Saṅkhāruppatti Sutta — The Genesis of Saṅkhāra
[318]
Thus have I heard:
At one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Jetavana, the monastery of Anāthapiṇḍika, near Sāvatthī. On that occasion the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: “Bhikkhus.” — “Venerable Sir,” they replied.
The Blessed One said this:
“Bhikkhus, the Tathāgata shall teach you the arising of saṅkhāra. Listen carefully and attend well; I will speak.” “Yes, Venerable Sir,” those bhikkhus replied.
The Path Leading to the Desired Destination
The Path to Become a Companion of a Great King
[319]
“Bhikkhus, here a bhikkhu in this Dhamma-Vinaya is endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā. He forms this wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of a great king.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. His aspiration and his dwelling-states, thus cultivated and made abundant, lead to the fulfilment of that state.
Bhikkhus, this is the path, this is the way that leads to becoming the companion of a great king.”
The Path to Become a Companion of a Great Brahmin
[320]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā … forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of a great brāhmaṇa.’ Or: ‘… the companion of a great householder.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
Bhikkhus, this is the path, this is the way that leads to becoming the companion of a great householder.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Yāma Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Yāma devas live long, possess beauty, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms this wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Yāma devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. His aspiration and dwelling-states, cultivated and made abundant, lead to the fulfilment of that state.
Bhikkhus, this is the path, this is the way that leads to becoming the companion of the Yāma devas.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Tusita Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Tusita devas live long, are radiant, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Tusita devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it — which leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Tusita devas.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Nimmānarati Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears it said:
‘The Nimmānarati devas …’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Nimmānarati devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Paranimmita-vasavatti Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears it said:
‘The Paranimmita-vasavatti devas live long, possess great splendour, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Paranimmita-vasavatti devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it — leading to fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, this is the way leading to becoming the companion of the Paranimmita-vasavatti devas.”
The Path to Become a Sahassa-brahmā
[322]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Sahassa-brahmā lives long, is radiant, and rich in happiness.’
Bhikkhus, the Sahassa-brahmā pervades with his mind a thousand-fold world-system. And beings born there also pervade with their minds.
Just as a man with good eyes places a single emblic fruit (āmalaka) in the palm of his hand and clearly sees it — even so, bhikkhus, the Sahassa-brahmā pervades a thousand world-systems with his mind.
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Sahassa-brahmā.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Sahassa-brahmā.”
The Path to Become a Dvisahassa-brahmā, Tisahassa-brahmā, Catusahassa-brahmā, Pañcasahassa-brahmā
[323] Dvisahassa-brahmā → Tisahassa-brahmā → Catusahassa-brahmā
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Dvisahassa-brahmā lives long, is radiant, and abundant in happiness.’ Or likewise the Tisahassa-brahmā, or the Catusahassa-brahmā.
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of that brahmā.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of these brahmās.”
The Path to Become a Pañcasahassa-brahmā
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Pañcasahassa-brahmā lives long, is radiant, and abundant in happiness.’
Bhikkhus, the Pañcasahassa-brahmā pervades with his mind a five-thousand-fold world-system. And beings born there also pervade with their minds.
Just as a man with good eyes places five emblic fruits (āmalaka) in his hand and sees them clearly — even so, bhikkhus, the Pañcasahassa-brahmā pervades a five-thousand-fold world-system.
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Pañcasahassa-brahmā.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, this is the way leading to becoming the companion of the Pañcasahassa-brahmā.”
The Path to Become a Dasasahassa-brahmā
[324]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Dasasahassa-brahmā lives long, is radiant, and abundant in happiness.’
Bhikkhus, the Dasasahassa-brahmā pervades with his mind a ten-thousand-fold world-system. Beings born there also pervade with their minds.
Just as a flawless, eight-faceted beryl jewel placed on yellow cloth shines with a pure radiance — even so, bhikkhus, the Dasasahassa-brahmā pervades a ten-thousand-fold world-system.
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Dasasahassa-brahmā.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Dasasahassa-brahmā.”
The Path to Become a Satasahassa-brahmā
[325]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Satasahassa-brahmā lives long, is radiant, and abundant in happiness.’
Bhikkhus, the Satasahassa-brahmā pervades with his mind a hundred-thousand-fold world-system. Beings born there also pervade with their minds.
Just as a bar of refined reddish-gold, well-smelted by a skilled goldsmith, laid on yellow cloth, shines with brilliant radiance — even so, bhikkhus, the Satasahassa-brahmā pervades a hundred-thousand-fold world-system.
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Satasahassa-brahmā.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Satasahassa-brahmā.”
The Path to the Ābhā Realms (the Radiant Realms)
The Path to Become a Deva of the Ābhā Realm
[326]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Ābhā devas live long, are radiant, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Ābhā devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Ābhā devas.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Parittābhā Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Parittābhā devas …’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Parittābhā devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it — leading to fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Appamāṇābhā Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears it said:
‘The Appamāṇābhā devas …’
He forms the wish and develops the mind accordingly. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Ābhassarā Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The Ābhassarā devas live long, possess beauty, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Ābhassarā devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Ābhassarā devas.”
