106

Even if one were to make a thousand offerings every month, consistently for a hundred years; And yet, if one were to honor for even a moment, a person who is awakened; That honor is indeed better, than a hundred years of offerings.

107

Even if one were to attend to the [sacred] fire in the forest, for a hundred years, And yet, if one were to honor for even a moment, a person who is awakened; That honor is indeed better, than a hundred years of offerings.

108

Whatever is given or offered in the world, If one were to give that throughout the year, seeking merit; All of that does not come to a fourth part, of the honor given to the steadfast, which is indeed better.

Picture: The Great Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya

Related Teachings:

Why is he called the Tathagata (ITI 112) - The Buddha explains why he is called the Tathāgata, the one who has fully comprehended the world, its arising, cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

For the welfare of the many (ITI 84) - A mixed prose and verse teaching on three people who appear for the benefit of the world.

Eight Persons Worth of Gifts (AN 8.59) - The Buddha is sharing in this teaching that it is very beneficial to be associated with individuals that are enlightened or practicing to attain enlightenment.

The Buddha shares on the difficulty of regaining human existence for an undiscerning person who has fallen into a lower realm.

"Bhikkhus, suppose a man were to throw a yoke with a single hole into the great ocean. And there was a blind turtle. This turtle would come to the surface once every hundred years.

What do you think, bhikkhus, would that blind turtle, coming to the surface once every hundred years, ever manage to insert its neck into that yoke with a single hole?"

"It would be very unlikely, venerable sir, that it would ever do so, only after a very long time, if at all."

"Sooner, I say, would that blind turtle, coming to the surface once every hundred years, manage to insert its neck into that yoke with a single hole than an undiscerning person who has fallen into a lower realm would regain human existence.

For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, there is no practice of the Dhamma, no wholesome conduct, no doing of wholesome actions, no performance of meritorious deeds in those lower realms. There, bhikkhus, beings devour one another, and the weaker are prey to the stronger. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, they have not seen the Four Noble Truths. What four? The noble truth of suffering, the noble truth of the arising of suffering, the noble truth of the ending of suffering, and the noble truth of the way of practice leading to the ending of suffering.

Therefore, bhikkhus, effort should be made to fully understand (understand in principle, then discern in each moment and then have a breakthrough): 'This is suffering'; effort should be made to fully understand: 'This is the arising of suffering'; effort should be made to fully understand: 'This is the ending of suffering'; effort should be made to fully understand: 'This is the way of practice leading to the ending of suffering.'"

Suffering (dukkha) should be understood as a mild suffering, an intense suffering, discomfort, pain, dis-ease, unpleasantness, stress, discontentment, or dissatisfaction. Any experience of these should be seen and understood as dukkha.

The arising of suffering points to the source of stress, or the cause of discomfort - the mildest of suffering to start being experienced.

The ending of suffering is the absence of all of the above experiences.

The way of practice leading to the ending of suffering is the Noble EightFold Path - The effects of cultivating the eightfold path are gradual (DhP 273).

Related Teachings:

Gradual Training, Gradual Practice, and Gradual Progress (MN 107) - The gradual training guideline teaching of the Buddha is how a student starting out in the teachings of the Buddha should gradually practice in to see gradual progress towards breakthrough of fully understanding the four noble truths.

A handful of leaves 🍃 - Essential Teachings of the Buddha to Understanding The Four Noble Truths - A collection of teachings of the Buddha to understand the four noble truths in principle.

110

Even if one were to live a hundred years, unprincipled (without regard for ethical conduct) and distracted (with scattered attention); Better is a single day of life, of a virtuous person who meditates.

111

Even if one were to live a hundred years, undiscerning (unable to distinguish wholesome from unwholesome) and distracted; Better is a single day of life, of a discerning person who meditates.

112

Even if one were to live a hundred years, indolent (inactive) and low in energy (lacking in endurance); Better is a single day of life, of one who makes steady effort.

Discernment (wisdom) is gradually cultivated through learning the teachings of the Buddha and then observing when one is established in mindfulness the causes that lead to the arising of a harmful or beneficial mental quality.

Related Teachings:

Leading to harm or benefit (AN 1.98 - 1.113) - A series of short teachings on what leads to harm or benefit.

The mind arises first, and the mental qualities follow it (AN 1.56, 1.57) - Observing for the presence and absence of the wholesome and unwholesome mental qualities is a good way to observe for the trajectory of the mind.

Navigating through 30 mental qualities that lead to enlightenment, to the arising of the Buddha (AN 10.76) - The Buddha lays down 30 different mental qualities in ten sets of threes that lead all the way to enlightenment. He explains them both backwards and forwards. One can use this teaching to draw out a skill map of which qualities they've cultivated and which ones are next to cultivate.

Should one aspire for the higher spiritual attainments, one should practice fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Thus I have heard - At one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthi, in the Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. There, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus."

"Venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:

"Bhikkhus, dwell being virtuous, accomplished in the moral code of conduct. Dwell restrained by the restraint of this moral code of conduct, mindful of proper behavior and keeping to suitable places, seeing danger even in the slightest faults. Having undertaken this, train in the training guidelines.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I be dear, agreeable, respected, and worthy of veneration among my spiritual companions,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I be a recipient of robes, alms-food, lodgings, and requisites for the sick, including medicines,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May the service of those from whom I receive robes, alms-food, lodgings, and requisites for the sick, including medicines be fruitful and beneficial,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May the recollection of me by my family, blood relatives, and deceased relatives, who remember me with a trusting mind, be fruitful and beneficial,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I be one who can endure both dissatisfaction and delight, and may dissatisfaction not overpower me; may I dwell repeatedly overcoming any arisen dissatisfaction,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I be one who can overcome fear and terror, and may fear and terror not overpower me; may I dwell repeatedly overcoming any arisen fear and terror,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I be one who gains at will, without difficulty or hardship, the four jhānas — higher states of mind, a pleasant abiding here and now,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I dwell having directly experienced with the body those peaceful liberations surpassing form, of formless nature,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I, through the complete exhaustion of the three fetters [1], become a stream-enterer, not liable to states of suffering, assured of liberation and destined for full awakening,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'Through the complete exhaustion of the three fetters and the weakening of craving, aversion, and confusion, may I become a once-returner, returning only once more to this world and then making an end of suffering,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'Through the complete exhaustion of the five lower fetters [2], may I be one spontaneously reborn and there attain final Nibbāna, with no further return to this world,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I personally experience the various kinds of psychic abilities: — being one, become many, being many, become one; appearing and disappearing; passing through walls, enclosures, and mountains without obstruction, as though through space; diving into and emerging from the earth as if in water; walking on water without sinking as though on solid ground; traveling cross-legged through the sky, like a bird with wings; touching and stroking the sun and moon with one's hand, mighty and powerful as they are; and having bodily mastery as far as the Brahmā world,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I, with the divine ear element, which is purified and surpasses the human level, hear both kinds of sounds, divine and human, whether distant or near,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I, having discerned others' minds with my own mind, understand: a mind with lust as a mind with lust, and a mind without lust as a mind without lust; a mind with hatred as a mind with hatred, and a mind without hatred as a mind without hatred; a mind with delusion as a mind with delusion, and a mind without delusion as a mind without delusion; a contracted mind as a contracted mind, and a distracted mind as a distracted mind; an exalted mind as an exalted mind, and an unexalted mind as an unexalted mind; an inferior mind as an inferior mind, and an unsurpassable mind as an unsurpassable mind; a collected mind as a collected mind, and an uncollected mind as an uncollected mind; a liberated mind as a liberated mind, and an unliberated mind as an unliberated mind,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I recollect my manifold past lives, such as: one birth, two births, three births, four, five, ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, a hundred, a thousand, a hundred thousand births; many cycles of [universal] contraction, many cycles of [universal] expansion, and many cycles of [universal] contraction and contraction; in such a place I was named so-and-so, of such a clan, with such an appearance, such was my food, such was my experience of pleasure and pain, such was my lifespan; and passing away from there, I was reborn elsewhere; and there too I had such a name, such a clan, such an appearance, such food, experiencing such pleasure and pain, with such a lifespan; and passing away from there, I was reborn here. Thus, with all details and aspects, may I recollect my manifold past lives,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I, with the divine eye, purified and surpassing human vision, see beings passing away and reappearing, inferior and superior, beautiful and unattractive, in fortunate and unfortunate destinations, and understand them as passing on according to their actions thus: These beings, engaged in bodily, verbal, and mental misconduct, slanderers of the Noble Ones, holding wrong view and undertaking actions based on wrong view, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a state of loss, a bad destination, a place of ruin, even in hell. Or: These beings, engaged in good bodily, verbal, and mental conduct, not slandering the Noble Ones, holding right view and undertaking actions based on right view, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, have arisen in a good destination, the heavenly world. In this way, may I, with the divine eye, purified and surpassing the human, see beings as they pass away and are reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and unattractive, in fortunate and unfortunate destinations, and understand them as passing on according to their actions,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu should aspire: 'May I, through the wearing away of the defilements, dwell having directly realized and attained in this very life the taintless liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom, achieved by one's own direct knowledge,' then he should be one who practices fully in virtue, be devoted to tranquility of mind, not neglect meditation, be endowed with discernment, and practice in an empty dwelling.

