KN.PS2.9 — Discussion on Strengths
Originating in Sāvatthi.
Disciples, there are these five strengths.
What five?
The strength of faith, the strength of energy, the strength of mindfulness, the strength of concentration, the strength of wisdom:
These are the five strengths.
Moreover, there are sixty-eight strengths:
The strength of faith, the strength of energy, the strength of mindfulness, the strength of concentration, the strength of wisdom, the strength of moral shame, the strength of moral dread, the strength of reflection, the strength of development, the strength of blamelessness, the strength of support, the strength of patience, the strength of designation, the strength of discernment, the strength of authority, the strength of determination, the strength of tranquility, the strength of insight, the ten strengths of a learner, the ten strengths of a non-learner, the ten strengths of one who has destroyed the taints, the ten strengths of supernormal power, the ten strengths of a Tathāgata.
What is the strength of faith?
It is the strength of faith that does not waver in the face of faithlessness.
It is the strength of faith in the sense of supporting co-arisen states, in the sense of overcoming defilements, in the sense of purification through realization, in the sense of determination of the mind, in the sense of cleansing the mind, in the sense of attaining distinction, in the sense of further realization, in the sense of understanding the truths, in the sense of establishing in cessation.
This is the strength of faith.
What is the strength of energy?
It is the strength of energy that does not waver in the face of laziness.
It is the strength of energy in the sense of supporting co-arisen states, in the sense of overcoming defilements, in the sense of purification through realization, in the sense of determination of the mind, in the sense of cleansing the mind, in the sense of attaining distinction, in the sense of further realization, in the sense of understanding the truths, in the sense of establishing in cessation.
This is the strength of energy.
What is the strength of mindfulness?
It is the strength of mindfulness that does not waver in the face of negligence.
It is the strength of mindfulness in the sense of supporting co-arisen states, in the sense of establishing in cessation.
This is the strength of mindfulness.
What is the strength of concentration?
It is the strength of concentration that does not waver in the face of restlessness.
It is the strength of concentration in the sense of supporting co-arisen states, in the sense of establishing in cessation.
This is the strength of concentration.
What is the strength of wisdom?
It is the strength of wisdom that does not waver in the face of ignorance.
It is the strength of wisdom in the sense of supporting co-arisen states, in the sense of establishing in cessation.
The power of wisdom is the foundation of restraint.
This is the power of wisdom.
What is the power of moral shame?
By renunciation, one feels moral shame towards sensual desire: this is the power of moral shame.
By non-ill will, one feels moral shame towards ill will: this is the power of moral shame.
By perception of light, one feels moral shame towards sloth and torpor: this is the power of moral shame.
By non-distraction, one feels moral shame towards restlessness: this is the power of moral shame.
By discerning the Dhamma, one feels moral shame towards doubt: this is the power of moral shame.
By knowing, one feels moral shame towards ignorance: this is the power of moral shame.
By joy, one feels moral shame towards discontent: this is the power of moral shame.
By the first jhāna, one feels moral shame towards hindrances: this is the power of moral shame
By the path of arahantship, one feels moral shame towards all defilements: this is the power of moral shame.
This is the power of moral shame.
What is the power of moral dread?
By renunciation, one feels moral dread towards sensual desire: this is the power of moral dread.
By non-ill will, one feels moral dread towards ill will: this is the power of moral dread.
By perception of light, one feels moral dread towards sloth and torpor: this is the power of moral dread.
By non-distraction, one feels moral dread towards restlessness: this is the power of moral dread.
By discerning the Dhamma, one feels moral dread towards doubt: this is the power of moral dread.
By knowing, one feels moral dread towards ignorance: this is the power of moral dread.
By joy, one feels moral dread towards discontent: this is the power of moral dread.
By the first jhāna, one feels moral dread towards hindrances: this is the power of moral dread
By the path of arahantship, one feels moral dread towards all defilements: this is the power of moral dread.
This is the power of moral dread.
What is the power of reflection?
By renunciation, one reflects on sensual desire: this is the power of reflection.
By non-ill will, one reflects on ill will: this is the power of reflection.
By perception of light, one reflects on sloth and torpor: this is the power of reflection.
By non-distraction, one reflects on restlessness: this is the power of reflection.
By discerning the Dhamma, one reflects on doubt: this is the power of reflection.
By knowing, one reflects on ignorance: this is the power of reflection.
By joy, one reflects on discontent: this is the power of reflection.
