THE BENIFITS OF VIRTUE

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VIRTUE?

The Lord Buddha expounded:


Its benefits are the acquisition of the several special qualities
beginning with non-remorse. For this is said: “Ánanda,
profitable habits (virtues) have non-remorse as their aim
and non-remorse as their benefit” (AV1). 

Also it is said further: “Householder, there are these five
benefits for the virtuous in the perfecting of virtue.


 What five? Here, householder, one who is virtuous,
possessed of virtue, obtains a large fortune as a
 consequence of diligence; this is the first benefit
for the virtuous in the perfecting of virtue.


Again, of one who is virtuous, possessed of virtue,
 a fair name is spread abroad; this is the second benefit
for the virtuous in the perfecting of virtue.


Again, whenever one who is virtuous, possessed of virtue,
enters an assembly, whether of khattiyas  (warriornobles)
or brahmans or householders or ascetics,
he does so without fear or hesitation; this is the third
benefit for the virtuous in the perfecting of virtue.


Again, one who is virtuous, possessed of virtue,
dies unconfused; this is the fourth benefit  for the virtuous
in the perfecting of virtue.


Again, one who is virtuous, possessed of virtue, on the
breakup of the body,after death, reappears in a happy
destiny, in the heavenly world; this is the fifth
benefit for the virtuous in the perfecting of virtue” (D II 86).


There are also the many benefits of virtue beginning with
being dear and loved and ending with destruction of cankers
 described in the passage beginning,

 “If a bhikkhu should wish, ‘May I be dear to my fellows
in the life of purity and loved by them, held in respect and
honoured by them,’ let him perfect the virtues” (M I 33).
This is how virtue has as its benefits the several special
qualities beginning with non-remorse.


Furthermore:
Dare anyone a limit place
On benefits that virtue brings,
Without which virtue clansmen find
No footing in the dispensation?
No Ganges, and no Yamuná
No Sarabhú, Sarassathì,
Or flowing Aciravatì,
Or noble River of Mahì,
Is able to wash out the stain
In things that breathe here in the world;
For only virtue’s water can
Wash out the stain in living things.
No breezes that come bringing rain,
No balm of yellow sandalwood,
No necklaces beside, or gems
Or soft effulgence of moonbeams,
Can here avail to calm and soothe
Men’s fevers in this world; whereas
This noble, this supremely cool,
Well-guarded virtue quells the flame.
Where is there to be found the scent
That can with virtue’s scent compare,
And that is borne against the wind
As easily as with it? Where
Can such another stair be found
That climbs, as virtue does, to heaven?
Or yet another door that gives
Onto the City of Nibbána?

Shine as they may, there are no kings
Adorned with jewellery and pearls
That shine as does a man restrained
Adorned with virtue’s ornament.
Virtue entirely does away
With dread of self-blame and the like;
Their virtue to the virtuous
Gives gladness always by its fame.
From this brief sketch it may be known
How virtue brings reward, and how
This root of all good qualities
Robs of its power every fault.
 
 
Adapted from Visuddhimagga of  Ven. Buddhaghosa; translated from Pali by Ven. Bhikkhu Nanamoli