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sn.56.15 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Remembrance (1)

“Bhikkhus, do you remember the Four Noble Truths taught by me?”

When this was said, a certain bhikkhu said to the Blessed One: “Venerable sir, I remember the Four Noble Truths taught by the Blessed One.”

“But how, bhikkhu, do you remember the Four Noble Truths taught by me?”

“I remember suffering, venerable sir, as the first noble truth taught by the Blessed One. I remember the origin of suffering as the second noble truth taught by the Blessed One. I remember the cessation of suffering as the third noble truth taught by the Blessed One. I remember the way leading to the cessation of suffering as the fourth noble truth taught by the Blessed One. It is in this way, venerable sir, that I remember the Four Noble Truths taught by the Blessed One.”

“Good, good, bhikkhu! It is good that you remember the Four Noble Truths taught by me. Suffering, bhikkhu, is the first noble truth taught by me: remember it thus. The origin of suffering is the second noble truth taught by me: remember it thus. The cessation of suffering is the third noble truth taught by me: remember it thus. The way leading to the cessation of suffering is the fourth noble truth taught by me: remember it thus. In this way, bhikkhu, remember the Four Noble Truths taught by me.

“Therefore, bhikkhu, an exertion should be made to understand: ‘This is suffering.’… An exertion should be made to understand: ‘This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering.’”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh


Remembering (1st)

“Mendicants, do you remember the four noble truths that I taught?”
When he said this, one of the mendicants said to the Buddha:
“I do, sir.”
“How so, mendicant?”
“Sir, I remember that suffering is the first noble truth you’ve taught;
the origin of suffering is the second;
the cessation of suffering is the third;
and the practice that leads to the cessation of suffering is the fourth.
That’s how I remember the four noble truths as you’ve taught them.”
“Good, good, mendicant!
It’s good that you remember the four noble truths as I’ve taught them.
Suffering is the first noble truth I’ve taught, and that’s how you should remember it.
The origin of suffering is the second;
the cessation of suffering is the third;
and the practice that leads to the cessation of suffering is the fourth.
That’s how you should remember the four noble truths as I’ve taught them.
That’s why you should practice meditation …”