Overview
The “Protector-making qualities” (Nāthakaraṇadhamma) are virtues that make a monastic independent, spiritually safe, and loved by their community. While usually enumerated as a list of ten (AN 10.17), orthodox frameworks sometimes highlight these core nine practical characteristics that ensure a monk’s survival and progress.
The List
- Sīla - Virtue: Dwelling strictly restrained by the Pāṭimokkha, seeing danger in the slightest faults.
- Bahussuta - Much Learning: Memorizing and deeply understanding the texts of the Dhamma.
- Kalyāṇamittatā - Good Friendship: Associating only with wise, virtuous spiritual companions.
- Suvaco - Teachability: Being easy to speak to, accepting correction without anger, and acting respectfully when admonished.
- Kiṅkaraṇīyesu dakkho - Helpfulness: Being skillful and diligent in assisting fellow monks with their chores (making robes, etc.).
- Dhammakāmo - Love of the Dhamma: Delighting in the teaching, finding supreme joy in deep discussions of the Abhidhamma and Vinaya.
- Āraddhaviriyo - Aroused Energy: Unwavering, strenuous effort in abandoning unwholesome states.
- Santuṭṭho - Contentment: Being perfectly satisfied with whatever robes, food, lodging, and medicine are offered.
- Paññā - Wisdom: Possessing the noble, penetrative insight into the arising and passing away of phenomena.
Textual References
- Canonical: Nāthakaraṇa Sutta (AN 10.17) – The Buddha instructs the monks to live “with a protector” (by possessing these qualities) because living without a protector leads to suffering.