A deity asks the Buddha what is good until old age, what is good when established, what is the treasure of humans, and what cannot be stolen by thieves.

SN 1.51  Jarā sutta - Old Age

“Kiṁsu yāva jarā sādhu,
kiṁsu sādhu patiṭṭhitaṁ;
Kiṁsu narānaṁ ratanaṁ,
kiṁsu corehi dūharan”ti.

[A deity asked]: “What is good until old age?
What is good when established?
What is the treasure of humans?
What cannot be stolen by thieves?”

“Sīlaṁ yāva jarā sādhu,
saddhā sādhu patiṭṭhitā;
Paññā narānaṁ ratanaṁ,
puññaṁ corehi dūharan”ti.

[The Blessed One]: “|Virtue::moral conduct, ethical behavior [sīla]| is good until old age.
|Faith::confidence, conviction, trust [saddha]| is good when established.
|Wisdom::distinctive knowledge, discernment [paññā]| is the treasure of humans.
|Merit::good deeds, spiritual wealth [puññā]| is what thieves cannot steal.”

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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Merit

Merit

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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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on June 10, 2026