Saṁyutta Nikāya:
V. Mahā-Vagga
54. Ānāpāna Saṁyutta
1. Ekadhamma Vagga

Kindred Sayings About
In-Breathing and Out-Breathing

Book 1: The One Condition

Sutta 6

Ariṭṭha Suttaṁ

Ariṭṭha¹¹

 

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THUS have I heard:

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

Then the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks, do ye practise concentration on in-breathing and out-breathing?'

At these words the venerable Ariṭṭha said to the Exalted One:

'I, lord, do practise it.'

'But in what way do you practise it, Ariṭṭha?'

'Thus, lord. I abandon sensual desire for lusts that are past. Sensual desire for lusts to come is vanished. Both inwardly and outwardly the consciousness of repugnance for things is perfectly disciplined.¹² Mindful I breathe in, mindful I breathe out.¹³ That, lord, is how I practise concentration on in-breathing and out-breathing.'

'True, Ariṭṭha. That is concentration on in-breathing and out-breathing. And yet I-declare it is not. Now, Ariṭṭha, I will tell you how concentration on in-breathing and out-breathing is done perfectly, every detail. Do you listen to it. Apply your mind and I will speak."

'I will, lord,' replied the venerable Ariṭṭha to the Exalted One. The Exalted One said:

'Now, Ariṭṭha, how is concentration on in-breathing and out-breathing done perfectly, in every detail?

In this method, Ariṭṭha, a monk who goes to the forest or the foot of a tree, or a lonely place, sits down cross-legged ... (as in § i) ... "contemplating renunciation I shall breathe out."

That, Ariṭṭha, is how concentration on in-breathing and out-breathing is done perfectly, in every detail.'

 

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¹¹Cf. M. i, 130; A. ill, 451; Vinaya Texts, ii, 377.

¹²'Herein,' says Comy. 'he declares the path of non-return.'

¹³'Here he declares the insight of the path of Arahantship.'