6. Conditions of Good and Evil

AN 5:6 Conditions of Good and Evil

Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi

So long, O monks, as faith exists in wholesome qualities, then what is unwholesome will not gain entry. But when faith (in the wholesome) has vanished and disbelief takes a hold and prevails, then what is unwholesome will gain entry.

So long, O monks, as a sense of shame exists in regard to wholesome qualities, then what is unwholesome will not gain entry. But when such a sense of shame has vanished and shamelessness takes a hold and prevails, then what is unwholesome will gain entry.

So long, O monks, as moral dread exists in regard to wholesome qualities, then what is unwholesome will not gain entry. But when such moral dread has vanished and moral recklessness takes a hold and prevails, then what is unwholesome will gain entry.

So long, O monks, as there is energy directed to wholesome qualities, then what is unwholesome will not gain entry. But when such energy has vanished and indolence takes a hold and prevails, then what is unwholesome will gain entry.

So long, O monks, as there is wisdom concerning wholesome qualities, then what is unwholesome will not gain entry. But when such wisdom has vanished and stupidity takes a hold and prevails, then what is unwholesome will gain entry.