an.5.42 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

The Good Person

“Bhikkhus, when a good person is born in a family, it is for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people. It is for the good, welfare, and happiness of (1) his mother and father, (2) his wife and children, (3) his slaves, workers, and servants, (4) his friends and companions, and (5) ascetics and brahmins. Just as a great rain cloud, nurturing all the crops, appears for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people, so too, when a good person is born in a family, it is for the good, welfare, and happiness of many people. It is for the good, welfare, and happiness of his mother and father … ascetics and brahmins.”

The deities protect one guarded by the Dhamma,
who has managed his wealth for the welfare of many.
Fame does not forsake one steadfast in the Dhamma,
who is learned and of virtuous behavior and observances.

Who is fit to blame him,
standing in Dhamma,
accomplished in virtuous behavior,
a speaker of truth,
possessing a sense of shame,
pure like a coin of refined gold?
Even the devas praise him;
by Brahmā, too, he is praised.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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A Good Person

“Mendicants, a good person is born in a family for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people.
For the benefit, welfare, and happiness of mother and father;
children and partners;
bondservants, workers, and staff;
friends and colleagues;
and ascetics and brahmins.
It’s like a great rain cloud, which nourishes all the crops for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people.
In the same way, a good person is born in a family for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. …





The gods protect one who is guarded by principle,
who uses their wealth for the welfare of the many.
One who is learned, with precepts and observances intact,
and steady in principle, doesn’t lose their reputation.
Firm in principle, accomplished in ethical conduct,
truthful, conscientious;
like a pendant of river gold,
who is worthy to criticize them?
Even the gods praise them,
and by Brahmā, too, they’re praised.”