By the first jhāna, one reflects on hindrances: this is the power of reflection
By the path of arahantship, one reflects on all defilements: this is the power of reflection.
This is the power of reflection.
What is the power of development?
By abandoning sensual desire, one develops renunciation: this is the power of development.
By abandoning ill will, one develops non-ill will: this is the power of development.
By abandoning sloth and torpor, one develops perception of light: this is the power of development.
By abandoning restlessness, one develops non-distraction: this is the power of development.
By abandoning doubt, one develops discerning the Dhamma: this is the power of development.
Abandoning ignorance, one develops knowing: this is the power of development.
Abandoning discontent, one develops joy: this is the power of development.
Abandoning hindrances, one develops the first jhāna: this is the power of development ... and so on ...
Abandoning all defilements, one develops the path of arahantship: this is the power of development.
This is the power of development.
What is the power of blamelessness?
Due to the abandonment of sensual desire, there is nothing blameworthy in renunciation: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of ill-will, there is nothing blameworthy in non-ill-will: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of sloth and torpor, there is nothing blameworthy in the perception of light: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of restlessness, there is nothing blameworthy in non-distraction: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of doubt, there is nothing blameworthy in the establishment of dhamma: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of ignorance, there is nothing blameworthy in knowing: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of discontent, there is nothing blameworthy in joy: this is the power of blamelessness.
Due to the abandonment of hindrances, there is nothing blameworthy in the first jhāna: this is the power of blamelessness ... and so on ...
Due to the abandonment of all defilements, there is nothing blameworthy in the path of arahantship: this is the power of blamelessness.
This is the power of blamelessness.
What is the power of integration?
Abandoning sensual desire, one integrates the mind through renunciation: this is the power of integration.
Abandoning ill-will, one integrates the mind through non-ill-will: this is the power of integration.
Abandoning sloth and torpor, one integrates the mind through the perception of light: this is the power of integration ... and so on ...
Abandoning all defilements, one integrates the mind through the path of arahantship: this is the power of integration.
This is the power of integration.
What is the power of patience?
Due to the abandonment of sensual desire, one endures renunciation: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of ill-will, one endures non-ill-will: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of sloth and torpor, one endures the perception of light: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of restlessness, one endures non-distraction: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of doubt, one endures the establishment of dhamma: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of ignorance, one endures knowing: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of discontent, one endures joy: this is the power of patience.
Due to the abandonment of hindrances, one endures the first jhāna: this is the power of patience ... and so on ...
Due to the abandonment of all defilements, one endures the path of arahantship: this is the power of patience.
This is the power of patience.
What is the power of designation?
Abandoning sensual desire, one designates the mind through renunciation:
The power of designation.
By abandoning ill-will, one establishes the mind in non-ill-will: this is the power of designation.
By abandoning sloth and torpor, one establishes the mind in the perception of light: this is the power of designation ...
By abandoning all defilements, one establishes the mind in the path of arahantship: this is the power of designation.
This is the power of designation.
What is the power of concentration?
By abandoning sensual desire, one concentrates the mind in renunciation: this is the power of concentration.
By abandoning ill-will, one concentrates the mind in non-ill-will: this is the power of concentration.
By abandoning sloth and torpor, one concentrates the mind in the perception of light: this is the power of concentration ...
By abandoning all defilements, one concentrates the mind in the path of arahantship: this is the power of concentration.
This is the power of concentration.
What is the power of mastery?
By abandoning sensual desire, one masters the mind in renunciation: this is the power of mastery.
By abandoning ill-will, one masters the mind in non-ill-will: this is the power of mastery.
By abandoning sloth and torpor, one masters the mind in the perception of light: this is the power of mastery ...
By abandoning all defilements, one masters the mind in the path of arahantship: this is the power of mastery.
This is the power of mastery.
What is the power of determination?
By abandoning sensual desire, one determines the mind in renunciation: this is the power of determination.
By abandoning ill-will, one determines the mind in non-ill-will: this is the power of determination.
By abandoning sloth and torpor, one determines the mind in the perception of light: this is the power of determination ...
By abandoning all defilements, one determines the mind in the path of arahantship: this is the power of determination.
This is the power of determination.
What is the power of tranquility?
The one-pointedness and non-distraction of the mind through renunciation is the power of tranquility, the one-pointedness and non-distraction of the mind through non-ill-will is the power of tranquility, the one-pointedness and non-distraction of the mind through the perception of light is the power of tranquility ...
