Doors and Physical Bases of Citta - The object for which the holy life is lived

The Buddha pointed out the dangers of being infatuated by the objects we experience through the six doors. He taught people to develop the wisdom which knows the realities experienced through the six doors as nāma and rūpa, phenomena which are impermanent and not self. What is impermanent  is 'dukkha', it cannot be happiness. When we come to know things as they are, we will be less infatuated by objects.

 

We read in the 'Kindred Sayings' (IV, Salāyatana-vagga, Kindred Sayings on

Sense, Second Fifty, Ch. III, par. 81, A brother) about the purpose of the

Buddha's teachings. The text states:

 

Then a number of monks came to see the Exalted One....

Seated at one side those monks said to the Exalted One:- -

'Now here, lord, the wandering sectarians thus question us:

'What is the object, friend,

for which the holy life is lived under the rule of Gotama the recluse?'

Thus questioned, lord, 'we thus make answer to those wandering sectarians:

'It is for the full knowledge of dukkha

that the holy life is lived under the rule of the Exalted One.

Pray, lord, when, thus questioned, we so make answer,

do we state the views of the Exalted One,

without misrepresenting the Exalted One by stating an untruth?

Do we answer in accordance with his teaching,

so that no one who agrees with his teaching

and follows his views could incur reproach?'

 

'Truly, monks, when thus questioned, You thus make answer,

you do state my views.. in stating that

it is for the full knowledge of dukkha

that the holy life is lived under my rule.

But if, monks, the wandering sectarians should thus question you:

'But what, friend, is that dukkha,

for the full knowledge of which the holy life is lived

under the rule of Gotama the recluse?'- -

thus questioned you should answer thus:

'The eye, friend, is dukkha.

For the full knowledge of that the holy life is lived...

Objects...that pleasant or unpleasant or indifferent feeling

that arises through mind-contact,- - that also is dukkha.

Fully to know that, the holy life is lived under the rule of the Exalted One.'

Thus questioned, monks, by those wandering sectarians,

thus should You make answer.'