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Lesson 3.6.15 Satidovāriko – Awareness as a Gatekeeper
These stirring verses from Milindapañha, titled Satidovāriko or "Awareness as a Gatekeeper," offers an inspiring reminder for the practice of sammā-ājīvo. The text references an episode where the Buddha advises against enforcing Devadatta's strict regulations. Instead, the Buddha recommends a principle called tikoṭiparisuddhaṃ: examining whether one’s livelihood has any negative side effects that are known, seen, heard or suspected. This method, while initially addressed to monks, is a valuable tool for laypeople to ensure their profession is blameless. By verifying the purity of their work and its implications, individuals can strengthen their awareness and mental calm, ensuring that neither direct nor indirect harm results from their actions.