Section outline
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Lesson 3.7.0 Sīlalakkhaṇapañho – Proceeding Further on the Path, the Wholesome Base of Sīla Is Only a Precondition!
This opening lesson to Sammāvāyāmo (Right effort) revisits the Milindapañho in which King Milinda questions the Venerable Nagasena about the special features of sīla, and the reply points to the fact that sīla is the foothold, the base of all the wholesome states - ‘patiṭṭhānalakkhaṇaṃ sīlaṃ sabbesaṃ kusalānaṃ dhammānaṃ’. Though regarding sammāvāyāmo, more is required than just leading a purified life; it demands a meditator to be dedicated and pursue with purpose the practise of paṭipatti! Regardless of whatever is appreciated theoretically as pariyatti, to benefit fully from the path requires applied realisation of paṭivedha. This naturally commands effort, determination, perseverance and purpose: Uṭṭhahatha nisīdatha, daḷhaṃ sikkhatha santiyā - Arise! You should sit up! Perseveringly train yourselves towards peace!