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Grammatical Analysis
Paṭipatti: [f.] Practice; conduct; the path of methodology. Derived from prefix paṭi (towards, back) + root pad (to go, walk, step). Meaning “stepping along the way.”
Orthodox Definition
Paṭipatti is the second pillar of the True Dhamma. It is the active, lived implementation of what has been learned in the texts (pariyatti).
In orthodox terms, Paṭipatti refers specifically to the systematic development of the three trainings (tisikkhā): Higher Morality (adhisīla), Higher Concentration (adhicitta), and Higher Wisdom (adhipaññā). It encompasses the entirety of the Noble Eightfold Path, the strict adherence to the Vinaya rules, and the grueling hours spent in sitting and walking meditation.
The Visuddhimagga serves as the ultimate manual of Paṭipatti. It takes the vast theoretical maps of the Abhidhamma and converts them into step-by-step instructions for the practitioner attempting to purify their mind and walk toward realization.
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Saddhammaṭṭhitiyāti tividho saddhammo – pariyattisaddhammo, paṭipattisaddhammo, adhigamasaddhammoti.
For the stability of the good Dhamma: The good Dhamma is of three kinds: the good Dhamma of the scriptures, the good Dhamma of the practice, and the good Dhamma of the attainment.Tattha piṭakattayasaṅgahitaṃ sabbampi buddhavacanaṃ ‘‘pariyattisaddhammo’’ nāma.
Therein, all the words of the Buddha comprised in the three Piṭakas are called “the good Dhamma of the scriptures.”— Samantapāsādikā (Pārājikakaṇḍa-aṭṭhakathā) (pa)
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Tīṇi hi antaradhānāni nāma pariyattiantaradhānaṃ, paṭivedhaantaradhānaṃ, paṭipattiantaradhānanti.
The three disappearances are the disappearance of the Pariyatti, the disappearance of the Paṭivedha, and the disappearance of the Paṭipatti.Tattha pariyattīti tīṇi piṭakāni.
Among these, Pariyatti means the three Piṭakas.Paṭivedhoti saccapaṭivedho.
Paṭivedha means the penetration of the Truths.Paṭipattīti paṭipadā.
Paṭipatti means the practice.— Papañcasūdanī (Uparipaṇṇāsa-aṭṭhakathā)
Textual References
- Sutta: Mahācattārīsaka Sutta (MN 117) – The practical mechanics of integrating right view, right effort, and right mindfulness into a unified practice.
- Canonical: Aṅguttara Nikāya (Catukka Nipāta) – Emphasizing that practice is the only way to realize the fruits; theoretical knowledge alone is like a cowherd counting others’ cows.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga – The definitive exegesis of the path of practice.