The Fearful

Translated by E. M. Hare

[1] Thus have I heard:

Once the Exalted One dwelt near Sāvatthī;
and there he addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

'Yes, lord,' they replied; and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, these five things give confidence to a learner.

What five?

Herein, monks, a monk has faith,
is virtuous,
learned,
energetic
and has insight.'

Monks, what is fearful^[1] to one of little faith,
is not fearful to the believer;
wherefore this quality
gives confidence to a learner.

■

Monks, what is fearful to the unvirtuous,
is not fearful to the virtuous;
wherefore this quality
gives confidence to a learner.

■

Monks, what is fearful to him of little learning,
is not fearful to the learned;
wherefore this quality
gives confidence to a learner.

■

Monks, what is fearful to the lazy,
is not fearful to the energetic;
wherefore this quality
gives confidence to a learner.

■

Monks, what is fearful to one who lacks insight,
is not fearful to one with insight;
wherefore this quality
gives confidence to a learner.

Verily, monks, these five things give confidence to a learner.

^[1] Sārajja. Comy. domanassa, Cf. Ephesians iii, 12: ' ... We have boldness and access with confidence by faith. ...'