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an.4.258 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

On Families

“In every case where a family cannot hold onto its great wealth for long, it is for one or another of these four reasons. Which four? They don’t look for things that are lost. They don’t repair things that have gotten old. They are immoderate in consuming food and drink. They place a woman or man of no virtue or principles in the position of authority. In every case where a family cannot hold onto its great wealth for long, it is for one or another of these four reasons.

“In every case where a family can hold onto its great wealth for long, it is for one or another of these four reasons. Which four? They look for things that are lost. They repair things that have gotten old. They are moderate in consuming food and drink. They place a virtuous, principled woman or man in the position of authority. In every case where a family can hold onto its great wealth for long, it is for one or another of these four reasons.”

- Translator: Thanissaro Bhikkhu

- Editor: Gabriel Laera


Families

“Mendicants, when families don’t stay wealthy for long, it’s always for one or more of these four reasons.
What four?
They don’t look for what’s lost; they don’t fix old things; they eat and drink too much; or they put an unethical woman or man in charge.
When families don’t stay wealthy for long, it’s always for one or more of these four reasons.
When families do stay wealthy for long, it’s always for one or more of these four reasons.
What four?
They look for what’s lost; they fix old things; they eat and drink in moderation; and they put an ethical woman or man in charge.
When families do stay wealthy for long, it’s always for one or more of these four reasons.”