The Dharma Discourse on the Vast Meaning

Among the foundational texts for the Sarvāstivāda and Mūlasarvāstivāda orders, The Purpose in Full is a compendium of instruction presented by Śāriputra, one of the Buddha Śākyamuni’s foremost hearers. The teaching, which is presented in the form of lists, outlines a lifelong trajectory of practice. It begins by listing the favorable preconditions necessary for finding liberation through the Buddha’s teachings, and it continues with the proper ways in which the Dharma should be taught and listened to. A significant portion of the work is devoted to the ten perceptions that those engaged with the teachings should cultivate, the first of which is the perception of unattractiveness, and the last of which is the perceptionof inevitable death. Potential hindrances are also outlined, along with the factors and contemplations that counteract such hindrances. Śāriputra concludes the teaching with a list of the ten characteristics of those who have passed beyond training and, as arhats, have achieved an end to suffering.