12.
The Book of the Twelves
1.
Verses of the Elder Sīlava
For morality, when practised, brings all success.
Praise and gain of joy, and after death, rejoicing in heaven.
But the immoral one, practising evil, falls away from friends.
Praise, fame and commendation, the moral one always obtains.
The chief of all phenomena, therefore one should purify morality.
And the ford of all Buddhas, therefore one should purify morality.
Morality is the foremost ornament, morality is a marvellous armour.
Morality is the foremost cosmetic, by which one's scent spreads in every direction.
Morality is the best conveyance, by which one goes in every direction.
Everywhere unhappy is the fool, unconcentrated in morality.
Everywhere glad is the wise one, well concentrated in morality.
Among human beings and gods, victory comes from morality and wisdom."
... The Elder Sīlava...
2.
Verses of the Elder Sunīta
My work was lowly, I was a remover of withered flowers.
Having made the mind humble, I paid homage to many people.
The great hero entering the best city of the Magadhans.
Out of compassion for me alone, the highest of men stood still.
I requested the going forth from the highest of all beings.
'Come, monk,' he said to me, that was my full ordination.
I did the Teacher's word, as the Conqueror exhorted me.
During the middle watch of the night, I purified the divine eye;
In the last watch of the night, I shattered the mass of darkness.
Inda and Brahmā, having come, paid homage to me with joined palms.
Whose mental corruptions are eliminated, you are worthy of offerings, dear sir.'
Having manifested a smile, spoke this matter.
By this one is a brahmin, this is the highest brahmin quality."
... Sunīta the Elder...
The Chapter of Twelves is concluded.
The summary therein:
In the Book of Twelves, twenty-four verses.