Arahattapañhā sutta: A Question About Perfection

“Reverend Sāriputta, they speak of this thing called ‘perfection’. What is perfection?”

“Reverend, the ending of greed, hate, and delusion is called perfection.”

“But, reverend, is there a path and a practice for realizing this perfection?”

“There is, reverend.”

“Well, what is it?”

“It is simply this noble eightfold path, that is: right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion. This is the path, the practice, for realizing this perfection.”

“Reverend, this is a fine path, a fine practice, for realizing this perfection. Just this much is enough for diligence.”