The Buddha teaches on respect for conscience, presenting a sevenfold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 7.33 Respect for Conscience

“Imaṁ, bhikkhave, rattiṁ aññatarā devatā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yenāhaṁ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā maṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho, bhikkhave, devatā maṁ etadavoca: ‘sattime, bhante, dhammā bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Satthugāravatā, dhammagāravatā, saṅghagāravatā, sikkhāgāravatā, samādhigāravatā, hirigāravatā, ottappagāravatā. Ime kho, bhante, satta dhammā bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattantī’ti.

Idamavoca, bhikkhave, devatā. Idaṁ vatvā maṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā tatthevantaradhāyīti.

Satthugaru dhammagaru,
saṅghe ca tibbagāravo;
Samādhigaru ātāpī,
sikkhāya tibbagāravo.

Hiriottappasampanno,
sappatisso sagāravo;
Abhabbo parihānāya,
nibbānasseva santike”ti.

Dutiyaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Imaṁ, bhikkhave, rattiṁ aññatarā devatā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā yenāhaṁ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā maṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho, bhikkhave, devatā maṁ etadavoca:

“Mendicants, tonight, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, came to me, bowed, stood to one side, and said to me:

‘sattime, bhante, dhammā bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattanti.

‘Sir, these seven things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant.

Katame satta?

What seven?

Satthugāravatā, dhammagāravatā, saṅghagāravatā, sikkhāgāravatā, samādhigāravatā, hirigāravatā, ottappagāravatā.

Respect for the Teacher, for the teaching, for the Saṅgha, for the training, for immersion, for conscience, and for prudence.

Ime kho, bhante, satta dhammā bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattantī’ti.

These seven things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant.’

Idamavoca, bhikkhave, devatā.

That is what that deity said.

Idaṁ vatvā maṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā tatthevantaradhāyīti.

Then he bowed and respectfully circled me, keeping me on his right side, before vanishing right there.

Satthugaru dhammagaru,

One respectful of the Teacher and the teaching,

saṅghe ca tibbagāravo;

keenly respecting the Saṅgha;

Samādhigaru ātāpī,

respecting immersion, being energetic,

sikkhāya tibbagāravo.

and keenly respecting the training;

Hiriottappasampanno,

endowed with conscience and prudence,

sappatisso sagāravo;

reverential and respectful—

Abhabbo parihānāya,

it is impossible for them to decline;

nibbānasseva santike”ti.

they have drawn near to extinguishment.”

Dutiyaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

Collectedness

Collectedness

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Conscience

Conscience

An inner moral sensitivity that shrinks from wrongdoing out of self-respect and personal integrity. It is the voice within that knows what is beneath one's dignity, guarding conduct through an inward standard of honor.

Also known as: with sense of right and wrong, sense of shame, modesty, (comm) originating from inside
Pāli: hirī
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Respect

Respect

A mental attitude of reverent attentiveness that values goodness and wisdom in oneself and others. It steadies conduct and opens the mind to learning and humility.

Also known as: reverence, veneration, regard, admiration, appreciation, deference, honour, attentiveness
Pāli: gārava, pūjā, sakkāra
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Rousing of energy

Rousing of energy

The arousing of effort and determination in body and mind. It begins with confidence and reflection on purpose, stirring energy for wholesome action.

Also known as: determination, being energetic, taking initiative, making a mental decision to act
Pāli: vīriyārambha, āraddhavīriya, uṭṭhānavant, atandita, pahitatta
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Unassuming

Unassuming

A gentle, low-profile way of speaking and acting that avoids drawing attention to oneself; restrained in self-display, giving space to others, and simple in manner.

Also known as: courteous, low-key, respectful, not impudent, self-effacing, unpretentious
Pāli: appagabbha, sorata
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Last updated on July 27, 2026