Reading guide
A sequence, now confirmed complete
With this discourse, the three-part naming sequence begun at SN 45.166 (barrenness, stains, troubles) is confirmed complete — each of the three discourses applies its own metaphor (barren soil, a stain on cloth, a source of trouble or affliction) to the same underlying triad, before the vagga's own attention shifts to feelings at SN 45.169.
Key terms
tayo nīghā — “three troubles” — a term for sources of affliction or disturbance
rāgo doso moho — “greed, hate, and delusion” — the same three terms named as “barrenness” and “stains” in the two discourses before this one
abhiññāya pariññāya parikkhayāya pahānāya — the four verbs established at SN 45.161-162, still implicitly governing this discourse
ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo bhāvetabbo — “the noble eightfold path should be developed” — this discourse's own base-formula conclusion
aṭṭhamaṁ — “the eighth” — the Pāli root's own closing numeral for this discourse
The text
The complete discourse. Translation: Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0, SuttaCentral).
§1“Mendicants, there are these three troubles. What three? Greed, hate, and delusion. These are the three troubles. The noble eightfold path should be developed for the direct knowledge, complete understanding, finishing, and giving up of these three troubles.”
· · ·
Self-check quiz
3 questions. Click an answer to see immediate feedback. No score is recorded — this is for your own checking.
Question 1 of 3
What three-discourse sequence does this discourse complete?
Correct: A. Confirmed by direct reading across SN 45.166-168.
Question 2 of 3
What does the term "nīgha" (trouble) suggest?
Correct: A. The third of three distinct metaphors applied to the same underlying triad in this vagga.
Question 3 of 3
What topic does the vagga move to immediately after this discourse?
Correct: A. SN 45.169 shifts to a different threefold classification: feelings.