very interesting.robertk wrote: The commentary to the Netti pakarana has a section on the 38 vancakkha dhammas- the cheating dhammas.
Remember Nanda and 500 nymphs sutta? Buddha convinced him that by being a good bhikkhu he would be reborn with 500 celestial nymphs. This caused Nanda to practice, eventually correct his motivation, and become an Arahant.
Maybe similar case is with us. We need to start where we are. Our intentions in the begining can be imperfect, but can eventually change. You can't expect to be perfect before you start to practice. Right?