Eight categories ending in the deepest truths.
The Buddha responded:
1. Associating with the Wise and Respecting Others
- Not associating with fools
- Associating with the wise
- Respect for those who are worthy of respect.
The Buddha in rural Thailand
2. Abiding in a Supportive Environment and Attitude
- Residing in a suitable locality
- Recognising wholesome actions in the past.
- Setting one’s mind on the right course.
3. Developing Skills and Character
- Through knowledge and learning
- Being skilful in a trade or craft
- Being well-trained in ethics (non-violence, non-exploitation, non-abuse).
- Being of calm/clear speech/communication.
4. Fulfilling Social and Family Duties
- Care for one’s parents
- Cherishing wife, husband, partner and children
- Engaging in peaceful, blameless livelihood (for the benefit of all)
- Supporting one’s relatives.
5. Living a Virtuous Way of Life
- Giving and donating to others
- Conducting oneself according to the Dharma (applied ethics, mindfulness/meditation and wisdom)
- Acting blamelessly
- Abstaining from evil (desire to cause suffering to others)
- Abstaining from intoxicants leading to carelessness
- Being steadfast and diligent in Dharma practice,
6. Cultivating Inner Qualities
- Being respectful
- Being humble
- Being content
- Being grateful.
7. Engaging in Spiritual Cultivation
- Hearing and being receptive to a timely Dharma.
- Being patient and humble when corrected for one’s faults and failings
- Associating with the Sangha of Practitioners
- Discussing the Dhamma at the proper time
- Practicing moderation in every area of life
- Living a spiritual life.
8. Realizing the Deepest Truths
- Benefitted from all the blessings
- Finding insights into the Four Noble Truths*
- Realizing the ultimate peace of Nirvana (absence of suffering, absence of greed, aggression and confusion).
- Knowing an unshaken, sorrowless daily life and freedom from unresolved issues.Sutta Nipata 2.4
*1. There is suffering in this world
2. Suffering arises due to causes and conditions
3. There is seeing and knowing the end of all suffering (bodily pain may arise for the liberated ones without causing suffering in the mind)
4. There are ways to develop to end suffering that dissolves conditions for suffering. major or minor.
May all beings know the fullness of blessings
May all beings meditate on the blessings
May all beings live a liberated way of life.
