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MN 128PTS MN 3.15211 min read

Corruptions

Upakkilesasutta

A second discourse set at the quarrel of Kosambī, this depicts the Buddha, having failed to achieve reconciliation between the disputing mendicants, leaving the monastery. He spends time in the wilderness before encountering an inspiring community of practicing monks. There he discusses in detail obstacles to meditation that he encountered before awakening.

Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato · Pāli: Mahāsaṅgīti Tipiṭaka · Public domain (CC0) via SuttaCentral

  • 0.1Majjhima Nikāya 128Middle Discourses 128

0.2UpakkilesasuttaCorruptions

1.1PTS 3.153Evaṁ me sutaṁ—So I have heard.11.2ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā kosambiyaṁ viharati ghositārāme.At one time the Buddha was staying near Kosambī in Ghosita’s monastery.

2.1Tena kho pana samayena kosambiyaṁ bhikkhū bhaṇḍanajātā kalahajātā vivādāpannā aññamaññaṁ mukhasattīhi vitudantā viharanti.Now at that time the mendicants of Kosambī were fighting, quarreling, and disputing, continually wounding each other with barbed words.2

3.1Atha kho aññataro bhikkhu yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṁ ṭhito kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:Then a mendicant went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and told him what was happening, adding:3.2“idha, bhante, kosambiyaṁ bhikkhū bhaṇḍanajātā kalahajātā vivādāpannā aññamaññaṁ mukhasattīhi vitudantā viharanti.3.3Sādhu, bhante, bhagavā yena te bhikkhū tenupasaṅkamatu anukampaṁ upādāyā”ti.“Please, sir go to those mendicants out of sympathy.”3.4Adhivāsesi bhagavā tuṇhībhāvena.The Buddha consented with silence.3

4.1Atha kho bhagavā yena te bhikkhū tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā te bhikkhū etadavoca:Then the Buddha went up to those mendicants and said,4.2“alaṁ, bhikkhave, mā bhaṇḍanaṁ, mā kalahaṁ, mā viggahaṁ, mā vivādan”ti.“Enough, mendicants! Stop fighting, quarreling, and disputing.”

4.3Evaṁ vutte, aññataro bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:When he said this, one of the mendicants said to the Buddha,4.4“āgametu, bhante.“Wait, sir!4.5Bhagavā dhammassāmī;Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma,4.6appossukko, bhante, bhagavā diṭṭhadhammasukhavihāraṁ anuyutto viharatu;remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in this life.4.7mayametena bhaṇḍanena kalahena viggahena vivādena paññāyissāmā”ti.We will be known for this fighting, quarreling, arguing, and disputing.”

4.8Dutiyampi kho bhagavā te bhikkhū etadavoca:For a second time …4.9“alaṁ, bhikkhave, mā bhaṇḍanaṁ, mā kalahaṁ, mā viggahaṁ, mā vivādan”ti.4.10Dutiyampi kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:4.11“āgametu, bhante.4.12Bhagavā dhammassāmī;4.13appossukko, bhante, bhagavā diṭṭhadhammasukhavihāraṁ anuyutto viharatu;4.14mayametena bhaṇḍanena kalahena viggahena vivādena paññāyissāmā”ti.4.15Tatiyampi kho bhagavā te bhikkhū etadavoca:and a third time the Buddha said to those mendicants,4.16“alaṁ, bhikkhave, mā bhaṇḍanaṁ, mā kalahaṁ, mā viggahaṁ, mā vivādan”ti.“Enough, mendicants! Stop fighting, quarreling, and disputing.”

4.17Tatiyampi kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:For a third time, that mendicant said to the Buddha,4.18“āgametu, bhante.“Wait, sir!4.19Bhagavā dhammassāmī;Let the Buddha, the Lord of the Dhamma,4.20appossukko, bhante, bhagavā diṭṭhadhammasukhavihāraṁ anuyutto viharatu;remain passive, dwelling in blissful meditation in this life.4.21mayametena bhaṇḍanena kalahena viggahena vivādena paññāyissāmā”ti.We will be known for this fighting, quarreling, arguing, and disputing.”

5.1Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya kosambiṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi.Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Kosambī for alms.5.2Kosambiyaṁ piṇḍāya caritvā pacchābhattaṁ piṇḍapātapaṭikkanto senāsanaṁ saṁsāmetvā pattacīvaramādāya ṭhitakova imā gāthā abhāsi:After the meal, on his return from almsround, he set his lodgings in order. Taking his bowl and robe, he recited these verses while standing right there:

6.1PTS 3.154“Puthusaddo samajano,“Many voices shout at once,46.2na bālo koci maññatha;yet no one thinks that they’re the fool.6.3Saṅghasmiṁ bhijjamānasmiṁ,Even as the Saṅgha splits,6.4nāññaṁ bhiyyo amaññaruṁ.they think no better of the other.

