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sn.56.37 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

The Sun (1)

“Bhikkhus, this is the forerunner and precursor of the rising of the sun, that is, the dawn. So too, bhikkhus, for a bhikkhu this is the forerunner and precursor of the breakthrough to the Four Noble Truths as the really are, that is, right view. It is to be expected that a bhikkhu with right view will understand as it really is: ‘This is suffering.’… ‘This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering.’

“Therefore, bhikkhus, 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


The Simile of the Sun (1st)

“Mendicants, the dawn is the forerunner and precursor of the sunrise.
In the same way, right view is the forerunner and precursor of truly comprehending the four noble truths.
A mendicant with right view can expect to truly understand:
‘This is suffering’ … ‘This is the origin of suffering’ … ‘This is the cessation of suffering’ … ‘This is the practice that leads to the cessation of suffering’.
That’s why you should practice meditation …”