When the Buddha inaugurates a new assembly hall for the Sakyans of Kapilavatthu, he asks the venerable Ānanda to teach the assembly. Ānanda outlines the comprehensive path of a disciple in training—detailing the perfection of virtue, sense restraint, moderation in eating, wakefulness, the seven good qualities, and the four jhānas—culminating in the breakthroughs of true knowledge.

The wearing away of taints occurs for one who knows and sees the arising and passing away of the aggregates. Mere wishing is useless. Like a hen nurturing eggs or an adze handle wearing down, it is active cultivation that naturally destroys the mental fetters.