The Book of the Fours

Chapter XXII: Corrupting

[235]

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?

One who is an unbeliever,
is immoral,
is shameless,
is unconscientious.

These are the four.

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

What four?

One who is a believer,
is moral,
has shame,
is conscientious.

These are the four."