Neither for oneself nor for another, one desires not sons, wealth nor kingdom; one would not wish one’s own success by illegitimate means. Such a person is virtuous, wise and just.

Na attahetu na parassa hetu — neither for oneself nor for another: the scope of this ethical ideal is total. Not only direct selfishness but also vicarious selfishness — for my family, my group, my followers — is included in the renunciation.

Na puttamicche na dhanaṃ na raṭṭhaṃ — desires not sons, wealth nor kingdom: the three most valued objects in ancient Indian society. One who does not desire them with compulsive attachment has a radical freedom.

Na iccheyya adhammena samiddhimattano — would not wish one’s own success by illegitimate means: not only does one not harm others out of greed, but one would not even desire one’s own success if the price is betrayal of the Dhamma. This is the most demanding ethical standard.

Sa sīlavā paññavā dhammiko siyā — such a person is virtuous, wise and just: the three pillars unify. Virtue in conduct, wisdom in understanding, justice in orientation. The ideal is not asceticism by negation but freedom by non-attachment.