[157] "Bhikkhus, I shall teach you the noble descent (paccorohaṇī). Listen to it and attend carefully; I shall speak." "Yes, venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
"And what, bhikkhus, is the noble descent? Here, bhikkhus, a noble disciple reflects thus: 'The result (vipāka) of the destruction of life (pāṇātipāta) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons the destruction of life; he descends from the destruction of life.
'The result of taking what is not given (adinnādāna) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons taking what is not given; he descends from taking what is not given.
'The result of sexual misconduct (kāmesu micchācāra) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons sexual misconduct; he descends from sexual misconduct.
'The result of false speech (musāvāda) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons false speech; he descends from false speech.
'The result of divisive speech (pisuṇā vācā) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons divisive speech; he descends from divisive speech.
'The result of harsh speech (pharusā vācā) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons harsh speech; he descends from harsh speech.
'The result of frivolous talk (samphappalāpa) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons frivolous talk; he descends from frivolous talk.
'The result of covetousness (abhijjhā) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons covetousness; he descends from covetousness.
'The result of ill will (byāpāda) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons ill will; he descends from ill will.
'The result of wrong view (micchādiṭṭhi) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons wrong view; he descends from wrong view.
This, bhikkhus, is called the noble descent."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.