Aṇguttara Nikāya
Pañcaka-Nipāta
XVIII. Upāsaka Vaggo
Sutta 175
Upāsaka Caṇḍāla Suttaṃ
The Outcaste
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Proofed against and modified in accordance with the revised edition at dhammatalks.org
For free distribution only.
Translator's note
This discourse lists — first in negative and then in positive form — the basic requirements for being a Buddhist lay follower in good standing.
[1][pts] "Endowed with these five qualities,
a lay follower is an outcaste of a lay follower,
a stain of a lay follower,
a dregs of a lay follower.
Which five?
He/she does not have conviction
[in the Buddha's Awakening];
is unvirtuous;
is eager for protective charms and ceremonies;
trusts protective charms and ceremonies,
not kamma;
and searches for recipients of his/her offerings
outside (of the Saṇgha),
and gives offerings there first.
Endowed with these five qualities,
a lay follower is an outcaste of a lay follower,
a stain of a lay follower,
a dregs of a lay follower.
§
"Endowed with these five qualities,
a lay follower is a jewel of a lay follower,
a lotus of a lay follower,
a fine flower of a lay follower.
Which five?
He/she has conviction;
is virtuous;
is not eager for protective charms and ceremonies;
trusts kamma,
not protective charms and ceremonies;
does not search for recipients of his/her offerings
outside (of the Saṇgha),
and gives offerings here first.
Endowed with these five qualities,
a lay follower is a jewel of a lay follower,
a lotus of a lay follower,
a fine flower of a lay follower."
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