By mapping how suffering dynamically depends on internal conditions—including felt experience, craving, clinging, and perturbation—the Buddha demonstrates that liberating knowledge arises from seeing pairs of principles exactly as they are.

SNP 3.12  Dvayatānupassanā sutta - Observing Duality

Evaṁ me sutaṁ ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati pubbārāme migāramātupāsāde. Tena kho pana samayena bhagavā tadahuposathe pannarase puṇṇāya puṇṇamāya rattiyā bhikkhusaṅghaparivuto abbhokāse nisinno hoti. Atha kho bhagavā tuṇhībhūtaṁ tuṇhībhūtaṁ bhikkhusaṅghaṁ anuviloketvā bhikkhū āmantesi:

Thus have I heard—At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthi, in the Eastern Park, at |Migāramātā’s mansion::name of a monastery outside Sāvatthi, built by Visākhā; lit. Migāra’s Mother’s Hall [migāramātupāsāda]|. On that occasion, the Blessed One was seated in the open air, surrounded by the |Saṅgha::The community of monks and nuns practicing in line with the Buddha’s teachings. In the broader sense, this is the community of disciples who have realized the noble path and fruition through the Buddha’s teachings [saṅgha]| of bhikkhus on the |Uposatha::Occurring on specific lunar days such as the full moon, new moon, and quarter moons, this is a time for renewing virtue, deepening practice, and purifying the mind. [uposatha]| day of the fifteenth, on the full moon night. Then, surveying the silent Saṅgha of bhikkhus, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus:

“‘Ye te, bhikkhave, kusalā dhammā ariyā niyyānikā sambodhagāmino, tesaṁ vo, bhikkhave, kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ ariyānaṁ niyyānikānaṁ sambodhagāmīnaṁ upanisā savanāyā’ti, iti ce, bhikkhave, pucchitāro assu, te evamassu vacanīyā: ‘yāvadeva dvayatānaṁ dhammānaṁ yathābhūtaṁ ñāṇāyā’ti. Kiñca dvayataṁ vadetha?

“Bhikkhus, if questioners should ask: ‘There are |wholesome::healthy, beneficial, useful [kusala]| teachings that are noble, |leading to liberation::redemptive, leading to deliverance [niyyānika]|, and leading to full awakening. What is your aim in listening to these wholesome teachings that are noble, leading to liberation, and leading to full awakening?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘For the sake of |knowledge::understanding, insight [ñāṇa]| of the duality of principles as they truly are.’ And what would one call a duality?

The Four Noble Truths

Idaṁ dukkhaṁ, ayaṁ dukkhasamudayoti ayamekānupassanā. Ayaṁ dukkhanirodho, ayaṁ dukkhanirodhagāminī paṭipadāti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā dvayatānupassino kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno appamattassa ātāpino pahitattassa viharato dvinnaṁ phalānaṁ aññataraṁ phalaṁ pāṭikaṅkhaṁ diṭṭheva dhamme aññā, sati upādisese anāgāmitā”ti.

‘This is suffering, this is the arising of suffering,’ this is one observation. ‘This is the |end of suffering::ending of discontentment, cessation of distress [dukkhanirodha]|, this is the way of practice leading to the end of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus |diligent::doing one’s work or duty well, with alertness, carefulness and care [appamatta]|, |resolute::determined, intent [pahitatta]|, and |with continuous effort::ardent, zealous, with energy, with application; lit. burning [ātāpī]| rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any |residual clinging for existence::remnant of grasping for renewed becoming [upādisesa]|, the state of |non-returning::third stage of awakening where the five lower fetters of personal existence view, doubt, adherence to rules and observances, sensual desire, and ill will are permanently dropped [anāgāmitā]|.”

Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

The Blessed One said this. Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Ye dukkhaṁ nappajānanti,
atho dukkhassa sambhavaṁ;
Yattha ca sabbaso dukkhaṁ,
asesaṁ uparujjhati;
Tañca maggaṁ na jānanti,
dukkhūpasamagāminaṁ.

“Those who |do not discern::do not clearly distinguish, do not truly understand [nappajānāti]| suffering,
nor the coming into being of suffering;
and where suffering is ended
completely and without remainder;
and they do not know the way of practice,
that leads to the calming of suffering.

Cetovimuttihīnā te,
Atho paññāvimuttiyā;
Abhabbā te antakiriyāya,
Te ve jātijarūpagā.

