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THE CONVERSION OF THE PARIVRAJAKAS
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to the mind. Such a permanent turn can be achieved only by Samma Samadhi.
“Mere Samadhi is negative inasmuch as it leads to temporary suspension of the hindrances. In it there is no training to the mind. Samma Samadhi is positive. It trains the mind to concentrate and to think of some Kusala Kamma (Good Deeds and Thoughts) during concentration and thereby eliminate the tendency of the mind to be drawn towards Akusala Kamma (Bad Deeds and Bad Thoughts) arising from the hindrances.
“ Samma Samadhi gives a habit to the mind to think of good and always to think of good. Samma Samadhi gives the mind the necessary motive power to do good.”
§ 5. The Buddha’s First Sermon—( contd .)
The Path of Virtue
The Buddha then explained to the Parivrajakas the Path of Virtue.
He told them that the path of virtue meant the observance of the virtues called : (1) Sila; (2) Dana;
(3) Uppekha; (4) Nekkhama; (5) Virya; (6) Khanti; (7) Succa ; (8) Adhithana ; (9) Karuna ; and (10) Maitri.
The Parivrajakas asked the Buddha to tell them what these virtues meant.
The Buddha then proceeded to satisfy their desire.
“ Sila is moral temperament, the disposition not to do evil and the disposition to do good ; to be ashamed of doing wrong. To avoid to do evil for fear of punishment is Sila. Sila means fear of doing wrong.
“ Nekkhama is renunciation of the pleasures of the world.
“ Dana means the giving of one’s possessions, blood and limbs and even one’s life, for the good of others without expecting anything in return.
“ Virya is right endeavour. It is doing with
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