5. Third Discourse on Not Understanding (SA5)

Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Park. At that time the Blessed One said to the monks:

“One who craves for and delights in bodily form, craves for and delights in dukkha. One who craves for and delights in dukkha will not attain liberation from dukkha, will not have knowledge and become free from desire for it. In the same way one who craves for and delights in feeling … perception … formations … consciousness craves for and delights in dukkha. One who craves for and delights in dukkha will not attain liberation from dukkha.

“Monks, one who does not crave for or delight in bodily form, does not delight in dukkha. One who does not delight in dukkha will attain liberation from dukkha. In the same way one who does not crave for or delight in feeling … perception … formations … consciousness does not delight in dukkha. One who does not delight in dukkha will attain liberation from dukkha.

“Monks, not understanding bodily form, not having knowledge regarding it, not being free from desire and lust for it, the mind will not be liberated. One who has not liberated the mind from lust will not be able to eradicate dukkha. In the same way not understanding feeling … perception … formations … consciousness, not having knowledge regarding it, not being free from desire and lust for it, one will not liberate the mind and will not be able to eradicate dukkha.

“Understanding bodily form, having knowledge regarding it, being free from desire and lust for it, one will attain liberation of the mind and be able to eradicate dukkha. In the same way understanding feeling … perception … formations … consciousness, having knowledge regarding it, being free from desire and lust for it, one will attain liberation of the mind and be able to eradicate dukkha.”

Then the monks, hearing what the Buddha had said, were delighted and received it respectfully.

Translated by Bhikkhu Anālayo. Originally published in ‘On the Five Aggregates (1)—A Translation of Saṁyukta-āgama Discourses 1 to 32’. Dharma Drum Journal of Buddhist Studies, vol. 11, pp. 1–61 (2012). New Taipei City: Dharma Drum Buddhist College.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Bhikkhu Sujato.