Saṃyuktāgama (291) Part 5

(5) Original text: Thus, Śramaṇas and Brahmins, regarding the pleasing forms in the world, observe them as like a disease, like a boil, like a thorn, like a killer; impermanent, suffering, empty, non-self; up to liberation from birth, old age, sickness, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress. Therefore, Ānanda, regarding this Dharma, thus see, thus hear, thus perceive, thus know; for the past and future also in this way, thus observe. Therefore, Ānanda, regarding this Dharma, thus see, thus hear, thus perceive, thus know; for the past and future also in this way, thus observe. The Buddha having spoken this sutra, the bhikkhus heard what the Buddha said, and rejoiced and practiced accordingly.

Explanation: Thus, Śramaṇas and Brahmins, regarding the pleasing and lovely forms in the world, observe them as like a disease, like a boil, like a thorn, observe their impermanence, suffering, emptiness, non-self nature; thus they will be free from craving, and be able to attain liberation from birth, old age, sickness, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress. Therefore, it is said to Ānanda, regarding this inner contact Dharma, one should thus see, thus hear, thus perceive, thus know; for the inner contact of the past and future, also treat it thus, thus observe. Observing thus back and forth, finally one realizes that all dharmas are impermanent, suffering, empty, non-self; then one no longer craves or clings, birth, old age, sickness, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress cease, the mind attains liberation, coolness, and tranquility.