Opportunity (SN35.135)

Linked Discourses 35.135

14. At Devadaha

Opportunity

“You’re fortunate, mendicants, so very fortunate,

to have the opportunity to lead the spiritual life.

I’ve seen the hell named ‘Related to the Six Fields of Contact’.¹

There, whatever sight you see with your eye is unlikable, not likable; undesirable, not desirable; unpleasant, not pleasant.

Whatever sound you hear …

Whatever odor you smell …

Whatever flavor you taste …

Whatever touch you feel …

Whatever idea you know with your mind is unlikable, not likable; undesirable, not desirable; unpleasant, not pleasant.

You’re fortunate, mendicants, so very fortunate,

to have the opportunity to lead the spiritual life.

I’ve seen the heaven called ‘Related to the Six Fields of Contact’.

There, whatever sight you see with your eye is likable, not unlikable; desirable, not undesirable; pleasant, not unpleasant.

Whatever sound … odor … flavor … touch …

Whatever idea you know with your mind is likable, not unlikable; desirable, not undesirable; pleasant, not unpleasant.

You’re fortunate, mendicants, so very fortunate,

to have the opportunity to lead the spiritual life.”