14.
The Discourse on the Righteous
Thus have I heard - On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Then the lay follower Dhammika together with five hundred lay followers approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the lay follower Dhammika addressed the Blessed One in verses -
379.
Whether one who goes from home into homelessness, or householders who are lay followers.
380.
There is no one equal to you, seer of subtle meaning, they call you the excellent Buddha.
381.
You are one whose covering is removed, O All-Seeing One, you shine spotless in the entire world.
382.
He too, having consulted with you, departed, having heard 'well done', delighted in appearance.
383.
When asked by him too, you speak, O wise one, and he too, having heard, is delighted in appearance.
384.
None of them surpass you in wisdom, like one standing cannot surpass one going swiftly.
385.
All become bound to you for meaning, and also others who think themselves disputants.
386.
All of us wishing to hear that very thing, tell us that, being asked, O best of Buddhas.
387.
Let them hear the Teaching awakened to by the Stainless One, well spoken, as the gods hear Vāsava's."
388.
The deportment suitable for one gone forth, the wise one seeing the benefit should resort to it.
389.
For attachments embrace one who goes about at the improper time, therefore the Buddhas do not go about at the improper time.
390.
Having removed desire for these phenomena, he should enter for the morning meal at the proper time.
391.
Reflecting internally, he should not send his mind outside, one whose individuality is well-collected.
392.
He should speak of that sublime Teaching, not slander nor censure of others.
393.
From this and that, attachments cling to them, for their mind goes far from there.
394.
Having heard the Teaching expounded by the Fortunate One, the disciple of excellent wisdom uses them with understanding.
395.
Untainted by these phenomena, a monk is like a water drop on a lotus leaf.
396.
For this cannot be attained by one with possessions, to touch what is the consummate monk's practice.
397.
Having laid aside the rod towards all beings, whether steady or trembling in the world.
398.
One should not cause to steal, nor approve of those who steal, one should avoid all that is not given.
399.
But if unable to live the holy life, one should not transgress with another's wife.
400.
One should not cause to speak, nor approve of those who speak, one should avoid all that is not factual.
401.
One should not cause to drink, nor approve of those who drink, having known it thus as ending in madness.
402.
One should avoid this plane of demerit, maddening, deluding, delightful to fools.
403.
One should abstain from not practising the holy life, from sexual intercourse, one should not eat at night, eating at the improper time.
404.
This they call the eightfold Observance, made known by the Buddha, who has reached the end of suffering.
405.
And the special fortnight, with a gladdened mind, endowed with eight factors, well-complete in form.
406.
With a gladdened mind, rejoicing, the wise one should share as is fitting.
407.
A householder practising this diligently, goes to the gods named Self-luminous."
The Discourse on Dhammika is concluded as fourteenth.