For the support of consciousness

Home ]

Samyutta-nikaya II, 65-66 [Source]


That which we will and that which we intend to do and that with which we are occupied, this is an object for the support of consciousness. If there is an object there is a foothold for consciousness. With consciousness growing in this foothold there is rebirth and recurrent becoming in the future.

If there is rebirth and recurrent becoming in the future, ageing and dying, grief, sorrow, suffering, lamentation and despair come into being in the future. 

Thus is the arising of this whole mass of suffering.


If we neither will nor intend to do but are still occupied with something, the same sequence occurs

BUT if we neither will not intend to do and are not occupied with something, there is no object for the support of consciousness; hence no foothold for it; with consciousness having no foothold or growth, there is no rebirth or recurrent becoming in the future. In their absence birth, ageing and dying, grief, sorrow, suffering, lamentation and despair in the future are stopped. 

Thus is the stopping of this whole mass of suffering.


That which we will and that which we intend to do and that with which we are occupied is an object for the support of consciousness. If there is an object there is a foothold for consciousness. With consciousness growing in this foothold there is a descent of mind-and-body.
Conditioned by the mind-and-body are the six sense fields. Conditioned by these is impression ...

Thus is the origin of this whole mass of suffering

BUT if we neither will not intend to do and are not occupied with something, there is no object for the support of consciousness; hence no foothold for it; with consciousness having no foothold or growth, there is no descent of mind-and-body. From the stopping of mind-and-body is the stopping of the six sensory fields ... 

Thus is the stopping of this whole mass of suffering.

Source: Conze, Edward et al (1995) Buddhist Texts through the Ages; Oneworld; 1 85168 107 8

Home ]