Narada Thera (Sutta Nipata 1.6, PTS: Sn 91-115)
Translator's note: While the Mangala Sutra deals with the way of life conducive to progress and happiness, the Parabhava Sutta supplements it by pointing out the causes of downfall.
Thus have I heard. Once the Exalted One was dwelling at Anathapindika's monastery, in the Jeta Grove, near Savatthi. Now when the night was far spent, a certain deva (deity) whose surpassing splendor illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Buddha and, drawing near, respectfully saluted him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Exalted One in verse:
Having come here with questions to the Exalted One, to ask thee, O Gautama, about one's decline. Please, what is the cause of downfall?
The Buddha: Easily known is the progressive one, easily known one who declines. One who loves Dharma progresses; one who is averse to it declines.
Translator's note: While the Mangala Sutra deals with the way of life conducive to progress and happiness, the Parabhava Sutta supplements it by pointing out the causes of downfall.
Thus have I heard. Once the Exalted One was dwelling at Anathapindika's monastery, in the Jeta Grove, near Savatthi. Now when the night was far spent, a certain deva (deity) whose surpassing splendor illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Buddha and, drawing near, respectfully saluted him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Exalted One in verse:
Having come here with questions to the Exalted One, to ask thee, O Gautama, about one's decline. Please, what is the cause of downfall?
The Buddha: Easily known is the progressive one, easily known one who declines. One who loves Dharma progresses; one who is averse to it declines.
The Deity: Thus much do we see: this is the first cause of one's downfall. Pray, tell us the second cause. [These lines are repeated after each stanza, with the due enumeration.]
The Buddha: The wicked are dear to one, with the virtuous one finds no delight, one prefers the teaching of the wicked — this is a cause of one's downfall.
Being fond of sleep, fond of company, indolent, lazy, and irritable — this is a cause of one's downfall.
Though being well-to-do, not to support father and mother when they are old and past their youth — this is a cause of one's downfall.
To deceive by falsehood a brahmin or ascetic or any other mendicant — this is a cause of one's downfall.
To have much wealth and ample gold and food, but to enjoy one's luxuries alone — this is a cause of one's downfall.
To be proud of birth, of wealth, or clan, and to despise one's own kinsmen — this is a cause of one's downfall.
To be a rake, a drunkard, a gambler, and to squander all one earns — this is a cause of one's downfall.
Not to be contented with one's own spouse, and to be seen with harlots and the spouses of others — this is a cause of one's downfall.
Being past one's youth, to marry someone much younger and to be unable to sleep for jealousy — this is a cause of one's downfall.
To place in authority a person given to drink and squandering — this is a cause of one's downfall.
To be of noble birth, with vast ambition and slender means, and to crave for rulership — this is a cause of one's downfall.
Knowing well these causes of downfall in the world, the noble sage endowed with insight shares a happy realm.
- Alternate translation: Ven. Piyadassi
