sn.43.1 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Mindfulness Directed to the body

At Savatthī. “Bhikkhus, I will teach you the unconditioned and the path leading to the unconditioned. Listen to that….

“And what, bhikkhus, is the unconditioned? The destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion: this is called the unconditioned.

“And what, bhikkhus, is the path leading to the unconditioned? Mindfulness directed to the body: this is called the path leading to the unconditioned.

“Thus, bhikkhus, I have taught you the unconditioned and the path leading to the unconditioned. Whatever should be done, bhikkhus, by a compassionate teacher out of compassion for his disciples, desiring their welfare, that I have done for you. These are the feet of trees, bhikkhus, these are empty huts. Meditate, bhikkhus, do not be negligent, lest you regret it later. This is our instruction to you.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Mindfulness of the Body

At Sāvatthī.
“Mendicants, I will teach you the unconditioned and the path that leads to the unconditioned.
Listen …
And what is the unconditioned?
The ending of greed, hate, and delusion.
This is called the unconditioned.
And what is the path that leads to the unconditioned?
Mindfulness of the body.
This is called the path that leads to the unconditioned.
So, mendicants, I’ve taught you the unconditioned and the path that leads to the unconditioned.
Out of compassion, I’ve done what a teacher should do who wants what’s best for their disciples.
Here are these roots of trees, and here are these empty huts. Practice absorption, mendicants! Don’t be negligent! Don’t regret it later! This is my instruction to you.”