6.5Parimuṭṭhā paṇḍitābhāsā,Dolts pretending to be astute,6.6vācāgocarabhāṇino;they talk, their words out of bounds.56.7Yāvicchanti mukhāyāmaṁ,They blab at will, their mouths agape,6.8yena nītā na taṁ vidū.and not one knows what leads them on.

6.9Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ,‘They abused me, they hit me!66.10ajini maṁ ahāsi me;They beat me, they robbed me!’6.11Ye ca taṁ upanayhanti,For those bearing such a grudge,6.12veraṁ tesaṁ na sammati.hatred is never laid to rest.

6.13Akkocchi maṁ avadhi maṁ,‘They abused me, they hit me!6.14ajini maṁ ahāsi me;They beat me, they robbed me!’6.15Ye ca taṁ nupanayhanti,For those who bear no such grudge,6.16veraṁ tesūpasammati.hatred is laid to rest.

6.17Na hi verena verāni,For never is hatred6.18sammantīdha kudācanaṁ;laid to rest by hate,6.19Averena ca sammanti,it’s laid to rest by love:6.20esa dhammo sanantano.this is an ancient teaching.

6.21Pare ca na vijānanti,When others do not understand,76.22mayamettha yamāmase;let us, who do understand this,86.23Ye ca tattha vijānanti,restrain ourselves in this regard;6.24tato sammanti medhagā.for that is how conflicts are laid to rest.

6.25Aṭṭhicchinnā pāṇaharā,Breakers of bones and takers of life,6.26gavassadhanahārino;thieves of cattle, horses, wealth,6.27Raṭṭhaṁ vilumpamānānaṁ,those who plunder the nation:6.28tesampi hoti saṅgati;even they can come together,6.29Kasmā tumhākaṁ no siyā.so why can’t you?

6.30Sace labhetha nipakaṁ sahāyaṁ,If you find an alert companion,6.31Saddhiṁ caraṁ sādhuvihāri dhīraṁ;an attentive friend to live happily together,6.32Abhibhuyya sabbāni parissayāni,then, overcoming all adversities,6.33Careyya tenattamano satīmā.wander with them, joyful and mindful.

6.34No ce labhetha nipakaṁ sahāyaṁ,If you find no alert companion,6.35Saddhiṁ caraṁ sādhuvihāri dhīraṁ;no attentive friend to live happily together,6.36Rājāva raṭṭhaṁ vijitaṁ pahāya,then, like a king who flees his conquered realm,6.37Eko care mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo.wander alone like a tusker in the wilds.

6.38Ekassa caritaṁ seyyo,It’s better to wander alone,6.39Natthi bāle sahāyatā;there’s no fellowship with fools.6.40Eko care na ca pāpāni kayirā,Wander alone and do no wrong,6.41Appossukko mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo”ti.at ease like a tusker in the wilds.”

7.1PTS 3.155Atha kho bhagavā ṭhitakova imā gāthā bhāsitvā yena bālakaloṇakāragāmo tenupasaṅkami.After speaking these verses while standing, the Buddha went to the village of the child salt-miners,97.2Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā bhagu bālakaloṇakāragāme viharati.where Venerable Bhagu was staying at the time.107.3Addasā kho āyasmā bhagu bhagavantaṁ dūratova āgacchantaṁ.Bhagu saw the Buddha coming off in the distance,7.4Disvāna āsanaṁ paññapesi udakañca pādānaṁ dhovanaṁ.so he spread out a seat and placed water for washing the feet.7.5Nisīdi bhagavā paññatte āsane.The Buddha sat down on the seat spread out,7.6Nisajja pāde pakkhālesi.and washed his feet.7.7Āyasmāpi kho bhagu bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi.Bhagu bowed to the Buddha and sat down to one side.

7.8Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho āyasmantaṁ bhaguṁ bhagavā etadavoca:The Buddha said to him,7.9“kacci, bhikkhu, khamanīyaṁ, kacci yāpanīyaṁ, kacci piṇḍakena na kilamasī”ti?“I hope you’re keeping well, mendicant, I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”

7.10“Khamanīyaṁ bhagavā, yāpanīyaṁ bhagavā, na cāhaṁ, bhante, piṇḍakena kilamāmī”ti.“I’m keeping well, Blessed One, I’m all right. And I’m having no trouble getting almsfood.”

7.11Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ bhaguṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṁsetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā yena pācīnavaṁsadāyo tenupasaṅkami.Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired Bhagu with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and set out for the Park of the East-Raftered Hall.

8.1Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo pācīnavaṁsadāye viharanti.Now at that time the venerables Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila were staying in the Park of the East-Raftered Hall.118.2Addasā kho dāyapālo bhagavantaṁ dūratova āgacchantaṁ.The park keeper saw the Buddha coming off in the distance128.3Disvāna bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:and said to the Buddha,8.4“mā, mahāsamaṇa, etaṁ dāyaṁ pāvisi.“Don’t come into this park, ascetic.138.5Santettha tayo kulaputtā attakāmarūpā viharanti.There are three gentlemen staying here whose nature is to desire self-knowledge.8.6Mā tesaṁ aphāsumakāsī”ti.Do not disturb them.”

