Six qualities that help achieve greatness and expansiveness in wholesome qualities in no long time.

AN 6.80  Mahantatta sutta - Greatness

“Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu nacirasseva mahantattaṁ vepullattaṁ pāpuṇāti dhammesu. Katamehi chahi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ālokabahulo ca hoti yogabahulo ca vedabahulo ca asantuṭṭhibahulo ca anikkhittadhuro ca kusalesu dhammesu uttari ca patāreti. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu nacirasseva mahantattaṁ vepullattaṁ pāpuṇāti dhammesū”ti.

“|Bhikkhus,::::| endowed with six qualities, a bhikkhu in no long time achieves greatness and expansiveness in wholesome qualities. What six? Here, |bhikkhus,::::| a bhikkhu |abounds in light::full of the light of wisdom. Per Mp, he abounds in the light of knowledge [ālokabahula]|; |abounds in effort::is effortful; lit. lots of yoking [yogabahula]|; |abounds in inspiration::lit. lots of inspiration [vedabahula]|; |abounds in discontent::lit. lots of discontent (with one’s current level of attainment) [asantuṭṭhibahula]|; he does not neglect his duty in regard to wholesome qualities; and he extends himself further. Endowed with these six qualities, |bhikkhus,::::| a bhikkhu in no long time achieves greatness and expansiveness in wholesome qualities.”

Qualities:

Discontentment

Discontentment

A state of dissatisfaction with one's requisites or conditions. It fuels the search for more, disturbing peace and preventing the mind from settling into collectedness.

Also known as: dissatisfaction, unsatisfactoriness, boredom
Pāli: asantuṭṭhitā, aratī, atitta
View all discourses →
Inspiration

Inspiration

A mental quality characterized by a sudden burst of creative insight or understanding, often leading to innovative ideas or solutions.

Also known as: eloquence, intuition, ingenuity, wit, creativity
Pāli: paṭibhāna
View all discourses →
Rousing of energy

Rousing of energy

The arousing of effort and determination in body and mind. It begins with confidence and reflection on purpose, stirring energy for wholesome action.

Also known as: determination, being energetic, taking initiative, making a mental decision to act
Pāli: vīriyārambha, āraddhavīriya, uṭṭhānavant, atandita, pahitatta
View all discourses →
Vigour

Vigour

Energetic effort and resilience in practice. It is the refusal to shrink back, the 'uphill' force that initiates and sustains wholesome actions against the gravity of habit.

Also known as: energy, effort, enthusiasm, zeal, application of will, persistence
Pāli: vīriya
View all discourses →
Wholesome

Wholesome

Conducive to or suggestive of good health and mental well-being.

Also known as: blameless, skillful, beneficial, good, useful, healthy, nourishing, sustaining
Pāli: kusala
View all discourses →
Wisdom

Wisdom

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, vijjā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
View all discourses →

Last updated on May 17, 2026