2.1.7

Lesson 2.1.7 Paṭhamapaṭipadāsuttaṃ – How to Walk the Path Correctly

This short sutta invites recitation from memory by repeating terms from the previous texts. It also points to the importance of the paṭipadā as highlighted by the Buddha, who made it clear that without it there is no ‘cutting off the craving for existence’ (ucchinnā bhavataṇhā). The Introduction continues with the historical accounts of the first Dhammasaṅgīti, inaugurated by Mahā Kassapa along with five hundred Arahants participating who over the period of seven months accomplished a complete recounting of all the teachings and regulations of the Dhamma. The commentaries stress that it was this diligence that made it possible to prolong the Sāsana from 500 years to 5000, so that the Dhamma is available even today! Thus the Venerable Nāgasena could also clarify King Milinda’s dilemma about the statement the Buddha made after the inauguration of the female order under Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, and why he also endorsed eight additional regulations (aṭṭhagarudhammā) for the nuns.