9.1Assosi kho āyasmā anuruddho dāyapālassa bhagavatā saddhiṁ mantayamānassa.Anuruddha heard the park keeper conversing with the Buddha,9.2Sutvāna dāyapālaṁ etadavoca:and said to him,9.3“mā, āvuso dāyapāla, bhagavantaṁ vāresi.“Don’t keep the Buddha out, good park keeper!9.4Satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti.Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived.”

10.1PTS 3.156Atha kho āyasmā anuruddho yenāyasmā ca nandiyo yenāyasmā ca kimilo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā āyasmantañca nandiyaṁ āyasmantañca kimilaṁ etadavoca:Then Anuruddha went to Nandiya and Kimbila, and said to them,10.2“abhikkamathāyasmanto, abhikkamathāyasmanto, satthā no bhagavā anuppatto”ti.“Come forth, venerables, come forth! Our Teacher, the Blessed One, has arrived!”

10.3Atha kho āyasmā ca anuruddho āyasmā ca nandiyo āyasmā ca kimilo bhagavantaṁ paccuggantvāThen Anuruddha, Nandiya, and Kimbila came out to greet the Buddha.10.4eko bhagavato pattacīvaraṁ paṭiggahesi, eko āsanaṁ paññapesi, eko pādodakaṁ upaṭṭhapesi.One received his bowl and robe, one spread out a seat, and one set out water for washing his feet.10.5Nisīdi bhagavā paññatte āsane.The Buddha sat down on the seat spread out,10.6Nisajja pāde pakkhālesi.and washed his feet.10.7Tepi kho āyasmanto bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu.Those venerables bowed and sat down to one side.

10.8Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho āyasmantaṁ anuruddhaṁ bhagavā etadavoca:The Buddha said to Anuruddha,10.9“kacci vo, anuruddhā, khamanīyaṁ, kacci yāpanīyaṁ, kacci piṇḍakena na kilamathā”ti?“I hope you’re keeping well, Anuruddha and friends, I hope you’re all right. And I hope you’re having no trouble getting almsfood.”

10.10“Khamanīyaṁ bhagavā, yāpanīyaṁ bhagavā, na ca mayaṁ, bhante, piṇḍakena kilamāmā”ti.“We’re keeping well, Blessed One, we’re getting by. And we have no trouble getting almsfood.”

11.1“Kacci pana vo, anuruddhā, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharathā”ti?“I hope you’re living in harmony, appreciating each other, without quarreling, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes?”

11.2“Taggha mayaṁ, bhante, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharāmā”ti.“Indeed, sir, we live in harmony as you say.”

11.3“Yathā kathaṁ pana tumhe, anuruddhā, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharathā”ti?“But how do you live this way?”

12.1“Idha mayhaṁ, bhante, evaṁ hoti:“In this case, sir, I think:12.2‘lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me‘I’m fortunate, so very fortunate,12.3yohaṁ evarūpehi sabrahmacārīhi saddhiṁ viharāmī’ti.to live together with spiritual companions such as these.’12.4Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, imesu āyasmantesu mettaṁ kāyakammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,I consistently treat these venerables with kindness by way of body, speech, and mind, both in public and in private.12.5mettaṁ vacīkammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,12.6mettaṁ manokammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca.12.7Tassa, mayhaṁ, bhante, evaṁ hoti:I think:12.8‘yannūnāhaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vatteyyan’ti.‘Why don’t I set aside my own ideas and just go along with these venerables’ ideas?’12.9So kho ahaṁ, bhante, sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vattāmi.And that’s what I do.12.10Nānā hi kho no, bhante, kāyā, ekañca pana maññe cittan”ti.Though we’re different in body, sir, we’re one in mind, it seems to me.”

12.11Āyasmāpi kho nandiyo …pe…And the venerables Nandiya and Kimbila spoke likewise, and they added:12.12āyasmāpi kho kimilo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:12.13“mayhampi kho, bhante, evaṁ hoti:12.14‘lābhā vata me, suladdhaṁ vata me12.15yohaṁ evarūpehi sabrahmacārīhi saddhiṁ viharāmī’ti.12.16Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, imesu āyasmantesu mettaṁ kāyakammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,12.17mettaṁ vacīkammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca,12.18mettaṁ manokammaṁ paccupaṭṭhitaṁ āvi ceva raho ca.12.19Tassa mayhaṁ, bhante, evaṁ hoti:12.20‘yannūnāhaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vatteyyan’ti.12.21So kho ahaṁ, bhante, sakaṁ cittaṁ nikkhipitvā imesaṁyeva āyasmantānaṁ cittassa vasena vattāmi.12.22Nānā hi kho no, bhante, kāyā, ekañca pana maññe cittanti.12.23Evaṁ kho mayaṁ, bhante, samaggā sammodamānā avivadamānā khīrodakībhūtā aññamaññaṁ piyacakkhūhi sampassantā viharāmā”ti.“That’s how we live in harmony, appreciating each other, without dispute, blending like milk and water, and regarding each other with kindly eyes.”