Bhikkhus, dwell being virtuous, accomplished in the moral code of conduct [3]. Dwell restrained by the restraint of this moral code of conduct, mindful of proper behavior and keeping to suitable places, seeing danger even in the slightest faults. Having undertaken this, train in the training guidelines [4]. Thus was this said, and it is with reference to this that this was said.

The Blessed One said this. Those bhikkhus were satisfied and rejoiced in the Blessed One's words.

[1] The three lower fetters are doubt, personal existence, and adherence to rites and rituals. A person who has overcome them is called a stream-enterer.

[2] The five lower fetters are view(s) relating to personal existence, doubt, adherence to rites and rituals, sensual desire, and ill-will. A person who has overcome them is called a non-returner.

[3] The moral code of conduct is a reference to the Pātimokkha, the monastic code of discipline that governs a monk / bhikkhu / bhikkhuni's conduct to preserve harmony in the community and purity in an individual's conduct. For a lay practitioner interested in practicing the Buddha's teachings, training alongside a monastic community that follows this code well can be a good way to observe for its benefits as well as draw out how one can create a similar set up for oneself outside of the grove. Without this framework in place, one would be starting out from a disadvantage, not having the opportunity to cultivate discernment about the role of purity in being able to fulfill spiritual aspirations.

[4] The training guidelines are the Buddha's teachings, common to both monastics and lay practitioners, where one is learning them, then applying them for a period of time to independently observe the effects of application on the growth of the positive mental qualities and in the decline of the negative mental qualities. During the lifetime of the Buddha, the lay practitioners were able to attain to these aspirations, as linked in the discourse of Ugga, the householder of Vesālī.

Related Teachings:

Being well composed in virtues (DhP 9, 10)

Who is the Dhamma for | Eight thoughts of a great person (AN 8.30) - This teaching shares eight qualities of a great person, which leads them to the realization of the fruit of Dhamma, enlightenment, Nibbāna.

Ugga, the householder of Vesālī (AN 8.21) - Ugga, the householder of Vesālī is endowed with eight wonderful and marvelous qualities.

The five precepts (AN 8.39) - The Buddha shares the five precepts as five gifts that one can offer to all beings.

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, thus I have heard:

"Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with two qualities dwells in the here and now with abundant ease and joy, and his mind is directed towards the wearing away of the defilements. What are the two? 1) By being moved on occasions that inspire a sense of urgency, and 2) by wisely striving when aroused with urgency. A bhikkhu endowed with these two qualities dwells in the here and now with abundant ease and joy, and his mind is directed towards the wearing away of the defilements."

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. Therefore, it is said thus:

"On occasions that inspire a sense of urgency, the wise should be moved; With continuous effort, the discerning bhikkhu, examines carefully with wisdom.

Thus dwelling with continuous effort, peaceful and unruffled; Devoted to tranquility of mind, he arrives at the end of suffering."

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus I have heard.

Picture: Feminine Wave, Katsushika Hokusai, 1845

Related Teachings:

Conflicts cease when one has mindfulness of death (DhP 6) - Others do not realize that we all must die; But those who do realize this, their conflicts cease.

The Five Unobtainable States (AN 5.48) - A wise person reflects on their nature, so they do not suffer when struck by loss.

Upajjhatthana Sutta: Five Subjects for Contemplation ↗️ - Reflecting on aging, sickness, death, parting from beloved, and inheriting one's actions (kamma).

This teaching is from the section The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth: From "In the Buddha's Words" by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

The Uposatha, when observed endowed with the eight factors, of great fruit, of great benefit, superbly bright, and far-reaching. The eight factors are - 1) refraining from taking life, 2) refraining from taking what is not given, 3) refraining from sexual activity, 4) refraining from false speech, 5) refraining from intoxicants and states of negligence, 6) eating only one meal a day, 7) refraining from dancing, singing, music, and watching shows, and 8) refraining from high and luxurious beds.

Thus have I heard — At one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthi, in the Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. There, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus."

"Venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:

"Bhikkhus, when the Uposatha is observed endowed with the eight factors, it is of great fruit, of great benefit, superbly bright, and far-reaching. How, bhikkhus, is the Uposatha observed endowed with the eight factors, of great fruit, of great benefit, superbly bright, and far-reaching?

1 Here, bhikkhus, a disciple of the noble ones reflects thus: 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned the taking of life, refrain from taking life, having laid aside weapons and sticks, are conscientious, full of kindness, and dwell with compassion for the well-being of all breathing beings. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned the taking of life, will refrain from taking life, have laid aside weapons and sticks, will be conscientious, full of kindness, and dwell with compassion for the well-being of all breathing beings. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the first factor.

2 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned the taking of what is not given, refrain from taking what is not given, accept what is given, and expect only what is given. They dwell with a pure, blameless mind. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned the taking of what is not given, will refrain from taking what is not given, will accept what is given, and expect only what is given. I will dwell with a pure, blameless mind. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the second factor.

3 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned unchastity, are celibate, far-removed from sensuality, and refrain from sexual activity, the common person's practice. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned unchastity, will be celibate, far-removed from sensuality, and will refrain from sexual activity, the common person's practice. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the third factor.

