The Precious Discourse on the Blessed One’s Extensive Wisdom That Leads to Infinite Certainty
The Thus-Gone One’s Qualities
Toh 99
Degé Kangyur, vol. 47 (mdo sde, ga), folios 1.a–275.b
- Prajñāvarman
- Yeshé Nyingpo
Imprint
Translated by the Dharmachakra Translation Committee
under the patronage and supervision of 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha
First published 2019
Current version v 1.27.4 (2024)
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Table of Contents
Summary
The Buddha’s disciple, the monk Pūrṇa, oversees the construction of a temple dedicated to the Buddha in a distant southern city. When the master builder suggests that the building may be used by others in the Buddha’s absence, Pūrṇa argues that no one but an omniscient buddha may rightly take up residence there. Enumerating the kinds of knowledge that are unique to a buddha’s perfect awakening, Pūrṇa then delivers a lengthy exposition that also relates each of these qualities to the knowledge of the four truths. Following Pūrṇa’s teaching, the master builder invites the Buddha and his followers from afar to the inauguration of the newly built structure. They arrive, flying through the sky. After the inauguration, the Buddha flies with his monks to the shores of Lake Anavatapta, where he receives the worship of numerous nāga kings, teaches and inspires them, and predicts their awakening. At Maudgalyāyana’s request, the Buddha then recounts each of the specific events in his past lives that ultimately led to the unfolding of each of his particular kinds of knowledge.
This long sūtra thus serves as a detailed guide to the different aspects of the Buddha’s awakened wisdom, particularly those that, in many accounts of the qualities of buddhahood, are known as the ten powers or strengths.
Acknowledgements
Translated by the Dharmachakra Translation Committee under the guidance of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. The translation was produced by Andreas Doctor, Zachary Beer, and Thomas Doctor. Andreas Doctor checked the translation against the Tibetan and edited the text.
This translation has been completed under the patronage and supervision of 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
Text Body
The Precious Discourse on the Blessed One’s Extensive Wisdom That Leads to Infinite Certainty
The Thus-Gone One’s Qualities
[F.1.b] [B1]
Homage to all buddhas and bodhisattvas!
Thus did I hear at one time. The Blessed One was staying in Śrāvastī, in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park, along with a great saṅgha of 1,250 monks. At that time, in the city of Transcending Virtue23 there was a householder, a master builder,24 who had engaged venerable Pūrṇa to oversee the construction of a temple with a sandalwood courtyard exclusively dedicated to the Blessed One, exclusively with the Blessed One in mind, and exclusively for the sake of the Blessed One. Subsequently, that temple with its sandalwood courtyard [F.2.a] had been constructed and completed without delay.
At that point, the householder master builder said to venerable Pūrṇa, “Pūrṇa, although this temple has been made exclusively for the Blessed One, exclusively with the Blessed One in mind, and exclusively for the sake of the Blessed One, we should also let others use it. In that way this gift of mine will have a greater effect and my efforts will be meaningful. My gift must be put to good use. If I offer this temple and it is used, it will make me very happy.”25
Venerable Pūrṇa, the superintendent, replied to the master builder, “Householder, no other ascetic or brahmin would be able to make use of this temple with its sandalwood courtyard, which has been built exclusively for the Blessed One, exclusively with the Blessed One in mind, and exclusively for the sake of the Blessed One. And why? Householder, because the Blessed One’s offering bowl, robes, sitting mat, clothing, park, walkway, seat, and dwelling place are objects venerated by gods and men, including divine beings, demons, Brahmā, ascetics, and brahmins. [F.2.b] No one else can use them. And why? Because no ascetic or brahmin has such qualities. There is no ascetic or brahmin who has comparable qualities to the Blessed One, the thus-gone, worthy, perfect Buddha. His qualities are limitless. Householder, the Blessed One has countless qualities, inconceivable qualities, incomparable qualities, boundless qualities, and inexpressible qualities. Householder, the Blessed One has limitless knowledge, infinite knowledge, inconceivable knowledge, incomparable knowledge, boundless knowledge, and inexpressible knowledge.26
Synopsis of the Categories of the Thus-Gone One’s Knowledge
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is possible. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. He correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of what is impossible. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. He correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the past. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the past, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the past. [F.3.a]
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the future. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the future, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the future, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the future.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the present. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the present. He correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the present.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of karma. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of adopted actions. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the contemplations of abodes. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the contemplations of causes. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the contemplations of causes, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of causes, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of causes. [F.3.b]
“He correctly understands the knowledge of ripening. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of ripening, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of ripening, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of ripening.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the several elements. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the several elements, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the several elements, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the several elements.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the various elements. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the various elements, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the various elements, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the various elements.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the world. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the world, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the world, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the world.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of several inclinations. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of several inclinations, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations, [F.4.a] and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of various inclinations. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of various inclinations, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the faculties. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the faculties, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faculties, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the faculties.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the powers. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the powers, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the powers, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the powers.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of diligence. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of diligence, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of diligence, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of diligence.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the levels. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the levels, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the levels, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the levels.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of concentration. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of concentration, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of concentration, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of concentration.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of liberation. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of liberation, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of liberation, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of liberation.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of absorption. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of absorption, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of absorption, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of absorption.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of equilibrium. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of equilibrium, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of equilibrium, [F.4.b] and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of equilibrium.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of affliction. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of affliction, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of affliction, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of affliction.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of purification. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of purification, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of purification, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of purification.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of abiding. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of abiding, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of abiding, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of abiding.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the past. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the past, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the past.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of past existences. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of past existences, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of past existences, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of past existences.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the future. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the future, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the future, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the future.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the divine eye. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the divine eye, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the divine eye, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the divine eye. [F.5.a]
“He correctly understands the knowledge of death. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of death, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of death, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of death.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of birth. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of birth, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of birth, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of birth.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of desire. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of desire, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of desire, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of desire.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of existence. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of existence, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of existence, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of existence.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of views. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of views, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of views, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of views.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of ignorance. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of ignorance, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of ignorance, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of ignorance.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of exhaustion. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of exhaustion, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of exhaustion, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of exhaustion.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of no-birth. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of no-birth, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of no-birth, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of no-birth. [F.5.b]
“He correctly understands the knowledge of fearlessness. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of fearlessness, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of fearlessness, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of fearlessness.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the correct understandings. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the correct understandings, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the correct understandings, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the correct understandings.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the powers of the Thus-Gone One. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the powers of the Thus-Gone One, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the powers of the Thus-Gone One, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the powers of the Thus-Gone One.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One’s wisdom. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One’s wisdom, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One’s wisdom, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One’s wisdom.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the Thus-Gone One’s faculties. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the Thus-Gone One’s faculties, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the Thus-Gone One’s faculties, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the Thus-Gone One’s faculties.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of physical actions. [F.6.a] He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of physical actions, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of physical actions, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of physical actions.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of verbal actions. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of verbal actions, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of verbal actions, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of verbal actions.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of mental actions. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of mental actions, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of mental actions, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of mental actions.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the preceding. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the preceding, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the preceding, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the preceding.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the subsequent. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the subsequent, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the subsequent, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the subsequent.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of decay. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of decay, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of decay, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of decay.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of omniscience. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of omniscience, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of omniscience, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of omniscience.
“Householder, that is the first teaching on the Blessed One’s extensive wisdom. Now listen as I explain this.
Knowledge of What is Possible
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is possible. [F.6.b] Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One knows it. It is possible and feasible that the ripening of negative physical actions is undesirable, repulsive, and unpleasant. It is also possible and feasible that the ripening of negative verbal actions and negative mental actions is undesirable, repulsive, and unpleasant. It is also possible and feasible that by committing negative physical acts, after the body decays and one dies, one will fall into the sad destinies of the lower realms and take birth in the hells. It is also possible and feasible that when negative verbal acts and negative mental acts ripen, after the body decays and one dies, one will fall into the sad destinies of the lower realms and take birth in the hells. It is also possible and feasible that the ripening of positive physical actions is desirable, beautiful, and pleasant. It is also possible and feasible that the ripening of positive verbal actions and positive mental actions creates something desirable, beautiful, and pleasant. It is also possible and feasible that by committing positive physical acts, after the body disintegrates and one dies, one will take birth into the joyful destinies of the higher realms. It is also possible and feasible that by committing positive verbal acts and positive mental acts, after the body disintegrates and one dies, one will take birth into the joyful destinies of the higher realms. It is also possible and feasible that some people willingly end the life of their mother. It is also possible and feasible that some people willingly end the life of their father. It is also possible and feasible that some people willingly end the life of the worthy hearers of the Thus-Gone One. It is also possible and feasible that some people cause a schism in the community of the hearers. [F.7.a] It is also possible and feasible that some people with evil intentions draw blood from the body of the Thus-Gone One. It is also possible and feasible that some common people adopt the views of extremists as taught by non-Buddhist teachers and engage in their practices. In this way, seeking purification, they apply themselves to this training because of perceiving many benefits and auspicious qualities in such religious practitioners and brahmins. Then, having turned to what those ascetics and brahmins have taught, they say to others, ‘You must meet this venerable teacher! You have to understand this view!’ It is also possible and feasible that some people obtain the eight human existences.27 It is also possible and feasible that a man can become Brahmā, Māra, or a brahmin. It is also possible and feasible that a man can become a universal monarch. It is also possible and feasible that a man can become a thus-gone, worthy, perfect buddha. It is also possible and feasible that only one thus-gone one appears within a single world. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is possible.
“Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the state of all beings. He knows which person is a vessel for the teachings of the buddhas, which person is a vessel for the teachings of the solitary buddhas, and which person is a vessel for the teachings of the hearers. Householder, in this way, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is possible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of what is possible, he can respond for an eon. He can respond for one hundred eons, or one thousand eons, or one hundred thousand eons, or one million eons, or ten million eons, [F.7.b] or a quadrillion eons, or one hundred quadrillion eons, or an immeasurable number of eons. He can reply for innumerable, inconceivable, incomparable, immeasurable, and inexpressible eons. He can reply for an immeasurable number of immeasurable eons, and an immeasurable number of innumerable eons, and an immeasurable number of inconceivable eons, and an immeasurable number of incomparable eons, and an immeasurable number of inestimable eons, and an immeasurable number of inexpressible eons. He can respond for an immeasurable number of innumerable eons, and an innumerable number of innumerable eons, and an inconceivable number of innumerable eons, and an incomparable number of innumerable eons, and an inestimable number of innumerable eons, and an inexpressible number of innumerable eons; and an immeasurable number of inconceivable eons, and an innumerable and inconceivable number of inconceivable eons, and an incomparable number of inconceivable eons, and an inestimable number of inconceivable eons; and an immeasurable number of incomparable eons, and an innumerable number of incomparable eons, and an inconceivable number of incomparable eons, and an incomparable number of incomparable eons, and an inestimable number of incomparable eons, and an inexpressible number of incomparable eons, and an immeasurable number of incomparable eons; and an innumerable number of inestimable eons, and an inconceivable number of inestimable eons, and an inestimable number of inestimable eons, and an inexpressible number of inestimable eons; and an inexpressible number of innumerable eons, and an inexpressible number of inconceivable eons, an inexpressible number of incomparable eons, and an inexpressible number of inexpressible and inestimable eons. Thus, his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality and thus has inexhaustible eloquence when asked regarding any topic of his knowledge. [F.8.a] Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding whether he considers impermanence, suffering, inner phenomena, results, unease, evil, harm, the lesser, disintegration, movement, destruction, epidemics, emptiness, lack of self, discomfort, shortcomings, or deliverance. That is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible and this is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. Moreover, householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One knows: ‘Since these people have produced roots of virtue with billions of thus-gone ones, they have become certain with regard to knowing what is possible.’ Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about knowing the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. [F.8.b] Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. In this way the Thus-Gone One possesses inexhaustible eloquence when asked about knowing the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. Moreover, householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One knows: When an assemblage is lacking there is an obstruction of knowledge, but when an assemblage takes place, knowledge of what is possible arises. Moreover, this is primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. In this way the Thus-Gone One possesses inexhaustible eloquence when asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. [F.9.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. That is called knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. In this way the Thus-Gone One possesses inexhaustible eloquence when asked about knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of What is Impossible
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is impossible. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One knows it. It is impossible and unfeasible that the ripening of negative physical actions is desirable, beautiful, and pleasant. It is also impossible and unfeasible that the ripening of negative verbal actions and negative mental actions is desirable, beautiful, and pleasant. It is also impossible and unfeasible that the ripening of negative physical, verbal, and mental acts leads to birth in a delightful destiny within the higher realms after the body disintegrates and one dies. [F.9.b] It is also impossible and unfeasible that the ripening of positive physical actions is undesirable, repulsive, and unpleasant. The same applies to positive verbal and mental acts. It is also impossible and unfeasible that by committing positive physical acts, after the body disintegrates and one dies, one will fall into the sad destinies of the lower realms and take birth in the hells. It is also impossible and unfeasible that by committing positive verbal and mental acts, after the body disintegrates and one dies, one will fall into the sad destinies of the lower realms and take birth in the hells. It is also impossible and unfeasible that people who have the correct view would willingly end the life of their mother, or their father, or a worthy one, or cause a schism in the saṅgha, or with evil intentions draw blood from the body of the Thus-Gone One. It is also impossible and unfeasible that people who have the correct view would adopt the teachings of other extremist teachers and the views of such teachers, and engage in their practices. They will not perceive any benefits or auspicious qualities in such religious practitioners and brahmins, nor will they adopt what those ascetics and brahmins have taught, and say to others, ‘You must meet this venerable teacher! You have to understand this view!’ It is also impossible and unfeasible that people who have the correct view obtain the eight human existences. It is also impossible and unfeasible that a woman can become Śakra, Māra, or Brahmā in that very body. It is also impossible and unfeasible that a woman can become a universal monarch in that very body. [F.10.a] It is also impossible and unfeasible that a woman can become a thus-gone, worthy, perfect buddha in that very body.28 It is also impossible and unfeasible that two thus-gone ones can appear in a single world. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is impossible.
“Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the state of beings who have become impossible recipients. He knows who is averse to billions of buddhas and who therefore is not a vessel for the teachings of the buddhas, the teachings of the solitary buddhas, or the teachings of the hearers. In this way, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is impossible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about what is impossible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. Whether he considers permanence, no suffering, no disease, lack of results, lack of unease, no evil, no other, no disintegration, no movement, [F.10.b] no destruction, no epidemic, no emptiness, existence of a self, lack of comfort, lack of faults, no harm, or no opposition, that is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. That is what the Thus-Gone One knows, understands, and actualizes. Therefore, the wisdom of the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. That is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about knowing the origin as related to what is impossible, he can respond for an eon and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. In this way, when the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to what is impossible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since he possesses inexhaustible eloquence. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He understands that when sentient beings do not rely on the Thus-Gone One, they are included under the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible. However, if they rely on the Thus-Gone One, the origin ceases. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. [F.11.a] Moreover, householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. The extreme delusion that produces ignorance with regard to impossible teachings, taught by extremely deluded people, is devoid of essential existence. Thus, since all phenomena lack intrinsic existence, the phenomena of extreme delusion also do not exist. Householder, thus does the Thus-Gone One correctly understand the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible. Moreover, householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates no shortcomings, or whether he contemplates no deliverance. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands this. [F.11.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. In this way, when the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of the Past, Future, and Present
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the past. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands all buddhas, buddha realms, and beings that appeared in an immeasurable number of previous eons. He correctly understands the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings that appeared in an innumerable, inconceivable, incomparable, inestimable, and inexpressible number of previous eons. He correctly understands the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings that appeared in an immeasurable number of immeasurable previous eons, an innumerable number of immeasurable previous eons, an inconceivable number of immeasurable previous eons, an incomparable number of immeasurable previous eons, and an inexpressible number of immeasurable previous eons. In this way he knows the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings of the previous eons all the way back to an immeasurable number of inexpressible previous eons, an innumerable number of inexpressible previous eons, an inconceivable number of inexpressible previous eons, an incomparable number of inexpressible previous eons, an inestimable number of inexpressible previous eons, and an inexpressible number of inexpressible previous eons. To know, see, perceive, [F.12.a] realize, understand, and be learned about this is called knowing the past, and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about knowing the past, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until … he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the future. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands all of the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings of an immeasurable number of future eons. He correctly understands the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings of an innumerable, inconceivable, incomparable, inestimable, and inexpressible number of future eons. He correctly understands the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings in an immeasurable number of immeasurable future eons, an innumerable number of immeasurable future eons, an inconceivable number of immeasurable future eons, an incomparable number of immeasurable future eons, and an inexpressible number of immeasurable future eons. In this way he genuinely knows the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings of the future eons all the way until the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings of an inexpressible number of inexpressible future eons. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be learned about this is called knowing the future, and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about his knowledge of the future, he can respond for an eon, up to an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, [F.12.b] and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the present. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands all of the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings to the east. He correctly understands the innumerable, inconceivable, incomparable, inestimable, and inexpressible number of present buddhas, buddha realms, and beings. He correctly understands the buddhas, buddha realms, and beings of the present eon up to an inexpressible figure of inexpressible numbers. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be learned about this is called knowing the present, and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the present, he can respond for an eon, up to an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Karma
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of karma. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the four types of adopted karmic actions. What are these four? They are the karma experienced in this life, the karma experienced in the next life, the karma experienced in subsequent lives, and the karma that is not experienced. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be learned about this is called knowing karma, and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.13.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about this he can respond for an eon, up to an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, and so forth, until … he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [B2]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until … he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma, he can respond for an eon, up to an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma. Householder, [F.13.b] the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of karma. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of adopted actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands four types of adopted karmic actions. What are these four? They are the adopted karmic actions where present suffering ripens into future suffering, where present happiness ripens into future suffering, where present suffering ripens into future happiness, and where present happiness ripens into future happiness.
“What is the adopted karmic action where present suffering ripens into future suffering? It is an adopted karmic action that is scorned by wise mendicants and brahmins. It is to adopt the ten unvirtuous courses of action, which are adopted out of fierce desire, anger, and delusion, such that the suffering of poverty is also adopted. It is something that the wise must scorn in terms of this life, [F.14.a] and not wish for in a future ripening. This adopted karmic action entails suffering in the present and also as it ripens in the future.
“What is the adopted karmic action where present happiness ripens into future suffering? It is to adopt the ten unvirtuous courses of action due to fierce desire, anger, and delusion, or because of an Almighty. In this life it may be classified as pleasant, and childish beings will praise it. However, the wise will scorn it as in the future it brings unwanted consequences and turns into suffering. This adopted karmic action that is praised by childish beings and scorned by the wise is pleasant in the present but painful in the future.
“What is the adopted karmic action where present suffering ripens into future happiness? It is to adopt the ten virtuous courses of action while still being immersed in the experience of actions due to involvement with fierce desire, anger, and delusion. For example, while overcome by the experience of poverty, one still adopts a proper outlook. The learned ones will embrace this situation, enduring suffering and what is unpleasant, while adopting all that is virtuous, including the noble Dharma. This is the adopted karmic action where present suffering ripens into future happiness.
“What is the adopted karmic action where present happiness ripens into future happiness? It is to adopt a proper mindset based on having few desires, little anger, and little delusion, combined with a bright intelligence. One adopts the path of the ten virtues and enjoys perfect circumstances, yet one is not under the influence of an Almighty, or haughtiness, but one is grounded in virtue. Already in this life one will be happy and [F.14.b] experience pleasant circumstances, while being praised by the learned. In the future as well one’s experience will be desirable, beautiful, and pleasant. This is the adopted karmic action where one is happy in this life and the future ripening is pleasant as well.
“To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing adopted actions, and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of adopted actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings [F.15.a] from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of adopted actions. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of abodes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands them in this way: ‘This action will ripen among the beings in hell. This action will ripen among the beings in the animal realm. [F.15.b] This action will ripen in the realm of the Lord of Death. This action will ripen in the demigod realm. This action will ripen in the realm of humans. This action will ripen in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings. This action will ripen in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three. This action will ripen in the Heaven Free from Strife. This action will ripen in the Heaven of Joy. This action will ripen in the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations. This action will ripen in the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations. This action will ripen in the Abode of Brahmā. These actions will ripen in the Brahmā Realm, the Heaven of the High Priests of Brahmā, and the Heaven of Great Brahmā, respectively. These actions will ripen in the Heaven of Light, the Heaven of Limited Light, the Heaven of Limitless Light, and the Luminous Heaven, respectively. These actions will ripen in the Heaven of Virtue, the Heaven of Limited Virtue, the Heaven of Limitless Virtue, and the Heaven of Perfected Virtue, respectively. These actions will ripen in the Greater Heaven, the Heaven of Lesser Greatness, the Heaven of Limitless Greatness, and the Heaven of Great Fruition, respectively. These actions will ripen in the Unlofty Heaven, the Heaven of No Hardship, the Sublime Heaven, the Gorgeous Heaven, and the Highest Heaven, respectively. This action will ripen in the abode of no notion. These actions will ripen in the abodes of the sphere of limitless space, the sphere of limitless consciousness, the sphere of nothing whatsoever, and the sphere of neither notion nor no notion, respectively. This action will ripen within the abodes of saṃsāra. This action will ripen in the abode of those who enter nirvāṇa.’ Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of abodes. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of abodes, [F.16.a] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of abodes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of abodes. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of abodes, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until … he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of abodes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of abodes. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of abodes. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of abodes, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of abodes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One [F.16.b] correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of abodes. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of abodes, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of causes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the causes, conditions, and reasons that actualize the ripening of karma for beings to be born in hell. Likewise, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the causes, conditions, and reasons that actualize the ripening of karma for beings to be born in the animal realm, the realm of the Lord of Death, the demigod realm, the human realm, the Heaven of the Four Great Kings, the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, the Heaven Free from Strife, the Heaven of Joy, the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations, the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations, the Brahmā Realm, the Heaven of the High Priests of Brahmā, the Heaven of the Retinue of Brahmā, the Heaven of Great Brahmā, the Heaven of Light, the Heaven of Limited Light, the Heaven of Limitless Light, and the Luminous Heaven, the Heaven of Virtue, the Heaven of Limited Virtue, the Heaven of Limitless Virtue, and the Heaven of Perfected Virtue, the Greater Heaven, the Heaven of Lesser Greatness, the Heaven of Limitless Greatness, and the Heaven of Great Fruition, the Unlofty Heaven, the Heaven of No Hardship, the Sublime Heaven, the Gorgeous Heaven, and the Highest Heaven, and the abode of beings without notions, respectively. [F.17.a] The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the causes, conditions, and reasons that actualize the ripening of karma. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of causes. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of causes, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the causes of beings. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of causes. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of causes, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until … he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of causes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of causes. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of causes. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of causes, he can respond for an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, and so forth, up until…. [F.17.b] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of causes. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of causes. This is so whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of causes. Householder, when the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of causes, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of ripening. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands: ‘This ripening of karma will unfold among the beings in hell. This ripening of karma will unfold in the animal realm. This ripening of karma will unfold in the realm of the Lord of Death, and so forth, up until…. This ripening of karma will unfold in the sphere of neither notion nor no notion.’ The Thus-Gone One also correctly understands: ‘Such ripening of karma will not unfold. That karma has no creator. That ripening of karma will not be experienced.’ [F.18.a] Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of ripening. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of ripening, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of ripening. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands that knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of ripening is acquired from accumulating roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of ripening. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of ripening, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of ripening. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering [F.18.b] and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of ripening. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of ripening. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of ripening, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of ripening. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of ripening. This is so whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of ripening. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of ripening, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of the Paths That Lead to All Destinations
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands: ‘This journey will lead to birth in the realm of the Lord of Death. This journey will lead to birth in the realm of the demigods. This journey will lead to birth in the human realm, and so forth, up until…. [F.19.a] This journey will lead to birth in the sphere of neither notion nor no notion. This journey will lead to birth as a god. This person will be born as a human.’ Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He has gained knowledge of the origin, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. Householder, he correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. [F.19.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. This is so whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of the Several Elements
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the several elements.
