AN 9.63 Sikkha dubbalya Sutta

Sikkha-dubbalya Sutta: Things That Weaken the Training

translated from the Pali by

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

"Monks, these five are things that weaken the training. Which five? The taking of life, stealing, sexual misconduct, the telling of lies, and distilled & fermented beverages that are a cause for heedlessness. These five are things that weaken the training.

"To abandon these five things that weaken the training, one should develop the four frames of reference. Which four? There is the case where a monk remains focused on the body in & of itself ardent, alert, & mindful putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world. He remains focused on feelings in & of themselves... mind in & of itself... mental qualities in & of themselves ardent, alert, & mindful putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world. To abandon the five things that weaken the training, one should develop these four frames of reference."