Saṃyutta Nikāya
5. Mahā-Vagga
53. Jhāna Saṃyutta
4. Esana Vagga
The Book of the Kindred Sayings
5. The Great Chapter
53. Kindred Sayings on the Four Trances
4. Longing
Suttas 35-44
Translated by F. L. Woodward
Edited by Mrs. Rhys Davids
Copyright The Pali Text Society
Commercial Rights Reserved
For details see Terms of Use.
Sutta 35
Longing
a. Full Comprehension
[35.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three longings.
What three?
The longing for sensual delights,
the longing for becoming,
the longing for the holy life.
These, monks, are the three longings.
It is for the full comprehension of these three longings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three longings.
What three?
The longing for sensual delights,
the longing for becoming,
the longing for the holy life.
These, monks, are the three longings.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three longings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three longings.
What three?
The longing for sensual delights,
the longing for becoming,
the longing for the holy life.
These, monks, are the three longings.
It is for the wearing out of these three longings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three longings.
What three?
The longing for sensual delights,
the longing for becoming,
the longing for the holy life.
These, monks, are the three longings.
It is for the abandoning of these three longings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 36
Conceits
a. Full Comprehension
[36.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three conceits.
What three?
The 'better am I' conceit,
the 'equal am I' conceit,
the 'worse am I' conceit.
These are the three conceits.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three conceits, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three conceits.
What three?
The 'better am I' conceit,
the 'equal am I' conceit,
the 'worse am I' conceit.
These are the three conceits.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three conceits, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three conceits.
What three?
The 'better am I' conceit,
the 'equal am I' conceit,
the 'worse am I' conceit.
These are the three conceits.
It is for the wearing out of these three conceits, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three conceits.
What three?
The 'better am I' conceit,
the 'equal am I' conceit,
the 'worse am I' conceit.
These are the three conceits.
It is for the abandoning of these three conceits, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 37
Āsava
a. Full Comprehension
[37.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are three āsavas.
What three?
The āsava of sensual delight,
the āsava of becoming,
the āsava of nescience.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three āsavas, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are three āsavas.
What three?
The āsava of sensual delight,
the āsava of becoming,
the āsava of nescience.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three āsavas, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein.
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are three āsavas.
What three?
The āsava of sensual delight,
the āsava of becoming,
the āsava of nescience.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three āsavas, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are three āsavas.
What three?
The āsava of sensual delight,
the āsava of becoming,
the āsava of nescience.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three āsava, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 38
Becoming
a. Full Comprehension
[70.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks there are three becomings.
What three?
Becoming in the sensuous world,
becoming in the world of form,
becoming in the formless world.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three becomings monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks there are three becomings.
What three?
Becoming in the sensuous world,
becoming in the world of form,
becoming in the formless world.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three becomings, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks there are three becomings.
What three?
Becoming in the sensuous world,
becoming in the world of form,
becoming in the formless world.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three becomings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks there are three becomings.
What three?
Becoming in the sensuous world,
becoming in the world of form,
becoming in the formless world.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three becomings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 39
Suffering
a. Full Comprehension
[71.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three forms of suffering.
What three?
The sort of suffering caused by pain,
the sort caused by the activities,
the sort of suffering caused by the changeable nature of things.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three forms of suffering monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three forms of suffering.
What three?
The sort of suffering caused by pain,
the sort caused by the activities,
the sort of suffering caused by the changeable nature of things.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three forms of suffering, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three forms of suffering.
What three?
The sort of suffering caused by pain,
the sort caused by the activities,
the sort of suffering caused by the changeable nature of things.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three forms of suffering, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three forms of suffering.
What three?
The sort of suffering caused by pain,
the sort caused by the activities,
the sort of suffering caused by the changeable nature of things.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three forms of suffering, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 40
Obstructions
a. Full Comprehension
[72.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three (mental) obstructions.
