3.6.7

Lesson 3.6.7 Dīghajāṇusuttaṃ – Earning One’s Bread Honestly by the Sweat of One’s Brow

The previous lessons' suttas and Introductions focused on the importance of avoiding an unwholesome livelihood, encouraging the ariyasāvako to examine their intentions, ensure their work has no negative side effects, and to act with righteousness. This fulfills the first part of the Buddha's advice: “Idha, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako micchā-ājīvaṃ pahāya!” The following suttas, however, shift focus to the second part: “Sammā-ājīvena jīvitaṃ kappeti!” While the Siṅgālasutta in the preceding lesson stressed the importance of having loyal friends, administering to parents, teachers, family, associates, employees and ascetics, the Dīghajāṇusutta designates four crucial constituents of wholesome livelihood: unwavering effort (uṭṭhānasampadā), vigilance (ārakkhasampadā), beneficial friendship (kalyāṇamittatā), and leading a balanced life (samajīvitā). The Buddha also highlights potential factors that could undermine these principles.