Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only
"Monks, the great sal trees that live in dependence on the Himalayas, the king of mountains, prosper in terms of three kinds of prosperity. Which three? They prosper in terms of branches, leaves, & foliage. They prosper in terms of bark & shoots. They prosper in terms of softwood and heartwood. The great sal trees that grow in dependence on the Himalayas, the king of mountains, prosper in terms of these three kinds of prosperity.
"In the same way, the descendents who live in dependence on a clansman of conviction prosper in terms of three kinds of prosperity. Which three? They prosper in terms of conviction. They prosper in terms of virtue. They prosper in terms of discernment. The descendents who live in dependence on a clansman of conviction prosper in terms of these three kinds of prosperity.
Like a mountain of rock in the wilderness, in a mighty grove, dependent on which there prosper lords of the forest, great trees — in the same way, those who here live dependent on a clansman of conviction — consummate in virtue — prosper: wife & children, friends, dependents, & kin. Seeing the virtue of that virtuous one, his liberality & good conduct, those who are perceptive follow suit. Having, here in this world, followed the Dhamma, the path to a good destination, they delight in the world of the devas, enjoying the pleasures they desire."