Lacking in |liberation of mind::emancipated by mind/heart, samādhi obtained from fruition [cetovimutti]|
and |liberation by wisdom::emancipation by insight [paññāvimutti]|;
they are incapable of making an end,
and are headed to birth and old age.

Ye ca dukkhaṁ pajānanti,
atho dukkhassa sambhavaṁ;
Yattha ca sabbaso dukkhaṁ,
asesaṁ uparujjhati;
Tañca maggaṁ pajānanti,
dukkhūpasamagāminaṁ.

Those who |discern::distinguish, understand, know clearly [pajānāti]| suffering
and the coming into being of suffering;
and where suffering is ended,
completely and without remainder;
and who discern the way of practice
that leads to the calming of suffering.

Cetovimuttisampannā,
Atho paññāvimuttiyā;
Bhabbā te antakiriyāya,
Na te jātijarūpagāti.

Endowed with liberation of mind
and with liberation by wisdom;
they are capable of making an end,
and are not headed to birth and old age.

Acquisitions

‘Siyā aññenapi pariyāyena sammā dvayatānupassanā’ti, iti ce, bhikkhave, pucchitāro assu; ‘siyā’tissu vacanīyā. Kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ upadhipaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Upadhīnaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Bhikkhus, if questioners should ask: ‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by |acquisitions::attachment, taking as mine, appropriation, sense of ownership, identification [upadhi]|,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of acquisitions, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Upadhinidānā pabhavanti dukkhā,
Ye keci lokasmimanekarūpā;
Yo ve avidvā upadhiṁ karoti,
Punappunaṁ dukkhamupeti mando;
Tasmā pajānaṁ upadhiṁ na kayirā,
Dukkhassa jātippabhavānupassīti.

“Whatever diverse forms of suffering arise in the world,
they all have acquisitions as their source.
The |ignoramus::lit. not having knowing quality [avidvant]| |dull-witted one::tender, weak, undeveloped [manda]| who creates acquisitions,
encounters suffering again and again.
Therefore, |comprehending::clearly understanding [pajāna]| the source of suffering,
one should not create acquisitions.

Ignorance

‘Siyā aññenapi pariyāyena sammā dvayatānupassanā’ti, iti ce, bhikkhave, pucchitāro assu; ‘siyā’tissu vacanīyā. Kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ avijjāpaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Avijjāya tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

Bhikkhus, if questioners should ask: ‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by |ignorance::fundamental unawareness or misunderstanding of the true nature of reality, not experientially understanding the four noble truths [avijjā]|,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of ignorance, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Jātimaraṇasaṁsāraṁ,
ye vajanti punappunaṁ;
Itthabhāvaññathābhāvaṁ,
avijjāyeva gati.

“Those who travel again and again
through the wandering journey of birth and death,
from this state of existence to another state of existence;
ignorance is the cause of their destination.

Avijjā hāyaṁ mahāmoho,
Yenidaṁ saṁsitaṁ ciraṁ;
Vijjāgatā ca ye sattā,
Na te gacchanti punabbhavanti.

For this ignorance is a great |delusion::illusion, misperception, erroneous belief, false idea, misapprehension; a fundamental distortion of reality that sustains confusion, clouds discernment, and fuels further doubt [moha]|
by which this cycle has long been spun;
but those beings who have arrived at true knowledge
do not go to a renewed existence.

Intentional Constructs

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ saṅkhārapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Saṅkhārānaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by intentional constructs,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of intentional constructs, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti,
sabbaṁ saṅkhārapaccayā;
Saṅkhārānaṁ nirodhena,
natthi dukkhassa sambhavo.

“Whatever suffering comes into being,
all of it is conditioned by |intentional constructs::the constructive activity that shapes each moment of experience, expressed as bodily, verbal, and mental formations; the accumulated conditioning — patterns, tendencies, and habits — produced by prior action [saṅkhārā]|;
with the cessation of intentional constructs,
there is no coming into being of suffering.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
dukkhaṁ saṅkhārapaccayā;
Sabbasaṅkhārasamathā,
saññānaṁ uparodhanā;
Evaṁ dukkhakkhayo hoti,
etaṁ ñatvā yathātathaṁ.

