Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
In the serene atmosphere of the Very Blessed Grove under a royal Sal tree in Ukkattha, the Blessed One addressed the gathering of monks, saying, “Monks!”
Respectfully, the monks responded, “Yes, lord.”
The Blessed One began, “Monks, I will elucidate the fundamental sequence underlying all phenomena, the root sequence of all phenomena. Pay heed, and listen carefully.”
“As you instruct, sir,” the monks replied.
The Blessed One explained, “Consider an uninstructed person, indifferent to noble teachings, unacquainted with the Dhamma of the virtuous. Such a person perceives elements like earth, water, fire, and wind merely as they appear. Engaging in conceptualizations about ownership and pleasure, they fail to comprehend the true nature of these elements.”
The Blessed One continued to describe how an untrained individual perceives various aspects of existence, attributing personal ownership and finding delight in them due to a lack of comprehension.
Then, he shifted to the Trainee, a monk earnestly aspiring for liberation. The Trainee, still on the path, is advised to directly understand and not form attachments or conceptualize about the elements and experiences, striving for comprehension.
The Arahant, a monk who has achieved enlightenment, is portrayed as one devoid of mental fermentations, having eradicated passion, aversion, and delusion. The Arahant directly knows and understands without attachment, having comprehended the true nature of all phenomena.
The Blessed One emphasized the importance of comprehending, ending passion, aversion, and delusion, leading to liberation.
Finally, the Tathagata, the awakened one, who has attained the ultimate understanding, directly knows and comprehends all phenomena. The Tathagata, having realized that delight is the root of suffering, aging, and death, has achieved complete awakening, devoid of craving.
Despite the profound teachings, the monks, displeased, did not find delight in the words of the Blessed One.
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