The Unskilful
Thus I have heard: One time, the Budha was staying at
Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan said to the bhikshus:
“I shall now speak about wholesome and unwholesome actions.
Listen carefully! Listen carefully and reflect upon this well.”
The bhikshus replied, “Yes, Bhagavaan.”
The Bhagavaan said to them:
“What is called unwholesome? What is called wholesome?
Killing is unwholesome; not killing is wholesome.
Taking what is not given is unwholesome; giving is wholesome.
Sexual misconduct is unwholesome; abstaining from sexual misconduct is wholesome.
False speech is unwholesome; refraining from false speech is wholesome.
Frivolous speech is unwholesome; refraining from frivolous speech is wholesome.
Divisive speech is unwholesome; refraining from divisive speech is wholesome.
Causing discord among others is unwholesome; not causing discord is wholesome.
Coveting what belongs to others is unwholesome; not coveting is wholesome.
Harbouring ill will is unwholesome; not harbouring ill will is wholesome.
Wrong view is unwholesome; right view is wholesome.”
“Thus, Bhikshus, having committed these evil deeds, one falls into the realms of animals, hungry ghosts, or hell.
If one engages in wholesome actions, one is reborn among humans, in the heavenly realms, or in other good destinies such as the realm of the Asuras.
Therefore, one should abandon evil deeds and cultivate wholesome conduct.
Thus, Bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this way.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.