Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

230 Vimuttimaggais knowledge. This is investigation of the truth, distinguishing, 1 synecdoche.That investigation is learned, skilful, clever, and in considering, it sees clearlyand draws knowledge (?). Wisdom is good; wisdom is faculty; wisdom ispower; wisdom is sword; wisdom is a tower; wisdom is light; wisdom issplendour; wisdom is a lamp; and wisdom is a gem. Non-delusion, investigationof the truth, right views—these are called wisdom. 2 The attainmentof truth is its salient characteristic. Investigation is its function. Nondelusionis its manifestation. The four truths are its near cause. Andagain, clear understanding is its salient characteristic; the entering into thetrue law is its function; the dispelling of the darkness of ignorance is itsmanifestation; the four kinds of analytical science are its near cause.BENIFITS OF WISDOMWhat are its benefits? Incalculable are the benefits of wisdom.the statement in brief:—This isThrough wisdom are all morals made to shine.Two kinds of wisdom lead to jHANa-heights.Through wisdom does one tread the Holy Pathand see the fruition great of sanctity.Supreme is wisdom; 'tis the eye of things.The loss of wisdom is impurity. :Unrivalled is the growth in wisdom's state.Through wisdom does one break all heresy.The vulgar drawn by craving practise ill;Not so the wise, the highest of all kind,who rightly live and teach what profits boththis world and that. They being free and strongsee states of woe and welfare multiform,and know condition, cause, mind, matter, norm.This wisdom is the doctrine of the Truths.This wisdom is the pasture of the good.Through wisdom one attains to excellence.Through wisdom one roots out the evil brood,which are called craving, hatred, ignorance,and birth and death, and all the rest that is,which naught else ever can exterminate.1. Lit. Excellent characteristic.2. Cp. Dhs. U, para. 16: Yd tastnim samaye pahfidpajdnand vicayo pavicayo dhammavicayosallakkhand upalakkhand paccupalakkhand pandiccam kosallam nepuhham vebhavyd cintdupaparikkhd bhuri medha parindyikd vipassand sampajannam patodo pannd pahhindriyampanndbalam panhdsattham pahhdpdsado pahhd-dloko pannd-obhaso panndpaj'joto panhdratanamamoho dhammavicayo sammdditihi—idarh tasmim samaye pannindriyam hoti.