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- Anguttara Nikaya V.175
- Candala Sutta
- The Outcaste
- For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma
Translator's note: This discourse lists -- first in negative and then in
positive form -- the basic requirements for being a Buddhist lay follower in good
standing.
"Endowed with these five qualities, a lay follower is an outcaste of a lay
follower, a stain of a lay follower, a dregs of a lay follower. Which five? He/she does
not have conviction [in the Buddha's Awakening]; is unvirtuous; is eager for protective
charms & ceremonies; trusts protective charms & ceremonies, not kamma; and
searches for recipients of his/her offerings outside (of the Sangha), and gives offerings
there first. Endowed with these five qualities, a lay follower is an outcaste of a lay
follower, a stain of a lay follower, a dregs of a lay follower.
"Endowed with these five qualities, a lay follower is a jewel of a lay follower, a
lotus of a lay follower, a fine flower of a lay follower. Which five? He/she has
conviction; is virtuous; is not eager for protective charms & ceremonies; trusts
kamma, not protective charms & ceremonies; does not search for recipients of his/her
offerings outside (of the Sangha), and gives offerings here first. Endowed with these five
qualities, a lay follower is a jewel of a lay follower, a lotus of a lay follower, a fine
flower of a lay follower."