Aṅguttara Nikāya
4. Catukka Nipāta
VI. Puññābhisanda Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
IV. The Book of the Fours
VI. Streams of Merit

Sutta 60

Gihī-Sāmīci-Paṭipadā Suttaɱ

The Layperson's Proper Practice

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

© 2012 Bhikkhu Bodhi
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[65] [448]

[1][pts] Then the householder Anāthapiṇḍika approached the Blessed One ...

The Blessed One said to him:

"Householder, a noble disciple who possesses four qualities is practicing the way proper to the layperson, a way that brings the attainment of fame and leads to heaven.

What four?

"Here, householder, a noble disciple serves the Saṅgha of bhikkhus with robes; he serves the Saṅgha of bhikkhus with almsfood; he serves the Saṅgha of bhikkhus with lodgings; he serves the Saṅgha of bhikkhus with medicines and provisions for the sick.

"Householder, a noble disciple who possesses these four qualities is practicing the way proper to the layperson, a way that brings the attainment of fame and leads to heaven."

When the wise practice the way
proper for the layperson, they serve
the virtuous monks of upright conduct
with robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines:

for them both by day and night
merit always increases;
having done excellent deeds,
they pass on to a heavenly state.