[768] "Friend Ānanda, these wholesome (kusala) virtues (sīla) that have been declared by the Blessed One — for what purpose have these wholesome virtues been declared by the Blessed One?"
"Good, good, friend Bhadda! Excellent, friend Bhadda, is your line of inquiry, excellent your acumen, good your questioning. For thus you ask, friend Bhadda: 'Friend Ānanda, these wholesome virtues that have been declared by the Blessed One — for what purpose have these wholesome virtues been declared by the Blessed One?'"
"Even so, friend."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.