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sn.46.26 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

The Destruction of Craving

“Bhikkhus, develop the path and the way that leads to the destruction of craving. And what is the path and the way that leads to the destruction of craving? It is: the seven factors of enlightenment. What seven? The enlightenment factor of mindfulness … the enlightenment factor of equanimity.”

When this was said, the Venerable Udayī asked the Blessed One: “Venerable sir, how are the seven factors of enlightenment developed and cultivated so that they lead to the destruction of craving?”

“Here, Udayī, a bhikkhu develops the enlightenment factor of mindfulness, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release; which is vast, exalted, measureless, without ill will. When he develops the enlightenment factor of mindfulness, which is based upon seclusion … without ill will, craving is abandoned. With the abandoning of craving, kamma is abandoned. With the abandoning of kamma, suffering is abandoned….

“He develops the enlightenment factor of equanimity, which is based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release; which is vast, exalted, measureless, without ill will. When he develops the enlightenment factor of equanimity, which is based upon seclusion … without ill will, craving is abandoned. With the abandoning of craving, kamma is abandoned. With the abandoning of kamma, suffering is abandoned.

“Thus, Udayī, with the destruction of craving comes the destruction of kamma; with the destruction of kamma comes the destruction of suffering.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh


The Ending of Craving

“Mendicants, you should develop the path and the practice that leads to the ending of craving.
And what is the path and the practice that leads to the ending of craving?

It is the seven awakening factors.
What seven?
The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity.”
When he said this, Udāyī said to him:
“Sir, how are the seven awakening factors developed and cultivated so as to lead to the ending of craving?”
“Udāyī, it’s when a mendicant develops the awakening factor of mindfulness, which relies on seclusion, fading away, and cessation, and ripens as letting go. And it is abundant, expansive, limitless, and free of ill will.
As they do so, craving is given up.
When craving is given up, deeds are given up.
When deeds are given up, suffering is given up. …
A mendicant develops the awakening factor of equanimity, which relies on seclusion, fading away, and cessation, and ripens as letting go. And it is abundant, expansive, limitless, and free of ill will.
As they do so, craving is given up.
When craving is given up, deeds are given up.
When deeds are given up, suffering is given up.
And so, Udāyī, when craving ends, deeds end; when deeds end suffering ends.”