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CANONICAL FRAMEWORKS / EARLY DISCOURSES

Gradual training

How do generosity, conduct, attention and understanding fit together? The early discourses give several accounts of a path developed step by step.

Two related forms of gradual teaching

Gradual instruction for a newcomer and gradual monastic training address different situations. Both show how earlier developments prepare the ground for later understanding.

Ud 5.3 · teaching a newcomer

Generosity before the Four Truths

In the account of Suppabuddha, the Buddha teaches generosity, virtue and heaven; then the drawbacks of sensual pleasures and the benefits of renunciation. When the listener is ready, he teaches suffering, its origin, its cessation and the path.

  1. Generosity
  2. Ethical conduct
  3. Heaven as a fortunate result
  4. The drawbacks of sensual pleasures
  5. The benefits of renunciation
  6. The Four Noble Truths

This gradual instruction is often called anupubbikathā. Its religious context includes heavenly rebirth.

Read the complete Ud 5.3 →
MN 107 · training a monastic disciple

Conduct, attention and meditation

The Buddha describes training in conduct, sense restraint, moderation in eating, wakefulness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, followed by seclusion, abandoning the hindrances and the absorptions called jhānas.

  1. Ethical discipline
  2. Guarding the senses
  3. Moderation in eating
  4. Wakefulness
  5. Mindfulness and clear comprehension
  6. Seclusion and abandoning the hindrances
  7. The four jhānas

This is a monastic setting. The discourse also emphasizes that a teacher can show the way while students differ in how they follow it.

Read the complete MN 107 →
AN ATLAS SUGGESTION FOR STUDY

Four readings, four perspectives

This reading order is a modern editorial suggestion. The training frameworks themselves come from the discourses. Read these over several sessions, then revisit a theme through reflection, practice and conversation.

  1. 1 · MN 107 · the Buddha

    See the structure

    What does each step make possible for the next? Notice the monastic setting and the distinction between receiving directions and following them.

    Complete text →
  2. 2 · MN 53 · Ānanda

    Compare a disciple’s explanation

    Ānanda describes a trainee’s conduct, restraint, learning, effort, mindfulness and meditation, leading toward liberating knowledge. The Buddha approves his explanation. What qualities receive more attention here?

    Complete text →
  3. 3 · Ud 5.3 · the Buddha

    Return to the newcomer’s starting point

    Consider why generosity and conduct precede the Four Truths in this encounter. How does the listener’s readiness affect the way a teaching is introduced?

    Complete text →
  4. 4 · MN 70 · the Buddha

    Examine how learning develops

    Follow the account of approaching a teacher, listening, retaining the teaching, examining its meaning and applying effort. Which steps could improve your own study?

    Complete text →