What three?|| ||
The obstruction of lust,
the obstruction of hatred,
the obstruction of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three obstructions monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three (mental) obstructions.
What three?|| ||
The obstruction of lust,
the obstruction of hatred,
the obstruction of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three obstructions, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three (mental) obstructions.
What three?|| ||
The obstruction of lust,
the obstruction of hatred,
the obstruction of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three obstructions, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three (mental) obstructions.
What three?|| ||
The obstruction of lust,
the obstruction of hatred,
the obstruction of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three obstructions, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 41
Stains
a. Full Comprehension
[41.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three stains.
What three?
The stain of lust,
the stain of hatred,
the stain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three stains, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three stains.
What three?
The stain of lust,
the stain of hatred,
the stain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three stains, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three stains.
What three?
The stain of lust,
the stain of hatred,
the stain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three stains, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three stains.
What three?
The stain of lust,
the stain of hatred,
the stain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three stains, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 42
Pains
a. Full Comprehension
[42.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three pains.
What three?
The pain of lust,
the pain of hatred,
the pain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three pains, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three pains.
What three?
The pain of lust,
the pain of hatred,
the pain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three pains, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three pains.
What three?
The pain of lust,
the pain of hatred,
the pain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three pains, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three pains.
What three?
The pain of lust,
the pain of hatred,
the pain of illusion.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three pains, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 43
Feelings
a. Full Comprehension
[43.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are these three feelings.
What three?
Feeling that is pleasant,
feeling that is painful,
feeling that is neither pleasant nor painful.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three feelings, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there are these three feelings.
What three?
Feeling that is pleasant,
feeling that is painful,
feeling that is neither pleasant nor painful.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three feelings, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there are these three feelings.
What three?
Feeling that is pleasant,
feeling that is painful,
feeling that is neither pleasant nor painful.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three feelings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there are these three feelings.
What three?
Feeling that is pleasant,
feeling that is painful,
feeling that is neither pleasant nor painful.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three feelings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
§
Sutta 44
Craving
a. Full Comprehension
[44.1] THUS have I heard:
Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.
Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.
The Exalted One said:
"Monks, there axe these three cravings.
What three?
The craving for sensual delights,
the craving for becoming,
the craving for ceasing to become.
These are the three.
It is for the full comprehension
of these three cravings, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
b. Realization
"Monks, there axe these three cravings.
What three?
The craving for sensual delights,
the craving for becoming,
the craving for ceasing to become.
These are the three.
It is for the realization of (the meaning of) these three cravings, monks,
that the four trances is to be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
c. Weariing Out
"Monks, there axe these three cravings.
What three?
The craving for sensual delights,
the craving for becoming,
the craving for ceasing to become.
These are the three.
It is for the wearing out of these three cravings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
d. Abandoning
"Monks, there axe these three cravings.
What three?
The craving for sensual delights,
the craving for becoming,
the craving for ceasing to become.
These are the three.
It is for the abandoning of these three cravings, monks,
that the four trances must be cultivated.
What four trances?
Herein a monk, aloof from sensuality,
aloof from evil states,
enters on the first trance
which is accompanied by thought directed and sustained,
born of solitude,
zestful and easeful,
and abides therein.
Then, by the calming down of thought directed and sustained,
he enters on that inward calm,
that one-pointedness of mind,
apart from thought directed and sustained,
that is born of mental balance,
zestful and easeful,
which is the second trance,
and abides therein.
Then, by the fading out of zest,
he abides indifferent,
mindful and composed,
and experiences ease through the body.
Having entered on the third trance,
which the Ariyans describe in these terms:
'He who is indifferent and mindful dwells happily,' -
he abides therein.
Then, by the abandoning of ease,
by the abandoning of discomfort,
by the ending of the happiness and unhappiness that he had before,
entering on that state which is neither pleasant nor painful,
that utter purity of mindfulness reached by indifference,
which is the fourth trance,
he abides therein."
