A translation of Sutta Nipāta I.8.
Translation by Christopher Ash, 2021
143. This is what should be done
By one skilled in well-being,
And who knows the way of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble and not conceited.
144. Contented and easily supported,
Unburdened with duties,
Their wants are easily met.
Peaceful and calm,
And wise and skilful,
Not proud and demanding of others.
145. Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
In gladness and in safety,
May all beings be at ease.
146. Whatever living being there may be,
Whether they are weak or strong,
Omitting none – the long or the great,
The small or the large,
Middle-sized or short.
147. The seen or the unseen,
Those living near or far away.
Those born or to be born –
May all beings be at ease.
148. Let none deceive another,
Nor despise any being, anywhere at all.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish suffering upon another.
149. Even as a mother protects
With her life her child, her only child,
So one should develop a boundless heart
Toward all living beings.
150. Radiating kindness over the entire world,
Upwards, downwards, and all around,
One should foster a boundless heart,
Free from hatred and ill will.
151. Whether standing or walking,
Seated or lying down,
Free from distraction,
One should sustain this mindfulness.
This is called the highest abiding.
152. By not holding to views,
Having virtue and clarity,
Free from greed for sense pleasures,
One is not found again in what comes and goes.*
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* The Pāli says: “one would not again be born into a womb.”