Aṅguttara Nikāya
Pañcaka Nipāta
V: Muṇḍa-Rāja Vagga
The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
V. The Book of the Fives
V. Muṇḍa the King
Sutta 42
Sappurisa Suttaɱ
The Good Person
Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.
© 2012 Bhikkhu Bodhi
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[1][pts] "Bhikkhus, when a good person is born in a family, it is for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people.
It is for the good, welfare, and happiness of
(1) his mother and father,
(2) his wife and children,
(3) his slaves, workers, and servants,
(4) his friends and companions, and
(5) ascetics and brahmins.
Just as a great rain cloud, nurturing all the crops, appears for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people, so too, [47] when a good person is born in a family, it is for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people.
It is for the good, welfare, and happiness of his mother and father ... ascetics and brahmins."
The deities protect him
who is guarded by the Dhamma,
who has managed his wealth
for the welfare of many.
Since he is learned,
virtuous in behavior and observances,
steadfast in Dhamma,
fame does not abandon him.
Who is fit to blame him,
standing in Dhamma,
accomplished in virtuous behavior,
a speaker of truth,
possessing a sense of shame,
[pure] like a coin of refined gold?
Even the devas praise him;
by Brahmā, too, he is praised.
