Right View with ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’ Factors
MN 117 is one of the clearest systems texts. Treat it like architecture.
Explain MN 117’s distinction between mundane and noble right view; map how ethics and meditation feed wisdom.
Core Teachings
Key concepts with source texts
MN 117 distinguishes: - mundane right view (with taints; supports wholesome rebirth / good conduct) - noble right view (path-factor of a stream-enterer; penetrative seeing)
This stops you from confusing ‘being a good person’ with ‘seeing through selfing.’ Both matter, but they’re not identical.
From the Source Texts
""Right view comes first... one makes an effort to abandon wrong view and enter into right view: this is one’s right effort...""
Commentary
The sutta explicitly shows interdependence of factors—this is the blueprint of training.
Write your current ‘working right view’ in 5 lines. Then test it against suffering episodes this week. If it doesn’t reduce dukkha, it’s not functioning as right view yet.
Study Materials
Primary sources with guided reading
MN 117 — Mahācattārīsaka (The Great Forty)
Read as a systems manual for the path.
Additional Resources
Use for repetition and cross-validation of definitions.
Write your thoughts before revealing answers
Consider these points:
- •What minimal view must exist to start practice at all?
- •How do ethics and samādhi refine view?
- •Where are you currently stuck: view confusion, virtue instability, or attention instability?
Your Thoughts
Writing your thoughts first will deepen your understanding
Bridge notes help connect the resources and show how they relate to the learning outcome.
AI-generated notes synthesize the lesson outcome and resource summaries. Human-reviewed before publishing.
MN 117 suggests the path factors support each other. Which statement fits the text best?