>> Formulae
In the Dīgha Nikāya, the Majjhima Nikāya, as well as in a couple of suttas from the Aṅguttara Nikāya, we find a practical and gradual exposition of the way of practice to be undertaken by those who are intent on progressing on the noble path, paving all the way from the choice of renouncing the world to the attainment of arahantship. It is of fundamental importance for anyone wishing to progress successfully, because it contains the instructions that will enable the meditator to set up the indispensable conditions for an efficient practice. At MN 107, in accordance with the terminology introduced by a particular brahman, the Buddha alternatively calls it Anupubba Paṭipadā (Gradual Path), but when he has the choice of the terminology (as in MN 53) he opts for the expression Sekha Paṭipadā. As shown in the table, the Sekha Paṭipadā is expounded in two main sets of formulae. The difference among them is that in the first set, there is an attempt to summarize the rules of proper conduct (Ariya Sīlakkhandha), whereas in the second, this is replaced by a simple reference to the Pātimokkha (Sīlasampatti), while two formulae explaining how to eat (Bhojane Mattaññutā) and how to remain ever awaken (Jāgariyaṃ Anuyoga) slip in the list.
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