Establishing the populace in the ten ways of skillful deeds, I wandered from village to town, with friends and associates.

A wicked, miserly spirit promoting the ten wicked ways was also wandering the earth with friends and associates.

The righteous and unrighteous, we were each other’s foe. Slamming chariot poles, we collided together.

A dreadful quarrel ensued between the good and the ill, a great war loomed aiming to push the other off the road.

If I had been upset with him, if I had broken my asceticism, I could have reduced him to dust, together with his companions.

Nevertheless, for the sake of guarding my ethics, I quelled my heart. I left the road with my folk, giving it to the wicked one.

As soon as I stepped down off the path, and I had quelled my mind, the earth opened up for that wicked spirit.”

The Conduct Leading to Buddhahood The Chapter on an Elephant The Perfection of Ethics (9th) Alīnasattu’s Conduct