3.2.4.1

Lesson 3.2.4.1 Saccapabbaṃpabbaṃ, Part One: Dukkhasaccaniddeso – Exposition of the Truth of Suffering

The Saccapabbaṃpabbaṃ as found in the Mahāsatipaṭṭhānasutta provides a clear, detailed description how every experience is interrelated with suffering (dukkha). The Buddha gave this meticulous explanation at a location called Kammāsadhamma to the residents of Kurū. They were renowned for their wisdom and high moral and ethical standards. After thoroughly highlighting the meditation of Satipaṭṭhāna, the Buddha concluded with the detailed elucidation of the Four Noble Truths as presented in this and the next lesson. The current text quotes his exposition of the first Noble Truth, ‘the knowledge of the fact of suffering’ (dukkhe ñāṇaṃ)in which the Buddha reveals all stages of life being unavoidably linked to different variations or stages of suffering. This may appear as an extremely negative approach to life, though when proceeding to the remaining Noble Truths it will be understood that based on the acceptance of suffering, a ‘Tathāgata removes all gloom, all manifestation of darkness’ as his ‘explanation of the Four Noble Truths’ provides a way beyond dukkha.