Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

8 ViniuttlmaggaFUNCTION, MANIFESTATION AND NEAR CAUSE OF VIRTUEWhat are its 'function', 'manifestation' and 'near cause'? Excellent joyis its 'function'. Non-repentance is its 'manifestation'. The three meritoriousactivities are its 'near cause'. And again, excellent delight is its 'function'.Non-repentance is its manifestation. The shielding of all faculties is its nearcause.BENEFITS OF VIRTUEWhat are the 'benefits' of virtue? Non-repentance is the benefit of virtue.This is in accord with the words of the Blessed One addressed to (the VenerableElder) Ananda: "Non-repentance is the benefit and gain of virtue." 1 Andagain, virtue is called excellent joy, the highest of all castes, the treasure 2and the noble. This is the ground of the Buddhas. This is to bathe withoutwater. 3 This is to permeate with fragrance. 4 This is the shadow accompanyingform. This is to wear the thread which must be worn. This is the sacredcaste. This is the peerless training. This is the course of well-faring. If aman practises virtue, on account of that virtue, he will become fearless, ennoblehis friends and be dear to the holy ones. This is the good ornament. 5 Thisrules all conduct. This is the place of merit. This is the field of offering.This is the ground of growth in noble companionship.(He who practises virtue) will be steadfast in all good. He will fulfilpurity of aspiration. Even in death he will be self-possessed. 6 Accomplishingthe freedom of suppression he will experience the bliss of artifice ('?). Thusthere are many merits of virtue.MEANING OF VIRTUE'What is the meaning of virtue'? A. It means coolness, the higher excellence,action, nature and natural condition of the nature of suffering andjoy. Again, it means the head, coolness 7 and peace. Why is it said thatvirtue is the 'head' ? A. If a man has no head he cannot get rid of the dustof passion from his faculties. Then it is called death. Thus the virtue ofthe bhikkhu is the head. Beheaded, (he) loses all good qualities. Thusin the teaching of the Buddha it is called death. This is the meaning of 'head'in virtue. Why is it said that virtue means 'coolness' ? A. Just as the exceedinglycool sandal allays the fever-heat of the body, just so does virtue allay thefever of the mind that fears after breaking the precepts, and induce joy. Thisis the meaning of virtue as 'coolness'. Why is it said that 'peace' is the meaning1. A.V,1: Avippatisdratthdni kho Ananda kusalani sildni avippatisdrdnisamsdni.2. Dhana. 3. Th. 613: Tit than ca sabbabuddhdnam tasmd silam visodhaye.4. Cp. Th. 615: Silam vilepanam settham. 5. Cp. Th. 614: Silam dbharanam settham.6. D. II, 86: Silavd silasampanno asammu/ho kdlarh karoti. 7. See Vis. Mag. 8:Anne pana sirattho sitalattho ti evam ddind pi nay en ev 1 ettha attham vannayanti.