Section outline
-
Lesson 3.6.1 Vibhaṅgasuttaṃ, Part Six – What Is Right Livelihood?
This inspirational verse from the Dhammapada offers a guiding principle for one's entire life and the practice of sammā-ājīvo, advising one to live anuloma—‘with the hair’, ‘with the grain’ or ‘in line with the Dhamma’—rather than falling into the detrimental habit of ‘concerning oneself with the things that others do that may be against the grain’ – through detrimental comparisons. This personal focus is supported by the clear, direct advice from the Vibhaṅgasutta: "stay aloof from all wrong means of livelihood and keep your source of revenue unspoilt!" Furthermore, the commentary to the Dhammikasutta details this upkeep, emphasizing that the indispensable foundation for maintaining a pure livelihood includes strictly applying the basic five training rules alongside the practice of purifying meditation.