The Book of the Fives

Chapter XVI: Saddhamma

[135]

Thus have I heard:

Once the Exalted One dwelt near Sāvatthī;
and there he addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

'Yes, lord,' they replied;
and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, possessed of five qualities
a monk becomes of a fearful heart.

Of what five?

Herein, monks, a monk is without faith,
without virtue,
of little learning,
indolent
and lacks insight.

Verily, monks, possessed of these five qualities
a monk becomes of a fearful heart.

Monks, possessed of five qualities
a monk becomes confident.

What five?

Herein, monks, a monk has faith,
virtue,
much learning,
aroused energy
and has insight.

Verily, monks, possessed of these five qualities
a monk becomes confident.

¹ Cf. above, § 101.