Speaking The Truth

1. At one time venerable Sāriputta was living with the Vajjis on the bank of river Ukkavela.

2. Then the wandering ascetic Sāmaṇḍakā approached venerable Sāriputta, exchanged friendly greetings and sat on a side.

3. “Sitting on a side the wandering ascetic Sāmaṇḍakā said to venerable Sāriputta: “Friend Sāriputta, who preaches the Truth in the world? Who follows the right course of action? Who fares well in the world?”

4. “Friend, they who preach for the destruction of greed, hate and delusion speak the Truth in the world.

5. “Friend, they who follow a course of action for the destruction of greed, hate and delusion, follow the right course of action in the world.

6. “Friend, they who dispel greed, dispel hate and dispel delusion, dig their roots, make them palm stumps, make them not grow again, fare well in the world.'

7. “Friend, is there a path and method to dispel greed, hate and delusion?”

“Friend, there is a path and method to dispel greed, hate and delusion.”

8. “Friend, what is the path and method to dispel greed, hate and delusion?”

“Friend, it is this same Noble Eightfold Path, such as right view, right thoughts, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right establishment of mindfulness and right concentration, to dispel greed, hate and delusion,”.

9. “Friend, the path and method is excellent to dispel greed, hate and delusion. It is suitable that I should be diligent.”