Having known this |drawback::disadvantage, unsatisfactoriness, inadequacy, danger [ādīnava]|,
‘Suffering is conditioned by intentional constructs,’
through the |stilling of all intentional constructs::calming of all intentions, volitions, mental activities. This is sometimes rendered as stilling of all formations [sabbasaṅkhārasamatha]|,
and the cessation of |perceptions::Particular acts or instances of recognizing and labeling experience; specific identifications, interpretations, or mental markings applied to sensory or mental objects. They arise dependent on contact and memory and shape how phenomena are taken up; third of the five aggregates [saññā]|,
the |wearing away of suffering::extinction of stress, termination of tension [dukkhakkhaya]| comes to be,
when one has known this |as it truly is::as it has come to be, as it is in actuality [yathābhūta]|.

Sammaddasā vedaguno,
Sammadaññāya paṇḍitā;
Abhibhuyya mārasaṁyogaṁ,
Na gacchanti punabbhavanti.

Seeing rightly, those |with perfect knowledge::who has complete understanding [vedagū]|,
the wise ones, having completely comprehended,
having overcome the bond of Māra,
they do not go to a |renewed existence::renewal of being, reappearance, rebirth, future life [punabbhava]|.

Consciousness

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ viññāṇapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Viññāṇassa tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by consciousness,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of consciousness, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti,
Sabbaṁ viññāṇapaccayā;
Viññāṇassa nirodhena,
Natthi dukkhassa sambhavo.

“Whatever suffering comes into being,
all of it is conditioned by |consciousness::quality of awareness — distinctive knowing that arises in dependence on the meeting of eye and form, ear and sound, nose and odor, tongue and taste, body and tangible object, mind and mind object [viññāṇa]|;
with the cessation of consciousness,
there is no coming into being of suffering.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
Dukkhaṁ viññāṇapaccayā;
Viññāṇūpasamā bhikkhu,
Nicchāto parinibbutoti.

Having known this drawback,
‘Suffering is conditioned by consciousness,’
through the stilling of consciousness, a bhikkhu
is |satiated::free from craving, desireless [nicchāta]| and |completely quenched::completely cooled mental defilements [parinibbuta]|.

Contact

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ phassapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Phassassa tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by contact,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of contact, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Tesaṁ phassaparetānaṁ,
Bhavasotānusārinaṁ;
Kummaggapaṭipannānaṁ,
Ārā saṁyojanakkhayo.

“For those |overwhelmed by contact::afflicted by sense impressions [phassapareta]|,
|carried along by the stream of existence::flowing along the current of being [bhavasotānusārī]|,
following the wrong path,
the wearing away of the fetters is far away.

Ye ca phassaṁ pariññāya,
Aññāyupasame ratā;
Te ve phassābhisamayā,
Nicchātā parinibbutāti.

|Completely comprehending::fully understanding [pariññāya]| contact,
pleased with the peace of |final knowledge::spiritual insight of the complete wearing away of the taints; full awakening [aññā]|,
|by breaking through contact::by cessation of contact, through total understanding of experience [phassābhisamaya]|,
they are satiated and completely quenched.

Felt Experience

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ vedanāpaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Vedanānaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by felt experience,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of felt experience, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Sukhaṁ yadi dukkhaṁ,
Adukkhamasukhaṁ saha;
Ajjhattañca bahiddhā ca,
Yaṁ kiñci atthi veditaṁ.

“Whether pleasant or painful,
along with neither-painful-nor-pleasant;
internally and externally,
whatever there is that is felt:

Etaṁ dukkhanti ñatvāna,
Mosadhammaṁ palokinaṁ;
Phussa phussa vayaṁ passaṁ,
Evaṁ tattha vijānati;
Vedanānaṁ khayā bhikkhu,
Nicchāto parinibbutoti.

Having known this as suffering,
|deceptive::false, lit. untrue nature [mosadhamma]| [by nature], |disintegrating::falling apart [palokī]|;
seeing its |vanishing::disappearing, fading away [vaya]| with each contact,
one |distinguishes::learns, understands, is aware of [vijānāti]| it clearly;
through the wearing away of felt experience, a bhikkhu
is satiated and completely quenched.

Craving

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ taṇhāpaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Taṇhāya tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by craving,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of craving, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Taṇhādutiyo puriso,
Dīghamaddhāna saṁsaraṁ;
Itthabhāvaññathābhāvaṁ,
Saṁsāraṁ nātivattati.

