Thus have I heard;
        On one occasion the Blessed one was dwelling in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Sanctuary, near Rajagaha.

        Now, at that time,young Sigala, a householder's son, rising early in the morning, and departing from Rajagaha, with wet clothes and wet hair, salute with joined hands, the various quarters, namely: East, South, West, North, Nadir and Zenith.

        The blessed One, having robed Himself in the forenoon, took bowl and robe, and entered Rajagaha for alms. Seeing young Sigala saluting thus, He Spoke to him as follows;

        "Wherefore do you, householder's son, rising early in the morning and departing from Rajagaha, with wet clothes and wet hair salute with joined hands these various quarters -East, South, West, North, Nadir and Zenith?"

        "My father, Lord, whilst dying said to me:The six quarters, dear son, you shall salute." "And I, Lord, respecting, revering, reverencing and honouring my father's word, rise early in the morning, and leaving Rajagaha,with wet clothes and wet hair, salute, with joined hands, these six quarters."

        "It is not thus, householder's son, the six quarters should be saluted in the Noble discipline?"

        "How then, Lord, should the six quarters be saluted in the Noble discipline?"
        "It is well, Lord, if the Blessed one would expound the doctrine to meas to how the six quarters should be saluted in the Noble discipline!"

        "Very well, householder, listen and bear it well in mind; I shall speak."

        "Very good, Lord!" responded young Sigala.

        And the Blessed One spoke as follows;
        Inasmuch, young householder, as the four vices of a Noble discipline are eradicated, inasmuch as he commits no evil deed in the four ways, inasmuch as he pursues not the six sources for dissipating wealth, he, thus, avoiding these fourteen evil things covers the six quarters, and enter ( the path ) leading to victory in both worlds; he is favoured in this world and in the world beyond. Upon the dissolution of the body, after, he is born in a heavenly realm.

        What are the four vices that he has eradicated? The destruction of life, householder, is a vice; and so are stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying. These are the four vices that he has eradicated. This the Blessed One said, having uttered thus, the Teacher, the Welcome One, furthermore spoke as follows;
        Killing, stealing, lying and adultery. These four evils the wise never praise.

        In which four ways does one commit evil deed ?
        Led by desire to injustice does one commit evil.
        Led by anger to injustice does one commit evil.
        Led by ignorance to injustice does one commit evil.
        Led by fear to injustice does one commit evil.

        Since a noble disciple is not led to injustice by desire, anger, ignorance and fear, he commits no evil in these four ways.

        This the Blessed One said. Having uttered thus, the Teacher, the Welcome One, furthermore spoke as follows:

        Who thro' desire, hate or fear
        Or ignorance doth transgress the dharma,
        All his glory fadeth away,
        Even as the moon during the waning half

        Who never thro' desire, hate or fear,
        Or ignorance transgresseth the dharma,
        All his glory ever increaseth,
        Even as the moon during the waxing half
        What are the six sources for dissipating wealth which he does not pursue?

        Indulgence in intoxicants, which cause infatuation and heedlessness, is a source for dissipating wealth.
        Sauntering in the streets at unseemly hours is a source for dissipating wealth.
        Frequenting theatrical shows is a source for dissipating wealth.
        Indulgence in gabling, which causes heedlessness, is a source for dissipating wealth.
        Association with evil companions is a source for dissipating wealth.
        Addiction to idleness is a source for dissipating wealth.

        There are, householder's son, these six evil consequences in indulging in intoxicants which cause infatuation and heedlessness, namely;

        immediate loss of wealth
        increase in quarrels
        liability to disease
        earning an evil reputation
        shameless exposure
        weakness of intellect

        There are, householder's son, these six evil consequences in sauntering the streets at unseemly hours namely;

        he himself is unprotected and unguarded
        his wife and children are unprotected and unguarded
        his property is unprotected and unguarded
        he is subject to suspicion with respect to evil deeds
        he becomes subject to false allegations
        he is beset with much misfortune

        There are, householder's son, these six evil consequences in frequenting theatrical shows, namely;

        he inquires where is dancing ?
        where is singing ?
        where is music ?
        where is recitation ?
        where is playing with cymbals ?
        where is pot blowing ?

        There are, householder's son, these six evil consequences in indulging in gambling, namely;

        victory breeds hatred
        being defeated, he grieves for his wealth
        immediate loss of wealth
        his word is not relied upon in court of law
        he is despised by his friends and associates
        he will not be sought for matrimonial alliance, saying that he is a gambler and is not fit to look after a wife.

        There are, householder's son, these six evil consequences in associating with evil companions, namely;

        any gambler, any glutton, any drunkard, any swindler, any cheat, any bandit is his friend and companion.

        There are, householder's son, these six evil consequences in being addicted to idleness, namely;
        he does not work, saying that it is extremely cold
        that it is extremely hot
        that it is too late in the evening
        that it is too early in the morning
        that I am extremely hungry
        that I am too full

        As he lives thus, leaving many duties undone, unacquired wealth he does not get , and acquired wealth dwindles away.

