4.
The Discourse on the Footprint
524.
"Just as, monks, whatever kinds of footprints there are of living beings that walk on the ground, all of them are included in the elephant's footprint, the elephant's footprint is declared the foremost among them, that is to say -
in terms of its greatness;
so too, monks, whatever steps lead to enlightenment, the wisdom faculty is the step declared the foremost among them, that is to say -
for enlightenment.
And what, monks, are the steps that lead to enlightenment?
The faith faculty, monks, is a step; it leads to enlightenment;
the energy faculty is a step; it leads to enlightenment;
the mindfulness faculty is a step; it leads to enlightenment;
the concentration faculty is a step; it leads to enlightenment;
the wisdom faculty is a step; it leads to enlightenment.
Just as, monks, whatever kinds of footprints there are of living beings that walk on the ground, all of them are included in the elephant's footprint, the elephant's footprint is declared the foremost among them, that is to say -
in terms of its greatness;
so too, monks, whatever steps lead to enlightenment, the wisdom faculty is the step declared the foremost among them, that is to say -
for enlightenment."
The fourth.