“A person with craving as their companion
undergoes repeated existence for a long time;
from one state of |existence::being, becoming; continued conditional existence, the karmically conditioned mode of being that leads to future rebirth [bhava]| to another,
they do not go beyond |cyclic existence::wandering on from one state of existence to another, the cycle of birth and death, moving on continuously [saṁsāra]|.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
Taṇhaṁ dukkhassa sambhavaṁ;
Vītataṇho anādāno,
Sato bhikkhu paribbajeti.

Having known this drawback,
‘Craving is the coming into being of suffering,’
free from craving and not grasping,
a bhikkhu should wander |mindfully::lit. remembering [sata]|.

Clinging

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ upādānapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Upādānānaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by clinging,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of clinging, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Upādānapaccayā bhavo,
Bhūto dukkhaṁ nigacchati;
Jātassa maraṇaṁ hoti,
Eso dukkhassa sambhavo.

“Existence is conditioned by clinging,
one who has come into being encounters suffering;
for one who is born, death occurs,
such is the coming into being of suffering.

Tasmā upādānakkhayā,
Sammadaññāya paṇḍitā;
Jātikkhayaṁ abhiññāya,
Na gacchanti punabbhavanti.

Therefore, through the |wearing away of clinging::extinction of attachment; lit. exhaustion of taking near [upādānakkhaya]|,
the wise ones, having completely comprehended,
having directly known the wearing away of birth,
they do not go to a renewed existence.

Instigation

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ ārambhapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Ārambhānaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by |instigation::attempting, beginning, undertaking [ārambha]|,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of instigation, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti,
Sabbaṁ ārambhapaccayā;
Ārambhānaṁ nirodhena,
Natthi dukkhassa sambhavo.

“Whatever suffering comes into being,
all of it is conditioned by instigation;
with the cessation of instigation,
there is no coming into being of suffering.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
Dukkhaṁ ārambhapaccayā;
Sabbārambhaṁ paṭinissajja,
Anārambhe vimuttino.

Having known this drawback,
‘Suffering is conditioned by instigation,’
having relinquished all instigation,
one is liberated in non-instigation.

Ucchinnabhavataṇhassa,
Santacittassa bhikkhuno;
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṁsāro,
Natthi tassa punabbhavoti.

With craving for existence cut off,
for that bhikkhu |with a calm mind::with a peaceful heart [santacitta]|;
birth and wandering on has ended,
for him, there is no renewed existence.

Nutriment

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ āhārapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Āhārānaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by |nutriment::fuel, sustenance [āhāra]|,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of nutriment, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti,
Sabbaṁ āhārapaccayā;
Āhārānaṁ nirodhena,
Natthi dukkhassa sambhavo.

“Whatever suffering comes into being,
all of it is conditioned by nutriment;
with the cessation of nutriment,
there is no coming into being of suffering.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
Dukkhaṁ āhārapaccayā;
Sabbāhāraṁ pariññāya,
Sabbāhāramanissito.

Having known this drawback,
‘Suffering is conditioned by nutriment,’
completely comprehending all nutriment,
one is not dependent on any nutriment.

Ārogyaṁ sammadaññāya,
Āsavānaṁ parikkhayā;
Saṅkhāya sevī dhammaṭṭho,
Saṅkhyaṁ nopeti vedagūti.

Having completely comprehended the state of |health::wellness, freedom from disease [ārogya]|,
through the |complete exhaustion::gradual and complete wearing away [parikkhaya]| of the |taints::outflows, discharges; (comm) mental defilements [āsavā]|,
firmly established in the |Dhamma::the ultimate truth that the Buddha’s teachings point to [dhamma]|, using with reflection,
a master of knowledge cannot be designated.

Perturbation

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti sabbaṁ iñjitapaccayāti, ayamekānupassanā. Iñjitānaṁ tveva asesavirāganirodhā natthi dukkhassa sambhavoti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Whatever suffering comes into being, all of it is conditioned by |perturbation::agitation, disturbance, movement, turmoil [iñjita]|,’ this is one observation. ‘But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of perturbation, there is no coming into being of suffering,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Yaṁ kiñci dukkhaṁ sambhoti,
Sabbaṁ iñjitapaccayā;
Iñjitānaṁ nirodhena,
Natthi dukkhassa sambhavo.

“Whatever suffering comes into being,
all of it is conditioned by perturbation;
with the cessation of perturbation,
there is no coming into being of suffering.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
Dukkhaṁ iñjitapaccayā;
Tasmā hi ejaṁ vossajja,
Saṅkhāre uparundhiya;
Anejo anupādāno,
Sato bhikkhu paribbajeti.

