sn.47.50 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Taints

“Bhikkhus, there are these three taints. What three? The taint of sensuality, the taint of existence, the taint of ignorance. These are the three taints. The four establishments of mindfulness are to be developed for the full understanding of these three taints.

“What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells contemplating the body in the body … feelings in feelings … mind in mind … phenomena in phenomena, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world.

“These four establishments of mindfulness, bhikkhus, are to be developed for the full understanding of these three taints.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Defilements

“Mendicants, there are these three defilements.
What three?
The defilements of sensuality, desire to be reborn, and ignorance.
These are the three defilements.
The four kinds of mindfulness meditation should be developed to give up these three defilements.
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 …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of desire and aversion for the world.
These four kinds of mindfulness meditation should be developed to give up these three defilements.”