4 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned false speech, refrain from false speech, are truthful, are connected with truth, stable, dependable, and do not deceive the world. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned false speech, will refrain from false speech, will be truthful, will be connected with truth, will be stable, will be dependable, and will not deceive the world. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the fourth factor.

5 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned wine, spirits, drugs and states of negligence, refrain from intoxicants that cause negligence. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned wine, spirits, drugs and states of negligence, will refrain from intoxicants that cause negligence. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the fifth factor.

6 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having become ones who eat only one meal a day, abstain from eating at night, refraining from untimely eating. Today, for this night and day, I too, having become one who eats only one meal a day, will abstain from eating at night, and will refrain from untimely eating. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the sixth factor.

7 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned dancing, singing, music, and watching shows, as well as wearing garlands, using perfumes, oils, and beautifying the body with ornaments, refrain from these activities. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned dancing, singing, music, and watching shows, as well as wearing garlands, using perfumes, oils, and beautifying the body with ornaments, will refrain from these activities. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the seventh factor.

8 'For as long as they live, the arahants, having abandoned high and luxurious beds, refrain from high and luxurious beds and make use of low beds, whether a simple cot or a spread of grass. Today, for this night and day, I too, having abandoned high and luxurious beds, will refrain from high and luxurious beds and will make use of a low bed, whether a simple cot or a spread of grass. In this way, I shall follow the example of the arahants, and the Uposatha will be observed by me.' Thus, one is endowed with the eighth factor.

Thus observed, bhikkhus, the Uposatha endowed with the eight factors is of great fruit, of great benefit, superbly bright, and far-reaching."

Picture: Grey schist relief panel showing the Buddha with followers, Gandhara, 1st-4th century CE. (Museum of Asian Art, Corfu)

Related Teachings:

New Moon Reflection On The Five Aggregates

Reviewing one's failings and successes from time to time (AN 8.7) - The Buddha advises to review one's own failings and the failings of others from time to time, and to overcome acquisitions, loss, fame, disrepute, honor, dishonor, evil wishes, and evil friendship.

Ten strengths of one who has completely exhausted defilements (AN 10.90) - Venerable Sāriputta explains the ten strengths of a bhikkhu who has exhausted the defilements.

When Sāriputta says that good friendship is the whole of the spiritual life, the Buddha agrees, explaining that good friendship is the basis for the development of the Noble Eightfold Path.

At Sāvatthi.

Then, Venerable Sāriputta approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. Sitting to one side, Venerable Sāriputta said to the Blessed One:

"Venerable Sir, the whole of this spiritual life is this — good friendship, good companionship, good association."

"Excellent, excellent, Sāriputta. The whole of this spiritual life is this — good friendship, good companionship, good association. It can be expected, Sāriputta, that a bhikkhu with good friends, companions, and associates will develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path extensively. And how, Sāriputta, does a bhikkhu with good friends, companions, and associates develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path extensively?

Here, Sāriputta, a bhikkhu develops right view dependent on seclusion (by means of disengagement), supported by dispassion, based on ending, culminating in complete relinquishment; he develops right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right collectedness (stability of the mind), dependent on seclusion, supported by dispassion, based on ending, culminating in complete relinquishment. Thus indeed, Sāriputta, a bhikkhu with good friends, companions, and associates develops and cultivates the Noble Eightfold Path extensively.

By the following method too, Sāriputta, it may be understood how the entire spiritual life is good friendship, good companionship, good association: by relying on me as a good friend, Sāriputta, beings who are subject to birth are freed from birth; beings who are subject to aging are freed from aging; beings who are subject to death are freed from death; beings who are subject to sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair are freed from sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair. It is by this method, Sāriputta, that it may be understood how the entire spiritual life is good friendship, good companionship, good association."

Related Teachings:

Beings come together and associate based on dispositions (SN 14.15) - In this teaching, the Buddha is sharing how beings come together and associate based on shared qualities and traits.

Ignorance is the forerunner in the arising of unwholesome qualities (SN 45.1) - Ignorance is the forerunner in the arising of unwholesome qualities, and wisdom is the forerunner in the arising of wholesome qualities.

What is the stream and who is a stream-enterer (SN 55.5) - A dialogue between the Buddha and Sāriputta on the four factors for stream-entry: 1.) association with good people, 2.) hearing the true teaching, 3.) wise attention, and 4.) practice in accordance with the teaching. Sāriputta also defines the "stream" and the "stream-enterer" and the Buddha approves of his answer.

The effects of cultivating the eightfold path are gradual (DhP 273) - Find the related teachings for each factor of the eightfold path.

The Buddha recounts the inquiry that led to the development of the four bases of psychic ability before his full awakening.

At Sāvatthi.

"Bhikkhus, before my full awakening, while I was still only an unenlightened Bodhisatta, this thought occurred to me: 'What is the cause, what is the condition for the development of the bases of psychic ability?' Then, bhikkhus, it occurred to me: 'Here, a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from aspiration (a goal, an interest, an objective, i.e. a wholesome desire) and accompanied by intentional effort — my aspiration will not be too slack, nor too tense, and it will not be inwardly inhibited nor outwardly scattered. He dwells continuously aware — as before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day. In this way, with an open and unenveloped mind, he develops a mind that is radiant.'

Similarly, a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from energy (taking initiative, making a mental decision to act) and accompanied by intentional effort — my energy will not be too slack, nor too tense, and it will not be inwardly inhibited nor outwardly scattered. He dwells continuously aware — as before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day. In this way, with an open and unenveloped mind, he develops a mind that is radiant.

Similarly, a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from [purification of] mind and accompanied by intentional effort — my mind will not be too slack, nor too tense, and it will not be inwardly inhibited nor outwardly scattered. He dwells continuously aware — as before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day. In this way, with an open and unenveloped mind, he develops a mind that is radiant.

Similarly, a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from investigation (consideration, reflection, and examination) and accompanied by intentional effort—my investigation will not be too slack, nor too tense, and it will not be inwardly inhibited nor outwardly scattered. He dwells continuously aware — as before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day. In this way, with an open and unenveloped mind, he develops a mind that is radiant.

When these four bases of psychic ability have been developed and frequently practiced in this way, one experiences various kinds of psychic abilities: being one, one becomes many; being many, one becomes one; one appears and disappears; one passes through walls, enclosures, and mountains as though through space; one dives in and out of the earth as though it were water; one walks on water without sinking as though on solid ground; one flies through the air cross-legged like a bird with wings; one touches and strokes with one's hand the sun and moon, so mighty and powerful; and one controls the body as far as the Brahmā world.

When these four bases of psychic ability have been developed and frequently practiced in this way, with the purified divine ear surpassing the human, one hears both kinds of sounds: divine and human, far and near.

