Pañcakanipāta 40

Numbered Discourses 5.40

4. With Sumanā

Great Sal Trees

1 “Mendicants, great sal trees grow in five ways supported by the Himalayas, the king of mountains. What five? The branches, leaves, and foliage; the bark; the shoots; the softwood; and the hardwood. Great sal trees grow in these five ways supported by the Himalayas, the king of mountains.

In the same way, a family grows in five ways supported by a family head with faith. What five? Faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom. A family grows in these five ways supported by a family head with faith.

2 Supported by the rocky mountain

in the wilds, the formidable forest,

the tree grows

to become lord of the forest.

3 So too, when the family head

is ethical and faithful,

supported by them, they grow:

children, partners, and kin,

colleagues, relatives,

and those dependent for their livelihood.

4 Seeing the ethical conduct of the virtuous,

the generosity and good deeds,

those who see clearly

do likewise.

5 Having practiced the teaching here,

the path that goes to a good place,

they delight in the heavenly realm,

enjoying all the pleasures they desire.”