The one-pointedness and non-distraction of the mind through observing relinquishment in inhalation is the power of tranquility, the one-pointedness and non-distraction of the mind through observing relinquishment in exhalation is the power of tranquility.
What is meant by the power of tranquility?
Through the first jhana, one is not shaken by hindrances: this is the power of tranquility.
Through the second jhana, one is not shaken by applied and sustained thought: this is the power of tranquility.
Through the third jhana, one is not shaken by rapture: this is the power of tranquility.
Through the fourth jhana, one is not shaken by pleasure and pain: this is the power of tranquility.
The power of concentration is when one does not waver in the perception of form, the perception of resistance, or the perception of diversity during the attainment of the sphere of infinite space.
The power of concentration is when one does not waver in the perception of the sphere of infinite space during the attainment of the sphere of infinite consciousness.
The power of concentration is when one does not waver in the perception of the sphere of infinite consciousness during the attainment of the sphere of nothingness.
The power of concentration is when one does not waver in the perception of the sphere of nothingness during the attainment of the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception.
The power of concentration is when one does not waver, shake, or tremble in the face of restlessness, defilements associated with restlessness, or the aggregates.
This is the power of concentration.
What is the power of insight?
The contemplation of impermanence is the power of insight, the contemplation of suffering is the power of insight...
The contemplation of relinquishment is the power of insight, the contemplation of impermanence in form is the power of insight, the contemplation of suffering in form is the power of insight...
The contemplation of relinquishment in form is the power of insight, in feeling...
in perception...
in formations...
in consciousness...
in the eye...
the contemplation of impermanence in aging and death is the power of insight, the contemplation of suffering in aging and death is the power of insight...
the contemplation of relinquishment in aging and death is the power of insight.
Why is it called the power of insight?
The power of insight is when one does not waver in the perception of permanence due to the contemplation of impermanence.
The power of insight is when one does not waver in the perception of pleasure due to the contemplation of suffering.
The power of insight is when one does not waver in the perception of self due to the contemplation of non-self.
The power of insight is when one does not waver in delight due to the contemplation of disenchantment.
The power of insight is when one does not waver in lust due to the contemplation of dispassion.
The power of insight is when one does not waver in arising due to the contemplation of cessation.
The power of insight is when one does not waver in grasping due to the contemplation of relinquishment.
The power of insight is when one does not waver, shake, or tremble in the face of ignorance, defilements associated with ignorance, or the aggregates.
This is the power of insight.
What are the ten powers of a trainee and the ten powers of a non-trainee?
Right view is a power of a trainee.
Due to training in that, it is a power of a non-trainee.
Right intention is a power of a trainee.
Due to training in that:
it is a power of a non-trainee.
Right speech...
right action...
right livelihood...
right effort...
right mindfulness...
right concentration...
right knowing...
right liberation is a power of a trainee.
Due to training in that:
it is a power of a non-trainee.
These are the ten powers of a trainee and the ten powers of a non-trainee.
What are the ten powers of one whose taints are destroyed?
Here, for a disciple whose taints are destroyed, all formations are seen as impermanent through true and correct wisdom.
And because all formations are seen as impermanent through true and correct wisdom by a disciple whose taints are destroyed, this is a power of the disciple whose taints are destroyed, by which he declares the destruction of the taints: My taints are destroyed.
Furthermore, for a disciple whose taints are destroyed, sensual pleasures are seen as like a pit of burning embers through true and correct wisdom.
And because sensual pleasures are seen as like a pit of burning embers through true and correct wisdom by a disciple whose taints are destroyed, this is a power of the disciple whose taints are destroyed, by which he declares the destruction of the taints: My taints are destroyed.
Furthermore, for a disciple whose taints are destroyed, the mind inclines towards seclusion, leans towards seclusion, slopes towards seclusion, is intent on renunciation, and is completely free from all things that lead to the arising of taints.
And because the mind inclines towards seclusion, leans towards seclusion, slopes towards seclusion, is intent on renunciation, and is completely free from all things that lead to the arising of taints by a disciple whose taints are destroyed, this is a power of the disciple whose taints are destroyed, by which he declares the destruction of the taints: My taints are destroyed.
Furthermore, for a disciple whose taints are destroyed, the four foundations of mindfulness are developed and well developed.