When these four bases of psychic ability have been developed and frequently practiced in this way, one understands the minds of other beings, other persons, having encompassed them with one's own mind. One knows a mind with lust as 'with lust,' and a mind without lust as 'without lust'; a mind with hate as 'with hate,' and a mind without hate as 'without hate'; a mind with delusion as 'with delusion,' and a mind without delusion as 'without delusion'; a contracted mind as 'contracted,' and a distracted mind as 'distracted'; a developed mind as 'developed,' and an undeveloped mind as 'undeveloped'; a surpassable mind as 'surpassable,' and an unsurpassable mind as 'unsurpassable'; a collected mind as 'collected,' and an uncollected mind as 'uncollected'; a liberated mind as 'liberated,' and an unliberated mind as 'unliberated.'

When these four bases of psychic ability have been developed and frequently practiced in this way, one recollects their manifold past lives: one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births, twenty births, thirty births, forty births, fifty births, a hundred births, a thousand births, a hundred thousand births; many aeons of world-contraction, many aeons of world-expansion, many aeons of world-contraction and expansion: 'There I was so named, of such a clan, with such an appearance, such was my food, such was my experience of pleasure and pain, such was my life span; and passing away from there, I was reborn elsewhere; and there too I was so named, of such a clan, with such an appearance, such was my food, such was my experience of pleasure and pain, such was my life span; and passing away from there, I was reborn here.' Thus with their aspects and particulars, one recollects their manifold past lives.

When these four bases of psychic ability have been developed and frequently practiced in this way, with the purified divine eye surpassing the human, one sees beings passing away and reappearing, inferior and superior, fair and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and one understands how beings pass on according to their actions thus: 'These beings, who were endowed with bad conduct of body, speech, and mind, who reviled the Noble Ones, held wrong views and undertook actions under the influence of wrong view, with the breakup of the body, after death, have reappeared in a state of deprivation, in an unhappy destination, in perdition, even in hell. But these beings, who were endowed with good conduct of body, speech, and mind, who did not revile the Noble Ones, who held right view and undertook actions under the influence of right view, with the breakup of the body, after death, have reappeared in a good destination, in a heavenly world.' Thus with the purified divine eye surpassing the human, one sees beings passing away and reappearing, inferior and superior, fair and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and understands how beings pass on according to their actions.

When these four bases of psychic ability have been developed and frequently practiced in this way, through the wearing away of the taints, one realizes for themselves with direct knowing, in this very life, the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, and having entered upon it, dwells in it."

Related Teachings:

A detailed analysis of the four bases of psychic ability (SN 51.20) - A detailed analysis of the four bases of psychic ability - collectedness arising from aspiration, energy, purification of mind, and investigation. These four bases are noble, and leads one who cultivates them to become mighty, powerful, to full understanding of the five higher fetters, to liberation.

Desire is abandoned by developing the four bases of psychic ability (SN 51.15) - Ānanda explains to the brahmin Uṇṇābha how desire is abandoned by developing the four bases of psychic ability.

Ten strengths of one who has completely exhausted defilements (AN 10.90) - Venerable Sāriputta explains the ten strengths of a bhikkhu who has exhausted the defilements.

Bhikkhus, when a learned noble disciple is touched by a painful feeling, they do not grieve, do not lament, do not wail, do not beat their chest, and do not become distraught. They experience only one kind of feeling—bodily, not mental.

Bhikkhus, suppose a man were struck by an arrow, but a second arrow did not strike him in the same spot. In this way, that man would experience a feeling from only one arrow.

In the same way, bhikkhus, when a learned noble disciple is touched by a painful feeling, they do not grieve, do not lament, do not wail, do not beat their chest, and do not become distraught. They experience only one kind of feeling—bodily, not mental.

Furthermore, when touched by a painful feeling, they are not resistant. Since they do not resist painful feeling, the underlying tendency to aversion associated with painful feeling is not reinforced (does not persist [nānuseti]).

Being touched by painful feeling, they do not delight in sensual pleasure. And why is that? Because, bhikkhus, a learned noble disciple understands an escape from painful feeling apart from sensual pleasure. Since they do not delight in sensual pleasure, the underlying tendency to lust associated with pleasant feeling is not reinforced.

They understand, as it truly is, the arising, the passing away, the gratification, the drawback, and the escape in regard to these feelings. Since they understand this as it truly is, the underlying tendency to ignorance associated with neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling is not reinforced.

If they experience a pleasant feeling, they experience it while being disentangled with (free from, disengaged from, detached from [visaññutta]) it. If they experience a painful feeling, they experience it while being disentangled with it. If they experience a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, they experience it while being disentangled with it.

Bhikkhus, this is called a learned noble disciple—one who is freed from birth, aging, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair. I say that they are freed from suffering.

This is the distinction, the disparity, the difference between a learned noble disciple and an uninstructed ordinary person.

A wise (intelligent, discerning [sapañña]) and learned person is not affected, by feelings of pleasure and pain; This is the great distinction in skill (expertise, adeptness, competence [kusala]), between the wise and the ordinary.

For one who has realized the truth, who is learned, who sees clearly this world and the next; Pleasing things do not stir (agitate, disturb, or excite [matheti]) their mind, nor does the unpleasant (dislikeable, disagreeable [aniṭṭha]) cause repulsion (resistance [paṭighātameti]).

They have dispelled alignment (favor [anurodha]) and opposition (aversion, resistance, hostility [virodha]), these are gone and no longer present; Having understood the unblemished (pure, stainless [viraja]), sorrowless state, they comprehend rightly, having crossed beyond becoming (state of existence, rebirth [bhava]).”

One can test this by reflecting on a recent moment of discomfort—such as a headache, illness, or physical strain—and observing whether resistance arose. Notice how mental reactions (“I can’t stand this,” “Why is this happening to me?”) intensified suffering beyond the physical sensation itself.

With gradual training in mindfulness and bringing full awareness when experiencing feelings, noticeable shifts can occur in how one experiences all feelings—painful, pleasant, or neutral:

• Previously ‘disliked’ foods become easier to eat, as preferences loosen and taste is seen as just a passing sensation rather than something to cling to.

• One becomes more open to different foods, naturally moving away from a pattern of picking and choosing based solely on personal cravings.

• The urge for distractions—like always having background music, seeking stimulation from caffeine, multi-tasking and being distracted or over-relying on entertainment—may weaken or even fade entirely.

The ignorance of the four noble truths or the extent of cultivated understanding of the four noble truths—of things as they really are—is entwined with how one experiences the feelings that are painful, pleasant, and neutral.

Related Teachings:

How an uninstructed ordinary person experiences feelings and why that leads to suffering (From SN 36.6) - Part I of The Buddha explaining the difference between an uninstructed ordinary person and a learned noble disciple in how they experience pleasant, painful, and neither-painful-nor-pleasant feelings.

Wisdom should be developed, consciousness should be fully understood (From MN 43) ↗️ - First 11 questions and answers from MN 43 concerning wisdom, consciousness, perception and felt experiences.

Anxiety arises through clinging and there is freedom from anxiety through non-clinging (SN 22.7) - The Buddha explains how anxiety arises through clinging and how there is freedom from anxiety through non-clinging.

This teaching is from the section The Human Condition: From "In the Buddha's Words" by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

“Bhikkhus, an uninstructed ordinary person experiences a pleasant feeling, a painful feeling, and a feeling which is neither-painful-nor-pleasant. Similarly, bhikkhus, a learned noble disciple experiences a pleasant feeling, a painful feeling, and a feeling which is neither-painful-nor-pleasant. Therein, bhikkhus, what is the distinction, the disparity, the difference between a learned noble disciple and an uninstructed ordinary person?”

“Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One, guided by the Blessed One, and have the Blessed One as their refuge. It would be good, venerable sir, if the Blessed One himself would clarify the meaning of this statement.”

“Then listen, bhikkhus, and pay close attention, I will speak.”

“Yes, venerable sir,” those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:

Uninstructed Ordinary Person

“Bhikkhus, an uninstructed ordinary person, when touched by a painful feeling, grieves, laments, wails, beats their chest, and becomes distraught. That person experiences two kinds of feelings—bodily and mental.

Suppose a man were struck by an arrow. Then, a second arrow were to strike him immediately afterwards in the same spot. In this way, the man would experience a feeling from two arrows.

In the same way, bhikkhus, an uninstructed ordinary person, when touched by a painful feeling, grieves, laments, wails, beats their chest, and becomes distraught. That person experiences two kinds of feelings—bodily and mental.

Furthermore, bhikkhus, when an uninstructed ordinary person is touched by a painful feeling, they become resistant (aversive [paṭighavant]). In one who resists painful feeling, the underlying tendency of aversion associated with painful feeling gets reinforced (persists [anuseti]).

Being touched by painful feeling, they delight in sensual pleasure. And why is that? Because, bhikkhus, an uninstructed ordinary person does not understand an escape from painful feeling apart from sensual pleasure. As they delight in sensual pleasure, the underlying tendency of lust towards pleasant feeling gets reinforced.

They do not understand, as it truly is, the arising (origin, source [sambhava]), the passing away (disappearing, vanishing, subsiding [atthaṅgama]), the gratification (satisfaction, pleasure, enjoyment, sweetness [assāda]), the drawback (disadvantage, unsatisfactoriness, inadequacy [ādīnava]), and the escape in regard to these feelings. Since they do not understand this as it truly is, the underlying tendency of ignorance associated with neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling gets reinforced.

If they experience a pleasant feeling, they experience it while being entangled with (bound to, linked with, identified with [saññutta]) it. If they experience a painful feeling, they experience it while being entangled with it. If they experience a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, they experience it while being entangled with it.

Bhikkhus, this is called an uninstructed ordinary person—one who is bound to birth, aging, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair. I say that they are bound to suffering."

Related Teachings:

Mindfulness of felt experience in and of itself (From MN 10) ↗️ - Mindfulness of the felt experience in and of itself, the second establishment of mindfulness, per MN 10 Mahāsatipaṭṭhānasutta is described in this post.

Wisdom should be developed, consciousness should be fully understood (From MN 43) ↗️ - First 11 questions and answers from MN 43 concerning wisdom, consciousness, perception and felt experiences.

Being unrestrained in the sense faculties can lead to death or deadly suffering (SN 20.10) ↗️ - The Buddha uses a simile of a cat to illustrate how not setting up mindfulness and being unrestrained in the sense faculties can lead to death or deadly suffering.

One who is fond of conceit cannot be tamed, nor can one who is uncollected attain sagehood. Dwelling with negligence, such a one would not cross beyond the realm of death.

While standing to one side, that deity recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

"There is no taming here for one fond of conceit, nor is there sagehood for the uncollected [1]; For one living with negligence in the forest, would not cross beyond the realm of death.

[The Blessed One]: "Having given up conceit, completely calm within, with a pure mind, released in all respects; For one living diligently [2] in the forest, would cross beyond the realm of death."

[1] uncollected is to signify the lack of collectedness, mental composure, concentration of the mind, i.e. a mind which is distracted or scattered.

[2] diligently = attentively, with care, with carefulness, heedfully [pamatta]

Related Teachings:

The Inconceivable (AN 4.77) - The Buddha shares four topics that are inconceivable.

A simile of the mountain (SN 3.25) ↗️ - Frequently reflecting on impermanence and death is another good practice to break out of the fetter of conceit.

A handful of leaves 🍃 - Essential Teachings of the Buddha to Understanding The Four Noble Truths - Learning, reflecting and then applying the teachings of the Buddha in practice to independently observe for the arising and growth in the positive mental qualities is a way of a practice to eliminate the fetter of conceit in the mind. Rather than acting out by one's own ideas, one is choosing to learn with the intention of developing the mind, benefiting both oneself and others.

Just as a beautiful flower, full of color but lacking fragrance; So too, well-spoken words, bear no fruit for one who does not act.

-- DhammaPada Verse 51

Just as a beautiful flower, full of color and fragrance; So too, well-spoken words, bear fruit for one who acts.

-- DhammaPada Verse 52

Picture Credit: Narcissus and Rock stone, Thomas H.C. Tan, 2020

Related Teachings:

The Spiritual Life (AN 4.25) - This spiritual life is not led to deceive people, not for gaining their applause, not for acquiring gains and honors, nor for winning an argument.

Way of Practice for cultivating Right Action (From MN 61) - The Buddha teaches Rāhula on how one cultivates the wisdom of non-harm by reflecting on one's bodily, verbal and mental actions prior to the action, while doing the action and after having done the action.

Cultivating faith to awaken to the truth (SN 55.55) ↗️ - The Buddha shares stream entry as a simile to awakening to the truth of his teachings. He highlights the factors that leads one to awaken to the truth of enlightenment when followed.

1.98

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as negligence. Negligence, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.99

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as diligence (quality of wishing to do one's work or duty well, with alertness, carefulness and care). Diligence, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.100

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as laziness. Laziness, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.101

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as the arousing energy (taking initiative, making a mental decision to act). The arousing of energy, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.102

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as having many desires. Having many desires, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.103

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as having few wishes. Having few wishes, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.104

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as discontentment. Discontentment, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.105

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as contentment. Contentment, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.106

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as unwise attention. Unwise attention, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.107

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as wise attention (proper attention, prudent use of the mind, wise reflection, attention to the source). Wise attention, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.108

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as lack of full awareness. Lack of full awareness, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.109

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as full awareness (attentiveness, clear comprehension). Full awareness, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.110

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as bad friendship. Bad friendship, bhikkhus, leads to great harm."

1.111

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as good friendship (friendship with wholesome persons). Good friendship, bhikkhus, leads to great benefit."

1.112

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great harm as the habitual engagement of unwholesome qualities and habitual non-engagement of wholesome qualities. The habitual engagement of unwholesome qualities and habitual non-engagement of wholesome qualities, bhikkhus, lead to great detriment."

1.113

"Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single internal factor that leads to such great benefit as the habitual engagement of wholesome qualities and habitual non-engagement of unwholesome qualities. The habitual engagement of wholesome qualities and habitual non-engagement of unwholesome qualities, bhikkhus, lead to great benefit."

Related Teachings:

A teaching on four fundamental questions | Ummaggasutta (AN 4.186) - What directs the world? By what is the world swept away? And under the influence of what arisen condition does it operate?

The mind arises first, and the mental qualities follow it (AN 1.56, 1.57) - Observing for the presence and absence of the wholesome and unwholesome mental qualities is a good way to observe for the trajectory of the mind.

