DiscoverANAN 4AN 4.74

The Buddha describes the four things, explaining this fourfold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 4.74 Best (1st)

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, aggāni. Katamāni cattāri? Sīlaggaṁ, samādhiggaṁ, paññāggaṁ, vimuttaggaṁ— Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri aggānī”ti.

Catutthaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, aggāni.

“Mendicants, these four things are the best.

Katamāni cattāri?

What four?

Sīlaggaṁ, samādhiggaṁ, paññāggaṁ, vimuttaggaṁ—

The best ethics, immersion, wisdom, and freedom.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri aggānī”ti.

These are the four things that are the best.”

Catutthaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

Collectedness

Collectedness

topic
☀️ bright quality

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Liberation

Liberation

topic
☀️ bright quality

Liberation can imply a temporary release of the mind, i.e. liberated from certain unwholesome mental qualities or complete liberation from all unwholesome qualities of the mind, i.e. Nibbāna.

Also known as: freedom, release, emancipation, deliverance
Pāli: vimutti, vimokkha, cetovimutti, paññāvimutti, akuppā cetovimutti
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Wisdom

Wisdom

☀️ bright quality

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on July 27, 2026

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