In Theravada Buddhism, anupubbikathā or ānupubbikathā (Pali) — variously translated as "gradual discourse," "gradual instruction," "gradual training," "progressive instruction," and "step-by-step talk" — is a method by which the Buddha taught the Dhamma to suitably receptive lay people. In this approach, the Four Noble Truths are the consummate teaching. The common formula is: 1. * Generosity (dāna) 2. * Virtue (sīla) 3. * Heaven (sagga) 4. * Danger of sensual pleasure (kāmānaṃ ādīnava) 5. * Renunciation (nekkhamma) 6. * The Four Noble Truths (cattāri ariya-saccāni)