Saṁyutta Nikāya:
III. Khandhā Vagga:
27: Kilesa Saṁutta

Kindred Sayings on the Corruptions

Sutta 9

Dhātu Suttaṁ

Element

 

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Thus have I heard:

The Exalted One was once staying near Sāvatthī
at the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.

And there the Exalted One addressed the brethren, saying:

"Brethren!"

"Master!" responded those brethren.

The Exalted One said:

"Brethren, the desire-and-lust for the element of earth
is a corruption of the heart.

The desire-and-lust for the element of water
is a corruption of the heart.

The desire-and-lust for the element of heat
is a corruption of the heart.

The desire-and-lust for the element of air
is a corruption of the heart.

The desire-and-lust for the element of space
is a corruption of the heart.

The desire-and-lust for the element of consciousness
is a corruption of the heart.

But, brethren, when in a brother
the heart's corruption
in these six points
is put away,
and his heart is bent on renunciation,
then, compassed about with renunciation,
his heart is seen to be pliable
for penetrating those things
that are to be realized.'