Threefold Training
The Buddha identified the threefold training (sikkhā) as training in:
- higher virtue (adhisīla-sikkhā)
- higher mind (adhicitta-sikkhā)
- higher wisdom (adhipaññā-sikkhā)
In the Pali Canon
According to Theravada canonical texts, pursuing this training leads to the abandonment of lust, hatred and delusion. One who is fully accomplished in this training attains Nibbana.
In the Anguttara Nikaya, training in "higher virtue" includes following the Patimokkha, training in "higher mind" (sometimes simply referred to as "concentration") includes entering and dwelling in the four jhanas, and training in "higher wisdom" includes directly perceiving the Four Noble Truths.
In several canonical discourses, a more "gradual" instruction (anupubbikathā) is provided to receptive lay people (see also, gradual training). This latter instruction culminates in the teaching of the Four Noble Truths which in itself concludes with the Noble Eightfold Path, the constituents of which can be mapped to this threefold training (see below).
Similarity to threefold partition of the Noble Eightfold Path
The Buddha's threefold training is similar to the threefold grouping of the Noble Eightfold Path articulated by Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna in Culavedalla Sutta ("The Shorter Set of Questions-And-Answers Discourse," MN 44): virtue (sīlakkhandha), concentration (samādhikkhandha), wisdom (paññākkhandha ). These three-part schemes simplify and organize the Eightfold Path as follows:
| Threefold Partition | Eightfold Path |
| VIRTUE | Right Speech |
| Right Action | |
| Right Livelihood | |
| MIND | Right Effort |
| Right Mindfulness | |
| Right Concentration | |
| WISDOM | Right View |
| Right Intention |
| Group | Eightfold Path | Method of Practice |
| VIRTUE | Right Speech |
Five Laymen Vows |
| Right Action | ||
| Right Livelihood | ||
| MIND | Right Effort |
Dwelling in the four jhanas (meditation) |
| Right Mindfulness | ||
| Right Concentration | ||
| WISDOM | Right View |
Knowing Four Noble Truths |
| Right Intention |
