The First Treatise on the Perfections – 2559
Because he avoids the unwholesome courses of action (
kamma
) which leads to
the four planes of misery, and because he is established in the wholesome
courses of action which leads to the Deva realm and Nibbāna, through the purity
of his inclinations, and through the
[86]
purity of his physical and verbal actions,
all the Bodhisatta’s wishes for the welfare and happiness of beings are rapidly
fulfilled. He also achieves the fulfilment of his perfections.
1.
By abstaining from the wrong deed of killing (
pāṇātipāta
), the
Bodhisatta gives the gift of harmlessness to all beings. He becomes
accomplished in the development of loving-kindness without difficulty,
and enjoys the eleven advantages (AN 11.15) of developing loving-
kindness. Together with the advantages of enjoying robust health,
longevity and great happiness, he possesses the distinguished
characteristics of a great being such as long, tapering fingers and toes;
and he is able to eradicate the natural tendencies towards hatred (
dosa-
vāsanā
).
2.
By abstaining from the wrong deed of taking what is not given
(
adinnādāna
), the Bodhisatta acquires wealth and possessions which are
immune from molestation by the five enemies: water, fire, kings,
thieves and unloved heirs. He is not susceptible to suspicion by others.
He is dear, amiable and trustworthy. He is not attached to wealth and
property. With an inclination to relinquishing, he is able to eradicate
the natural tendencies towards greed (
lobha-vāsanā
).
3.
By abstaining from unchaste practices (
abrahmacariyā
), the Bodhisatta
remains modest, calm in mind and body, dear, agreeable to all beings
and is not loathed by them. He enjoys a good reputation. He has neither
attachment to women nor strong desire for them. With earnest
inclination to renunciation, he is able to eradicate the natural
tendencies towards greed (
lobha-vāsanā
).
4.
By abstaining from false speech (
musā-vāda
), the Bodhisatta is highly
esteemed, trusted and relied upon by beings. His words are well
accepted and have much influence on many. He is dear and agreeable to
Devas. He has a sweet fragrance. He is well guarded in his speech and
action. He possesses the distinguished characteristics of a great being
such as having only a single hair in each of the pores of his body, and so