[267] Bhikkhus, there are these three wholesome thoughts (vitakka), which do not cause blindness, which give rise to vision, which give rise to knowledge (ñāṇa), which promote the growth of wisdom (paññā), which are on the side of non-vexation, and which lead to Nibbāna. What three? The thought of renunciation (nekkhammavitakka), bhikkhus, does not cause blindness, gives rise to vision, gives rise to knowledge, promotes the growth of wisdom, is on the side of non-vexation, and leads to Nibbāna. The thought of non-ill will (abyāpādavitakka), bhikkhus, does not cause blindness, gives rise to vision, gives rise to knowledge, promotes the growth of wisdom, is on the side of non-vexation, and leads to Nibbāna. The thought of harmlessness (avihiṃsāvitakka), bhikkhus, does not cause blindness, gives rise to vision, gives rise to knowledge, promotes the growth of wisdom, is on the side of non-vexation, and leads to Nibbāna. These, bhikkhus, are the three wholesome thoughts, which do not cause blindness, which give rise to vision, which give rise to knowledge, which promote the growth of wisdom, which are on the side of non-vexation, and which lead to Nibbāna.
Let one think the three wholesome thoughts,
but the three unwholesome let one dispel.
Truly he stills thoughts and ponderings,
as a shower of rain lays the dust that has been stirred up;
truly he, with a mind that has quieted thought,
has attained right here the state of peace.
The eighth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.