Having known this drawback,
‘Suffering is conditioned by perturbation,’
therefore, having given up |impulse::perturbance; (comm) craving [ejā]|,
having put a stop to intentional constructs,
unperturbed, without clinging,
a bhikkhu should wander mindfully.

Dependency and Independence

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Nissitassa calitaṁ hotīti, ayamekānupassanā. Anissito na calatīti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘For one who is |dependent::relying; lit. depended down [nissita]|, there is wavering,’ this is one observation. ‘One who is |independent::detached, disengaged [anissita]| does not waver,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Anissito na calati,
Nissito ca upādiyaṁ;
Itthabhāvaññathābhāvaṁ,
Saṁsāraṁ nātivattati.

“One who is independent does not |waver::shake [calati]|,
but the dependent one, clinging,
from this state of existence to another,
does not transcend cyclic existence.

Etamādīnavaṁ ñatvā,
Nissayesu mahabbhayaṁ;
Anissito anupādāno,
Sato bhikkhu paribbajeti.

Having known this drawback,
the great danger in dependency,
independent, without clinging,
a bhikkhu should wander mindfully.

Formless Existence and Cessation

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Rūpehi, bhikkhave, arūpā santatarāti, ayamekānupassanā. Arūpehi nirodho santataroti, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘|Formless::immaterial phenomena [arūpa]| [existence], bhikkhus, is more peaceful than form,’ this is one observation. ‘|Cessation::stilling of all thought formations, ending of all created, conditioned, dependently arisen things [nirodha]| is more peaceful than formless existence,’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Ye ca rūpūpagā sattā,
Ye ca arūpaṭṭhāyino;
Nirodhaṁ appajānantā,
Āgantāro punabbhavaṁ.

“Those beings with physical form,
and those who are established in the formless;
not completely comprehending cessation,
are bound to return to renewed existence.

Ye ca rūpe pariññāya,
Arūpesu asaṇṭhitā;
Nirodhe ye vimuccanti,
Te janā maccuhāyinoti.

But having completely comprehended form,
and |not caught in::not fixed in, not attached to [asaṇṭhita]| the formless,
those who are liberated in cessation,
have |gone beyond death::have transcended mortality [maccuhāyino]|.

Deceptive and Undeceptive

‘Siyā aññenapi …pe… kathañca siyā? Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya idaṁ saccanti upanijjhāyitaṁ tadamariyānaṁ etaṁ musāti yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhaṁ, ayamekānupassanā. Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa …pe… sadevamanussāya idaṁ musāti upanijjhāyitaṁ, tadamariyānaṁ etaṁ saccanti yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhaṁ, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā …pe… athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Bhikkhus, what the world with its |deities::gods [devas]|, |Māras::demons, tempters, beings of delusion; lit. causing death [mārake]|, |Brahmas::Gods; celestial beings residing in the Brahmā realms, often considered to be highly refined and long-lived deities. [brahmā]|, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, its kings and commoners, closely meditate upon as “This is true,” that is well seen by the Noble Ones |with right wisdom::with correct distinctive knowledge [sammappaññāya]| as it truly is to be “This is false,”’ this is one observation. ‘But what the world with its deities, Māras, Brahmas, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, its kings and commoners, closely meditate upon as “This is false,” that is well seen by the Noble Ones with right wisdom as it truly is to be “This is true,”’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Anattani attamāniṁ,
Passa lokaṁ sadevakaṁ;
Niviṭṭhaṁ nāmarūpasmiṁ,
Idaṁ saccanti maññati.

“|Imagining an essence::conceiving a self [attamānī]| |in what is impersonal::in what is not oneself [anattani]|,
look at the world, including the gods—
entrenched in |name and form::mentality and materiality—the integrated structure of mental capacities (intention, attention, contact, feeling, perception) and physical form that together constitute and sustain an individual being [nāmarūpa]|,
they |think::presume, suppose, imagine, conceive [maññati]| it to be reality.

Yena yena hi maññanti,
Tato taṁ hoti aññathā;
Tañhi tassa musā hoti,
Mosadhammañhi ittaraṁ.

However they may imagine it,
it turns out otherwise;
that indeed is its falsity,
for the transient is |deceptive::false, lit. untrue nature [mosadhamma]|.