And because the four foundations of mindfulness are developed and well developed by a disciple whose taints are destroyed, this is a power of the disciple whose taints are destroyed, by which he declares the destruction of the taints: My taints are destroyed.
Furthermore, for a disciple whose taints are destroyed, the four right efforts are developed and well developed...
the four bases of spiritual power are developed and well developed...
the five faculties are developed and well developed...
the five powers are developed and well developed...
the seven factors of enlightenment are developed and well developed...
the noble eightfold path is developed and well developed.
And because the noble eightfold path is developed and well developed by a disciple whose taints are destroyed, this is a power of the disciple whose taints are destroyed, by which he declares the destruction of the taints: My taints are destroyed.
These are the ten powers of one whose taints are destroyed.
What are the ten powers of spiritual mastery?
Resolution power, transformation power, mind-made power, knowing expansion power, concentration expansion power, noble power, power resulting from karma, power of the meritorious, power born of knowing, and the power of success due to proper application:
These are the ten powers of accomplishment.
What are the ten powers of the Tathāgata?
Here, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the possible and the impossible.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the possible and the impossible, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Furthermore, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the results of actions undertaken in the past, future, and present, by way of causes and conditions.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the results of actions undertaken in the past, future, and present, by way of causes and conditions, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Furthermore, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the path leading to all destinations.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the path leading to all destinations, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Furthermore, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the various elements and the diversity of the world.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the various elements and the diversity of the world, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Furthermore, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the different inclinations of beings.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the different inclinations of beings, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Furthermore, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the faculties of other beings, other individuals.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the faculties of other beings, other individuals, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Furthermore, the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the defilement, purification, and emergence in regard to the meditative absorptions, liberations, concentrations, and attainments.
And because the Tathāgata knows as it truly is the defilement, purification, and emergence in regard to the meditative absorptions, liberations, concentrations, and attainments, this is a power of the Tathāgata, by which he claims the bull's place, roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the wheel of Brahma.
Again, the Tathagata recollects various past lives, such as one birth, two births, and so on, in detail and with specifics.
And the Tathagata recollects various past lives, such as one birth, two births, and so on, in detail and with specifics.
Again, the Tathagata, with the divine eye, purified and surpassing the human, sees beings passing away and being reborn.
And the Tathagata, with the divine eye, purified and surpassing the human, sees beings passing away and being reborn.
Again, the Tathagata, through the destruction of the taints, dwells having realized with direct knowing, here and now, the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom.
And the Tathagata, through the destruction of the taints, dwells having realized with direct knowing, here and now, the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom. This is the Tathagata's strength, by which the Tathagata claims the position of a bull among men, roars the lion's roar in the assemblies, and sets rolling the Wheel of Brahma.
These are the ten strengths of the Tathagata.
In what sense is faith a strength?
In what sense is energy a strength?
In what sense is mindfulness a strength?
In what sense is concentration a strength?
In what sense is wisdom a strength?
In what sense is moral shame a strength?
In what sense is moral dread a strength?
In what sense is reflection a strength?
In what sense is the Tathagata's strength?
Faith is a strength in the sense of being unshakable in the face of disbelief.
Energy is a strength in the sense of being unshakable in the face of laziness.
Mindfulness is a strength in the sense of being unshakable in the face of negligence.
Concentration is a strength in the sense of being unshakable in the face of restlessness.
Wisdom is a strength in the sense of being unshakable in the face of ignorance.
Moral shame is a strength in the sense of being ashamed of evil and unwholesome states.
Moral dread is a strength in the sense of fearing evil and unwholesome states.
Reflection is a strength in the sense of understanding defilements through knowing.
The states born there are of one taste: this is the strength of development.
There is nothing blameworthy there: this is the strength of blamelessness.
By this, the mind is gathered: this is the strength of gathering.
This is acceptable to him: this is the strength of patience.
By this, the mind is declared: this is the strength of declaration.
By this, the mind is considered: this is the strength of consideration.
By this, the mind is controlled: this is the strength of mastery.
By this, the mind is determined: this is the strength of determination.
By this, the mind is unified: this is the strength of tranquility.
Therein, one observes the phenomenon: this is the power of insight.
Therein, one trains: this is the power of the trainee.
Therein, having trained:
this is the power of the adept.
By that, the taints are destroyed: this is the power of one whose taints are destroyed.
For him, it is accomplished: this is the power of spiritual accomplishment.
In the sense of being immeasurable, it is the power of the Tathagata.
The discourse on powers is concluded.