The Path to the Subha Realms (the Beautiful Realms)
[327] The Path to Become a Deva of the Subha Realm
(and the Parittasubha, Appamāṇasubha realms)
Again, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears:
‘The Subha devas …’
Or:
‘The Parittasubha devas …’ ‘The Appamāṇasubha devas …’
He forms the wish to be reborn among them; he directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.
The Path to Become a Deva of the Subhakiṇṇa Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears:
‘The Subhakiṇṇa devas live long, possess radiant beauty, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Subhakiṇṇa devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it — leading to fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Subhakiṇṇa devas.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Vehapphala Realm
[328]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears:
‘The Vehapphala devas …’
He forms the wish and develops the mind accordingly. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to the Pure Abodes (Suddhāvāsa Realms)
Aviha → Atappa → Sudassa → Sudassī → Akanittha
The Path to Become a Deva of the Aviha Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears it said:
‘The Aviha devas live long, abide for a long time, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish and develops the mind accordingly. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Atappa Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears:
‘The Atappa devas …’
He forms the wish, resolves upon it, develops it — leading to fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Sudassa Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears:
‘The Sudassa devas …’
He forms the wish and develops the mind accordingly.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Sudassī Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu … hears:
‘The Sudassī devas …’
He forms the wish and develops the mind accordingly.”
The Path to Become a Deva of the Akanittha Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu hears it said:
‘The Akanittha devas live long, possess beauty, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the Akanittha devas.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of the Akanittha devas.”
The Path to the Arūpa Realms (Formless Spheres)
The Path to the Ākāsānañcāyatana Realm
[329]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears it said:
‘The devas who attain the Ākāsānañcāyatana realm live long, abide for a long time, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the devas who attain the Ākāsānañcāyatana realm.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of those devas.”
The Path to the Viññāṇañcāyatana Realm
[330]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with the five qualities hears it said:
‘The devas who attain the Viññāṇañcāyatana realm live long, abide for a long time, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the devas who attain the Viññāṇañcāyatana realm.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it — leading to the fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of those devas.”
The Path to the Ākiñcaññāyatana Realm
[331]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā hears:
‘The devas who attain the Ākiñcaññāyatana realm …’
He forms the wish, directs the mind, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.”
The Path to the Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana Realm
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu hears it said:
‘The devas who attain the Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana realm live long, abide for a long time, and enjoy abundant happiness.’
He forms the wish:
‘When this body breaks up, may I become the companion of the devas who attain the Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana realm.’
He directs his mind to that, resolves upon it, develops it. Cultivated and made abundant, it leads to fulfilment of that state.
This is the path, the way leading to becoming the companion of those devas.”
The Path to Liberation: Cetovimutti and Paññāvimutti
[332]
“Again, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu endowed with saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga, paññā forms this wish:
‘May I, here and now, enter upon and dwell in the cetovimutti and paññāvimutti that are taintless, with the āsava-s destroyed, realized by my own direct knowledge.’
He then attains that cetovimutti, that paññāvimutti, taintless, with the āsavas destroyed, realized by his own direct knowledge.
Bhikkhus, such a bhikkhu is not reborn anywhere.”
Conclusion of the Sutta
When the Blessed One had spoken this discourse, the bhikkhus rejoiced and approved of his words.
Thus ends the Saṅkhāruppatti Sutta (No. 10).
Short Pāli Glossary for Saṅkhāruppatti Sutta
saṅkhāra
“Formations”; conditioned activities.
uppatti
Arising; rebirth destination.
bhikkhu
Fully ordained monk.
saddhā
Faith; confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma, Saṅgha.
sīla
Virtue; moral discipline.
suta
Learning; knowledge gained from hearing the Dhamma.
cāga
Generosity; renunciation; open-handedness.
paññā
Wisdom; seeing according to reality.
mahāsāla
Wealthy; powerful; “great” (as in khattiya-mahāsāla, brāhmaṇa-mahāsāla, gahapati-mahāsāla).
devā
Deities; celestial beings.
Brahmā
Beings of the Brahmā worlds (rūpa realms).
lokadhātu
World-system; a set of suns, moons, continents, heavens, and Brahmā realms.
sahassa / dvisahassa / tīsahassa / catūsahassa / pañcasahassa / dasasahassa / satasahassa
Thousand / two thousand / three thousand / four thousand / five thousand / ten thousand / hundred thousand
ābhā / parittābhā / appamāṇābhā / ābhassara
Radiant devas (3 Brahmā realms of light).
subha / parittasubha / appamāṇasubha / subhakiṇṇa
Beautiful / clear-light realms (3 + 1 Brahmā realms).
vehapphala
The “Great Fruit” Brahmā realm.
suddhāvāsa
Pure Abodes (5 realms): Aviha, Atappa, Sudassa, Sudassī, Akaniṭṭha.
ākāsānañcāyatana
Base of Infinite Space (first arūpa sphere).
viññāṇañcāyatana
Base of Infinite Consciousness.
ākiñcaññāyatana
Base of Nothingness.
nevasaññānāsaññāyatana
Base of Neither-Perception-Nor-Non-Perception.
cetovimutti
Liberation of mind (through samādhi).
paññāvimutti
Liberation through wisdom (through paññā).
āsava
Taints; outflows (kāmāsava, bhavāsava, diṭṭhāsava, avijjāsava).
anāsava
Without āsavas; free from taints.
arahant
One who has destroyed the āsavas; fully liberated.