Chapter Five

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

“Mendicants, there are these three ways of being provided with sensual pleasures.

What three?

Some sensual pleasures are simply present; some are for those who love to create; and some are for those who control what is created by others.

These are the three ways of being provided with sensual pleasures.”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“Sensual pleasures that are simply present,

gods who control what is imagined by others,

gods who love to create,

and others who indulge in sensual pleasures—

They go from this state to another,

but don’t escape transmigration.

Knowing this danger

in sensual indulgence, an astute person

would forsake all sensual pleasures,

both human and heavenly.

Having cut the stream so hard to pass,

that’s tied to pleasant seeming things,

they become fully extinguished,

completely transcending suffering.

Seers of the noble truths, knowledge masters,

the astute, understanding rightly,

directly know the ending of rebirth,

they come not back to future lives.”

This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.