Help | Home » Tipitaka » Sutta Pitaka » Khuddaka Nikaya » Sutta Nipata » Context of this sutta

### Sutta Nipata II.3

# Hiri Sutta

# Conscience

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

Read an alternate translation by John D. Ireland

> One who,
> flouting, despising
> a sense of conscience,
> saying, "I am your friend,"
> but not grasping
> what he could do [to help]:
> know him as
> "Not my friend."

> One who,
> among friends,
> speaks endearing words
> to which he doesn't conform,
> the wise recognize
> as speaking without doing.

> He's not a friend
> who's always wary,
> suspecting a split,
> focusing just on your weakness.
> But him on whom you can depend,
> like a child on its parent's breast:
> that's a true friend
> whom others can't split from you.

> Carrying one's manly burden,
> the fruits & rewards develop
> the conditions that make for joy,
> the bliss that brings praise.

> Drinking the nourishment,
> the flavor,
> of seclusion & calm,
> one is freed from evil, devoid
> of distress,
> refreshed with the nourishment
> of rapture in the Dhamma.[1]

### Note

1. This last verse = Dhp 205. [Go back]

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001