IV. Dhammànupassanà

i. Nãvaraõa Pabba (Section on Hindrances)
And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena)? Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the five hindrances (nãvaraõa dhamma) as just the five hin- drances7l (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena).
And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving again and again the five hindrances as just the five hindrances? Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, while sense-desire (kàmachanda) is present in him, a bhikkhu knows, “There is sense-desire present in me”; or while sense-desire is not present in him, he knows, “There is no sense-desire present in me”. He also knows how the sense-desire which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the sense-desire that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded sense-desire will not arise in the future.72
While ill-will (byàpàda) is present in him he knows, “There is ill-will present in me”; or while ill-will is not present in him, he knows, “There is no ill-will present in me.” He also knows how the ill-will which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the ill-will which has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded ill-will will not arise in the future.73
While sloth and torpor are present in him, he knows, “There are sloth and torpor present in me”; or while sloth and torpor are not present in him, he knows “There is no sloth and torpor present in me.” He also knows how the sloth and torpor which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the sloth and torpor that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded sloth and torpor will not arise in the future.74
While distraction and worry (uddhacca-kukkucca) are present in him, he knows, “There are distraction and worry present in me”; or while distraction and worry are not present in him, he knows, “There are no distraction and worry present in me.” He knows how the distraction and worry which has not yet arisen comes to arise, he knows how the distraction and worry that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded distraction and worry will not arise in the future.75
While doubt or wavering of the mind (vicikicchà) is present in him, he knows, “There is doubt or wavering of the mind present in me”; or while doubt or wavering of the mind is not present in him, he knows, “There is no doubt or waver- ing of mind present in me.” He also knows how the doubt or wavering of mind which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the doubt or wavering of mind that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded doubt or wavering of mind will not arise in the future.76
Thus he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena) in himself; or he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas in others; or he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas in both himself and in others. He dwells perceiving again and again the cause and the actual appearing of dhammas; or he dwells perceiving again and again the cause and the actual dissolution of dhammas; or he dwells perceiving again and again both the actual appearing and dissolution of dhammas with their causes.77 To summarize, he is firmly mindful of the fact that only dhammas exist (not a soul, a self or I). That mindful- ness is just for gaining insight (vipassanà) and mindfulness progressively. Being detached from craving and wrong views he dwells without clinging to anything in the world. Thus, bhikkhus, in this way a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the five hindrances as just the five hin- drances.
ii. Khanda Pabba
(Section on Aggregates)
And again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the five aggregates of clinging (upàdàna- kkhandha)78 as just the five aggregates of clinging (not mine, not I, not self but just as phenomena).
And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving again and again the five aggregates of clinging as just the five aggregates of clinging?
Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu perceives thus: “This is the corporeal body (råpa); this is the cause and the actual appearing of the corporeal body; this is the cause and the actual dissolution of the corporeal body. This is feeling (vedanà) this is the cause and the actual appearing of feeling; this is the cause and the actual dissolution of feeling. This is perception (sa¤¤à); this is the cause and the actual appearing of perception; this is the cause and the actual dissolution of perception. These are mental formations (saïkhàra); this is the cause and the actual appearing of mental formations; this is the cause and the actual dissolution of mental formations. This is consciousness (vi¤¤àõa); this is the cause and the actual appearing of consciousness; this is the cause and the actual dissolution of consciousness.”79
Thus he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena) in himself; or he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas in others; or he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas in both himself and others. He dwells perceiving again and again the cause and the actual appearing of dhammas; or he dwells perceiving again and again the cause and the actual dissolution of dhammas; or he dwells perceiving again and again both the actual appearing and dissolution of dhammas with their causes.80 To summarize, he is firmly mindful of the fact that only dhammas exist (not a soul, a self or I). That mindful- ness is just for gaining insight (vipassanà) and mindfulness
progressively. Being detached from craving and wrong views he dwells without clinging to anything in the world. Thus, bhikkhus, in this way a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the five aggregates of clinging as just the five aggregates of clinging.
iii. âyatana Pabba
(Section on Sense Bases)
And again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the six internal and external sense bases (àyatana)81 as just the six internal and external sense bases (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena). And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving again and again the six internal and external sense bases as just the six internal and external sense bases?
Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu knows the eye and the visible objects and the fetter that arises dependent on both. He also knows how the fetter which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter will not arise in the future.82
He knows the ear and sounds and the fetter that arises dependent on both. He also knows how the fetter which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter will not arise in the future.
He knows the nose and odours and the fetter that arises dependent on both. He also knows how the fetter which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter will not arise in the future.
He knows the tongue and tastes and the fetter that arises dependent on both. He also knows how the fetter which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter will not arise in the future.
He knows the body and tactile objects and the fetter that arises dependent on both. He also knows how the fetter which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter will not arise in the future.
He knows the mind and mind objects (dhamma) and the fetter that arises dependent on both. He also knows how the fetter which has not yet arisen comes to arise; he knows how the fetter that has arisen comes to be discarded; and he knows how the discarded fetter will not arise in the future.Thus he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena) in himself83.... Being detached from craving and wrong
views he dwells without clinging to anything in the world. Thus, bhikkhus, in this way a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the six internal and external sense bases as just the six internal and external sense bases.
iv. Bojjhaïga Pabba
(Section on Enlightenment Factors)
And again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the seven factors of enlightenment (bhojjaïga) as just the seven factors of enlightenment (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena). And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving again and again the seven factors of enlightenment as just the seven factors of enlightenment?
Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, while the enlightenment factor of mindfulness (sati-sambojjhaïga)84 is present in him, a bhikkhu knows, “The enlightenment factor of mindful- ness is present in me”; or while the enlightenment factor of mindfulness is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of mindfulness is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of mindfulness which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfillment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of mindfulness comes to be.85While the enlightenment factor of investigation of phenomena (dhammavicaya-bhojjaïga)86 is present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of investigation of phenomena is present in me”; or while the enlightenment factor of investigation of phenomena is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of investigation of phenomena is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of investigation of phenomena which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfillment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of investigation of phenomena comes to be.
While the enlightenment factor of effort (viriya-sambo- jjhaïga)87 is present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of effort is present in me”, or while the enlightenment factor of effort is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of effort is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of effort which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfillment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of effort comes to be.
While the enlightenment factor of rapture (pãti-sambo- jjhaïga)88 is present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of rapture is present in me”; or while the enlighten- ment factor of rapture is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of rapture is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of rapture which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfillment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of rapture comes to be.
While the enlightenment factor of tranquility (passadhi- sambojjhaïga)89 is present in him, he knows, “The enlighten- ment factor of tranquility is present in me”; or while the enlightenment factor of tranquility is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of tranquility is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of tranquility which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfillment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of tranquility comes to be.
While the enlightenment factor of concentration (samàdhi- sambojjhaïga)90 is present in him, he knows, “The enlighten- ment factor of concentration is present in me”; or while the enlightenment factor of concentration is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of concentration is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of concentration which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfillment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of concentration comes to be.
While the enlightenment factor of equanimity (upekkhà- sambojjhaïga)91 is present in him, he knows, “The enlighten- ment factor of equanimity is present in me”; or while the enlightenment factor of equanimity is not present in him, he knows, “The enlightenment factor of equanimity is not present in me.” He also knows how the enlightenment factor of equanimity which has not yet arisen comes to arise; and he knows how the complete fulfilment in developing the arisen enlightenment factor of equanimity comes to be.
Thus he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena) in himself92.... Being detached from craving and wrong views he dwells without clinging to anything in the world. Thus, bhikkhus, in this way a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the seven factors of enlightenment as just the seven factors of enlightenment.
v. Sacca Pabba
(Section on Noble Truths)
And again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the Four Noble Truths as just the Four Noble Truths (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena). And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving again and again the Four Noble Truths as just the Four Noble Truths? Here, (in this teaching), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu knows as it really is, “This is dukkha”; he knows as it really is, “This is the cause of dukkha”; he knows as it really is, “This is the cessation of dukkha”; he knows as it really is, “This is the path leading to the cessation of dukkha.’’
