Abiding Power

Translated from the Pāḷi
by
Michael M. Olds

[1][pts] I Hear Tell:

The Lucky Man once addressed the beggars gathered round, saying:

"Beggars!"

"Bhante!" responded those beggars
and the Lucky Man then said:

"Five, beggars, are the powers of women.

What five?

The power of beauty,
the power of wealth,
the power of relatives,
the power of sons,
the power of ethical conduct.

Imagine, beggars, a woman has
the power of beauty,
but not of the power of virtue.

Good families cannot abide her,
do not let her abide.

■

Imagine, beggars, a woman has
the power of beauty,
and the power of wealth,
but not of the power of virtue.

Good families cannot abide her,
do not let her abide.

■

Imagine, beggars, a woman has
the power of beauty,
and the power of wealth,
and the power of relatives,
but not of the power of virtue.

Good families cannot abide her,
do not let her abide.

■

Imagine, beggars, a woman has
the power of beauty,
and the power of wealth,
and the power of relatives,
and the power of sons,
but not of the power of virtue.

Good families cannot abide her,
do not let her abide.

■

But imagine, Brethren, a woman has
the power of beauty,
and the power of wealth,
and the power of relatives,
and the power of sons,
and the power of virtue.