The Origin of Suffering

Linked Discourses 35.106

11. Sanctuary from the Yoke

The Origin of Suffering

“Mendicants, I will teach you the origin and disappearance of suffering.

Listen …

And what, mendicants, is the origin of suffering?

Eye consciousness arises dependent on the eye and sights. The meeting of the three is contact.

Contact is a requirement for feeling.

Feeling is a requirement for craving.

This is the origin of suffering …

Mind consciousness arises dependent on the mind and ideas.

The meeting of the three is contact.

Contact is a requirement for feeling.

Feeling is a requirement for craving.

This is the origin of suffering.

And what is the disappearance of suffering?

Eye consciousness arises dependent on the eye and sights. The meeting of the three is contact.

Contact is a requirement for feeling.

Feeling is a requirement for craving.

When that craving fades away and ceases with no residue left behind, grasping ceases.

When grasping ceases, continued existence ceases.

When continued existence ceases, rebirth ceases.

When rebirth ceases, old age and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress cease.

That is how this entire mass of suffering ceases.

This is the disappearance of suffering. …

Mind consciousness arises dependent on the mind and ideas. The meeting of the three is contact.

Contact is a requirement for feeling.

Feeling is a requirement for craving.

When that craving fades away and ceases with no residue left behind, grasping ceases.

When grasping ceases, continued existence ceases.

When continued existence ceases, rebirth ceases.

When rebirth ceases, old age and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress cease.

That is how this entire mass of suffering ceases.

This is the disappearance of suffering.”