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← Aṅguttara Nikāya

Inclusion

AN 4.32 · Saṅgahasutta

A clear woodland spring emerging between layers of stone.

“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 world are like a moving chariot’s linchpin.

If there were no such ways of being inclusive, neither mother nor father would be respected and honored for 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 greatness and are praised.”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.