Samiddhi Sutta Commentary
Samiddhi Sutta Commentary
Samiddhi Sutta Commentary
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Introduction
Samiddhi Sutta 4
Catuttha Samiddhi Sutta The Fourth Discourse to Samiddhi | S 35.68/4:39 f [Samiddhi Loka Paha = Samiddhis Question on the World] Theme: Our senses are the world Translated & annotated by Piya Tan 2007
1 An important theme of the Sayatana Sayutta, the collection discourses on six sense-bases, is that of sense-restraint (indriya,savara), as a support for spiritual cultivation. This Sayutta constantly employs two formulas for sense-restraint. The first formula is a stock passage on sense-restraint so that bad unwholesome states of covetousness and displeasure do not overflow in us [overpower us] (abhijjh domanass ppak akusal dhamm anvsaveyyu). Examples occur in the following suttas: the Sriputta Sutta the Bhra,dvja Sutta the Rathpama Sutta the Kummpama Sutta (S 35.120/4:103-105) (S 35.127/4:110-113) (S 35.239/4:175-177) (S 35.240/4:177-179) not grasping any sign or detail;1 sense-restraint; sense-restraint, moderate eating, wakefulness; sense-restraint.
This stock passage on sense-restraint is usually embedded in the pericope on the gradual training, common in the Dgha Nikya (eg the Smaa,phala Sutta, D 2.64/1:70) and in the Majjhima Nikya (eg the Ca Hatthipadopama Sutta, M 27.15/1:180 f). 2 The second formula presents a contrast between one who is intent upon a pleasing form and repelled by a displeasing form, etc (piya,rpe rpe adhimuccati, appiya,rpe vypajjati), and one who is not swayed by these pairs of opposites. This latter has set up mindfulness of the body, dwells with a boundless mind, and understands the liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom where the bad states of lust and aversion cease without remainder. Examples occur in the following suttas: the (Savara) Lohicca S the Avassuta Sutta the Dukkha,dhamma S the Cha,p Sutta (S 35.132/4:116-121) (S 35.243/4:182-188) (S 35.244/4:188-191) (S 35.247/4:198-200) guarding the sense-doors; not measuring sense-experiences; understanding ones conduct and dwelling; sense-restraint.
3 As noted by Bodhi in the Introduction to the Sayatana Sayutta, in his translation of the Sayutta, Though no explicit doctrinal allocations are made for these two formulas, it seems the first is prescribed in general for a bhikkhu in the initial stages of training, while the second describes the sense restraint of the trainee (sekha), one at a minimal level of stream-enterer, perhaps too the natural sense restraint of the arahant. (S:B 1127) 4 In the case of the Samiddhi Sutta 4 here, although not explicitly stated, from the Suttas simple structure, it is clear that it employs the first kind of training in sense-restraint, that is, so that bad unwholesome states of covetousness and displeasure do not invade the mind and remain there. 5 A closely related discourse is the Sabba Sutta (S 35.23) which gives a more succinct statement of the all. There the all is simply defined as the six internal sense-organs and the six external senseobjects. The internal senses are our only tools for knowing the all, and all that we can know are the six external sense-objects.2
1 2
See Nimitta and anuvyajana = SD 19.14. S 35.23/4:15 = SD 7.1, see esp the Intro.
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SD 20.11
3 4
This is a more literal rendition, as such sounds somewhat technical. This is a more literal rendition, as such sounds somewhat technical.
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