an.4.9 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

Craving

“Bhikkhus, there are these four ways in which craving arises in a bhikkhu. What four? Craving arises in a bhikkhu because of robes, almsfood, lodgings, or for the sake of life here or elsewhere. These are the four ways in which craving arises in a bhikkhu.”

With craving as companion
a person wanders during this long time.
Going from one state to another,
he does not overcome saṁsāra.

Having known this danger—
that craving is the origin of suffering—
free from craving, devoid of grasping,
a bhikkhu should wander mindfully.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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The Arising of Craving

“Mendicants, there are four things that give rise to craving in a mendicant.
What four?
For the sake of robes,
almsfood,
lodgings,
or rebirth in this or that state.
These are the four things that give rise to craving in a mendicant.
Craving is a person’s partner
as they transmigrate on this long journey.
They go from this state to another,
but don’t escape transmigration.
Knowing this drawback—
that craving is the cause of suffering—
rid of craving, free of grasping,
a mendicant would wander mindful.”