Aṇguttara Nikāya
Pañcaka Nipāta
VI: Nīvaraṇa Vagga
The Book of Fives
Sutta 52
A-Kusala-Rāsi Suttaṃ
A Constellation of Ineptitudes
Translated from the Pāḷi
by
Michael M. Olds
Translator's Introduction
Some things should be kept in mind when thinking over and pondering the meaning of this sutta while in the first jhāna: The Nivaraṇas are not 'obstructions', they are 'diversions'. The simile [see AN 5.51] is of something that is diverting, not obstructing, the forward momentum of a stream. Then think about the fact that that which obstructs does not involve the will of the individual or necessarily reduce his strength, whereas diversions are by their nature participated in by the individual and weaken his strength and diminish his individual willpower. The point is the need to take responsibility. Don Juan would call these 'self-indulgences'. Thinking this way of the nivaraṇa one has allowed the possibility of their removal by putting them under the control of the individual. Obstructions come from the outside and their appearance cannot be controlled, diversions are self-created and can be abstained from. No action required. Just not-doing. The trick is to be fast enough to see where one is, one's self, allowing the mind to become diverted from the goal.
Once upon a time the Lucky Man,
Sāvatthi-town came a revisit'n
Anāthapiṇḍika's Jeta Grove.
There then, the Lucky Man addressed the beggars:
"Beggars!"
And the beggars responding "Elder!" the Lucky Man said:
"Speaking thoughtfully, beggars,
describing these five diversions as:
"A constellation of ineptitudes",
one would be speaking accurately.
For indeed, beggars, these are
a constellation of ineptitudes,
that is to say the five diversions.
What five?
Indulging[1] in sensual-desires
indulging in deviance,
indulging in sluggish-stupidity,
indulging in anxious confusion,
indulging in scatter-brained second thoughts.
Speaking thoughtfully, beggars,
describing these five diversions as:
"A constellation of ineptitudes",
one would be speaking accurately.
For indeed, beggars, these are
a constellation of ineptitudes,
that is to say the five diversions."
[1] Nivaraṇa. Diverting the mind by way of.
