A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

26: Children
Iti 74 Puttasuttaṁ
The Three Types of Children
The Buddha explains the three types of children
that are found in the world.
504. Atijātaṁ anujātaṁ puttam-icchanti Paṇḍitā,
Avajātaṁ na icchanti, so hoti kulagandhano,
The Wise desire a child that is
Superior or just the same,
But not for one inferior,
Who will break up the family,
505. Ete kho puttā lokasmiṁ; ye bhavanti upāsakā
Saddhā sīlena sampannā, vadaññū vītamaccharā,
Cando va abbhanā mutto parisāsu virocare.
These are the various children;
Laymen with faith and with virtue,
Being bountiful, unselfish,
Will shine bright amongst the people
Like the moon released from the clouds.
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