Amosadhammaṁ nibbānaṁ,
Tadariyā saccato vidū;
Te ve saccābhisamayā,
Nicchātā parinibbutāti.

|Nibbāna::complete cooling, letting go of everything, deathless, freedom from calamity, the non-disintegrating; lit. blowing away [nibbāna]| is undeceptive by nature,
the Noble Ones know it as true;
through the breakthrough to truth,
they are truly satiated and completely quenched.

Happiness and Suffering

‘Siyā aññenapi pariyāyena sammā dvayatānupassanā’ti, iti ce, bhikkhave, pucchitāro assu; ‘siyā’tissu vacanīyā. Kathañca siyā? Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa lokassa samārakassa sabrahmakassa sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya idaṁ sukhanti upanijjhāyitaṁ, tadamariyānaṁ etaṁ dukkhanti yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhaṁ, ayamekānupassanā. Yaṁ, bhikkhave, sadevakassa …pe… sadevamanussāya idaṁ dukkhanti upanijjhāyitaṁ tadamariyānaṁ etaṁ sukhanti yathābhūtaṁ sammappaññāya sudiṭṭhaṁ, ayaṁ dutiyānupassanā. Evaṁ sammā dvayatānupassino kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno appamattassa ātāpino pahitattassa viharato dvinnaṁ phalānaṁ aññataraṁ phalaṁ pāṭikaṅkhaṁ diṭṭheva dhamme aññā, sati upādisese anāgāmitāti. Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

‘Could there be right observation of dualities in yet another way?’ they should be answered in this way: ‘There could be.’ And how could there be? ‘Bhikkhus, what the world with its deities, Māras, Brahmas, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, its kings and commoners, closely meditate upon as “This is happiness,” that is well seen by the Noble Ones with right wisdom as it truly is to be “This is suffering,”’ this is one observation. ‘But what the world with its deities, Māras, Brahmas, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, its kings and commoners, closely meditate upon as “This is suffering,” that is well seen by the Noble Ones with right wisdom as it truly is to be “This is happiness,”’ this is a second observation. When a bhikkhu dwells thus diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort rightly observing the dualities, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.” Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:

“Rūpā saddā rasā gandhā,
Phassā dhammā ca kevalā;
Iṭṭhā kantā manāpā ca,
Yāvatatthīti vuccati.

“Forms, sounds, tastes, odors,
tangibles, and all objects of mind;
desirable, lovely, and agreeable,
as long as it’s said, ‘They are like this.’

Sadevakassa lokassa,
Ete vo sukhasammatā;
Yattha cete nirujjhanti,
Taṁ nesaṁ dukkhasammataṁ.

For the world with its gods,
these are |considered to be happiness::regarded as pleasure [sukhasammatā]|;
but where these cease,
that is |considered to be stressful::regarded as painful, agreed to be uncomfortable [dukkhasammata]|.

Sukhanti diṭṭhamariyehi,
Sakkāyassuparodhanaṁ;
Paccanīkamidaṁ hoti,
Sabbalokena passataṁ.

The Noble Ones see happiness,
in the ceasing of |personal existence::the felt sense of being someone; the five aggregates subject to clinging; the totality of psycho-physical experience within which a sense of “I” or “mine” arises [sakkāya]|;
this view is contrary,
to how the whole world sees.

Yaṁ pare sukhato āhu,
Tadariyā āhu dukkhato;
Yaṁ pare dukkhato āhu,
Tadariyā sukhato vidū.

What others speak of as happiness
the Noble Ones declare to be suffering;
what others speak of as suffering,
that the Noble Ones know as happiness.

Passa dhammaṁ durājānaṁ,
Sampamūḷhetthaviddasu;
Nivutānaṁ tamo hoti,
Andhakāro apassataṁ.

See this |Dhamma::teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth [dhamma]|, difficult to fathom,
here, the |unwise::those lacking in insight and discernment [aviddasu]| are |bewildered::confused, disoriented by delusion [sammūḷha]|;
for those with obstructed vision, there is |darkness::ignorance, gloom, murkiness [tamas]|,
sheer blindness for those who do not see.

Satañca vivaṭaṁ hoti,
Āloko passatāmiva;
Santike na vijānanti,
Magā dhammassa kovidā.

But for the |virtuous person::wise person, sage [santa]|, it is unconcealed,
like light for those who see;
even when nearby, they do not understand,
those unskilled in the Dhamma.

Bhavarāgaparetehi,
Bhavasotānusāribhi;
Māradheyyānupannehi,
Nāyaṁ dhammo susambudho.

