A deity asks the Blessed One what is good when it does not decay, what is good when established, what is the treasure of humans, and what cannot be stolen by thieves.

SN 1.52  Ajarasā sutta - Non-decay

“Kiṁsu ajarasā sādhu,
kiṁsu sādhu adhiṭṭhitaṁ;
Kiṁsu narānaṁ ratanaṁ,
kiṁsu corehyahāriyan”ti.

[A deity asked]: “What is good when it does not decay?
What is good when firmly established?
What is the treasure of humans?
What cannot be stolen by thieves?”

“Sīlaṁ ajarasā sādhu,
saddhā sādhu adhiṭṭhitā;
Paññā narānaṁ ratanaṁ,
puññaṁ corehyahāriyan”ti.

[The Blessed One]: “|Virtue::moral conduct, ethical behavior [sīla]| is good when it does not decay.
|Faith::confidence, conviction, trust [saddha]| is good when established.
|Wisdom::distinctive knowledge, discernment [paññā]| is the treasure of humans.
|Merit::good deeds, spiritual wealth [puññā]| is what thieves cannot steal.”

Qualities:

Ethical conduct

Ethical conduct

A disciplined way of living grounded in harmlessness and integrity. Ethical conduct restrains the body and speech from harm, purifies behavior, and forms the foundation for collectedness and wisdom.

Also known as: moral integrity, right action, virtue
Pāli: sīla, sammākammanta
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Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Merit

Merit

Wholesome result of good conduct, generosity, and right intention. Merit brightens the mind and supports happiness and favorable conditions for practice.

Also known as: good deeds, spiritual wealth
Pāli: puñña, kalyāṇa
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, vijjā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita
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Last updated on December 13, 2025