13.1PTS 3.157“Sādhu sādhu, anuruddhā.“Good, good, Anuruddha and friends!13.2Kacci pana vo, anuruddhā, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharathā”ti?But I hope you’re living diligently, keen, and resolute?”

14.1“Taggha mayaṁ, bhante, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharāmā”ti.“Indeed, sir, we live diligently.”

14.2“Yathā kathaṁ pana tumhe, anuruddhā, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharathā”ti?“But how do you live this way?”

14.3“Idha, bhante, amhākaṁ yo paṭhamaṁ gāmato piṇḍāya paṭikkamati, so āsanāni paññapeti, pānīyaṁ paribhojanīyaṁ upaṭṭhāpeti, avakkārapātiṁ upaṭṭhāpeti.“In this case, sir, whoever returns first from almsround prepares the seats, and puts out the drinking water and the rubbish bin.14.4Yo pacchā gāmato piṇḍāya paṭikkamati—sace hoti bhuttāvaseso, sace ākaṅkhati, bhuñjati; no ce ākaṅkhati, appaharite vā chaḍḍeti apāṇake vā udake opilāpeti—If there’s remainder, whoever returns last eats it if they like. Otherwise they throw it out where there is little that grows, or drop it into water that has no living creatures.14.5so āsanāni paṭisāmeti, pānīyaṁ paribhojanīyaṁ paṭisāmeti, avakkārapātiṁ dhovitvā paṭisāmeti, bhattaggaṁ sammajjati.Then they put away the seats, drinking water, and rubbish bin, and sweep the refectory.14.6Yo passati pānīyaghaṭaṁ vā paribhojanīyaghaṭaṁ vā vaccaghaṭaṁ vā rittaṁ tucchaṁ so upaṭṭhāpeti.If someone sees that the pot of water for washing, drinking, or the toilet is empty they set it up.14.7Sacassa hoti avisayhaṁ, hatthavikārena dutiyaṁ āmantetvā hatthavilaṅghakena upaṭṭhāpema, na tveva mayaṁ, bhante, tappaccayā vācaṁ bhindāma.If he can’t do it, he summons another with a wave of the hand, and they set it up by lending each other a hand to lift. But we don’t break into speech for that reason.1414.8Pañcāhikaṁ kho pana mayaṁ, bhante, sabbarattiṁ dhammiyā kathāya sannisīdāma.And every five days we sit together for the whole night and discuss the teachings.14.9Evaṁ kho mayaṁ, bhante, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharāmā”ti.That’s how we live diligently, keen, and resolute.”

15.1“Sādhu sādhu, anuruddhā.“Good, good, Anuruddha and friends!15.2Atthi pana vo, anuruddhā, evaṁ appamattānaṁ ātāpīnaṁ pahitattānaṁ viharataṁ uttari manussadhammā alamariyañāṇadassanaviseso adhigato phāsuvihāro”ti?But as you live diligently like this, have you achieved any superhuman distinction in knowledge and vision worthy of the noble ones, a comfortable meditation?”15

15.3“Idha mayaṁ, bhante, appamattā ātāpino pahitattā viharantā obhāsañceva sañjānāma dassanañca rūpānaṁ.“Well, sir, while meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, we perceive both light and vision of forms.1615.4So kho pana no obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ;But before long the light and the vision of forms vanish.15.5tañca nimittaṁ nappaṭivijjhāmā”ti.We haven’t worked out the basis of that.”17

16.1PTS 3.158“Taṁ kho pana vo, anuruddhā, nimittaṁ paṭivijjhitabbaṁ.“Well, you should work out the basis of that.16.2Ahampi sudaṁ, anuruddhā, pubbeva sambodhā anabhisambuddho bodhisattova samāno obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.Before my awakening—when I was still unawakened but intent on awakening—I too perceived light and vision of forms.16.3So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.1816.4Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:16.5‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti?‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’16.6Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:16.7‘vicikicchā kho me udapādi, vicikicchādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Doubt arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.1916.8Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.16.9Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissatī’ti.I’ll make sure that doubt will not arise in me again.’

17.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light and vision of forms.17.2So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.17.3Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:17.4‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti?‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’17.5Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:17.6‘amanasikāro kho me udapādi, amanasikārādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Loss of focus arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.2017.7Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.17.8Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus will arise in me again.’

18.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …18.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:18.3‘thinamiddhaṁ kho me udapādi, thinamiddhādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Dullness and drowsiness arose in me …2118.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.18.5Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness will arise in me again.’

