DiscoverSNSN 45–56SN 53SN 53.35-44

The Buddha teaches a repeated formula on the four absorptions regarding searches, showing how they are developed and cultivated to incline the mind toward extinguishment in this grouped discourse.

SN 53.35-44 Searches

(Esanāvaggo vitthāretabbo.)

Tassuddānaṁ

Esanā vidhā āsavo,
Bhavo ca dukkhatā tisso;
Khilaṁ malañca nīgho ca,
Vedanā taṇhā tasinā cāti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

(Esanāvaggo vitthāretabbo.)

(Tell in full as in the chapter on searches at SN 45.161–170.)

Tassuddānaṁ

Esanā vidhā āsavo,

Searches, discriminations, defilements,

Bhavo ca dukkhatā tisso;

states of existence, three kinds of suffering,

Khilaṁ malañca nīgho ca,

barrenness, stains, and troubles,

Vedanā taṇhā tasinā cāti.

feelings, craving, and thirst.

Qualities:

Craving

Craving

☁️ dark quality

A driving ‘thirst’ that reaches out toward experiences, identities, or outcomes as the place to find satisfaction—“if only I had that.” It spins stories of lack, binds the mind to becoming, and invariably leads to suffering.

Also known as: wanting, yearning, longing, lit. thirst
Pāli: taṇha, abhijjhā
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Suffering

Suffering

☁️ dark quality

Unpleasantness, discontentment, dissatisfaction, stress, pain, disease, i.e. mild or intense suffering that is inherent in conditioned existence.

Also known as: discomfort, unpleasantness, discontentedness, dissatisfaction, stress, pain, disease, distress, affliction
Pāli: dukkha
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Last updated on July 27, 2026

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