[Note: Although many of the suttas this month speak directly about monastics in community, we know that these things also apply to lay people. As well, lay people need to learn to appreciate the qualities of the Noble Sangha and how much the Buddha valued harmony in community through respect of good qualities.]
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!”
“Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:
“Mendicants, a mendicant with seven qualities is disliked and disapproved by their spiritual companions, not respected or admired. What seven?
- It’s when a mendicant desires material possessions,
- honor,
- and to be looked up to.
- They lack conscience
- and prudence.
- They have corrupt wishes
- and wrong view.
A mendicant with these seven qualities is disliked and disapproved by their spiritual companions, not respected or admired.
A mendicant with seven qualities is liked and approved by their spiritual companions, respected and admired. What seven? It’s when a mendicant doesn’t desire material possessions, honor, and to be looked up to. They have conscience and prudence. They have few desires and right view. A mendicant with these seven qualities is liked and approved by their spiritual companions, respected and admired.”
Read this translation of Aṅguttara Nikāya 7.1 Paṭhamapiyasutta: Pleasing (1st) by Bhikkhu Sujato on SuttaCentral.net. Or listen on SC-Voice.net. Or explore the Pali on DigitalPaliReader.online.