AN4.49 — Distortions Discourse
Disciples, there are these four distortions of perception, distortions of mind, distortions of view. What four?
In the impermanent the perception of permanence is a distortion of perception, a distortion of mind, a distortion of view;
in suffering the perception of pleasure is a distortion of perception, a distortion of mind, a distortion of view;
in the non-self the perception of self is a distortion of perception, a distortion of mind, a distortion of view;
in the impure the perception of purity is a distortion of perception, a distortion of mind, a distortion of view.
These are the four distortions of perception, distortions of mind, distortions of view.
Disciples, there are these four non-distortions of perception, non-distortions of mind, non-distortions of view. What four?
In the impermanent the perception of impermanence is a non-distortion of perception, a non-distortion of mind, a non-distortion of view;
in suffering the perception of suffering is a non-distortion of perception, a non-distortion of mind, a non-distortion of view;
in the non-self the perception of non-self is a non-distortion of perception, a non-distortion of mind, a non-distortion of view;
in the impure the perception of impurity is a non-distortion of perception, a non-distortion of mind, a non-distortion of view.
These are the four non-distortions of perception, non-distortions of mind, non-distortions of view.
Those who perceive permanence in the impermanent, pleasure in suffering, self in the non-self, and purity in the impure, are beings with wrong views, with scattered minds, and without understanding.
They are bound by the yoke of Mara, and do not attain liberation.
Such beings go through the cycle of birth and death.
But when Buddhas arise in the world, they are the light-bringers.
They reveal this Dhamma, which leads to the cessation of suffering.
Having heard it, the wise, regain their right mind.
They see impermanence as impermanence, suffering as suffering,
non-self as non-self, and impurity as impurity.
With right view, they overcome all suffering.