Reading guide
Six named species, not a generic "tree"
The discourse names six specific strangler-fig species (peepal, banyan, wavy leaf fig, cluster fig, Moreton Bay fig, white fig) — all genuinely parasitic trees in the ficus family that grow around a host, eventually strangling and toppling it — grounding the discourse's own simile in accurate, specific botanical observation rather than a vague or invented comparison.
A warning about relapse, not initial temptation
The mendicant in this discourse's own simile has already “gone forth... abandoning sensual pleasures” — the danger named is not first temptation but being “beset by sensual pleasures that are similar, or even worse” after renunciation, echoing the strangler fig's own way of growing unnoticed around an already-established tree before eventually destroying it.
The vagga's own vocabulary shifts, briefly, to "parasites"
Where SN 46.33-38 consistently use “corruptions” or “obstacles and hindrances,” this discourse's own closing restatement instead calls the five hindrances “parasites of the mind” (cittassa upakkilesā rendered to match the tree imagery) — a vocabulary shift tied directly to this discourse's own botanical simile.
Key terms
The text
§1 — the strangler-fig simile“Mendicants, there are large trees with tiny seeds and big bodies, which grow up and around other trees as parasites. The trees they engulf break apart, collapse, and fall. And what are those large trees with tiny seeds and big bodies? The peepal, banyan, wavy leaf fig, cluster fig, Moreton Bay fig, and white fig. These are the large trees with tiny seeds and big bodies, which grow up and around other trees as parasites. The trees they engulf break apart, collapse, and fall. In the same way, take a certain gentleman who has gone forth from the lay life to homelessness, abandoning sensual pleasures. But beset by sensual pleasures that are similar, or even worse, he breaks apart, collapses, and falls.
§2 — the five hindrances as parasites of the mindThere are these five obstacles and hindrances, parasites of the mind that weaken wisdom. What five? Sensual desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness and remorse, and doubt. These are the five obstacles and hindrances, parasites of the mind that weaken wisdom.
§3 — the seven awakening factors, not parasitesThese seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or parasites of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom. What seven? The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity. These seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or parasites of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom.”
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