The Buddha teaches on three grounds, presenting a threefold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 3.42 Three Grounds

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, ṭhānehi saddho pasanno veditabbo. Katamehi tīhi? Sīlavantānaṁ dassanakāmo hoti, saddhammaṁ sotukāmo hoti, vigatamalamaccherena cetasā agāraṁ ajjhāvasati muttacāgo payatapāṇi vossaggarato yācayogo dānasaṁvibhāgarato. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi ṭhānehi saddho pasanno veditabbo.

Dassanakāmo sīlavataṁ,
saddhammaṁ sotumicchati;
Vinaye maccheramalaṁ,
sa ve saddhoti vuccatī”ti.

Dutiyaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Tīhi, bhikkhave, ṭhānehi saddho pasanno veditabbo.

“There are three grounds, mendicants, by which a person with faith and confidence can be known.

Katamehi tīhi?

What three?

Sīlavantānaṁ dassanakāmo hoti, saddhammaṁ sotukāmo hoti, vigatamalamaccherena cetasā agāraṁ ajjhāvasati muttacāgo payatapāṇi vossaggarato yācayogo dānasaṁvibhāgarato.

They like to see ethical people. They like to hear the true teaching. And they live at home rid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, loving to let go, committed to charity, loving to give and to share.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi ṭhānehi saddho pasanno veditabbo.

These are the three grounds by which a person with faith and confidence can be known.

Dassanakāmo sīlavataṁ,

They like to see ethical people;

saddhammaṁ sotumicchati;

they want to hear the true teaching;

Vinaye maccheramalaṁ,

they’ve driven out the stain of stinginess:

sa ve saddhoti vuccatī”ti.

that’s who’s called an individual of faith.”

Dutiyaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

Ethical conduct

Ethical conduct

A disciplined way of living grounded in harmlessness and integrity. Ethical conduct restrains the body and speech from harm, purifies behavior, and forms the foundation for collectedness and wisdom.

Also known as: moral integrity, right action, virtue
Pāli: sīla, sammākammanta
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Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction, self-assurance
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Giving

Giving

The act of generosity, sharing, or offering to others without expecting anything in return. Giving is considered a foundational virtue in Buddhist practice, fostering selflessness and compassion.

Also known as: generosity, charity, donation, almsgiving, donating, philanthropy, providing with, gift with
Pāli: dāna
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Stinginess

Stinginess

A contracted, possessive refusal to share what one has—whether material goods, knowledge, or status. It clings tightly to what is “mine,” fearing loss and closing the hand against generosity.

Also known as: miserliness, meanness, tight-fistedness
Pāli: macchariya
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Last updated on July 27, 2026