Aṅguttara Nikāya
4. Catukka Nipāta
IV. Cakka Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
IV. The Book of the Fours
IV. The Wheel

Sutta 32

Saṅgahavatthu Suttaɱ

Sustaining

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

© 2012 Bhikkhu Bodhi
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[32] [419]

[1][pts] "Bhikkhus, there are these four means of attracting and sustaining others.

What four?

Giving, endearing speech, beneficent conduct, and impartiality.

These are the four means of attracting and sustaining others."

Giving, endearing speech,
beneficent conduct, and impartiality
under diverse worldly conditions,
as is suitable to fit each case:
these means of attracting and sustaining
are like the linchpin of a rolling chariot.

If there were no such means
of attracting and sustaining,
neither mother nor father
would be able to obtain esteem
and veneration from their son.

But these means of
attracting and sustaining exist,
and therefore the wise respect them;
thus they attain to greatness
and are highly praised.