a. Dukkhasacca Pabba
(Section on the Noble Truth of Dukkha)
And what, bhikkhus, is the Noble Truth of dukkha? Birth93 is dukkha, ageing is also dukkha, death is also dukkha; sorrow, lamentation, physical pain, mental pain and an- guish are also dukkha; to have to associate with those (persons or things) one dislikes is also dukkha; to be separated from those one loves or likes is also dukkha; wishing for what one cannot get is also dukkha; in short, the five aggregates of clinging are dukkha.94
And what, bhikkhus, is birth (jàti)? The birth, the being born, the origination, the conception, the springing into existence, the manifestation of the aggregates, and the acquisition of the sense-bases of beings in this or that class of beings — this, bhikkhus, is called birth.
And what, bhikkhus, is ageing (jarà)? It is the ageing, the getting frail, the loss of teeth, the greying of hair, the wrinkling of skin; the failing of the vital force, the wearing out of the sense faculties of beings in this or that class of beings — this, bhikkhus, is called ageing.
And what, bhikkhus, is death (maraõa)? The departing and vanishing, the destruction, the disappearance, the death, the completion of the life span, the dissolution of the aggregates (khandha), the discarding of the body, and the destruction of the physical life-force of beings in this or that class of beings — this, bhikkhus, is called death.
And what, bhikkhus, is sorrow (soka)?95 The sorrow, the act of sorrowing, the sorrowful state of mind, the inward sorrow and the inward overpowering sorrow that arise because of this or that loss (of relatives, or possessions) or this or that painful state that one experiences — this, bhikkhus, is called sorrow.
And what, bhikkhus is lamentation (parideva)? The crying and lamenting, the act of crying and lamenting, and the state of crying and lamentation that arises because of this or that loss (of relatives, or possessions) or this or that painful state that one experiences — this bhikkhus, is called lamentation.
And what, bhikkhus, is physical pain (dukkha)? The bodily pain and bodily unpleasantness, the painful and unpleasant feeling produced by bodily contact — this, bhikkhus, is called physical pain.
And what, bhikkhus, is mental pain (domanassa)? The pain in the mind and the unpleasantness in the mind, the painful and unpleasant feeling produced by mental contact — this, bhikkhus, is called mental pain.
And what, bhikkhus, is anguish (upàyàsa)? The distress and anguish and the state of distress and anguish that arises because of this or that loss (of relatives, or possessions) or this or that painful state that one experiences — this, bhikkhus, is called anguish.
And what, bhikkhus, is the dukkha of having to associate with those (persons or things) one dislikes (appiyehi sampa- yogo dukkho)?
Having to meet, remain with, be in close contact, or inter- mingle, with sights, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, and dhammas in this world which are undesirable, unpleasant or unenjoyable, or with those who desire one’s dis- advantage, loss, discomfort, or association with danger — this, bhikkhus, is called the dukkha of having to associate with those (persons or things) one dislikes.
And, bhikkhus, what is the dukkha of being separated from those one loves or likes (piyehi vippayogo dukkho)? Not being able to meet, remain with, be in close contact, or inter- mingle, with sights, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, and dhammas in this world which are desirable, pleasant or enjoyable, or with mother or father or brothers or sisters or friends or companions or maternal and paternal relatives who desire one’s advantage, benefit, comfort or freedom from danger — this, bhikkhus, is called the dukkha of being separated from those one loves or likes.
