Sutta Nipāta
2
Sutta 3. Hiri Sutta
Conscience
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.
One who,
flouting, despising
a sense of sense of shame,
saying, "I am your friend,"
but not grasping
what he could do [to help]:
know him as
"Not my friend."
One who,
among friends,
speaks endearing words
to which he doesn't conform,
the wise recognize
as speaking without doing.
He's not a friend
who's always wary,
suspecting a split,
focusing just on your weakness.
But him on whom you can depend,
like a child on its parent's breast:
that's a true friend
whom others can't split from you.
Carrying one's manly burden,
the fruits and rewards develop
the conditions that make for joy,
the bliss that brings praise.
Drinking the nourishment,
the flavor,
of seclusion and calm,
one is freed from evil, devoid
of distress,
refreshed with the nourishment
of rapture in the Dhamma.[1]
