Taṇhāsutta

Itivuttaka 58

So It Was Said 58

Tikanipāta

The Book of the Threes

Paṭhamavagga

Chapter One

Taṇhāsutta

Craving

Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

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

“Tisso imā, bhikkhave, taṇhā.

“Mendicants, there are these three cravings.

Katamā tisso?

What three?

Kāmataṇhā, bhavataṇhā, vibhavataṇhā—

Craving for sensual pleasures, craving for continued existence, and craving for nonexistence.

imā kho, bhikkhave, tisso taṇhā”ti.

These are the three cravings.”

Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.

The Buddha spoke this matter.

Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

On this it is said:

“Taṇhāyogena saṁyuttā,

“Bound by craving, minds full of desire

rattacittā bhavābhave;

for rebirth in this or that state,

Te yogayuttā mārassa,

yoked by Māra’s yoke, these people

ayogakkhemino janā;

find no sanctuary from the yoke.

Sattā gacchanti saṁsāraṁ,

Sentient beings continue to transmigrate,

jātīmaraṇagāmino.

with ongoing birth and death.

Ye ca taṇhaṁ pahantvāna,

Those who have given up craving,

vītataṇhā bhavābhave;

rid of craving for rebirth in this or that state,

Te ve pāraṅgatā loke,

they in this world have truly crossed over,

ye pattā āsavakkhayan”ti.

having reached the ending of defilements.”

Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

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

Navamaṁ.