AN 3.131 - Paṭicchanna Sutta (Covered & Exposed)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=263
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: 130. Site text ID: AN 3.131.

130. Paṭicchanna Sutta (Covered & Exposed) Bhikkhus, these three things thrive and increase in their value when covered, but not so, when exposed.

Now, what are these three?

Women become more treasured, increasing in their worth when covered and kept mysteriously hidden, but not so, when exposed. Brahmanical hymns and mantras increase in their importance and are more treasured when covered and hidden, but not so when exposed. Wrong views increase and thrive, while getting covertly perpetuated when covered, but not so, when exposed for what they truly are.

These are the three things that thrive and increase in their value when covered, and not when they are exposed.

On the other hand, Bhikkhus, these other three things shine brighter when exposed, but not so when covered and hidden from sight.

And what are these three?

Bhikkhus, the moon shines brighter when exposed, but not when it is covered. The sun shines brighter when exposed, but not so, when it is covered. And The Dhamma and Discipline declared by The Tathāgata shine brighter when exposed and made visible, but not so, when they are covered.

Bhikkhus, these are the three things that shine brighter when exposed, but not so when covered and hidden from sight.
