The First Treatise on the Perfections – 2536 

 

steadfastness, one could not practise them with skill and valour. And without 
skill and valour, the perfection of generosity, morality, etc., which form the 
requisites for omniscience, could not be accomplished.” 

“Only when resolution in doing good deeds, such as the perfection of generosity, 
morality, etc., is firm, can one maintain steadfastness in encountering their 
opposites such as miserliness, immorality, etc. Only when such steadfastness is 
maintained, can one gain skill and valour in performing such good deeds. Then 
only the perfections of generosity, morality, etc., which form the requisites of 
omniscience, could be accomplished.” In this manner, the attributes of resolution 
should be reflected upon. 

9. Reflecting on the Perfection of Loving-Kindness 

“Even one occupied entirely with one’s personal welfare, like a selfish person, 
could not gain prosperity in this or a future life without promoting loving-
kindness for the well-being of others. How much more should a Bodhisatta, 
wishing to establish all beings in the bliss of Nibbāna, develop it? Only by 
fostering infinite loving-kindness for them, can a Bodhisatta establish all beings 
in Nibbāna.” 

“Wishing to help all beings achieve the supermundane bliss of Nibbāna when I 
become a Buddha, I should begin right now, wishing them, in advance, mundane 
prosperity.” 

“If I could not perform now the mere mental act of wishing for their welfare, 
when would I accomplish the verbal and physical deeds of helping them achieve 
their welfare?” 

“These beings, whom I nurture now with loving-kindness, would, in future, 
become heirs and companions, in the future occasion, of sharing my Dhamma 

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 inheritance.” 

“Without these beings, there could be no requisites for my perfections. 
Therefore, they form complementary conditions for fulfilment and 
accomplishment of all the attributes of a Buddha. They serve as a highly fertile 
field for sowing the seeds of merit, the best location for the performing of 
meritorious deeds, the unique site to be revered.” 

In this manner, one should especially cultivate goodwill towards all beings. The 
attributes of loving-kindness should also be reflected on this way: “Compassion