Aṅguttara Nikāya
Pañcaka-Nipāta
XX. Brāhmaṇa Vagga

The Book of the Fives

Chapter XX: The Brāman

Sutta 199

Kula Suttaṃ

The Family

[178]

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, when virtuous world-forsakers approach a family,
men there in five ways
beget much merit.

In what five?

Monks, when virtuous world-forsakers approach,
men, seeing them,
make calm their hearts;
monks, that leads heavenward
and the family then
has stepped a step along the way.¹

■

Or when virtuous world-forsakers approach,
men stand up,
salute
and offer a seat;
monks, that leads to birth in higher rank
and the family then
has stepped a step along the way.

■

Or when virtuous world-forsakers approach,
men rid themselves
of all stain of meanness;
monks, that leads to great power
and the family then
has stepped a step along the way.

■

[179] Or when virtuous world-forsakers approach,
men share (their food)
as means and power allow;
monks, that leads to great wealth
and the family thea
has stepped a step along the way.

■

Or when virtuous world-forsakers approach,
men ask,
make question about
and listen to Dhamma;
monks, that leads to great wisdom
and the family then
has stepped a step along the way.

Monks, when virtuous world-forsakers approach a family,
men there in these five ways
beget much merit.'