The Book of the Fives

Chapter XXIII: Wandering Afield

[190]

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,¹ there are these five disadvantages in riches.

What five?

Riches are in danger of fire,
in danger of floods,
in danger of rajahs,
in danger of robbers,
in danger of unloved hairs.²

Verily, monks, these are the five disadvantages in riches.

Monks, there are these five advantages in riches.

What five?

With the help of riches,
one makes oneself happy,
glad,
and keeps that great happiness;

■

one makes one's parents,
glad,
and keeps that great happiness;

■

[191] one makes one's wife,
children,
slaves,
work-folk,
men,
glad,
and keeps that great happiness;

■

one makes one's friends and companions,
glad,
and keeps that great happiness;

■

for recluse and brāhman
one institutes offerings of lofty aim,
connected with a happy hereafter,
ripening to happiness,
leading heavenward.

Verily, monks, these are the five advantages in riches.'

¹ Cf. above, § 41.

² A-ppiyehi dāyādehi.