SN35.146 — The Discourse on the Cessation of Action

Disciples, I will teach you about old actions, new actions, the cessation of actions, and the path leading to the cessation of actions. Listen carefully, pay close attention, and I will speak.

And what is old action? The eye is old action, constructed, intended, and to be experienced. The ear is old action, constructed, intended, and to be experienced. The nose is old action, constructed, intended, and to be experienced. The tongue is old action, constructed, intended, and to be experienced. The body is old action, constructed, intended, and to be experienced. The mind is old action, constructed, intended, and to be experienced. This is called old action, disciples.

And what is new action? Whatever action one does now by body, speech, or mind, this is called new action, disciples.

And what is the cessation of action? When one attains liberation through the cessation of bodily action, verbal action, and mental action, this is called the cessation of action, disciples.

And what is the path leading to the cessation of action? It is this very Noble Eightfold Path, namely: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. This is called the path leading to the cessation of action, disciples.

Thus I have taught you about old action, new action, the cessation of action, and the path leading to the cessation of action. What should be done by a teacher out of compassion for his disciples, seeking their welfare, has been done by me.

Here are the roots of trees here are empty places. Meditate do not be negligent; do not regret it later. This is my instruction to you.

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