The Buddha describes how diverse perceptions arise dependent on the diversity of elements, and how the arising of diverse intentions, desires, fevers, and quests depends on the diversity of perceptions.

Saññānānatta sutta - Diversity Of Perceptions

At Sāvatthi.

“Bhikkhus, |dependent on::contingent on, supported by, grounded on [paṭicca]| the |diversity of elements::variety of foundational properties making up experience—earth, water, fire, air, space, and consciousness; basis for bodily and mental phenomena; multiplicity of conditioned building blocks mistaken for self [dhātunānatta]|, there arises a |diversity of perceptions::variety of conceptions, manifold notions [saññānānatta]|,
dependent on the diversity of perceptions, there arises a |diversity of intentions::variation in volitional aims and mental resolve; diversity in motivational tendencies, goals, or directed thoughts; multiplicity of intention-patterns shaping behavior [saṅkappanānatta]|,
dependent on the diversity of intentions, there arises a |diversity of desires::motivational inclinations, goal-directed drives, wishful tendencies, aspiring interests, aims rooted in either craving or resolve [chandanānatta]|,
dependent on the diversity of desires, there arises a |diversity of fevers::emotional heat of passion and craving; burning impulses, obsessive attachments, infatuations, and restless desire-states [pariḷāhanānatta]|,
dependent on the diversity of fevers, there arises a |diversity of quests::variety in pursuits and searches; multiplicity of aims in seeking satisfaction or meaning—ranging from sensual gratification to liberation [pariyesanānānatta]|.

And what is the diversity of elements? The |forms::visible objects such as beautiful sights, faces, expressions, art, ornaments, possessions, status symbols, admired appearances, enticing scenery, or objects of desire and attachment [rūpadhātu]|, |sounds::auditory objects such as various sounds, noises, melodic compositions, verbal expression, whether of praise, blame, honor, respect, disrespect [saddadhātu]|, |odors::smells, scents, fragrances, aromas, stench, perfumes, or natural fragrances such as of flowers, food, or earth [gandhadhātu]|, |tastes::flavors, tastes, sweetness, bitterness, sourness, saltiness, spiciness, richness, or subtle tastes such as umami or astringency [rasadhātu]|, |tangible objects::physical surfaces, textures, fabrics, water, air, heat, cold, bodily pressure, or contact with living beings [phoṭṭhabbadhātu]|, and |mental objects::thoughts, ideas, memories, emotions, intentions, perceptions, concepts, beliefs, mental images, or fabrications arising from past experiences and future projections [dhammadhātu]|. This is called the diversity of elements.

And how is it, bhikkhus, that dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of perceptions,
that dependent on the diversity of perceptions, there arises a diversity of intentions,
that dependent on the diversity of intentions, there arises a diversity of desires,
that dependent on the diversity of desires, there arises a diversity of fevers,
that dependent on the diversity of fevers, there arises a diversity of quests?

1. Forms

Dependent on the forms, there arises a |perception of form::recognition of a material shape [rūpasaññā]|,
dependent on the perception of form, there arises an intention about form,
dependent on the intention about form, there arises a desire for form,
dependent on desire for form, there arises a fever for form,
dependent on the fever for form, there arises a quest for form.

2. Sounds

Dependent on the sounds, there arises a |perception of sound::recognition of a sound [saddasaññā]|,
dependent on the perception of sound, there arises an intention about sound,
dependent on the intention about sound, there arises a desire for sound,
dependent on desire for sound, there arises a fever for sound,
dependent on the fever for sound, there arises a quest for sound.

3. Smells

Dependent on the smells, there arises a |perception of smell::recognition of an odor [gandhasaññā]|,
dependent on the perception of smell, there arises an intention about smell,
dependent on the intention about smell, there arises a desire for smell,
dependent on desire for smell, there arises a fever for smell,
dependent on the fever for smell, there arises a quest for smell.

4. Tastes

Dependent on the tastes, there arises a |perception of taste::recognition of a flavor [rasasaññā]|,
dependent on the perception of taste, there arises an intention about taste,
dependent on the intention about taste, there arises a desire for taste,
dependent on desire for taste, there arises a fever for taste,
dependent on the fever for taste, there arises a quest for taste.

5. Tangible objects

Dependent on the tangible objects, there arises a |perception of touch::recognition of a tangible [phoṭṭhabbasaññā]|,
dependent on the perception of touch, there arises an intention about touch,
dependent on the intention about touch, there arises a desire for touch,
dependent on desire for touch, there arises a fever for touch,
dependent on the fever for touch, there arises a quest for touch.

6. Mental objects

Dependent on the objects of the mind, there arises a |perception of mental objects::recognition of thoughts, ideas, and mental phenomena [dhammasaññā]|,
dependent on the perception of mental objects, there arises an intention about them,
dependent on the intention about mental objects, there arises a desire for them,
dependent on desire for mental objects, there arises a fever for them,
dependent on the fever for mental objects, there arises a quest for them.

Thus, bhikkhus, dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of perceptions. Dependent on the diversity of perceptions, there arises a diversity of intentions. Dependent on the diversity of intentions, there arises a diversity of desires. Dependent on the diversity of desires, there arises a diversity of fevers. Dependent on the diversity of fevers, there arises a diversity of quests.”

Last updated on May 2, 2025

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