The Noble Path (AN4.237)

Numbered Discourses 4.237

24. Deeds

The Noble Path

“Mendicants, I declare these four kinds of deeds, having realized them with my own insight.

What four?

There are dark deeds with dark results;

bright deeds with bright results;

dark and bright deeds with dark and bright results; and

neither dark nor bright deeds with neither dark nor bright results, which lead to the ending of deeds.

And what are dark deeds with dark results?

It’s when someone makes hurtful choices by way of body, speech, and mind. These are called dark deeds with dark results.

And what are bright deeds with bright results?

It’s when someone makes pleasing choices by way of body, speech, and mind. These are called bright deeds with bright results.

And what are dark and bright deeds with dark and bright results?

It’s when someone makes both hurtful and pleasing choices by way of body, speech, and mind. These are called dark and bright deeds with dark and bright results.

And what are neither dark nor bright deeds with neither dark nor bright results, which lead to the ending of deeds?

Right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion.

These are called neither dark nor bright deeds with neither dark nor bright results, which lead to the ending of deeds.

These are the four kinds of deeds that I declare, having realized them with my own insight.”