And what, bhikkhus, is the dukkha of wishing for what one cannot get? Bhikkhus, in beings subject to birth and rebirth the wish arises: “Oh that we were not subject to birth and rebirth! Oh that birth and rebirth would not happen to us!” But this cannot happen by merely wishing. This is the dukkha of wishing for what one cannot get. Bhikkhus, in beings subject to ageing the wish arises: “Oh that we were not subject to ageing! Oh that ageing would not happen to us! “ But this cannot happen merely by wishing. This also is the dukkha of wishing for what one cannot get. Bhikkhus, in beings subject to illness the wish arises: “Oh that we were not subject to illness! Oh that illness would not happen to us!” But this cannot happen merely by wishing. This also is the dukkha of wishing for what one cannot get. Bhikkhus,34
in beings subject to death the wish arises: “Oh that we were not subject to death! Oh that death would not happen to us!”, But this cannot happen merely by wishing. This also is the dukkha of wishing for what one cannot get. Bhikkhus, in beings subject to sorrow, lamentation, physical pain, mental pain and anguish the wish arises: “Oh that we were not subject to sorrow, lamentation, physical pain, mental pain and anguish! Oh that sorrow, lamentation, physical pain, mental pain, and anguish would not happen to us!” But this cannot happen merely by wishing. This also is the dukkha of wishing for what one cannot get.96
And what, bhikkhus, is (meant by) “In short, the five aggregates of clinging are dukkha”? They are the aggregate of corporeality, the aggregate of feeling, the aggregate of perception, the aggregate of mental formations, and the aggregate of consciousness. These, bhikkhus, are what is meant by “In short, the five aggregates of clinging are dukkha.’’
Bhikkhus, this is called the Noble Truth of dukkha.
b. Samudayasacca Pabba
(Section on the Noble Truth of the Cause of Dukkha)
And what, bhikkhus, is the Noble Truth of the cause of dukkha? It is that craving which gives rise to fresh rebirth; and which together with delight and clinging, (accepts, enjoys, and) finds great delight in this or that (existence or sense pleasure that happens to arise). Namely, craving for sense pleasures (kàmataõhà), craving for (better) existences (bhavataõhà), and craving for non-existence (vibhavataõha).97
When this craving arises, bhikkhus, where does it arise? When it establishes itself,98 where does it establish itself? When this craving arises and establishes itself, it does so in the delightful and pleasurable characteristics of the world.99
What are the delightful and pleasurable characteristics of the world? In the world, the eye has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises, it arises there (i.e. in the eye); when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there. In the world, the ear.... In the world, the nose.... In the world, the tongue.... In the world, the body.... In the world, the mind has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
In the world, visible objects.... In the world, sounds.... In the world, odours.... In the world, tastes.... In the world, tactile objects.... In the world, dhammas have the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
In the world, eye-consciousness.... In the world, ear-consciousness.... In the world, nose-consciousness.... In the world, tongue-consciousness.... In the world, body-consciousness.... In the world, mind-consciousness has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
In the world, eye-contact.... In the world, ear-contact.... In the world, nose-contact.... In the world, tongue-contact.... In the world, body-contact.... In the world, mind-contact has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.100
In the world, the feeling born of eye-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of ear-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of nose-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of tongue-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of body- contact.... In the world, the feeling born of mind-contact has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
In the world, the perception of visible objects.... In the world, the perception of sounds.... In the world, the perception of odours.... In the world, the perception of tastes.... In the world, the perception of tactile objects.... In the world, the perception of dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. Then this craving arises it arises there, when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
In the world, the volition towards visible objects.... In the world, the volition towards sounds.... In the world, the volition towards odours.... In the world, the volition towards tastes.... In the world, the volition towards tactile objects.... In the world, the volition towards dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.101
In the world, the craving for visible objects.... In the world, the craving for sounds.... In the world, the craving for odours.... In the world, the craving for tastes.... In the world, the craving for tactile objects.... In the world, the craving for dhammas has the characteristic of being de-ightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
In the world, the initial thinking about visible objects.... In the world, the initial thinking about sounds.... In the world, the initial thinking about odours.... In the world, the initial thinking about tastes.... In the world, the initial thinking about tactile objects.... In the world, the initial thinking about dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.102
In the world, the continued thinking about visible objects.... In the world, the continued thinking about sounds.... In the world, the continued thinking about odours.... In the world, the continued thinking about tastes.... In the world, the continued thinking about tactile objects.... In the world, the continued thinking about dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving arises it arises there; when it establishes itself, it establishes itself there.
