Taught by the Buddha in reply to a question put by Sāriputta beginning with the word “kiṃsīla (what virtue?)”

Sāriputta visited the Buddha, taking with him a young man, son of a friend of his father. The youth had joined the Order under Sāriputta renouncing his immense wealth, but he could gain no attainment. Sāriputta desired him to hear an exposition by the Buddha, hence his question (SnA.i.331).

One who aspires to the highest good should not be envious, obstinate, or careless, but diligent in his training, cultivating self-restraint and chastity, intent in the dhamma, making the Dhamma his first and last concern (Sn.pp.56 f).

The ninth sutta of the Cūḷavagga of the Suttanipāta. It derives its name from the first word (kiṃsīlo) in Sāriputta’s question.