His Sermons. - Page 397

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378 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES

SECTION II SERMONS ON THE NEED FOR MAINTAIN- ING CHARACTER

IV

§ 1. What Constitutes the Downfall of Man

1. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling in the monastery of Anathapindika, in the Jeta Grove, near Shravasti.

2. Now when the night was far spent a certain Deva whose splendour illuminated the whole Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Blessed One, and, drawing near, respectfully saluted Him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse :

3. “Having come to interrogate the Blessed One, I ask thee, O Gotama, about the falling man. Pray, tell me the cause of one’s downfall.” The Blessed One consented to explain the causes of man’s downfall.

4. “Easily known is the progressive one, easily known is the declining one. A lover of the Dhamma is the progressive one, a hater of the Dhamma is the declining one.

5. “The vicious are dear to him, in the virtuous he finds nothing pleasing; he favours the creeds of the vicious—this is the second cause of one’s downfall.

6. “The man who is drowsy, fond of society, not industrious, indolent, and who manifests anger—this is the third cause of one’s downfall.

7. “Whosoever, being rich, does not support his aged mother and father, who have passed their youth—this is the fourth cause of one’s downfall.

8. “He who, by falsehood, deceives a Brahmana or an ascetic or any other medicant—this is the fifth cause of one’s downfall.

9. “The man who owns much property, who has gold and food, but alone enjoys his delicacies—this is the sixth cause of one’s downfall.

10. “The man who prides in birth or wealth