English
Later Collection of Verses 1. Questions and Answers on Accusation, etc. 359. For what purpose is accusation? For what reason is admonition? For what purpose is the Sangha? And for what reason is a resolution? Accusation is for admonition, admonition is for restraint; The Sangha is for acceptance, and a resolution is for the individual. Do not speak in haste, do not speak in anger; Do not generate resentment, if you are an investigator. Do not speak rashly, a contentious talk that is not beneficial; In accordance with the Sutta, in accordance with the Vinaya, in accordance with what is laid down. Listen to the rule of inquiry, made by the skillful and wise; Well-spoken, in accordance with the training rules, not losing the future destiny; Being a well-wisher, inquire at the proper time, connected with benefit. Of the accused and of the accuser; Do not rashly impose a verdict; The accuser says, "He has committed an offense"; The accused says, "He has not committed an offense." Not rejecting either, one should proceed according to their admission; Admission is made by the conscientious, among the shameless it is not so found; Even if the shameless one speaks much, one should proceed according to the established practice. What kind of person is shameless, whose admission does not grow? And this I ask you, what kind of person is called shameless? He intentionally commits an offense, he conceals the offense; And he goes by wrong paths, such a person is called shameless. Truly, I also know, such a person is called shameless; And I ask you another thing, what kind of person is called conscientious? He intentionally does not commit an offense, he does not conceal an offense; He does not go by wrong paths, such a person is called conscientious. Truly, I also know, such a person is called conscientious; And I ask you another thing, what kind of person is called an unrighteous accuser? He accuses at the wrong time, with what is not true; With harsh words, not connected with benefit; He accuses with inner malice, not with a mind of loving-kindness; Such a person is called an unrighteous accuser. Truly, I also know, such a person is called an unrighteous accuser; And another... And I ask you, what kind of person is called a Dhamma-admonisher? He admonishes at the right time, with what is true, gently, and connected with benefit; He admonishes with a mind of loving-kindness, not with inner hatred; Such a one is called a Dhamma-admonisher. Truly, I too know, such a one is called a Dhamma-admonisher; And I ask you another thing, what kind of person is called a foolish admonisher? He does not know the before and after, he is unskilled in the before and after; He does not know the sequence of words; He is unskilled in the sequence of words; Such a one is called a foolish admonisher. Truly, I too know, such a one is called a foolish admonisher; And I ask you another thing, what kind of person is called a wise admonisher? He knows the before and after, he is skilled in the before and after; He knows the sequence of words, he is skilled in the sequence of words; Such a one is called a wise admonisher. Truly, I too know, such a one is called a wise admonisher; And I ask you another thing, what is admonition called? He admonishes concerning moral transgression, and concerning conduct and views; He admonishes also concerning livelihood, by these is admonition called. This collection of verses is finished.