Summary

The provided text describes a dialogue between Ananda and the Buddha on the progressive benefits of wholesome virtuous behavior, leading to ultimate knowledge and liberation.

Abstract

In the text, Ananda inquires about the value of virtuous behavior, to which the Buddha responds that it leads to non-regret. The Buddha further explains a sequence where non-regret fosters joy, which in turn leads to rapture, tranquility, pleasure, concentration, and finally the knowledge and vision of things as they really are. This culminates in disenchantment, dispassion, and ultimately knowledge and liberation, indicating that virtuous behavior is a foundational step towards enlightenment.

Opinions

The Buddha emphasizes that virtuous behavior is not an end in itself but a means to achieve higher spiritual states.
The Buddha's teaching suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between emotional states and spiritual development.
The progression outlined by the Buddha implies that inner peace and happiness are by-products of a deeper spiritual journey.
The dialogue underscores the importance of understanding the true nature of reality as a key to spiritual liberation.
The text conveys the Buddhist belief that disenchantment and dispassion are positive steps towards enlightenment, contrary to their negative connotations in common usage.

106. BUDDHA SPEAKS ABOUT DEPENDENCIES

108 Buddhist Parables

Once Ananda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, and said, “O Master, what is the purpose and benefit of wholesome virtuous behavior?”

The Blessed One replied, “Ananda, the purpose and benefit of wholesome virtuous behavior is non-regret.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of non-regret?”

The Blessed One replied, “The purpose and benefit of non-regret is joy.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of joy?”

“The purpose and benefit of joy is rapture.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of rapture?”

“The purpose and benefit of rapture is tranquility.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of tranquility?”

“The purpose and benefit of tranquility is pleasure.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of pleasure?”

“The purpose and benefit of pleasure is concentration.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of concentration?”

“The purpose and benefit of concentration is the knowledge and vision of things as they really are.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of the knowledge and vision of things as they really are?

“The purpose and benefit of the knowledge and vision of things as they really are is disenchantment.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of disenchantment?”

“The purpose and benefit of disenchantment is dispassion.”

“And what is the purpose and benefit of dispassion?”

The Blessed One replied, “The purpose and benefit of dispassion is knowledge and liberation. Thus, Ananda, wholesome virtuous behavior progressively leads to the foremost.”

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Next Parable: 107. BUDDHA SPEAKS ABOUT KARMA

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All parables in printed book format: 108 Buddhist Parables and Stories and 108 Zen Parables and Stories