This, bhikkhus, is called the Noble Truth of the cause of dukkha.
c. Nirodhasacca Pabba
(Section on the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Dukkha)
And what, bhikkhus, is the Noble Truth of the cessation of dukkha? It is the complete extinction and cessation of this very craving, its abandoning and discarding, the liberation and detachment from it. Bhikkhus, when this craving is abandoned, where is it abandoned? When it ceases, where does it cease? When this craving is abandoned or ceases it does so in the delightful and pleasurable characteristics of the world.103
What are the delightful and pleasurable characterictics of the world? In the world, the eye has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there (i.e. in the eyes); when it ceases, it ceases there. In the world, the ear.... In the world, the nose.... In the world, the tongue.... In the world, the body.... In the world, the mind has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is aban- doned it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.In the world, visible objects.... In the world, sounds.... In the world, odours.... In the world, tastes.... In the world, tactile objects.... In the world, dhammas have the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, eye-consciousness.... In the world, ear-con- sciousness.... In the world, nose-consciousness.... In the world, tongue-consciousness.... In the world, body-conscious- ness.... In the world, mind-consciousness has the character- istic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, eye-contact.... In the world, ear-contact.... In the world, nose-contact.... In the world, tongue-contact.... In the world, body-contact.... In the world, mind-contact has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, the feeling born of eye-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of ear-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of nose-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of tongue-contact.... In the world, the feeling born of mind- contact has the characteristic of being delightful and pleas- urable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, the perception of visible objects.... In the world, the perception of sounds.... In the world, the perception of odours.... In the world, the perception of tastes.... In the world, the perception of tactile objects.... In the world, the perception of dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, the volition towards visible objects.... In the world, the volition towards sounds.... In the world, the volition towards odours.... In the world, the volition to- wards tastes.... In the world, the volition towards tactile objects.... in the world, the volition towards dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, the craving for visible objects.... In the world, the craving for sounds.... In the world, the craving for tastes.... In the world, the craving for tactile objects.... In the world, the craving for dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, the initial thinking about visible objects.... In the world, the initial thinking about sounds.... In the world, the initial thinking about odours.... In the world, the initial thinking about tastes.... In the world. the initial thinking about tactile objects.... In the world, the initial thinking about dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
In the world, the continued thinking about visible objects.... In the world, the continued thinking about sounds.... In the world, the continued thinking about odours.... In the world, the continued thinking about tastes.... In the world, the continued thinking about dhammas has the characteristic of being delightful and pleasurable. When this craving is abandoned, it is abandoned there; when it ceases, it ceases there.
This, bhikkhus, is the Noble Truth of the cessation of dukkha.
d. Maggasacca Pabba
(Section on the Noble Truth of the Path leading to the cessation of Dukkha)
And what, bhikkhus, is the Noble Truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha?
It is the Noble Eightfold Path, namely, Right View (Sammà- diññhi), Right Thought (Sammà-saïkappa), Right Speech (Sammà- vàcà), Right Action (Sammà-kammanta), Right Livelihood (Samma-àjiva), Right Effort (Sammà-vàyàma), Right Mindful- ness (Sammà-sati), and Right Concentration (Sammà-samàdhi).And what, bhikkhus, is Right View? The understanding of dukkha; the understanding of the cause of dukkha; the understanding of the cessation of dukkha; the understanding of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha. This, bhikkhus, is called Right View.104
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Thought? Thoughts directed to liberation from sensuality; thoughts free from ill-will; and thoughts free from cruelty. This, bhikkhus, is called Right Thought.105
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Speech? Abstaining from lying, from tale-bearing,106 from abusive speech, and from vain and unbeneficial talk.107 This, bhikkhus, is called Right Speech.
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Action? Abstaining from killing living beings,108 from stealing109 and from wrongful indulgence in sense pleasures.110 This, bhikkhus, is called Right Action.
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Livelihood? Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, the noble disciple completely abstains from a wrong way of livelihood and makes his living by a right means of livelihood. This, bhikkhus, is called Right Livelihood.111
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Effort? Here (in this teach- ing), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu generates an intention, makes effort, rouses energy, applies his mind, and strives ardently to prevent the arising of evil, unwholesome states of mind that have not yet arisen. He generates an intention, makes effort, rouses energy, applies his mind, and strives ardently to abandon evil, unwholesome states of mind that have arisen. He generates an intention, makes effort, rouses energy, applies his mind, and strives ardently to attain wholesome states of mind that have not yet arisen. He generates an intention, makes effort, rouses energy, applies his mind, and strives ardently to maintain the wholesome states of mind that have arisen, to prevent their lapsing, to increase them, to cause them to grow, and to completely develop them. This, bhikkhus, is called Right Effort.