By those overcome by |passion::intense desire, strong emotion, infatuation, obsession, lust [rāga]| for becoming,
going along with its flow and pull;
having fallen under the power of death,
this Dhamma is not truly awakened to.

Ko nu aññatra mariyehi,
Padaṁ sambuddhumarahati;
Yaṁ padaṁ sammadaññāya,
Parinibbanti anāsavā”ti.

Who else apart from the Noble Ones
is worthy to completely comprehend this state;
when they have perfectly understood this state,
the taintless ones are completely quenched.”

Idamavoca bhagavā. Attamanā te bhikkhū bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandunti. Imasmiñca pana veyyākaraṇasmiṁ bhaññamāne saṭṭhimattānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ anupādāya āsavehi cittāni vimucciṁsūti.

The Blessed One said this. The bhikkhus were delighted and pleased with the Blessed One’s words. As this discourse was being spoken, the minds of sixty bhikkhus were liberated from the taints through not clinging.

Topics & Qualities:

Consciousness

Consciousness

Consciousness, the fifth aggregate, has two key meanings in the discourses: 1.) The distinctive quality of awareness which knows and arises in dependence on the meeting of eye and form, ear and sound, nose and odor, tongue and taste, body and tangible object, mind and mind object. 2.) A seed that finds a footing in a realm, established by ignorance and intention, leading to renewed existence.

Also known as: awareness, the faculty that distinguishes
Pāli: viññāṇa
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Contact

Contact

The meeting of sense faculty, sense object, and the corresponding consciousness—the convergence of three. Contact is where experience actually touches: from it arise feeling, intention, and perception, and it is the pivotal link between the sense bases and the rest of mental life. It is one of the factors of name (mentality) and a central node in dependent origination.

Also known as: sense impingement, sense impression
Pāli: phassa
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Dependent Co-Arising

Dependent Co-Arising

Dependent Co-Arising is the principle that when this exists, that comes to be; with the arising of this, that arises; when this does not exist, that does not come to be; with the cessation of this, that ceases. In the discourses it names both the general pattern of conditionality and, often, the twelve-link unfolding of suffering.

Also known as: dependent origination, dependent arising, conditionality, conditioned arising
Pāli: paṭiccasamuppāda, idappaccayatā
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Felt Experience

Felt Experience

Pleasant, neutral, or painful sensation—the experience felt on contact. Sometimes translated as “feeling.” Distinct from an emotional state or reaction, it refers to the affective tone of experience, the bare sensation of pleasure, pain, or neutrality before mental responses arise. It is the second of the five aggregates.

Also known as: feeling
Pāli: vedanā
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Ignorance

Ignorance

A fundamental blindness to the true nature of reality. It is not merely a lack of information, but an active misperception that views the transient as permanent and the unsatisfactory as a source of happiness, thereby fueling the cycle of suffering.

Also known as: illusion of knowing, fundamental unawareness of the true nature of reality, misunderstanding of how things have come to be, not knowing the four noble truths
Pāli: avijjā
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Intentional Constructs

Intentional Constructs

Intentional constructs are intentions, volitions, and choices expressed through body, speech, and mind. These are the kamma-producing processes that ‘fabricate’ experience. It is the fourth of the five aggregates.

Also known as: volitional formations, fabrications
Pāli: saṅkhāra
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Investigation

Investigation

Investigation involves the process of a careful inquiry of mental states, qualities, and phenomena, examining their arising, persisting, and ceasing in order to understand their true nature and support the cultivation of wisdom and awakening.

Also known as: inquiry, contemplation, examination, analysis, exploration
Pāli: vicaya, vīmaṃsā, parikkhati
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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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Perceiving drawback

Perceiving drawback

The contemplative perception that discerns the danger, inadequacy, and unsatisfactoriness of conditioned pleasures, leading the mind to turn away from clinging.

Also known as: observing the disadvantage, contemplating the unsatisfactoriness
Pāli: ādīnavānupassī
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Quenching

Quenching

An experiential state of being “cooled,” where the burning fever of craving has subsided and the mind dwells in a peace free from the anxiety of needing to become something else.

Also known as: being cooled, desirelessness, free from hope, fulfilled, fully satiated, having attained emancipation
Pāli: nibbuta, nirāsa, parinibbāyati
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Right view

Right view

View that is in line with the Dhamma — teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth.

Also known as: right understanding, right belief, view that is inline with the Dhamma
Pāli: sammādiṭṭhi
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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 June 23, 2026