Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

On Distinguishing Virtue 25When he transgresses '(wUie of) the restraint of faculties' or '(virtue)connected with the requisites' he says: "I will not do it again". If he resolveshe will acquire excellent restraint in the future.When a bhikkhu practises the purity of virtue, he does bodily and verbalactions that ought to be done. He reflects on his actions. Fie does well andremoves ill. Reflecting thus he dwells in the purity of virtue, day and night.Thus doing he is able to purify his virtue.What is the salient characteristic of the purity of virtue? 1 One can controlthe passions, 2 destroy rigidity 3 and fulfil concentration. 4 This is the salientcharacteristic of the purity of virtue.CAUSES THROUGH WHICH ONE DWELLS IN VIRTUE'Owing to how many causes does one dwell in virtue?' Through two,one dwells in virtue. The first: one considers the tribulation of the transgressionof virtue; the second: one considers the merits of virtue.What is to consider 'tribulation'? If a man transgresses virtue, he makesdemerit and prepares evil places (for himself) and fears the four classes 5 anddoubting, blames the wise. Those who are virtuous avoid him. He is nottaught meditation. Heavenly beings despise him. He is hated and slightedby all. When he hears others praising the merit of those who are virtuous,he feels sorrowful but does not believe it (the merit of those who are virtuous).He is always angry when he is amongst those of the four classes. He dislikesand hates (good) companions. He opposes those who are virtuous and takesthe side of evil companions.And again, he has not the patience to enter into the way of excellent concentration.If he adorns himself, he looks, especially, ugly. He is dislikedeven as excrement and urine are disliked by men. (He does not endure) evenas a makeshift article does not last long. (He is worthless) even as mud isof no value in the present or the future. He is anxious and dejected always.He is ashamed and remorseful of the evil he has done and he has no peaceof mind, like a thief in prison. He has no desire for the Noble (Law), as anoutcast has no desire for a king's throne. 6 Though he is learned in the doctrineof wisdom, yet none honour him, even as a dung-fire (is honoured by none). Hecannot find a good place in this life and after death he will go to an evil state.If a man wishes to forsake evil and fulfil the merits of virtue, he shouldconsider thus: The mind of the transgressor of virtue is disti acted and dejected.The virtuous man, through strenuous endeavour, grows in belief and becomesan energetic individual endowed with faith.1. Silavisuddhi. 2. Kilesa. 3. Thina. 4. Samddhi.5. Cp. D. II, 85: Puna caparam gahapatayo dussilo sUci-viparmoyam yad eva parisam upasamkamatiyadi khattiya-parisam yadi brdmana-parisatii yadi gahapati-parisam yadi samanaparisam,avisdrado upasamkamati manku-bhuto.6, Vis, Mag, 54: Nirdso saddhamme emja'dlakumdrako viya rajje.