2.1.8

Lesson 2.1.8 Dutiyapaṭipadāsuttaṃ – Why One Ought to Walk the Path Correctly

The Buddha explained that as long as the Four Noble Truths were not realised nor penetrated, beings would keep on rolling continuously in the circle of saṃsara. He asserted that even householders can reach the goal provided they follow the path correctly (as highlighted in this lesson, Dutiyapaṭipadāsutta, one more short text that invites recitation by heart). The Introduction continues by describing further historical accounts of the efforts undertaken to keep the pure Dhamma alive. It refers to the ‘ten points’ (dasa vatthūni), practices that included the acceptance of gold and silver that the monks from the Vajji clan living at Vesāli thought legitimate. A wandering Bhikkhu, the Arahant Thera Yasa, observed these developments and took pains to rectify them, but without success. Finally, after various discussions and assemblies, all these practices were decided not to be in line with the teaching of the Buddha; those Bhikkhus who inaugurated them, left the Saṅgha thus contributing to the first split. A second council lasting eight months was then held with seven hundred Elders participating to rectify the teaching, known as the Yasattherasangīti or the Sattasatīsaṅgīti.