AN 3.122 - Moneyya Sutta (Wise Perfection)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=249
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana, 2020, 2026. Free distribution only; do not alter the contents. The original book, including its complete permission notice, accompanies this text.
Candana source labels: 121. Site text ID: AN 3.122.

121. Moneyya Sutta (Wise Perfection) Bhikkhus, these three are the wise perfections. What three?

Wise perfection in body, speech, and mind.

Now what, Bhikkhus, is wise bodily perfection?

Here, Bhikkhus, a certain person abstains from destroying and harming living beings, from taking what is not freely given, and from engaging in sexual misconduct.

This is wise bodily perfection.

And what, Bhikkhus, is wise verbal perfection?

Here, Bhikkhus, a certain person abstains from telling lies, from slandering, from using harsh or mean words, and from talking frivolously or using idle chatter.

Bhikkhus, this is wise verbal perfection.

And what, Bhikkhus, is wise mental perfection?

Here, Bhikkhus, through the destruction of the contaminants (āsavas) and by his own direct knowledge, the Bhikkhu realizes in this very birth, the taintless Release of the Heart, becoming liberated through wisdom, as he enters upon and dwells in it.

This, Bhikkhus, is wise mental perfection.

Bhikkhus, these are the three wise perfections.

‘The Sage is developed in body, speech, and mind Thus, he now stands with contaminants of the heart all destroyed. No wonder it is of Him they speak, by declaring: “A Wise One indeed, he is; Truly accomplished in his sagacity; The One who has relinquished all things.”