19.1PTS 3.159So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …19.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:19.3‘chambhitattaṁ kho me udapādi, chambhitattādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Terror arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.19.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.19.5Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso addhānamaggappaṭipanno, tassa ubhatopasse vaṭṭakā uppateyyuṁ, tassa tatonidānaṁ chambhitattaṁ uppajjeyya;Suppose a person was traveling along a road, and killers were to spring out at them from both sides. They’d feel terrified because of that.2219.6evameva kho me, anuruddhā, chambhitattaṁ udapādi, chambhitattādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.In the same way, terror arose in me …19.7Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.19.8Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror will arise in me again.’

20.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …20.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:20.3‘uppilaṁ kho me udapādi, uppilādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Elation arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.2320.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.20.5Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso ekaṁ nidhimukhaṁ gavesanto sakideva pañcanidhimukhāni adhigaccheyya, tassa tatonidānaṁ uppilaṁ uppajjeyya;Suppose a person was looking for the entrance to a treasure trove. And all at once they’d come across five entrances! They’d feel excited because of that.2420.6evameva kho me, anuruddhā, uppilaṁ udapādi, uppilādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.In the same way, elation arose in me …20.7Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.20.8Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation will arise in me again.’

21.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …21.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:21.3‘duṭṭhullaṁ kho me udapādi, duṭṭhullādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Discomfort arose in me …2521.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.21.5Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort will arise in me again.’

22.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …22.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:22.3‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Excessive energy arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.2622.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.22.5Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso ubhohi hatthehi vaṭṭakaṁ gāḷhaṁ gaṇheyya, so tattheva patameyya;Suppose a person was to grip a quail too tightly in their hands—it would die right there.22.6evameva kho me, anuruddhā, accāraddhavīriyaṁ udapādi, accāraddhavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.22.7Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.22.8Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy will arise in me again.’

23.1PTS 3.160So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …23.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:23.3‘atilīnavīriyaṁ kho me udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Overly lax energy arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.2723.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.23.5Seyyathāpi, anuruddhā, puriso vaṭṭakaṁ sithilaṁ gaṇheyya, so tassa hatthato uppateyya;Suppose a person was to grip a quail too loosely—it would fly out of their hands.23.6evameva kho me, anuruddhā, atilīnavīriyaṁ udapādi, atilīnavīriyādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.23.7Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.23.8Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy will arise in me again.’

24.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …24.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:24.3‘abhijappā kho me udapādi, abhijappādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Longing arose in me …2824.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.24.5Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing will arise in me again.’

25.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā …pe…While meditating …25.2tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:25.3‘nānattasaññā kho me udapādi, nānattasaññādhikaraṇañca pana me samādhi cavi.‘Perceptions of diversity arose in me …2925.4Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.25.5Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā, na nānattasaññā’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity will arise in me again.’

26.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañceva sañjānāmi dassanañca rūpānaṁ.While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light and vision of forms.26.2So kho pana me obhāso nacirasseva antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.But before long my light and vision of forms vanished.26.3Tassa mayhaṁ anuruddhā etadahosi:It occurred to me:26.4‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yena me obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānan’ti.‘What’s the cause, what’s the reason why my light and vision of forms vanish?’26.5Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:26.6‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ kho me rūpānaṁ udapādi, atinijjhāyitattādhikaraṇañca pana me rūpānaṁ samādhi cavi.‘Excessive concentration on forms arose in me, and because of that my immersion fell away.3026.7Samādhimhi cute obhāso antaradhāyati dassanañca rūpānaṁ.When immersion falls away, the light and vision of forms vanish.26.8Sohaṁ tathā karissāmi yathā me puna na vicikicchā uppajjissati, na amanasikāro, na thinamiddhaṁ, na chambhitattaṁ, na uppilaṁ, na duṭṭhullaṁ, na accāraddhavīriyaṁ, na atilīnavīriyaṁ, na abhijappā, na nānattasaññā, na atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānan’ti.I’ll make sure that neither doubt nor loss of focus nor dullness and drowsiness nor terror nor elation nor discomfort nor excessive energy nor overly lax energy nor longing nor perception of diversity nor excessive concentration on forms will arise in me again.’

27.1PTS 3.161So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, ‘vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā vicikicchaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,When I understood that doubt is a corruption of the mind, I gave it up.27.2‘amanasikāro cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā amanasikāraṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,When I understood that loss of focus,27.3‘thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,dullness and drowsiness,27.4‘chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,terror,27.5‘uppilaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā uppilaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,elation,27.6‘duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,discomfort,27.7‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,excessive energy,27.8‘atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,overly lax energy,27.9‘abhijappā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā abhijappaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,longing,27.10‘nānattasaññā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā nānattasaññaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ,perception of diversity,27.11‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkilesaṁ pajahiṁ.and excessive concentration on forms are corruptions of the mind, I gave them up.

