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AN 10:1 The Benefits of Virtue
Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta’s Grove, Anathapindika’s monastery. At that time the Venerable Ananda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, and asked:
“What, Lord, is the benefit of virtuous ways of conduct, what is their reward?”
“Non-remorse, Ananda, is the benefit and reward of virtuous ways of conduct.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of non-remorse?”
“Gladness, Ananda.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of gladness?”
“Joy.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of joy?”
“Serenity.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of serenity?”
“Happiness.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of happiness?”
“Concentration of the mind.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of concentration?”
“Knowledge and vision of things as they really are.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of knowledge and vision of things as they really are?”
“Revulsion and dispassion.”
“And what, Lord, is the benefit and reward of revulsion and dispassion?”
“The knowledge and vision of liberation.
“Hence, Ananda, virtuous ways of conduct have non-remorse as their benefit and reward; non-remorse has gladness as its benefit and reward; gladness has joy as its benefit and reward; joy has serenity as its benefit and reward; serenity has happiness as its benefit and reward; happiness has concentration as its benefit and reward; concentration has knowledge and vision of things as they really are as its benefit and reward; knowledge and vision of things as they really are has revulsion and dispassion as its benefit and reward; revulsion and dispassion have the knowledge and vision of liberation as their benefit and reward. In this way, Ananda, virtuous ways of conduct lead step by step to the highest.”