8.
The Discourse on the Nine-Factored Observance
18.
"Monks, the Observance endowed with nine factors, when observed, is rich in result, of great benefit, of great brightness, of great pervasion.
And how, monks, is the Observance endowed with nine factors, when observed, rich in result, of great benefit, of great brightness, of great pervasion?
Here, monks, a noble disciple considers thus -
'For as long as life lasts, the Worthy Ones, having abandoned the killing of living beings, abstain from killing living beings; with rod laid down, with knife laid down, having shame, compassionate, they dwell concerned for the welfare of all living beings;
I too today, for this night and this day, having abandoned the killing of living beings, abstain from killing living beings; with rod laid down, with knife laid down, having shame, compassionate, I dwell concerned for the welfare of all living beings.
By this factor I imitate the Worthy Ones;
and the Observance will have been observed by me.'
One is endowed with this first factor. Etc.
"For the length of one's life the Worthy Ones, having abandoned high and luxurious beds, abstain from high and luxurious beds; they use a low sleeping place - either a small bed or a grass mat; I too today, for this night and this day, having abandoned high and luxurious beds, abstain from high and luxurious beds; I use a low sleeping place - either a small bed or a grass mat. By this factor I imitate the Worthy Ones; and the Observance will have been observed by me.' One is possessed of this eighth factor.
"One dwells having pervaded one direction with a mind accompanied by friendliness, likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth. Thus above, below, across, everywhere, and in every respect, he dwells having pervaded the entire world with a mind accompanied by friendliness, extensive, exalted, limitless, without enmity, without ill-will. One is endowed with this ninth factor. The Observance endowed with nine factors observed thus, monks, is rich in result, of great benefit, of great brightness, of great pervasion." The eighth.