One who kills living beings, speaks lies, takes what is not given, and goes to another’s spouse,

Verses 246-247 form a pair enumerating transgressions of the five basic precepts (pañcasīla): pāṇātipāta (killing living beings), musāvāda (lying), adinnādāna (taking what is not given), kāmesumicchācāra (sexual misconduct, here expressed as going to another’s spouse) and surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhāna (intoxicants, verse 247).

Yo pāṇamatipāteti — one who kills living beings: the first prohibition of Buddhist sīla. Pāṇa includes all sentient beings, not only humans.

Musāvādañca bhāsati — and speaks lies: the fourth prohibition. Lying destroys the basis of trust upon which all relationships are built.

Loke adinnamādiyati — takes what is not given: the second prohibition. Adinna is what is not given — taking without permission, stealing in any form.

Paradārañca gacchati — and goes to another’s spouse: the third prohibition in its classic formulation. Sexual misconduct that causes harm to others.