AN 3.105 - Dutiya Assada Sutta (Seeking Satisfaction – Part 2)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=229
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Candana source labels: 104. Site text ID: AN 3.105.

104. Dutiya Assada Sutta (Seeking Satisfaction – Part 2) Bhikkhus, if there was no pursuit after satisfaction in the world, sentient beings would not be attached to existence. But, so long as there is the pursuit after satisfaction, then sentient beings will be attached to existence.

Bhikkhus, if there was no danger in the world, sentient beings would not become disenchanted with the world. But, since there is a danger, sentient beings become disenchanted with existence.

Bhikkhus, if there was no escape from the world, sentient beings would not be able to escape from this world. But, since there is an escape, sentient beings are able to escape from the cycles of existence.

Bhikkhus, so long as the sentient being neither knows nor understands, as it really is, the satisfaction as the satisfaction, the danger as the danger, and the escape as the escape, then he will still remain unable to free himself from this cyclical existence, stuck along with all the Devas and other humans, its Māras, Brahmās and the community of recluses and brahmins.

Thus, such a person would not be able to unshackle and release himself from the fetter, thereby remaining unable to abide with a mind free from agitation and other obstacles.

However, Bhikkhus, when the sentient being does, in fact, come to know and understand directly, as it really is, the satisfaction as the satisfaction, the danger as the danger, and the escape as the escape, then he can certainly free himself from this existence, along with its Devas and humans, its Māras, Brahmās and the community of recluses and brahmins.

It is therefore such a person, indeed, who is able to unshackle and thus release himself from the fetter, while continuing to live the rest of his life with a mind that is unblemished and taintless, free from all agitation and obstacles of any kind.