28.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi;While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived light but did not see forms,28.2rūpāni hi kho passāmi, na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi:or I saw forms, but did not see light.28.3‘kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivaṁ’.And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.28.4Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:I thought:28.5‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ obhāsañhi kho sañjānāmi na ca rūpāni passāmi;‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’28.6rūpāni hi kho passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi—28.7kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.28.8Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:28.9‘yasmiñhi kho ahaṁ samaye rūpanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā obhāsanimittaṁ manasi karomi, obhāsañhi kho tasmiṁ samaye sañjānāmi, na ca rūpāni passāmi.‘When I don’t focus on the basis of the forms, but focus on the basis of the light, then I perceive light and do not see forms.3128.10Yasmiṁ panāhaṁ samaye obhāsanimittaṁ amanasikaritvā rūpanimittaṁ manasi karomi, rūpāni hi kho tasmiṁ samaye passāmi na ca obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi—But when I don’t focus on the basis of the light, but focus on the basis of the forms, then I see forms and do not perceive light.28.11kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’

29.1So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, appamatto ātāpī pahitatto viharanto parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi;While meditating diligent, keen, and resolute, I perceived limited light and saw limited forms,29.2appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi:or I perceived limitless light and saw limitless forms.29.3‘kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivaṁ’.And this went on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.29.4Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:I thought:29.5‘ko nu kho hetu ko paccayo yvāhaṁ parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi;‘What is the cause, what is the reason for this?’29.6appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi—29.7kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.29.8Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:It occurred to me:29.9‘yasmiṁ kho me samaye paritto samādhi hoti, parittaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti.‘When my immersion is limited, then my vision is limited,29.10Sohaṁ parittena cakkhunā parittañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, parittāni ca rūpāni passāmi.and with limited vision I perceive limited light and see limited forms.29.11Yasmiṁ pana me samaye appamāṇo samādhi hoti, appamāṇaṁ me tasmiṁ samaye cakkhu hoti.But when my immersion is limitless, then my vision is limitless,29.12Sohaṁ appamāṇena cakkhunā appamāṇañceva obhāsaṁ sañjānāmi, appamāṇāni ca rūpāni passāmi—and with limitless vision I perceive limitless light and see limitless forms.29.13kevalampi rattiṁ, kevalampi divaṁ, kevalampi rattindivan’ti.And this goes on for a whole night, a whole day, even a whole night and day.’

30.1PTS 3.162Yato kho me, anuruddhā, ‘vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā vicikicchā cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,After understanding that doubt,30.2‘amanasikāro cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā amanasikāro cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,loss of focus,30.3‘thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā thinamiddhaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,dullness and drowsiness,30.4‘chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā chambhitattaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,terror,30.5‘uppilaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā uppilaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,excitement,30.6‘duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā duṭṭhullaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,discomfort,30.7‘accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā accāraddhavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,excessive energy,30.8‘atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atilīnavīriyaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,overly lax energy,30.9‘abhijappā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā abhijappā cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,longing,30.10‘nānattasaññā cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā nānattasaññā cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi,perception of diversity,30.11‘atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkileso’ti—iti viditvā atinijjhāyitattaṁ rūpānaṁ cittassa upakkileso pahīno ahosi.and excessive concentration on forms are corruptions of the mind, I had given them up.

31.1Tassa mayhaṁ, anuruddhā, etadahosi:I thought:31.2‘ye kho me cittassa upakkilesā te me pahīnā.‘I’ve given up my mental corruptions.31.3Handa dānāhaṁ tividhena samādhiṁ bhāvemī’ti.Now let me develop immersion in three ways.’31.4So kho ahaṁ, anuruddhā, savitakkampi savicāraṁ samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, avitakkampi vicāramattaṁ samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, avitakkampi avicāraṁ samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, sappītikampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, nippītikampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, sātasahagatampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ, upekkhāsahagatampi samādhiṁ bhāvesiṁ.I developed immersion while placing the mind and keeping it connected; without placing the mind, merely keeping it connected; without placing the mind or keeping it connected; with rapture; without rapture; with pleasure; with equanimity.32

32.1Yato kho me, anuruddhā, savitakkopi savicāro samādhi bhāvito ahosi, avitakkopi vicāramatto samādhi bhāvito ahosi, avitakkopi avicāro samādhi bhāvito ahosi, sappītikopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi, nippītikopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi, sātasahagatopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi, upekkhāsahagatopi samādhi bhāvito ahosi.When I had developed immersion in these ways,32.2Ñāṇañca pana me dassanaṁ udapādi,the knowledge and vision arose in me:32.3akuppā me cetovimutti. Ayamantimā jāti, natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti.‘My freedom is unshakable; this is my last rebirth; now there’ll be no more future lives.’”

32.4Idamavoca bhagavā.That is what the Buddha said.32.5Attamano āyasmā anuruddho bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandīti.Satisfied, Venerable Anuruddha approved what the Buddha said.

32.6Upakkilesasuttaṁ niṭṭhitaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.

