Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

50 Vimuttimagga'Esteemableness' means that one is tranquillized through the action ofvirtue, fulfils the protection of mindfulness, is not over-desirous and doesnot speak much. This is called 'esteemableness'.'Venerableness' means that one is endowed with the merit of much learningand appreciates well the value of meditation. This is 'venerableness'.The ability to counsel well' means that one considers thus: "Let myspeech be lovable, esteemable, venerable and fruitful", and benefits othersand esteems the truth. Therefore, one restrains oneself from things thatought not to be done. Thus one observes to the end and does not forsake.This is called 'the ability to counsel well'.'Patience (in listening)' means that one is like a saint, understands well,never hesitates in one's speech and does not flatter* This iscalled 'patience (in listening)'.'(The ability to deliver) deep discourses' means that one well understands* This is called '(the ability to deliver) deep discourses'.'The not applying oneself to useless ends' means that he understandswell the place of kamma. This is 'the not applying oneself to useless ends'.Thus the seven qualities are completed.friend who should be searched for.THE SEARCH FOR A GOOD FRIENDQ. How should one search ?These (are qualities of) a goodA. If in such and such a place there is one who knows the accomplishmentof these merits and is a teacher of meditation, one should go to that teacher.Though one may not know, yet if a fellow-student knows, one should goand serve him.At the proper time in a beiitting way (one approaches a fellow-student)and without expressing one's wishes, one worships him and exchanges thecustomary greetings and consults him as to what one should do, thus: "Inwhich country and in which place is it safe for a bhikkhu to dwell? Whichis the suitable place of meditation for a bhikkhu? What is the name of theteacher who dwells there? For what practices and for what merits is hehonoured by all" ? Thus one should inquire.The fellow-student will answer: "In such and such a country, in suchand such a monastery, in such and such a place of meditation set apart forthe Order, such and such a teacher of meditation is honoured by all".On hearing this, one should think on this and be happy, and going thitherserve that teacher and practise under him.Unintelligible.