AN 3.150 - Paṭhama Khata Sutta (Dug Up & Undone – Part 1)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=280
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
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Candana source labels: 149. Site text ID: AN 3.150.

149. Paṭhama Khata Sutta (Dug Up & Undone – Part 1) Bhikkhus, by possessing three qualities, the ignorant fool digs himself up from his very roots and destroys himself. As a result, he becomes blameworthy and is reproached by the wise, while also generating for himself much demerit.

And what are these three qualities?

Damaging and harmful bodily actions; damaging and harmful speech and communication; and damaging and harmful thoughts.

Therefore, Bhikkhus, by possessing three qualities, the ignorant fool digs himself up from his very roots and destroys himself. As a result, he becomes blameworthy and is reproached by the wise, while also generating much demerit.

But Bhikkhus, by possessing three other qualities, the wise and learned Superior Person does not uproot nor destroy himself. As a result, he remains blameless and is, in fact, praised by the wise, generating much merit.

And what are these three qualities?

Beneficial and constructive bodily actions; beneficial and constructive speech and verbal actions; and beneficial and constructive thoughts.

Bhikkhus, by possessing these three qualities, the wise and learned Superior Person does not uproot nor destroy himself. As a result, he remains blameless and is, in fact, praised by the wise, while generating much merit.