        This the Blessed One said. Having uttered thus, the Teacher, the Welcome One, furthermore spoke as follows;
        In Summary.......
        One is a liquor-friend; one says,"friend, friend," only to one's face; one is a friend and an associate only when an occasion arises.

        Sleeping till sunrise, adultery, irascibility, malevolence, evil companions, avarice, - these six causes ruin a man.

        The man who has evil comrades and friends, is given to evil ways, to ruin doth fall in both worlds - here and the next.

        Dice, women, liquor, dancing, singing, sleeping by day, sauntering at unseemly hours, evil companions, avarice - these six causes will ruin a man.

        They play with dice and consume intoxicants, go to women who, unto others, are dear as their own lives associate with the mean and not with elders - they decline just as the moon during the waning half.

        Who is drunk, poor, destitute, athirst whilst drinking frequents the bar, sinks in debt as a stone in water, swiftly will bring disrepute to his family.

        One who by habit sleeps by day, and keeps up at night, is ever intoxicated, and is gluttonous, is not fit to lead a household life.

        Saying that it is too hot, too cold, too late and leaving things undone; the opportunities for good go past such men.

        He who does not regard cold or heat any more than a blade of grass and does his duties manfully, does not fall away from happiness.

        FOE IN GUISE OF FRIEND
        These four, householder's son, should be understood as foes in guise of friends, namely;

        he who appropriates should be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend.
        he who renders lip-service should be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend
        he who flatters should be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend
        he who ruins should be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend

        In four ways, householder's son, should one who appropriates, be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend, namely;
        he appropriates his wealth
        he expects much from little
        he does his duty when in fear
        he associates for his own good

        In four ways, householder's son should one who renders lip services, be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend, namely;

        he entertains with what is past
        he entertains with what is future
        he treats with what is profitless
        when there is an immediate need he expresses his inability

        In four ways, householder's son, should one who flatters be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend namely;
        he consents to his evil deeds
        he dissents from his good deeds
        he praises him in his presence
        he speaks ill of him to others in his absence

        In four ways, householder's son, should one who ruins be understood as a foe in the guise of a friend, namely;
        he is a companion when one indulges in intoxicants that cause infatuation and heedlessness
        he is a companion when one saunters in streets at unseemly hours
        he is a companion when one frequents theatrical shows
        he is a companion when one indulges in gambling which cause heedlessness

        This the Blessed One said. Having said thus, the Teacher, the Welcome One , furthermore spoke as follows:
        That friend that carries what is with you, the friend that treats merely words, the friend that flatters and he who befriends in ruining you- These four enemies the wise recognise as such, and avoid them from a distance as a perilous path.

        WARM HEARTED FRIEND
        These four, householder's son, should be understood as Warm-hearted friends, namely;
        the helper should be understood as a warm-hearted friend
        who is the same in weal and woe should be understood as a warm-hearted friend
        who gives good counsel should be understood as a warm-hearted friend,
        the sympathiser should be understood as a warm-hearted friend.

        In four ways, householder's son, should a helper be understood as a warm- hearted friend, namely;
        he guards the heedless
        he protects his wealth
        he becomes a refuge when he is afraid
        when an occasion arises he provides him with double the amount that he needs

        In four ways, householder's son, should one who is equal in weal and woe be understood as a warm- hearted friend, namely;
        his secrets he reveals to him
        he conceals (his friend's) secret
        in misfortunes he does not forsake him
        his life too he sacrifices for his good

        In four ways, householder's son, should one who gives counsel be understood as a warm- hearted friend, namely;
        he dissuade him from doing evil
        he persuades him to do good
        he makes him hear what he has not heard
        he points him the path to heaven

        In four ways, householder's son, should a sympathiser be understood as a warm- hearted friend, namely;
        he dose not rejoice in his misfortune
        he rejoices in his prosperity
        he restrains one from speaking evil of him
        he praises one who speaks good of him

        This the Blessed One said, Having uttered thus, the Teacher, the Welcome One, furthermore spoke as follows:
        The friend who is a helper, the friend in weal and woe, the friend who gives counsel, and the sympathising friend -
        These four friends let the wise recognise, as such and be thoroughly devoted to them as a mother to her dear son.

        Whoso is wise and virtuous shines like a blazing fire.
        To him who amasses wealth in the way a bee collects honey riches accumulate as an anthill that gradually grows.
        Accumulating wealth thus, the layman who is fit to lead a household life should divide his wealth into four parts. Truly he binds friends to himself. With one portion let him enjoy, two portions let him set apart for business, the fourth portion let him deposit so that it may be use in times of adversity.

        How, householder's son does a noble disciple cover the six quarters ?
        These six quarters should be understood. The parents should be understood as the East, teachers as the South, wife and children as the West, friends and associates as the North, servants and employees as the Nadir, ascetics and Brahmans as the Zenith.

