6. Qualities of a Lay Follower (MIL4.6)

Milinda’s Questions

Initial Discussion on Solving of Dilemmas

Qualities of a Lay Follower Chapter

6. Qualities of a Lay Follower

The elder, having agreed, saying “Good,” explained the ten special qualities of a lay follower.

“These ten, your majesty, are the special qualities of a lay follower.

What are the ten? Here, your majesty, a lay follower shares the same happiness and suffering as the saṅgha does; he has the Dhamma as his authority; he delights in sharing according to his ability; when seeing the decline of the Conqueror’s dispensation, he strives for its growth.

He is of right view; he is free from taking delight in auspicious festivals; even for the sake of his livelihood he does not take another teacher as supreme; his bodily and verbal conduct is guarded; he delights in harmony and is devoted to harmony; he is not envious; nor does he conduct himself in the dispensation through hypocrisy; and he has gone to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha for refuge.

These, your majesty, are the ten special qualities of a lay follower. All these qualities are found in you. It is fitting, proper, suitable, and appropriate for you that, seeing the decline of the Conqueror’s dispensation, you desire its growth. I give you permission; ask me as you please.”

The Initial Discussion on Solving of Dilemmas is finished