Discernment ☀️ bright
In The Path of Dhamma (Dhammapada)
Dhammapada verses 360–382 depict the ideal bhikkhu as one who restrains the senses, body, speech, and mind, leading to freedom from suffering. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, inner joy, collectedness, and self-reliance. Through discipline and reflection, the bhikkhu advances towards the peace of Nibbāna, shining like the moon freed from clouds.
Dhammapada verses 383–423 redefine 'Brāhmaṇa' (sage) by inner attainment, not birth or appearance. Through effort, a true sage cuts craving, understands reality, and realizes Nibbāna. Fearless, detached, pure, and restrained, they embody non-violence and patience. Free from defilements and attachments, having overcome suffering and rebirth, the sage achieves the ultimate goal, radiating wisdom and peace.
In As It Was Said (Itivuttaka)
The Buddha shares on the state that is unborn, unbecome, unmade, and unconditioned, which is beyond the realm of thought and enduring.
The Buddha instructs to dwell in seclusion, enjoying solitude, being devoted to tranquility of mind, meditating with diligence, being endowed with discernment, practicing in an empty dwelling.
In Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikāya)
Venerable Sāriputta explains the four kinds of persons based on their understanding of blemishes and blemish-free qualities. He uses the simile of a bronze bowl to illustrate the importance of understanding one's blemishes and blemish-free qualities.
The Buddha distinguishes peaceful abidings in the here and now from the way of effacement leading upwards to complete quenching. Effacement is shown as the gradual chipping away of defilements through restraint, cultivation of the noble eightfold path, and diligent training, culminating in the complete freedom of Nibbāna.
The Buddha outlines an approach to cross-examine other sects and their doctrines, and how to distinguish between the true Dhamma and the false Dhamma through the comprehension of the four kinds of clinging.
The Buddha explains how to completely comprehend the gratification, drawback, and escape in the case of sensual pleasures, form, and felt experience.
The Buddha explains the difference between cultivation and lack of cultivation with regard to body and mind, and recounts his own journey to full awakening.
In Linked Discourses (Saṃyutta Nikāya)
The Buddha recounts how he attained full awakening by examining the principle of dependent co-arising. He likens this realization to a man discovering an ancient, forgotten city.
The Buddha explains how the Dhamma is directly visible, immediate, inviting one to come and see, applicable, and to be personally experienced by the wise through the six sense bases.
The Buddha teaches the duality of the six sense bases and their respective objects.
Consciousness arises in dependence on the duality of the six sense bases and their respective objects. Contact arises through the meeting of these three things. Contacted, one feels, intends, and perceives.
The Buddha answers Sakka's question on the causes and supporting conditions whereby some beings do not attain Nibbāna in this very life and some beings do attain Nibbāna in this very life.
The Buddha contrasts the suffering experienced by gods and humans, who delight in impermanent sense objects, with the contentment of the Tathāgata who understands their true nature, highlighting the differing views of happiness held by the world and the Noble Ones.
The Buddha uses the simile of an ocean to describe the six sense bases and their respective objects.
The Buddha likens the six types of desirable sense objects to baited hooks, set in the world for the misfortune of beings—those who cling to them fall under Māra’s power.
The venerable Udāyī asks the venerable Ānanda about how to see the not-self nature of consciousness.
The Buddha explains how there is non-restraint and restraint with a simile of six animals with different domains and feeding grounds. He uses strong post or pillar as a designation for mindfulness directed to the body.
In Numerical Discourses (Aṅguttara Nikāya)
Venerable Anuruddha reflects on seven qualities conducive for practicing the Dhamma, but his thoughts are incomplete until the Buddha appears to add an eighth.
The Buddha explains the eight gifts of a true person, including giving what is pure, excellent, and at the proper time.