English
And giving, and kindly speech, and beneficial conduct here; And impartiality in matters, there, there, as is fitting; These indeed are the bonds in the world, like the linchpin of a moving chariot. And if these supports were not there, not a mother for a son's sake would obtain honor or respect, nor a father for a son's sake. And because these supports the wise carefully consider; therefore they attain greatness, and they become praiseworthy. When this was said, Sigālaka, the householder's son, spoke thus to the Blessed One: "Excellent, venerable sir! Excellent, venerable sir! Just as, venerable sir, one might set upright what was overturned, or reveal what was hidden, or point out the way to one who was lost, or hold up a lamp in the darkness so that those with eyes might see forms. In the same way, the Dhamma has been made clear by the Blessed One in many ways. I go for refuge to the Blessed One, to the Dhamma, and to the Sangha of bhikkhus. May the Blessed One remember me as a lay follower, who has gone for refuge from this day forth as long as life lasts." The Discourse to Sigālaka, the eighth, is finished.