The Discourse on Feelings and Supreme Pleasure

Once, in the land where the Blessed One taught the Dharma, a skilled carpenter named Fivetools went to visit the Venerable Udayi. Carpenter Fivetools was a devoted follower of the Buddha’s teachings and had spent much time contemplating the nature of feelings. Wishing to clarify his understanding, he respectfully approached Venerable Udayi, bowed, and sat down to one side.

After a moment of silence, he asked, “Reverend Udayi, how many kinds of feelings did the Blessed One teach?”

Venerable Udayi, a learned monk and disciple of the Buddha, replied with certainty, “Carpenter, the Blessed One has taught three kinds of feelings: pleasant, painful, and neutral. These are the three categories of feelings expounded by the Blessed One.”

Upon hearing this, Carpenter Fivetools furrowed his brows and shook his head slightly. “No, reverend Udayi, the Blessed One did not speak of three feelings. He spoke of only two: pleasant and painful. The so-called neutral feeling, as taught by the Blessed One, is not truly neutral but is itself a form of peaceful and sublime happiness.”

Venerable Udayi remained calm but unwavering. “No, Carpenter. The Buddha clearly distinguished three types of feelings: pleasant, painful, and neutral.”

Their exchange continued, each presenting their case with firm conviction. The discussion grew more animated but remained respectful. Three times Carpenter Fivetools tried to persuade Venerable Udayi, and three times Venerable Udayi stood by his explanation. Neither could convince the other.

It so happened that the Venerable Ananda, the Buddha’s devoted attendant, was nearby and overheard their conversation. Recognizing the importance of the discussion, he decided to seek the guidance of the Blessed One himself. With deep reverence, Ananda approached the Buddha, bowed respectfully, and took a seat nearby.

Having settled, he recounted the entire debate between Venerable Udayi and Carpenter Fivetools, seeking clarity.

The Blessed One listened patiently and then spoke with his serene and compassionate voice:

“Ananda, Udayi’s explanation, with which Carpenter Fivetools disagreed, is correct. But likewise, Carpenter Fivetools’ understanding, with which Udayi disagreed, is also correct.

“In one way of teaching, I have spoken of two kinds of feelings—pleasant and painful. In another way, I have spoken of three—pleasant, painful, and neutral. In yet other ways, I have described six, eighteen, thirty-six, and even one hundred and eight kinds of feelings. The Dharma has been shown in different ways to help beings of different dispositions understand it.

“But, Ananda, when people fail to recognize the variations in teaching, when they cling rigidly to their own perspective without considering the full breadth of the Dharma, disputes arise. They argue, quarrel, and wound one another with harsh words. However, when they accept the Dharma in all its depth, without attachment to their own opinions, they live in harmony—just as milk mixes easily with water. They regard one another with kindness, free from conflict.”

The Blessed One then continued, expanding on a profound truth:

“Ananda, there are five strands of sense desire. And what are these five?

Forms visible to the eye that are pleasing, desirable, and enticing.
Sounds heard by the ear that are sweet, melodious, and captivating.
Scents perceived by the nose that are fragrant, delightful, and alluring.
Flavors tasted by the tongue that are delicious, rich, and satisfying.
Sensations felt by the body that are soft, pleasurable, and delightful.

“These five strands of sense desire give rise to pleasure and joy. This is what is called sensual pleasure. However, if someone were to claim that this is the highest and most supreme pleasure, I would not agree. And why? Because there exists a pleasure far greater than sensual pleasure—one that is more refined, more sublime, and free from attachment.”

The monks and lay followers listened intently as the Buddha spoke. The grove was silent, save for his voice, rich with wisdom.

“Ananda, what is this higher pleasure? It is the joy that arises when a monk, secluded from sensual desires and unwholesome states of mind, enters the first meditative absorption (jhana). In this state, there is joy and rapture, born of seclusion.

“But even this is not the highest. There is an even greater joy—one that surpasses the first. By quieting the restless activity of the mind, a monk enters the second meditative absorption, where joy and inner peace deepen, unshaken by discursive thoughts.

“Still, there is more. A monk may progress further, transcending all perception of material form, entering the boundless realm of infinite space. Then, beyond that, into the realm of infinite consciousness. And beyond that, into the realm of nothingness. Even further still, into the state of neither-perception-nor-non-perception.

“But, Ananda, there remains a pleasure greater than all these. And what is that? It is the supreme bliss of complete stillness—when a monk, having surpassed all conditioned states, abides in the cessation of perception and feeling. This, Ananda, is the highest and most sublime happiness.”

The gathered disciples were awed by the depth of the Blessed One’s words. Yet, the Buddha foresaw the doubts that might arise in the minds of others.

“Ananda, there may be those outside this teaching who question: ‘How can the cessation of perception and feeling be called pleasure?’ To them, one should respond:

‘The Blessed One does not define pleasure solely as what is felt. He describes as pleasure whatever state is truly peaceful, free from suffering, and unshaken by worldly concerns.'”

Upon hearing this profound discourse, Ananda, Venerable Udayi, Carpenter Fivetools, and all who were present gained a deeper understanding of the nature of feelings and the path to true peace. They rejoiced in the Blessed One’s words and paid homage to him with great reverence.

And thus, the discourse on feelings and supreme pleasure was spoken.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2025/02/20/the-discourse-on-feelings-and-supreme-pleasure/