SīlavaSīlavattheragāthā

One should train just in ethical conduct,“Sīlamevidha sikkhetha, for in this world, when ethical conduct isasmiṁ loke susikkhitaṁ; cultivated and well-trained,Sīlañhi sabbasampattiṁ, it provides all success.upanāmeti sevitaṁ.

Wishing for three kinds of happiness—Sīlaṁ rakkheyya medhāvī, praise, prosperity,patthayāno tayo sukhe; and to delight in heaven after passing away—Pasaṁsaṁ vittilābhañca, the wise would take care of their ethics.pecca sagge pamodanaṁ.

The well-behaved have many friends,Sīlavā hi bahū mitte, because of their self-restraint.saññamenādhigacchati; But one lacking ethics, of bad conduct,Dussīlo pana mittehi, drives away their friends.dhaṁsate pāpamācaraṁ.

A man whose ethics are bad hasAvaṇṇañca akittiñca, ill-repute and infamy.dussīlo labhate naro; One who is ethical always hasVaṇṇaṁ kittiṁ pasaṁsañca, a good reputation, fame, and praise.sadā labhati sīlavā.

Ethical conduct is the starting point and foundation;Ādi sīlaṁ patiṭṭhā ca, the mother at the headkalyāṇānañca mātukaṁ; of all good things:Pamukhaṁ sabbadhammānaṁ, that’s why you should purify your ethics.tasmā sīlaṁ visodhaye.

Ethics provide a boundary and a restraint,Velā ca saṁvaraṁ sīlaṁ, an enjoyment for the mind;cittassa abhihāsanaṁ; the ford where all the Buddhas cross over:Titthañca sabbabuddhānaṁ, that’s why you should purify your ethics.tasmā sīlaṁ visodhaye.

Ethics are the matchless power;Sīlaṁ balaṁ appaṭimaṁ, ethics are the ultimate weapon;sīlaṁ āvudhamuttamaṁ; ethics are the best ornament;Sīlamābharaṇaṁ seṭṭhaṁ, ethics are a marvelous coat of armor.sīlaṁ kavacamabbhutaṁ.

Ethics are a mighty bridge;Sīlaṁ setu mahesakkho, ethics are the unsurpassed scent;sīlaṁ gandho anuttaro; ethics are the best perfume,Sīlaṁ vilepanaṁ seṭṭhaṁ, that float from place to place.yena vāti disodisaṁ.

Ethics are the best provision;Sīlaṁ sambalamevaggaṁ, ethics are the unsurpassed supply for a journey;sīlaṁ pātheyyamuttamaṁ; ethics are the best vehicleSīlaṁ seṭṭho ativāho, that take you from place to place.yena yāti disodisaṁ.

In this life they’re criticized;Idheva nindaṁ labhati, after departing they grieve in a lower realm;peccāpāye ca dummano; a fool is unhappy everywhere,Sabbattha dummano bālo, because they are unsteady in ethics.sīlesu asamāhito.

In this life they’re renowned;Idheva kittiṁ labhati, after departing they’re happy in heaven;pecca sagge ca summano; the attentive are happy everywhere,Sabbattha sumano dhīro, because they are steady in ethics.sīlesu susamāhito.

Ethical conduct is best in this life,Sīlameva idha aggaṁ, but one with wisdom is supreme.paññavā pana uttamo; Someone with both virtue and wisdomManussesu ca devesu, is victorious among men and gods.sīlapaññāṇato jayan”ti.