Reading guide
A sevenfold formula, distinct from SN 48.66's own
This project's own explicit comparison: this discourse's own sevenfold list (nibbidā, virāga, nirodha, upasama, abhiññā, sambodha, nibbāna) is a genuinely different formula from the sevenfold list already met at SN 48.66 (the two fruits split into finer gradations) — this one names a progressive sequence of qualities, not a list of alternative outcomes.
Solely, and nothing else
As general canonical background, not asserted beyond what this discourse's own bare text states: “ekanta” (“solely, one-sidedly, exclusively”) is a strong qualifier this project has met describing the Buddha's own stated purpose in teaching — here applied to rule out any outcome of developing the four bases other than this sevenfold progression.
A progression toward extinguishment
As general canonical background, not asserted beyond what this discourse's own bare list states: the seven terms move from disillusionment with conditioned existence, through dispassion and cessation, to peace, direct insight, awakening, and finally extinguishment itself — each term building on what precedes it rather than standing as a separate, unrelated result.
Key terms
The text
§1“Mendicants, these four bases of psychic power, when developed and cultivated, lead solely to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment. What four? It’s when a mendicant develops the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm … energy … mental development … inquiry, and active effort. These four bases of psychic power, when developed and cultivated, lead solely to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment.”
Self-check quiz
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