Numbered Discourses 5.131

14. Kings

Wielding Power (1st)

“Bhikkhus, possessing five factors a wheel-turning monarch wields power only in a principled manner. And this power cannot be undermined by any human enemy.

What five? A wheel-turning monarch knows what is right, knows principle, knows moderation, knows the right time, and knows the assembly. A wheel-turning monarch who possesses these five factors wields power only in a principled manner. And this power cannot be undermined by any human enemy.

In the same way, possessing five qualities a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha rolls forth the supreme Wheel of Dhamma only in a principled manner. And that wheel cannot be rolled back by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or Brahmā or by anyone in the world.

What five? A Realized One knows what is right, knows principle, knows moderation, knows the right time, and knows the assembly. Possessing these five qualities a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha rolls forth the supreme Wheel of Dhamma only in a principled manner. And that wheel cannot be rolled back by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or Brahmā or by anyone in the world.”