Vatapada Sutta

SN 11:11 Vows

Translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland

Formerly, Bhikkhus, when Sakka, Lord of the devas, was a human being, he undertook to practice unremittingly seven rules of conduct, by reason of which he attained his position of honor. What seven?

As long as I live may I support my mother and father;

As long as I live may I respect the elders of my family;

As long as I live may I speak kindly and gently;

As long as I live may I not speak maliciously;

As long as I live may I dwell in my house with my mind free from the taint of selfishness, generous, open-handed, pleased to relinquish [possessions], accessible to entreaties, enjoying giving and sharing with others;

As long as I live may I speak truthfully;

As long as I live may I control my anger and if anger arises in me may I quickly dispel it.