..续本文上一页defilements. This path issues in perfect comprehension of the Four Noble Truths. It fully fathoms the truth of suffering; eradicates the craving from which suffering springs; realizes with complete clarity the unconditioned element, Nibbana, as the cessation of suffering; and consummates the development of the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path.
With the attainment of the fourth path and fruit the disciple emerges as an arahat, one who in this very life has been liberated from all bonds. The arahat has walked the Noble Eightfold Path to its end and lives in the assurance stated so often in the formula from the Pali Canon: "Destroyed is birth; the holy life has been lived; what had to be done has been done; there is no coming back to any state of being." The arahat is no longer a practitioner of the path but its living embodiment. Having developed the eight factors of the path to their consummation, the Liberated One lives in the enjoyment of their fruits, enlightenment and final deliverance.
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Epilogue
This completes our survey of the Noble Eightfold Path, the way to deliverance from suffering taught by the Buddha. The higher reaches of the path may seem remote from us in our present position, the demands of practice may appear difficult to fulfill. But even if the heights of realization are now distant, all that we need to reach them lies just beneath our feet. The eight factors of the path are always accessible to us; they are mental components which can be established in the mind simply through determination and effort. We have to begin by straightening out our views and clarifying our intentions. Then we have to purify our conduct -- our speech, action, and livelihood. Taking these measures as our foundation, we have to apply ourselves with energy and mindfulness to the cultivation of concentration and insight. The rest is a matter of gradual practice and gradual progress, without expecting quick results. For some progress may be rapid, for others it may be slow, but the rate at which progress occurs should not cause elation or discouragement. Liberation is the inevitable fruit of the path and is bound to blossom forth when there is steady and persistent practice. The only requirements for reaching the final goal are two: to start and to continue. If these requirements are met there is no doubt the goal will be attained. This is the Dhamma, the undeviating law.
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Appendix
A Factorial Analysis of the Noble Eightfold Path
(Pali and English)
I. Samma ditthi ..... Right view
dukkhe ñana ..... understanding suffering
dukkhasamudaye ñana ..... understanding its origin
dukkhanirodhe ñana ..... understanding its cessation
dukkhanirodhagaminipatipadaya ñana ..... understanding the way leading to its cessation
II. Samma sankappa ..... Right intention
nekkhamma-sankappa ..... intention of renunciation
abyapada-sankappa ..... intention of good will
avihimsa-sankappa ..... intention of harmlessness
III. Samma vaca ..... Right speech
musavada veramani ..... abstaining from false speech
pisunaya vacaya veramani ..... abstaining from slanderous speech
pharusaya vacaya veramani ..... abstaining from harsh speech
samphappalapa veramani ..... abstaining from idle chatter
IV. Samma kammanta ..... Right action
panatipata veramani ..... abstaining from taking life
adinnadana veramani ..... abstaining from stealing
kamesu micchacara veramani ..... abstaining from sexual misconduct
V. Samma ajiva ..... Right livelihood
miccha ajivam pahaya ..... giving up wrong livelihood,
samma ajivena jivitam kappeti ..... one ear…
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