Numbered Discourses 4.259

26. Insight

A Thoroughbred (1st)

“Bhikkhus, a fine royal thoroughbred with four factors is worthy of a king, fit to serve a king, and considered a factor of kingship. What four? It’s when a fine royal thoroughbred is beautiful, strong, fast, and well-proportioned. A fine royal thoroughbred with these four factors is worthy of a king. …

In the same way, a bhikkhu with four qualities is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of veneration with joined palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world. What four? It’s when a bhikkhu is beautiful, strong, fast, and well proportioned.

And how is a bhikkhu beautiful? It’s when a bhikkhu is ethical, restrained in the monastic code, conducting themselves well and seeking alms in suitable places. Seeing danger in the slightest fault, they keep the rules they’ve undertaken. That’s how a bhikkhu is beautiful.

And how is a bhikkhu strong? It’s when a bhikkhu lives with energy roused up for giving up unskillful qualities and embracing skillful qualities. They are strong, staunchly vigorous, not slacking off when it comes to developing skillful qualities. That’s how a bhikkhu is strong.

And how is a bhikkhu fast? It’s when they truly understand: ‘This is suffering’ … ‘This is the origin of suffering’ … ‘This is the cessation of suffering’ … ‘This is the practice that leads to the cessation of suffering’. That’s how a bhikkhu is fast.

And how is a bhikkhu well proportioned? It’s when a bhikkhu receives robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick. That’s how a bhikkhu is well proportioned.

A bhikkhu with these four qualities … is the supreme field of merit for the world.”