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Mindfulness? Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the body as just the body with diligence, clear under- standing, and mindfulness, thus keeping away covetous- ness and mental pain in the world; he dwells perceiving again and again feelings as just feelings with diligence, clear understanding and mindfulness, thus keeping away covetousness and mental pain in the world, he dwells perceiving again and again the mind as just the mind with diligence, clear understanding, and mindfulness, thus keeping away covetousness and mental pain in the world; he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas with diligence, clear understanding and mindfulness, thus keep- ing away covetousness and mental pain in the world. This, bhikkhus, is called Right Mindfulness.
And what, bhikkhus, is Right Concentration? Here (in this teaching), bhikkhus, a bhikkhu being detached from sensual desire and unwholesome states attains and dwells in the first jhàna which has vitakka and vicàra; and rapture (pãti) and sukha born of detachment (from the hindrances).112 With the subsiding of vitakka and vicàra, a bhikkhu attains and dwells in the second jhàna, with internal tranquility and one-pointedness of mind, without vitakka and vicàra, but with rapture and sukha born of concentration. Being with- out rapture, a bhikkhu dwells in equanimity with mindful- ness and clear understanding, and experiences sukha in mind and body. He attains and dwells in the third jhàna; that which causes a person who attains it to be praised by the Noble Ones113 as one who has equanimity and mindful- ness, one who abides in sukha. By becoming detached from both sukha and dukkha and by the previous cessation of gladness and mental pain, a bhikkhu attains and dwells in the fourth jhàna, a state of pure mindfulness born of equanimity. This, bhikkhus, is called Right Concentration.
This, bhikkhus, is called the Noble Truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha.
Thus he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas (not mine, not I, not self, but just as phenomena) in himself; or he dwells perceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas in others; or he dwells per- ceiving again and again dhammas as just dhammas in both himself and in others. He dwells perceiving again and again the cause and the actual appearing of dhammas; or he dwells perceiving again and again the cause and the actual dissolution of dhammas; or he dwells perceiving again and again both the actual appearing and dissolution of dhammas with their causes.114 To summarize, he is firmly mindful of the fact that only dhammas exist (not a soul, a self or I). That mindfulness is just for gaining insight (vipassanà) and mindfulness progressively. Being detached from craving and wrong views he dwells without clinging to anything in the world. Thus, bhikkhus, in this way a bhikkhu dwells perceiving again and again the Four Noble Truths as just the Four Noble Truths.
Indeed, bhikkhus, whosoever practises these four sati- paññhànas in this manner for seven years, one of two results is to be expected in him: Arahatship in this very existence, or if there yet be any trace of clinging, the state of an Anàgàmã.115
Let alone seven years, bhikkhus, whosoever practises these four satipaññhànas in this manner for six years, five years, four years, three years, two years, or one year.
Let alone one year, bhikkhus, whosoever practises these four satipaññhànas in this manner for seven months, one of two results is to be expected in him: Arahatship in this very existence, or if there yet be any trace of clinging, the state of an Anàgàmã.
Let alone seven months, bhikkhus, whosoever practises these four satipaññhànas in this manner for six months, five months, four months, three months, two months, one month, or half a month.
Let alone half a month, bhikkhus, whosoever practises these four satipaññhànas in this manner for seven days, one of two results is to be expected in him: Arahatship in this very existence or if there yet be any trace of clinging, the state of an Anàgàmã.
This is what I meant when I said: “Bhikkhus, this is the one and the only way for the purification (of the minds) of beings, for overcoming sorrow and lamentation, for the cessation of physical and mental pain, for attainment of the Noble Paths, and for the realization of Nibbàna. That only way is the four satipaññhànas”.This is what the Bhagavà said. Delighted, the bhikkhus rejoice at the Bhagavà’s words.Sàdhu! Sàdhu! Sàdhu!