Seven Practices
Translation of BZA 033. First version published in Buddhist Studies
Review vol. 23-1 (2006).
Thus have I heard, once, the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī at the Jeta Grove in
the Anāthapiṇḍika Park.
At that time the Buddha told the Bhikkhus: “Steadfastly maintaining the seven
practices , one is bound to be reborn as Sakka [the king of gods]. Why so? In
former times, when Sakka was a human he resolved to practice and indeed carried
out these practices : He was obedient to his parents and respectful to the
elders of the [extended clan-] family. His speech was gentle. He did not slander
others. He was generous, not stingy. He always told the truth, never betrayed
others. He did not let anger arise, and whenever he generated hatred, he strove
to extinguish it quickly.”
At that time the World-honored One spoke a verse:
[Whoever] towards one’s parents // displays filial obedience Towards one’s
elders // heartfelt deep respect
Always speaks gentle and friendly // kindly and good
Cuts off slander // greed and hatred
[of someone like this] the thirty three gods // have this to say:
Such a practitioner // is our better
He should dwell apart // as King of the Gods
When the Buddha had finished, the monks, having listened to what he had said,
were happy and practised accordingly.
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