“Householder, in this regard, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the eye element. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the form element, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the form element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the form element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the form element.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the eye consciousness element, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. [F.20.a]
“In the same way, he correctly understands the knowledge of the ear element, the sound element, and the ear consciousness element; the nose element, the smell element, and the nose consciousness element; the tongue element, the taste element, and the tongue consciousness element; and the body element, the texture element, and the body consciousness element.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the mind element, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the mental object element, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mental object element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element.
“He correctly understands the knowledge of the mind consciousness element, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the eye element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The eye is the ripening of subtle matter derived from the primary elements conjoined with mind. Within the eye, forms are perceived. Forms obstruct the eye, and it obstructs forms. The eye has seen, it sees, and it will see forms. In order to perceive form, the eye is always undifferentiated. The eye is also included within the eighteen elements as the eye element. Among the twelve sense sources it is the eye sense source. Among the twenty-two faculties it is the eye faculty. That is the eye. It is the eye element; it is the eye sense source; it is the eye faculty. [F.20.b] It is a gateway. It is white. It is a stream, a lake, an ocean. It is an expanse. It is light. It is a water source. It is a leader. It is a guide. It is a foundation. It is internal. It is secret. It is a field. It is not transcendent. It is the vessel of the demons. It engages with the entities of the self. It enters the empty city. It is to be known in full. It is to be known completely. It is to be abandoned. It is known as the eye element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the eye element, and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the eye element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. In this way the Thus-Gone One possesses inexhaustible eloquence when asked about the knowledge of the eye element. Householder, therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands that knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye element is acquired from accumulating roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. [F.21.a] Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element. [F.21.b] Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the form element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the color and shape of form in this way: It consists of beautiful colors, ugly colors, fine shapes, coarse shapes, beautiful hues, ugly hues, shades that are ugly, shades that are fine, black colors, and yellow, whitish, red, white, vermillion, and crystal colors. It consists of shapes that are squares, hexagons, octagons, hexadecagons, and triangles; low, tall, even, and uneven; as well as colors that are shady, sunny, cloudy, cloudless, smoky, dusty, illusive, illusory, bright, dark, and distinctive. Such is the form element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the form element, and that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the form element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the form element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.22.a]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the form element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the form element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the form element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the form element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the form element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the form element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the form element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the form element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. [F.22.b] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the form element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the form element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. That is known as knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the form element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the form element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the eye consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. The eye consciousness manifests based on the eye and form. When the features of cognized entities manifest, the eye consciousness does not arise from within the eye. It also does not appear from the outer forms. Although it apprehends in between, it does not abide there either. Nevertheless, based on the eye and form, the eye consciousness does manifest. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the eye consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One [F.23.a] correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element, [F.23.b] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the eye consciousness element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the ear element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The ear is the ripening of subtle matter derived from the primary elements conjoined with mind. Within the ear, sounds are perceived. The ear is obstructed by sounds, and it obstructs sounds. The ear has heard, it hears, and it will hear sounds. In order to perceive sounds, the ear is always undifferentiated. The ear is also included within the eighteen elements as the ear element. Among the twelve sense sources it is the ear sense source. Among the twenty-two faculties it is the ear faculty. That is the ear. It is the ear element; it is the ear sense source; it is the ear faculty. It is a gateway. It is white. It is a stream, a lake, an ocean. It is an expanse. It is light. It is a water source. [F.24.a] It is a leader. It is a guide. It is internal. It is secret. It is a field. It is a foundation. It is not transcendent. It is the vessel of the demons. It enters the empty city. It engages with the entities of the self. It is to be known in full. It is to be known completely. It is to be abandoned. It is known as the ear element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the ear element, and that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the ear element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [B3]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. [F.24.b] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear element. Householder, in this regard the Thus-Gone One accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ear element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the ear element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ear element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth up, until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the sound element. [F.25.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the sound element which is entirely dependent on the main elements. He knows it in this way: It consists of pleasant sounds, unpleasant sounds, prolonged pleasant sounds, abrupt pleasant sounds, beautiful sounds, awful sounds, sounds that should be heard, delightful sounds, disagreeable sounds, offensive sounds, the sounds of a conch, the sounds of a drum, the sounds of a hand drum, the sounds of a gong, the murmur of a stream, sounds that cause understanding, the sound of fire, the sound of water, the sound of wind, claps of thunder, the sound of lightning, the sound of hailstorms, as well as all other sounds of the main elements, whether embraced by the mind or not. Such is the sound element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the sound element, and that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the sound element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the sound element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the sound element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the sound element. [F.25.b] The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the sound element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the sound element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the sound element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the sound element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the sound element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the sound element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the sound element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the sound element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. [F.26.a] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the ear consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. Based on the ear and sound, the ear consciousness manifests. When the features of cognized entities manifest, the ear consciousness does not appear from within the ear. It also does not appear from the outer sounds and neither is it maintained somewhere in between. Nevertheless, due to their combination, the ear consciousness does manifest. It is beyond coming and going. It is empty and without essence. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the ear consciousness element. This is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the ear consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element. [F.26.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the ear consciousness element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ear consciousness element, [F.27.a] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the nose element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The nose is the ripening of subtle matter derived from the primary elements conjoined with mind. Within the nose, smells are perceived. The nose is obstructed by smells, and it obstructs smells. The nose has smelled, it smells, and it will smell. In order to perceive smells, the nose is undifferentiated. The nose is also included within the eighteen elements as the nose element. Among the twelve sense sources it is the nose sense source. Among the twenty-two faculties it is the nose faculty. It is the nose; it is the nose element; it is the nose sense source. It is the nose faculty. It is a gateway. It is white. It is a stream, a lake, an ocean. It is an expanse. It is light. It is secret. It is a water source. It is a leader. It is a guide. It is a field. It is a foundation. It is an entity. It is internal. It is secret. It is not transcendent. It is the vessel of the demons. It enters the empty city. It is to be known in full. It is to be known completely. It is to be abandoned. It is known as the nose element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the nose element. That is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. [F.27.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the nose element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One has gained knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose element. Householder, in this regard the Thus-Gone One accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose element. [F.28.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the nose element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the nose element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the nose element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the smell element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the object of the nose in this way: It consists of pleasant smells, unpleasant smells, desirable smells, sweet smells, awful smells, agreeable smells, disagreeable smells, enjoyable smells, displeasing smalls, delightful smells, offensive smells, fine smells, rough smells, as well as all other smells found in the environment, such as the smells of roots, kernels, hollow plants, bark, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. All of these are known as the smell element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, [F.28.b] and be skillful about this is called knowing the smell element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the smell element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the smell element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One has gained knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the smell element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the smell element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the smell element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the smell element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the smell element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the smell element. When the Thus-Gone One [F.29.a] is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the smell element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the smell element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the smell element. Moreover, the Thus-Gone One … and so forth, up to … Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the smell element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the nose consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. Based on the nose and smell, the nose consciousness manifests. When the features of cognized entities manifest, the nose consciousness does not arise within the nose. It also does not appear from the outer smells and neither is it maintained somewhere in between. It is beyond coming and going. It is empty and without essence. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the nose consciousness element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.29.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the nose consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked [F.30.a] about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the nose consciousness element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the nose consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the tongue element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The tongue is the ripening of subtle matter derived from the primary elements conjoined with mind. On the sense source of the tongue, tastes are perceived. The tongue is obstructed by taste, but it also obstructs taste. The tongue has tasted, it tastes, and it will taste. In order to perceive taste, the tongue is always undifferentiated. The tongue is also included within the eighteen elements as the tongue element. Among the twelve sense sources it is the tongue sense source. Among the twenty-two faculties it is the tongue faculty. It is the tongue; it is the tongue element; it is the tongue sense source. [F.30.b] It is the tongue faculty. It is a gateway. It is white. It is a stream, a lake, an ocean. It is an expanse. It is light. It is a water source. It is a leader. It is a guide. It is a field. It is an entity. It is internal. It is secret. It is not transcendent. It is the vessel of the demons. It engages with the entities of the self. It enters the empty city. It is to be known in full. It is to be known completely. It is to be abandoned. That is what is known as the tongue element. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the tongue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the tongue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. [F.31.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from the ocean of suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the tongue element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One [F.31.b] correctly understands the knowledge of the taste element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the sense object of the tongue element in this way: It consists of pleasant tastes, unpleasant tastes, desirable tastes, undesirable tastes, sweet tastes, awful tastes, agreeable tastes, disagreeable tastes, delightful tastes, offensive tastes, fine tastes, repulsive tastes, as well as tastes that are bitter, hot, sour, sweet, salty, astringent, and saline. The taste element also consists of tastes that are found in the environment: roots, kernels, hollow plants, bark, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. That is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the taste element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the taste element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the taste element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the taste element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the taste element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … [F.32.a] whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the taste element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the taste element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the taste element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the taste element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the taste element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the taste element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the taste element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the taste element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.32.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. Based on the tongue and taste, the tongue consciousness manifests. When the features of cognized entities manifest, the tongue consciousness does not arise within the inner tongue. It also does not come from the external tastes and neither is it maintained somewhere in between. It is beyond coming and going. It is empty and without essence. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the tongue consciousness element. This is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the tongue consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One [F.33.a] is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the tongue consciousness element. This is so whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the tongue consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.33.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the body element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The body is the ripening of subtle matter derived from the primary elements conjoined with mind. It perceives texture, and obstructs texture. The body obstructs texture, and it is also obstructed by texture. The body has touched, touches, and will touch. In order to perceive texture, the body is always undifferentiated. The body is also included within the eighteen elements as the body element. Among the twelve sense sources it is the body sense source. Among the twenty-two faculties it is the body faculty. It is the body. It is the body element; it is the body sense source; it is the body faculty. It is a gateway. It is white. It is a stream, a lake, an ocean. It is an expanse. It is light. It is a water source. It is a leader. It is a guide. It is a field. It is a basis. It is an entity. It is internal. It is secret. It is not transcendent. It is the vessel of the demons. It engages with the entities of the self. It enters the empty city. It is to be known in full. It is to be known completely. It is to be abandoned. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the body element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the body element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.34.a]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He correctly understands how to accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.34.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the body element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the body element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the body element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the texture element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the sense object of the body element in this way: It consists of visual tactility, auditory tactility, olfactory tactility, gustatory tactility, cutaneous tactility, and mental tactility. It also consists of texture that is pleasant, texture that is painful, texture that is neither pleasant nor painful, texture that is polluted, texture that is unpolluted, texture that is worldly, and texture that is beyond the world. Such is the texture element. To know, and so forth, up until … and be skillful about this is called knowing the texture element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the texture element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the texture element. [F.35.a] Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the texture element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the texture element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the texture element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the texture element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the texture element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the texture element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the texture element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One [F.35.b] correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the texture element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the texture element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [B4]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the body consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. Based on the body and texture, the body consciousness manifests. As it arises, the body consciousness does not arise within the inner body. It also does not appear from the outer objects of touch, and neither does it dwell somewhere in between. Nevertheless, it does arise due to their combination. It is beyond coming and going. It is empty and without essence. To know, and so forth, up until … and be skillful about this is called knowing the body consciousness element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands.
“Likewise, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. [F.36.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness, and so forth, up until … and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, and so forth, up until … and be skillful about this is called knowing the body consciousness element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the body consciousness element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about [F.36.b] his knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the body consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the mind element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The mind element is the mind that arises as soon as the six collections of consciousness have manifested. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the mind element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the mind element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. [F.37.a] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the mind element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mind element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the mental object element. Householder, [F.37.b] the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the sense object of the mind element in this way. That which is called ‘the mental object element’ is the object of the six collections of consciousness. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One fully understands all mental object elements. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the mental object element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the mental object element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mental object element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mental object element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mental object element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mental object element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. [F.38.a] He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the mental object element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mental object element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the mind consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. That which is called ‘the mind consciousness element’ is that which evaluates and examines as soon as the mind moves toward an object. To know, [F.38.b] see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the mind consciousness element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the mind consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. [F.39.a] That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the mind consciousness element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mind consciousness element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the several elements. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the several elements, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.39.b]
Knowledge of the Various Elements
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the various elements.
