user8157: Which Pali suttas refer the subject of "gradual training"?
Do the Pali suttas say observing the five precepts is a "gradual training"?

user471: While the five precepts are not a form of gradual training (since it is the minimum prescribed practice), the Noble Eightfold Path is certainly a gradual training as evidenced by the following quotes:
From Ud 5.5:

Just as the ocean has a gradual shelf, a gradual slope, a gradual
inclination, with a sudden drop-off only after a long stretch; in the
same way this Dhamma & Vinaya has a gradual training, a gradual
performance, a gradual practice, with a penetration to gnosis only
after a long stretch. The fact that this Dhamma & Vinaya has a gradual
training, a gradual performance, a gradual practice, with a
penetration to gnosis only after a long stretch: This is the first
amazing & astounding quality of this Dhamma & Vinaya because of which,
as they see it again & again, the monks take great joy in this Dhamma
& Vinaya.

From MN 70:

"Monks, I do not say that the attainment of gnosis is all at once.
Rather, the attainment of gnosis is after gradual training, gradual
action, gradual practice. And how is there the attainment of gnosis
after gradual training, gradual action, gradual practice? There is the
case where, when conviction has arisen, one visits [a teacher]. Having
visited, one grows close. Having grown close, one lends ear. Having
lent ear, one hears the Dhamma. Having heard the Dhamma, one remembers
it. Remembering, one penetrates the meaning of the teachings.
Penetrating the meaning, one comes to an agreement through pondering
the teachings. There being an agreement through pondering the
teachings, desire arises. When desire has arisen, one is willing. When
one is willing, one contemplates. Having contemplated, one makes an
exertion. Having made an exertion, one realizes with the body the
ultimate truth and, having penetrated it with discernment, sees it.


8157: <p>Which Pali suttas refer the subject of &quot;gradual training&quot;?</p>
<p>Do the Pali suttas say observing the five precepts is a &quot;gradual training&quot;?</p>
 471: <p>While the five precepts are not a form of gradual training (since it is the minimum prescribed practice), the Noble Eightfold Path is certainly a gradual training as evidenced by the following quotes:</p>
<p>From <a href="https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/ud/ud.5.05.than.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Ud 5.5</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Just as the ocean has a gradual shelf, a gradual slope, a gradual
inclination, with a sudden drop-off only after a long stretch; in the
same way this Dhamma &amp; Vinaya has a gradual training, a gradual
performance, a gradual practice, with a penetration to gnosis only
after a long stretch. The fact that this Dhamma &amp; Vinaya has a gradual
training, a gradual performance, a gradual practice, with a
penetration to gnosis only after a long stretch: This is the first
amazing &amp; astounding quality of this Dhamma &amp; Vinaya because of which,
as they see it again &amp; again, the monks take great joy in this Dhamma
&amp; Vinaya.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>From <a href="https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.070.than.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">MN 70</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&quot;Monks, I do not say that the attainment of gnosis is all at once.
Rather, the attainment of gnosis is after gradual training, gradual
action, gradual practice. And how is there the attainment of gnosis
after gradual training, gradual action, gradual practice? There is the
case where, when conviction has arisen, one visits [a teacher]. Having
visited, one grows close. Having grown close, one lends ear. Having
lent ear, one hears the Dhamma. Having heard the Dhamma, one remembers
it. Remembering, one penetrates the meaning of the teachings.
Penetrating the meaning, one comes to an agreement through pondering
the teachings. There being an agreement through pondering the
teachings, desire arises. When desire has arisen, one is willing. When
one is willing, one contemplates. Having contemplated, one makes an
exertion. Having made an exertion, one realizes with the body the
ultimate truth and, having penetrated it with discernment, sees it.</p>
</blockquote>
