The Numerical Discourses

Chapter 9: The Only Son

10. Notions of Desire (2)

1. Thus I have heard:[1] One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.

2. It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “In this assembly, I don’t see a single thing that doesn’t produce notions of desire that have yet to exist and that ceases notions of desire that have arisen … that doesn’t produce notions of anger that have yet to exist and that ceases notions of anger that have arisen … that doesn’t produce notions of sleepiness that have yet to exist and that ceases notions of sleepiness that have arisen … that doesn’t produce notions of agitation that have yet to exist and that ceases notions of agitation that have arisen … that doesn’t produce notions of doubt that have yet to exist and that ceases notions of doubt that have arisen …[2]

3. “One should contemplate the foul discharges and perceptions of impurity. After contemplating them, notions of desire that have yet to arise won’t arise, and notions of desire that have arisen can cease … notions of anger that have yet to arise won’t arise, and notions of anger that have arisen can cease … [sleepiness … agitation] … notions of doubt that have yet to arise won’t arise, and notions of doubt that have arisen can cease.

4. “Therefore, monks, keep your thinking focused and don’t become distracted. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”

5. When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.

Summary Verse

• Two laywomen, two on mind,
  One on downfall, one on birth in Heaven,
  Perceptions that delight men and women,
  Two on notions of desire are last.

Notes

1. This sūtra is similar to AN 1.16-20. Most of the observations made in the notes to EĀ 9.9 apply equally to this sūtra. [back]
2. As with EĀ 9.9, this statement is left incomplete, but the one thing is most likely “focused thinking” in this case, as evidenced by the conclusion of the sūtra. [back]

Translator: Charles Patton

Last Revised: 20 March 2023