So It Was Said 22

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

The Benefits of Love

iti22:1 This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

iti22:2 “Mendicants, don’t fear good deeds. For ‘good deeds’ is a term for happiness, for what is likable, desirable, and agreeable. I have seen for a long time the likable, desirable, and agreeable results of good deeds performed over a long time.

iti22:3 Not to mention regional kingship!

iti22:4 Then I thought, ‘Of what deed of mine is this the fruit and result, that I am now so mighty and powerful?’ Then I thought, ‘It is the fruit and result of three kinds of deeds: giving, self-control, and restraint.’” The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

iti22:5 “One should practice only good deeds, whose happy outcome stretches ahead. Giving and moral conduct, developing a mind of love:

iti22:6 having developed these three things yielding happiness, that astute one enters in a happy, pleasing world.”

iti22:7 This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.