AN11.1 — Kimatthiyasutta

Thus have I heard: At one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.

Then the venerable Ānanda approached the Blessed One; having approached, having paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down at one side. Sitting at one side, the venerable Ānanda said to the Blessed One:

For what purpose, master, are wholesome virtues? What is their benefit? For the purpose of non-remorse, Ānanda, wholesome virtues are for the benefit of non-remorse.

But, master, for what purpose is non-remorse? What is its benefit? Non-remorse, Ānanda, is for the purpose of joy, for the benefit of joy.

And joy, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit?

Joy, Ānanda, is for the purpose of rapture, for the benefit of rapture.

And rapture, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit? Rapture, Ānanda, is for the purpose of tranquility, for the benefit of tranquility.

And tranquility, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit? Tranquility, Ānanda, is for the purpose of happiness, for the benefit of happiness.

And happiness, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit? Happiness, Ānanda, is for the purpose of concentration, for the benefit of concentration.

And concentration, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit? Concentration, Ānanda, is for the purpose of knowing and vision of things as they really are, for the benefit of knowing and vision of things as they really are.

And knowing and vision of things as they really are, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit?

Knowledge and vision of things as they really are, Ānanda, is for the purpose of disenchantment, for the benefit of disenchantment.

And disenchantment, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit? Disenchantment, Ānanda, is for the purpose of dispassion, for the benefit of dispassion.

And dispassion, master, for what purpose? What is its benefit? Dispassion, Ānanda, is for the purpose of knowing and vision of liberation, for the benefit of knowing and vision of liberation.

Thus, Ānanda, wholesome virtues are for the purpose of non-remorse, for the benefit of non-remorse, non-remorse is for the purpose of joy, for the benefit of joy, joy is for the purpose of rapture, for the benefit of rapture, rapture is for the purpose of tranquility, for the benefit of tranquility, tranquility is for the purpose of happiness, for the benefit of happiness, happiness is for the purpose of concentration, for the benefit of concentration, concentration is for the purpose of knowing and vision of things as they really are, for the benefit of knowing and vision of things as they really are, knowing and vision of things as they really are is for the purpose of disenchantment, for the benefit of disenchantment, disenchantment is for the purpose of dispassion, for the benefit of dispassion, dispassion is for the purpose of knowing and vision of liberation, for the benefit of knowing and vision of liberation.

Thus, Ānanda, wholesome virtues gradually lead to the highest.

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