Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary

progress: s. patipadá, abhabbagamana - p. in morality, etc., s. hánabhágiya, etc. - Purificationby knowledge and vision of path-progress, s. visuddhi (VI). - p. of the disciple, s. foll.progress of the disciple, Gradual development of the Eightfold Path in the: In many suttasoccurs an identical passage that outlines the gradual course of development in the progressof the disciple. There it is shown how this development takes place gradually, and inconformity with laws, from the very first hearing of the doctrine, and from germinatingfaith and dim comprehension, up to the final realization of deliverance."After hearing the law, he is filled with confidence, and he thinks: 'Full of hindrances ishousehold life, a refuse heap; but the homeless life (of a monk) is like the open air. Not easyis it, when one lives at home, to fulfill in all points the rules of the holy life. How if now Iwere to cut off hair and beard, put on the yellow robe, and go forth from home to thehomeless life?' And after a short time, having given up his possessions, great or little, havingforsaken a circle of relations, small or large, he cuts off hair and beard, puts on the yellowrobe, and goes forth from home to the homeless life.Having thus left the world, he fulfills the rules of the monks. He avoids the killing of livingbeings and abstains from it; without stick or sword, conscientious, full of sympathy, he isdesirous of the welfare of all living beings. He avoids stealing ... avoids unchastity ... avoidslying ... tale-bearing ... harsh language ... vain talk."He abstains from destroying vegetal germs and plants; eats only at one time of the day;keeps aloof from dance, song, music and the visiting of shows; rejects floral adornment,perfumes, ointment, as well as any other kind of adornment and embellishment. High andgorgeous beds he does not use. Gold and silver he does not accept ... keeps aloof from buyingand selling things ...."He contents himself with the robe that protects his body, and with the alms-bowl withwhich he keeps himself alive. Wherever he goes, he is provided with these two things, just asa winged bird in flying carries its wings along with him."By fulfilling this noble domain of morality (síla) he feels in his heart an irreproachablehappiness."In what follows thereafter it is shown how the disciple watches over his 5 senses and hismind, and by this noble restraint of the senses (indriya-samvara) feels in his heart anunblemished happiness; how in all his actions he is ever mindful and clearly conscious; andhow, being equipped with this lofty morality (síla), and with this noble restraint of the senses(indriya-samvara), and with mindfulness and clear consciousness (sati-sampajañña), he chosesa secluded dwelling, and freeing his mind from the 5 hindrances (nívarana, q.v.) he reachesfull concentration (samádhi, q.v.); and how thereafter, by developing insight (vipassaná q.v.)with regard to the impermanency (anicca), misery (dukkha) and impersonality (anattá, q.v.) ofall phenomena of existence, he finally realizes deliverance from all cankers and defilements,and thus the assurance arises in him:"For ever am I liberated,This is the last time I am born,