Part 5 - The Six Supreme Attributes of the Dhamma

Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sanditthiko akāliko ehi passiko opaneyyiko pacattam veditabbo viññuhi.

i) The Dhamma consisting of magga-phala, Nibbāna and pariyat is well-expounded, svākkhāto, because: (a) it is excellent in the beginning, excellent in the middle and excellent at the end, in the utterance of each word in strict accordance with the six rules of grammar and ten rules of articulation of the Magadhan tongue; (b) and (c) because it shows the middle way, avoiding the two extremes, and because it quells the fires of defilements and completely extinguishes them; (d) because it explains the nature of Permanence, Stability, Pacification and Deathlessness.

ii) The Dhamma, i.e. the four maggas the four phalas and Nibbāna, is sandithiko because it is practiced and realized by the ariyas who have thus exhausted the defilements; and also because it is the instant destroyer of defilements, it wins the laurels of victory. iii) The Dhamma, the nine supramundane factors, is akāliko because it fructifies immediately, in that the fruit (phala) of the Path (magga) is attainable without a moments delay.

iv) The Dhamma is ehipassiko because it is clearly visible like the majestic moon in a clear sky, free of mist, smoke, cloud etc. or like the Manohara gem that is found on Mount Vepulla, inviting all to come and see for themselves.

v) The Dhamma is opaneyyiko because the four maggas serve as the raft for crossing over to the safety of Nibbāna, while phala and Nibbāna bestow upon the ariyas with the realization of a safe haven.

vi) The Dhamma is paccattaṃ vedetahbo because it must be realized, through individual effort, by the wise.