- Dukkha (life is imperfect and full of suffering)
- Samudaya (the arising or orgin of suffering)
- Nirodha (the cessation of suffering)
- Magga (the way leading to the cessation of suffering)
1. Right View (samma-ditthi)
2. Right Resolve (samma-sankappo)
Virtue (sila)
3. Right Speech (samma-vaca)
4. Right Action (samma-kammanto)
5. Right Livelihood (samma-ajivo)
Concentration (samadhi)
6. Right Effort (samma-vayamo)
7. Right Mindfulness (samma-sati)
8. Right Concentration (samma-samadhi)
On one occasion the Blessed One,
was dwelling at the monastery of
Anathapindika in Jeta,s Grove near Savatthi.
When the night was far spent,
a certain deity whose surpassing splendour
illuminated the entire Jeta Grove,
came to the presence of the Blessed One,
and drawing near, respectfully saluted and
stood at one side.
Standing thus,
he addressed the Blessed One in verse:
Many deities and men,
yearning after good,
have pondered on Blessings.
Pray, tell me the Supreme Blessing.
Not to follow or associate with fools,
to associate with the wise,
and honour those who are worthy of honour.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
To reside in a suitable locality,
to have done meritorious actions in the past,
and to have set oneself on the right course
This is the Supreme Blessing.
Vast-learning, perfect handicraft,
a highly trained discipline
and pleasant speech.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
The support of father and mother,
the cherishing of wife and children
and peaceful occupations,
This is the Supreme Blessing.
Liberality, righteous conduct,
the helping of relatives
and blameless actions.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
To cease and abstain from evil,
forbearance with respect to intoxicants
and steadfastness in virtue.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
Reverence, humility,
contentment, gratitude and
opportune hearing of the Dhamma.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
Patience, obedience,
sight of the Samanas (holy men)
and religious discussions at due season.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
Self-control, pure life,
perception of the Noble Truths
and the realization of Nibbana.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
He whose mind does not flutter,
by contact with worldly contingencies,
sorrowless, stainless and secure.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
To them fulfilling matters such as these,
everywhere invincible,
in every way moving happily.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
who wishes to attain that state of calm
(i.e. Nibbana) should act thus.
He should be able, upright, perfectly upright, obedient, gentle and humble.
Contented, easily looked after,
with few duties, simple in livelihood.
Controlled in senses, discreet, not impudent; not greedily attached
to families.
He should not commit any slight wrong,
so that other wise men might find fault in him.
May all beings be happy and safe,
may their hearts be wholesome.
Whatsoever living beings there are;
feeble or strong, long, stout or medium,
short, small or large,
seen or unseen.
Those dwelling far or near,
those who are born and those
who are to be born.
May all beings, without exception,
be happy minded.
Let not one deceive another nor despise any person whatsoever in any place.
In anger or ill-will,
let him not wish any harm to another.
Just as a mother would protect her
only child at the risk of her own life,
even so let him cultivate a boundless
heart towards all beings.
Let thoughts of boundless love pervade the
whole world; above, below and across
without any obstruction,
without any hatred, without any enmity.
Whether he stands, walks, sits or lies down, as long as he is awake,
he should develop this mindfulness.
This, they say is the Highest conduct here.
Not falling into error,
virtuous and endowed with insight,
he discards attachment to sensuous desires.
Truly, he does not come again;
to be conceived in a womb.
By firm determination of this truth
May I ever be well.
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
For the second time
I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
For the second time
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
For the second time
I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
For the third time
I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
For the third time
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
For the third time
I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
the Blessed One,
the Worthy One,
the fully Enlightened One.
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato
Sammã sambuddhassa
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato
Sammã sambuddhassa
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato
Sammã sambuddhassa
abstain from destroying living beings.
I take the precept to
abstain from taking things not given.
I take the precept to
abstain from sexual misconduct.
I take the precept to
abstain from false speech.
I take the precept to
abstain from taking anything that causes
intoxication or heedlessness.