night.
He should not be wearing garlands, nor embellish himself with perfumes,
He should sleep on a mat spread on the ground.
These are the eight great observances, praised by the Buddha leading to the end of suffering.
With happy mind he observes and establishes himself in these eight precepts during the 8th, 14th and 15th day of the lunar circle, or even during the full pāṭihāriyapakkha2 rainy season.
Having fulfilled and thus followed the Uposatha, such wise ones should,
With happy mind and joy in their heart
Provide the Order of Bhikkhus with food and drink early in the (next) morning.
They should take good care of their parents and should pursue only righteous livelihood,
A householder following these principles with diligence,
Will be reborn in the sphere of the sayampabhe – the self illuminant – devas.
By performing it accordingly he will prove to be a perfect disciple,
Because those with householder duties cannot fulfil conduct that applies to Bhikkhus.
He should neither kill any living being nor cause others to kill
Nor approve the killing done by someone else;
He should have laid down his stick towards all beings in this world, whether strong or small.
A disciple should refrain from taking anything in full knowledge,
Neither should he cause others to steal nor approve the stealing done by someone else,
He should stay aloof of any theft.
A wise one should refrain from all sexual misconduct like he would avoid a burning pit of charcoals,
If unable to lead the holy life, he should not transgress with another’s wife.
Whether in an assembly or any gathering he should not tell any lie to even a single person;
Nor should he cause anyone else telling a lie, neither approves the telling of any untruth by anyone else, he should stay aloof of all untruths.
A layman who has decided to apply this Dhamma should not indulge in the drinking of intoxicants;
Neither should he cause others to drink nor approve the drinking done by others,
By having realized its intoxicating effects.
Through intoxication foolish people perform evil deeds and cause others to heedlessness;
He should shun intoxication, this source for demerit,
Which bewilders the mind, enchantment for foolish people.
He should not be involved in destroying life, in taking what is not given,
Nor should he be a drinker,
He should refrain from all unchastity, and not eat at inappropriate times during night.
He should not be wearing garlands, nor embellish himself with perfumes,
He should sleep on a mat spread on the ground.
These are the eight great observances, praised by the Buddha leading to the end of suffering.
With happy mind he observes and establishes himself in these eight precepts during the 8th, 14th and 15th day of the lunar circle, or even during the full pāṭihāriyapakkha2 rainy season.
Having fulfilled and thus followed the Uposatha, such wise ones should,
With happy mind and joy in their heart
Provide the Order of Bhikkhus with food and drink early in the (next) morning.
They should take good care of their parents and should pursue only righteous livelihood,
A householder following these principles with diligence,
Will be reborn in the sphere of the sayampabhe – the self illuminant – devas.
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1 Dhammikasuttaṃ: Dhammika + suttaṃ: dwelling in Dhamma + sutta
2 See the Pāli-text for explanation of this expression
Last modified: Monday, 14 December 2015, 8:31 AM