Not given — matching this vagga's own recurring bare structure
Speakers
The Buddha (implied)
Form
A single, bare doctrinal statement
Length
<1 minute to read
Northern parallel
No individual parallel confirmed by this project's own check
Significance
★★★★☆ — the classic “two fruits” formula, also found closing other major sequences in the canon
Why this discourse
This discourse turns from the cumulative outcome series of SN 48.61-64 to a different, very well-known formula: the developed five faculties yield one of exactly two possible fruits — full awakening in this very life, or, short of that, non-return. This project notes honestly, without assuming ahead of the text, that this discourse's own name — “Paṭhama,” “first” — suggests a companion discourse may follow.
Reading guide
A new topic, not a continuation of SN 48.61-64
Confirmed by direct reading, this discourse's own text returns to a fresh, single-paragraph structure, distinct from the fourfold cumulative recap that closed SN 48.64 — introducing the “two fruits” (dve phalāni) formula for the first time in this saṃyutta's own SN48 sequence.
The two fruits: full awakening, or non-return
As general canonical background, not asserted beyond what this discourse's own bare text states: this exact formula — “aññā” (enlightenment/final knowledge) in this very life, or “anāgāmitā” (non-return, the third of the four traditional stages of awakening) if some residue (upādisese) remains — recurs elsewhere in the canon closing major practice sequences, such as the Ānāpānasatisutta and the Satipaṭṭhānasutta.
Paṭhama: honestly flagged, not assumed
This project's own explicit caution: this discourse's own Pali title bears the qualifier “Paṭhama” (“first”), a naming pattern this project has seen before signal a paired or expanded companion discourse — noted here honestly as an open possibility, to be confirmed only by directly reading SN 48.66 when reached, not assumed in advance.
Key terms
dvinnaṁ phalānaṁ aññataraṁ phalaṁ pāṭikaṅkhaṁ — “one of two fruits can be expected” — this discourse's own central formula
diṭṭheva dhamme aññā — “enlightenment/final knowledge in this very life” — the higher of the two fruits, full awakening
sati vā upādisese anāgāmitā — “or, if there is residue left, non-return” — the second, third of the four traditional stages of awakening
upādisese — “residue, what remains (of clinging/fuel)” — the condition distinguishing the two fruits
Pañcamaṁ — “the fifth” — the closing colophon marker, confirming this as the vagga's fifth discourse
The text
The complete discourse. Translation: Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0, SuttaCentral).
§1“Mendicants, there are these five faculties. What five? The faculties of faith, energy, mindfulness, immersion, and wisdom. These are the five faculties. Because of developing and cultivating these five faculties, one of two results can be expected: enlightenment in this very life, or if there’s residue left behind, non-return.”
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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
How does this discourse's own structure relate to SN 48.61-64?
Correct: A. A fresh single-paragraph structure introduces a different formula.
Question 2 of 3
What are the two fruits this discourse names, as general canonical background?
Correct: A. Aññā (enlightenment) or anāgāmitā (non-return) — the classic formula.
Question 3 of 3
What does this project note about the title "Paṭhamaphala" ("first fruit")?
Correct: A. Noted as an open possibility, to be confirmed only when SN 48.66 is directly read.
