an.9.63 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

Things That Weaken the Training

“Monks, these five are things that weaken the training. Which five? The taking of life, stealing, sexual misconduct, the telling of lies, and distilled & fermented beverages that are a cause for heedlessness. These five are things that weaken the training.

“To abandon these five things that weaken the training, one should develop the four frames of reference. Which four? There is the case where a monk remains focused on the body in & of itself—ardent, alert, & mindful—putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world. He remains focused on feelings in & of themselves… mind in & of itself… mental qualities in & of themselves—ardent, alert, & mindful—putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world. To abandon the five things that weaken the training, one should develop these four frames of reference.”

- Translator: Thanissaro Bhikkhu

- Editor: Gabriel Laera

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Weaknesses in Training and Mindfulness Meditation

“Mendicants, there are these five weaknesses when you’re training.
What five?
Killing living creatures, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and using alcoholic drinks that cause negligence.
These are the five weaknesses when you’re training.
To give up these five weaknesses in your training you should develop the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of desire and aversion for the world.
They meditate observing an aspect of feelings …
They meditate observing an aspect of the mind …
They meditate observing an aspect of principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of desire and aversion for the world.
To give up those five weaknesses in your training you should develop these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”