“Householder, in this regard, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the desire element. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the desire element, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element.
“In the same way he correctly understands the elements of ill will, malice, emancipation, absence of ill will, absence of malice, wrong view, the past, the future, the present, virtue, non-virtue, neutrality, the defiled, the undefiled, the worldly, the simple, the noble, the ignoble, the world, the transcendent, the conditioned, and the unconditioned. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of these elements, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of these elements, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of these elements.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the desire element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this element that is thoroughly afflicted by the thirty-six engagements of craving. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the desire element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.40.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the desire element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality so well. The Thus-Gone One who knows this possesses inexhaustible eloquence when asked about the knowledge of the desire element. Householder, therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the desire element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He has gained knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the desire element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the desire element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to the desire element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. [F.40.b] He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the desire element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the desire element, his eloquence is inexhaustible, and so forth, up to…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the ill will element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this element that is thoroughly afflicted by the nine vindictive attitudes. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the ill will element. [F.41.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ill will element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ill will element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ill will element, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ill will element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ill will element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ill will element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One [F.41.b] correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ill will element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the ill will element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the malice element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this element that is thoroughly afflicted by the sixty-two views. Householder, that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the malice element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the malice element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the malice element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the malice element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One [F.42.a] correctly understands in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the malice element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the malice element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the malice element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the malice element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the malice element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the malice element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the malice element. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the malice element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. [F.42.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the malice element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the emancipation element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this element that is not thoroughly afflicted by the thirty-six engagements with existence. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the emancipation element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the emancipation element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. [F.43.a] That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the emancipation element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, that is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the emancipation element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the emancipation element. Householder, in this regard the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the emancipation element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. This is called knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the emancipation element, [F.43.b] and that is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the emancipation element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the absence of ill will element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this element that is not thoroughly afflicted by the nine vindictive attitudes. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the absence of ill will element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the absence of ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. [F.44.a] To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the absence of ill will element, whether he contemplates insipidity, [F.44.b] or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, is called knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the absence of ill will element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the absence of malice element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands this element that is not thoroughly afflicted by the sixty-two views. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the absence of malice element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the absence of malice element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and the path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of wrong view. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands wrong view as being wrong view. Whenever anyone should claim this to be otherwise, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of wrong view, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One [F.45.a] correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of wrong view. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of wrong view, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of wrong view. Whether he considers impermanence … and so forth, all the way.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the past element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows the past element as that element that has arisen, has come into being, has been formed, has emerged, and has occurred. It occurred in the past, happened exclusively in the past, and was contained in the past. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the past element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He has gained knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past element. [F.45.b] Whether he considers impermanence … and so forth, all the way.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the future element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows the future element as that element that has not yet arisen, not yet appeared, not yet come into being, not yet been formed, not yet emerged, and not yet occurred. It occurs in the future, is a future continuity, happens exclusively in the future, is contained in the future, and continues in the future. As for the origin, cessation, and the path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the present element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows the present element as that element that arises, appears, comes into being, is formed, emerges, and occurs in the present. It occurs in the present moment as an unbroken present continuity. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present element. [F.46.a] The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for cessation and the path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the virtue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it as the element that embodies the path of the ten virtuous actions. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the virtue element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the virtue element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. [F.46.b] Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the virtue element. The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the virtue element, whether he contemplates insipidity, [F.47.a] or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. That is known as knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [B5]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the non-virtue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it as the element that embodies the path of the ten unvirtuous actions. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the non-virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the non-virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. [F.47.b] The Thus-Gone One has a correct understanding, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the origin as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the non-virtue element, [F.48.a] whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. That is known as knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the non-virtue element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the neutrality element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it as the element that produces karmic ripening. He correctly understands it as the element that is experienced, or experienced in a disagreeable manner, and that changes with the passing of time or through certain acts. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the neutrality element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the neutrality element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the neutrality element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the neutrality element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. [F.48.b] Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, that is known as knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the neutrality element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the neutrality element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the neutrality element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the neutrality element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the neutrality element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the neutrality element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the neutrality element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the neutrality element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the neutrality element, [F.49.a] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the defiled element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the element that possesses the defilement of desire. He correctly understands the element that possesses the defilement of existence. He correctly understands the element that possesses the defilement of views. He correctly understands the element that possesses the defilement of ignorance. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the defiled element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the defiled element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defiled element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defiled element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defiled element. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, [F.49.b] the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about this, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defiled element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defiled element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the defiled element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defiled element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defiled element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the defiled element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, he correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defiled element, [F.50.a] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the undefiled element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the element that is free from the defilement of desire. He likewise correctly understands the element that is free from the defilements of existence, views, and ignorance. To know, see, perceive, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the undefiled element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the undefiled element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the undefiled element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the undefiled element, he can respond for an eon, [F.50.b] and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, he correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the undefiled element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the pleasurable element. [F.51.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the element that possesses the five sense pleasures. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the pleasurable element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the pleasurable element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element, whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about this, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering [F.51.b] and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, he correctly understands that knowledge. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the pleasurable element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the simple element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the simple element that is free from the five sense pleasures. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the simple element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.52.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the simple element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the simple element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the simple element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the simple element. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the simple element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the simple element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them, and so forth, up until … and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the simple element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the simple element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.52.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the simple element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the simple element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the simple element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the simple element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the noble element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the element that is free from attachment, that is free from anger, and that is free from ignorance. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the noble element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the noble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the noble element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. [F.53.a] The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the noble element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the noble element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the noble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the noble element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the noble element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the noble element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the noble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the noble element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the noble element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, [F.53.b] or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the noble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the ignoble element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the element that possesses attachment, that possesses anger, and that possesses ignorance. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the ignoble element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the ignoble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ignoble element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ignoble element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ignoble element. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, [F.54.a] the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the ignoble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ignoble element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ignoble element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the ignoble element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the ignoble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ignoble element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the ignoble element. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, [F.54.b] the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the ignoble element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the worldly. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the conduct of the worldly. Householder, that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the worldly. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the worldly, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the worldly. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the worldly, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the worldly. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the worldly, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the worldly. [F.55.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the worldly mind. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the element of the worldly. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the worldly mind, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the element of the worldly. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the element of the worldly. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the element of the worldly, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the transcendent element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the element that accords with the cognition of the cessation of saṃsāra. To know, see,...and be skillful about this [F.55.b] is called knowing the transcendent element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the transcendent element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until … Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the transcendent element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the transcendent element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the transcendent element. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the transcendent element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the transcendent element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the transcendent element. [F.56.a] Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the transcendent element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the transcendent element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the transcendent element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the transcendent element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the conditioned element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the five perpetuating aggregates. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the conditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the conditioned element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. [F.56.b] Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the conditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the conditioned element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, [F.57.a] or whether he contemplates deliverance. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the conditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [B6]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the unconditioned element. Householder, through discrimination the Thus-Gone One correctly understands cessation, space, and nirvāṇa. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the unconditioned element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the unconditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element. [F.57.b] Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the unconditioned element, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. [F.58.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons, since his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality so well. When the Thus-Gone One who knows this is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the unconditioned element, he possesses inexhaustible eloquence. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of the World
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the world. Through the movements of the sun and moon, all directions are illuminated. He knows one thousand such illuminating moons and suns as well as one thousand Jambūdvīpas, and also the other great continents, such as one thousand Pūrvavidehas in the east, one thousand Uttarakurus in the north, and one thousand Aparagodānīyas in the west. He also knows one thousand Heavens of the Four Great Kings, one thousand Heavens of the Thirty-Three, one thousand Heavens Free from Strife, one thousand Heavens of Joy, one thousand Heavens of Delighting in Emanations, one thousand Heavens of Making Use of Others’ Emanations, and one thousand Brahmā Realms. All of that is called a ‘first order chiliocosm,’ or a ‘lesser,’ or ‘lower’ such order. A set of one thousand such first order chiliocosms is called a ‘second order, mid-sized dichiliocosm,’ and a set of one thousand such dichiliocosms is called a ‘third order, great trichiliocosm.’ Such world systems disintegrate, are formed, are void, and remain. In the east, there are further such third order, great trichiliocosms where some collapse, some disintegrate, some are formed, some are void, and some remain. Likewise, in the south, west, north, southeast, [F.58.b] southwest, northwest, northeast, below, and above there are a further endless number of worlds where some collapse, some disintegrate, some are formed, some are void, and some remain. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the world. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the world, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the world. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the world, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the world element. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until...whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the world, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the world. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering [F.59.a] and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the world. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the world element, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the world element. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the world. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the world, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until...Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of Several Inclinations
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of several inclinations. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it: ‘These beings are interested in form; these beings are interested in sound; these beings are interested in smell; these beings are interested in taste; these beings are interested in texture.’ Householder, that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands several inclinations. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of several inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.59.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of several interests. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related the knowledge of several inclinations, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of several inclinations. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of several inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. [F.60.a] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of several inclinations. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until...Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of Various Inclinations
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of various inclinations. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it: ‘These beings are interested in blue; these beings are interested in yellow; these beings are interested in red; these beings are interested in white; these beings are interested in various colors.’ Householder, that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of various inclinations. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of various inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of various inclinations. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of various inclinations, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. [F.60.b] Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of various inclinations. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of various inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of various inclinations. [F.61.a] Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
Knowledge of the Faculties
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the faculties.29
Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the eye faculty. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye faculty, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty. Likewise, he correctly understands the knowledge of the ear faculty, the nose faculty, the tongue faculty, the body faculty, and the mind faculty. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin, the knowledge of cessation, and the knowledge of the path as related to the knowledge of these faculties. He correctly understands the knowledge of the female faculty, the male faculty, the path,30 the life faculty, the pleasure faculty, the displeasure faculty, the happiness faculty, the unhappiness faculty, the neutral faculty, the faith faculty, the diligence faculty, the mindfulness faculty, the absorption faculty, the insight faculty, the faculty that facilitates understanding of all that has not been understood, the faculty of full knowledge, and the faculty that facilitates full knowledge. He correctly understands the knowledge of the origin, the knowledge of cessation, and the knowledge of the path as related to the knowledge of these faculties. All of these should be expanded upon as has been done in the first part of this discourse. [F.61.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the eye faculty. The eye faculty is a subtle form composed of the four main elements. It is the subtle form of the earth element, the subtle form of the water element, the subtle form of the fire element, and the subtle form of the wind element. However, the subtle form of the earth element is not the eye, nor is the eye anything but the subtle form of the earth element. The subtle form of the water element is not the eye, nor is the eye anything but the subtle form of the water element. The subtle form of the fire element is not the eye, nor is the eye anything but the subtle form of the fire element. The subtle form of the wind element is not the eye, nor is the eye anything but the subtle form of the wind element. Householder, still, the eye is formed due to the ripening of karma. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the eye element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the eye faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye faculty. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye faculty, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye faculty. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.62.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the eye faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the eye faculty. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the eye faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.62.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the ear faculty. The subtle form of the four main elements is the ear faculty. It is the subtle form of the earth element, the subtle form of the water element, the subtle form of the fire element, and the subtle form of the wind element. However, the subtle form of the earth element is not the eye, nor is the eye anything but the subtle form of the earth element, and so forth, up until … nor is the eye anything but the subtle form of the wind element. Nevertheless, the ear faculty is formed due to the ripening of karma. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the ear element. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the ear faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The nose, tongue, and body are just like that.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the mind faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands that ‘the mind faculty is the leader of the other five faculties; the mind faculty is what experiences the domain of the other five faculties; the mind faculty is the field of the other five faculties.’ Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the mind faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the mind faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the female faculty. The female faculty refers to the female voice, shape, genitals, mannerisms, and behavior. [F.63.a] To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the female faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the female faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the male faculty. The male faculty refers to the male voice, appearance, genitals, mannerisms, and behavior. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the male faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the life faculty. Householder, the lifespan of some beings who are born in the animal realm is one day but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of some beings who are born in the animal realm is five hundred years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of some beings who are born in the animal realm is one eon but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of humans in Jambūdvīpa is one hundred years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of humans in Aparagodānīya in the west is two hundred fifty years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of humans in Pūrvavideha in the east is five hundred years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of humans in Uttarakuru in the north is one thousand years [F.63.b] but they may also die untimely. Fifty human years equals one day in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings. With the length of such days, fifteen days equals a fortnight, thirty days a month, and twelve months a year. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings is five hundred such years but they may also die untimely. One hundred human years equals one day in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three is one thousand such years but they may also die untimely. Two hundred human years equals one day in the Heaven Free from Strife. With the length of such days, thirty days equals a month, and twelve months a year. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven Free from Strife is two thousand such years but they may also die untimely. Four hundred human years equals one day in the Heaven of Joy. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Joy is four thousand such years but they may also die untimely. Eight hundred human years equals one day in the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations is eight thousand such years but they may also die untimely. One thousand six hundred human years equals one day in the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations is sixteen thousand such years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the Brahmā gods and the gods in the Brahmā Realm, the Heaven of the High Priests of Brahmā, the Heaven of the Retinue of Brahmā, and the Heaven of Great Brahmā is one eon but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Light, the Heaven of Limited Light, the Heaven of Limitless Light, and the Luminous Heaven is two eons but they may also die untimely. [F.64.a] The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Virtue, the Heaven of Limited Virtue, the Heaven of Limitless Virtue, and the Heaven of Perfected Virtue is four eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the Greater Heaven, the Heaven of Lesser Greatness, the Heaven of Limitless Greatness, and the Heaven of Great Fruition is eight eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods without notions is five hundred eons, in the Unlofty Heaven it is one thousand eons, in the Heaven of No Hardship it is two thousand eons, and in the Sublime Heaven it is four thousand eons, but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the Gorgeous Heaven is eight thousand eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the Highest Heaven is sixteen thousand eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the sphere of limitless space is twenty-one thousand eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the sphere of limitless consciousness is forty-two thousand eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the sphere of nothing whatsoever is sixty-three thousand eons but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the sphere of neither notion nor no notion is eighty-four thousand eons but they may also die untimely.