Translator’s notes

  1. This discourse offers a unique insight into the Buddha’s own meditative development. The “corruptions” of the title are the subtle mental flaws that undermine meditation when it is on the brink of absorption.

    This discourse and MN 31 appear to be influenced by Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 4.3, a famous dialogue where an unusually reluctant Yājñavalkya is repeatedly pressed by King Janaka to reveal the true nature of a person’s light.

    ↩ mn128:1.1
  2. This is in reference to the notorious quarrel at Kosambī, also referred to at MN 48:2.1. The events are detailed in the Vinaya at Kd 10.

    ↩ mn128:2.1
  3. While both here and at MN 48 we see the Buddha intervening to settle the conflict, here he goes to them, while there he summons them to him; and the ensuing course of the sutta is quite different.

    ↩ mn128:3.4
  4. These verses are also found in the Vinaya account at Kd 10:3.1.3 and the Kosambiya Jātaka at Ja 428:1.1.

    ↩ mn128:6.1
  5. Read agocara (“out of bounds”).

    ↩ mn128:6.6
  6. These four verses are shared with Dhp 3–6.

    ↩ mn128:6.9
  7. This verse is found in the same context at Dhp 6, and in different contexts in Thag 4.3:1.1 and Thag 8.1:5.1.

    ↩ mn128:6.21
  8. Yamāmese is reflexive first person plural imperative of yamati, “let us restrain ourselves”, cf. SN 10.6:3.1: pāṇesu ca saṁyamāmase (“Let us restrain ourselves regarding living creatures”).

    ↩ mn128:6.22
  9. “Child salt-miners” is bālakaloṇakāra (cf. loṇakāradārako at AN 4.188:5.3). Children are used to mine salt in India to this day.

    ↩ mn128:7.1
  10. Bhagu was a leading Sakyan who went forth along with Bhaddiya, Anuruddha, Ānanda, Kimbila, Devadatta, and Upāli (Kd 17:1.4.1). He is known from his ardent striving described in his verses at Thag 4.2, and is listed with other renowned mendicants at MN 68:2.2.

    After the conflict at Kosambī, the Buddha sought the company of his fellow Sakyans; first Bhagu, then the three Sakyans below.

    Another Bhagu was one of the ancient Vedic seers, while yet another was a contemporary of Sāṇavāsī around the time of the Second Council (Kd 8:24.6.6).

    ↩ mn128:7.2
  11. This park was in Ceti, not far from Kosambī. A Prācīnavaṁśa was a hall or shed built for the ritual, with bamboo (vaṁśa) rafters running easterly (prācīna; Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa 3.1.1.6 and Eggeling’s note).

    Apart from the setting, the following passage is identical with MN 31:2.1ff., down as far as the discussion on meditation; see that sutta for notes. The current sutta is the original narrative context (see note on MN 31:6.1).

    ↩ mn128:8.1
  12. The park keeper was evidently not Buddhist, as he was responsible for a Vedic ritual site.

    ↩ mn128:8.2
  13. MS and BJT read mahāsamaṇa here, whereas PTS and parallel passages at MN 31:3.4 and Kd 10:4.2.3 have simply samaṇa. Mahāsamaṇa (“great ascetic”) is a rare epithet of the Buddha found mainly in the Vinaya. It is unlikely the park keeper would have kept him out knowing who he really was.

    ↩ mn128:8.4
  14. For hatthavilaṅghaka (“lending a hand up”) see MN 125:9.2.

    ↩ mn128:14.7
  15. As at MN 31:10.3ff., Anuruddha must be prodded to reveal the full extent of his meditation prowess. The form of both suttas parallels Yājñavalkya’s reticence to answer Janaka. In addition, the theme also echoes the Upaniṣad, for Janaka asks what is a person’s light (kiṁjyotirayaṁ puruṣa, Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 4.3.2). Yājñavalkya answers that it is simply the sun. When pressed further, he admits it might be the moon, then fire, or even speech, for you can make it home in the dark when someone is calling. All these things—sun, moon, fire, speech—are worshiped in the Vedic tradition as external manifestations of divinity. He only reluctantly admits that a person’s true light is their Self, made of consciousness, the light in the heart. This is the same Self referred to above in the phrase, “whose nature is to desire only the self”.

    The Vedantic commentator Śaṅkara, on a verse of the same chapter (4.3.7), discusses at length Buddhist objections to his doctrine. Thus the Buddhist text looks back to the Upaniṣad, while the commentary to that same Upaniṣad looks to Buddhism.

    ↩ mn128:15.2
  16. The key terms here are “perceive” (sañjānāma), “light” (obhāsa), and “vision of forms” (dassanañca rūpānaṁ). Variations of these are common terms for the visions seen in meditation (eg. DN 9:14.2, MN 77:22.2, MN 121:5.4). The “light” is the radiance that indicates freedom from defilements, while the “forms” may be the various phenomena that one in such a meditation might see. In particular this refers to the power of clairvoyance (dibbacakkhu), in which Anuruddha was later declared foremost (AN 1.192:1.1). See the discussion in the previous sutta (MN 127:10.1) and also eg. MN 32:6.6, SN 9.6:1.2 AN 3.130:1.3, and AN 8.46:1.3.

