The Buddha teaches on perceptions for ascetics, presenting a tenfold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 10.101 Perceptions for Ascetics

“Tisso imā, bhikkhave, samaṇasaññā bhāvitā bahulīkatā satta dhamme paripūrenti. Katamā tisso? Vevaṇṇiyamhi ajjhupagato, parapaṭibaddhā me jīvikā, añño me ākappo karaṇīyoti imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso samaṇasaññā bhāvitā bahulīkatā satta dhamme paripūrenti.

Katame satta? Santatakārī hoti santatavutti sīlesu, anabhijjhālu hoti, abyāpajjo hoti, anatimānī hoti, sikkhākāmo hoti, “idamatthan”tissa hoti jīvitaparikkhāresu, āraddhavīriyo ca viharati. Imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso samaṇasaññā bhāvitā bahulīkatā ime satta dhamme paripūrentī”ti.

Paṭhamaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Tisso imā, bhikkhave, samaṇasaññā bhāvitā bahulīkatā satta dhamme paripūrenti.

“Mendicants, when these three perceptions for ascetics are developed and cultivated they fulfill seven things.

Katamā tisso?

What three?

Vevaṇṇiyamhi ajjhupagato, parapaṭibaddhā me jīvikā, añño me ākappo karaṇīyoti

‘I have secured freedom from class.’ ‘My livelihood is tied up with others.’ ‘My behavior should be different.’

imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso samaṇasaññā bhāvitā bahulīkatā satta dhamme paripūrenti.

When these three perceptions for ascetics are developed and cultivated they fulfill seven things.

Katame satta?

What seven?

Santatakārī hoti santatavutti sīlesu, anabhijjhālu hoti, abyāpajjo hoti, anatimānī hoti, sikkhākāmo hoti, “idamatthan”tissa hoti jīvitaparikkhāresu, āraddhavīriyo ca viharati.

Their deeds and behavior are always consistent with the precepts. They’re content, kind-hearted, and humble. They want to train. They use the necessities of life after reflecting on their purpose. They’re energetic.

Imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso samaṇasaññā bhāvitā bahulīkatā ime satta dhamme paripūrentī”ti.

When those three perceptions for ascetics are developed and cultivated they fulfill these seven things.”

Paṭhamaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

Liberation

Liberation

Liberation can imply a temporary release of the mind, i.e. liberated from certain unwholesome mental qualities or complete liberation from all unwholesome qualities of the mind, i.e. Nibbāna.

Also known as: freedom, release, emancipation, deliverance
Pāli: vimutti, vimokkha, cetovimutti, paññāvimutti, akuppā cetovimutti
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on July 27, 2026