The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings equals one day for beings in the great Hell of Revival. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Revival is five hundred such years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three equals a day for beings in the great Hell of Black Lines. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Black Lines is one thousand such years but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven Free from Strife equals a day for beings in the great Hell of Howling. [F.64.b] With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Howling is two thousand such years. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Joy equals a day for beings in the great Hell of Fierce Howling. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of these beings is four thousand such years. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations equals a day for beings in the great Hell of Heat. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Heat is eight thousand such years. The lifespan of the gods in the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations equals a day for beings in the great Hell of Great Heat. With the length of such days … twelve months make a year. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Great Heat is six thousand such years. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Crushing is half an eon but they may also die untimely. The lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Incessant Pain is one eon but they may also die untimely.
As an illustration, in Magadha three bushels equals eighty āḍaka measures, which again equals sixty-four sesame seed bushels. Now, suppose that once every hundred years a person were to remove a single seed from that pile. In the time that it would take to exhaust those sixty-four Magadha sesame seed bushels in that way and using that method, the lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Blisters still would not have come to an end. Twenty times the lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Blisters equals a single lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Bursting Blisters. Twenty times the lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Bursting Blisters equals a single lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Chattering Teeth. Twenty times the lifespan of the beings in the great Hell of Chattering Teeth equals a single lifespan in the great Hell of Groans. Twenty lives in Groans equals a single lifespan in the great Hell of Lamentations. Twenty times the lifespan in Lamentations equals a single life in the great Hell of Cracked Like Sweet Smelling Flowers. Twenty lives in Cracked Like Sweet Smelling Flowers [F.65.a] equals a single life in the great Hell of Cracked Like Smooth Fragrant Flowers. Twenty lives in Cracked Like Smooth Fragrant Flowers equals a single life in the great Hell of Cracked Like Blue Lotus Flowers. Twenty lives in Cracked Like Blue Lotus Flowers equals a single life in the great Hell of Cracked Like Pink Lotus Flowers. Twenty lives in Cracked Like Pink Lotus Flowers equals a single life in the great Hell of Cracked Like White Lotus Flowers. Twenty lives in Cracked Like White Lotus Flowers equals a single life in the great Hell of Cracked Like Lotus Flowers. Householder, to know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the life faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the life faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the life faculty. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to gain knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the life faculty, having accumulated roots of virtue in the presence of limitless blessed buddhas. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the life faculty. Whether he considers impermanence, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the life faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. [F.65.b] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the life faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the life faculty. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. That is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the life faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the life faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the life faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the life faculty. Whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the life faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the pleasure faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows that ‘the pleasure faculty’ refers to any pleasurable physical feeling [F.66.a] or any genuinely enjoyable or pleasurable aspect of feeling, no matter how small, which is enjoyed purely, or enjoyed in an incorrect manner, and which is transformed through certain acts or with the passing of time. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the pleasure faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the pleasure faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the displeasure faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows that ‘the displeasure faculty’ refers to any unpleasant physical feeling, or any such aspect of feeling, no matter how small, which is transformed and changes in a disagreeable manner, whether over time or through certain acts. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the displeasure faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the displeasure faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the happiness faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows that ‘the happiness faculty’ refers to any pleasant mental feeling, or any aspect of such feelings, [F.66.b] no matter how small, and whether it is transformed by its opposite, or over time or through certain acts. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the happiness faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the happiness faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the unhappiness faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows that ‘the unhappiness faculty’ refers to any unpleasant mental feeling, or any aspect of such feelings, no matter how small, and whether it is transformed by its opposite, or over time or through certain acts. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the unhappiness faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the unhappiness faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path should be explained in detail as they have been previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the equanimity faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows that ‘the equanimity faculty’ refers to any physical or mental feeling, [F.67.a] or any aspect of feeling that is neither pleasant nor unpleasant, no matter how small, and whether it is transformed by its opposite, or over time or through certain acts. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the equanimity faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the equanimity faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. The origin, cessation, and path are as they have been taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the faith faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows that the faith faculty is to strive toward, aspire to, and wish for virtuous qualities. It is to realize and actualize the factors of awakening. It is to be inspired, enthusiastic, and mentally unpolluted with regard to these factors. It is the faculty of faith and the power of faith. To know, see, perceive, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the faith faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the faith faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the faith faculty. [F.67.b] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the faith faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the faith faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faith faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. When the causes cease by which the faculty of faith arises, that is the cessation as related to the faith faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faith faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the faith faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the faith faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the faith faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [B7]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the diligence faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the diligence that arises from body or mind. [F.68.a] Moreover, by which knowledge does he genuinely know this? He correctly understands with an undefiled knowledge and a knowledge that transcends the world: ‘This diligence will lead to the result of a stream-enterer. This diligence will lead to the result of a once-returner. This diligence will lead to the result of a non-returner. This diligence will lead to the result of a worthy one. This diligence will lead to the result of a solitary buddha.’ Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One genuinely knows the diligence faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the diligence faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the diligence faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows the causes and conditions by which the diligence faculty is formed. He correctly understands this, whether the causes and conditions are to follow a spiritual friend, to remain in one’s seat, or to dwell on an object. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the diligence faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the diligence faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He knows the causes and conditions by which the diligence faculty arises. From the cessation of those causes follows the cessation of diligence. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the diligence faculty, [F.68.b] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the diligence faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the diligence faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the diligence faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the mindfulness faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands that ‘mindfulness is the nature of naming.’ He correctly understands that ‘the individual applications of mindfulness are the mindfulness faculty.’ He correctly understands that ‘the mindfulness faculty is omnipresent.’ When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the mindfulness faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the mindfulness faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows the causes and conditions by which the mindfulness faculty is formed. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands this, whether it is recollected from the past, beginning in the future, or taking place in the present. He correctly understands this whether it is observing the body, observing feelings, observing the mind, [F.69.a] observing phenomena, observing desire, observing ill will, observing harm, observing deliverance, observing absence of ill will, observing absence of harm, observing the Buddha, observing the Dharma, observing the Saṅgha, observing discipline, observing absorption, observing insight, observing liberation, observing the wisdom vision of liberation, observing exhaustion, or observing no-birth. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about this, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the mindfulness faculty. The Thus-Gone One knows the causes and conditions by which the mindfulness faculty arises. From the cessation of those causes follows the cessation as related to the mindfulness faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mindfulness faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the mindfulness faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the mindfulness faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.69.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the absorption faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands one-pointed mind. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to actualize one-pointed mind whether by the first concentration, or the second concentration, or the third concentration, or the fourth concentration; or by love, or by compassion, or by joy, or by equanimity; or by resting in equanimity in the sphere of limitless space, or by resting in equanimity in the sphere of neither notion nor no notion; or by liberation, or the sphere of totality, or the sphere of mastery. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about those types of one-pointed mind, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the absorption faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the causes and conditions by which one attains one-pointed mind whether it is the notion of impurity, the notion of a discolored corpse, the notion of a rotting corpse, the notion of a devoured corpse, the notion of a burned corpse, the notion of a skeleton, the notion of a scattered corpse, the notion of dispossession, the notion of deliverance, the notion of absence of ill will, the notion of absence of harm, the notion of sentient beings, or the notion of phenomena. [F.70.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about this, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the absorption faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One knows the causes and conditions by which the absorption faculty arises. From the cessation of those causes follows the cessation as related to the absorption faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about this, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the absorption faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the absorption faculty…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the insight faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. The insight faculty is that which puts an end to the limitless heap of suffering. It is the insight faculty that puts an end to the limitless cycle of existence, the endless succession of the aggregates, the limitless encounters with the unpleasant, the endless separation from what is cherished, the limitless suffering of suffering, the limitless suffering of change, and the limitless suffering of conditioned existence. It is the insight faculty that produces the four applications of mindfulness, the four thorough relinquishments, [F.70.b] the four bases of miraculous absorption, the five faculties, the five powers, the six remembrances, the seven branches of awakening, the eight aspects of the noble path, tranquility and special insight, understanding, liberation, the wisdom vision of liberation, and the supreme gateway to liberation. It is the insight faculty that produces the stainless eye, reveals the faults of saṃsāra, and declares the qualities of nirvāṇa. All thus-gone ones of the past have made the insight faculty supreme, all thus-gone ones of the future will make this supreme, and all the blessed buddhas who now dwell in all the limitless worlds are making the insight faculty supreme, whether it applies to the vehicle of the hearers, or the vehicle of the solitary buddhas, or the unsurpassed wisdom of the Buddha. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the insight faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the insight faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the insight faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He knows the causes and conditions by which one accomplishes knowledge of the insight faculty, whether related to the features of impermanence, and so forth, up until the features of opposition, as well as the features of darkness, the features connected with impermanence, the features of socializing, the features of friends, the features of perceiving those who are not friends to be friends, the features of perceiving faults, the features of procrastination, the features of unreliability, and the features of sea monsters. [F.71.a] By means of such hundreds of thousands of limitless features, he correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the insight faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the insight faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the insight faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. The insight faculty has arisen and whatever has arisen must also cease. This knowledge arises in order to benefit limitless beings and, once it has accomplished the welfare of a boundless number of beings, it ceases. Having accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them, it ceases. Having freed innumerable beings from suffering, it ceases. Having established them in happiness, it ceases. Even by recollecting the insight faculty, it will accomplish the welfare of innumerable beings, one will refrain from harming them, and then it will cease. Even by recollecting the insight faculty it will free innumerable beings from suffering, establish them in happiness, and then cease. Even by recollecting the insight faculty, it will clear away the darkness of innumerable beings, illuminate innumerable beings, and then cease. Even by recollecting the insight faculty, it will block errant paths and open wide the proper path. That is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the insight faculty. [F.71.b] To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the insight faculty. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the insight faculty. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of insight faculty, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the insight faculty. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the insight faculty. Whether by the knowledge of clairvoyance, or the knowledge of ascertainment, or the knowledge of abandonment, or the knowledge of training, or the knowledge of actualization, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. He correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the insight faculty, and which is unlike that of any hearer or solitary buddha. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the insight faculty, he can respond for an eon. He can respond for a hundred eons, or a thousand eons, or ten million eons, or a billion eons, or a trillion eons, or a quadrillion eons, or a quintillion eons, or a sextillion eons, or an immeasurable number of eons … up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.72.a]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the faculty that facilitates understanding of all that has not been understood. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing what is possible.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the possible.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the possible.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the possible.’
