Praise

Translated from the Pali by F. L. Woodward, M.A.

[1] Thus have I heard:

On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.

Then the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

"Yes, lord," they replied, and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, possessed of four qualities
one is put into purgatory
according to his deserts.

What are the four?

Without test or scrutiny
he speaks in praise
of what deserves not praise.

Without test or scrutiny
he speaks in blame
of things deserving praise.

Without test or scrutiny
he shows appreciation
where there should be none.

Without test or scrutiny
where appreciation should be shown,
he shows displeasure.^[1]

Possessed of these four qualities
one is put into purgatory
according to his deserts.

[94] Monks, possessed of four qualities
one is put into heaven
according to his deserts.

What are the four?

Testing and scrutinizing
he speaks in praise
of what deserves praise.

Testing and scrutinizing
he speaks in blame
of things deserving blame.

Testing and scrutinizing
he shows appreciation
where appreciation should be shown.

Testing and scrutinizing
where displeasure should be shown,
he shows displeasure.

Possessed of four qualities
one is put into heaven
according to his deserts."