        PARENTS

        In five ways, householder's son, a child should minister to his parents as the East;
        being supported I shall support them
        I shall do their duties
        I shall keep the family lineage
        I shall act in such a way as to be worthy of my inheritance
        furthermore I shall offer alms in honour of my departed relatives

        In five ways, householder's son, the parents who are thus ministered to by their children as the East show their compassion;
        they dissuade them from evil
        they persuade them to do good
        they teach them an art
        they would give them in marriage to a suitable spouse
        at the proper time they would hand over to them their inheritance

        In these five ways do children minister to their parents as the East and the parents show their compassion to their children. Thus is the East covered by them and made safe and secure.

        TEACHERS

        In five ways, householder's son, a pupil should minister to a teacher as the South;
        by rising
        by attending to them
        by attentive hearing
        by personal service
        by respectfully receiving instructions

        In five ways, householder's son, do teachers who are thus minister to by pupils as the South show their compassion;
        they train them in the best discipline
        they make them receive which is well held by them
        they teach them every suitable art and science
        they introduce them to their friends and associates
        they provide for their safety in every quarters

        the teacher who are thus minister to as the South by their pupils show their compassion towards them in these five ways. Thus is the South covered by them and made safe and secure.

        WIFE


        In five ways, householder's son, should a wife as the West be ministered by a husband;

        by courtesy
        by not despising her
        by faithfulness
        by handing over authority to her
        by providing her with ornaments

        The wife who is thus ministered to by her husband as the West show her compassion to her husband in five ways;

        she performs her duties in perfect order
        she is hospitable to the people around
        she is not unfaithful
        she protects what he brings
        she is industrious and not lazy in discharging her duties

        In these five ways does the wife show her compassion to her husband who ministers to her as the West. Thus is the west covered by him and made secure and safe.

        FRIENDS


        In five ways, householder's son, should a noble scion minister to his friends and associates as the North;

        by generosity
        by courteous speech
        by promoting his good
        by equality
        by truthfulness

        The friends ans associates who are thus ministered to by a noble scion as the North show compassion to him in five ways;

        they protect him when he is heedless
        they protect his property when he is heedless
        they become a refuge when he is afraid
        they do not forsake him when in danger
        they are considerate towards his progency

        The friends and associates who are thus ministered to as the North by a noble scion show their compassion towards him in these five ways. Thus is the North covered by him and made safe and secure.

        SERVANTS

        In five ways should a master minister to servants and employees as the Nadir;

        by assigning them work according to their strength
        by supplying them with food and wages
        by tending them in sickness
        by sharing with them extraordinary delicacies
        by relieving them at times.

        The servants and employees who are thus ministered to as the Nadir by their master, show their compassion to him in five ways;

        they rise before him
        they go to sleep after him
        they take only what is given
        they perform their duties satisfactorily
        they spread his good name and fame

        The servants and employees who are thus ministered to as the Nadir show their compassion towards him in these five ways. Thus is the Nadir covered by him and made safe and secure.

        ASCETICS AND BRAHMINS
        In five ways, householder's son, should a noble scion minister to ascetics and Brahmins as the Zenith;

        by lovable deeds
        by lovable words
        by lovable thoughts
        by not closing the door to them
        by supplying them material needs

        The ascetics and Brahmans who are thus ministered to as the Zenith by a noble scion show their compassion towards him in five ways;

        they dissuade him from doing evil
        they persuade him to do good
        they love him with a kind heart
        they make him hear what he has not heard and clarify what he has already heard
        they point out the path to heavenly state

        In these five ways do ascetics and Brahmans show their compassion towards a noble scion who ministered to them as the Zenith. Thus is the Zenith covered by him and made safe and secure

        This the Blessed One said. Having uttered thus, the Teacher, Welcome One, furthermore spoke as follows;

        The mother and father are the East,
        The teachers are the South
        Wife and children are the West
        The friends and associates are the North
        Servants and employees are the Nadir
        The ascetics and Brahmans are the Zenith
        Who is fit to lead the household life
        These six quarters he should salute
        The wise and the virtuous person
        Gentle and of deep understanding
        Humble and docile
        Such a one glory may attain
        Energetic and not indolent
        In misfortune he is unshaken
        Humble in manners and intelligent
        Such a one to glory may attain
        Who is hospitable, a maker of friends
        Liberal and unselfish
        A guide, an instructor, a leader
        Such a one glory may attain
        Generosity, sweet speech
        Doing goods to others
        Equality towards all
        And at every place as the case demands
        These four winning ways in the world exist
        As the lynchpin that keeps the car rolling
        If these in the world exist not
        Neither the mother nor the father receive honour
        or respect through their children
        Since these four winning ways
        the wise consider in every way
        To eminence they attain
        and praise they rightly gain
        When the Blessed One spoke thus, Sigala , the householder's son said as follows;

        " Excellent, Lord, excellent! It is as if, Lord, a man were to set upright that which was overturned, or were to reveal that which was hidden, or were to point out the way to one who had gone astray, or were to hold a lamp amidst the darkness - so that those who have eyes may see. Even so, has the doctrine been expounded in various ways by the blessed One.

        I, too, Lord, take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, May the Blessed One receive me as a follower; as one who has taken refuge from this very day to life's end."