Section outline
-
Lesson 2.1.4 Paṭhama-asappurisasuttaṃ – About an Unworthy Person
The Paṭhama-asappurisasuttaṃ, presents the ‘first discourse about a person who is unworthy’. One of the first important steps on the path is to pay attention to the company one keeps. In general, one's virtuous friends (kalyāṇamittā) encourage, guide and support with positive intentions. Kalyāṇamittā try to cultivate and establish a shared interest and determination to walk the Noble Eightfold Path as pointed out in this short selection. In the next lessons further repetitive, shorter suttas try to convey the same content in ample variations providing an opportunity to recite such important messages by heart. Additionally, the Introduction to this sutta (and those following) will shed some light on the history of the Dhamma after the Buddha’s passing away and the prophesy about its duration.