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing what is impossible.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the impossible.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the impossible.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the impossible.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the past, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the past, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the past.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the future, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the future, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the future, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the future.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the present, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the present, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the present.’ [F.72.b]
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing karma, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing adopted actions, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the contemplations of abodes, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the contemplations of causes.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of the origin, the knowledge of cessation, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of causes.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing ripening, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of ripening, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of ripening, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of ripening.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the paths that lead to all destinations, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the paths that lead to all destinations.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the several elements, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the several elements, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the several elements, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the several elements.’ [F.73.a]
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the various elements, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the various elements, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the various elements, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the various elements.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the world.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the world, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the world, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the world.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything with regard to knowing several inclinations.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything with regard to the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of several inclinations, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of several inclinations.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing various inclinations.’ He correctly understands, ‘I know everything with regard to the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of various inclinations, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of various inclinations.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the faculties, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the faculties, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faculties, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the faculties.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the powers, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the powers, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the powers, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the powers.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing diligence, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of diligence, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of diligence, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of diligence.’ [F.73.b]
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the levels, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the levels, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the levels, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the levels.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing concentration, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of concentration, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of concentration, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of concentration.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing liberation, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of liberation, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of liberation, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of liberation.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing absorption, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of absorption, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of absorption, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of absorption.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing equilibrium, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of equilibrium, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of equilibrium, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of equilibrium.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing affliction, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of affliction, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of affliction, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of affliction.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing purification, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of purification, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of purification, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of purification.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing abiding, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of abiding, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of abiding, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of abiding.’ [F.74.a]
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the past, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the past, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the past.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing past existences, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of past existences, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of past existences, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of past existences.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the future, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the future, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the future, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the future.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing death, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of death, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of death, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of death.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing birth, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of birth, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of birth, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of birth.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the defilement of desire, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of desire, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of desire, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of desire.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the defilement of existence, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of existence, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of existence, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of existence.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the defilement of views, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of views, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of views, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of views.’ [F.74.b]
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the defilement of ignorance, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the defilement of ignorance, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of ignorance, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the defilement of ignorance.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing exhaustion, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of exhaustion, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of exhaustion, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of exhaustion.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing no-birth, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of no-birth, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of no-birth, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of no-birth.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing fearlessness, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of fearlessness, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of fearlessness, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of fearlessness.’
“The same thing applies to the characteristics of the awakening of the Thus-Gone One and the correct understandings.
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the abodes of the Thus-Gone One, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One.’
“The same thing applies to the faculties of the Thus-Gone One, as well as physical actions and verbal actions.
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing mental actions, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of mental actions, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of mental actions, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of mental actions.’ [F.75.a]
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the preceding, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the preceding, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the preceding, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the preceding.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing the subsequent, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the subsequent, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the subsequent, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the subsequent.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing decay, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of decay, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of decay, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of decay.’
“He correctly understands, ‘I know everything that has otherwise not been understood with regard to knowing omniscience, the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of omniscience, the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of omniscience, and the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of omniscience.’
“Such is the faculty that facilitates understanding of all that has not been understood. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the faculty that facilitates understanding of all that has not been understood, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge. Householder, with his mastery of the faculty of full knowledge, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands everything as if he sees it in a mirror. [F.75.b] Householder, for example, when a person looks into a mirror that they hold, all forms can appear in the mirror. Likewise, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the thoughts of all beings due to his mastery of the faculty of full knowledge. He correctly understands the faculties of all beings so that he can declare, ‘These people have sharp faculties, these people have mediocre faculties, and these people have dull faculties. These people are the sharpest among those with the best faculties, these people are mediocre among those with the best faculties, and these people are the dullest among those with the best faculties. These people are the sharpest among those with mediocre faculties, these people are mediocre among those with mediocre faculties, and these people are the dullest among those with mediocre faculties. These people are the sharpest among those with dull faculties, these people are mediocre among those with dull faculties, and these people are the dullest among those with dull faculties. The faculties of these people are afflicted by desire, the faculties of these people are afflicted by anger, the faculties of these people are afflicted by delusion. The faculties of these people are afflicted by desire and anger, the faculties of these people are afflicted by desire and delusion, the faculties of these people are afflicted by anger and desire, the faculties of these people are afflicted by anger and delusion, the faculties of these people are afflicted by delusion and desire, the faculties of these people are afflicted by delusion and anger, and the faculties of these people are afflicted by desire, anger, and delusion. The faculties of these people are afflicted and the faculties of these people are not afflicted. The faculties of these people are peaceful and the faculties of these people are not peaceful. [F.76.a] The faculties of these people are very peaceful and the faculties of these people are not at all peaceful. The faculties of these people are stained and the faculties of these people are not stained. The faculties of these people are disturbed and the faculties of these people are not disturbed. The faculties of these people are alert and the faculties of these people are not alert. The faculties of these people are liberated and the faculties of these people are not liberated. The faculties of these people are fully liberated and the faculties of these people are not fully liberated. The faculties of these people are happy and the faculties of these people are not happy. The faculties of these people are complete and the faculties of these people are not complete. The faculties of these people are one sixth complete and the faculties of these people are not one sixth complete. The faculties of these people are certain and the faculties of these people are not certain. These people have the faculties of hearers, these people have the faculties of solitary buddhas, and these people have the faculties of the thus-gone ones. The faculties of these people possess actions of saṃsāra and the faculties of these people possess actions of nirvāṇa. The faculties of these people are common and the faculties of these people are unique. The faculties of these people are very joyful and the faculties of these people are not very joyful. The faculties of these people are satisfied and the faculties of these people are not satisfied. The faculties of these people are confused and the faculties of these people are not confused. The faculties of these people are elevated and the faculties of these people are not elevated. The faculties of these people are extensive and the faculties of these people are not extensive. [F.76.b] The faculties of these people are distracted and the faculties of these people are not distracted. The faculties of these people are vast and the faculties of these people are not vast. The faculties of these people are relieved and the faculties of these people are not relieved. The faculties of these people are swift and the faculties of these people are not swift. The faculties of these people are quick and the faculties of these people are not quick. The faculties of these people are extensive and the faculties of these people are not extensive. The faculties of these people are renunciate and the faculties of these people are not renunciate. The faculties of these people are insightful and the faculties of these people are not insightful.’ Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the faculty of full knowledge. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of full knowledge, whether he considers impermanence, or whether he considers suffering, and so forth, up until … whether he considers opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to the faculty of full knowledge, he can respond for an eon. He can respond for a hundred eons, and so forth, up until … an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons … and so forth, up until…. [F.77.a] Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. That is the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing cessation as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.77.b]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the faculty that is endowed with full knowledge. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the faith, diligence, mindfulness, absorption, and knowledge practiced by the hearers and the solitary buddhas, as well as the thus-gone ones who fully awaken to unexcelled, perfect buddhahood in all the worlds in the ten directions. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the faculty that is endowed with full knowledge. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One understands, ‘There is no longer anything to do with regard to abandoning the three fetters as related to the stream-enterers.’ He understands, ‘There is no longer anything to do with regard to restraining the desire and ill will as related to the once-returners.’ He understands, ‘There is no longer anything to do with regard to abandoning the five fetters that accord with the lowest of the three realms as related to the non-returners.’ He understands, ‘There is no longer anything to do with regard to abandoning all fetters as related to the worthy ones.’ Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He correctly understands that the faculty that is endowed with full knowledge perceives what has been created and what is unborn. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the faculty of full knowledge, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of the Powers
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the powers. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the powers and the lack of powers of sentient beings so that he can tell, ‘This person has this much power of faith. This person has this much power of diligence. They have this much power of mindfulness. They have this much power of absorption. This person has this much power of insight. This person has this much power of skillful means. This person has this much power of devotion. To know, see, and so forth, up until … and be skillful about this is called knowing the powers. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the powers, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught. At this point, with regard to this truth, I must state the following:
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the power of diligence. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He knows that practicing diligence accomplishes one’s aims; laziness does not. Practicing diligence makes one realize what is possible; laziness does not. Likewise, practicing diligence makes one realize the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible; laziness does not. Practicing diligence makes one realize the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible; laziness does not. Practicing diligence makes one realize the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible; laziness does not. Similarly, this applies to all ten powers. Practicing diligence makes one realize the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience; laziness does not. About this he has said:
“Practicing diligence makes one realize what is possible; laziness does not. Practicing diligence accomplishes one’s aims; laziness does not. And so forth, up until … the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience; [F.79.a] laziness does not. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands diligence. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of diligence, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the levels of diligence. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the various kinds of physical and mental diligence that arise due to the levels of diligence of all beings. Some beings are physically diligent while they are not mentally diligent. Other beings are mentally diligent while not physically diligent. Whoever has a diligent body but not a diligent mind is worse than those with weak physical diligence. Compared to those with weak physical diligence, they break their training without having been purified, neglect themselves, and lack enthusiasm. Those who are mentally diligent but not physically so will first disregard themselves and then become inspired due to the power of mind. Whoever is diligent in both body and mind is well balanced and therefore neither neglects nor intensifies their efforts. With the cognition of such a balanced diligence they accomplish the accumulations, complete their activities, accomplish their activities, break the chains of the demons, defeat the demons, drive away the demons, terrify all classes of demons, increase the lineage of the Buddha, train on the path, attend on the border, suspend bridges, construct dams, light the torch of wisdom, shine light, clear away darkness, show the path, abide firmly in determined diligence, and ensure that it does not degenerate. [F.79.b] Whoever has diligence that only arises from the body or the mind will spoil like the fruit of the clearing nut tree. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the levels of diligence. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the levels of diligence, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Concentration
