Brahmajala Sutta
(Discourse on the Net of Perfect Wisdom )

Part 2: Cula Sila
(Minor Morality)¹

Silakkhandha Vagga, Digha Nikaya, Suttanta Pitaka

      7. Bhikkhus! When a worldling² praises the Tathagata³ he might do so only in respect of matters of a trifling and inferior nature, of mere morality.⁴ And what are those matters of a trifling and inferior nature, of mere morality, by which a worldling might praise the Tathagata?

      8. Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a worldling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of taking life and abstains from destruction of life, setting aside the stick and sword, ashamed to do evil, and he is compassionate and dwells with solicitude for the welfare of all living beings.'

      Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a world ling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of taking what is not given and abstains from taking what is not given. He accepts only what is given, wishing to receive only what is given. He establishes himself in purity by abstaining from committing theft.'

      Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a world ling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of leading a life of unchastity and practises chastity, remaining virtuous and abstinent from sexual intercourse, the practice of lay people.'

      9. Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a world ling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of telling lies and abstains from telling lies, speaking only the truth, combining truth with truth, remaining steadfast (in truth), trustworthy and not deceiving.'

      Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a world ling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of slandering and abstains from slander. Hearing things from these people he does not relate them to those people to sow the seed of discord among them. Hearing things from those people he does not relate them to these people to sow the seed of discord among them. He reconciles those who are at variance. He encourages those who are in accord. He delights in unity, loves it and rejoices in it. He speaks to create harmony.'

      Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a world ling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of speaking harshly and abstains from harsh speech. He speaks only blameless words, pleasing to the ear, affectionate, going to the heart, courteous, pleasing to many and heartening to many.'

      Bhikkhus! In his praise of the Tathagata, a worldling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abandons all thoughts of talking frivolously and abstains from frivolous talk. His speech is appropriate to the occasion, being truthful, beneficial, consistent with the Doctrine and the Discipline, memorable, timely and opportune, with reasons, confined within limits and conducive to welfare.'

      10. In his praise of the Tathagata, a world ling might say thus: 'Samana Gotama abstains from destroying all seeds and vegetation.

      'Samana Gotama takes only one meal a day, not taking food at night and fasting after mid-day.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from dancing, singing, music and watching (entertainments) that is a stumbling block to the attainment of morality.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from wearing flowers, using perfumes and anointing with unguents.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the use of high and luxurious beds and seats.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of gold and silver.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of uncooked cereals.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of uncooked meat.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of women and maidens.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of male and female slaves.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of goats and sheep.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of chickens and pigs.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of elephants, cattle, horses and mares.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from the acceptance of cultivated or uncultivated land.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from acting as messenger or courier.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from buying and selling.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from using false weights and measures and counterfeits.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from such dishonest practices as bribery, cheating and fraud.

      'Samana Gotama abstains from maiming, murdering, holding persons in captivity, committing highway robbery, plundering villages and engaging in dacoity.'

      O Bhikkhus! Such are things that might be said should a worldling praise the Tathagata.

End of the chapter on Minor Morality

      1. Minor Morality: The terms Minor Morality, Middle Morality and Major Morality are literal translations. These should not be taken as indicating that the latter two are higher than the first. Minor Morality is basic morality most of which is applicable to all. The other two are more comprehensive, mostly applicable to Samanas and Brahmanas.

      2 Worldling: Puthujjana, one who has not attained any magga.

      3. Tathagata: Lit., "Thus come or Thus gone" (following the course and the practice of the former Buddhas). This appellation, meaning he who has won the Four Noble Truths, is used frequently by the Buddha in referring to himself or to former Buddhas. The Commentary gives eight interpretations of this term.

      4. Mere Morality: Morality (Sila) as such is trilling and inferior when compared with concentration (Samadhi) and wisdom (Panna)

     Brahmajala Sutta, Part 1: Paribbajaka katha: about the (two) Wandering Ascetics

     Brahmajala Sutta, Part 2: Cula Sila (Minor Morality)