MN 2 Summary

The Seven Methods of Abandoning Taints

The Buddha outlines seven specific categories of taints that must be abandoned by seven distinct methods:

1. Abandoning by Seeing (Dassana) This refers to abandoning the "fetter of views" generated by unwise attention.

• The Problem: Unwise attention leads to six types of wrong views, such as believing "self exists for me," "no self exists for me," or that the self is eternal and unchanging.

• The Solution: By attending wisely to the Four Noble Truths, the disciple abandons three specific fetters: personality view, doubt, and adherence to rules and observances.

2. Abandoning by Restraining (Saṃvara) This involves guarding the six sense faculties (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind).

• By reflecting wisely and exercising restraint over the senses, the bhikkhu prevents the taints, vexation, and fever that would arise if the faculties were left unguarded.

3. Abandoning by Using (Paṭisevanā) This involves the proper use of the four requisites of life, reflecting wisely on their true purpose rather than using them for pleasure or beautification.

• Robes: Used only for protection from weather and insects, and to cover private parts.

• Almsfood: Used not for amusement or intoxication, but only to maintain the body, end discomfort (hunger), and support the holy life.

• Resting Places: Used only for protection from weather and dangers, and for seclusion.

• Medicine: Used only for warding off illness and maintaining health.

4. Abandoning by Enduring (Adhivāsanā) This requires patiently bearing discomfort and hardship.

• The bhikkhu endures physical extremes (heat, cold, hunger), physical pain, and disagreeable, ill-spoken words from others.

5. Abandoning by Avoiding (Parivajjanā) This involves sensibly avoiding dangerous situations and unwholesome associations.

• One avoids physical dangers like wild animals (elephants, snakes), cliffs, and cesspits.

• One also avoids "unsuitable seats," "unsuitable resorts," and bad friends, which could lead to suspicion of evil conduct.

6. Abandoning by Removing (Vinodanā) This refers to the active removal of unwholesome thoughts.

• The bhikkhu does not tolerate but actively annihilates arisen thoughts of sensual desire, ill will, and cruelty.

7. Abandoning by Developing (Bhāvanā) This involves cultivating mental qualities that support liberation.

• The bhikkhu develops the Seven Factors of Enlightenment: mindfulness, investigation of states, energy, rapture, tranquillity, concentration, and equanimity. These are supported by seclusion, dispassion, and cessation.

Conclusion

The sutta concludes that when a bhikkhu has successfully abandoned the respective taints by these seven methods, he is considered "restrained with the restraint of all the taints". He has severed craving, destroyed the fetters, and made an end of suffering.