Navigating through 30 mental qualities that lead to enlightenment, to the arising of the Buddha (AN 10.76) ↗️ - The Buddha lays down 30 different mental qualities in ten sets of threes that lead all the way to enlightenment. He explains them both backwards and forwards. One can use this teaching to draw out a skill map of which qualities they've cultivated and which ones are next to cultivate.

The Buddha explains how to cultivate the higher mind through similes: when a harmful or unwholesome thought associated with desire, aversion, or delusion arises, apply these five methods in a gradual sequence.

Thus I have heard - At one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. There, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus."

"Venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:

"Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu who is cultivating the higher mind should, from time to time, attend to five signs. What five?

1 Here, bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu attends to a certain sign, and while attending to that sign, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, associated with aversion, or to do with delusion arise, then, bhikkhus, that bhikkhu should shift his attention from that sign to another sign, one associated with what is wholesome. As he shifts his attention to another wholesome sign, those harmful, unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, associated with aversion, or to do with delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

Just as, bhikkhus, a skilled carpenter or carpenter's apprentice might use a fine peg to knock out, extract, and replace a coarse peg, so too, bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu attends a certain sign, and while attending to that sign, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, associated with aversion, or to do with delusion arise, then, that bhikkhu should shift his attention from that sign to another sign, one associated with what is wholesome. As he shifts his attention to another wholesome sign, those harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

2 If, bhikkhus, while that bhikkhu is shifting his attention from that sign to another sign, one connected with what is wholesome, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, then, bhikkhus, that bhikkhu should closely examine the drawbacks of those thoughts: 'These thoughts are unwholesome, these thoughts are objectionable, these thoughts lead to discontentment.' As he closely examines the drawbacks of those thoughts, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

Just as, bhikkhus, a young woman or man, fond of adornments, would feel horrified, ashamed, and disgusted if the carcass of a snake, a dog, or a human were hanging around their neck, in the same way, bhikkhus, if, while that bhikkhu is shifting his attention from that sign to another sign, one associated with what is wholesome, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, then that bhikkhu should closely examine the drawbacks of those thoughts: 'These thoughts are unwholesome, these thoughts are objectionable, these thoughts lead to discontentment.' As he closely examines the drawbacks of those thoughts, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

3 If, bhikkhus, while that bhikkhu is closely examining the drawbacks of those thoughts, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, then, bhikkhus, that bhikkhu should disregard them and not give attention to them. As he disregards and does not give attention to those thoughts, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

Just as, bhikkhus, a person with sight would not want to see forms that had come within range of his vision, so he would either close his eyes or look away in another direction, in the same way, bhikkhus, if, while that bhikkhu is closely examining the drawbacks of those thoughts, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, they are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

4 If, bhikkhus, while that bhikkhu is disregarding and not giving attention to those thoughts, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, then, bhikkhus, that bhikkhu should focus on stilling the thought-formation of those thoughts. As he focuses on stilling the thought-formation of those thoughts, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

Just as, bhikkhus, a person might walk quickly, and they would think: 'Why am I walking quickly? What if I were to walk slowly?' So they would walk slowly. Then they would think: 'Why am I walking slowly? What if I were to stand still?' So they would stand still. Then they would think: 'Why am I standing still? What if I were to sit down?' So they would sit down. Then they would think: 'Why am I sitting down? What if I were to lie down?' So they would lie down. In this way, bhikkhus, that person, by avoiding coarse postures, would adopt progressively more refined postures. In the same way, bhikkhus, if, while that bhikkhu is disregarding and not giving attention to those thoughts, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, they are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

5 If, bhikkhus, while that bhikkhu is focusing on stilling the thought-formation of those thoughts, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, then, bhikkhus, that bhikkhu should, with his teeth clenched and his tongue pressing against the roof of his mouth, restrain, subdue, and overwhelm his mind with his mind. As he, with his teeth clenched and his tongue pressing against the roof of his mouth, restrains, subdues, and beats down his mind with his mind, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

Just as, bhikkhus, a strong man might seize a weaker man by the head, by the throat, or by the shoulders and restrain, subdue, and overwhelm him, in the same way, bhikkhus, if, while that bhikkhu is focusing on stilling the thought-formation of those thoughts, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion still arise, then, that bhikkhu should, with his teeth clenched and his tongue pressing against the roof of his mouth, restrain, subdue, and beat down his mind with his mind. As he, with his teeth clenched and his tongue pressing against the roof of his mouth, restrains, subdues, and beats down his mind with his mind, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

1] Bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu, having attended to a certain sign, and while attending to that sign, harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion arise, then by attending to another sign connected with what is wholesome, those harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected. 2] When he examines the drawbacks of those thoughts, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected. 3] When he disregards those thoughts and does not give attention to them, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts associated with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected. 4] When he focuses on stilling the thought-formation of those thoughts, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts connected with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected. 5] When, with teeth clenched and his tongue pressing against the roof of his mouth, he restrains, subdues, and beats down his mind with his mind, the harmful and unwholesome thoughts connected with desire, aversion, or delusion are abandoned, they disappear completely. With the abandonment of those thoughts, his mind becomes internally steady, calmed, unified, and collected.

This is called, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu who is skilled in the shaping of thoughts. Whatever thought he wishes to think, he will think it. Whatever thought he does not wish to think, he will not think it. He has cut off craving, uprooted the fetters, and through the full understanding of conceit, he has made an end of suffering."

The Blessed One said this. Those bhikkhus were satisfied and rejoiced in the Blessed One's words.

Thoughts connected with desire is a reference to thoughts related to lust, passion, holding on to / attaching to (external objects or persons), acquisitions.

Thoughts connected with aversion is a reference to thoughts of ill-will, resentment, contempt, hate, or blame.

Thoughts connected with delusion is a reference to thoughts that fall in the categories of illusion of knowing, hallucinations, misperceptions, distorted views, i.e. thoughts arising from an assumption-making mindset that is not interested in close examination and verification.

Related Teachings:

Developing the mind by classifying thoughts into two categories | Right Intention (MN 19) - The Buddha describes how he cultivated his mind with a careful categorization of thoughts to cultivate and thoughts to eliminate, understanding their relationship and how it inclines the mind's underlying tendencies.

Thoughts arise from a cause, not without a cause (SN 14.12) - In this teaching, the Buddha is sharing that as one grows in mindfulness, one is able to have a greater choice in recognizing which thoughts are arising and if they're in the unwholesome category, then one is able to apply right effort and abandon them.

Causes for Diverse Perceptions, Intentions, Passions, Quests (SN 14.7) - The diverse external elements of sense experience give rise to diverse perceptions, intentions, desires, passions, and quests.

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, thus I have heard:

Bhikkhus, there are these two things that cause remorse. What are the two? Here, bhikkhus, a certain person has not done good, has not done what is wholesome, has not protected others from fear, but has done evil, cruelty, and misdeeds. He feels remorse thinking, 'I have not done what is good' and also 'I have done what is evil.' Bhikkhus, these are the two things that cause remorse.

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. Therefore, it is said thus:

"Having done bad conduct by body, and by speech; Having done bad conduct by mind, and other actions associated with blame.

Not having performed wholesome actions, but having performed many unwholesome ones; When the body breaks up, the undiscerning one, arises in hell."

