Section outline
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Lesson 3.6.0 Sammā-ājīvo – Dhammikasuttaṃ – Introduction to Right Livelihood
Sīla, moral conduct as taught by the Buddha, consists of three factors: sammāvāca, sammākammantā and sammā-ājīvo. This chapter 3.6 presents a selection of suttas that highlight the last constituent sammā-ājīvo, right livelihood. The lessons will mention not only the three components of sīla but also the ‘three purified dimensions’ (tikoṭiparisuddhaṃ), which consist of the dimension of the direct practical personal application of vāritta, not performing any act of harm towards others and thus towards oneself, the dimension of not encouraging others to undertake such an act of perniciousness towards others, and the third dimension of the complete abandonment of mentally approving any harmful acts done by others. The reference for these dimensions and the emphasis given behind them is found in the Dhammikasutta from the Suttanipāta. It outlines the specific training rules or precepts that create a vigorous and necessary foundation for all householders who are following the Buddha's teachings and who aspire to live a healthy life and establish a wholesome livelihood.