AN 4.32 · Numbered Discourses 4.32

Inclusion

The Buddha tells the mendicants about four ways of being inclusive: giving, kindly words, taking care, and equality. The short verse that follows says these ways hold the world together like the linchpin of a moving chariot. Without them, it says, not even a mother or father would be respected and honored for what they have done for their children. Because they do exist, sensible people regard them well, achieve greatness, and are praised. The discourse gives the four in a single list and does not expand on any of them.

The full text

Numbered Discourses 4.32 · 4. Situations · Inclusion · translated by Bhikkhu Sujato · public domain (CC0) · about 1 min · on SuttaCentral

“Mendicants, there are these four ways of being inclusive. What four? Giving, kindly words, taking care, and equality. These are the four ways of being inclusive.

Giving and kindly words,taking care here,and treating equally in worldly conditions,as they deserve in each case.These ways of being inclusive in the worldare like a moving chariot’s linchpin.

If there were no such ways of being inclusive,neither mother nor fatherwould be respected and honoredfor what they’ve done for their children.

But since these ways of being inclusive do exist,the astute do regard them well,so they achieve greatnessand are praised.”