Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

24 Vimuttimagga(Use of requisites by an) individual having modesty and decorum, whoreflects wisely, knows, is self-moderated and is possessed of aversion — thisis called 'clean'. In this cleanliness one ought to train oneself always. Thusone should understand the four requisites. This is called 'virtue connectedwith the requisites'.FIFTH GROUP OF FOUR IN VIRTUE SUMMARIZEDThus 'virtue of the rules-of-the-order-restraint' should be fulfilled throughhigher faith; 'virtue of purity of livelihood' should be fulfilled through higherenergy; [404] 'virtue of the restraint of faculties' should be fulfilled throughhigher faith and 'virtue connected with the requisites' should be fulfilled throughhigher wisdom.Thus 'virtue of the purity of livelihood' goes together with the rules of theorder, Pdtimokkha. Why? Because, through separation from worldly affairsowing to non-attachment, one becomes quiet of behaviour and acquires restraintof bodily and verbal actions. These two kinds of virtue belong to the 'virtueof the restraint of faculties 4 . What is the reason? If a man guards his mindin goodness, he can well protect his bodily and verbal actions. '(Virtue)connected with the requisites' is 'restraint of faculties'. What is the reason?One knows the aggregations and their dependence and is disgusted with them,and dwells in Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. It is as taught bythe Blessed One thus: "A bhikkhu understands material food and the fivefoldlust".'Rules-of-the-order-restraint' and 'purity of livelihood' belong to the'group of virtue'; 'virtue of the restraint of faculties' belongs to the 'group ofconcentration' and 'virtue connected with the requisites' belongs to the 'groupof wisdom'.WHAT PURIFIES VIRTUE'What purifies virtue'? If a bhikkhu who has accepted the teaching ofmeditation 1 and is mindful of the seven groups of offences, sees anothercommitting a Defeat-offence 2 he falls from the state of a bhikkhu and lives inincomplete virtue. If he lives in complete virtue, he will acquire the excellentvirtue. If he lives in complete virtue, he will acquire the excellent truth.This is the teaching of the predecessors.If a bhikkhu sees another committing a Suspension-offence 3 he confessesfully. If he sees another committing any other offence, then he confessesconcerning that transgression to one person. 4If a bhikkhu sees another 5 committing wrong livelihood, he makes aproper confession concerning that transgression. After he confesses, heresolves: "I will not do it again." Thus having seen, he resolves.1. Jhdna dhamma. 2. Pdrajika. 3. Sanghddist'm. 4. Apattidesana.5. Probably should read "himself'*.