Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c13.s2: Gradual course

Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c13.s2

Language: English

Gradual course

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For the propagation of his teachings, Buddha directed his disciples to conform to the following rules:

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(a) In ordinary discourses before householders make them gradual i.e. commence with *dānakatham*, *sīlakatham*, etc.

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(b) Observe sequence (*pariyāyadassāvī*) in the details composing a theme.²

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² For the gradual course of training in Buddhism (*imasmim dhammavinaye anupubbasikkhā anupubbakiriyā anupubbapaṭipadā*) see *Majjh Nik.*, III, pp 2-4.

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(d) Avoid irrelevant matters (*nāmisantaram katham*).

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(e) Make his speeches free from caustic remarks against others.³

For imparting instructions to householders he directed his disciples to be cautious in not giving out the fundamental principles of Buddhism all at once as that would scare them away. To them only the exoteric side of the teaching should be explained first, that is, the elementary tenets, and practices of Buddhism suitable to householders. To those who intend to take them up should be asked to follow at first the tenets and practices that are suitable to their yet undisciplined and undeveloped powers, and then gradually the difficult ones should be placed before them by stages. To a householder, a Buddhist monk can preach at first the dānakathaṃ sīlakathaṃ saggakathaṃ kāmānaṃ ādīnavam okāraṃ saṃkilesaṃ nekkhamme ānisaṃsaṃ (the discourse on alms-giving, moral precepts, the heavens, the danger, corruption and impurity of desire and the blessings of retirement) and when he perceives that his mind has been sufficiently prepared by hearing the discourses, he can preach the higher teachings, viz., dukkhaṃ samudayaṃ nirodhaṃ maggaṃ (suffering, origin of suffering, removal of suffering and way to the removal of suffering).¹ These discourses have an appealing force which moves the hearts of the people irrespective of their creeds. The higher and deeper truths of Buddhism were gradually imparted and explained to the initiated or rather to the sotāpannas. Thus the Buddhists from the lowest grade to the highest did not feel embarrassed by the weight of doctrines and practices too difficult for their yet limited understanding or their undeveloped powers of fortitude and devotion. In order to create a good impression on the minds of the householders, the bhikkhus were enjoined to be sympathetic to the woes and troubles of their listeners and at the same time they were asked not to indulge in talks which might be regarded as worldly and ill-befitting a recluse.

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¹ Dīgha, I, p 148, Vinaya, I, 7, 5-6, VI, 36, 5 Oldenberg's Buddha (Hoey's translation), p 186.

Linked texts (5)

Kūṭadantasutta — Pāli
Nirodhasutta — Pāli
Sārajjasutta — Pāli
Vinayapiṭaka — Pāli
Majjhimanikāya — Pāli