CHAPTER XV
ON LUSTRES
BRETHEREN, there are these four lustres.’ What four? The lustre of the moon, the lustre of the sun, the lustre of fire, and the lustre of wisdom. Verily, brethren, there are these four lustres. Brethren, among these four the lustre of wisdom is indeed the most excellent.
Brethren, there are these four radiances. What four? The radiance of the moon, the radiance of the sun, the radiance of fire and the radiance of wisdom. Verily, brethren, there are these four radiances. Brethren, among these four the radiance of wisdom is indeed the most excellent.
Brethren, there are these four lights. What four?The light of the moon, the light of the sun, the light of
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1 In these five Discourses, five different words expressing ‘ light’ are used, viz.: ābhā, pabhā, āloko, obhāso, pajjoto-not very easily distinguishable,
180 The Numerical Sayings [TEXT ii, 140
fire, and the light of wisdom. Verily, brethren, there are these four (kinds of) light. Brethren, among these four the light of wisdom is indeed the most excellent.
‘Brethren, there are these four effulgences. What four? The effulgence of the moon, the effulgence of the sun, the effulgence of fire and the effulgence of wisdom. Verily, brethren, there are these four effulgences. Brethren, among these four the effulgence of wisdom is indeed the most excellent.
Brethren, there are these four lamps. What four? The lamp of the moon, the lamp of the sun, the lamp of fire, and the lamp of wisdom. Verily, brethren, there are these four lamps. Brethren, among these four the lamp of wisdom is indeed the best.
Brethren, there are these four times. What four? The time to listen to the Norm, the time for religious reflection, the time for quietude and the time.for spiritual insight. Verily, brethren, there are these four tiines.
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1 Cf. S. ii, 32, where it illustrates paticca-samuppada.
xv. § 147] On Lustres 181
Brethren, there are these four times. Well dwelt upon and engaged in, they gradually load to the extinction of the intoxicants. What four?
The time to listen to the Norm, the time for religious conversation, the time for quietude, and the time for spiritual insight. Verily, brethren, there are these four times. Well dwelt upon and engaged in, they gradually lead to the extinction of the intoxicants.
Just as, brethren, when it rains heavily on the top of a mountain-range, the water flowing downwards according to the slope fills up the mountain-gullies and crevices: the mountain-gullies and crevices being full, it fills up the small ponds: the small ponds being full, it fills up the large ponds: the large ponds being full, it fills up the small rivers the small rivers being full, it fills up the large rivers the large rivers being full, it fills up the seas and the ocean.
Lilkewise, brethren, these four times, well dwelt upon and engaged in, lead gradually to the extinction of the intoxicants.
Brethren, there are these four (kinds of) misconduct by word. What four? Lying, calumnious speech, harsh words and frivolous talk. Verily, brethren, there are these four (kinds of) misconduct by word.
Brethren, there are these four (kinds of) good conduct by word. What four? Truthful speech, non-malicious speech,
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gentle speech and wise speech. Verily, brethren, these are the four kinds of good conduct by word.
Brethren, there are these four essences. What four? The essence of virtuous conduct, the essence of concentration, the essence of wisdom and the essence of emancipation. Verily, brethren, there are these four essences.
(CHAPTER XV ON LUSTRES ENDS)