Hiri Sutta | Sn II-3

3. Hiri Sutta

Discourse on the Sense of Shame

256. Shame he knows not; nay, he loathes the very concept. He shirks any obligation that he could easily have taken.

- Such a one is not a friend, one should see. (1)

257. Employing an oily-tongue in his promises to do you any favour, his promises prove empty.

- Such a one is not a friend, wise men can see. (2)

258. Ever ready for a raft, he is always out to seize an occasion for retort.

- Such a one is not a friend.

(On the other hand) you can sleep soundly in his bosom. As would a child in his own father's; and let a thousand accusations be made against you, he would not listen.

- This sort of friend you can count as true. (3)

259. Putting up one's effort is satisfying in itself. A vigorous effort is always admired brings joyous success. Fulfilment of purpose demands that one takes upon oneself some appropriate task. And see it through with right exertion. (4)

260. Drinking in the delights of the Dhamma is most satisfying; and it frees one from all woes and misdeed.

For it means the relishing of the sublimity of seclusion, and calmness following the cessation of all evils (Kleśa).

(Thus said the Buddha)

End of the Third Hiri Sutta