Aṅguttara Nikāya
Sattaka Nipāta
1. Dhana Vaggo
The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Sevens
Chapter I: Treasures
Sutta 7
Uggo Suttaɱ
Ugga
Translated from the Pali by E.M. Hare.
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[1][than][upal] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was dwelling near Sāvatthī,
at Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.
Now Ugga, the rajah's chief minister,[1] visited the Exalted One,
saluted him and sat down at one side;
and so seated, he said to the Exalted One:
[5] 'Lord, it's amazing,
astonishing,
how rich,
wealthy,
opulent is this Migāra Rohaṇeyya!'[2]
'Well, what does his treasure, his wealth, amount to, Ugga?'
'Lord, of gold there's a hundred hundred thousand;
and of silver who can tell?
But is that really treasure, Ugga?
Not that I say it is not,
but that treasure is subject to fire,
water,
rajahs,
robbers,
enemies,
heirs.[3]
§
Seven are these treasures that are not so subject to fire,
water,
rajahs,
robbers,
enemies,
heirs.
What seven?
The treasure of faith,
virtue,
conscientiousness,
fear of blame,
listening,
bounty
and wisdom.
Verily, Ugga, these seven
are not subject to fire,
water,
rajahs,
robbers,
enemies
or heirs.
Faith, virtue, conscientiousness and fear of blame,
Listening and bounty, yea, and wisdom seventh -
Who hath these treasures - woman, man - 'tis said,
No paupers they, their lives are not in vain.
Wherefore faith, virtue, grace, the Dhamma-view
Wise men pursue, minding the Buddha's word.'
[1] Comy. to rajah Pasenadi of Kosala.
[2] Comy. grandson of Rohaṇa Chetty. His mother was Visākhā, see below, p. 174.
