The First Treatise on the Perfections – 2572 

 

being void of sensuous thoughts (

citta

-

viveka

), and detached from the 

defilements

 

(

upadhi-viveka

); applying himself to the development of the 

absorptions; being insatiable with blameless phenomena; teaching the Dhamma 
one has heard to others, out of goodwill; making great efforts to initiate 
meritorious deeds in fulfilment of the perfections; having unremitting 
perseverance intensified by courage; remaining unperturbed by accusations, and 
by the wrongs of others; being firmly established in truth; gaining mastery over 
the absorptions; achieving power in the super knowledges; comprehending the 
three characteristics of impermanence (

anicca

), suffering (

dukkha

) and non-self 

(

anatta

); accumulating the requisites for the four supermundane paths through 

the practice of steadfast mindfulness (

satipaṭṭhāna

), etc.; and becoming 

accomplished in the nine supermundane phenomena of the paths, fruitions and 
Nibbāna. 

All these endeavours to develop, accumulate and fulfil the requisites of 
Awakening can be made only with the power of energy. Therefore, the 
Bodhisatta has, from the time of forming the aspiration until his becoming a 
Buddha, worked to perfect his energy thoroughly, incessantly, assiduously, 
without any relaxation, so that it will enable him to advance to higher and 
higher stages of Dhamma. 

When this forward-driving (

parakkama

) perfection of energy has been fulfilled, 

the perfections of forbearance, truthfulness etc., which follow it, as well as those 
of generosity, morality, etc., which precede it, become fulfilled since all of them 
are dependent on energy for their perfection. Therefore, fulfilment of the 
perfection of forbearance and the others should be understood in the same 
manner. 

Thus, benefitting others in various ways by relinquishing objects to be offered, 
which contribute to the happiness of beings, is fulfilment through generosity. 
Non-destruction and protection of life, property and family of beings, not 
causing dissension, speaking endearing, beneficial words, etc., constitute 
fulfilment through morality. 

Likewise, performance of many beneficial deeds, such as accepting the four 
requisites given by beings and giving the gift of Dhamma to them, is fulfilment 
through renunciation; having skill in ways and means of promoting the welfare 
of beings is fulfilment through 

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 wisdom; striving with zeal, undergoing 

difficulties without slacking in the use of that skill is fulfilment through energy;