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of concentration. He correctly understands the concentration that is conducive to regression. He correctly understands the concentration that is conducive to abiding. He correctly understands the concentration that is conducive to enhancement. He correctly understands the concentration that is conducive to penetration. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands concentration. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that lead to the regressive concentrations. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that lead to the concentrations that are conducive to abiding. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that lead to the concentrations that are conducive to enhancement. He correctly understands those causes and conditions that lead to the concentrations that are conducive to penetration. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands concentration. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of concentration, [F.80.a] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Liberation
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of liberation. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the eight liberations. What are these eight? The first liberation is that of the one with form observing forms. The second liberation is that of observing outer forms with the notion that the inner being is formless. The third liberation is interest in purity. The fourth to the eighth liberations are the liberation of resting in equanimity in the sphere of limitless space, the liberation of resting in equanimity in the sphere of limitless consciousness, the liberation of resting in equanimity in the sphere of nothing whatsoever, the liberation of resting in equanimity in the sphere of neither notion nor no notion, and the liberation of the cessation of notions and feelings. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of liberation, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Absorption
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of absorption. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the four absorptions. What are these four? They are the absorptions called ‘the powerful,’ ‘the lion,’ ‘peace,’ and ‘endowed with the continuity of all phenomena.’ In that way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands absorption. [F.80.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of absorption, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Equilibrium
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of equilibrium. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to abide in concentration and realize the meaning. This applies to the equilibrium of exhausting defilements and realizing the meaning based on the first concentration, the equilibrium of analyzing impermanence based on the first concentration, the equilibrium of analyzing suffering, and so on, up to … the equilibrium of analyzing opposition based on the first concentration, the equilibrium of the absence of marks based on the first concentration, the equilibrium of the absence of selflessness based on the first concentration, the equilibrium of the absence of aspirations based on the first concentration, the equilibrium of actualizing the result of a stream-enterer based on the first concentration, and the equilibrium of actualizing the result of a worthy one based on the first concentration. Likewise, this applies to relying on the second to the fourth concentration, the equilibrium of no notion, the equilibrium within the sphere of limitless space, the equilibrium within the sphere of limitless consciousness, the equilibrium within the sphere of nothing whatsoever, the equilibrium within the sphere of neither notion nor no notion, and the equilibrium within the sphere of the cessation of notions and feelings. That is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. [F.81.a] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of equilibrium, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Affliction
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of affliction. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands how desire causes affliction. He correctly understands how desire and anger cause affliction. He correctly understands how desire and delusion cause affliction. He correctly understands how anger and desire cause affliction. He correctly understands how anger and delusion cause affliction. He correctly understands how delusion and desire cause affliction. He correctly understands how an even blend of these emotions causes affliction. He correctly understands how wrath causes affliction. He correctly understands how affliction is brought on by enmity, grief, jealousy, stinginess, deceit, trickery, shamelessness, inconsideration, haughtiness, conceit, arrogance, audaciousness, pride, and so forth, up to manifest pride. He correctly understands how inverse pride causes affliction. [F.81.b] He correctly understands how trickery, cunning, and extortion cause affliction. He correctly understands how affliction is caused by seeking profit, seeking the unwholesome, lust, desire, longing, improper behavior, speaking harshly, impatience, hiding, concealing, improper desire, attachment and improper attachment, viewing the transitory collection, doubt, considering discipline and ritual to be supreme, chasing desire, ill will, lethargy and sloth, agitation, regret, doubt, sadness, happiness, sleepiness, overeating, mental factors, thinking, various notions, lack of independence, the unwholesome physical states, obstruction, and dissatisfaction. Householder, that is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands affliction. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of affliction, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.82.a] As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Purification
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of purification. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands that impurity is the antidote to sensual desire. He correctly understands that love is the antidote to ill will. He correctly understands that the practice of diligence is the antidote to lethargy and sloth. He correctly understands that tranquility is the antidote to agitation. He correctly understands that the search for insight is the antidote to regret. He correctly understands that knowing how to gain certainty with regard to phenomena is the antidote to doubt. He correctly understands that being helpful is the antidote to sadness. He correctly understands that collecting oneself is the antidote to happiness. He correctly understands that being diligent is the antidote to sleepiness. He correctly understands that disregarding food is the antidote to overeating. He correctly understands that a composed mind is the antidote to disturbing emotions. He correctly understands that the absence of marks is the antidote to a proliferation of thoughts. He correctly understands that engagement with phenomena is the antidote to a lack of attention. He correctly understands that restraint is the antidote to the unwholesome physical states. He correctly understands that following a spiritual teacher is the antidote to desire. He correctly understands that being critical is the antidote to attraction toward the knowledge of the extremists. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands purification. [F.82.b] When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of purification, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Abiding
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of abiding. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He correctly understands that one must arise from the first concentration and, having done that, correctly make use of these teachings. He correctly understands the disengaged mind that arises from the first concentration. He correctly understands the teaching that inspires the mind as it arises from the first concentration, the teaching that expresses how to arise from the first concentration, as well as the teaching that applies the qualities of the first concentration. He correctly understands the mind that engages. He correctly understands those teachings in which the mind delights and those teachings in which the mind does not delight. He correctly understands the teaching that contemplates and arises from that state. The same applies to the second, third, and fourth concentration, as well as the liberations, the absorptions, and the various equilibriums. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the states of arising. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of arising, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught. [F.83.a]
Knowledge of the Past
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the past. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the previous eons. He correctly understands the names of the eons, the circumstances for their names being given, and how they remained. For example, just as he knows that this excellent eon is called ‘Vision of One Thousand Lotuses,’ he knows the names for each of the eons. He correctly understands how the blessed buddhas were named. For example, to the one who was born as a leader among the Śākya tribe, the name Śākyamuni was given. Likewise, the Thus-Gone One knows how the names were given throughout the eons to the various buddhas. The Thus-Gone One also knows how all beings are named. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the past, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of past existences. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons. He correctly understands where and when beings lived in past existences, whether in hell, the animal realm, the realm of the Lord of Death; or as a human, god, or starving spirit; as a lion, tiger, leopard, a being that courses the sky, a bird, a poisonous snake, a serpent, a bear, [F.83.b] a being that courses the earth, or a being that courses empty space; or as a being with no legs, two legs, four legs, or many legs; or as a being that courses through water, a being that courses over dry land, or a being born as a yakṣa, piśāca, rākṣasa, bhūta, demigod, garuḍa, kinnara, mahoraga, or a non-human; or as a god who bears a garland, a god who proffers a vessel, a god who is always intoxicated, a god who stands upright, or a god in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings, the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, the Heaven Free from Strife, the Heaven of Joy, the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations, or the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations; or as Brahmā, or in the Brahmā Realm, the Heaven of the High Priests of Brahmā, the Heaven of the Retinue of Brahmā, the Heaven of Great Brahmā, the Heaven of Light, the Heaven of Limited Light, the Heaven of Limitless Light, the Luminous Heaven, the Heaven of Virtue, the Heaven of Limited Virtue, the Heaven of Limitless Virtue, the Heaven of Perfected Virtue, the Greater Heaven, the Heaven of Lesser Greatness, the Heaven of Limitless Greatness, or the Heaven of Great Fruition; or as a being with no consciousness; or as a being in the sphere of limitless space, the sphere of limitless consciousness, the sphere of nothing whatsoever, or the sphere of neither notion nor no notion. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands all roots of virtue that have been formed in the past, whether involving the perfection of generosity, [F.84.a] or the perfection of discipline, or the perfection of patience, or the perfection of diligence, or the perfection of concentration, or the perfection of insight. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands precisely where in saṃsāra beings have lived, which blessed buddhas they have served, and what type of knowledge they have gained upon receiving instruction, as well as the skills they learned, their practical knowledge, and their accomplishments in terms of equilibrium. Not only does he know the exhaustion of defilements, there is also no skill or knowledge of skill, karma or knowledge of karma, that the Thus-Gone One has not previously produced. Therefore, as his wisdom vision is unimpeded, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of the Future
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the future. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands what the buddhas and beings of the future eons will be called. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands all the causes and conditions for the naming of the future blessed buddhas and beings. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the future, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught. [F.84.b]
Knowledge of Death
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of death. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. Whoever is born will also die. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands death, transmigration, killing, slaying, expiring, the perishing of the aggregates, the abandonment of the body, the interruption of the life force, and the separation from one’s family. He can tell, ‘These beings will die although their lifespan is not exhausted. These beings will die because of harm inflicted by others. These beings will die because they reject fighting. These beings will die because they do not reject fighting. These beings will die because of the passing of time. These beings will die because their merit is exhausted.’ In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands death. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of death, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Birth
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of birth. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. He can tell, ‘When a noble son or daughter dies, particular signs of birth will appear. As they are about to be reborn, when the features of hell are witnessed, they will be born in hell. When the features of the animal realm are witnessed, that person will be born in the animal realm. When the features of the realm of the Lord of Death are witnessed, that person will be born in the realm of the Lord of Death. When the features of humans are witnessed, that person will be born in the human realm. When the features of the gods are witnessed, that person will be born in the higher realms. [F.85.a] When the features of no birth are witnessed, that person will proceed to nirvāṇa.’ In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands birth. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of birth, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of the Defilement of Desire
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of desire. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. The defilement of desire results from thinking, lacks inherent existence, and is inauthentic. It destroys one’s mental composure and all roots of virtue. Even if one’s fetters are loosened, it is hard to avoid. Although the defilement of desire is not desirable, it appears to be. It creates obstacles and functions by assembling many discordant factors. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the defilement of desire. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the defilement of desire, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of the Defilement of Existence
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of existence. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. It is to crave for existence, continuously delight in existence, be attracted to the functions of existence, and to consider existence as appetizing. It is to be ignorant about the past because of the influence of existence. It is an experience of suffering, an attraction to the suffering of existence, and an ignorance about it. [F.85.b] It is not knowing how to abandon suffering. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the defilement of existence. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the defilement of existence, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of the Defilement of Views
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of views. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. It is to be on an errant path, such as that of the view of disruption and the view of permanence. Why are they wrong? Because a phenomenon that is disrupted would be nothing whatsoever, and a phenomenon that passes from one life to the next cannot be observed. In fact, however, birth occurs due to the accumulations of karma. Householder, think of the sound of a great waterfall. Its sound is not created by anyone at all. Rather, it appears due to an assembly of things. Householder, in the same way, when circumstances come together, they lead to the continuity of saṃsāra. When there are disturbing emotions, karma is formed. When there is karma, there is the formation of karmic ripening, but this individual experience is not created by anyone. Rather, it is simply formed when such circumstances come together. When a child is deaf, an ordinary person may think, ‘I have created this karma, it is ripening on me, so I must also experience it.’ Being attached to the sense of self in this way, the continuity of saṃsāra remains unbroken. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the defilement of views. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the defilement of views. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the defilement of views, [F.86.a] he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of the Defilement of Ignorance
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the defilement of ignorance. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. Ignorance is to be obscured regarding the correct outlook, and to be hazy, dimmed, and unclear about it. One’s insight is blocked, one is unfortunate, and one is unable to approach nirvāṇa. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the defilement of ignorance. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the defilement of ignorance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the defilement of ignorance, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Exhaustion
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of exhaustion. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. When disturbing emotions are exhausted, defilements are exhausted. When defilements are exhausted, disturbing emotions are exhausted. In that way suffering is exhausted. Whoever exhausts suffering attains nirvāṇa, and does not tread on the path of saṃsāra. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands exhaustion. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing exhaustion. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of exhaustion, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught. [F.86.b]
Knowledge of No-Birth
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of no-birth. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in the following manner. Through the circumstance of craving, suffering is formed; yet, through the power of knowledge, one can accomplish its abandonment. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands no-birth. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One understands the knowledge by which disturbing emotions are abandoned, and that is knowing no-birth. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing no-birth. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of no-birth, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
Knowledge of Omniscience
