Sigalovada Sutta: Buddhist Layperson's Code

The Discourse to Sigala: The Layperson's Code of Discipline

• The Exalted One (Buddha) met a young householder named Sigala who was worshiping the six quarters (East, South, West, North, Nadir, and Zenith) following his father's instructions.
• Sigala's father told him to worship the six quarters, and Sigala was doing so out of respect for his father's word.

The Noble Way of Worshiping the Six Quarters

• The Exalted One taught Sigala that the six quarters should be worshipped in the discipline of the noble by avoiding fourteen evil things.
• The four vices in conduct that the noble disciple has eradicated are:
  • Destruction of life
  • Stealing
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Lying
• The noble disciple avoids committing evil actions led by:
  • Desire
  • Anger
  • Ignorance
  • Fear
• The noble disciple does not pursue the six channels for dissipating wealth, which are:
  • Indulgence in intoxicants
  • Sauntering in streets at unseemly hours
  • Frequenting theatrical shows
  • Indulgence in gambling
  • Association with evil companions
  • The habit of idleness

Consequences of Indulging in Intoxicants

• Six evil consequences of indulging in intoxicants:
  • Loss of wealth
  • Increase of quarrels
  • Susceptibility to disease
  • Earning an evil reputation
  • Shameless exposure of body
  • Weakening of intellect