Low and High Birth (EA19.7)

Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in Śrāvastī, at Jetṛ’s Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park. Then the Exalted One said to the monks:

“There are these two modes of behaviour that cause a man to be born in a low and poor family. Which are the two? Being without filial piety towards one’s father and mother and without obedience towards one’s honourable teachers: and also personally being unable to perform duties. These are, monks, the two modes of behaviour that cause a man to be born in a low and poor family.

“Furthermore, monks, there are two modes of behaviour, leading to one’s being born in an outstanding and powerful family. Which are the two? Honouring one’s father and mother, one’s brothers, sisters and other relatives; being ready to show one’s family as much generosity as possible. These are, monks, the two modes of behaviour leading to one’s being born in an outstanding an powerful family. Thus, O monks, one should actually train.”

After listening to the Buddha’s words, the monks were pleased and respectfully applied themselves to practice.

Translated from Sanskrit to Chinese by Dharmanandi.

Originally published as Ekottarikāgama XXIV, Buddhist Studies Review 15.2, 1998, pp. 205–212. Translated from the Chinese version by Thích Huyên-Vi in collaboration with Sara Boin-Webb and Bhikkhu Pāsādika. Used with kind permission of the Buddhist Studies Review and Bhikkhu Pāsādika.

Transcription by Nola Webb, 2014.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Bhikkhu Sujato.