DiscoverANAN 3AN 3.46

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

AN 3.46 Ethical

“Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sīlavanto pabbajitā gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā upanissāya viharanti. Tattha manussā tīhi ṭhānehi bahuṁ puññaṁ pasavanti. Katamehi tīhi? Kāyena, vācāya, manasā. Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sīlavanto pabbajitā gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā upanissāya viharanti. Tattha manussā imehi tīhi ṭhānehi bahuṁ puññaṁ pasavantī”ti.

Chaṭṭhaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sīlavanto pabbajitā gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā upanissāya viharanti.

“Mendicants, when ethical renunciates are supported by a town or village,

Tattha manussā tīhi ṭhānehi bahuṁ puññaṁ pasavanti.

the people there brim with much merit in three ways.

Katamehi tīhi?

What three?

Kāyena, vācāya, manasā.

By way of body, speech, and mind.

Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sīlavanto pabbajitā gāmaṁ vā nigamaṁ vā upanissāya viharanti.

When ethical renunciates are supported by a town or village,

Tattha manussā imehi tīhi ṭhānehi bahuṁ puññaṁ pasavantī”ti.

the people there brim with much merit in these three ways.”

Chaṭṭhaṁ.

Qualities:

Ethical conduct

Ethical conduct

☀️ bright quality

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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Merit

Merit

☀️ bright quality

Wholesome result of good conduct, generosity, and right intention. Merit brightens the mind and supports happiness and favorable conditions for practice.

Also known as: good deeds, spiritual wealth
Pāli: puñña, kalyāṇa
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Last updated on July 27, 2026

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