Dhamma Principles › The Discourse to Gaṇaka Moggallāna: The Tathāgata Only Shows the Way
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The Discourse to Gaṇaka Moggallāna: The Tathāgata Only Shows the Way

มคฺคกฺขายี ตถาคโต

Training in the Dhamma is gradual, like a staircase. Why then do some reach nibbāna and others not? Because the Buddha only shows the way, like someone giving directions to Rājagaha.

5 points

In the Gaṇakamoggallāna Sutta of the Majjhima Nikāya, the brahmin accountant Moggallāna observes that Migāra's Mother's palace was built in stages, and that brahmin learning, archery and accountancy are all taught step by step. Is there gradual training in this Dhamma and discipline?

The Buddha says there is, and describes it: restraint in virtue, guarding the sense faculties, moderation in eating, devotion to wakefulness, mindfulness and clear comprehension, dwelling in seclusion, abandoning the five hindrances, up to jhāna.

The brahmin asks whether all disciples attain nibbāna. Some do, some don't. When he asks why, given that nibbāna exists, the path exists and the guide exists, the Buddha asks in return: if someone asked you the way to Rājagaha and you explained it in detail, and one person took the wrong road while another arrived safely, what could you do? The brahmin replies, "I am only one who shows the way." The Buddha says the Tathāgata too is only one who shows the way.

  1. 1

    Training is a staircase อนุปุพฺพสิกฺขา อนุปุพฺพกิริยา อนุปุพฺพปฏิปทา

    Like building a palace or learning accountancy step by step, training in the Dhamma starts with virtue, then restraint of the senses, moderation in eating, wakefulness and mindfulness, up to concentration.

    Applying it in daily life

    If meditation isn't working, look back at earlier steps: are your sleep and eating balanced yet?

  2. 2

    Guarding the senses and moderation in eating อินฺทฺริเยสุ คุตฺตทฺวาโร โภชเน มตฺตญฺญู

    On seeing a form with the eye, one doesn't grasp at it in a way that lets unwholesome states flow in; and one eats reflecting that food is to sustain the body, not for intoxication.

    Applying it in daily life

    Before opening an app or snacking without thinking, pause for one breath and ask what it's for.

  3. 3

    Devotion to wakefulness ชาคริยํ อนุยุตฺโต

    The monk purifies the mind of hindrances by walking and sitting through the day and the first and last watches of the night, lying down mindfully in the middle watch. This wakefulness means not letting time drift by aimlessly.

    Applying it in daily life

    For lay people, have a short period of full wakefulness each day, such as ten minutes after waking before touching your phone.

  4. 4

    The path and the guide exist, but you must walk มคฺคกฺขายี ตถาคโต

    The one giving directions to Rājagaha explained correctly and in detail; still, some took the wrong road and some arrived. A guide can only point the way. The Buddha says the Tathāgata is likewise only one who shows the way.

    Applying it in daily life

    Stop waiting for a teacher or book to change you. Ask yourself whether you've taken a step today on the path you already know.

  5. 5

    Show the way well, then let results follow causes เอตฺถ กฺยาหํ พฺราหฺมณ กโรมิ

    "What can I do?" is not indifference but an acknowledgment that the results of teaching also depend on the learner's practice. A good teacher gives the clearest directions possible, then doesn't carry guilt beyond their share.

    Applying it in daily life

    When a child or team member doesn't follow your advice, check whether you explained clearly enough. If you did, respect their choice.

Try it in daily life

This discourse lifts two burdens. For learners: no one can walk the path for us, however good the teacher. For teachers: once you have shown the way as well as you can, the outcome for each person is not entirely in your hands.

Parents, teachers or managers who feel guilty when those they guide don't turn out as hoped may find relief in the Buddha's answer — while also being reminded to give directions as clearly as possible.

The gradual training also says you needn't start with deep concentration. Begin with virtue and looking after your senses in daily life.

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