3.7.12

Lesson 3.7.12 Assājānīyasuttaṃ - Eight Extolled Virtues That Qualify a Follower of the Path – Working in a Balanced Way!

‘Exploring the Path’ closes this chapter with selections and thoughts referring to sammā vāyāmo, vīriya and padhāna, the energy, endeavour, effort, perseverance and the striving one should undertake to progress on the path. Assājānīyasuttaṃ defines eight potentials of a well-born thoroughbred which the Buddha uses as a simile for his disciples. Similar capabilities and qualities for a monk, when developed, serve to turn him into an inspiring example and a worthy and valuable member of the Saṅgha. The last of these eight described qualities highlighted here once more refers back to what has been described in the previous lesson as the ‘strong determination of maintaining one’s chosen posture’. But once again a reminder refers to the guidance that persistence, tenacity and fortitude engulfed in equanimity need to go hand in hand with patience and confidence for the proper time to ripen sooner or later for someone who maintains full awareness and proper, thorough understanding.