The Path of Purity: Being a Translation of Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga - Part I. Of Virtue (or Morals)

Preface: Explains that the volume translates the first part of Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga, discusses its relation to earlier commentarial traditions, and acknowledges sources and scholarly assistance. Introductory Discourse: Interprets the “tangle” of craving and introduces the Path of Purity as the way to Nibbāna through virtue, concentration, and wisdom. Chapter I – Exposition of Virtue: Defines virtue, explains its characteristics, advantages, classifications, corruption, and purification. Chapter II – Exposition of the Ascetic Practices: Presents the thirteen ascetic practices, their observance, grades, breaches, and benefits. The Refuse-Ragman’s Practice: Explains the practice of wearing discarded cloth and its role in simplicity and non-attachment. The Three-Rober’s Practice: Discusses limiting oneself to the three robes. The Almsman’s Practice: Explains dependence on alms as a discipline of humility and purity of livelihood. The House-to-House-Goer’s Practice: Describes impartial alms-round practice without selecting preferred households. The One-Sessioner’s Practice: Presents eating in one sitting as restraint over food and desire. The Bowl-Fooder’s Practice: Explains eating only from one bowl as a discipline against taste-craving. The Afterfood-Refuser’s Practice: Discusses refusing additional food after the meal has begun. The Forester’s Practice: Describes dwelling in the forest for solitude and meditative development. The Tree-Rootman’s Practice, Open-Spacer’s Practice, Burning-Grounder’s Practice, Any-Bedder’s Practice, Sitting-Man’s Practice: Present further austerities supporting detachment, vigilance, and purification.