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus I have heard.

Picture Credit: Late Commuter, Richard Sargent, 1960

Related Teachings:

Guarding against irritability in body, speech, thought (DhP 231, 232, 233, 234) - The Buddha is advising against getting irritated, for bad conduct by way of body, speech or thoughts gives rise to ignorance.

Tracing the causes of ignorance | delusion | avijjā sutta (AN 10.61) - The three kinds of misconduct are a fuel for the five hindrances, the five hindrances are a fuel for ignorance.

Ignorance is the forerunner in the arising of unwholesome qualities, and wisdom is the forerunner in the arising of wholesome qualities.

Thus I have heard - At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling in Sāvatthi, at Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. There, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus, "Bhikkhus."

"Venerable sir," the bhikkhus replied. The Blessed One said this:

"Ignorance (illusion of knowledge, not knowing), bhikkhus, is the forerunner in the arising of unwholesome qualities, with shamelessness (lack of conscience) and moral recklessness (fearlessness of wrongdoing) following behind. For one who is immersed in ignorance, bhikkhus, wrong view arises; for one with wrong view, wrong intention arises; for one with wrong intention, wrong speech arises; for one with wrong speech, wrong action arises; for one with wrong action, wrong livelihood arises; for one with wrong livelihood, wrong effort arises; for one with wrong effort, wrong mindfulness arises; for one with wrong mindfulness, wrong collectedness arises.

"Wisdom, bhikkhus, is the forerunner in the arising of wholesome qualities, with a sense of shame and fear of wrongdoing (respect for oneself and others) following along. For one who has arrived at wisdom, bhikkhus, right view arises; for one with right view, right intention arises; for one with right intention, right speech arises; for one with right speech, right action arises; for one with right action, right livelihood arises; for one with right livelihood, right effort arises; for one with right effort, right mindfulness arises; for one with right mindfulness, right collectedness (mental composure, stability of the mind) arises."

Related Teachings:

Navigating through 30 mental qualities that lead to enlightenment, to the arising of the Buddha (AN 10.76) ↗️ - The Buddha lays down 30 different mental qualities in ten sets of threes that lead all the way to enlightenment. He explains them both backwards and forwards.

Importance of cultivating wisdom (AN 76 - 81) - A series of short teachings of the Buddha highlighting the importance of cultivation of wisdom.

"Bhikkhus, I have personally discovered two things: not resting content with wholesome qualities, and tirelessness in striving.

Tirelessly, I have strived: 'Let only my skin, sinews, and bones remain, and let the flesh and blood dry up in my body, but I will not relax my energy so long as I have not attained what can be attained by human strength, human energy, and human persistence.'

It was by diligence that I attained full awakening, it was by diligence that I attained the unsurpassed security from bondage.

Bhikkhus, if you also were to strive with tireless energy: 'Let only my skin, sinews, and bones remain, and let the flesh and blood dry up in my body, but I will not relax my energy so long as I have not attained what can be attained by human strength, human energy, and human persistence,' you too, bhikkhus, before long, will realize for yourselves with direct knowing, in this very life, the perfection of the holy life, for the sake of which clansmen rightly go forth from the household life into homelessness, and having realized it, you will abide in it.

Therefore, bhikkhus, you should train yourselves thus: 'We will strive with tireless energy. Let only our skin, sinews, and bones remain, and let the flesh and blood dry up in our bodies, but we will not relax our energy so long as we have not attained what can be attained by human strength, human energy, and human persistence.' This is how you should train yourselves, bhikkhus."

Related Teachings:

Eight grounds for laziness and arousing energy (AN 8.80) - The Buddha explains how to transform the grounds for laziness to being grounds for arousing energy.

Contentment in robes, food, living, and delight in development (AN 4.28) - In this teaching, the Buddha is sharing on cultivating contentment with any kinds of robes, (alms) food, and lodging, and in diligently practicing to develop wholesome qualities and to abandon unwholesome qualities.

Who is the Dhamma for | Eight thoughts of a great person (AN 8.30) ↗️ - This teaching shares eight qualities of a great person, which leads them to the realization of the fruit of Dhamma, enlightenment, Nibbāna.

A person endowed with the two qualities of guarding the sense doors and moderation in eating lives with discontentedness in this very life and after death, a bad destination is expected.

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, thus I have This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, thus I have heard:

"Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with two qualities lives in discontentment in this very life, with distress, with trouble, with burning [passion]; and upon the breaking up of the body, after death, a bad destination is expected. What two? Lack of guarding of the sense doors, and lack of moderation in eating. Endowed with these two qualities, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu lives in discontentment in this very life, with distress, with trouble, with burning [passion]; and upon the breaking up of the body, after death, a bad destination is expected."

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. Therefore, it is said thus:

"The eye, the ear, and the nose, the tongue, the body, and likewise the mind; For a bhikkhu who has these doors, uncontrolled here —

Lacking moderation in eating, unrestrained in the senses; He perceives bodily and mental anguish, and he experiences discontentment.

With a body that is burning, with a mind that is burning; Whether by day or by night, such a one dwells in discontentedness."

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus I have heard.

The path to enlightenment builds on a well-developed routine and understanding of restraining the senses (i.e. not engaging in activities that prolong or build up excitement or attachment) and in moderation in eating. For a lay person practicing today, this is a step that when accounted for and planned around, leads to many benefits, and without which, further progress to cultivating mindfulness and training in jhānas is not possible. Read the Gradual Training, Gradual Practice, and Gradual Progress (MN 107) to see the role of training in these two steps.

One can start by cultivating these practices for a period of 6-8 weeks, and then independently verifying for the growth in contentment and ease in the body and mind.

Related Teachings:

Two qualities that lead to a contented abiding (ITI 29) - A person endowed with the two qualities of guarding the sense doors and moderation in eating lives happily in this very life and after death, a good destination is expected.

A Bucket of Rice (SN 3.13) - King Pasenadi used a verse given by the Buddha when eating to aid his mindfulness. One can similarly come up with a creative routine as an aid.

Frequently paying attention as a basis (SN 46.23) - The Buddha explains how frequently paying attention to certain things can lead to the arising and expansion of hindrances and awakening factors.

The Buddha does not cling to anything so when he sees, hears, senses, or cognizes, he does not formulate the seen, the unseen, what can be seen, or one who sees. He does not formulate the heard, the unheard, what can be heard, or one who hears. He does not formulate the sensed, the not-sensed, what can be sensed, or one who senses. He does not formulate the cognized, the not-cognized, what can be cognized, or one who cognizes.

At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāketa in Kāḷakā's park. There, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus."

"Venerable sir," the bhikkhus responded to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:

"Bhikkhus, in this world with its deities, Māras, and Brahmās, among this population of ascetics and brahmins, with kings and commoners, whatever is seen, heard, sensed, cognized, attained, sought after, and examined by the mind — that I know.

In this world with its deities, Māras, and Brahmās, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, kings and commoners, whatever is seen, heard, sensed, cognized, attained, sought after, and examined by the mind — that I have directly known. It has been known by the Tathāgata, but the Tathāgata does not take a stand on it.

