The Book of the Fours

Chapter XXII: Corrupting

[234]

Thus have I heard:

On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.

Then the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

"Yes, lord," they replied,
and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, possessing four qualities
one is put into purgatory
according to his deserts.

What four?

By bad conduct in deed,
word,
thought,
ingratitude,
that is ungratefulness.¹

These are the four.

Monks, possessing four qualities
one is put into heaven
according to his deserts.

What four?

By good conduct in deed,
word,
thought,
gratitude,
that is gratefulness.

These are the four."

¹ Akataññutā akataveditā; both words are the same in meaning aco. to Comy.