MN43 — Mahāvedallasutta
Thus have I heard: At one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.
Then, in the evening, venerable Mahākoṭṭhika emerged from seclusion and approached venerable Sāriputta; having approached, he exchanged greetings with venerable Sāriputta. After exchanging pleasant and meaningful greetings, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, venerable Mahākoṭṭhika said to venerable Sāriputta:
Unwise, unwise, it is said, friend. To what extent, friend, is one called unwise? Does not know, does not know, thus, friend, one is called unwise. What does he not know? He does not know This is suffering, he does not know This is the origin of suffering, he does not know This is the cessation of suffering, he does not know This is the path leading to the cessation of suffering. Does not know, does not know, thus, friend, one is called unwise.
Good, friend, venerable Mahākoṭṭhika said. I will explain this further.
Venerable Sāriputta: Unwise refers to those who do not know the true nature of suffering and its causes. They are unaware of the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: Yes, venerable sir. I know now.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Does not know refers to those who do not comprehend the true nature of reality. They are unable to see things as they truly are.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That is correct, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: Those who do not know This is suffering are unaware of the existence of suffering in their lives. They do not recognize the causes of suffering and therefore cannot eliminate it.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir. Thank you for explaining this to me.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Those who do not know This is the origin of suffering are unaware of the root causes of suffering. They do not recognize the factors that lead to suffering and therefore cannot eliminate it.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That makes sense, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: Those who do not know This is the cessation of suffering are unaware of the path leading to the end of suffering. They do not recognize the factors that lead to liberation and therefore cannot attain it.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I know now, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Those who do not know This is the path leading to the cessation of suffering are unaware of the correct practice leading to liberation. They do not recognize the factors that lead to enlightenment and therefore cannot attain it.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: Thank you, venerable sir. I will remember this.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: In summary, unwise refers to those who do not know the true nature of suffering and its causes. They are unaware of the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir. Thank you for explaining this to me.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Now, let us discuss the concept of wise or enlightened. A wise person is one who knows the true nature of suffering and its causes. They comprehend the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That is correct, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: A wise person recognizes the existence of suffering in their lives. They know the causes of suffering and can eliminate it.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: A wise person knows the root causes of suffering. They recognize the factors that lead to suffering and can eliminate them.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That makes sense, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: A wise person recognizes the path leading to the end of suffering. They know the factors that lead to liberation and can attain it.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I know now, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Now, let us discuss the concept of liberation or enlightenment. Liberation refers to the attainment of the end of suffering. It is the state of being free from suffering and its causes.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That is correct, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: There are four types of liberation: boundless liberation of mind, liberation of mind through nothingness, liberation of mind through voidness, and signless liberation of mind.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir. Please explain each type in more detail.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: Boundless liberation of mind refers to the state of being free from suffering and its causes. It is achieved by cultivating goodwill towards all beings.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That makes sense, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Liberation of mind through nothingness refers to the state of being free from suffering and its causes. It is achieved by completely surmounting the realm of infinite consciousness and abiding in the realm of nothingness.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: Liberation of mind through voidness refers to the state of being free from suffering and its causes. It is achieved by abiding in voidness...
Venerable Sāriputta continued: Signless liberation of mind refers to the state of being free from suffering and its causes. It is achieved by not paying attention to any signs and dwelling in the concentration of mind that is signless.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta explained further: The unshakable liberation of mind is declared the best among all liberations. It is empty of greed, hatred, and delusion.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: That makes sense, venerable sir.
Venerable Sāriputta continued: This is the method by which, following it, these phenomena become different in meaning and different in name.
Venerable Mahākoṭṭhika: I see, venerable sir. Thank you for explaining this to me.
The Venerable Mahākoṭṭhita was pleased and rejoiced in the Venerable Sāriputta's words.
The Great Discourse on the Analysis of the Elements is finished.