    ↩ mn128:15.3
  17. Below, the Buddha investigates by way of “cause and reason” (MN 128:16.5), hence the commentary explains nimitta here as “basis” (kāraṇa; for similar senses see MN 12:23.1, SN 48.40:1.6, AN 3.102:1.2).

    Confusingly, in the previous sentence we have “light and vision of forms”, but this is not nimitta, which does not have this meaning in early texts. For related contexts, see DN 11:80.12, DN 33:1.9.27, MN 5:6.1, MN 20:2.1, MN 36:45.6, MN 44:12.3, AN 3.19:2.3, AN 4.14:4.2, AN 6.27:7.1, and AN 9.35:1.11.

    Anuruddha learned his lesson, for at MN 68:6.2 he explains how hindrances prevent absorption.

    ↩ mn128:15.5
  18. This refers to a stage in the development of meditation when immersion is not properly consolidated. It is a delicate phase, where familiar hindrances appear in subtle ways, which can nonetheless be an obstacle for absorption. Below I give my understanding of these meditation issues and how to deal with them.

    ↩ mn128:16.3
  19. When immersion is not consolidated, even the slightest uncertainty as to how to proceed can disturb the meditation. Doubt can also arise regarding whether the visions seen in meditation are real. This can be counteracted by determining one’s meditation at the beginning.

    These three sentences use grammatical tense very precisely: an event is recalled (in past tense); a timeless principle is inferred (in present tense); and a resolution is made (in future tense).

    ↩ mn128:16.7
  20. The mind drifts from the meditation. At this subtle level, the mind may not be wandering or lost, but merely focusing imprecisely.

    ↩ mn128:17.6
  21. Practicing to this level takes time, and any meditator will experience drowsiness at some point, even if it is merely a lack of fully clear energy. It is counteracted by rapture (pīti), which uplifts and inspires the mind.

    ↩ mn128:18.3
  22. While “terror” might feel like an overly-strong rendering for chambhitatta in this context, this example shows what it means. At this point the mind is amplified, so that even small reactions can quickly get out of hand. The Buddha explains more about this point in his meditation at MN 4:20.1.

    ↩ mn128:19.5
  23. This can happen when the mind is starting to coalesce, and one is excited that absorption is near. To address this, a meditator might reflect on the importance of patience, and focus more on developing tranquility in the fundamental stages of meditation.

    ↩ mn128:20.3
  24. For “treasure trove” in meditation, compare MN 52 = AN 11.16.

    ↩ mn128:20.5
  25. All meditators experience discomfort when sitting for long periods of time. To deal with this, a meditator should first get as comfortable as they reasonably can, then develop pleasure in the body. Anuruddha overcame pain in the body through the four kinds of mindfulness meditation (SN 52.10:2.1).

    ↩ mn128:21.3
  26. Pushing too hard at the meditation, the body and mind can become over-wired with energy. To find balance, a meditator needs to relax and draw back from the meditation just a little.

    ↩ mn128:22.3
  27. The opposite of the previous, here the mind subtly falls back from the meditation too far. They are not exactly drowsy, but the mind lacks the keenness to go deeper. In response, a meditator needs to apply the mind a little more strongly to the meditation.

    ↩ mn128:23.3
  28. The meditator yearns for higher spiritual realizations, as at Thag 19.1:16.1 or AN 4.159:6.7. This is a wholesome motivation, but at this point it can disturb the meditation.

    ↩ mn128:24.3
  29. Diversity can arise through the activity of the senses, or through the variety of “forms” seen by the meditator. Either way, the mind must be settled to find true oneness.

    ↩ mn128:25.3
  30. The “forms” seen in meditation can be enticing and fascinating, appearing as glimpses of other realms, impressions of the presence of beings, or images of past lives. If the meditator pays too much attention to them, they lose focus on the meditation itself.

    ↩ mn128:26.6
  31. This shows how nimitta has a causal sense. Manasikāra (“focus”) is typically used of paying attention to causes.

    ↩ mn128:28.9
  32. This threefold presentation of the process of absorption focuses on vitakka (“placing the mind”) and vicāra (“keeping it connected”), looking closely at how they cease (see also DN 33:1.10.121, DN 34:1.4.7, SN 43.3:1.2, and AN 8.63:3.1). The standard jhāna formula focuses more on the refinement of feelings, from which perspective the first two stages of immersion here fall under the “rapture and bliss born of seclusion”, while only the third qualifies as “rapture and bliss born of immersion”. Thus Analayo describes the two descriptions as “complementary perspectives on the same process of deepening concentration” (Comparative Study, vol. ii, pg. 739, note 263).

    ↩ mn128:31.4