Bhikkhus, if I were to say, 'In this world with its deities, Māras, and Brahmās, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, kings and commoners, whatever is seen, heard, sensed, cognized, attained, sought after, and examined by the mind — that I do not know,' that would be a falsehood on my part.

Bhikkhus, if I were to say, 'In this world with its deities, Māras, and Brahmās, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, kings and commoners, whatever is seen, heard, sensed, cognized, attained, sought after, and examined by the mind — that I both know and do not know,' that would be just the same.

Bhikkhus, if I were to say, 'In this world with its deities, Māras, and Brahmās, among this population of ascetics and brahmins, kings and commoners, whatever is seen, heard, sensed, cognized, attained, sought after, and examined by the mind — that I neither know nor do not know,' that would be a fault on my part.

Thus, bhikkhus, having seen what can be seen, the Tathāgata does not formulate the seen, does not formulate the unseen, does not formulate what can be seen, does not formulate one who sees. Having heard what can be heard, he does not formulate the heard, does not formulate the unheard, does not formulate what can be heard, does not formulate one who hears. Having sensed what can be sensed, he does not formulate the sensed, does not formulate the not-sensed, does not formulate what can be sensed, does not formulate one who senses. Having cognized what can be cognized, he does not formulate the cognized, does not formulate the not-cognized, does not formulate what can be cognized, does not formulate one who cognizes.

Thus, bhikkhus, being ever stable among things seen, heard, sensed, and cognized, the Tathāgata is the stable one. And I say, there is no stable one more excellent or sublime than that stable one."

"Whatever is seen, heard, or sensed, clung to and considered truth by others; The stable one, among those wrapped in self-views, would not assert as true or false.

Having directly seen this dart, where beings cling to and become attached; 'I know, I see, it is just so,' the Tathāgatas cling to nothing."

Related Teachings:

There is That Base (Ud 8.1) - One way to perhaps understand Nibbāna is as a frame of reference that emerges in one's experience from having let go of the frames of references (relating to the aggregate of perception) of this world, the other world, of the jhānas, and/or of the formless attainments. This letting go is rooted in understanding, in cultivated wisdom of seeing the benefits of doing so to the condition of one's mind and to one's personal/professional relationships.

What Is Nibbāna? (SN 38.1) - Nibbāna is the ending of greed (lust, passion, attachment), the ending of hate (ill-will, resentment, aversion), the ending of delusion (assumption making tendencies, absence of close examination and verification) — this is called Nibbāna.

33 Synonyms for Nibbāna (from SN 43.12 - SN 43.44) - This compilation of similar teachings is an invitation to broaden one's personal understanding of what the state of Nibbāna is.

Through diligence, Magha, attained the highest state amongst the gods; They praise diligence, negligence is always condemned.

-- DhammaPada Verse 30

A bhikkhu who is devoted to diligence, who sees danger in negligence; Burns away all fetters, both subtle and gross, like a blazing fire that consumes everything.

-- DhammaPada Verse 31

A bhikkhu who is devoted to diligence, who sees danger in negligence; Is incapable of decline, And is near to Nibbāna.

-- DhammaPada Verse 32

The word diligence is a translation of the Pali word appamāda. It can also be translated as heedfulness. The mental quality of wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly, with alertness, with care, and also with gentleness (serenity, tranquility, not agitated, not rushed) is the close approximation of this word.

The quality that is translated as negligence here comes from the Pali word pamāda. It can also be seen as not just gross negligence and carelessness but as anything that deviates one from the mental quality of diligence - rushing to do one's work, losing alertness, and/or losing gentleness.

Whatever wholesome states there are, they are all rooted in diligence, and converge upon diligence (SN 45.140). However, an uninstructed ordinary person, who attaches to any outcomes [in the world] that diligence produces, and then seeing a self in these outcomes, finds himself in the company of mental qualities devoid of diligence.

Related Teachings:

Appamāda sutta - Diligence (SN 3.17) - King Pasenadi asks the Buddha if there is one Dhamma which, having accomplished, secures both kinds of welfare — welfare pertaining to the present life and that pertaining to the next life. The Buddha explains that diligence is that one Dhamma.

Ethics, confidence, diligence precede the eightfold path (SN 46.50 - 54) - As the dawn precedes the sun, ethics, enthusiasm, confidence, right view, and diligence precede the eightfold path.

A Discourse on Eating, Feelings, and Diligence (MN 70) - The Buddha starts out by advising the bhikkhus to eat only during the day, without having a meal at night, explaining the interplay of how pleasant, painful and neither-pleasant-nor-painful feelings can lead to furthering of unwholesome or wholesome states. He then shares on the seven kinds of persons and which kinds must act with diligence. The Buddha concludes by describing how final knowledge is attained gradually.

Section VI. Deepening One’s Perspective on the World

The introduction to "The Path to Liberation" underscores the Buddha's teachings as a nuanced guide tailored for individuals across a spectrum of beliefs and behaviors, aiming to steer them from unwholesome paths towards actions that foster pleasant outcomes, understanding of karmic rebirth, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Highlighting the adaptability of the Buddha's discourses, it points out that while heavenly rebirth is recognized as a positive step, it is merely provisional, with the cessation of suffering through the attainment of Nibbāna as the ultimate goal. This unconditioned state transcends the conditioned world and is accessible in this lifetime, signifying the end of craving and the beginning of perfect peace.

To navigate followers towards Nibbāna, the Buddha emphasized the impermanence and suffering inherent in all conditioned states, advocating for a path of complete mental purification and liberation. His teachings, presented as a new way of perceiving the world, revolve around a threefold insight process: recognizing the temporary gratification provided by worldly phenomena, understanding their inherent dangers, and realizing the path to escape attachment to them. This process mirrors the Four Noble Truths, guiding followers from recognizing suffering and its origin in craving to achieving cessation of suffering through detachment, dispassion, and enlightenment, thereby setting the foundation for a journey from the lure of sensual pleasures and attachment to worldly views towards the ultimate freedom of Nibbāna.

Introduction

1. Four Wonderful Things (AN 4.128)
2. Gratification, Danger, and Escape
   1. Before My Enlightenment (AN 3.103)
   2. I Set Out Seeking (AN 3.104)
   3. If There Were No Gratification (AN 3.105)
3. Properly Appraising Objects of Attachment (MN 13)
4. The Pitfalls in Sensual Pleasures
   1. Cutting Off All Affairs (from MN 54)
   2. The Fever of Sensual Pleasures (from MN 75)
   3. Life Is Short and Fleeting (AN 7.74)
5. Four Summaries of the Dhamma (from MN 82)
6. The Danger in Views
   1. A Miscellany on Wrong View (AN1.306-308)
   2. The Blind Men and the Elephant (Ud 6.4)
   3. Held by Two Kinds of Views (Iti 49)
   4. From the Divine Realms to the Infernal (AN 4.125)
7. The Perils of Saṃsāra
   1. The Stream of Tears (SN 15.3)
   2. The Stream of Blood (SN 15.13)

This is the first section of: In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon by Bhikkhu Bodhi, published by Wisdom Publications, but linked to the free translations available on SuttaCentral.net.

If you've enjoyed these and would like to purchase the print or e-book versions, you can do so here: https://wisdomexperience.org/product/buddhas-words/.