KN.PS3.4 — The Discourse on Seclusion

Originating in Sāvatthī.

Disciples, just as all the tasks that require strength are performed by relying on the earth and standing on the earth, in the same way a disciple develops and frequently practices the Noble Eightfold Path by relying on virtue and standing on virtue.

And how does a disciple develop and frequently practice the Noble Eightfold Path by relying on virtue and standing on virtue?

Here a disciple develops right view, which is based on seclusion, dispassion, cessation, and leads to relinquishment. He develops right intention... right speech... right action... right livelihood... right effort... right mindfulness... right concentration, which is based on seclusion, dispassion, cessation, and leads to relinquishment.

In this way a disciple develops and frequently practices the Noble Eightfold Path by relying on virtue and standing on virtue. Disciples, just as all the seeds and plants that grow, thrive, and flourish do so by relying on the earth and standing on the earth, in the same way a disciple who develops and frequently practices the Noble Eightfold Path by relying on virtue and standing on virtue, grows, thrives, and flourishes in the Dhamma.

And how does a disciple who develops and frequently practices the Noble Eightfold Path by relying on virtue and standing on virtue, grow, thrive, and flourish in the Dhamma?

In this way a disciple who develops and frequently practices the Noble Eightfold Path by relying on virtue and standing on virtue, grows, thrives, and flourishes in the Dhamma.

4.1. Description of the Path Factors

Right View has five aspects of seclusion, five aspects of dispassion, five aspects of cessation, five aspects of relinquishment, and twelve aspects of dependence.

Right Intention ... Right Speech ... Right Action ... Right Livelihood ... Right Effort ... Right Mindfulness ...

These are the five aspects of seclusion in Right View. In these five aspects of seclusion, one becomes desirous and devoted, and one's mind is well established.

What are the five aspects of dispassion in Right View? Dispassion through suppression, dispassion through substitution, dispassion through eradication, dispassion through tranquility, dispassion through escape. These are the five aspects of dispassion in Right View. In these five aspects of dispassion, one becomes desirous and devoted, and one's mind is well established.

What are the five aspects of cessation in Right View? Cessation through suppression, cessation through substitution, cessation through eradication, cessation through tranquility, cessation through escape. These are the five aspects of cessation in Right View. In these five aspects of cessation, one becomes desirous and devoted, and one's mind is well established.

What are the five aspects of relinquishment in Right View? Relinquishment through suppression, relinquishment through substitution, relinquishment through eradication, relinquishment through tranquility, relinquishment through escape. These are the five abandonments of right view. In these five abandonments, one is inspired and firmly established in faith, and one's mind is well established.

These are the five seclusions, five dispassions, five cessations, and five abandonments of right view, and twelve dependencies.

For right intention... For right speech... For right action... For right livelihood... For right effort... For right mindfulness...

4.2. Explanation of the Faculties

The faculty of faith has five aspects of seclusion, five aspects of dispassion, five aspects of cessation, five aspects of letting go, and twelve dependencies.

What are the five aspects of seclusion for the faculty of faith? Seclusion through suppression, seclusion through substitution, seclusion through cutting off, seclusion through tranquility, seclusion through escape. These are the five aspects of seclusion for the faculty of faith. Among these five aspects of seclusion, one becomes desirous and devoted to faith, and his mind becomes well established ...

The faculty of energy ... The faculty of mindfulness ... The faculty of concentration ...

What are the five aspects of seclusion for the faculty of wisdom? Seclusion through suppression, seclusion through substitution, seclusion through cutting off, seclusion through tranquility, seclusion through escape. These are the five aspects of seclusion, five aspects of dispassion, five aspects of cessation, five aspects of letting go, and twelve dependencies for the faculty of wisdom.

The discussion on seclusion is finished.