Khuddaka Nikaya - Sutta Nipata - Hiri Sutta

Sn 2.3
Hiri Sutta
Conscience
Translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Alternate translation:IrelandThanissaro
PTS: Sn 253-257



Source: Transcribed from a file provided by the translator.



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One who,
flouting, despising
a sense of conscience,
saying, "I am your friend,"
but not grasping
what he could do [to help]:
know him as
"Not my friend."

One who,
among friends,
speaks endearing words
to which he doesn't conform,
the wise recognize
as speaking without doing.

He's not a friend
who's always wary,
suspecting a split,
focusing just on your weakness.
But him on whom you can depend,
like a child on its parent's breast:
that's a true friend
whom others can't split from you.

Carrying one's manly burden,
the fruits & rewards develop
the conditions that make for joy,
the bliss that brings praise.

Drinking the nourishment,
the flavor,
of seclusion & calm,
one is freed from evil, devoid
of distress,
refreshed with the nourishment
of rapture in the Dhamma.1



Note
1. This last verse = Dhp 205.