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of omniscience. Householder, when the Thus-Gone One observes the cognition that independently knows all phenomena, he understands, ‘There are no phenomena that I do not fully understand. No one will be able to contradict me by claiming that there is any phenomena that I do not fully understand.’ In this way the Thus-Gone One rests in the understanding of everything. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about his understanding of everything, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the correct understanding of the meaning. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the correct understanding of the meaning in the following manner. ‘This syllable expresses this meaning. Thus, the meaning of dharma, the meaning of beings, the meaning of no life force, the meaning of no person, the meaning taught by emptiness, [F.87.a] the meaning of absence of marks, and the meaning of absence of wishes should all be expressed and analyzed. Thus, at the appropriate times, one should express the words impermanence, suffering, no self, absence of marks, absence of wishes, peace, absence of conceit, taming of oneself, no formation, and no proliferation. When someone is attached to the self, one should know the correct understanding of emptiness. When someone is attached to marks, one should know the absence of marks. When there is attachment to wishes, one should know the absence of wishes. When there is involvement in thought, one should have the correct understanding of eloquence.’ To know, see … and be skillful about this is called knowing the correct understanding. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the correct understanding of the meaning, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the four characteristics of the Thus-Gone One. They are: gazing like an elephant, stretching like a lion, knowing the thoughts of all beings, and acting in accord with the paths of all beings. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the characteristics of the Thus-Gone One. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of these characteristics, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. [F.87.b] As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One. Householder, the Thus-Gone One practices love for the sake of all beings. He knows, ‘I must protect these beings from their fear of birth, from their fear of old age, from their fear of sickness, and from their fear of death.’ This practice of love for the sake of the welfare and happiness of all beings is the first abode of the Thus-Gone One. He also engenders compassion in this way: ‘Oh, these beings suffer. I must teach the Dharma in order to clear away their suffering. I must liberate them by nothing but the path of the noble ones.’ He is delighted in this way: ‘This very path will liberate them from suffering.’ His delight transforms all suffering into equanimity and thus he engenders an equanimity that is free from mentation. These are the four abodes of the Thus-Gone One. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the abodes of the Thus-Gone One. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the abodes of the Thus-Gone One, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the faculties of the Thus-Gone One. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands how to strive toward the accomplishment of the factors of awakening over boundless millions of eons. He correctly understands the clear mind, the unsullied mind, and the undisturbed mind. [F.88.a] The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the insight of applying oneself to the mind of awakening, gathering one’s mind, not being forgetful, being undistracted, and being without disturbing emotions. To know, see, perceive, realize, understand, and be skillful about this is called knowing the faculties of the Thus-Gone One. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the faculties of the Thus-Gone One. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the faculties of the Thus-Gone One, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of physical actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the virtuous physical actions, which are to abandon killing, to abandon taking what is not given, and to abandon desirous sexual misconduct. Householder, in this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the virtuous physical actions. Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the unvirtuous physical actions. He correctly understands about killing, taking what is not given, and desirous sexual misconduct. Householder, in this way Thus-Gone One correctly understands the unvirtuous physical actions. Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the neutral physical actions. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the physical actions that do not ripen out of specific intentions. [F.88.b] To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the physical actions. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of physical actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught. [B9]
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of verbal actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the four virtuous verbal actions, which are to abandon lying, to abandon divisive talk, to abandon harsh words, and to abandon gossiping. Thus he correctly understands the four virtuous verbal actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One also correctly understands the four unvirtuous verbal actions, which are lying, uttering divisive talk, speaking harsh words, and gossiping. Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the four neutral verbal actions. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the verbal actions that engage correctly, engage incorrectly, change over time, and appear from actions. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing verbal actions. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of verbal actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of mental actions. [F.89.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the three virtuous mental actions, which are the absence of covetousness, the absence of ill will, and the correct view. He correctly understands the three unvirtuous mental actions, which are covetousness, ill will, and wrong view. He correctly understands the three neutral mental actions that engage correctly, engage incorrectly, change over time, and appear from actions. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing mental actions. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of mental actions, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the preceding. Householder, having first gained knowledge of the ten powers of the Thus-Gone One, he can undertake physical, verbal, and mental actions. Householder, moreover, whether he has first gained knowledge of exhaustion, no-birth, saṃsāra, or nirvāṇa, the Thus-Gone One can engage in physical, verbal, and mental actions. To know, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the preceding. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the preceding, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the subsequent. [F.89.b] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands that all physical actions are understood through the ten powers of the Thus-Gone One. There is no physical action created, abiding, or ceasing that is not known by the knowledge of the ten powers of the Thus-Gone One. The same applies to all verbal and mental actions. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing the subsequent. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One uses his knowledge of whatever he observes to discriminate. When he gently looks at the state of the world with his loving mind and observes beings, he understands how all beings who live on errant paths and who experience misfortune, as well as old age, sickness, and death, are suffering. As he understands this with his omniscient mind, he realizes that there is no way to be free from such suffering in the slightest, apart from abandoning the aggregates. He is fully aware of this. It is because of wanting to end their troubles in the form of pain and distress that he understands the absence of harm. In this way the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the subsequent. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the subsequent, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of lack of regression. Householder, the Thus-Gone One does not regress from the eighteen unique qualities of a buddha. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One does not regress from any knowledge that he has understood. Thus, he never regresses from knowing how to abandon desire, knowing how to abandon anger, or knowing how to abandon delusion. The Buddha never regresses from any knowledge that he has understood, [F.90.a] such as his knowledge of the applications of mindfulness, his knowledge of the path, his knowledge of recollection, his knowledge of tranquility, his knowledge of insight, his knowledge of understanding, his knowledge of liberation, his knowledge of exhaustion, his knowledge of no-birth, his knowledge of comprehension, his knowledge of abandonment, his knowledge of training, his knowledge of actualization, his knowledge of miracles, his knowledge of the divine eye, his knowledge of the divine ear, his knowledge of the minds of others, his knowledge of past lives, his knowledge of the exhaustion of defilements, his knowledge of causes, his knowledge of results, his knowledge of engagement, his knowledge of reversal, his knowledge of the aggregates, his knowledge of the elements, his knowledge of the sense spheres, his knowledge of dependent origination, his knowledge of the faculties, his knowledge of the powers, his knowledge of the truths, his knowledge of saṃsāra, his knowledge of nirvāṇa, his knowledge of time, his knowledge of what is not timely, his knowledge of understanding, his knowledge of direct perception, his knowledge of patience, his knowledge of distance, his knowledge of proximity, his knowledge of occurrence, his knowledge of no occurrence, his knowledge of training, his knowledge of no training, his knowledge of exhaustion, his knowledge of harmful intent, his knowledge of the relative, or his knowledge of the ultimate. In this way the Buddha never regresses from his limitless knowledge. To know, see, … and be skillful about this is called knowing lack of regression. That is what the Thus-Gone One correctly understands. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of lack of regression, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard. As for the origin, cessation, and path, they are as previously taught.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of omniscience. Householder, the Thus-Gone One fully realizes all phenomena by himself, without hearing about them from anyone else. [F.90.b] Since the Thus-Gone One’s realization of this is so skilled, he knows what is timely and untimely in relation to those who listen to the Dharma. Since he knows the elements of sentient beings, he is skilled in timely application. Since he is skilled in the process of ripening, he knows who is a proper vessel. As he teaches the Dharma, he is skilled in the ways to teach his audience and how they should receive the Dharma. This is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of omniscience. Householder, moreover, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the faculties of sentient beings in this way: ‘This being has thoughts of desire; this being has thoughts of anger; this being has thoughts of dullness; this being has thoughts of desire and anger; this being has thoughts of desire and dullness; this being has thoughts of anger and dullness; this being has thoughts of dullness and desire; this being has thoughts of dullness and anger; this being has thoughts of desire and anger and dullness; this being has virtuous thoughts but negative behavior; this being has negative thoughts but virtuous behavior; this being has negative thoughts and negative behavior; this being has virtuous thoughts and virtuous behavior; this being craves material things but not the Dharma; this being craves the Dharma but not material things; this person has created such-and-such roots of virtue; those beings have created such-and-such roots of virtue; this being will be afflicted by such-and-such a path; this being will be purified by such-and-such a path; this being will be afflicted by such-and-such a kindness; [F.91.a] and this being will be purified by such-and-such a kindness.’ This is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of omniscience. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of omniscience, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to the knowledge of omniscience. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands those causes and conditions that accomplish knowledge of the origin as related to the knowledge of omniscience. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands this whether he considers impermanence, suffering, inner phenomena, results, unease, negativity, degeneration, movement, destruction, wrongdoing, epidemics, emptiness, lack of self, lack of experience, faults, harm, or opposition. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the origin as related to the knowledge of omniscience, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. He accomplished the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings and refrained from harming them. He illuminated them and cleared away their darkness. He has freed innumerable beings from suffering and established them in happiness. [F.91.b] That is the knowledge of cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience. Moreover, he knows it to be primordially unborn. Householder, this is how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience, he can respond for an eon, and so forth, up until…. Therefore, he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
“Householder, you may wonder how the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands it in this way. The Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation by which he knows, understands, and actualizes the knowledge of omniscience, whether he contemplates insipidity, or whether he contemplates shortcomings, or whether he contemplates deliverance. When the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience, he can respond for an eon, a hundred eons, or a thousand eons, or ten thousand eons, or ten million eons, or a billion eons, or a quadrillion eons, or one hundred quadrillion eons, or a quintillion eons, or a sextillion eons, or an immeasurable number of eons. He can reply for innumerable, inconceivable, incomparable, immeasurable, and inexpressible eons. He can reply for an immeasurable number of immeasurable eons, and an immeasurable number of innumerable eons, and an immeasurable number of inconceivable eons, and an immeasurable number of incomparable eons, and an immeasurable number of inestimable eons, and an immeasurable number of inexpressible eons. He can respond for an immeasurable number of innumerable eons, and an innumerable number of innumerable eons, [F.92.a] and an inconceivable number of innumerable eons, and an incomparable number of innumerable eons, and an inestimable number of innumerable eons, and an inexpressible number of innumerable eons; and an innumerable number of inconceivable eons, and an incomparable number of inconceivable eons, and an inestimable number of inconceivable eons, and an inexpressible number of inconceivable eons; and an immeasurable number of incomparable eons, and an innumerable number of incomparable eons, and an inconceivable number of incomparable eons, and an incomparable number of incomparable eons, and an inestimable number of incomparable eons, and an inexpressible number of incomparable eons; and an immeasurable number of inestimable eons, and an innumerable number of inestimable eons, and an inconceivable number of inestimable eons, and an incomparable number of inestimable eons, and an inestimable number of inestimable eons, and an inexpressible number of inestimable eons; and an immeasurable number of inexpressible eons, and an innumerable number of inexpressible eons, and an inconceivable number of inexpressible eons, and an incomparable number of inexpressible eons, and an inestimable number of inexpressible eons, and an inexpressible number of inexpressible eons. Thus, his eloquence is inexhaustible. Householder, you may wonder why that is. It is because in his wisdom the Thus-Gone One knows the matchless sphere of reality. With this knowledge, when the Thus-Gone One is asked about the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to the knowledge of omniscience, he can respond for an eon without his eloquence coming to an end. Therefore, with his unimpeded wisdom vision he will enjoy this temple with its sandalwood courtyard.
The Thus-Gone One Understands These Kinds of Knowledge to Be Mere Conventions
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is possible in the following way. For example, just as the trace of a bird in the sky is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of what is possible to be a mere convention. [F.92.b] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible in the following way. For example, just as within the dream of a young virgin girl her giving birth to a child is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is possible to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible in the following way. For example, just as within the dream of a young virgin girl the death of her child is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible in the following way. For example, just as within the dream of a young virgin girl the crying of her child is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is possible to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of what is impossible in the following way. For example, just as a drawing in the sky is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of what is impossible to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible in the following way. For example, just as the application of paint within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of what is impossible to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible in the following way. For example, just as all individual drawings in the sky are merely conventions, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible to be a mere convention. [F.93.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible in the following way. For example, just as all the painters who appear within a dream are merely conventions, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of what is impossible to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the past in the following way. For example, just as the joy of passion experienced in a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the past to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past in the following way. For example, just as yearning for the joy of passion within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the past to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the past in the following way. For example, just as the absence of pleasure within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the past to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the past in the following way. For example, just as all expressions of the absence of pleasure within a dream are merely conventions, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the past to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the future in the following way. For example, just as the engagement with an object in a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the future to be a mere convention. [F.93.b] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the future in the following way. For example, just as the thirst felt in a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the future to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the future in the following way. For example, just as the disintegration of an object without obtaining it within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the future to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the future in the following way. For example, just as the search for a future object within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the future to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the present in the following way. For example, just as the meeting with a dear person within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the present to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present in the following way. For example, just as the search for a dear person within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the present to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the present in the following way. For example, just as the death of a dear person within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the present to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the present in the following way. [F.94.a] For example, just as the joy of keeping company with a dear person within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the present to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of karma in the following way. For example, just as the agitation felt within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of karma to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma in the following way. For example, just as the search for wealth within a dream is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of karma to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma in the following way. For example, just as wealth being squandered within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of karma to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma in the following way. For example, just as the clearing away of regret within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of karma to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of adopted actions in the following way. For example, just as the building of a residence within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of adopted actions to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions in the following way. [F.94.b] For example, just as the discovery of a treasure within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of adopted actions to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions in the following way. For example, just as wealth being exhausted within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions in the following way. For example, just as a great gift of wealth within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of adopted actions to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the contemplations of abodes in the following way. For example, just as the making of an abode within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the contemplations of abodes to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes in the following way. For example, just as the joy felt upon meeting a beloved within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the origin as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes to be a mere convention. Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes in the following way. For example, just as the separation from a beloved within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so, householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes to be a mere convention. [F.95.a] Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes in the following way. For example, just as discovering a treasure within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the path that leads to cessation as related to knowledge of the contemplations of abodes to be a mere convention.
“Householder, the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the knowledge of the contemplations of causes in the following way. For example, just as the love for one’s wife within the dream of an illusory person is merely a convention, just so the Thus-Gone One correctly understands the entire knowledge of the contemplations of causes to be a