Aṭṭhakanipāta 47

Numbered Discourses 8.47

5. Sabbath

With Visākhā on the Agreeable Gods

1 At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother in the Eastern Monastery. Then Visākhā, Migāra’s mother, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to her:

2 “Visākhā, when they have eight qualities ladies—when their body breaks up, after death—are reborn in company with the Gods of the Agreeable Host. What eight? Take the case of a lady whose mother and father give her to a husband wanting what’s best for her, out of kindness and sympathy. She would get up before him and go to bed after him, and be obliging, behaving nicely and speaking politely. …

3 She’s generous. She lives at home with heart rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share. When they possess these eight qualities ladies—when their body breaks up, after death—are reborn in company with the Gods of the Agreeable Host.

4 She’d never look down on her husband,

who’s always eager to work hard,

always looking after her,

and bringing whatever she wants.

5 And a good woman never scolds her husband

with jealous words.

Being astute, she reveres

those respected by her husband.

6 She gets up early, works tirelessly,

and manages the domestic help.

She’s agreeable to her husband,

and preserves his wealth.

7 A lady who fulfills these duties

according to her husband’s desire,

is reborn among the gods

called ‘Agreeable’.”