80. Unwholesome Thoughts

This was said by the Lord…

“Bhikkhus, there are these three kinds of unwholesome thoughts. What three? A thought concerned with not being despised; a thought concerned with gain, honour, and fame; a thought concerned with involvement in the affairs of others. These, bhikkhus, are the three kinds of unwholesome thoughts.”

One concerned with not being despised,
With gain, honour, and esteem,
And who delights in companionship
Is far from the destruction of fetters.

But having abandoned sons and herds
Family life and possessions,
Such a bhikkhu can attain
Enlightenment which is supreme.

Translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland.

Digital Transcription Source: BPS Transcription Project

Extracted from The Udāna & the Itivuttaka, translated and introduced by John D. Ireland. Published in 1997.

The complete book, including introduction and notes by the translator, is available from the Buddhist Publication Society.

ISBN 955-24-0164-X

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