Tikanipāta 48

Numbered Discourses 3.48

5. The Lesser Chapter

The King of Mountains

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

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

3 Supported by the rocky mountain

in the wilds, the formidable forest,

the tree grows

to become lord of the forest.

4 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.

5 Seeing the ethical conduct of the virtuous,

the generosity and good deeds,

those who see clearly

do likewise.

6 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.”