Milinda’s Questions

Initial Discussion on Solving of Dilemmas

Qualities of a Lay Follower Chapter

4. The Eight Causes for the Attainment of Wisdom

“Venerable Nāgasena, through eight causes wisdom matures and reaches full development.

Through what eight?

Through the maturation of age, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through the maturation of fame, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through questioning, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through association with the learned, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through wise attention, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through discussion, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through association with friends, wisdom matures and reaches full development; through dwelling in a suitable location, wisdom matures and reaches full development.

It is said here:

‘Through age, reputation, questions,

Through dwelling with the learned, through wise attention;

Through discussion, association with friends,

And through dwelling in a suitable place.

These eight places,

Are causes for the clarification of wisdom;

For those in whom these are present,

Their wisdom breaks through.’”

The Eight Causes for the Attainment of Wisdom