Ethical conduct is the starting point and foundation; the mother at the head of all good things: that’s why you should purify your ethics.

Ethics provide a boundary and a restraint, an enjoyment for the mind; the ford where all the Buddhas cross over: that’s why you should purify your ethics.

Ethics are the matchless power; ethics are the ultimate weapon; ethics are the best ornament; ethics are a marvelous coat of armor.

Ethics are a mighty bridge; ethics are the unsurpassed scent; ethics are the best perfume, that float from place to place.

Ethics are the best provision; ethics are the unsurpassed supply for a journey; ethics are the best vehicle that take you from place to place.

In this life they’re criticized; after departing they grieve in a lower realm; a fool is unhappy everywhere, because they are unsteady in ethics.

In this life they’re renowned; after departing they’re happy in heaven; the attentive are happy everywhere, because they are steady in ethics.

Ethical conduct is best in this life, but one with wisdom is supreme. Someone with both virtue and wisdom is victorious among men and gods.

Verses of the Senior Monks 12.2 The Book of the Twelves Chapter One Sunīta

I was born in a low-class family. We were poor, with little to eat. My job was lowly—I threw out the old flowers.